Darker Than Gray Ch. 33

Susan hummed softly to herself as she floated through the corridors of Bones Manor, a small smile playing on her lips. The manor was quiet in the early afternoon light, sunbeams cutting through the tall windows and dancing across the polished wooden floors. It had been a little over twelve hours since New Year's Eve, about half a day since she, Harry, and Daphne had decided to try something most would consider utterly unconventional.

She hadn't felt this light in months, maybe years. It was as if a weight she hadn't even known she was carrying had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Someone's in a good mood," came a familiar voice from behind her.

Susan turned to see her aunt standing in the doorway of her study, arms crossed over her chest but her expression soft with affection. Amelia Bones cut an imposing figure even in her casual domestic robes—her monocle was absent, but her sharp eyes missed nothing.

"Am I?" Susan asked innocently, though she couldn't quite suppress her smile.

Amelia's eyebrow rose slightly. "You're practically floating down the hallway, humming a tune I haven't heard you sing since you were thirteen, and I've caught you staring dreamily out the window at least four times since breakfast." She gestured toward the open door of her study. "Care to share what's put that smile on your face?"

Susan hesitated for just a moment before nodding. "Actually, I'd like that. I was about to tell you anyway."

Amelia's study was warm and comfortable, with bookshelves lining two walls and a large window overlooking the gardens on the third. A sturdy oak desk dominated one corner, covered with neat stacks of parchment—Amelia never truly left her work at the Ministry—but the pair of armchairs near the fireplace offered a more comfortable setting for their conversation.

As they settled into the chairs, Amelia waved her wand, and a tea set on the side table began preparing itself. "I take it this has something to do with a certain Mr. Potter?" she asked, her tone carefully neutral.

Susan felt her cheeks warm slightly. "Yes, but it's... it's a bit complicated."

"Complicated how?" Amelia asked, accepting a cup of tea from the enchanted pot. Her voice remained even, but Susan could see the hint of concern in her eyes.

Susan took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She had rehearsed this conversation in her head at least a dozen times since the morning when she’d been wondering how to break this news to her aunt, but now faced with her attentive gaze, all her carefully planned words seemed to evaporate.

"Harry and I are together," she began, deciding that directness was the best approach. "But Daphne is also with us. The three of us are... together."

There was a moment of silence as Amelia processed this information, her expression inscrutable. Then, carefully setting her teacup down, she asked, "Together as in...?"

"As in romantically involved," Susan clarified, her voice stronger now. "All three of us."

Amelia's eyebrows rose slightly, but otherwise her expression remained composed. "I see," she said finally. "That is indeed... unexpected."

"I know it's unconventional," Susan admitted, her hands wrapped tightly around her teacup. "It wasn't something I'd ever considered before. But it feels right, Auntie. For all of us."

Amelia studied her niece carefully. "Tell me how this came about."

And so Susan did. She told her aunt about Harry's confession that he and Daphne had kissed, about their surprising proposal, about her initial shock and confusion. She spoke of the days she'd spent thinking, turning the idea over and over in her mind, examining her feelings for both Harry and Daphne. She described the New Year's Eve gathering, the moment of decision, and the unexpected support from their friends.

Throughout it all, Amelia listened without interruption, her face revealing little of her thoughts. Only when Susan finally fell silent did she speak.

"And you're certain this is what you want?" she asked, her voice gentle but serious. "Not just what Mr. Potter wants, or what Ms. Greengrass wants, but what you want?"

"Yes," Susan said without hesitation. "I care about them both, Auntie. Deeply. And they care about me. We want to see if we can make this work."

Amelia nodded slowly, taking another sip of her tea before setting the cup down definitively. "Well, from a practical standpoint, you're aware that such arrangements aren't entirely without precedent in our world."

This wasn't what Susan had expected to hear. "They're not?"

"They're rare, certainly, and not often discussed in polite society," Amelia explained, a hint of her usual brisk professionalism entering her voice. "But magical history has examples of triadic bonds, particularly among powerful magical families during times when maintaining bloodlines was considered paramount." She waved a dismissive hand. "Not that I imagine that's your primary concern at your age."

"It's definitely not," Susan confirmed, a blush coloring her cheeks.

"The wizarding world can be surprisingly accepting of arrangements that Muggles might find scandalous, provided they're conducted with the proper discretion," Amelia continued. "Though I won't pretend there won't be those who disapprove, possibly quite vocally."

"We know," Susan sighed. "We've talked about that. We're not planning to make a public announcement or anything, but we're not going to hide either."

Amelia nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "That's probably wise. Secrecy has a way of lending itself to scandal, while quiet confidence tends to disarm critics." She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at her niece. "Now, setting practicalities aside for a moment—Susan, are you happy, dear?"

The question, asked with such simple directness, made Susan's throat tighten unexpectedly. "Yes," she said softly. "I am. Nervous and a bit scared, but happy."

"Then as your aunt—your family—that's what matters the most to me," Amelia said, reaching across to take Susan's hand. "Your parents would want your happiness above all else."

Susan felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Don't thank me yet," Amelia said, a hint of humor entering her voice. "I still have questions. Quite a few of them, in fact."

Susan couldn't help but laugh. "I expected nothing less."

"First and foremost," Amelia began, her expression growing more serious, "there is the matter of the House of Bones to consider."

Susan stiffened slightly. She'd known this would come up eventually, but she'd hoped for a bit more time before discussing it.

"You are the last of our line, Susan," Amelia continued gently. "I have remained unmarried and without children, focused on my career. The continuation of our family name falls to you."

"I know that, Auntie," Susan said, her voice small.

"Which means," Amelia pressed on, "that while I have no objection to your relationship with Mr. Potter and Miss Greengrass, you must understand that you cannot take the Potter name. Not exclusively, at least."

"That's so far in the future," Susan protested, feeling her cheeks warm again. "We've only just started this... whatever this is. We're not talking about marriage or children or—"

"Perhaps not yet," Amelia agreed. "But these considerations have a way of becoming relevant sooner than one expects. Magic often has its own timeline when it comes to matters of the heart and bloodlines."

Susan nodded reluctantly. "I understand. And I do take my responsibilities to our family seriously, Auntie. I promise."

"I know you do," Amelia said with a small smile. "You've always had a strong sense of duty. Just like your father." Her expression softened further. "But duty and happiness need not be mutually exclusive. If this truly makes you happy—if both Mr. Potter and Miss Greengrass make you happy—then we will find a way to reconcile your personal joy with your familial obligations when the time comes."

"Thank you," Susan said again, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "That means a lot to me."

Amelia leaned back in her chair, regarding Susan with a curious expression. "Now, about Miss Greengrass..."

Susan felt her blush deepen. "What about her?"

"You mentioned that this arrangement involves all three of you together," Amelia said carefully. "Does that mean that you and Miss Greengrass are also...?"

"Yes," Susan admitted, unable to meet her aunt's eyes for a moment. "It's new and we're... we're still figuring things out, but yes. There's something between us too."

"I see," Amelia said thoughtfully. "And how does that feel for you? I wasn't aware you were interested in women as well as men."

"I wasn't either," Susan said, looking up at last. "Or maybe I was and just didn't recognize it. But with Daphne... it's different than with Harry, but no less real." She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "She's so strong and sure of herself, but there's a vulnerability underneath that she only shows to those she trusts. When she looks at me, I feel like she really sees me, all of me. It’s not that I feel the same way about her as Harry, but… I’m willing to see where things go, and I guess the same is true for her as well."

Amelia's expression was unreadable for a moment before she nodded. "Love rarely fits neatly into the boxes we try to create for it," she said softly. "Your mother used to say something similar."

"She did?" Susan asked, surprised.

"Indeed," Amelia confirmed with a small smile. "Eleanor had quite progressive views on many things. I think she would have been surprisingly understanding of your situation, once she got over the initial shock."

The thought of her mother's potential acceptance brought fresh tears to Susan's eyes, which she quickly blinked away. "And you, Auntie? Are you... are you okay with all of this?"

Amelia was quiet for a long moment, considering her words carefully. "I admit it's not what I envisioned for you," she said finally. "But I've learned in my years at the DMLE that life rarely conforms to our expectations. What matters is integrity, honesty, and treating others with respect." She gave Susan a pointed look. "I trust that all three of you are approaching this with those values in mind?"

"Absolutely," Susan nodded earnestly. "We've talked a lot about being honest with each other, about making sure everyone feels valued. It's not just about... physical stuff." She felt her face flame again. "It's about building something meaningful together."

"Then I can ask for little more," Amelia said, her expression softening. "Though I do have one request."

"What's that?"

"I'd like to speak with both Mr. Potter and Miss Greengrass," Amelia said firmly. "If they're to be significant parts of your life, I should get to know them better."

Susan bit her lip. "Actually, they wanted to know if they could meet with you."

Amelia's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Did they now?"

"Yes," Susan nodded. "They asked me last night, after our celebrations were over and we were all leaving Harry’s home. They seemed... serious about it."

"Did they say why?"

"They were going to, but it was getting late and I told them they can tell me directly at the meeting," Susan admitted. "They really want to talk to you in person. Do you think that would be possible in the next few days?"

Amelia's expression had turned thoughtful, almost suspicious, but she nodded. "I can make time this weekend, Saturday perhaps. The Ministry shouldn't need me for anything urgent, barring unforeseen circumstances."

"Thank you," Susan said, relieved. "I'll let them know."

"Do you have any idea what they might want to discuss?"

Susan shook her head. "No, but they looked at each other in that way they do when they're sharing a secret. It seemed important to them."

"Hmm," Amelia murmured, looking intrigued despite herself. "Well, I suppose I'll find out on Saturday."

Susan smiled, feeling as though another huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She'd been dreading this conversation with her aunt, fearing judgment or disappointment. Instead, she'd found understanding and support, even if tempered with practical concerns.

"You know," Amelia said after a moment, a hint of mischief entering her voice, "your situation does remind me of a rather interesting case from about thirty years ago, involving a prominent Wizengamot member and two international delegates from the American magical congress."

Susan's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Oh yes," Amelia nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Caused quite the stir at the time, though it was all kept very hush-hush. The three of them managed a remarkably successful arrangement for nearly a decade before political differences drove them apart."

"What happened?" Susan asked, fascinated.

"That," Amelia said with a small smile, "is a story for another time."

Susan groaned. "You can't just leave it there!"

"I most certainly can," Amelia replied, looking amused. "Director's prerogative."

Susan couldn’t help but laugh at that. The knot of anxiety that had been sitting in her stomach had finally begun to unravel.

"So," she said hesitantly, "you're really okay with this? With me and Harry and Daphne?"

Amelia reached across the space between them to take Susan's hand. "I want you to be happy, Susie," she said softly, using the childhood nickname that she rarely employed these days. "Life is too short and too precious to deny yourself joy when you find it. The War taught us that much, at least."

Susan squeezed her aunt's hand, feeling a rush of affection for this strong, principled woman who had raised her after her parents' deaths. "I love you, Auntie."

"And I love you," Amelia replied simply. "Now, would you like to help me go through these case files? I could use a fresh perspective, and you've always had good instincts."

Susan laughed, recognizing the familiar shift back to their comfortable routine. "Sure," she agreed, settling back in her chair. "Though fair warning—I might be a bit distracted today."

"Understandable," Amelia said dryly. "Just try not to sigh dreamily over every other paragraph."

"I make no promises," Susan replied with a grin.

As they bent over the files together, Susan found herself wondering what Harry and Daphne wanted to discuss with her aunt. Whatever it was, she was grateful that the groundwork had been laid for that conversation. Amelia Bones might be intimidating to most people, but Susan knew her aunt's heart was fair and open.

-Break-

Saturday afternoon arrived with crisp winter air and bright sunlight streaming through the tall windows of Bones Manor. Susan had spent the morning in a state of nervous energy, straightening already clean rooms and checking the tea service three times. Amelia had watched her niece's fidgeting with amusement until she had to finally banish her to the library with a stack of case files.

"They'll arrive when they arrive," Amelia had said firmly. "Your pacing won't make the clock move faster."

At precisely two o'clock, the manor's front bell chimed. Susan practically leaped from her chair, but Amelia's raised hand stopped her.

"I'll answer it," Amelia said, smoothing down her robes.

She opened the heavy oak door to find Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass standing on her doorstep, both dressed in neat, formal robes. What surprised her, however, was the third figure standing slightly behind them.

"Marlene?" Amelia blinked, her professional composure slipping for just a moment.

Marlene stepped forward with a small, uncertain smile. She looked older than Amelia remembered, though that was hardly surprising given what the woman had endured. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a simple style, and she wore dark blue robes that complemented her daughter's green ones.

"Hello, Amelia," Marlene said softly. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion."

"Not at all," Amelia replied, though her curiosity was clearly piqued. She stepped aside to let them in. "Please, come in. It's good to see you again, though I'm sorry for the circumstances that bring us together."

As they moved into the entrance hall, Amelia continued, "I was sorry to hear about your husband's death, Marlene."

The words were proper and expected, but even Susan, who had appeared in the doorway, could hear the lack of genuine sorrow in her aunt's voice. The man had been a known Death Eater sympathizer, and while Amelia was too professional to speak ill of the dead openly, her feelings on the matter were clear.

Marlene's response was equally telling. She waved a dismissive hand, her expression more relieved than grieved. "Thank you, but there's no need for false sentiment. We both know what he was."

The blunt honesty in Marlene's voice made Amelia pause. She studied the other woman's face and saw years of carefully concealed pain beneath the surface. Amelia's expression softened with genuine sympathy.

"I imagine it wasn't an easy marriage," Amelia said quietly.

"No," Marlene agreed simply. "It wasn't. But that's behind us now."

Harry cleared his throat gently. "Perhaps we could sit down? We have quite a bit to discuss."

"Of course," Amelia said, shaking off her momentary distraction. "Let's go to the sitting room."

They settled into the comfortable chairs arranged around the fireplace. Susan immediately moved to sit closer to Daphne and Harry, while Marlene chose a chair that gave her a clear view of both Amelia and the younger generation. The tea service appeared with a wave of Amelia's wand, filling the brief silence with the gentle clink of china.

"Well then," Amelia began once everyone had their tea, "Susan mentioned that you wanted to speak with me. I feel it’s about your... arrangement?"

Harry nodded, his expression serious but calm. "We did. We felt it was important to be upfront with you, given how much Susan means to you and how much you mean to her."

"I appreciate that," Amelia said, settling back in her chair. "Though I must admit, having Marlene here suggests this conversation may cover more ground than I initially expected."

Marlene smiled wryly. "You always were perceptive, Amelia. Even back at Hogwarts."

"We weren't in the same year," Amelia observed.

"No, you were two years ahead of me. But your reputation preceded you even then." Marlene's smile became more genuine. "The girl who challenged Professor Slughorn on his interpretation of magical law theory and actually won the argument."

Despite herself, Amelia felt a small smile tug at her lips. "He was wrong about the application of the Statute of Secrecy in cases involving accidental magic."

"And you made sure everyone knew it," Marlene chuckled.

The brief moment of shared memory seemed to ease some of the tension in the room. Daphne watched her mother with something approaching surprise—she rarely saw Marlene this relaxed around other adults. But then, the only adults she’d seen her mother around were that man’s associates and their families, Daphne recalled with a small grimace.

"But you're right," Marlene continued, her expression growing more serious. "We are here to discuss more than just the children's relationship, though that's certainly part of it."

Harry leaned forward slightly. "Madam Bones, I want you to know that what we have isn't casual or thoughtless. We've talked extensively about what this means, about the challenges we might face."

"And about how to make sure everyone feels valued and respected," Daphne added, her voice steady. "This isn't about one person getting everything they want at the expense of others."

Susan reached over to squeeze Daphne's hand. "We've been incredibly thoughtful about everything. About making sure none of us ever feel like an afterthought or that I'm somehow less important because their relationship came first."

Amelia nodded slowly. "I can see that you've given this considerable thought. What I'm curious about is how you plan to handle the practical aspects."

"Such as?" Harry asked.

"Public perception, for one," Amelia said bluntly. "You're Harry Potter. Your personal life will always be subject to scrutiny. Miss Greengrass, your family name carries its own weight and expectations. And Susan represents one of the oldest magical families in Britain."

Marlene spoke up. "That's actually something I wanted to address. I know there will be whispers about Daphne's choices, particularly given that man’s reputation and the way some will view this arrangement. But I want all of you to know that you have my full support."

She looked directly at Susan. "My daughter has never been happier than she has been these past few days. If you and Harry are the cause of that happiness, then I welcome you both with open arms."

Susan felt tears prick at her eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Greengrass. That means more than you know."

"Marlene, please," the older woman said warmly. "I think we're past formalities, don't you?"

Amelia watched this exchange with growing respect for Marlene. The woman had clearly found her strength after years of being trapped in an unpleasant marriage.

"What about the legal aspects?" Amelia asked, returning to practical matters. "Marriage contracts, inheritance rights, that sort of thing."

Harry and Daphne exchanged a glance. "We're aware that traditional marriage laws don't exactly accommodate our situation," Harry said carefully. "But we're hoping that when the time comes, we can find creative solutions."

"The time may come sooner than you think," Amelia warned. "Magic has a way of complicating things when multiple magical cores are involved in close emotional bonds."

"What do you mean?" Susan asked, looking concerned.

"I mean that sometimes magic makes its own rules," Amelia explained. "There have been cases where strong emotional bonds between multiple magical individuals have resulted in... unexpected magical connections. Soul bonds, shared magic, that sort of thing."

The three younger people looked startled by this information.

"Don't panic," Amelia said quickly. "These things are rare, and they typically only occur when the bonds are genuine and strong. But it's something to be aware of."

“Well,” Harry cleared his throat. “We’re not thinking so far ahead as of now, but given Susan will continue the Bones line, I don’t feel things would be particularly challenging.”

Amelia nodded. That was certainly a valid point. She glanced at her niece who gave her a nod.

“Very well,” Amelia replied, and suddenly her expression became much more focused. “Now then, shall we get to the actual reason you all are here?”

"Yes," Marlene said quietly. "I believe we should."

"This has something to do with your position at the Ministry," Harry said, looking directly at Amelia. "And with the fact that Marlene is here, I think you can already guess it involves her as well."

Amelia's eyes sharpened. Years of leading the DMLE had honed her instincts for sensing when something significant was about to be revealed. "What exactly are we talking about here?"

Marlene took a shaky breath. "Amelia, I need you to get your pensieve."

The request hit the room like a thunderclap. Susan looked confused, but Amelia's expression grew deadly serious.

"Marlene," Amelia said slowly, "what kind of memory are we talking about?"

"The kind that could change everything," Marlene replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "The kind that I've been carrying alone for too long. The kind that has remained buried long enough. The kind that a lot of powerful people will hate if it came out."

Amelia stood without another word and walked to her study. She returned moments later with a silver basin, its surface gleaming in the afternoon light. She set it carefully on the table between them.

"Before I do this," Amelia said, her voice taking on an official tone, "I need you to understand that as Head of the DMLE, I may be legally obligated to act on whatever I see in there."

"I understand," Marlene said, though her hands were shaking as she reached into her robes for her wand. "That's why I'm showing you."

She pressed the tip of her wand to her temple and slowly drew out a silvery strand of memory. The strand seemed to writhe in the air, glowing ethereally.

"Susan," Marlene said, her voice steadier now, "given how closely your life is now tied to Harry and Daphne, you should see this too. But I want you to know that what you're about to witness... it's not pleasant."

Susan looked around the room, taking in the tense faces of Harry and Daphne, the serious expression on her aunt's face, and the way Marlene seemed to be steeling herself for something terrible.

"What is it?" Susan asked quietly.

Marlene dropped the memory into the pensieve, where it swirled like liquid silver smoke. "It's the truth about everything. About secrets that have remained buried."

Amelia looked at Marlene with curiosity shining in her eyes, her face drawn into a frown. Her gaze shifted to Harry and Daphne, whose faces revealed nothing but gave the distinct impression that they already knew what was in that memory.

"How long have you two known about this?" Amelia asked Harry and Daphne directly.

"About a week," Harry replied quietly. "Daphne’s known for a while, but it’s a week for me. Marlene told me when I visited their home."

"That explains the serious tone in your request to meet." She turned back to Marlene. "Are you ready?"

Marlene nodded, though her hands continued to tremble slightly. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Amelia looked at Susan. "Are you certain you want to see this? Given what Marlene has said, this could be quite disturbing."

Susan looked at Daphne, who met her gaze steadily. In those blue eyes, Susan saw pain, but also trust. Trust that Susan could handle whatever was coming, trust that she deserved to know whatever that memory contained.

"Yes," Susan said firmly. "I want to see it."

Amelia nodded and gestured toward the pensieve. "Together then."

As Susan and Amelia leaned forward to touch the surface of the memory, Susan caught a glimpse of Harry reaching over to take Daphne's hand, offering silent support while she and her mother waited. Then the sitting room disappeared, and they were pulled into Marlene's memory.

Time seemed to stretch while they were gone. Harry and Daphne sat quietly, their hands clasped, while Marlene stared into the fire. None of them spoke. There was nothing to say that hadn't already been said, nothing to do but wait and hope that Amelia would understand why this memory was so important.

When Susan and Amelia finally emerged from the pensieve, their faces were white with shock. Susan's eyes were wide and filled with unshed tears, while Amelia looked as though someone had struck her.

For a moment, nobody moved. Then Susan abandoned all pretense of composure and launched herself across the room to wrap Daphne in a fierce hug.

"I'm so sorry," Susan whispered into Daphne's hair, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm so, so sorry you had to go through that."

Daphne hugged her back just as tightly, finally allowing some of the carefully controlled emotion to show on her face. "Thank you," she whispered back.

Amelia remained standing by the pensieve, her sharp mind processing what she had seen. When she finally looked up, her gaze moved from Marlene to Daphne to Harry, her expression grave and thoughtful.

"When you asked to meet with me," Amelia said slowly, her voice carrying the weight of her position and her shock, "this was not what I expected."

All Marlene could muster was a sad smile, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

“Now you know,” she whispered. “I have only one thing to ask. Will you help?”

Amelia’s lips pursed, her fists clenching and unclenching as she stared back at an impassive Marlene in silence.

TBC.