HPWW471-480
Chapter 471
The next morning, Harry awoke lying on his side and
began watching Daphne sleep. Unlike the neat and
tidy he expected from the girl, as that was always how
she seemed to be when awake no matter the time of
day or night, in sleep she was a mess. She also lightly
snored and was sleeping on her tummy with her arms
and legs sprawled out. Harry had been restricted to
sleeping on a very narrow strip right at the edge of the
bed.
Knowing by the fake daylight out the 'window' it
wasn't that much past dawn, Harry gently eased her
nearest arm and leg to him back over to her trunk for
her arm and down straight for her leg. Then slid in
closer to give himself some room from his very recent
precarious perch.
Once more comfortable, he propped himself back up
on one elbow, leaned in close, brushed her hair away
from the back of her neck and gently nuzzled her
under the back of her ear.
A few moments later, she gave a light groan of desire.
Happy to have heard it, he gently moved his upper
hand lower down, reached between her thighs and
forward, and gently worked her over a little with his
fingers.
When she began to gently thrust back and forth, he
quickly rose to his knees, used his wand to levitate
her tummy up a bit, slipped a pillow into the gap
between her hips and the bed and lowered her back
onto it.
Using a lubrication charm he read in that book Sirius
had given him, he then knelt between her legs and
hovered over her.
A few moments later he was in and gently thrusting.
However, it took about a good ten seconds before the
rising arousal in Daphne woke her and her eyes
opened, unfocussed.
"Oh, Merlin!" she whined. "What... are you... doing?"
"What do you think?" he quietly asked right back. His
head only a foot or so from hers. He began to increase
his pace and depth.
And her moans got louder.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
An hour later they again laid in bed, sated. This time
Daphne wasn't asleep, but she was so full of
endorphins and oxytocins she might as well be. She
was lying flat on her back with Harry lying on his side
and facing her.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Oh... bloody Hell, Potter," she near moaned.
"You want more?" he asked.
"No!" she quickly exclaimed. "Oh... Gods, no!"
"As you wish," he said.
Looking at him and smiling, she asked, "You're not
going to suddenly jump me again?"
"Certainly not," he replied. "You said 'No'; so, 'No', it
is."
Her smile widened and she rolled to her side to face
him. When she looked down she asked, "Err... Harry?"
"Mmm?" he asked.
"If it's 'No', then why are you―?"
"I have an incredibly gorgeous, naked girl lying on the
bed right next to me. A girl who smells of sex. Why do
you think?"
"Oh," she giggled.
Rolling back to lie on her back again, she asked,
"What time is it?"
Harry picked up his wand and fired off a Tempus.
"Almost eight am."
She sighed and said, "Go and have a shower. We
should be ready in time to go down to breakfast with
the others."
"Yes, My Lady," he replied, flipping onto his other side
to climb out of bed.
Knowing she'd be watching him, he walked to the foot
of the bed and near to the door to the ensuite, before
he then mimicked a big stretch, flexing and rolling his
muscles and arms... and bum cheeks.
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Chapter 472
"Ohhh... Gawd," she moaned.
With a grin while facing away from her and pretending
not to hear her, he walked into the ensuite, leaving the
door open as he did. Calling back, he called, "You can
shower with me, if you like!"
She joined him in the shower less than a minute later.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Dobby again popped them straight into the
corridor of the Lords' Quarters directly outside their
apartment, both then walked in.
Hermione and Fleur were already up and, probably,
waiting. Both looked at the pair of them and, while
Fleur giggled and snickered, Hermione looked at
Daphne in stunned surprise before breaking into
giggles of her own.
A moment later she exclaimed, "Did I look like that?"
Fleur, still snickering, loudly replied, "Yes!"
A little embarrassed, Harry tried to defend himself.
"Well, you said I was to make her first time as nice as
I'd made yours!"
That was it for Fleur. She began laughing and rolling
about on the sofa upon which she sat. And, while a
little embarrassed at Harry's remark, Hermione was
still giggling.
Daphne, smiling, said, "I need to go change before
breakfast." Then, walking between the sofas and the
coffee table, grabbed a hand each of Fleur and
Hermione and dragged both girls after her to her
bedroom.
Harry watched them go and, with a sigh of
contentment, headed for the kitchen. Maybe he could
sneak in and―
"Dobby be already preparings brekky, Master Harry!"
"Dammit!"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was already in the dining room and making a
start on his breakfast when the girls came looking for
him.
Hermione, the first one in the door, walked over to him
and kissed him on the cheek. "Good boy!" she
whispered, before taking the seat at his left hand and
sitting down.
Fleur, not to outdone, also kissed him on the cheek
and sat.
When Daphne came in a moment later, she was
changed and took her own seat. "I thought we'd be
going down to the Great Hall for breakfast?"
No one mentioned they'd not be going down to the
Great Hall for breakfast, after all.
"Dobby had other ideas," replied Harry.
Once everyone had loaded a plate and were getting
their breakfasts into them, Harry asked, "What're
everyone's plans for the rest of the day?"
"Resting," Daphne immediately replied, before she
then blushed on realising she'd said that out loud.
That had both other girls laughing again.
"Assignments," replied Fleur. "I have a lot of work to
do."
Now that her tutors had been organised, though
hadn't turned up yet, she was sent in advance a whole
lot of work to do to prepare for when the first would
turn up on the Monday.
Hermione asked, "Besides the meeting with the
Alliance after lunch, what about you, Harry?"
"Oh, dammit," he sighed. "I'd forgotten about that."
That's when he got hit in the head with an unbuttered
crumpet thrown by Daphne. "Hey!"
When he looked back in surprise, while Hermione and
Fleur snickered, Daphne tried to glare at him, failing
miserably in the process.
"I can't help it!" he almost whined. "I just... I was
distracted!" And blushed.
"That's the endorphins, Harry," explained Hermione.
"Give it a while and it'll wear off."
Eventually, Harry went back to the Room to exercise a
little. But, he didn't engage in a full workout. Instead, it
was just burning off energy he was after.
He was back after about an hour and happily turned to
working on assignments. When he asked where
Daphne was, Fleur smiled and replied, "Sleeping, I
believe. I think you tired her out. I can... relate."
Harry's blush was only a light pinking of his cheeks,
that time. He was getting better.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Daphne had put in another appearance just before
lunch and, no longer sporting the just-got-shagged
look the girls accused her of, the Potter four joined
the other heirs in the trip to the Great Hall for lunch.
On the way, Neville asked, "Ready for the meeting this
afternoon, Harry?"
"Yeah," he replied. "Where is it, by the way?"
Neville smirked at him and said, "Greengrass manor."
Just as they were sitting down at the Hufflepuff table,
Harry noticed when Justin Finch-Fletchley entered
and invited the boy to join them. Slightly surprisingly,
he did.
While Harry was still his 'partner' in Transfiguration
and the 'Longbottom Three' were in Herbology, he was
not in Astronomy and History of Magic, being the four
classes Gryffindor shared with Hufflepuff. Nor was he
his partner in any of the electives as the boy shared
his two electives, CoMC and Divination, mainly with
the Ravenclaws. While Harry took CoMC, his classes
were with the Slytherins and Finch-Fletchley didn't
take Ancient Runes.
As the boy sat down opposite, he gave Harry a
haughty sniff and asked, "Been away from the school
for yestereve and this morn, my Lord Potter?" he
asked.
Harry grinned and haughtily sniffed, "Nay, my Lord
Finch-Fletchley. Verily, I was detained on matters of
House by these three ladies fair."
That had both snicker at one another.
"This real you is so much fun, Potter," said FinchFletchley. "You take the mickey out of these titles of
ours even more than I do."
As Finch-Fletchley hadn't, as yet, been properly
introduced to Fleur, Harry quietly said, "My Lord
Finch-Fletchley, I apologise that I have been remiss. I
present Heiress Presumptive Fleur Isabel Delacour of
the Venerable House of Delacour of magical France.
Fleur, this is Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley, Viscount of
Lonsdale, Heir Primary to His Lordship the Earl of
Bedford and Heir Secondary to His Grace, the Duke of
Kendal of the United Kingdom.
While Finch-Fletchley cocked a surprised eyebrow at
Harry for knowing his titles and lineage, he still stood
as Fleur offered her hand, grasped it with his main
hand and lightly kissed the back of her fingers.
"Charmed, My Lady. And please call me Justin."
"Fleur," said Fleur, as she smiled and withdrew her
hand as Finch-Fletchley retook his seat.
Finch-Fletchley immediately turned to Harry and
accused, "You've done your homework."
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Chapter 473
Harry replied, "Justin, I'm a Lord of Noble and Most
Ancient House, One of the Seven. Do you know what
that means?"
"I do, now," he replied. "I didn't before all that which
happened as a result of the First Task. As soon as I
could I practically raided the library, here, for all that I
could on the subject."
"In other words, you also did your homework," smiled
Harry. "Could you think any less of me to do the same
as soon I learned of your lineage?"
Finch-Fletchley smiled and replied, "Of course not."
Harry turned serious and said, "Justin, there are some
people I really need you to meet. May I organise a
meeting to take place, here in the castle, for some
time over the next week? It will probably be held in the
Headmistress's office, so there's no need to worry
anything untoward is going to happen.
"I also swear to you this is not to do with your father
or grandfather. This is about you."
Finch-Fletchley frowned back for a moment, before he
said, "On your honour?"
Harry immediately replied, "On the honour of my
House and the memory of my fore-bearers, Justin."
As Fleur and Daphne both gave little gasps of shock,
Finch-Fletchley gave a single nod back and replied,
"Then I look forward to your missive."
Harry smiled and said, "Thank you."
Now he needed to speak with the Alliance. With
everything that had been going on he'd not raised the
issue at a meeting yet. And he needed to 'formally' let
them know.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After lunch, Harry was quick to escort Fleur back to
the apartment before running to the Headmistress's
office. Neville escorted the other Heirs up to the office,
direct.
Arriving in Green Fields, Harry only staggered a little
getting out to the floo.
He was the first through, after Daphne.
Once all the members, their partners and heirs
arrived, the meeting was quickly started. This time it
was chaired by Samuel. After all, it was his home.
When the issue of new business came up Harry raised
the issue of Justin Finch-Fletchley and his lineage.
"You mean to tell me," said Miles Ogden, "At the
school, right now, is a young man who is second in
line, in direct line of succession to a Dukedom; and no
one knows about it?"
"Well, other than he and us in the group unofficially
called the Heirs," said Harry, "There's also Law-wizard
Ted Tonks; who did the due diligence for me to
confirm it.
"Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley is the Viscount of
Lonsdale, Heir Apparent of the Earldom of Bedford
and Heir Secondary, as the first born son of the first
born son, of the Sixth Duke of Kendal. On the death of
his grandfather his father will become the Seventh
Duke of Kendal and he will become the new Earl of
Bedford. Then, on the death of his father, he will
succeed to the Dukedom as the Eighth Duke.
"Sweet Merlin!" exclaimed Ogden. "We need to speak
with him."
"I have not informed him of what I've been aiming for,"
said Harry, "Ultimately, his succeeding in gaining a
new seat on the Wizengamot representing the Noble
and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley. That is, after
all, how the Noble Houses were first created. We just
haven't had a Noble and Magical House in many
generations, even though the Malfoys have been
demanding they be recognised as such.
"I believe... and Ted Tonks assures me I'm correct...
that particular ancient law is still on the books."
"It is," breathed Ogden. "And, yes, for that purpose."
"When can we meet with him?" demanded Samuel.
"I have told him that I hope that he would be open to a
meeting of importance to him. And strongly
suggested it would take place at the castle, most likely
in the Headmistress's office, within the next couple of
weeks.
"Others, in the past, have attempted to use his
connection to the Duke of Kendal or the Earl of
Bedford, for self-serving purposes. He is,
understandably, quite wary. Might I suggest no more
than two people, plus Lady Marchbanks, meet with
him?"
"Definitely," said Ogden.
Harry added, "And might I also suggest you come
armed with evidence of how such a meeting... with an
option to join the Alliance... will aid him, rather than
hinder him? You might also suggest you visit with his
muggle father or anyone else he deems appropriate."
Ogden thought a bit before he looked to Samuel.
"Samuel?"
"You, at least, should attend, Miles," said Samuel.
"You're the Chief Warlock, after all. I also think the
other should be Amelia."
"He's right," said Madam Bones. "It should be you and
me, Miles."
Ogden nodded before turning to Marchbanks. "Gris?
Any problems using your office for this?"
"None," she immediately replied. "However, young
Lord Finch-Fletchley has developed a level of trust
with Harrison. I suggest he escort the young Lord at
least to the first meeting."
"You might also want to extract a temporary secrecy
oath from and inform Professor Sprout of this,"
suggested Harry.
"I don't think we need to go to the extent of a secrecy
oath," said Marchbanks. "But, I see your point about
informing Pomona. I'll just ask her not to speak of it.
She'll understand."
The next item of business was on bringing in the
Venerable House of Delacour as a member House of
the Alliance. No one had a problem with it, other than
it was not a British House and had no roots in
wizarding Britain.
Frank said, "Check the Charter. There is no
requirement for a House to have any roots in Britain,
wizarding or otherwise."
With that resolved, Jean-Paul would be approached by
Frank and Samuel with the intent to offer an invitation.
It would be based on Fleur's acceptance as concubine
to Harrison, Lord of House Potter.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In with the spouses in the 'Ladies' Lounge' of Green
Fields, Adeline was almost dancing with joy. As soon
as the girls entered the Lounge, Adeline had cast a
minor charm on both. Moments later, she grabbed
both and dragged them aside before then erecting a
quick silencing field. She'd cast the same at the
previous meeting, but neither girl knew of it at the
time.
It was that quick discussion, following by both girls
blushing and being angry about it, that had everyone
else know what had happened; neither Daphne nor
Hermione were virgins any longer. The younger
witches among them were immediately 'sworn' to
secrecy by the expedient of being told, 'This is both
not for any rumour mill, most especially Hogwarts's,
or for your fathers or brothers to learn of. Period.'
However, Hannah was also one of those 'spouses' due
to her betrothal to Neville. So, she took both girls
aside, herself, a little later to ask for certain
information. Her mother saw it, of course, but hid her
knowing smirk.
Susan didn't know of it, because she was 'shadowing'
her aunt at the meeting of the Heads. However,
Pauline had no doubt she would by that night.
For the others, none of them would talk. They knew
the penalty on first offence would be a permanent ban
from any future discussions. That meant they'd get
left at home, or ordered outside to 'play' on their own.
Boooring.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With the meeting lasting a little longer than what many
expected, the post-meeting fellowship didn't last all
that long. And the heirs were back at the castle well
before dinner.
When Harry returned he returned a little confused,
though, and nearly crashed head first into the wall of
the Headmistress's office opposite the floo. He'd
almost completely missed his exit, because his mind
was on how Adeline Greengrass had taken him aside,
laid a massive hug on him and kiss on his cheek,
looked him dead in the eyes and said a clearly
heartfelt, "Thank you."
Though very curious and confused, he waited until
they were back in the apartment until he asked
Daphne why her mother had done that.
Daphne blushed and replied, "Mother pulled a fast one
on Hermione and me. Without warning us first, she
cast a purity detection charm on us both."
Fleur, who had overheard, gasped and exclaimed,
"She didn't!"
Daphne firmly nodded back. "So, mother now knows
Harry and mine, and Harry and Hermione's,
agreements each have certain clauses no longer
applicable. That's her claim as to why she did it."
Hermione asked, "I take it that's quite the rude thing to
do?"
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Chapter 474
"Yes," Daphne almost snapped. "It's why I was so
angry with mother immediately afterwards. That
charm is only permitted to be used under licence
when a Betrothal Agreement is being drawn up, or
being moved to a contract. It is used to test the bride
still meets conditions of a contract if the contract
requires the bride to be... unsullied."
"So, I had a right to be upset with her?" asked
Hermione.
"Yes, Hermione; you did," replied Daphne. "So, there's
no need to apologise you got angry with her, when
you did."
"I thought I might have been out of line," she sighed.
"No," said Daphne, firmly. "Mother was out of line."
Harry asked, "Do I need to have words with Samuel
about it?"
"No," replied Daphne. "What's done is done. And I
really do not need Father to know you've already
shagged me stupid. I do not want him to know until he
has to know."
"That's your choice, Daphne," replied Harry. "If that's
what you want, we'll go along with it."
The other two girls nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Surprised with how quickly things moved, during
breakfast the next morning both Harry and Justin
were approached by Professor Sprout and told the
Headmistress wanted a word with them both in her
office immediately following the meal.
As they came together and walked slightly behind the
Professor into the main corridor heading towards the
wing that held the Headmistress's office, a worried
Finch-Fletchley sidled over to Harry and asked,
"Harry? Do you know what this is about?"
"I'm pretty sure I do, yeah," he replied. "If it's who I
think it is, a couple of people want to talk to you and
want to provide you aid. If I'm right, listen to what they
say. Then, if you're not ready to make a decision about
anything, say so. Tell them you will take it on board
and consider it. I'm sure you know the drill.
"Nothing needs to happen, right now. Merlin, this can
take years to come to fruition if people decide to drag
their feet, or if you want it to. You're only fifteen at the
moment, so you're still a minor. Just... hear them out,
alright?"
Professor Sprout had dropped back and to the side a
bit to listen. When Harry finished, she added, "Lord
Potter is correct, Mister Finch-Fletchley. Who we're
going to see only want to make you aware of some
information, for now. Information you really should
already be aware of, if not for Cuthbert Binns and his
focus on goblin rebellions. Just be polite."
"Yes, Ma'am," Finch-Fletchley replied.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When they entered the Headmistress's office, Harry
had to just about push Finch-Fletchley in through the
door after Professor Sprout.
"Justin, relax," Harry quietly said from behind. "I
swear to you, you're going to be fine."
Already in the room were Headmistress Lady
Marchbanks, behind her desk; Miles Ogden and
Amelia Bones were sitting before it. The latter two
both stood and turned to the door as the three walked
in. Both were gently smiling.
"Welcome, you two," said Marchbanks.
As they got closer, Professor Sprout faded away and
went and sat on the stool in the corner as Harry
guided Finch-Fletchley to the two 'guests'.
Harry was then quick with the introductions. Ogden
first, considering his station. He also kept it informal.
"Justin," he said, "This is Chief Warlock Lord Miles
Ogden. If you do not know, Chief Warlock Ogden
chairs the Wizengamot in the same way the Lord
Speaker chairs the House of Lords.
"And, Justin, this is Madam Amelia Bones, Director of
the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry
of Magic for wizarding Britain. She's also Susan's aunt
and guardian.
"Lord Ogden, Madam Bones, this is Lord Justin Finch-
Fletchley, the Viscount of Lonsdale."
"Miles just gave a snort of amusement and held out
his hand to Justin. "Hello, young man."
After carefully shaking Justin's hand, Ogden said, "To
make it easy for you, just address me as Lord Ogden.
This is an informal discussion."
"Yes, Sir," said Justin, almost by reflex.
Bones then stepped forward and offered her own
hand. "Hello, Lord Finch-Fletchley. You address me as
Madam Bones."
Justin shook it and said, "Ma'am,"
She then whacked Ogden on the arm and said, "Don't
come over all over-Lordly."
Marchbanks cut in, indicated the chairs and said,
"Take a seat, please."
With Justin and Harry sitting alongside one another
and facing-in along a leg of a triangle from
Marchbanks's desk, Ogden and Bones sat facing them
and Marchbanks's desk, too, along the third side of
the triangle based off the Headmistress's desk.
"Thank you for taking the time to see us, Lord FinchFletchley," said Ogden. "What we have to talk to you
about has to do with how you're a muggleborn with a
noble title who has entered our world."
Ogden went on to explain what that meant for Justin,
with an explanation of how the original members of
the Noble seats on the Wizengamot also entered the
same way, upwards of centuries ago.
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Chapter 475
Finch-Fletchley eventually asked, "Let me see if I have
this straight, Sir. You're saying that, since I hold a title
in the Peerage, and I'm the first of my line to do so
who is also a magical, I'm entitled to a seat within the
Wizengamot once I come of age at seventeen?"
"In a nutshell, yes," replied Ogden.
"But, what about my father and grandfather?" he
asked.
"Ineligible, because apparently neither are magical,"
replied Ogden.
Finch-Fletchley sat back and thought about it.
Eventually, he asked, "How would that work? From
what I've read I'm actually considered Unhoused, as I
do not belong to an existing magical House."
"Excellent question!" beamed Ogden. "Because of
your position in the peerage, a new House is
automatically created based on your own surname.
"You would become the Head of the Noble and
Magical House of Finch-Fletchley and, when you
attain seventeen years of age, you would become and
be titled Lord of the Noble and Magical House of
Finch-Fletchley and immediately eligible to sit on the
Wizengamot."
Again, Finch-Fletchley thought about it before he
asked, "If the House is created now... and I cannot
hold the Lordship for it until I turn seventeen... would I
need a Regent or Proxy for it until then? And, if so, am
I limited to whom I can appoint to the role? If I even
can appoint someone to the role."
Ogden blinked back for a moment in surprise before
he grinned and replied, "How very astute of you,
young man."
Ogden then turned to Bones and asked, "Amelia?
Perhaps you can address our young Lord's
question?"
Bones shook her head and sighed. "I cannot, Miles. I
can guess, but I do not know the answer."
"I do," Harry quietly said.
"Harrison," said Ogden. Then he gestured 'be my
guest'.
"First," replied Harry. "The House needs to be created.
You can have neither a regent nor proxy without a
House. To create the House needs to start with the
Goblin Nation and their Rite of Inheritance. It first
needs to be shown that Justin, here, is not already the
rightful Lord of an existing House that... squibbed out,
for instance.
"Once that's carried out and ther eis no pre-existing
House, the Goblins can then create the heraldry from
the now known heritage. That includes the Head of
House ring and the like. However, they won't do any of
that without a House vault being established first.
"That will then establish the Noble and Magical House
of Finch-Fletchley.
"With the House now established, as the only magical
member of that House, Justin's magical guardian
would need to move quick to appoint either
themselves as Regent or grant Justin emancipation so
he can take up his duties, himself."
"Magical guardian?" Finch-Fletchley then whirled to
look at Sprout. "That'd be you; right, Professor?"
Sprout smiled and replied, "Indeed, Mister FinchFletchley. But, if this works out for you, I'm quite
willing to allow you to appoint another; if that is your
choice."
Harry gave a little snort and replied, "It'll work. Time
for me to come clean on something."
When all eyes turned to him, he explained, "I've had
the Law-wizard of Record for the House of Potter
researching this for the past few months. Justin, he's
the one who did the full background check on you on
my behalf. He's also been speaking with the goblins
on what is needed.
"When you feel you're ready, they're waiting for you to
come in to get all this sorted for you. According to my
Law-wizard of Record, Ted Tonks, they're apparently
excited to meet with you."
At first surprised, Finch-Fletchley's expression turned
shrewd. "What do you get out of this, Harry?"
"A few things," he immediately replied. "One; if it's
something you want, then your gratitude. Two; if you
go through with this, then I get to thumb my nose, yet
again, at all the stodgy old traditionalists on the
Wizengamot. Three; the opportunity to ask you to join
the Potter-Longbottom Alliance, of which Lady
Marchbanks, Lord Ogden and Madam Bones as
Regent Bones, are all members. And, four; I'll be
recognised as being partly responsible for having
shepherded the creation of a new Noble line within
magical Britain. Big kudos for me. There are probably
more, but I don't know what those are, yet."
Finch-Fletchley cocked an eyebrow back and said, "A
straight-up answer. Colour me, impressed."
Turning back to Lord Ogden, he asked, "When do I
need to act on this?"
"Never," said Ogden. "There's no time limit involved."
"Can I discuss it with my father and grandfather?" he
asked.
"You can discuss it with those cleared to know about
magic," replied Bones. "If your grandfather is already
cleared to know about magic, then yes. Otherwise, no.
Only those residing in your muggle place of residence
are allowed to know. However, if it's necessary for him
to know... then I can grant a waiver."
Finch-Fletchley nodded and murmured, "So, no
change there, then. Can my grandfather be cleared to
know of magic for the purposes of discussing this
with him?"
Bones thought about it before she looked to Ogden
and asked, "Miles?"
"If absolutely necessary, we can set something up."
he replied.
Finally, Finch-Fletchley firmed up and said, "Then, I
thank you for the information, Sir. I shall need to think
on it, in detail. And discuss it with my family, before I
act."
"So you should," Ogden immediately shot back. "I'd
have been a little disappointed in you, if you didn't."
A little later, Harry escorted Finch-Fletchley out of the
office with Professor Sprout.
As they walked away and down the corridor outside
the office, Finch-Fletchley was clearly thinking hard
about what he should do.
Harry said, "Justin. There's no rush on this. You can
decide to simply delay until you're ready to deal with
it, if at all. I just felt you should know."
"No," said Finch-Fletchley. "I get that. So, thank you."
Harry just smiled back and gave a nod of
acknowledgement.
The other boy then looked to Sprout and asked,
"Professor; would it be possible to discuss this
further with you, alone?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 476
"Of course, Mister Finch-Fletchley," she replied.
"Whenever you're ready or you need, my door is open
to you. You know that."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the end of the April Wizengamot meeting, Harry met
with Ogden, Bones, Marchbanks, Greengrass and
Longbottom in the Chief Warlock's office before
returning to the school. Until then, he didn't even
know the Chief Warlock (or Witch, when the position
was held by a witch) had an office.
The topic was, unsurprisingly, Justin.
"So, he's now been made aware of the Seat that
awaits him?" asked Samuel.
"Yes," replied Ogden. As this was his office, he
'chaired' the meeting. "I've also arranged for certain
books on the history and formation of the Wizengamot
to be sent to him, so he can read it for himself."
"Any idea on which way he'll go?" asked Samuel.
Harry replied, "He'll do his own research. He'll speak
with his father about it. He will probably ask for one of
us, or more, to pay his father a visit. With that last
one, I recommend he be given leave to go home for a
weekend so he can give his own views directly to his
father and family; and to at least introduce you, if he
already knows you."
Ogden cocked an eyebrow and smirk at Harry before
he asked, "And who do you believe should attend?"
"The same folks who were in the office with him on
Sunday," Harry immediately replied. "Except me, that
is. I just made the introductions. And don't forget to
include Pomona Sprout. She is, after all, his current
magical guardian."
"My views, too," said Ogden. He turned to Bones and
asked, "Up for a visit to a muggle home, Amelia?"
"Always," she simply replied. "But we don't know
when, or even if, he's going to ask."
"I think he will," replied Harry. "But, give him at least a
couple of weeks, if not a month, to ask. Then be
prepared."
"That was my read of the situation, too," said Bones.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On late Friday evening a few days later, during a week
when Hermione appeared to get more and more
perturbed about something and which Harry had no
idea how to address because he didn't know what was
causing it, she dragged him aside for a chat.
"Harry," she began. "Have I done something wrong, or
do you think you're falling out of love with me, or are
Fleur and Daphne better―"
"Wait, wait, stop," he blurted, cutting in.
When she did immediately stop, and also looked on
the verge of tears, he asked, "Hermione, Love; why
would you ever think such a thing? I love you."
She sniffled and replied, "Because you haven't come
asking me if you can sleep with me again."
Confused and a little embarrassed, he said, "I'm
supposed to? I didn't know that. There was nothing in
the books Sirius gave me that said I should do that."
With dawning comprehension at what had happened,
Hermione groaned and said, "No. They don't, do they."
Taking a deep breath she said, "Harry. You're allowed
to approach me and ask, or suggest, or hint, or
anything like that, that you'd like to have sex again. I
give you permission. And, I'm sure once the other two
learn that, they'll also tell you that you have
permission to ask."
"Oh," he said. He thought about it for a few moments
before he gave a little nod to himself and asked,
"Hermione, can we sleep together again, tonight? I
mean, to have sex? You don't have to if―"
"Yes," she immediately blurted before calming again.
"Yes, Harry. I'd like to sleep with you tonight, too."
With a wide and pleased grin he asked, "Do you...
want to go up to the Room and―"
"No," she replied. "I'd like to sleep in your bed in here,
if that's alright with you?"
He happily nodded.
Relieved, she said, "Great. Why don't you finish up
what you're working on and then get ready in bed. I'll
be in in about twenty minutes, alright?"
"Alright," he said, starting to turn away. He hesitated a
moment before he turned back and said, "I'm sorry,
Hermione. I didn't know." Then he left for his
bedroom.
As soon as the door closed she sighed before she
turned to the other two, who had been watching them.
"Ladies, we have a problem."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
It was less than the twenty minutes, before Hermione
entered. She had come in and immediately noticed
that Harry had clearly just come out of the shower, as
there was still the light mist of steam coming from his
ensuite.
Harry was sitting in bed with only a sheet on to the
waist and was skimming through one of the books
Sirius had given him, with a look of combined
annoyance and concentration on his face. She only
saw the expression for a bare moment before he
looked up and smiled.
He set the book aside and, without a word, flicked
back the covers on 'her' side of the bed.
Realising Harry was trying to find out from the books
where he went wrong, she smiled and walked over.
She was, at the time, wearing a simple dressing gown;
her fluffy one.
Barely hesitating, she undid the cloth belt holding the
gown closed at her waist before then flicking it off her
shoulders with both hands at the 'lapels' and letting it
drop to the floor.
Again for a moment, she stood there allowing him to
look her nude form over, before she slid into the bed
and moved in for a cuddle.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 477
Outside in the living room, once Hermione walked in and
closed the door, Fleur cast a silencing charm over the door and
walked back to the sofa.
Sitting down with a sigh, she looked to Daphne and said, "'Ow
did we not see this?"
Daphne just smiled and shrugged. "You have to admit, it
seems quite odd."
"'Ermione's right, though," she said. "We 'ave to be more...
forthcoming... with 'Arry in future."
Daphne nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning, when Harry woke, it was to the feeling of
Hermione again snuggling into his side; almost treating him
like he was an oversized teddybear. He didn't mind, though,
because it felt nice.
As he laid there and thought about what Hermione had told
him the previous evening - about how she expected him to ask
for sex, too - he resolved to be more forward about it in the
future. Yes, he had been somewhat horny and had been
somewhat horny for the past couple of weeks, but he didn't
know Hermione felt it was his job to ask.
As he laid there, he was unconsciously rubbing his fingertips
up and down her spine. And, it wasn't until she arched her
back a little and groaned, did he realise he'd been doing that.
When she opened her eyes and looked up at him from his
chest she said, "Damn it, Harry. You've made me horny again."
"Sorry," he blurted, pulling his hand well away.
"Oh, Harry," she sighed. "I don't mind you making me horny,
especially when you can do something about that. It was just
the idea of you waking me up feeling horny."
Returning to lie her head of his chest again, she asked, "Know
what the time is?"
"Well, by the angle and brightness of the sun coming in
through the window," he replied, "I'd say it'd be about six, six
thirty?"
She gave a small grunt before she slid her leg further over him,
sliding her hips on top of his, and said, "In that case," as she
pushed her chest over and onto his, "You've got time to do
something about solving the problem for me."
Then kissed him and began to gently grind onto him.
He was happy to help.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
This time they came out of Harry's room and actually did go
down to breakfast in the Great Hall. Both Fleur and Daphne
were waiting for them in the living room. Both wore knowing
smiles.
Once they met up with the Longbottom three, while neither
Harry or Hermione noticed the expressions on the faces of the
three, Fleur and Daphne did. Neville and Hannah had similar
expressions to Harry and Hermione, while Susan was grinning
in delight.
Daphne and Fleur were sharing snickering with Susan about
the expressions on Neville's and Hannah's and Harry's and
Hermione's faces. Tracey, when she met up with them, took
one look and from then on was trying not to blush too much.
She might not know exactly what the expressions meant
without other stimuli, but she received that from the
reactions of Susan, Daphne and Fleur, making it quite clear to
her.
A little into breakfast, Daphne leaned into her best friend and
said, "Yeah, Trace. They shagged like bunnies last night. And, if
I'm to judge, this morning too."
Tracey looked back in shock and embarrassment. "Da-aph!"
she quietly whined.
Daphne just smirked back. "As you already know... because
my mother was being overly nosy at the last meeting of the
Alliance... I've done it with Harry, too.
"And it was wonderful, Trace! When you're finally ready to do
it with Blaise, if he's still the one you're considering doing it
with, come and see Fleur, first. She can get you the right
potions to make your first time... not painful and more
pleasant."
Tracey just blushed and silently nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
From then on, the 'Potter' girls knew that, if they wanted a bit
of a 'fun time' from Harry, they could go to him and ask. Harry
never turned them down and was always ready for more. And,
while they first thought their first night with him would
forevermore be the best they could expect, he never behaved
as if it would be. He constantly made it very pleasant for all
three.
It was also now apparent both Hannah and Susan had no
complaints in that department, either.
The Potter girls all found out that Hannah had quickly told
Susan what she'd learned in the 'spouses' meeting in the
Ladies Room of Green Fields about Hermione and Daphne.
And those two little minxes practically ambushed poor
Neville, not wanting to be left out.
Not that Neville ever complained, but there were times one or
the other of his girls would have to take him aside for a few
moments to explain to him it was 'ungentlemanly' to walk
around looking like he'd recently just been shagged stupid;
even if it was true. And he then tried his best to mask his true
feelings. Most of the time he succeeded. But, Harry could
always tell and grinned at the boy. Neville's resultant blush
always confirmed it for him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 478
While Harry was no longer even interested in
Quidditch, or even give the impression of being
interested in Quidditch, Hermione thought it would be
a good idea to at least show 'House unity' by going
down to the Quidditch pitch on the first weekend of
May to watch Gryffindor play their first of two matches
for the shortened season. It was against their archenemies, Slytherin.
Harry couldn't argue, as he had been feeling a bit
'hemmed in' by the walls of the castle of late. And May
had started with decently warm days, anyway. So,
down to the Quidditch pitch, they went.
Because of Daphne being with them and all the Heirs
plus Fleur wanting to sit together, they sat in one of
the Unaligned, no specific House, tribunes to watch
the match. Though he hadn't said anything to the
others, Harry was actually interested in how well he'd
picked Ginny Weasley to be a decent seeker for the
Lions. Especially, now that she rode a decent broom;
one he'd secretly organised for her.
He hadn't even taken the time to come down to the
pitch when the team trained, just in case Johnson
tried to rope him into something; such as training
Ginny. So, this would be the first time he'd actually
seen her on the broom.
The match started and it was only moments before he
realised what the strategy of the Snakes would be.
They had Malfoy constantly taunting her and
performing dangerous moves within inches of her.
However, Harry was surprised when all she did was
actively ignore him. Harry could even hear Malfoy's
taunts down in the tribunes.
After Malfoy had shouted something particularly vile,
Harry was surprised when he heard the voice of
Professor Vector call out, amplified by a Sonorus,
"Twenty points from Slytherin and a weeks detention,
Mister Malfoy, for your abusive language and
offensive words!"
That had Madam Hooch pause the game through a
time-out for a few minutes, while the two women very
publicly and angrily conferred behind a silencing
charm. Eventually, even from where he was sitting,
Harry could see Vector look satisfied as Hooch
stomped off to restart the game, clearly unhappy.
"I wonder what that was about?" asked Daphne.
"Hooch doesn't appreciate that the rules of Hogwarts
apply, even on the Quidditch pitch," replied Harry. "I
can bet that Professor Vector told her, 'Just because
you're on the Quidditch pitch doesn't mean you're
exempt from the rules'."
Within moments of the game restarting, it appeared
young Ginny had spotted the snitch, as she suddenly
dived near the middle of the field. However, Harry
knew she hadn't, as he'd already seen the snitch
himself moments earlier over near the Slytherin goal
posts.
Interested on whether she could pull it off, he watched
as Ginny went into a dive, while also corkscrewing
slightly; which had Malfoy, on his slightly faster
Nimbus 2001 to her Nimbus 2000, hare down after her.
Only a dozen feet from the ground, Ginny banked hard
with a half roll and instantly and sharply pulled up.
Malfoy, moving faster and being slightly heavier -
therefore needing a bigger arc to also pull it off -
didn't have the room to abort that Ginny did. And
ploughed into the ground at about a twenty degree
angle.
Luckily for him, the ground was no longer frozen. So,
he 'merely' dug a long furrow in the thoroughly
drenched sod and mud.
Once he finally got back to his feet, he staggered for a
few feet until one of his team-mates managed to get to
him to hold him upright. It was Goyle, one of their two
beaters and always a shadow to the blonde ferret.
However, the always immaculately presented boy was
drenched in mud, sod and water. His game robes were
a complete mess and his hair was more brown than
blonde, with a whole area on one side sticking almost
straight up and out.
He managed to remount his broom and carefully
climbed back into the sky. However, he was no longer
so keen to give young Ginny such curry.
Harry chuckled and mentally doffed his hat to the girl.
He might've carried out the Wronski Feint lower to the
ground than Ginny did, but it was still well-executed
and served its purpose. Ginny had cleared the ground
with four feet to spare.
The Gryffindors won the game by two hundred and
ten points, with a good twenty percent of their points
being off free penalty shots. And Ginny caught the
snitch for one hundred and fifty of the rest. It also
made Malfoy look like a bigger idiot when he'd
thought she was 'only' trying to fake him out again,
but was truly diving after the snitch. Therefore, he was
nowhere near the chase when the snitch was caught.
At dinner, the Headmistress stood for a short
announcement about how the rules of Hogwarts
applied even on the Quidditch pitch. And said that
'Mister Malfoy's point deduction and detention would,
therefore, stand'.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 479
A look to Malfoy could see that the boy was both quite
annoyed and sullen.
Harry was surprisingly satisfied. He'd always thought
the same and couldn't understand how the 'previous'
staff didn't also see and understand that.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Just before the start of Transfiguration the next
Wednesday, just after Harry sat down next to Justin
Finch-Fletchley, the boy said, "I'm going home next
weekend, from Friday to Sunday afternoon."
"Family business?" asked Harry.
"Yes," he replied. "I'm meeting with father,
grandfather, Lord Ogden and Madam Bones at my
parents' place, Bedford Castle. And, because me
grandfather is my effective muggle head of house,
permission has been granted for him to be let in on
the secret of the wizarding world."
"I'm happy for you, Justin," said Harry. "Give my
regards to both Lord Ogden and Madam Bones, would
you?"
"Of course," he nodded.
Apparently, the boy had left directly after the last class
on Friday and, as he said he would, returned on the
Sunday afternoon.
Surprising Harry, he received a knock on their
apartment door on Sunday afternoon. It was an auror,
who had Finch-Fletchley in tow. "Lord Potter? Are you
welcome to seeing guests?"
"Yes, thank you," he replied.
The auror stepped aside and let Finch-Fletchley past
to enter.
"Come on in, Justin," said Harry, stepping out of the
way to let the other boy in.
Of course, Finch-Fletchley instinctively looked all
about as he stepped in, before offering his greetings
to Hermione, Daphne and Fleur.
Indicating the boy to take a seat on one of the sofas,
Harry asked, "Can I get you anything to drink or nibble
upon?"
"No thanks," replied Finch-Fletchley. "I've not long
eaten."
Harry nodded and took a seat, himself. "I trust your
family business was successfully concluded?"
Finch-Fletchley gave a snort of amusement and said,
"Can we drop the highbrow speaking, Harry? I just
spent all weekend on that."
Harry grinned and said, "Yup."
Finch-Fletchley let out a sigh of relief, leaned back on
the sofa and said, "Thank you. What a weekend."
"So; how'd your meeting go?" asked Harry.
"Meetings, Harry; meet-ings," said the other boy.
"Fruitful?" asked Daphne.
"Oh, that they were," replied Finch-Fletchley. "That
meeting I had with Lord Ogden and Madam Bones was
only the very tip of the iceberg of what they wanted
me to know."
"A taster, yes," nodded Harry. "It was just designed to
get you thinking about the subject. I daresay they're
nowhere near finished, yet."
"They're not," he replied. "They've now tentatively set
up meetings between them, my father and my
grandfather for God knows how long.
"It was what they talked about this afternoon that's
got me a bit worried, though."
"Care to share?" asked Daphne. "You're under no
obligations to do so, though. And no one here will be
unhappy if you decide not to."
"No," he sighed. "I... kind of could use the advice; and
you four, plus Longbottom, Bones and Abbott; seem
to be the best source for advice for this."
Harry grinned, chuckled and said, "They raised the
subject of Betrothal Agreements, didn't they."
Finch-Fletchley gave him a slightly pained look and
quietly replied, "Yes."
"Did they say with whom?" asked Hermione.
It was Finch-Fletchley's glance at Daphne that clued
Harry in on whom they thought.
"Let me guess," he sniggered. "If I know Lord Ogden
and Madam Bones as well as I think I do... I think I can
guess who one of the lucky ladies could be. If they
suggested more than one, was one of the names
mentioned... Tracey Davis?"
That had Daphne immediately gasp in shock.
Something quite unusual for her when around others
outside of their clique.
That Finch-Fletchley only gave him a curious look told
Harry he'd guessed right before the boy replied. "How
the Hell did you know that, Potter?"
"They told you about the Potter-Longbottom Alliance,
right?" asked Harry.
Finch-Fletchley nodded.
"Well, in the Potter-Longbottom Alliance there is only
a couple of young women who are currently without
partners and who are roughly the same age as you,"
he replied. "Narrowing that down, I also dismissed
those who are the direct Heirs of existing Houses; as
they would need Line Continuation clauses in
Betrothal Agreements or Concubine Bond
Agreements, like Daphne. That's a major risk that
could end up with one House or the other ending, due
to a lack of begotten Heirs.
"That left only one name; Tracey Davis, Heiress
Secondary of the Ancient House of Davis.
"Tracey does not need to be wedded with a Line
Continuation clause or enter concubinage, because
she has an older brother, Edwin, who is the Heir
Primary to House Davis.
"Then, marrying Tracey would be a very astute
political move. The Davis family, being Ancient, would
give the new House of Finch-Fletchley a near
immediate acceptance into magical society. It also
shows that Finch-Fletchley, while a new House, is also
respectful of the traditions of wizarding Britain. Again,
that would help with acceptance.
"Further, such a union would also show you to be
firmly in the Potter-Longbottom Alliance 'camp'. And
that the Potter-Longbottom Alliance are very
welcoming of the new Noble and Magical House of
Finch-Fletchley among their ranks and on the
Wizengamot.
"It makes perfect sense they would suggest such.
Hell, if I was there, I'd probably suggest the same just
for those reasons. But I probably wouldn't have
mentioned it so soon."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 480
"He's right," said Daphne. "It does make perfect
sense."
Harry snickered and said, "Wait until they start talking
about concubines."
Finch-Fletchley gave a sigh and a pained look. "They
already have."
"Any names you care to share?" asked Daphne.
"None," the other boy firmly returned. "They just
suggested it might be an option, but not until after the
House was created. Which it will be, by the way."
Harry, still smiling, asked, "Do we celebrate or
commiserate, Justin?"
"I don't know!" he returned with almost a whine.
"Then we shall wait until you figure out which one it
should be," said Daphne.
Harry then said, "Oh. And... ladies? This is not for
discussion outside us five, unless Justin gives prior
permission, alright? This is now private Noble and
Magical House of Finch-Fletchley business."
"Of course, Harry," said Daphne, as Hermione and
Fleur nodded.
Fleur said, "Let us 'ave an early afternoon tea and
speak as friends. Dobby?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At the Alliance meeting the next Saturday afternoon,
Miles Ogden and Amelia Bones were reporting on
their discussion with the 'Finch-Fletchleys' when
Augustus MacMillan, only a few months back in the
Alliance, was grumbling about allowing in a
muggleborn.
Harry had finally had enough and said, "Augustus, I
do not believe you have thought it completely
through, yet."
"What do you mean?" he demanded.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley may be a muggleborn, though
I sincerely believe otherwise, but he is the grandson
of His Grace Henry Finch-Fletchley, the Duke of
Kendal. That means he is of noble blood. In other
words, of the Royal family of Windsor.
"That being said, it means his bloodline traces all the
way back through history to another very important
Royal family - Pendragon."
That had the old man give a start of shock, just as
others let out their own expressions of surprise.
Harry continued, "In other words, Lord Justin FinchFletchley, Viscount of Lonsdale... who we're talking
about here... is a direct descendant of the Pendragon
line; irrespective of the fact he is considered
muggleborn. Are you that set against one of that line
joining our Alliance?"
"Errr..." tried the old man, clearly at a loss for words.
"I... confess I had not considered that."
Harry nodded back and said, "Then, let us not speak
against considering the line of Finch-Fletchley joining
us, just because of Lord Finch-Fletchley's apparent
muggleborn status; please." He then softly muttered,
"Why am I the only one who'd already figured that
out?"
No one close by who'd heard had an answer for him.
However, he did notice both Ogden and Bones giving
each other 'looks'.
Their current newest member of the Alliance, JeanPaul Delacour of the Venerable House of Delacour, sat
almost opposite and smirked at him, before raising
the hand he had on the table just slightly and giving
him the almost-missed 'touché' gesture of a touch in
fencing.
Fleur was sitting behind him, as was proper. She blew
him a kiss.
MacMillan's other complaint was that the Heirs at
Hogwarts were ignoring his grandson, Ernie.
"We're not ignoring him," sighed Harry. "I, for one,
just do not want anything to do with him. While I have
accepted his apology, I have not fully forgiven him.
More specifically, I have not forgiven him sufficiently,
yet, to consider wanting him and his constant uphimself attitude he gave me for the first three years
near me.
"If he starts showing a much more pleasant
disposition towards me and the others, we'll more and
more start accepting him among us. But, you cannot
expect me to completely forgive three constant years
of dreadful behaviour in just a few, short months."
Augustus sighed and nodded, "Understood. I only ask
you consider it."
"And we shall," he returned with a slight nod. "But, it
is his behaviour that will, in effect, dictate our
response."
Augustus turned to his Heir and said, "Cyril? Make
sure your son knows that."
"Yes, father," the man murmured, clearly determined
to do just that.
Harry thought young Ernest 'Pompous Arse'
MacMillan was going to be receiving yet another long
and painful - for him, that is - lecture. Harry also didn't
miss how Augustus referred to the boy as 'your son',
rather than 'my grandson'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the Wizengamot meeting the next Tuesday -
which Harry was now getting used to attending and
where he'd brought his own book to read, yet again -
life at the castle was both settling down again as well
as starting to ramp back up for the Third Task. It was
now only five weeks away.
However, on Saturday the twenty second of May, a
'great' furore erupted when workers for the Ministry
attended the school with the intent of planting special
hedges on the grounds of the Quidditch pitch. They
claimed they were acting under orders from the
Director of the Department of Magical Games and
Sports, Ludovic Bagman, to plant a hedge maze that
covered the entire grounds of the pitch. However, they
were met by students who were training for Quidditch
and who, after figuring out what they were up to,
began hexing them to drive them back off the pitch.
That brought down Deputy Headmaster Goodstone,
who immediately asked if they'd discussed such a
radical thing with the Headmistress yet. When they
puffed up with their own self-importance about how
they were on Ministry business, the Deputy
Headmaster told them they were to immediately go
and discuss the matter with the Headmistress, or he'd
happily spend the afternoon with 'his' students having
fun burning all the hedges back out again as fast as
they were planted.
With a huff, the leader of the team of Herbologists
stormed up to the castle after first telling his people to
wait.
When he came back down fifteen minutes later he
stated there was a 'change of plans' and they'd be
planting the maze about seven hundred feet east of
where they currently were, on an area that was a plain
but very large expanse of lawn. In other words, well
away from the Quidditch pitch.
The students cat-called them right out of the stadium.
For their rudeness, the Deputy Headmaster punished
them one point each. Then promptly awarded then five
points each for defending Hogwarts property from
Ministry-sanctioned 'vandals'.
Apparently, the Deputy Headmaster and Professor of
History of Magic was a Quidditch fan.
When Harry heard about it he muttered, "I knew I
didn't like that man, for some reason."
That had those who heard him, snicker in amusement.
They all now knew how much Harry actually detested
Quidditch.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Two weeks later and on the Friday, the first Friday of
June, as they were walking out of their first class for
the day, History of Magic, they were approached by
Finch-Fletchley. He asked, "Do you mind if I come up
to your apartment after last class? I have news."
"Of course not," said Harry. "You're more than
welcome."
Then, later that day and after last class, Harry waited
out in the main corridor outside the door to the Lords'
Quarters for Justin as the girls headed directly inside.
While waiting and assured there was no one else in
sight, he asked, "If there's an auror here, can I have a
word?"
A few seconds later, one disillusioned themselves and
asked, "Lord Potter?"
"I just wanted the detail to know that I would like them
to add Justin Finch-Fletchley, Fourth Year Hufflepuff,
to those allowed directly into the Lords' Quarters,"
Harry explained. "He's now considered a close friend.
He'll be by within the next couple of minutes, so you
can see what he looks like if you don't already know."
"We know he's soon to be a Lord in his own right and
a member of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance," said the
auror, with a slight smirk. "Plus, scuttlebutt has it he'll
probably also soon have his own apartment within the
Lords' Quarters."
Harry looked back in surprise. "That last one's news
to me," he said. "That must mean moves to establish
the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley are
more advanced than I thought."