HPWW611-620
Chapter 611
Robards was quickly stepping through the ward and
onto the platform of the piste with his wand raised,
but Harry knew he'd be too late.
Harry then didn't hesitate. With the boy charging
forward as his wand was coming slashing down, he
raised his own to point back between his knees,
gripping it with both hands in the process, snapaimed down the shaft and silently point-cast right
back. Mentally, he simply thought, 'Bang!' to launch
the charm. It was his 'need-it-right-now' curse and the
one he religiously cast over and over, practice after
practice, when he wasn't accompanied, even by
Hermione - the Percutio piercing curse.
"KE-DAV―!" Nott managed to get out before Harry's
piercing curse hit slightly low of right where he'd
aimed, the middle of the boy's forehead and right
between his eyes. Almost distractedly, Harry realised
he'd not accounted for the low angle of the cast with
Nott's charge forward, so hit an inch lower than
planned.
Not having even a rudimentary shield in place, the
curse snapped Nott's head back on impact. Then, with
the head snapping back as the body continued to
move forward, the legs just stopped, acted as a drag
and the body almost catapulted forward as if tripped
to land face down on the floor. It bounced a little, just
the once, only five feet from Harry's feet; cocked
slightly onto the right side. And didn't move.
Knowing he'd killed him and knowing he'd really had
no choice, Harry let out the breath he was holding as
he lowered his wand to his side and the back of his
head back to the floor. "Oww..!" The impact of the
curse to the back was now letting its presence known
with pain.
Then, as Harry felt quite nauseous, things went black.
The last thing he'd heard as he'd passed out was
multiple female screaming and other shouts of shock,
fear and outrage.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Coming back awake, he did so sluggishly.
Harry found himself, yet again, waking up in a hospital
or infirmary bed. And yet again his loves were sitting
in chairs watching over him. However, he didn't know
that second part until after he'd unwillingly groaned.
"Harry!?" he heard Hermione cry.
"Easy, Hermione," he then heard Daphne say. "Let him
come around, first."
Blinking open his eyes and licking his lips he felt a
straw poked at his lips and quickly captured it. And
managed to take a couple of quick draws of the chilled
water before it was taken away again.
"Not too much," he heard a strange female voice say.
Finally managing to get some focus into his eyes he
could see it was a medi-witch who'd offered him the
water. And must have been the one who'd told him
'not too much'.
Looking to the other side he saw Hermione and
Daphne standing side-by-side and felt both their
hands holding that one of his own.
"How... long... was―" he managed before he was
interrupted.
"We're you out?" asked Daphne. "Almost four hours."
Hermione, still sniffling from obviously crying, said,
"Nott hit you with a dark organ liquefying curse in the
back just above your right kidney. It found a gap
between the plates of dragon hide armour. Luckily, not
directly."
Daphne added, "The Captain of the Piste, Master
Auror Robards, had immediately recognised it from
the cast as it flew through the air and the on-site
healers had to quickly put you into medical stasis.
"They had to bring you here to get the curse cancelled
before they could start repairing the damage it did.
Thankfully, they were able to stop it before the
damage became irreversible."
Harry thought about things for a long moment before
he quietly said, "I... killed him... didn't I."
"Yes," replied Daphne. "However, you are not in
trouble for it. Master Robards has already returned a
finding of self defence, both for Nott casting the organ
liquefying curse and the fact he was in the middle of
casting the Killing curse at you. Plus, just for the dark
curse in the back after the duel was concluded meant
he was bound for the Veil, anyway. You saved him the
parchmentwork and the Wizengamot the trial.
"Oh, he also said I was to tell you that he
congratulates you on the perfect shot of a piercing
curse, both for its accuracy and your speed. Then he
asked if that's your... 'Need it right now' cast."
"We didn't know so we couldn't tell him," added
Hermione.
"Tell him, thank you and yes, if you see him again
before I do," he said. His voice was coming back
again, along with his cognisance. "How long am I
likely to be laid up here; and where is 'here', anyway?"
"In reverse order," said Hermione, "'Here' is a private
room off the Spell Damage ward in Saint Mungo's; you
warrant a private room just for being One of the
Seven. And how long, we don't know yet. Your Healer
will be back any minute now."
"That's why you need to rest up for a while, Pup."
That was Sirius. Harry hadn't even realised there were
others in the room.
"Sirius?" he asked.
Then Harry heard two sets of footprints walking
across the tiled linoleum floor towards him. The
second set sounded distinctly female.
"Someone sit me up a little," he demanded.
The medi-witch, still there, quickly did just that.
Even before she had finished, Harry saw that Sirius
and Narcissa were now standing at the foot of the bed,
looking over it and towards him.
"Why'd you hang back?" he asked.
"To give your ladies the first couple of minutes with
you, cousin Harrison," said Narcissa.
"Why―?" he began before it immediately occurred to
him. At the moment, probably only family were
allowed to visit. "Ah!"
"Then thank you for the courtesy, cousin Cissy,
godfather," he returned.
When the healer turned up ten minutes later and put
Harry through a series of tests with wand scans, he
said he could leave, but only if it was directly into
Medi-wizard Robinson's care in the Hogwarts
Infirmary.
Harry hadn't even realised he was pouting about that
until the healer smirked and said, "Sorry. Pouting at
me won't work."
Both Harry's ladies told the healer they'd make sure
he'd be in the Infirmary as soon as they got back, but
made no promises about medi-wizard Robinson being
successful in keeping him in a bed.
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Chapter 612
The healer smirked again and said, "Don't worry about
it. Robinson has his ways, I assure you."
When the healer left, Harry was about to swing his
legs out of the bed to get up when Hermione firmly
said, "Don't move, Buster!"
Confused, he asked, "Then how am I going to get to
the Hogwarts Infirmary?"
She just cast one of his 'I've-figured-out-somethingyou-haven't' careful grins at him and called, "Dobby!"
Harry's expression turned pinched and he groaned in
self-chastisement as Dobby popped in. Why hadn't he
thought of that?
"Yes, Mistress Hermione?"
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Neville had returned to Hogwarts to inform the others
what had happened while the lunch break was still on
and found he hadn't had to. Apparently, it was already
broadcast over the WWN and CeeCee had a wizarding
wireless. She also wasn't the only one.
As soon as he walked in still wearing his own duelling
robes, as a good Second should, the Hall went even
more silent than it did when Harry used to walk in.
Then, when he sat, CeeCee barely even allowed him
time to grab a plate before she quietly demanded,
"How is he? Is he going to be alright?"
"CeeCee," Justin firmly said in warning.
The girl ignored him as she stared fixedly on Neville's
face, looking for a hint of expression that would tell
her one way or another.
As he began to build a lunch, he saw her expression -
and the fact she looked ready to burst into tears - and
decided to get at least that out of the way.
"He will be alright," he said, right from the start so
there was no confusion. "After Harry won... quite
resoundingly, I must say... he stood over Nott and
enacted Section 42 of the Ennoblement Act. He
stripped the House of Nott of its noble title, sending it
back to being just an Ancient House."
"We heard all that on the wireless," said Hannah.
He gave a nod and said, "He then began to walk back
up the piste and started vanishing droplets of his
blood off the floor―"
"Good idea," said Susan.
He continued to step the ladies through what else had
happened, including him giving a quick statement to
an auror as Harry's 'Second', Harry's witness just for
these sort of events. The auror was brought in from
outside the chamber and was not, therefore, herself a
witness; as was proper.
Clarifying, Tracey asked, "So, the last you saw of him
he was in medi-stasis, being attended by two healers
and was portkeyed direct to Saint Mungo's casualty
section."
"Yes," he replied.
"What of Hermione and Daphne?" she asked.
"Sirius and Narcissa, as far as I'm aware, took them to
Mungo's about two minutes later," he replied. "I
couldn't go because I had to stay back to provide my
Second's statement."
Susan said, "If he was being attended by two medihealers at the time, and they'd put him in medi-stasis
to take him to Mungo's, then I think he's going to be
alright."
Neville nodded, "Dad told me the Organ Liquefying
curse has a counter, but it's a very specific and tricky
thing - which is why the curse is considered dark.
They'll have details of it at Mungo's and their
cursebreakers will know how to deal with it, though.
It's what they do."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After Dobby was first sent to medi-wizard Robinson
with a note, he was back within two minutes.
The note informed the man Harry would be 'elfapparated' into the Hogwarts Infirmary in about five
minutes time, he was under healer's orders to be
under medi-wizard Robinson's direct care until mediwizard Robinson decided he could leave the wing.
And asked the medi-wizard to tell Dobby which bed to
put him on.
The note that Dobby brought back said, 'Understood.
Put him in the same bed as last time, but please give
me ten minutes before he arrives. Thank you. MW PR'
After reading it, as it was meant for her, Hermione
checked her watch and said, "Of course; he'll be in the
Great Hall for lunch." Offering the note to Daphne, she
explained, "He's asked for a short delay before Dobby
brings him."
Giving a gentle shrug Harry said, "That's alright. You
can tell me of what you know happened afterwards
that you know of."
"Not much, truth to tell," she sighed. "Both of us were
focussed on you."
"As were we," said Sirius. "However, I can confirm
that you're not in trouble in any capacity for killing
Nott."
"Yeah," he said. "But I just ended a Line, didn't I? I'm
going to get pilloried in the press for that."
Narcissa gave a nod and said, "Then, first thing I do
after I leave here, is go and see Edward Tonks. He will
need to know so he can provide a statement on your
behalf to the press."
Harry nodded and said, "Thank you. Make sure Ted
refers to the House of Nott only as an Ancient House.
I'd stripped the House of the noble title before he
cursed me in the back."
"I'm aware," she replied. "I'll get it done. Do not
concern yourself with it any further."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Ten minutes later, Harry was elf-popped to 'his' bed in
the Hogwarts Infirmary. He had with him a copy of his
'patient notes'. Robinson was waiting for him.
Before Harry even opened his mouth, Robinson had
plucked the patient notes out of his hand and, while
opening them, said, "Lord Potter. Back in my care, I
see."
Harry was about to snark back when Dobby popped in
with Hermione and Daphne.
After a moment to orient themselves, Hermione said,
"Sirius is coming by way of the Headmistress's floo.
He's letting her know what happened. Cissy went
directly to Ted's office."
"I'll go to the apartment to change and be there to let
the others know you're here," said Daphne, before she
turned away and walked out of the room.
They'd planned that before he was brought over.
She'd also be collecting CeeCee from her class at the
end of sixth period, if she wasn't already out.
"Organ Liquefying curse," said Robinson, reading the
notes. "Nasty."
Then he stepped back forward and cast a few charms
over Harry, checking him over. "That's all been fixed.
However, you need bed rest for at least today and
through to tomorrow to let your body adjust to the
regrown organic matter and in case there are any
complications.
"Make yourself comfortable," he smiled. "You're with
me until at least lunch time tomorrow; possibly,
longer." Then he excused himself and left them alone
to talk.
"Damn!" Harry suddenly and firmly stated. "Hermione,
you'll need to HEED a letter to Fleur to let her know
I'm alright. She must be worried."
"Already done," she replied. "We did that as soon as
we knew you were going to be alright."
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Chapter 613
"Thank you," he nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
CeeCee was the first one in to see him as she didn't
have a seventh period. She had Fawkes on her
shoulder and he was softly singing to her. He'd
obviously felt her distress.
As soon as she approached the bed, she tried to glare
at him and said, "You got hurt." It even sounded
accusatory.
"I did," he agreed. "However, even with the attack in
the back from a decidedly deadly dark curse, as you
can see I'm alright. They're used to people getting hurt
in duels, CeeCee. That's why they have at least two
Healers always attend them."
She gave a quick glance to Fawkes before she asked,
"Can Fawkes help?"
"It's fine, thank you," he smiled. "Because they had to
regrow a few things, I just have to rest up for a while.
Everything's already back where it should be."
Turning to Hermione, he asked, "Have you had
lunch?"
She frowned back and replied, "I had more important
things on my mind."
"Then how about," he began to suggest, "Since
CeeCee's now here to keep me company, you go up to
the apartment, have Dobby prepare you something to
eat to tide you over until dinner and change into
something more comfortable - and tell Daphne to do
the same."
It looked like Hermione was about to disagree until
she, as she promised she would when she heard
something and didn't like it, thought it through. Then
she gave an annoyed sigh and said, "Alright. I'll do
that."
Then she looked to CeeCee and said, "See if you keep
him out of trouble, would you?"
CeeCee grinned back and said, "I'll try."
"That's all I can ask," she wryly smirked back.
Then she leaned over and lightly kissed Harry on the
forehead before she spun away and hurried out the
door. "Back soon!" she called over her shoulder on
the way out.
When she walked out, CeeCee turned to Harry and
said, "The radio and Neville said that Nott boy cursed
you in the back with a dark curse."
She again sounded a little accusatory.
"He did," he nodded. "I did something stupid and
turned my back on him after I thought he was already
dealt with. That was stupid of me. I'm sorry I worried
you."
To get her mind off it, he asked, "How go your
classes?"
That had her eyes light up.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Less than twenty minutes after the seventh period let
out of class, the other 'student' Heirs all came into the
Infirmary. Daphne and Hermione were with them and
both had changed, as had Neville.
The first thing asked, of course, was, "Are you
alright?" It was Susan who'd managed to get the
question in first.
"Yes, of course," he replied. "CeeCee, here, tells me
you all heard what happened on the wireless; at least,
up to when I was portkeyed away under medi-stasis."
"Yes," replied Susan.
"What do you know of what happened after that?" he
asked.
"Not much," she replied. "Hermione and Daphne have
told us a bit, but..."
"Well, I'll let those two tell you what happened after
that and up to when I woke up about an hour ago," he
said. "While we wait for them to sort out which of
them will tell what, how about a couple of you
organise chairs for everyone."
Once everyone was comfortable, they chose to sit on
the 'facing' edges of the beds either side rather than
find chairs that were too low to sit on and converse
with him anyway, Hermione and Daphne glanced at
one another before Hermione began to speak.
Once the girls covered the important parts and until
Harry woke, he then aided them in telling the rest.
"So, you're here until lunch time tomorrow at the
earliest," said Susan.
"You'll need a copy of class notes for those you
missed," said Neville. "I'll organise those for the three
of you for today. I think, between us, we'll have all the
classes covered."
"Except Ancient Runes," said Daphne. "I'll organise a
copy of the notes and the details of any assignments
from a classmate in Ravenclaw, later."
"And I'll organise them for those classes tomorrow,"
Hermione smoothly added. Looking to Neville she
said, "For today we'll need Potions and DADA."
He nodded back.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Robinson tossed all Harry's 'guests' out a short while
later with orders to go to dinner and eat. Fleur had
only managed to be in the room for about ten minutes
when he did so, too.
As soon as they were out the door he organised a
special meal for Harry. It was mainly a vegetable stew
with hot crusty pre-buttered bread on the side.
"Some of those organs damaged mean we're going to
need to be careful what you eat for the next day,"
explained Robinson. "It's just a precaution, for now."
Harry quietly replied, Thank you." And picked up his
spoon in one hand and a hunk of bread in the other.
He was unsurprised to find it tasty. However, this was
more about getting nutritious food into his stomach;
because those potions that had been poured down his
throat while he was unconscious had significantly
depleted his stores of magic and body fat.
Then, after dinner, his three ladies returned. Hermione
was carrying class notes for the Ancient Runes class.
Before he even had a chance to ask, she explained,
"Su Li in Ravenclaw was more than happy to give me
a copy of the notes she took in the Ancient Runes
class. A sixth year sitting nearby then cast the
copying charm three times on the notes, so we now all
have a copy."
"I hope you thanked them both, most profusely," he
said.
"Of course," she grinned.
They spent the early part of the evening going over
the notes and making a start on tackling the
assignment. As always, Fleur helped all three of them.
However, it was still about an hour before 'first' curfew
at 9.00pm when Robinson kicked them out again.
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Chapter 614
"You cannot tell me you are not bone tired, Lord
Potter," he declared. "The depletion of that much of
your magic, together with the... vigorous... day you've
just had, tells me from experience you'll be asleep
within moments of me extinguishing the lamps."
Harry just nodded, as he knew the man was right.
When the lamps were then extinguished and
Robinson returned to his office, it might not have
been moments afterwards before Harry fell asleep; but
it was definitely within two minutes.
Mind you, he'd spent that two minutes mentally
berating himself for turning his back on Nott. He'd
meant it as an insult, but Nott had capitalised on it.
He'd not make that same mistake again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning's lead stories in the Daily Prophet
were, of course, the Honour Duel and the fallout from
it.
Harry was able to read it after a somewhat bland
omelette with a fruit juice 'chaser' on the side, drunk
to help wash down yet more potions.
Reading through it, he was pleased to see his duel
with Nott was favourably reported. It even had quotes
from both Frank and Sirius, obviously made just
before the duel, for both and an extra one from Frank
given after the duel.
Plus, it included quotes taken from what had to have
been the press release Ted had written up, which
Harry was made aware of via a HEED note from Ted
during his lonesome dinner.
The main photo was taken of the duel when it was
nearing the end, as it showed Harry in firm control,
calm and collected; while it showed Nott displaying
injuries and appeared to be almost panicking. A
second photo was of Nott scrambling to his feet as
Harry walked away from him, scooping up his wand
and casting the organ liquefying curse at his back.
However, it stopped and restarted right as Harry
crashed to the floor on his back. A note directly below
it stated that for 'reader sensitivities' they did not
show Harry casting the piercing charm back a bare
moment later, which killed the young man.
A second article then went into Harry being rushed
from the piste under medical stasis accompanied by
the two duty healers who attended such events as a
matter of policy. And that he was now recovering from
his injuries back at Hogwarts.
A third article put forward that the journalist believed
sanctioned duels, no matter the reason, involving
someone who was the last remaining member of a
recognised House should be made illegal; let alone
when both were such and let alone when they
involved noble Lines. Harry hated it, but he had to
admit to at least himself he believed the man to be
right. It made him a little grouchy for a while.
A fourth article, a definite opinion piece and stated as
such, had the journalist write they believed the DMLE
should investigate whether Harry had used the
'excuse' of an Honour Duel as a method by which to
'lawfully' commit homicide while also ending the Line
of a Noble House. Then went into details wondering
'which currently unennobled House, having shown
open support for him in the past, would be put
forward to take the now extinct Nott Seat'.
He scowled at the paper and muttered, "Bastard."
However, he knew he really couldn't do anything
about it as the piece was very clearly written as an
'opinion' piece covering the views of the journalist,
only - and he was right.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
He then received a quick visit from Daphne and
Hermione, who were just checking up on him. With
Hermione telling him Fleur passed on her love for him
and apologised for not coming and seeing him herself
before heading to work.
Harry just brushed the apology off. "She didn't need
to," he said.
Then, just before the girls left to attend class -
Transfiguration for Hermione and Charms for Daphne
- Madam Bones dropped in with her two auror
bodyguards.
"Ah! Ameeeelia, my dear!" he exclaimed in his
Dumbledore impersonation. "What brings you here,
this wonderful day?" Then pointed with his off hand
index finger at his eyes and said, "Twinkle, twinkle,
twinkle."
She'd suddenly stopped in shock in the middle of his
first sentence and, when he'd finished and grinned at
her, her lip gave that slight flicker indicating she was
amused when she was trying to be stern.
She turned to Robinson and clearly asked, "Alright.
What potion have you got him on, which is making
him act... stupid?"
Robinson grinned back and said, "Oh, this is all him. I
assure you."
"Hey-ey!" Harry mock-whined.
She turned back to him and walked closer. "Time for
serious business, Lord Potter. I only need to ask you
are couple of questions relating to Nott's death and I
can be out of your hair," she said. "Or, get you out of
mine."
With a sigh and mock pout, he said, "Alright. Cast
away."
She gave a single nod and said, "Why did you choose
to cast the Percutio spell at Nott, when he charged
you?"
"It's my 'Need-it-right-now' charm," he replied. "It's
one of the very few spells I've mastered I can both
point-cast and cast incantless. And the only one I can
cast offensively.
"I'm working on doing that with the stunner, too, but
I'm not there yet."
"Impressive," she nodded. "Simultaneous silent and
point-casting at your age is very rare. It's even a rare
skill for adults whose magic has fully-developed."
"Thank you," he said.
"Was it your intent to kill him?" she asked.
"I... really don't know," he honestly replied. "When I've
practiced snap-casting that one I aim directly for what
I'm looking at, at the time.
"I was looking him right between the eyes as he was
charging me, so..." And shrugged.
"So the cast went right where you were looking at,"
she nodded.
"Maybe, if I'd had the time to think a moment on it, I'd
have aimed for a less likely fatal target on his
anatomy. However, he'd already reached the... fourth
of the six syllables of the Killing curse and I knew I
didn't have the time to muck about.
"When I think back on it, he had just started the final
syllable when my piercer hit him. A quarter-second
slower in my reaction times and I wouldn't have been
in time."
"And that's all I need," she firmly said. "I confirm
Master Auror Robard's determination it was in self
defence and inform you no charges will be laid
against you for this matter."
"Thank you," he sighed.
Then her body posture slightly shifted, which was her
way of mentally shifting from or to her Head of the
DMLE persona.
"Alright, Harry," she more softly said. "How're you
feeling, emotionally."
He thought about it for a moment and said, "I don't
know, really. Emotions and me, we have this sort of...
détente. I try not to precipitously act on them and they
try not to drive me into situations it's best I not be in."
She gave him a gentle smirk and said, "Harry, while
you might not be feeling it now, you killed a person
yesterday. While you feel he might have richly
deserved it... and that you did it in self defence... it's
still a difficult event to overcome for the best of us.
"When this happens for one of my aurors, it's
mandatory for them to attend counselling sessions
with a mind-healer. I think that's something you
should do, too."
Harry thought about it for a long moment before he
gave a shrug and said, "If you think it best."
"I do," she immediately returned. "Thank you for not
fighting me on this."
"Meh," he muttered.
With a smile she turned a suddenly shifting to serious
expression on Robinson and said, "Organise it, would
you?"
With a grave expression of his own, he nodded and
said, "Will do. I, too, think it's a good idea."
She gave him a nod and turned back to Harry. She
firmly said, "Take these sessions seriously, Harry.
They're important."
"Yes, Ma'am," he sighed. He knew an order when he
heard one.
"Now," she said, a little more firmly and 'redonning'
her Director of the DMLE persona in the process. "I
have a murder to investigate, so I need to head into
work."
He frowned and said, "I thought Nott's death was not
ruled a murder?"
"This isn't about Nott," she said. "This is... someone
else. I can't discuss it now, though."
He gave her a careful nod and said, "Fair enough. Stay
safe."
She gave him a light smile, patted him on his shoulder
twice and silently left again, her auror shadows
silently following her out.
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Chapter 615
As pretty much promised, Robinson released Harry
just as the school bell rang signalling the end of
fourth period. That was the signal to head to the Great
Hall for lunch.
However and just as he rose from the bed, Harry
realised he had no idea where his duelling robes got
to. Without them to hand he had no other clothes to
don.
With a sigh, he called, "Dobby."
"Yes, Master Harry, Sir?" asked the elf.
"Can you organise a full set of clothes for me?" he
asked. "School uniform, please. I can't seem to find
my duelling robes."
"Dobby be right back, Master Harry," the little elf
declared, just before popping away.
A few moments later he was back with a neatly folded
and stacked pile of the requested clothing, which he
immediately put on the bed right next to Harry's hand.
"Dobby now be findings old Master Charlus's duelling
robes," he said. "Dobby be thinkings they still be
beings at Saint Mungo'ses."
"Thank you, Dobs," said Harry, reaching for the
uniform. "You're the best!"
Dobby chirped, "Thank you, Master Harry!" Then he
used elf magic to bring the wheeled screens in the
infirmary around Harry and the bed, blocking him from
sight and popped away again.
Knowing his ladies would be along very soon,
expecting him to be released now, he wanted to be
ready for them. He quickly began to dress.
He had managed to get his underwear slacks shirt and
belt on when the screen was suddenly yanked aside
and Hermione stuck her head in.
"Oh, well," she mock-sighed and smiled, while pulling
the screens further away. "He managed to get his
pants and shirt on before we got here."
Right behind her was Daphne, who rolled her eyes
behind Hermione's back and smiled.
Harry just grinned at the two of them and continued to
get dressed. He was ready in another minute, pulling
his robe over his head and settling it into place.
"Ready?" asked Hermione.
"Uh-hmm," he replied with a nod. "Where are the
others?"
They'll be waiting for us in the Great Hall.
With a witch on each arm and a heart felt thank you to
Robinson for once again looking after him, the three
left.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they walked to the Great Hall, Hermione asked,
"Any lingering effects we need to know about?"
"Hmm?" he asked. "No, I don't think so. But, Madam
Bones told me I should talk to a mind-healer about
Nott's death. She said it's something her aurors have
to do when they kill someone and I should do it too...
at least, I think that's why she thinks I should talk to
one."
That had both his ladies drag him to a quick halt. It
happened so quickly his feet nearly walked out from
under him and he had to rapidly back-pedal to regain
his balance.
He'd only just regained it when both dragged him
backwards and planted him with his back against the
wall. Both stood, side-by-side, with almost identical
expressions of hope and worry.
"Oh-kaaay..." he started. "What's going on?"
"You're willing to see a mind-healer?" Hermione
demanded.
He frowned in confusion and replied, "Yes. Why does
that sound―"
"Harry," Daphne interrupted. "If we knew you'd be
willing to speak with a mind healer―"
"We'd have asked you to do that some time ago,"
Hermione finished
Confused, he asked, "Why?"
"Because even you must recognise you have some
issues with emotion and the like, right?" she asked
right back.
He thought about it and warily replied, "Yeah... but
that's just me, right?"
"Yes," said Daphne. "However, both of us... and Fleur
too, truth to tell... think speaking with a mind-healer is
something that would help you."
"Then," he asked, still somewhat confused, "Why
didn't you say something before?"
Both girls looked to one another before Hermione
carefully said, "Because some people feel quite
insulted when someone suggests they should speak
with a mind-healer."
"Oh," he replied. "Well, I don't. Is that also a reason
that means I should speak with one?"
"It could be," she replied with a sigh. "It's these little
things like that, though we all love you very much,
which we'd like to find out why they are."
'Well, alright," he said. "If it's something you think
would help. I can do that."
Both girls lightly breathed almost matching sighs of
relief and smiled at him.
"Right," said Hermione. "With that out of the way, let's
go to lunch."
And they began walking again.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As occurred in the past, so occurred now. As Harry
walked into the Great Hall the noises seemed to
stutter a moment before significantly dropping off. It
remained that way until he sat with the others where
they were already sitting at a spot on the Hufflepuff
table.
As the noise rose again, Hannah leaned towards him
and asked, "How're you holding up, Harry?"
"I'm fine," he shrugged. "Bit hungry, though." And
proceeded to build himself a lunch.
"No lasting effects?" she asked.
"Nope," he replied. "Medi-wizard Robinson is going to
organise me a mind-healer - just in case, I suppose -
but I feel fine."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 616
Neville asked, "Besides what we've read in the
Prophet from that reporter, who kind of berated you
for ending the House of Nott, any problems?"
With a slight shake of his head, he replied, "No. I
heard that Master Robards declared it was selfdefence; and Madam Bones was in to see me a few
hours ago. She, too, said it was a clear case of selfdefence.
"I doubt, very much, I'll end up anywhere near on trial
for what happened. There was just far too many
witnesses and it was far too obvious Nott had both
cursed me in the back with a dark curse and then tried
to cast the Killing curse at me.
"I further doubt anyone is going to be stupid and push
it any further than the Prophet already has."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry was right.
Public signs it had already started arrived the next day
when the Daily Prophet turned up. The Letters to the
Editor section were 'filled' with letters from angry
witches and wizards berating the reporter for claiming
'in his opinion' that 'Lord Potter' was in the wrong for
killing Nott. Contrarily, there were also letters in which
the writer put forward they believed the reporter was
correct in stating duels where one duellist was the last
of the Line of an established House should be illegal
was also a good idea. A couple had both in the same
letter. There was only one scathing letter where the
writer stated they believed Harry had used the 'unique'
opportunity presented to him to murder Nott. As the
letter was from a wizard from a dark house, he
promptly ignored it.
He also received another small stack of documents
from Ted. Again, this lot were of property documents
relating to Harry's ongoing efforts to increase his
property portfolio. Ted had included a few of various
places from around wizarding Britain. They ranged
from a small manor to a cottage. He'd even included a
breakdown of what sort of investment they would
make with an opinion of what he felt Harry would
make a decent return upon.
Harry couldn't fault Ted's reasoning for the purchases
he suggested. Each was usually a small bungalow or
free-standing stand-alone cottage in a 'reasonably'
rural area; as Magicals preferred not to be within nonmagical townships. Each sat upon a small or large
plot of land, which would enable the erection of
wards. For the ones he'd be interested in learning
about more, he 'ticked' the top right corner of the
sheet; for those he thought he'd pass, he 'crossed' it.
However, there was also a quick note dashed off from
Ted asking if he wanted to purchase the Nott manor, if
it fell available.
Harry thought about it for all of fifteen seconds before
he gave a small smile and 'ticked' the sheet. He'd be
buying it, if possible.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
On Thursday morning, the murder Bones was
'secretly' investigating publicly broke in the media. As
Harry had thought might happen, Fawley had been
killed.
~ # ~
LORD FAWLEY MURDERED
During the tragic duel between Lords Harrison Potter
and Theodore Nott last Monday at noon, where notyet-inducted young Lord Nott tragically lost his life,
yet another of our Wizengamot Members lost their life,
writes Tangwystl Goshawk for your faithful Daily
Prophet.
News coming to light from within the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement was advising me, your
hardworking reporter, that Lord Hamish Fawley was
murdered by assailants unknown during the time of
the duel that claimed the life of young Lord Nott. Are
the two linked? This reporter believes the possibility
exists.
[...]
Lord Hamish Fawley was the only surviving son of
Lord Hector Fawley, one time Minister of Magic
between 1925 and 1939 and widower of Chastity
Fawley née Parkinson, who predeceased him. He and
his wife had no surviving Heirs.
What does this mean for the Seat of Fawley upon the
Wizengamot? pg. 3.
In related news, what of the Seat of Nott? pg. 3.
~ # ~
After reading the article, Harry handed the newspaper
off to Hermione and sat back a bit in thought.
'This will definitely allow the Alliance to push House
Hilliard through for elevation now,' he thought. 'But,
truly, who else?'
He hadn't been kidding when he'd suggested
Lovegood. They were now one of the very few Ancient
Houses left not already elevated.
In his mind he began to list his arguments for having
the House of Lovegood elevated. He decided he would
only back down if another non-dark Ancient House
was better promoted.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As breakfast wound up, Harry received a HEED note
from medi-wizard Robinson to drop into the infirmary
before he headed for class. However, as Thursday was
a 'late' start, he knew he could take his time.
'No,' he thought. 'He does not necessarily know I have
no class for first period. So, I'd best go now.'
As the Heirs rose, he rose with them.
Hermione frowned a little in confusion and said,
"Don't you have free period this period?"
"I do," he nodded. "However, Medi-wizard Robinson's
asked me to stop by before classes."
Understanding, she nodded and said, "In that case,
mind if I come with?"
"Nope," he returned.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 617
Walking into the infirmary, Harry and Hermione only
had to wait a moment before Robinson walked out of
his office.
Though Harry wasn't, Hermione was a little puzzled
about that. A moment later she wheeled and cast a
detection charm at the double doors of the infirmary
and then said, "Ah! An alert charm."
Robinson smirked and replied, "Of course. I need to
know for when an emergency comes running in and
I'm not on the ward."
Hermione gave an understanding nod back before
Robinson turned to Harry.
"Lord Potter," he said, "I wanted to confirm with you
suitable times for when the... specialist... Madam
Bones asked me to arrange could speak with you."
"Oh!" said Harry. "Any time, I guess. But, if it helps, I
have free periods first and fourth on Wednesdays,
first on Thursdays and first through third on Fridays."
"That, I knew," nodded Robinson. "Besides the free
periods, are you closed to speaking with them outside
of class times?"
"Ummm..." he muttered. "No, not really. Except for,
maybe, Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. I often have
matters relating to my Lordships I have to deal with
then."
"Understood," said Robinson. "In that case, your first
appointment is for first period tomorrow morning.
However, it's just an... introductory... session, so you
and the specialist can discuss arrangements."
"Oh, you mean for the mind-healer?" asked Hermione.
"Thank you for organising that, by the way."
Robinson seemed surprised Hermione knew who he
was referring to.
"It's alright, Mister Robinson," said Harry, now
understanding the hesitation Robinson displayed. "All
my ladies... and even my friends... know I'll be
speaking with a mind healer. I don't mind them
knowing."
A little relieved, Robinson said, "In that case, your
mind-healer is someone I know and personally trust;
Healer Iolanthe Bincutty. As I said, she'll be by to
speak with you at the start of first period tomorrow.
She's set aside an hour for your first session."
Thanking the man, the two then headed back to the
apartment. Harry was surprised Hermione made no
further mention of it.
He found out later, though, that she had informed the
other two during the day - Daphne, at morning tea;
and Fleur, once she returned from work.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At morning tea, Harry also received a mirror call from
Sirius informing him the Alliance was going to
informally meet to discuss two more candidates for
elevation and asked Harry for his views.
"Hilliard, of course," he immediately replied. "And I'll
still put forward the House of Lovegood as the other
one, but secondary to Hilliard. You've all already
convinced me Hilliard should be before Lovegood."
"I'll let them know," said Sirius. "However, I'll reiterate
this is only in case a second emergency session is
called before the one on the twenty first."
"Understood," he nodded.
With a slight hesitation, Sirius then asked, "Any word
on when you see your mind-healer?"
"Tomorrow morning will be my first session," he
replied. "Her name's Iolanthe Bincutty. I know it's not
the name of a recognised House, but medi-wizard
Robinson said he knows her and trusts her. I have no
reason to doubt him."
"Iolanthe Bincutty, you said?" asked Sirius.
Harry nodded.
"Do you mind if I look into her?" asked his godfather.
"Not at all," Harry shrugged. "I can see no harm in
that."
Clearly a little relieved, Sirius said, "Thank you. I just
want to check for myself."
Again Harry gave a half-shrug and said, "That's
alright."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The next morning Harry was right on time for his first
session with Bincutty.
Sirius had contacted him the previous evening to tell
him he found nothing negative about the witch and
even told him the woman was both highly qualified
and well-respected.
Harry didn't doubt it, but investigating the woman
made his godfather happy and he saw no harm in him
doing so.
The hour was spent with her laying out an overview of
what her 'plans' were for his treatment, her then giving
him a mind-healer's confidentiality oath and him
giving an overview of his life until then.
That took up the entire hour and he still wasn't done
when the hour was up.
She then offered to remain for a further hour to finish
it all up, which he readily accepted.
By the time she left just before the bell to end second
period, he had covered everything up to that day, with
her asking pointed questions to how he was initially
feeling about having to kill Nott.
She took copious notes.
The next session was scheduled for the following
Monday directly after class, then fourth period
Wednesday and again on first period Friday.
"A nice balance," she explained. "And I think we might
be 'at' this for a while."
Again, he had no problem with it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
When he walked into the Great Hall for morning tea,
he was very surprised none of his friends or either of
his two ladies asked him how it went; though he was
not surprised to see Hermione was 'dying' to know.
When he mentioned it, she replied, "It's not for us to
know, Harry. And especially not for us to know in such
a public setting as the Great Hall of Hogwarts. You can
tell us what you want to tell us in private and later."
Surprised at her sensibility, he only nodded back.
Giving himself a shake he asked about that morning's
classes. Both she and Daphne smiled back and told
him.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After leaving his lovelies and friends to continue to
their next class, Harry quickly returned to the
apartment and used the time to go through his bank
statements received the previous Monday. And was
soon lost in the figures.
He was pleased to see there were still steady returns
on his various investments, with little outgoings due
to little purchasing occurring. However, he also knew
there would be a significant drop once the various
properties he'd lined up reached 'hand-over' stage.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 618
He'd only managed to barely complete reviewing his
finances when Dobby informed him there was only a
few minutes to go before the school bell signalling the
end to third period was run. He quickly checked his
satchel, noticed Dobby had already exchanged his
books for Ancient Runes, DADA and Transfiguration,
thank the elf and began to make his way to the
Arithmancy classroom - Hermione and Daphne.
Now that he no longer class-studied Muggle Studies
he tried to always pick the two of them up from their
Arithmancy class on Fridays and escort them to
Ancient Runes, held only a corridor away.
If nothing else, he always received a kiss from each
for his 'thoughtfulness'.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a quiet weekend the Monday started a 'winddown' week for the Heirs. This was the week they
received their Christmas break assignments. Harry
already knew they were never difficult, as they were
always assignments based on, due to the
muggleborns, information they could find in their
purchased-for-school texts.
Plans also arose for the Heirs to not wait back for the
trip on the Express on the coming Sunday. Instead,
they'd go to the 'scheduled' meeting of the Alliance on
the Saturday and head directly home from there.
Headmistress Lady Marchbanks could see no point in
them returning to the school late on the Saturday
afternoon just to ride the Express back to London
immediately after breakfast the next morning.
To Harry, it was for him yet another example of why
Lady Griselda Marchbanks was not a daft moron.
At his Monday afternoon session with mind-healer
Bincutty, almost the entire session was of her asking
Harry questions based on the information he provided
to her of his personal history. Quite a few of which
made him quite uncomfortable.
For example, she asked, "Why did you truly not want
the Dursleys punished by the Wizengamot?
Irrespective of what they did to you was because of
compulsions, there still had to be something there for
the Dursleys to act as they did and, based on your
understanding of compulsions you demonstrated
during your First Task in the 'Tri-Wiz', I know you had
to have known that."
Harry sighed and asked, "What I say to you stays
between us, right?"
"Yes," she immediately nodded. "You know that."
He thought about how to answer for a bit before he
gave an almost imperceptible shrug and replied, "I
want to deal with them, myself, once I complete
Hogwarts."
"Revenge?" she immediately pressed, which showed
Harry she'd already deduced that, or something
similar.
"No," he returned. "That's one of the reasons I intend
to hold off until I finish Hogwarts; I want the distance
of time before I act. No, I will punish them in a manner
which is... comparable to the crimes they committed
against me.
"The Wizengamot would have just fed them to
Dementors. Because of the compulsions I don't think
what they did was worthy of what could only be seen
as a slow execution. No; I'm still trying to reason out
what their punishments should be, but I have no
intention of executing them. I'm letting time cool any
knee-jerk reaction I may have; to look at it 'clinically',
you know?"
She nodded back and said, "Don't forget; while you're
One of the Seven that does not excuse you from the
law regarding muggle baiting."
"I'm aware, thank you," he wryly replied.
With a nod of acknowledgement, she changed the
subject. "I need to talk to you about how to handle
your appointments over the Christmas break."
"Yeah," he said. "I was wondering about that, too."
After a short discussion of it, together with her
learning Harry's planned 'schedule' for the break, they
came to an agreement. They'd have the next two
sessions, as scheduled, at school. All next week,
while they were staying at the Green Fields, they'd be
held at the Kennel. The following week, with Harry
spending most of it in France, would be no sessions.
And the third week it would be back at the Kennel
again before returning to school and recommencing
the sessions at school on Monday, the tenth of
January. Then they'd see from there.
"If necessary, we'll even drop the one on Christmas
Eve," said Bincutty. "It will depend on what subject
matter we're approaching at that time. If it's, as you'd
say, heavy... we'll cancel the session and wait until the
third of January.
Harry just gave a half shrug and nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Another bit of surprising news was via a mirror call
from Sirius.
He explained, "Through the fine and excellent
diplomacy skills of both myself and Frank
Longbottom―"
"Yeeeees?" urged Harry.
"Both Houses of Diggory and Spinnet have decided to
join the Alliance," continued Sirius.
Harry sat up straighter in surprise. "Both?" he asked.
"Both," Sirius grinned.
"I'm... surprised," said Harry. "I know it's what we
hoped, but I didn't think it would happen."
"Why not?" asked his godfather.
"Because it's not as if we formally asked Amos
Diggory or Caden Spinnet if they'd mind if we put their
Houses forward for elevation," he replied. "I know the
likelihood was slim they wouldn't, but we didn't even
give them the chance to turn it down."
"You don't ask for elevation for your own House,
Pup," said Sirius. "And, by the same cast, you don't
get asked. It's not the done thing... things."
"I didn't know that," he sighed. "It wasn't in any of the
books I read."
"It's an unwritten rule," said Sirius.
"Right," he nodded. "So. I know Amos and Cedric
Diggory; and I know Alicia Spinnet. Who are the
relevant people in both Houses I need to know?"
Sirius gave a nod and explained, "In House Diggory
you have Amos Diggory... now soon-to-be-inducted
Lord Amos Diggory... his wife, Florentina... who
prefers to be called Tina... and their recently of-age
son, Cedric. Rumour has it Cedric and a girl by the
name of Cho Chang of the Chinese Distinguished and
Revered House of Chang will soon be betrothed."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 619
Harry gave a nod. He thought that might be on the
cards, but did not know Chang was of the Chinese
equivalent of a Noble and Ancient House, a
Distinguished and Revered House. The only difference
was that a Revered House, of what he'd read, was
even older than a Most Ancient House; and a
Distinguished House was on par with a Noble House.
Harry gave a little whistle of surprise.
Sirius gave a nod, a grin and said, "Amos is pretty laid
back on one hand, but quite enthusiastic on the other.
And he tends to pretty quickly jump between those
two opposites. His wife seems constantly bemused by
him. So does Cedric, truth to tell."
Changing to the next, he continued, "In House Spinnet
you have Lord Caden Spinnet; his wife, Rosaline; his
son and Heir, Rueben; and the daughter you know,
Alicia.
"Caden's a real character. I just wish he'd have been
of the same age as us. He'd have made a fine
Marauder. Comparatively, though, Rueben comes
across as a bit uptight. He's not, though; it's an act."
Harry absorbed the information and nodded. "Just so
long as no one casts on the bright idea of trying to yet
again betroth or concubine me, this time to Alicia, I've
no problems with them joining."
Sirius gave a snort of amusement. "I'll make sure no
one tries."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Friday their actual last day at the school, the
Heirs made sure they were all packed and ready
before gathering in the Potter apartment for lastminute decisions, if needed. They, of course, waited
until Fleur returned from work.
Because their break was only for three weeks and the
Potters would only be staying for the longest period of
seven nights in one place, many things were not
packed. That included the mini-library in the
apartment office and the food in the pantry.
Also left out was a change of 'upmarket casual' for the
next day's departure from the school to the December
meeting of the Alliance. For the Potters, that night
would be at the Greengrasses'. Dobby and Betsy
would take their trunks directly and co-ordinate with
the Greengrass elves on which rooms would be theirs
in Green Fields.
Neville had entered ahead of his ladies, flopped onto
the three-seater couch and sighed in relief. "I am so
looking forward to this break."
Harry grinned at him. "A bit of OWL year stress, Nev?"
"Yup," the other boy immediately and emphatically
returned.
"Sorry, but it'll be even worse once we get back."
Neville turned a filthy look on him, which just had
Harry grin wider.
"We have the Yule break of three weeks to wind
down," said Daphne. "Then we go hard at it until the
April break. Then only a couple of months until our
OWLs. As have everyone before us, we shall get
through this."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The 'Yule' meeting of the Alliance was multi-purpose.
It was an actual meeting, a meeting where the past
year's victories and losses were discussed and a bit
of a party afterwards with a semi-formal dinner.
Held at the Davis Estate, Heathcliff chaired it. It didn't
take long for business to turn towards what happened
at Nott Manor, plus it's aftermath. Of course, Amelia
controlled most of the discussion.
"So," she sighed after going through the still-sensitive
forensics from the 'event'; "It was young Ronald
Weasley who was brewing the potions that ultimately
led to the death of everyone in the manor.
"Interviews based on the investigations had him
leaving the manor soon after 7.00pm that evening
while under the effects of Polyjuice, taking the Knight
Bus to the Leaky Cauldron, moving through to
Knockturn Alley and into an apothecary there and
buying illicit and illegal potions ingredients. That
apothecary has now been charged with the sale of
that.
"He's then returned to the manor via the same
manner, entering the manor through a casement
window in the basement storeroom - which is when
the family clock at the The Burrow switched Mister
Weasley's clock hand to Mortal Peril - and he's gone
through to the potions lab. He's managed to turn off
the burners and, apparently, tried to then flee.
However, he only made it a few feet before he passed
out and, a few minutes later, died."
Miles asked, "When will that information be released,
Amelia?"
"I'd rather not at all," she returned. "It was, as all the
evidence confirms, an accident. It was not murder,
therefore I do not have the name of a criminal to give
to everyone."
"No, but the Wizengamot is going to demand to know
what happened more than just the answer of, 'It was
an accident'," said Miles.
"Give them a Dumbledore answer," said Harry. "Tell a
misleading truth."
When almost all these looked at him in confusion, he
explained, "Look. The evidence you have that it was
Ron Weasley who was the one brewing the potions,
while logical, is still circumstantial. He could have
been sent by Nott to go and buy the ingredients on his
behalf and was dropping those off in the potions lab
at that time.
-----