Governor Downing looked up as his former law enforcement officers entered his office. They lined up in front of his desk with solemn expressions and the governor knew the jig was up.

"Gentlemen, I can assume you are not here on a social visit. While your presence is welcome, I can assure you that your intent is not. The other governors and I are aware that you have defected from the ministry and joined ranks with a known criminal. Ceenta is corrupting Daniel Radcliffe and has even turned him into a vampire. Imagine what people will say when one of their beloved young heroes sucks blood. Not to mention the boy's popularity with the muggles. Trust me, there will be repercussions for that damn vampire's actions."

"Yes, there are repercussions governor, but those repercussions are for you," said Derrick. "The crimes committed by you personally have had far reaching effect on innocent people, wizard and muggle alike. Your individual actions against Daniel Radcliffe, whether direct or indirect, caused catastrophic life-threatening physical injury. There is no escaping the fact that you have colluded with assassins and terrorists. We have irrefutable evidence indicating your guilt. Donnie, if you would please." Donnie smiled, unrolled a scroll and started to read.

"Governor Lawerence Wayne Downing," Donnie started, then nodded to his fellow officers. They all pulled their wands. "You are hereby under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, torture, collusion to commit kidnapping, falsifying financial records for personal gain, bribery and my personal favorite, conspiracy in wizard trafficking for sexual abuse of minors. You, sir, are going to jail and will not ever see the light of day." Donnie turned to his friends. "Confiscate the governor's wand, all of his paperwork and be sure to dispose of all the donuts and pastries in the office."

"Nooo! Not the donuts!" Just as Derrick was reaching for the box of donuts, the governor grabbed the box and held it tightly to his chest. "You all will rue the day you turned against me." He stuffed a whole donut in his mouth. "Es jus ate til da overors ar bout tis." He shoved another donut into his already full mouth and grabbed a third.

"Enjoy them while you can," Derrick said. Governor Downing forced a third donut into his mouth. The governor's eyes suddenly bulged as he started to choke. He grabbed his throat. Derrick lunged to help as the governor's face turned red and then blue. Donnie jumped behind and tried to perform the Heimlich maneuver, but the governor was just too overweight. His rolls of fat prevented any effective effort to expel the blockage from his airway. Derrick tried to help but soon realized it was a lost cause. Governor Downing slumped over in his chair and sufficated while trying to eat what he loved most, donuts.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

News reached Ceenta and Jon that Governor Downing had expired in a most awkward manner. The particulars had been delivered by Donnie and Derrick, providing the vampire lovers with a bit of levity on an mundane afternoon. Considering the two deaths, Ceenta could finally say he was rid of the two causes of most of his concerns.

Malin had been properly disposed of by Merlin himself. Ceenta regretted not being able to witness it personally, but Jon had shared his vivid memory of the entire scene. Neither had ever seen the kind of destruction from an Avada Kedavra, but the killing curse from Merlin himself probably had more power than imaginable. Malin had literally been blown to bits and scattered to the winds. They were both concerned for Starr, after all Malin was his father. Their concern had been unfounded as Starr had exclaimed 'thank God' after it was all over.

The terrorists working with Malin had been easily identified thanks to a residual from Merlin's Avada Kedavra that turned the terrorists' skin orange. They were quickly rounded up. Their local government was glad to get them off the street. The orange skin was easy to spot in prison. News of their actions against children made them very unpopular amongst the other prisoners. Within a week of being imprisoned, they all had been murdered under mysterious circumstances while prison guards just happened to be looking the other way. With the kidnapping threat eliminated, Allaoua could finally go home to his parents without fear.

The governor had virtually eliminated himself. It seemed to Ceenta and Jon to be a fitting end. Even with Saduri's 'special' donuts, the governor steamrolled right over the suggestion to eat vegetables and continued to go through box after box of donuts. The governor's demise by donut somehow seemed like poetic justice.

Ceenta still needed to meet with the other governors to re-establish his inherited responsibility. Technically speaking, the other governors had been complicit with Governor Downing, maybe not in the details, but they had known and that still needed to be addressed.

It wasn't exactly a celebration on the veranda, but the atmosphere was lively. Ceenta and Jon were joined by their friends, Daniel and Tom, Will and Starr, Tiberius, Saduri, his brother Abbas and, of course, OPEC son Allaoua. Tiberius had taken over wine glass re-fill duties and when he came to Allaoua, he glanced to see if anyone was watching. He then poured a half glass and handed it to the boy with a wink and a grin. Will had manned the grill and was loading the finished hamburgers and bangers onto a platter. All the condiments were available along with baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad. A large bowl was filled with cheese and onion flavored crisps, a British favorite. Speaking of favorites, Apple Crumble was available for dessert. The cheerful group enjoyed the meal while laughing at their good memories.

Tiberius pulled Starr away from his conversation with Will. He had received news from the ministry concerning Malin's estate and felt Starr should know.

"Starr, the ministry has settled your father's estate and as you are the only living heir, everything goes to you, including the mansion."

"I have nothing but horrible memories of that place. Can we burn it to the ground?"

"You can do anything you wish, but I would encourage you to take a moment to consider all the possibilities. Your inheritance also comes with a sizable amount of money."

Will walked over at that moment and joined the conversation.

"I don't want his evil money. None of it! Every cent he had came from places I don't want to think about," Starr said disgustedly. Tiberius turned to Will.

"Perhaps, Will, you can convince Starr that good can rise from evil. There are many good things he could do with almost fifty million pounds." At the mention of the amount of his inheritance, Starr's eyes bugged out.

"You didn't tell me the amount before. How much again?"

"Almost fifty million pounds. You could easily renovate the mansion and remove all the bad memories. You could even tear it down and build a new mansion if you wanted to," Tiberius said with a smile.

"Starr?" asked Will. Starr seemed stunned for a moment. His frown slowly evolved into a smile.

"You're right. I can make something good out of the evil that was my father." Tiberius smiled at Starr's decision.

"I'll leave you two to make plans, but you do need to contact the ministry and have the funds transferred into your own vault. And, I might remind you that the mansion has been in your family for almost five centuries. There are many good memories there. They are just clouded by your father."

"Will, would you go to the ministry with me? Seems I have some papers to sign and a new vault to open."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ceenta contacted Mourad, Allaoua's father, to tell him about the kidnap threat being eliminated. He was thrilled with the news and couldn't wait to see his son. Ceenta made arrangements for Mourad's international travel and tuned his wards to accept him. Despite the triple jump apparition, Mourad would arrive that afternoon.

Ceenta and Jon discussed telling Allaoua but decided seeing the young boy surprised by the arrival of his father would be well worth it. The young OPEC son was busy with Daniel and Tom talking about the pending premier of the movie that Allaoua had been an extra. He couldn't wait to see himself on the big screen. They made plans to go to the premiere. Of course, Ceenta and Jon would be invited too.

A rather loud apparition sound came from the veranda. The movie star trio went to investigate.

While walking through the sitting room, Allaoua was shocked to see his father. He ran across the room and jumped into his father's arms. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he clung to his dad. Mourad wrapped his arms around his son. His own tears joined his son's. Jon watched as his own tears streamed down his face. Allaoua was going home and it was going to be difficult to say goodbye. The father and son reunion was watched with heavy hearts. As the long awaited hug finally ended, father and son started a rapid conversation in Arabic. You didn't need an interpreter to tell they were happy to see each other. When Allaoua suddenly remembered where he was, he turned to his new friends.

"If you haven't guessed, this is my dad," he happily told everyone.

"Ceenta, it is good to see you again," Mourad said in perfect English.

"And you as well, Mourad. This reunion of father and son calls for a celebratory drink. Please, join us on the veranda." As soon as they arrived, Saduri appeared as if on cue with a tray of drinks. He approached Mourad first and offered the tray with a deep bow.

"Anisette! Well done!" Mourad took a small sip and his eyes lit up. "Marie Brizard from France. Very top shelf. I'm impressed." Saduri bowed again, but this time with a smile. The popular Middle Eastern drink was passed around the veranda until everyone, including Allaoua, had a glass.

"Saha!" called out Mourad in the traditional Middle Eastern toast, meaning 'to your health.' Reactions to the liquorish flavored drink were, at best, mixed. Ceenta and Jon both savored their drinks while Daniel and Tom's faces were screwed up in disgust.

Allaoua went over and joked with the movie stars who were gulping tea to get rid of the liquorish taste.

"Mourad, I am pleased as I'm sure you are that the terrorists are no longer a threat,' Ceenta inquired.

"Yes, my friend. That terrorists cell has been eliminated and the word on the street is that no one is even remotely interested in picking up their cause. I've heard rumors that those responsible have been," Mourad paused and glanced around for this son, who he found talking with Daniel and Tom. Mourad continued. "Those responsible were murdered in prison."

"You heard correctly," Ceenta confirmed.

"I abhor violence in any fashion, but in this case, I will gladly make an exception."

"When will you be traveling home, Mourad?" Jon asked. "Not that we're trying to get rid of you and your son. In fact, we have become very close to Allaoua. He is quite the little gentleman."

"I have planned to make the jump to Paris for a night and on to Barcelona the next night. Then, home from Barcelona is just a short jump." Mourad paused in his trip explanation. "I sense that Allaoua has found a new home here and friends that care for him."

"You sense correctly. He is well on his way to learn to control his magic He has even been in a Harry Potter movie!" Jon explained. "I'm sure he will tell you all about that. The stars of the films have become close friends and Allaoua enjoys and respects that friendship."

"Stay with us a few days, Mourad. Jon is an excellent cook and he has a few dishes you'll be familiar with."

"Couscous, Chorba and Merguez are among my favorites," Jon said with a smile.

"You are tempting my taste buds, my friend. Of course we will stay for a visit. I look forward to meeting Allaoua's friends and to enjoy your culinary expertise."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The imminent departure of Allaoua weighed heavily on everyone's hearts. They all gathered on the veranda and waited for the father and son to finish preparing for apparition. Jon was wrapped in Ceenta's arms and was desperately trying the control his emotions. He wanted to be strong for Allaoua and didn't want to cry but knew he was going to anyway. Daniel and Tom were talking quietly with Will and Starr. Saduri and Tiberius were stoically standing in the corner.

Allaoua and his father came out on the veranda and Jon's waterworks started. The OPEC Minister's son went straight to Jon and hugged him fiercely. Ceenta joined them in a group hug. Allaoua moved next to Will and Starr, hugged each one and saying quiet words of goodbye. Saduri and Tiberius remained composed, but as Allaoua moved to bid them both goodbye, Saduri openly wept. All that remained were Harry and Draco, er, Daniel and Tom. Allaoua was openly crying now with tears streaming down his face. He hugged Tom tightly and then turned to Daniel.

"You know I will miss you Harry," Allaoua sobbed. Daniel wrapped his arms around the boy and embraced him.

"I'll miss you too my little movie star. Promise you'll come back for the movie premiere."

"I promise. I wouldn't want to miss seeing myself on the big screen."

"I love you like a brother, Allaoua," Daniel said as fears filled his eyes. Allaoua hugged him. Tears were in his eyes as well.

"Okay, son. It's time we left if we want to make it to Paris on time," Mourad said. Allaoua reluctantly let Daniel go and went to stand beside his father.

"See you soon, Allaoua," Daniel said.

"Bye Harry. Bye Draco." Mourad flicked his wand and they were gone.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Starr and Will apparated to the Montgomery Estate. Renovations had been underway and Starr wanted to see the progress. Hopefully, the places that held bad memories were entirely erased and had disappeared in the construction. When they arrived, Starr was stunned by the outside appearance of the estate. All the mansion's exterior marble had been cleaned and was gleaming in the midday sunshine. The windows had been replaced with energy efficient ones that mirrored the original architectural design plus the shudders had been painted. All of shrubbery had been trimmed and the yard of weeds was now covered in green, perfectly manicured grass. Flowers had been planted all around the grand entrance. It was simply picturesque.

"Wow!" exclaimed Will, seeing the estate manor home for the very first time.

"Wow is right," Starr agreed. "This is huge." Will glanced at his boyfriend.

"You numpty! It is huge. It's four floors and probably twenty thousand square feet." Starr grinned.

"You should have seen it before. It was a scary grotesque mess." A man came running out the front entrance calling Starr's name.

"Hi Benjamin!" Starr called out, then turned to Will. "He's in charge of the renovations." The man ran up and shook Starr's hand.

"Great to see you, sir."

"Hi Benjamin, this is my partner Will."

"Will, good to meet you, sir. I'm so excited about our progress. We are way ahead of schedule."

"If the exterior is any indication, I can't wait to see the interior," Starr said matching Benjamin's excitement.

"Right this way. I still have painters working, but the plumbers and electricians are finished. The plaster workers and the stone masons have completed their renovations. The carpenters are still working on restoring the woodwork, but I think you'll be impressed with the progress." Benjamin led them to the grand entrance. "We repaired, cleaned and polished all the marble, including here at the entryway." Starr was stunned by what he saw. Gone were the old worn, chipped and cracked steps. In their place were smooth, pristine, sparkling clean steps. Even the ornate wrought iron railings had been refinished.

"Benjamin, I am impressed and I know I gave you a budget. Please tell me you didn't completely blow it out of the water." Benjamin grinned.

"Only by a little and I cleared that with your accountant. Let's see what lies behind the new oak door. By the way, the wood was imported from France. Oh, and the hardware is original, but I had it reworked and refinished." He opened the grand door and beckoned Starr and Will inside.

"Oh my God," exclaimed Starr. The vestibule was called that because it was no ordinary foyer. The vaulted ceiling, covered in stained glass, went all the way to the roof, four floors up and the ornate crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling spanned down at least three floors. The effect was stunning and spoke of the opulence of the centuries old mansion. To the right was the formal sitting room and to the left was the library spanning upwards two floors with thousands and thousands of books.

"Benjamin, whatever I'm paying you, it's not enough and I haven't even seen the rest of the house. I would like the full tour, but there are two places I would like to see first."

"Certainly, Starr. What would you like to see?"

"The cellar and my bedroom."

"Right this way. We'll go down to the cellar first." As Benjamin led them down the hall, Starr turned to Will.

"Those two places hold most of the bad memories. I can only hope he has completely erased them."

"This place is awesome. I'm sure he has changed everything. That was one of your directives, wasn't it?" Starr nodded and then took a deep breath as they started down the steps to the cellar. The once rough gouged marble was now smooth and gleamed in the newly brightly lit staircase. Starr's apprehension grew with each step down. Memories of being tied and whipped churned up from his memory.

The cellar of mansion was nothing like Starr remembered. One end had been transformed into expansive climate controlled wine larder filled with thousands of bottles everything from ordinary table wine to exclusive release bottles worth thousands each. The other end was a huge home theatre complete with a fully stocked self-service bar and its own popcorn machine along with a dizzying array of movie theatre snacks, both sweet and savory. Comfortable recliners were lined up with seating for at least two dozen people.

Memories of being tied up and whipped faded into oblivion as Starr took it all in. Now, with a grin on his face, he couldn't wait to see his bedroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Allaoua arrived with his father at the Vladimir estate in time for a celebratory luncheon. The excitement of the pending movie premiere filled the air. Festivities were well under way with the gala for the worldwide release of the latest movie set for that night. It would be a star studded event at Trafalgar Square in London. Hundreds of celebrities had been invited.

Daniel and Tom had already made arrangements for a limousine to bring their entourage to the event. They would need to apparate to London where they would meet the limo driver.

The actual screening would take place at nearby Leister Square at multiple theater venues. A large red carpet would take the stars of the film through a gauntlet of news crews, photographers and fans. Daniel and Tom would walk the carpet. The friends would be escorted directly to a private reception at Leister Square close to the screening. They would all join together to go view the film.

On the veranda, everybody had a glass of wine with Tiberius on glass filling duty. Saduri was making the rounds with mini pork pies, savory canapes, crisps and, with a nod to Scotland, Haggis bon bons. Daniel grabbed a quick handful of crisps, then cornered Allaoua.

"I have something special for you to wear tonight because you are going to walk to red carpet with Tom and me." Allaoua dropped his mouth open in surprise.

"W-what?" Daniel smiled.

"I took the liberty of getting you a tuxedo for tonight. I'm wearing one and so is Tom, so you'll need to be wearing one too," Daniel explained as he opened his closet and showed the tux to Allaoua.

"Wow!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Daniel exited the limousine to a flurry of camera flashes and people calling his name. Tom waited a moment then got out with Allaoua by his side. Once again, camera flashes almost blinded the movie stars. They made their way down the red carpet with Allaoua in the middle. The smile on Allaoua's face reached from ear to ear. Daniel and Tom spoke with reporters with both introducing Allaoua to the media.

Thankfully, movie company personnel whisked them away to the reception in Leister Square. The trio joined their friends for a glass of champagne before heading in to the theater. The entire entourage was seated in the tenth row per Daniel's request. He wanted to see the audience reactions to the film. The film started and everyone paid rapt attention as none of them had seen the final edited version. About thirty minutes into the film was the scene with Allaoua. He recognized the beginning and was vibrating with excitement. When he saw himself on the big screen, he couldn't help himself. He jumped up out of his seat.

"That's me! That's me!" he exclaimed. The audience loved it and Allaoua got a lot of pats on the back. Daniel turned to Tom with a big grin and a wink. He leaned forward and kissed Tom square on the mouth.

And that ends this story the same way it started with Daniel Radcliffe kissing Tom Felton only this time it was in front of people, just like Daniel had wanted to do all along.

THE END


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"Merlin"
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