Chapter Thirty Seven - Visiting Peers

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

Chapter Thirty Seven - Visiting Peers

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―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

A few seconds after 9.00am, Harry shot out of the floo into the Bones Manor welcoming hall... and crashed into a side table.

"Ow!" he exclaimed, once he came to a stop.

Before he could do more than roll back onto his back he heard Sue Bones lightly laughing at his misfortune. She was standing just behind the first auror - the one who stepped through the floo ahead of Harry.

That's when Neville, followed by Hermione, followed by the second auror, all stepped out of the floo in quick succession.

As Harry gingerly climbed back to his feet, Neville was grinning at him. "I think I should step through first next time, Harry. Just so I can clear a path for you for when you... arrive."

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled, massaging the shoulder he'd collided the side table with.

Still snickering, Sue said, "That was hilarious!"

Harry just grumbled and said, "I just don't understand it. How is it that doesn't happen to anyone else?"

Harry then heard, "There's a trick to it, Lord Potter. You need to be taught."

When he spun to the voice it was to see Amelia Bones standing behind a couch.

"Sorry, Madam Bones," he said. "I did not see you there when I..."

She smirked and asked, "Landed?"

When he gave a sheepish nod back she said, "That was intentional. I always use disillusionment when expecting guests. I'd only just dispelled it before I spoke."

Finally shaking the embarrassment of his arrival off, Harry cleared his throat a little and turned to Susan. "Miss Bones, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to visit with you, today."

She just laughed again and said, "You don't need to be so formal, Harry."

""Ummm..." he muttered. "First meeting―"

"That was at Hogwarts, Harry," she interrupted him. "Remember? You yelled at us all for failing to keep to the intent of the Alliance Charter."

"Ah!" he said, blushing a little. "Yeah... sorry about that."

"Don't be," she replied. "You were right. We did all deserve a kick in the bum and you were the one to give it to us."

"Well," he said, "I hope the others are as forgiving as you."

"They are," she smiled. "We've been talking, since that day. We all recognise you were in the right. And we all recognise you could have come down a lot harder on us all.

"I know that Hannah, Daphne and Tracey have all spoken to their parents about it. And, between us, we know that their parents are quite relieved you didn't ask for more than you did."

Neville cut in and said, "She's telling the truth, Harry. I was involved in some of those discussions."

As Harry nodded, Amelia cut in, "Now that you three have safely arrived, I need to head into the office."

Then she turned to Harry and, with a slight scowl, said, "I'm still dealing with the problems relating to having to rebuild the Floo Network Authority. I ended up having to arrest, charge and-or fire almost everyone who worked there."

Harry didn't bother to reply. He knew that whatever he said, wouldn't make a difference.

She kissed Susan on the crown of her head and exited via the floo direct to her office in the DMLE.

After she was gone, Harry perked up and said, "Now, where are my manners? Susan..." Indicating Hermione he said, "I know you and Hermione already know each other. But, this is Lady Presumptive Hermione Granger magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and betrothed of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."

Susan gave a short excited squeal and jumped forward to hug Hermione. "Congratulations!" she exclaimed.

Hermione blushed and said, "Well, it came as a bit of surprise to me." As Susan backed off again she frowned at Harry and continued, "It was arranged between Harry, Sirius and my father before I even knew what was going on."

Susan shrugged and said, "That's normal."

The way she said it had Hermione speechless.

"It's normal?" she squeaked, partly in shock and partly in outrage.

"Yes, Hermione; normal," the other witch calmly replied. "At least, it's normal for the wizarding world."

"But... that's... that's―" stuttered Hermione.

"Normal," Susan firmly cut her off. "I understand it's not normal in the muggle world. But, this is not the muggle world, is it?"

Hermione didn't know what to say, so just stood there.

Into the sudden silence, Harry said, "I've also told Hermione about Line Continuation clauses and Concubine Bond Agreements and Contracts. She's been having even more trouble with those two."

After a quick glance at Neville, Susan turned her attention to Harry and said, "Yeah; I can understand that."

Harry had noticed the quick glance to the other boy and determined from it he was right. Bones had her sights on Neville for a Line Continuation or Concubine Bond Agreement/Contract, or both.

As she guided the other three to sit on couches and armchairs, Susan looked to Hermione and asked, "Did Harry explain why such exists?"

As Hermione gave a pretty accurate rendition of what Harry had told her, Susan had called for a house elf to serve them a light morning tea.

"So," said Hermione, winding down. "I know that besides your aunt, you're the last of the Boneses, does this mean you'll have to enter into one of these sorts of conditions or agreements?"

Harry winced, as did Neville, and gestured to Hermione not to ask; but Susan both heard the question and saw Harry trying to get his betrothed to back off. Hermione clearly did not understand why.

"First, Hermione," Susan finally began to explain, "You should know that the question you just asked is considered quite rude in the magical world."

That startled Hermione and she immediately blushed. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't―"

She stopped as soon as Susan raised a hand to stop her.

"You've asked and you now know," she calmly said. "However, to answer your question, yes. I'm well aware of the need to continue the line of Bones. Auntie made sure I've known I'd need at least one of those since I was a little girl.

"But, please don't ask which of those is the likely choice, as that would be even more personal, alright?"

Still blushing, Hermione could only nod while looking down in embarrassment. "Again, sorry. I just find it all so interesting."

After finishing their cups of tea, Susan led them on a tour of the manor and the grounds, pointing out things of interest. Harry was surprised to discover Amelia had a rather large collection of antique auror and police paraphernalia and was quite proud of it.

"It's one of Auntie's passions," explained Susan.

When the time was getting close the three were starting to make ready to go when Harry said, "Thank you for allowing us to visit, Susan. And for allowing me the opportunity to introduce Lady Presumptive Hermione. It is much appreciated. We shall show ourselves out, yes?"

Susan smiled and said, "Actually, I'm coming with you. Hannah and I will be spending lunch and the afternoon together, once you've gone."

Harry gave a firm nod and said, "I've noticed the two of you are friends."

"Yes," she replied. "Because of Auntie's work Hannah's Mum, Pauline, was my babysitter right up until I started Hogwarts. I've come to see their home as a second home."

A quick Tempus later and Harry announced, "Seconds to go until ten thirty. Who's going first?"

Susan promptly replied, "Auror, me, Neville, Harry, Hermione, auror."

Harry didn't have a problem with it, but frowned when Neville said, "Give us about fifteen seconds, at least, before you step through, Harry." And grinned in amusement.

Harry gave a huff, folded his arms and rolled his eyes.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Waiting the fifteen seconds after Neville stepped through to the home of the Abbotts, Harry calmly tossed in the floo powder, called, "Abbott's Ford," waited until the connection was made and declared, "Hufflepuffs rule!" Then stepped in.

This time he managed not to be flipped onto his back as he exited the floo, but skidded across the polished wooden floors on his knees and toes. However, that was more to do with twisting against the spin to counter it than anything else.

As he popped to his feet he grinned and said, "Getting better!"

Looking around he was just in time to see Hermione quite agilely step with an almost hop out of the floo as if she'd been doing it for her whole life. Susan and Hannah were hugging one another while Neville was moving furniture back into place he had obviously moved to make way for Harry's 'entrance'.

Susan gestured for Harry to join her, who did.

"Harry," she said, "This lady is Missus Pauline Abbott of the Ancient House of Abbott."

Though he knew the woman to be a halfblood and that she did not expect the respect, as she offered her hand for a handshake with a slight but wistful smile on her face, Harry took it, turned it over to be face down, raised it to his lips as he bent forward and lightly placed the gentlest of kisses to the back of her knuckles.

As he released her hand and straightened up she brought her hand to her chest while she deeply blushed, while looking back at him in surprised shock.

He calmly smiled and, while looking into her eyes, said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Missus Abbott."

"I..." she softly began. "Th-thank you." Harry could hear the deep gratitude in her voice.

As Harry stepped away a little to his right, Susan introduced Neville; who stepped forward and performed the same greeting.

As the woman was recovering from that, Harry turned to his left and gestured to Hermione. He said, "I am pleased to introduce to you, Missus Abbott, Lady Presumptive Hermione Granger, magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and betrothed of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter; myself."

Again shocked, she turned to Hermione and offered her hand to her. Hermione stepped forward and almost casually shook it. "Thank you for allowing us to visit with Hannah in your home, Missus Abbott."

"Ummm..." said the woman. "You're welcome."

Harry, then Neville, had clearly thrown the woman for a loop.

Though Susan had then headed direct to Hannah and begun to whisper in the girl's ear as Harry and Neville introduced themselves to her mother, Hannah finally stepped forward. Whatever the two girls spoke about had both of them slightly blushing.

Softly smiling at the girl, Harry greeted her, "Hello Hannah."

"Hello Harry," she grinned. Then she turned to Neville and Harry could see the blush develop a bit more. She quietly said, "Neville."

That Neville was also blushing a little was not, when Harry surreptitiously eyed her, lost on the older woman who'd watched the whole thing. The slight cocking of an eyebrow, even when trying to get her own blush under control, was obvious when he closely watched her for her reaction.

'Yup,' he thought with glee. 'She's figured it out.'

Now he just had to talk to Frank about it and hope he'd speak with Alice. That was one talk he did not want to have with his godmother.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

While Harry, Hermione and Susan were visiting Hannah and her mother - her father, Eugene, was at work - Andi was meeting with Remus at St Mungo's. She called him in only half an hour earlier through the same method Harry used, 'house elf express' mail.

At that time, Remus was in a private room off one of the wards. He had no idea Sirius was paying for the room and treatment, though greatly reduced in pricing, and likely never would.

Andi was standing holding a large vial while Remus had removed his shoes and was lying down on the single bed in the room.

He asked, "How long will this take, Healer Tonks?"

"I've little idea," she immediately replied. "However, a similar neutralising potion was given to two others and it took just over two hours for them to come around again. Your lycanthropy may shorten or lengthen that time; we don't know."

Once he appeared comfortable, Andi stepped forward and offered the vial. "All at once, Mister Lupin."

Remus accepted it, looked to her to see if he could detect any hint of dishonesty on her face and immediately felt ashamed with himself for thinking such. The woman had, after all, put considerable effort into helping him.

With a snort of self-amusement he 'toasted' her with the vial and declared, "Cheers!" And downed it one big gulp.

While Andi looked back at him in amusement, she accepted the offered empty vial back and watched as he laid back. A few moments later he was asleep.

As soon as he was asleep, she brought out a dicta-quill and parchment, set them up and began running diagnostic tests over him.

While monitoring she began to speak for the purpose of the written record. "Patient Remus John Lupin, known as Patient X11, has now taken experimental potion xp2385. As expected he was asleep in moments. Monitoring charms show he immediately fell into REM state. Heartbeat steady at 65 beats per minute. Breathing deep and regular.

"Potion now dispersing throughout the body but, as expected, focussing mainly on the brain; specifically the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex. Potion is also moving into the fatty tissues of the body as expected for attacking an alchemical-based compound. And now also moving into the prefrontal cortex..."

Andi stayed with Remus and kept a close eye on her monitoring charms. Counter-acting the effects of alchemical-based potions, mainly because of the dearth of qualified Alchemists these days, was an area of expertise she was quite happy to study. She knew there would be articles for her to write in the future for both potions and healing journals. She was not a Slytherin for nothing.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After visiting longer than expected with Hannah and the Abbotts, with Neville and Hannah choosing to spend a lot of their time close to one another, as pre-warned Susan decided to stay and have lunch with the Abbotts while the other three visiting teens, together with the escorting aurors, returned to the Granger residence.

As they were walking from the Doghouse back up the backyard to the house, Hermione said to Neville, "If you wanted to stay with Hannah and Susan at the Abbotts, we wouldn't have minded, Neville."

Though grateful, Neville shook his head and replied, "No, Dad has me tasked with ensuring the adults of the Alliance are informed he will be calling a proper meeting of the allied Houses soon after Christmas. As Heir, it's my duty to ensure I do that."

Just before they stepped inside, Harry allowed Hermione to precede them as he corralled Neville for a moment.

As the blonde-haired boy looked at him with a calm but quizzical expression, Harry got right to the point. "How long have you been head over heels for Hannah?"

Neville gaped back in shock for a moment before he blushed and stammered, "Ummm... Errr―"

"It's alright, Neville," Harry was quick to assure his friend. "I don't think anyone else but me and Missus Abbott know that yet."

This time the boy's blush turned into a blanche. "Sh-she... knows?"

"I was watching her face, today," he replied with a soft smile. "I could tell the moment she figured it out."

Neville seemed to shrink on himself for a moment and nodded.

Harry grinned even more, though. "Neville, you should also know that Missus Abbott only figured it out by seeing the reaction in Hannah; not you. For your information, Heir Longbottom, Miss Hannah Abbott's feelings for you are pretty much the same as yours are for her."

Again, Neville stared back in shock.

Harry chuckled and said, "Don't be so surprised, Neville. Hannah's smitten with you. And I think it's something you need to come clean about with your parents."

This time Neville looked worried, but he still hadn't said anything either way.

Again chuckling, Harry said, "They're not going to tell you off for it. Hannah's a good catch! That she's also the daughter of an allied House is going to go a long way towards them being fully supportive of you and her developing a relationship.

"Now; suck it up, Gryffindor! Let's go in and have lunch. We're expected at the Greengrasses' at 1.00pm."

Though Neville at first was worried, Harry reminding him of his Gryffindor roots had the boy 'man up' and nod his head back.

Harry then led the two of them inside for lunch.

However, when he tried to head to the kitchen to cook, Dobby popped in and said, "Too late, Master Harry, Sir."

"Damn it!"

Hermione laughed.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After waking from the neutralising potion given to him by Andi, Remus was 'spitting chips'.

It was only after he'd finally wound down from cursing and swearing at what Dumbledore had done to him - which took a good ten minutes - that Sirius finally entered the room to check on his friend.

Remus immediately snarled at him, "What are we going to do to that goat raping, white whiskered, arse licking, excuse for a manipulative old prick?"

Sirius grinned and said, "Welcome back, Moony."

"Yeah, yeah," Remus grumbled. "Now, answer the bloody question!"

Sirius smirked and asked right back, "What makes you think it's not already being done?"

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Stepping out after Neville in the Greengrass manor welcoming room, this time Harry only slid about ten feet on his knees off at an angle as he exited the floo.

"Ha!" he declared, jumping to his feet. "I think I'm starting to get used to this flooing malarkey!"

That had the others in the room all laughing as he grinned at them.

As Hermione stepped out she immediately asked, "What did he break?"

That set them all off again.

Neville did the introductions this time. He was first, as was proper, introduced to Lord Samuel Greengrass. Then to Lady Adeline, his wife.

Harry stepped forward and shook Lord Greengrass's hand before bending over and kissing the knuckles of Adeline's hand.

Though it was unusual, he then introduced them both to Hermione as his Lady Presumptive. Then he moved on to kiss the back of the knuckles of both Daphne and Astoria, her younger sister and only sibling.

"Lady Presumptive," said Daphne. "We read about the Betrothal Agreement."

"Yes," replied Harry. "It's so she will be protected. It also has specific clauses which will allow either of us to easily cancel it if either of us wish to do so."

"Clever," said Samuel.

Adeline looked to Hermione and asked, "I take it, it was explained to you what it means for your standing in our world?"

Hermione, though she blushed a little, firmly looked back and nodded. "Yes; for all intents and purposes I'm now recognised as having the standing of a Lady of a Noble and Most Ancient House."

Harry quickly added, "But, she doesn't need the Betrothal Agreement to accomplish that. Hermione's also the magical ward of Lord Sirius Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black."

Samuel gave a low whistle. "That's quite a jump."

Hermione obviously thought it was a slight on her being a muggleborn; because she frowned and almost, but not quite, snapped back, "It's for my protection."

Samuel, realising how his words were taken, didn't take umbrage. Instead, he was quick to apologise. "My apologies, Miss Granger. I did not mean for my words to be taken as they were. It was merely a comment on the unusual situation."

Harry was quick to say, "The same thing happened a decade and a half ago, Sir, when my mother was brought into the Potter family through a similar Betrothal Agreement."

"I did not know that, Lord Potter," said a clearly surprised Samuel Greengrass. "I knew, of course, of the marriage of your mother to your father - after all, I was at their handfasting - but, I did not know a Betrothal Agreement existed between the two."

Harry gave a slight nod and said, "Discovering and reading their Betrothal Agreement slash Contract was what aided me in the decision to agree to a similar arrangement with Hermione."

Hermione was frowning in confusion. "I'm sorry, I don't understand. If the House of Greengrass is one of the founding Houses of the alliance, how is it you didn't know of the contract between Harry's parents?"

Before Harry even had a chance to think of an answer, Samuel smiled and replied, "Just because our Houses are in alliance, does not mean we are privy to internal House matters of any other House... or Houses."

Harry added, "That's what I was telling you about before, Hermione, when I mention that... now that Frank Longbottom is back as Head of House for Longbottom... it is not for us to know what he chooses to do about Dowager Lady Augusta. It's an internal matter."

The sudden understanding was clear to see on Hermione's face when she nodded and softly said, "Ah."

Then she thought and asked, "But, wouldn't our betrothal also be an internal matter?"

"Good question," he smiled. "It is. However, that just means it was my place to choose whether or not to inform the other Houses of the alliance. I decided it was in all our interests to do so. The Daily Prophet were being quite rude when they jumped the dueller's flag and published it."

Samuel piped in and asked, "And, just why did you decide that?"

"Because Daphne and Astoria, especially, needed to know that for when we return to Hogwarts - if we return to Hogwarts," he replied. "I'm hoping they can use their Slytherin skills and contacts to ensure their own House, at least, is made aware of the betrothal as soon as possible on our return.

"If you return to Hogwarts?" asked Samuel.

Both teens nodded, but it was left to Harry to answer. "If."

Hermione added, "With Dumbledore still there, we really have no desire for either of us, especially Harry, to be within reach of that man."

Adeline asked, "But, what about your education?"

Harry wryly smiled and replied, "Tutors. It's not as if I cannot afford them."

Neither teens saw the quick expression of worry pass over Daphne's face.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Ted was sitting in his office when his private floo connection activated.

"Yes?" he immediately asked.

Recognised at the other end of the call as the head of the contracted warders for the Potter Cottage, Ted heard the man reply, "It's Barton. The Fidelius just went up."

Suddenly a slip of parchment was tossed through.

"That's the address," Barton immediately said. "You'll want to read that."

Remembering he had contracted the company for a job, he now realised he couldn't remember where or what the place was; only that he needed to let Amelia Bones know of it.

"Thank you," he replied. "I'll let Bones know, right away."

The face gave a nod and withdrew; and the flames immediately reverted to orange again.

Summoning the slip of parchment up from the hearth, Ted read the address and felt the information slip back into his conscious again. 'Ah!' he thought.

Rising from his chair, he walked out into the main office space of his offices and told his secretary, "I'm going to the Ministry. I should be back within the hour."

"Yes, sir," called the witch.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

"What the bloody hell do you mean he has the right to do this?" barked Bones. She was both stunned and appalled at what she was hearing.

Ted, who had just recently sat in the chair opposite her desk, smirked back. "Lord Potter has decided it is time to protect his assets and has had the Potter Cottage placed under a Fidelius while the property is being repaired and the ward scheme updated."

Bones spluttered, "But, the Ministry now owns the property!"

Ted slowly shook his head and replied, "No, it doesn't." And drew out the small folio of documents that showed that the Ministry never purchased the Potter Cottage from the Potter Holdings, as they should have done.

He then lobbed it onto Bones's desk for her to peruse.

Quickly flipping through the documentation, Bones discovered that Ted was correct. The Ministry did not purchase the property; indeed, it appeared they'd made a horrible mistake and effectively tried to steal it. She now felt a new headache coming on.

Placing her elbows on the desk and massaging her temples with the tips of her fingers, she didn't even realise she'd closed her eyes until she opened them again and sighed.

Looking back at wizarding Britain's new most powerful barrister, she asked, "And you're telling me this, why?"

Ted shrugged and replied, "Lord Potter did not want you to learn of this when some panicky Ministry flunky burst into your office and declared Potter Cottage had gone missing. He wanted you to be fully briefed on the truth of it, so you could then prepare yourself for when... not if... that flunky burst in.

"He's giving you the chance to get ahead of this and prepare your own Ministerial briefing, press release, whatever. That way the public won't go thinking you were caught 'flat-footed'."

"I can't press upon you how important it is for Lord Potter to return the Cottage back to us?" she almost begged.

Ted again shook his head and replied, "He cannot return to you that which you didn't have in the first place. While the Wizengamot ordered the Ministry to acquire the cottage, the Ministry didn't do that.

"However, if you persist in pushing the concept that the Ministry did take possession of the cottage, then you are automatically admitting the Ministry stole it; irrespective of how accidental that was. As such, you'll need to arrest all those who were involved in the theft.

"And, even then, as the rightful owner of the stolen property, Lord Potter has an ironclad claim to take the property back and deal with it as he wishes. Of course, the Ministry might then and now want to go ahead and purchase the property, after all. But, Lord Potter is under no obligation to sell it, let alone to the Ministry."

With another sigh, Bones leaned back in her chair and begged, "Do you and Lord Potter have a way for me... the Ministry... to come out of this not looking like an individual or collection of daft morons again?"

Ted openly grinned and handed her another sheet of parchment.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After spending a little more time with the Greengrasses, the three teens - with Daphne accompanying them, this time - flooed through to the Davises.

In a scene similar to when they flooed from Bones Manor to Abbott's Ford, Daphne immediately sought out Tracey. And the two almost immediately started whispering to one another.

The subject was easy to determine, when Tracey developed an expression of shock and immediately stared at Harry. She did, however, also cast a glance at Hermione. Though, this time it wasn't such a surprise for the girl.

After meeting with the Davis adults, Heathcliff and Lydia, and speaking with them for a little while, Harry joined the other four teens and was given a short tour of the Davis Estate. Their lands were extensive.

While not a noble House, Davis was a rich Ancient House that truly deserved the noble title. The only reason they didn't get it was because the Davises bonded as frequently with muggleborns as the Potters; but, unlike the Potters, did it before attaining the noble title. Their denial of the noble title was more a smack-down because of that than anything else.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After their visit with the Davises, while Harry and Hermione flooed back to the Granger residence, Neville flooed directly home.

Once the two teens walked in through the back door, Harry headed directly to the kitchen and, noticing Dobby had not made a start on dinner, happily made a start himself. Before long he was humming a tune he'd heard on the radio the previous night and was preparing a rack of lamb ribs. Today he was using a sugar-reduced plum conserve with an infusion of rosemary, firmly massaging the concoction into the ribs.

He had no idea Hermione had taken the little elf aside just after lunch and made sure Dobby knew to 'allow' Harry to cook dinner that evening, while Harry was suggesting to Neville he join them for a shopping trip to the muggle world a few days after Christmas. That talk was along similar lines to the ones she'd been having with the elf over the past week plus, including the previous day.

Hermione walked in and asked if she could help by peeling the vegetables again. A job Harry was happy to allow her to do.

When she saw how much plum conserve he was using she asked, "Won't that make it overly sweet?"

"Nope," he smiled back. "The sugar will caramelise and, for the most part, allow the flavour of the plums to come forward. The rosemary will also act to neutralise the sugar a fair bit, too.

"I know your parents like to keep sugar intake down; but, I think this'll still work, due to most of the sugar being burned off in the process."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After putting the dinner on to slow roast, Harry made sure his hands were completely clean of the sticky concoction and called on Dobby to make dessert.

Then he went and collected parchment, ink and quills and sat at the dinette table.

He'd decided to write a letter to Headmistress Lady Marchbanks to organise a meeting. He thought he and Hermione needed to visit her in person to let her know of their plans not to return to the school once it recommenced. He liked her and didn't want news of their withdrawal to surprise the woman.

As he was writing, Hermione came and sat down beside him and was about to read over his shoulder, when she suddenly stopped.

Instead, she asked, "Mind if I read while you write?"

He immediately turned to her with a smile and said, "Thank you for asking. And, yes, you may."

~ # ~

Lady Griselda Marchbanks

Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Scotland, United Kingdom

Headmistress,

My betrothed, Miss Hermione Granger, and I seek permission to meet with you at your convenience in the very near future. We wish to discuss with you what we are planning to do with regards to our further education.

No doubt you are aware I hold no regard for at least one of your professors, Professor Albus Dumbledore, and do not wish to entangle myself or my betrothed in a situation that can easily be avoided. I feel the man represents too much of a threat to me at present.

I, accompanied by my betrothed, seek an audience with you so you are aware of our decision well before it becomes public. We both hold you in high regard and wish to ensure ourselves you are not tarnished as a result of our actions.

We have access to a floo.

Yours sincerely,

Lord Harrison J Potter

Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter

c/- Granger Residence, Wimbledon

~ # ~

As he finished and sat back, he asked, "What do you think?"

She thought for a few moments longer as she reread the letter. Then replied, "Just the right amount of foreboding, I think. Are you using Hedwig or Dobby?"

"Too close to Christmas not to need an immediate delivery; so, Dobby," he replied.

After signing the letter he folded it into an envelope and called Dobby to deliver it for him. Dobby, of course, was happy to comply.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

While she was sending off the last of the acceptance letters for new staff at Hogwarts, Dobby popped in alongside Marchbanks's desk.

Marchbanks immediately turned to him and asked, "Hello. What brings you here?"

Dobby immediately offered the letter and replied, "A letter for you from the Great Master Harry Potter, Sir, Lady Headmistresses, Ma'am."

With barely a change of expression, Marchbanks plucked the letter out of Dobby's fingers and muttered, "Thank you." Then turned away as Dobby popped away again.

Flicking it open she used the charm to straighten and smooth the sheet out before beginning to read.

"Hmmm," she muttered. "Expected."

She then set the letter aside and began to write a response.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

About ten minutes later a Hogwarts house elf popped in to the Granger home next to Harry, who was still sitting at the dinette, and offered him a letter.

"From new Headmistress Lady," said the elf.

Harry gestured to the table before him and said, "On the table, please."

As soon as the letter appeared there, he said, "Thank you." And the elf popped away again.

Unusually, he didn't ask for the name of the elf. It was pointless as there was over a hundred elves working in Hogwarts and they all pretty much worked as one succinct unit. So, it was very likely that, if he received another letter from Hogwarts, a different elf would deliver it.

A quick few detection charms on the letter showed nothing amiss, so he quickly opened it and read.

~ # ~

Lord Harrison James Potter

Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter

c/- Miss Hermione Granger

Wimbledon, England

Lord Potter,

Thank you for you letter.

Relating to your request, I shall be available at 9.00am tomorrow morning to meet with you in my secure office.

The floo address is Headmistress's Office, Hogwarts. And the password for your visit will be 'Albus is a naughty boy'.

With much pleasure I look forward to meeting with you and Miss Granger at that time.

Lady Griselda Marchbanks

Headmistress

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

~ # ~

As Hermione walked in, Harry silently offered her the letter. And, after accepting it, she was quick to read it.

Looking over the top of it to him as she lowered it, she said, "Her mention of how her office is secure is telling."

"Yup," he agreed. "She was telling us Albus won't be anywhere near the meeting without specifically saying so."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Over and down in the Department of Mysteries, Scimitar walked in to his Section and said, "Knight's Shadow have a report for us."

That had the others all perk up and set aside what they were working on.

Referencing his note he said, "The young Knight and the Bookworm, together with the Plant Prodigy, spent the day visiting the other heirs of the major houses in the alliance. Ostensibly, it was to introduce Bookworm as the Lady Presumptive of Potter.

"However, Leo used his heir to inform the others he will be calling for a meeting of the alliance for very soon after Christmas Day."

"Any significance on that time?" asked on of the strategists.

"None," replied, Scimitar. "Apparently, the date was chosen for convenience. There does not appear to be any other reason we can discern.

"At the same time White Knight had Legal Eagle report to Monocle that he's taken back Potter Cottage as his rightful property. We checked and the place has disappeared under a Fidelius."

That had one of the Team give a low whistle.

Another asked, "He had the right to do that?"

"Yep," nodded Scimitar. "Apparently, immediately after the events of that Hallowe'en, the Ministry moved in to secure the property. The fuddy-duddies ordered it be acquired as a site of importance, but the Ministry did not purchase the property."

The other nodded and added, "And, therefore, they did not own the property. It still remained the property of the young Knight. I bet that stung."

Scimitar replied, "Apparently, after being informed, Monocle went on a tear through the relevant departments with a demand to explain. No one's been able to provide her with a logical answer, other than it was a simple mistake."

"A costly one," said another.

A third asked, "What's the fall out?"

"Very little," replied Scimitar. "Legal Eagle was merely letting Monocle know it had happened so she could prepare for the fall out that's to come. There's nothing she can do to stop it."

"And that's what's got her riled," sighed the third, clearly understanding.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The Daily Prophet, the next morning, contained an article that was almost word-perfect of the media release Ted Tonks wrote for Harry and Amelia Bones.

~ # ~

LORD POTTER ACCEPTS BACK POTTER COTTAGE

At lunch time, yesterday, Lord Harrison Potter accepted back possession of Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow writes Wesley Suddershaw, political reporter.

"I'm very thankful to Acting Madam Minister Amelia Bones for graciously returning possession of my parents final home to me and the Potter family," said Lord Potter. "Being able to stand where my parents last lived is a wonderful gift to have. I now have a better understanding of the hardship they endured throughout the last few months of their lives."

Acting Madam Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, said, "After a decade of being held by the Ministry as a place of historic record, from this time forth the true monument to the sacrifice of the Potters will be the one that sits in the main square of the town. This is just as it should be. Lord Potter's property is back under his rightful and lawful control."

[...]

~ # ~

After reading the article, Harry smirked and handed the paper to Hermione.

Accepting it, Hermione asked, "She agreed with it being published?"

"She did," he nodded. "She really had no other choice."

"You know she's going to hate you even more now, right?" she asked.

"She doesn't hate me, Love," he disagreed. "That's just her frustration at the situations that keep coming up. She's struggling to keep on top of it all.

"However, if she was to temporarily pass off DMLE Director to Head and Master Auror Scrimgeour so she could dedicate more time to the Acting Ministership, she'd find she'd have the time," he explained. "It's her... apparent unwillingness... to do that which is causing her problems; not me, Ted or Sirius 'dumping' on her."

Hermione thought about t for a few seconds before she simply nodded in understanding.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

At a couple of minutes to 9.00am, the two teens made their way down to the Doghouse ready to floo through to Hogwarts.

Their auror escort for the day were only two of the three, with the other remaining with the adult Grangers in the house.

As the appointed hour arrived, the senior of the two said to the two teens, "Wait for me to floo back and let you know it's safe before you come through. While I somewhat trust Lady Marchbanks, that does not mean Dumbledore is not somehow controlling her at the moment."

When both nodded back, he dashed in floo powder and was gone moments later.

Fifteen seconds later, he was back.

"It's safe," he declared, before he spun on the spot and again dashed floo powder in the grate.

Again Harry waited a few seconds before following. But this time, by whatever miracle, he only managed to stagger a little on stepping out at the other end.

Seconds later, Hermione daintily stepped out of the floo with the second auror right on her heels.

Hermione smiled at him over the fact he was still on his feet and said, "You're obviously getting better, Harry."

Before Harry could respond, from where she was sitting at her desk, Marchbanks said, "Welcome Lord Potter, Miss Granger." She ignored the aurors, which was actually the right thing to do.

"Good morning, Lady Headmistress," both replied.

Harry added, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Ma'am."

Giving a smile and nod back, Marchbanks indicated the seats before her desk and said, "Please, sit."

When both did as the two aurors took up positions near the door and to the side of Marchbanks's desk, she said, "I believe you have information for me. However, I believe I am safe to assume it is that you wish to withdraw from Hogwarts."

Somewhat surprised she'd so easily guessed, Harry replied, "Yes, Ma'am. That is exactly what we wished to speak with you about."

She gave a small smile back, seemed to hesitate while she thought something through and then said, "It may interest you to know that I have already been given permission by the School Board to fire Albus Dumbledore for breaching the conditions of his tenure.

"I have not done so, so that I can force him to remain in the school under threat that I will fire him if he keeps stepping out of line.

"Do you know why?"

Hermione gave a gasp of surprise and replied, "You've done that, practically placed him under house arrest, so he cannot bother Harry."

Marchbanks smiled and gave a nod. "If you can work that out, then you should also be able to work out when I am actually going to fire him."

"The day the school re-opens," Hermione promptly replied. "That's very clever."

Marchbanks gave another head tilt to Hermione in recognition and said, "Precisely."

She looked directly at Harry again and said, "I felt, keeping him out of your hair as much as possible was just a little something I could do to thank you for bringing everything to light, as you did."

Harry gave a huff of amusement, smiled and said, "It wasn't a little something, it was a big something. Thank you, for that."

Again, she gave a nod of acceptance. "Now that you're aware that Albus Dumbledore will not be within the castle... or even the grounds... on the day the school re-opens, I hope you might reconsider your unspoken as of yet desire to withdraw from Hogwarts."

After Harry and Hermione stared at one another for a long moment, where to Harry it was clear Hermione really wanted to return to the school, he turned back and said, "There's still the issue of Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawkes. I know Dumbledore can use him to flame travel―"

Marchbanks had raised her hand in a stop gesture and appeared to be smirking. That's what stopped Harry, mid sentence.

"Fawkes has broken his bond with Albus, remember?" she simply said. "I believe both that it was published in the Daily Prophet and that it had a lot to do with something you sent him."

Harry groaned about forgetting about the severed Phoenix bond but, on hearing it had something to do with something he'd sent the old git, both teens looked back with both hope and confusion. Marchbanks withdrew from under her desk blotter a sheet of parchment. And handed it to Harry.

When he accepted it and turned it to read it, he recognised it was the letter he'd sent Dumbledore after the old man tried to abduct him via portkey.

Looking up in shock he asked, "You confirm it then? My letter caused Fawkes to break the bond?"

She grinned and replied, "I believe it was Dumbledore's reaction to the letter that caused Fawkes to break the bond."

Harry gave a snort of amusement and continued to look down at the letter. That's when he remembered something. "Headmistress, do you mind if I take a copy of this? My prospective father-in-bond wanted a copy of it."

After Harry handed the letter back, Marchbanks created the copy and, without a word, handed it to Harry.

"Now, without Fawkes's aid, Dumbledore cannot enter the school," said Marchbanks.

Hermione cut in and asked, "What about the tunnels?"

Marchbanks froze, turned a direct look on Hermione and quietly asked, "Tunnels?"

Hermione gave a nod and said, "There's the tunnel that goes from under the Whomping Willow out on the grounds halfway between the mains doors of the castle and the front gate. That one goes into the basement of the shrieking shack. Dumbledore built that one back in the early 1970's.

"Then there's the one that goes from behind the hump-backed witch statue on the third floor to the basement of Honeydukes. No idea how long that one's been there. Or the one behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy on the second floor."

Harry nodded and added, "There are others. I'll spend time later today, back at where we're staying, to write up a small report on all the ones I know of and see to it being handed to you later this afternoon."

With a rather intense focus on both teens she gave a slow nod and said, "That would be most helpful. Yes."

Harry said, "Consider it done."

"Harry," Hermione quietly piped up. "Without Dumbledore being able to enter the school..."

Harry thought for a long few moments and finally said, "We'll discuss it with your parents and with Sirius. You're still a minor, Hermione. It's their decision to make for you."

"And if they say yes?" she pressed.

Harry gave her a quelling look and firmly replied, "Then that is something we will discuss then."

Embarrassed, Hermione blushed and looked away. "Of course. Sorry."

She knew, but had in her excitement forgotten, she could not press this new Harry into a hasty decision.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After spending a little more time with Marchbanks, where she told them of many of the changes in staffing and what would be the required behaviour of staff and students, the two teens returned via floo to the Granger residence.

As soon as they did, Harry took Hermione aside for another 'talking to'.

"Hermione, you have to start to think about not pressing matters when we're in public," he firmly chastised her. "You knew you overstepped when you did it and you must curb that. Each time you do it, you make me look weak. And, as a daughter of Black now, you bring disrespect to Sirius each time."

With a sigh and with her eyes cast down, Hermione replied, "Sorry, Harry." Looking back up she added, "I'm just so excited about the idea we can return to Hogwarts, after all."

"I get that," he nodded. "But, you still need to curb your enthusiasm so it doesn't diminish your manners, alright?"

She nodded.

A moment later she smirked, leaned in, planted a tonsil-searing kiss on him and asked, "Am I forgiven?"

Trying to get his sudden blush under control after the near-eroticism of the kiss, he croaked, "Yes."

As she openly grinned back in mischief he added, "You're a bad girl for trying to distract me, like that."

"Trying?" she asked.

With a snort of amusement he grinned and replied, "Alright; actually distracting me like that."

Steering him towards the dinette, she allowed her hand to slip into his elbow and moved them forward. "Come - now we're likely to be attending Hogwarts, after all - we have planning to do."

As they walked, he gave a nod and said, "And I need to pull out the Map so I can list down all the tunnels at Hogwarts and send them off to our new Headmistress."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ