Chapter Thirty Nine - The Alliance Meets
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!
A/N: A lot of people were upset I didn't 'punish' the Dursleys back in Chapter 10. I did not mention it then, but I've since gone back and added the line for why. Harry intends to deal with them and their punishment, himself; after he completes his schooling. It was an easy 'fix' I was already 'iffy' about at the time.
Chapter Thirty Nine - The Alliance Meets
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―==(oIo)==―
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Molly Weasley was in the kitchen clearing away the dishes from lunch when the floo chimed the sound of an incoming floo-call.
Wiping her hands of soap suds she hurried to the floo to see who was calling. Hurrying into the lounge she saw the face of someone she was very relieved to see appeared quite healthy and happy dancing in the green flames.
"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed. "Step through, right this minute! You know you don't need to call first."
"Hello, Missus Weasley," he replied. "I'll do that. But, first, I need to make sure it's alright with you if my auror guard and Hermione can also come through."
"Auror guard?" she asked.
"Ummm... Yeah," he replied. "Madam Bones kind of insisted."
"You won't need them here, dear," she said.
"Not my choice, Missus Weasley," he firmly replied. "I had to kind of promise they'd come with me if I went anywhere. They're worried about what Dumbledore might try if I'm out from under the wards on the Grangers' place."
With a disappointed sigh, she said, "There's really no need, as Bill has adjusted our wards to stop that old man getting into here. However... very well, dear. Give me a few moments to open the floo and you can all step through."
Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you." Then his head withdrew.
Molly removed the locks on the floo as soon as Harry's face had disappeared.
Then, while she was waiting, she sent a messenger Patronus out to Arthur and her two eldest, who were in his shed supposedly working on who-know's-what, to let him know Harry and Hermione were about to visit. She knew, however, they were probably drinking.
Seconds later, the floo flared green again and the first auror stepped out with her wand drawn. She immediately cast detection charms about the place as Harry then stepped out... and immediately fell over onto the rug. Then Hermione stepped out with a second auror on her heels.
The auror looked to Molly and asked, "I detect seven wizards and two witches, plus a ghoul, on the property, Ma'am. Does that agree with your knowledge?"
"Errr... yes," Molly replied, as she watched Harry start to climb to his feet. "My husband, myself and our seven."
"Thank you," nodded the auror.
As Harry regained his feet the first auror banished the soot off his clothes as Molly stepped forward to envelop him in a hug.
"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed, trying to hug the stuffing out of him.
As she was doing so, and Harry was practically gasping for air, Arthur and the two eldest walked in.
"Harr... I mean, Lord Potter!" he happily declared on spotting Harry.
His gaze passed over the two aurors before alighting on Hermione, who'd suddenly found herself yanked into a three-way hug, with Harry, by his wife. Both aurors were silently moving out and away, with one going into the kitchen with the other remaining nearby.
"And, Miss Granger, too, I see," he grinned.
"Air!" Harry gasped. "Need air!"
Just as the second auror frowned and raised his wand, Arthur firmly ordered, "Molly! Let the young man go! Can't you see he's having trouble breathing?"
Molly immediately released her grip on the two teens and jumped back as if in fright. It caused both to slightly stagger.
"Oh, dear!" she exclaimed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"We'll be alright," gasped Hermione. "Just... give us a moment to get air back into our lungs."
"Woah!" said Harry, from where he was bent over with his hands on his thighs. "I'd forgotten you have too strong a tendency to do that, Missus Weasley."
Standing up, he looked more firmly at her and said, "However, I must ask you not to do that in future. It's just not right."
With a knee-jerk reaction to scoff back, Molly was able to choke it down due to finally taking a good look at Harry's new build. She could also see that both teens were wearing well-fitted upmarket wizarding casual. It looked good on them both.
"You've grown, Harry dear!" she happily declared.
"Yes," he replied. "Not being forced to spend my time away from the castle at the abusive hands of my relatives... and through the efforts of my cousin, Andromeda Tonks, catching up with me and immediately putting me on a regimen of potions... I've been able to recover a great deal from the damage caused by the neglect and malnutrition I suffered of and from their hands.
"From that, I've grown about seven inches and put on about two and a half stone of weight. Health-wise, I'm now at, height and weight, what I should have been; and will be from now on. I'm currently brushing six foot tall and weigh in at just over eleven and three quarters stone - about one sixty five pounds, or seventy five kilos."
As Harry was finishing his explanation he was also shaking hands with Bill and Charlie, who'd stepped forward to shake his hand and tentatively give Hermione a quick hug. Hearing footsteps above, he stepped back to near the fireplace to where he could look up the stairwell and saw the twins looking down over the balcony from their floor.
Both immediately grinned, as did he, and they twin-cried, "Harrikins!" before they came charging down the stairs.
As he was turning back to look at Arthur, Harry saw the man was quietly but firmly 'reminding' his wife that 'Harry dear' was now properly called 'Lord Potter'. Molly just gave a gesture as if flicking him away and turned away from him. Arthur seemed frustrated.
Harry thought he'd give the man a hand.
Looking to Arthur as he heard the twins thump down the stairs, he said, "Thank you for recognising I'm titled, Mister Weasley. It's very much appreciated."
"You're welcome, Lord Potter," Arthur immediately replied. "But, there should be no reason to thank me for doing what is right."
Before Harry could respond, the two twins rounded the bottom banister of the stairs, charged up to him as if racing each other and scooped him up in a three-way hug.
"Harrikins!" they both happily declared before they immediately dropped him back onto his feet and stepped back. "Or, rather―" said the first. "Perhaps it would be better―" said the second. "If we addressed you as―" said the first. "Lord Potter!" they both exclaimed in stereo before dipping into matching courtly bows.
Harry chuckled at their antics and said, "Well, on first meeting me for the day, it's Lord Potter. However, after that first greeting and when in private, I give you leave to call me Harry."
Harry heard Molly give a slight scoff so he turned back to her. "Is there a problem, Missus Weasley?"
While Harry could see Arthur trying to surreptitiously wave her off, Molly ignored him and said, "Surely you don't mean that, Harry dear."
While giving her a direct look he immediately and firmly replied, "I'm afraid I do and I'm afraid I must insist, Missus Weasley. I do not just represent myself, any more. I now represent, as Lord, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter; as Heir Tertiary, the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black; and, as a founding partner House, the Potter-Longbottom Alliance. I have to behave and be treated, accordingly. If I don't, people are just going to treat me like a little kid. I'm not and, really, never have been. As well as now holding my Lordship I'm an of-age wizard, which makes me an adult in the eyes of the law."
Molly gave a little huff, but finally gave a single nod of acceptance. However, it was clear she didn't like it.
Hermione, recognising the situation had become a little uncomfortable, asked Arthur, "Where's everyone else?"
Clearly pleased and relieved by the question, Arthur replied, "Ron and Ginny are out at the Quidditch pitch and Percy's probably up in his room either doing homework or writing to his girlfriend."
Molly sniffed and haughtily said, "Ronald should be in his room packing for his move to his Aunt Muriel's later this afternoon."
Neither teen commented on the remark. However, both knew 'Aunt Muriel' to be the family etiquette instructor.
Harry thought, 'If Molly hadn't been so lax in how she behaved regarding the noble Houses, she might not have passed that bad habit onto Ron.'
"I'll just duck out and call our two youngest in," said Arthur, already heading out the back.
As he did so, Molly tried to shepherd the two teens into the kitchen.
"If you're on nutrient potions," she declared, "You'll be needing to eat. Come in and sit at the table while I whip you something up."
"No need, Missus Weasley," Harry disagreed. "Both of us ate quite well before we came over."
"Harry's a good cook," said Hermione. "Together with Dobby's efforts, we all eat very well."
Turning back, Molly looked to Harry and asked, "You cook?"
"Yep," he grinned.
"Very well," added Hermione. "There's now quite a few people who are practically begging to come over for a meal whenever Harry's cooking."
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―==(oIo)==―
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While Molly was still trying to herd the two teens into the kitchen Arthur, from where he was standing just a little way away from the back of the house, finally had the attention of his two youngest and indicated for the both of them to join him.
When they did, he had a stern expression on his face and firmly said, "Lord Potter and his betrothed, Miss Granger, have just come to visit. I want you two to be on your best behaviour and come inside.
"But, before you do, I'll remind you that the Harry Potter you thought you knew... was not the real Harry Potter. That was all an act to protect himself from Dumbledore. He no longer needs to act like that, now; so, he doesn't."
When he could see that both gave the impression they understood, he gave a nod and said, "Good. When you're ready, come inside."
As Arthur walked back in, Ginny immediately turned to Ron and said, "If you wanted any hope of not going to Aunt Muriel's this afternoon, now's your last chance. Mess this up and I won't be seeing you again until we're on the train to Hogwarts."
Without waiting for Ron to respond, she braced herself up, turned away from him and walked inside.
Ron thought about it for a few moments before he muttered to himself, "I can do this."
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―==(oIo)==―
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Harry and Hermione were sitting at the kitchen table, side-by-side, when Ginny came in. She had a big smile on her face; but, both could tell that happiness was not reflected in her eyes.
She practically skipped across the floor as both teens stood and she wrapped Hermione in a hug before turning and doing the same to Harry.
"I suppose I should be congratulating you two," she said. "Fred and George read their letter you sent them about your betrothal."
'I suppose I should be congratulating you two?' thought Hermione, as Harry replied, "Thank you, Ginny. We appreciate that."
Hermione immediately added, "Harry and I finally realised just how much we loved one another and decided to do something about it."
"We'd have probably figured that out sooner, if it wasn't for Hermione being potioned by Dumbledore," Harry almost growled.
Hermione was quick to say, "Water under the bridge, Love. He's in no position to do that to either of us again; and we're now aware of the risk of that happening in future and will be alert for it for now on."
"Potioned?" asked Molly, as Ron walked in through the back door.
As both teens turned to look at him, Ron's expression flickered only a moment on annoyance before it relaxed into a smile.
Hermione greeted him, "Hello, Ronald. Have a good Christmas?"
Harry didn't say a word. He just stared at the boy.
Ron, clearly uncomfortable from Harry's staring at him, ignored him and mumbled to Hermione. "Yeah. I did."
When he didn't say anything else, Arthur looked ready to say something to him when he finally turned his attention to Harry. "Harry," he mumbled.
Harry just cocked an eyebrow, raised his hand with the Potter ring on it and asked, "Have you forgotten you are to address me as Lord Potter until given leave to do otherwise?"
When the boy turned red and appeared about to say something snotty, they all heard a 'Dong!'.
As both teens started to turn to the sound, Ron suddenly and rapidly blurted, "My apologies, Lord Potter."
'Ding.'
Harry looked back, paused a long moment and said, "Apology accepted, Mister Weasley. However, know this: I do not like you. I find you to be greedy, indolent and a bigot. I was also quite angry to discover you were pretending to be my friend, while at the same time being paid by Albus Dumbledore to stay close to me.
"Furthermore, your brother, Charlie... Heir Secondary of your House... gave you specific instructions you were to warn me I would be facing nesting mother dragons in the First Task. He informed you of that at least a week before the Task. You did not do that. As the Task was designed for young witches and wizards who were at least of-age and I was only just starting my Fourth Year, meant you had to have believed I was, as your family clock over there would state if a hand for me was on it, in mortal peril.
"That means, Mister Weasley, through your deliberate actions you placed the last remaining member of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter in mortal peril. Effectively, you... deliberately and with forethought... engineered a situation where you attempted to end the line of one of the Seven through deliberate inaction. And that, Mister Weasley, irrespective of your age, if you had succeeded would have meant the Veil for you."
"Oh... dear!" exclaimed Missus Weasley. None of the other Weasleys moved a jot. It was almost as if they were holding their breaths in fear.
"From now on you are to keep your distance from me. From now on you are to be aware that angering me can get you seriously hurt.
"Furthermore, I also inform you that Hermione, as my betrothed, has been directed not to do your homework for you, any more. Your homework is yours to do. You may ask for help. However, if she says no; or otherwise stops that assistance, you will respect her decision and not press her.
"Is what I have told you, understood?"
Ron, though he looked grumpy and annoyed, eventually replied, "Yes... Lord Potter."
Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you."
Missus Weasley piped up and, in a chiding voice, asked, "Harry dear, is that really necessary?"
Snapping his head to stare at her with a flat expression, he replied with a simple clipped, "Yes, Madam Weasley."
With a dropping of her eyes she gave a pained sigh and silently nodded.
When he saw she accepted that, he gave a sigh himself and turned back to Arthur. He added, "I do not wish to be put into the position where I have to act to protect my House or the Alliance to which I co-Head, Mister Weasley. However, if I am, I will act; no matter how much I might hate to do so."
Arthur replied, "Understood, Lord Potter. Ronald will be leaving this afternoon to spend time with the family etiquette instructor."
Harry gave a nod and said, "I hope it helps. If not me then, sooner or later, he's going to engage his mouth before his brain... as is he usual behaviour... let his jealousy and anger cloud his judgement, offend the wrong person and get himself killed."
Then, turning to others, he let the tension he was feeling drain away and said, "Sorry about that, but I truly hope you understand it needed to be said."
A long moment later, Hermione asked, "So, how was everyone else's Christmas?"
As a collective sigh of relief went through the rest of the Weasleys and they began to respond, Ron quietly left the kitchen and went up to his room. It was obvious he would not escape going to his Aunt Muriel's, after all. That damned clock and Potter's accusations sealed it.
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―==(oIo)==―
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The two teens ended up spending longer at the Burrow than they intended. But, Harry was pleased to see almost all the Weasleys had again relaxed once they realised Harry was only angry at Ron.
While it was clear Ginny was upset Harry and Hermione were betrothed, she at least did not act appallingly about it. Instead, she held her own counsel and tried to make the most of it.
While Harry was talking about some of the things he and Hermione had gotten up to over the past month, Hermione had kept a close eye on her to ensure the girl didn't try anything.
Ron never put in another appearance. Instead, he stayed in his room.
Percy, however, came down for a little while.
"Lord Potter," he said, as soon as he got a lull in the conversation. "I... find myself having to apologise to you for what role I played in what has happened to you since you re-entered our world. I'm sorry."
Harry immediately replied, "Apology accepted, Percy. Just... try to think things through, in future. You need to realise and accept that those in authority aren't always right or in the right."
Percy seemed to think about that for a moment, before he finally gave a curt nod back and said, "Understood. And, thank you for understanding and accepting my apology."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "Now, your father has told me you're doing well at the Ministry, these days. But, what I want to know is; how goes things with your efforts in wooing Miss Clearwater?"
Percy gaped at him like a fish in shock for a moment before he suddenly blushed and replied, "A... work in progress."
Harry chuckled and said, "Then I wish you good luck with that. She'd be a good catch."
Again, Percy blushed and mumbled, "Thank you."
"A suggestion only: As Penny is the only Heir of Charlus Clearwater, who is the only Heir of Lord Basil Clearwater, you may want to consider the idea of offering to accept her surname as your own if you progress to a Betrothal Agreement. It should go a long way to Lord Clearwater accepting you, so the Noble and Most Ancient House of Clearwater has Line Continuation. As I understand, you would encounter difficulties in accumulating sufficient gold to meet any bride price Lord Clearwater might otherwise demand."
Molly gave a light scoff and said, "I don't think there's a need to do that."
Turning his attention to her, Harry said, "I have little doubt Penny will only be allowed to wed if there's both a Contract and Line Continuation clauses involved. I'm aware you think little of such necessities, Madam Weasley; but, I can assure you that Lord Clearwater thinks the opposite.
"It's up to Percy and Arthur to decide if he's willing to offer such. If he loves her as much as I believe he does, it won't be a hardship for him."
Before Molly got all up in her wand about it again, Percy said, "That is a brilliant idea, Lord Potter. Thank you, very much. You've given me much to think about."
"You're welcome," Harry nodded.
Percy then turned to his mother and said, "I'm only Heir Tertiary, Mum. I'm the back up of a back up. Besides, there are three more sons after me who can easily fill that role."
Molly was clearly miffed to hear that, but couldn't disagree. She decided it would be something she'd talk to both her husband and third son about after Harry and Hermione left.
A few moments later, Percy left again to return upstairs, claiming he had a letter to write.
A half hour later, when the two then noticed Molly had left and was back working in the kitchen, the two realised it was time to return to the Grangers.
They gave their thanks for allowing them to visit and soon flooed back to Wimbledon.
Once they were gone, Percy came back downstairs and said to his father, "He's right, you now."
His father immediately asked, "You'd be willing to forgo the name 'Weasley'?"
"For Penny? Yes," his third immediately replied.
Bill chuckled and said, "You've got it... bad."
With a slight blush at his oldest brother's words, he turned to his mother, who had turned back to look at him, "I'd still be your son, Mum. Just a son of a different surname."
That had Molly happier.
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―==(oIo)==―
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Back in the Granger residence, they were quick to see if the adult Grangers had returned - they had - and let them know they were safely back.
"Any problems?" asked Wendell.
"A few uncomfortable moments," replied Hermione. "But, we were quickly past them."
"Oh?" he asked.
Harry replied, "One was Ron Weasley. Apparently, he was leaving today to spend the rest of his time before the third of January at the home of the family etiquette instructor. When I spoke to the twins about it a while ago, they told me the woman, their Great Aunt on their mother's side, is a real dragon. Ron will not be having a pleasant time of it."
"Why's he being sent there?" asked Monica.
"Because his behaviour, whenever my name has come up since everyone went home after the first task, has led to their family danger alert device showing Ron's indicator moving to 'In Danger' from 'At Home'. They fear that means if Ron doesn't change his ways, I'm going to have to take action against him. They're right; I would."
"To what level?" asked Wendell.
"Honour duel," he immediately replied. "But, that also doesn't mean I wouldn't raise wand to him on the spot if he tried something on Hermione and I had to step in to stop it."
Hermione added, "Another was Molly seemed reticent to address Harry by his title on first meeting. She's not used to doing something like that."
"I had to come down a little hard on her," said Harry, a little sadly. "Molly doesn't abide by the traditions of the wizarding world. It's also clear Ron's attitude has a lot to do with her attitude. His hatred of Slytherins, in general; his blatant defiance of holding his tongue when he should; his general behaviour; they all come from her direct influence."
"That's unsurprising," nodded Wendell.
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―==(oIo)==―
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After breakfast the next morning, Harry quickly took the floo over to Longbottom Hall to clarify a few matters regarding the meeting of the Alliance that would be held after lunch.
Once he was back he sat down with Hermione to talk about it.
"Dress will be business attire with House crests, Hermione," he explained. "We floo over at 1.30pm and the actual meeting starts at 2.00pm."
Hermione frowned and asked, "Why so early?"
"Because, we have to be there as all the other guests arrive, to greet them," he replied. "Plus, Alice wants to talk to you, beforehand, about your role in all this.
"The guests actually arrive in quick succession, thirty seconds apart, from 1.50pm until there's only a couple of minutes to go. They start with the Magical Houses of Fanwater, Puvingson and Shakedale; then the Elder Houses of Bardhall, Bancroft, Dallyhatch, Sibbledotch and Stebbins; then the Ancient Houses of Abbott and Davis; and finally the Noble and Ancient Houses of Greengrass, Bones, Marchbanks and Ogden.
"I need to stand with Frank near the floo in their welcoming hall as they all arrive to greet them. Neville will be there, too, as escort to escort them to the meeting room as they arrive. For your information, the meeting of the Heads will be in their formal dining room, while the ladies will be congregating in the informal dining room, or breakfast room, alongside their kitchen."
Hermione nodded and asked, "What about the heirs?"
Pleased at the question, Harry smiled and replied, "The Heir Primaries will be in the meeting, but sitting in a chair behind their Heads and away from the table. That's so they can learn what's going on for when it's their time as a Head.
"The others, if there are others, won't be required to attend. However, if they do, I'm not sure. As far as I'm aware there's only two that are possible attendees; and those are Tracey Davis and Astoria Greengrass. I suspect they'll be with you with the spouses."
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―==(oIo)==―
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After an early lunch, Monica practically dragged a reluctant Hermione up to the master bedroom to help the girl get ready for the meeting.
"But, Mu-um," Hermione whined, as she was being dragged from the room. "I just need to throw on a wizarding robe!"
"No, dear," her mother disagreed. "This is an important function for Harry and the two Houses you are or will represent. You'll need to look your best. And that means taking time to gussy-up."
They were followed up by the female auror who was on their detail that day.
Harry watched them go and snickered in amusement.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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With a little under five minutes to go until they had to floo over to Longbottom Hall, Monica finally led Hermione down to the main floor.
Harry took one look at her and thought dirty thoughts. He immediately blushed. "W-wow!" he managed to stammer out.
Harry barely heard Monica say, "See? Told you." As Hermione blushed at Harry's frank appraisal of her.
Finally getting some semblance of control over himself, Harry said, "The other wives are going to turn green with envy." He never noticed his voice almost breaking as he said it.
'Other wives?' Hermione immediately thought. So, too, did Monica. It led the older woman to outright grin at the boy while Hermione's blush deepened. Harry never noticed Monica's expression, as his eyes were on Hermione or otherwise looking away in embarrassment.
Giving her throat a little clear to try and get the two teens to snap out of it, Monica said, "I think it's time you two made your way down to the Doghouse." Even she was now calling it that.
It was enough for both teens. However, as Hermione was about to turn away to head for the back door, Harry stepped forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. Then he quietly and heart-feltingly said, "I meant what I said. They're going to be jealous of you."
When Harry turned away it was to see the female auror out next to the door to the back hallway smirking at him. Her eyes were even twinkling in amusement.
He had the urge to poke his tongue out at her like a child, but managed to restrain himself.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Right on time, the Longbottom's floo activated.
As they stood waiting in the welcoming hall about twenty feet away from the fireplace, Frank muttered, "Here come the Potter's et al."
First out was the first auror, who immediately ducked off to the side and checked to ensure there was enough room for Harry to make his... entrance. Even the aurors knew about it, now.
A few seconds later, Harry almost flew out of the fireplace and managed to again skid on his knees and toes across the marble. As soon as he stopped he popped to his feet and grinned at the Longbottoms. Alice even mimicked clapping her hands while grinning at him.
As he was doing so, the auror cleared him of soot and moved back towards the fireplace.
Then out came Hermione, who the auror also immediately cleared of soot.
As the two teens moved over to the Longbottoms with wide grins, the Longbottoms grinned back as Frank stepped forward to shake Harry's hand before stepping across to hug Hermione.
As he pulled back he turned to Harry and said, "Much better entrance."
Harry, still grinning, gave a shrug and replied, "At least, this time, I didn't end up on my back and knocking an auror down."
That was as far as he got before he was drawn into a hug by Alice. "Definitely better, young Harry."
After Alice hugged Hermione, Hermione then walked over and hugged a suddenly shocked Neville, who looked a little fearfully at Harry. Harry just grinned at him.
After separating from Hermione with a blush, Neville stepped over towards Frank while Alice hooked her arm into Hermione's and said, "Come, my dear. Us ladies have much to talk about.
That seemed to be a signal for Frank, who said to Harry, "Come into the dining room and I'll show you where everyone's to sit."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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Shown into the dining room that was acting as meeting room for the Alliance, Frank indicated the seating arrangement.
"I sit at this end," he said, pointing to the chair where the Head of House sat. "And, you sit at that end." And pointed to the chair at the other end of the table.
"Sitting at my right and left hands, respectively, are Miles Ogden and Griselda Marchbanks. Sitting at your right and left hands, respectively, are Samuel Greengrass and Amelia Bones.
"Next to Miles will be Newton Bancroft and next to Griselda will be Heathcliff Davis.
"Next to Samuel will be Tyler Stebbins and next to Amelia will be Eugene Abbott.
"The three in the middle, each side, are Angus Sibbledotch, Gene Dallyhatch and Fred Bardhall; and Molly Fanwater, Phinneas Puvingson and Hugh Shakedale.
"That means we will have full attendance. Which is actually a very good thing, considering there hasn't been a meeting of the Alliance for over ten years."
"What about Heirs?" asked Harry, looking for the chairs.
"As far as I know, all will be attending," replied Frank. "Except, that is, yours."
"And I intend to keep it that way," said Harry. "The man is my named Heir, but I don't want him to know that unless I happen to die without progeny of my own. Besides, he lives in America."
"That's your choice, Harry," agreed Frank.
He then moved over to where he'd be sitting and tapped one of the documents he had there. "I've also taken the step of writing up an agenda for the meeting. However, it's not chiselled in stone. I wrote it just to be a guideline."
"You're chairing the meeting?" asked Harry. "I ask, because I really don't want to do it."
"Yes, I will," smiled Frank. "However you need to pay attention as, when you host one at Pottermore, you'll be expected to Chair it."
He then hesitated for a moment before he looked to Neville and said, "Neville; I need to speak privately with Lord Potter for a moment."
Neville immediately gave a short bow and said, "Of course, My Lord." Gave a slightly shorter bow to Harry, walked out of the room and pulled the door shut behind him.
Once the door was closed, Frank turned back to Harry and said, "I'll be blunt. What can you tell me of the relationship between Neville and young Miss Abbott?"
"Ah!" said Harry. "Neville's told you, has he?"
Frank gave a slight snort of amusement and replied, "He tried. But, he kept getting tongue-tied and blushed so badly I thought he was going to pass out from blood loss."
Harry gave a snicker of amusement, indicated the chairs and said, "This may take a few minutes, at least. Shall we?"
Once Frank was sitting in 'his' chair and Harry was sitting in the chair that kitty-cornered and would be Miles Ogden's once the meeting began, Harry started to explain.
"Neville and Hannah are mutually attracted to one another," he said. "It was so obvious that even Pauline Abbott saw it within moments of the two seeing each other, when Neville accompanied me around to introduce Hermione.
"However, what I doubt Neville knows, but I saw, was that young Susan Bones also has her sights set on him. However and as you'd know, Susan has line continuance issues.
"Now, from the body language of Hannah and Susan around Neville, it was apparent to me that those two devious little Hufflepuffs have plans that involve your boy. And it wasn't that hard to figure it out.
"It appears to me that Hannah plans on becoming the next Lady Longbottom with Susan, due to her needing that Line Continuance condition, becoming the Longbottom Concubine to Neville. However, it was also obvious that Neville doesn't realise that's going on.
"After we left and returned to Hermione's place for lunch, I had to pretty much verbally beat him about the head to get him to realise Hannah liked him as much as he likes her. I didn't want to give him a heart attack by telling him Susan has her sights set on him, too.
"While in his heart beats a true lion, in his head cowers a scared little boy who was continuously told he would never be able to compare favourably with his father. I've spent what time I could, over the past three plus years, excising that little boy from his head and replacing it with the lion that also resides in his heart.
"If you decide to negotiate a Betrothal Agreement with Abbott and a Concubine Bond Agreement with Madam Bones, you need to make Neville aware of that quite carefully. In my opinion, though, both girls would be good for him."
Frank was smiling and nodding away as Harry was talking. When Harry wound down, he said, "I was somewhat aware of young Hannah - and, thank you for telling him to talk to me about her - but I was completely unaware of young Susan. However, what you've told me makes a lot of sense."
Then he smirked and turned to Harry with quite the devious expression. "As you seem to be trying to guide me into negotiating a Concubine Bond Agreement for my son, what about one for you?"
Harry sat back and sighed before he said, "My betrothal to Hermione is a small problem with that. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but muggles don't have those sort of arrangements. They believe each man should only have one wife... and definitely no concubines. They see it as adultery.
"I have talked to Hermione about it, but I've also told her I would not enter into one without her prior approval.
"She asked me if there was any witch for whom I'd be prepared to enter into one and told her Daphne Greengrass and Luna Lovegood were two possibles. And explained why."
Frank immediately said, "Greengrass, because the House of Greengrass is an allianced House; and Lovegood, because the Ancient House of Lovegood could make a worthwhile addition to the Alliance."
"Exactly," said Harry. "However, even if Lovegood did not want to join the Alliance, I'd still consider her because she needs the protection the House of Potter could offer her... at least, she did until Marchbanks became Headmistress."
After discussing matters for a few minutes more, Neville knocked on the door and stuck his head in. "My Lord; our other guests will begin arriving, momentarily."
"Thank you, Neville," his father replied with a nod.
As Neville pulled his head back out and re-shut the door, Frank turned to Harry and said, "Thank you, Harry. I appreciate what you've told me. Again, you're proving yourself to be looking out for the best interests of House Longbottom. Thank you."
"You're welcome," replied Harry, as both Lords rose from their chairs. "But, I'll be honest, this is more 'Harry' looking out for the best interests of 'Neville'. That it's also in the best interests of House Longbottom is just the cherry on top of the cupcake."
Frank just smiled back as he opened the door to let them out.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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Just before the guests started to arrive, Hermione and Alice rejoined the 'menfolk' in the welcoming Hall.
As soon as he saw her, Harry carefully checked her expression to see if she was in any sort of distress - she wasn't. If anything, Hermione was even more relaxed than when they first arrived.
When her eyes caught his she softly smiled and gave him a near-perfect curtsey of a Lady acknowledging her husband Lord.
That surprised Harry; and the surprise must have been reflected in his expression, because she suddenly and cheekily grinned back.
While that little silent communication was going on, Frank was directing everyone to their 'places' to greet their incoming guests. Standing in a line at about a forty-five degree angle from the fireplace, the order went Frank, Alice, Harry and Hermione with Frank's end closest. Neville stood a little apart and after Hermione. One of the aurors disillusioned themselves and stood on the 'side' wall facing the welcoming party.
There was one last check with his eyes over everything and everyone before Frank muttered, "Any moment now."
Almost before he could finish the short sentence, there was a soft whoosh of flames and they turned green. A moment later, an elderly witch stepped out of the flames and stepped forward - Molly Fanwater. She was followed by her son, Hamilton.
As per protocol, Missus Fanwater - a widow of the last war - approached the 'receiving line' at Frank's end.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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As the guests began arriving, Harry was keeping a close watch on how they each reacted to the presence of Hermione in the receiving line, while they seemed to be more focussed on him. He was surprised to see there was absolutely no negativity directed towards her except from one of the Heirs, Philip Bancroft of the Elder House of Bancroft. He'd keep a close watch on him.
He was pleased, though, to see the very pointed look the young man was given by his mother as they came off the line and Neville was about to escort them away. That was one Heir, it was obvious, who was going to get a tongue-lashing later.
Once the last guests arrived, Miles and Hedda Ogden, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
Alice heard and gave him a smile of understanding and reached over to give his hand a squeeze of comfort.
"Alright," said Frank. "Let's do this."
As Alice accepted his elbow to be escorted to the dining room, Hermione moved in to take Harry's. And the four walked to the dining room.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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Just before the four reached the doors, both ladies separated and wished their respective 'other halves' good luck. Frank and Harry entered as Alice and Hermione headed for the informal dining room.
As they did, the light chatter that was occurring immediately quieted and the people in the room moved to their chairs. Harry was pleased to see that everyone had attended and all the known Heirs were attending and moving to their 'assigned' seating.
He also noticed that Neville, while he was sitting behind and slightly off to one side of his father, also had a Longbottom house elf bring him a lap table. It was already loaded with documents, fresh parchment, ink and quills. And it was apparent he would be taking notes.
The meeting opened and Frank decided that, since it had been so long since the Alliance last formally met, they would forgo the reading of the minutes of that meeting. No one disagreed.
He then quietly told the members he was somewhat disappointed in them over their lack of action over the past thirteen years and expressed his hope they'd be a lot more active from that point forward. No one gainsaid him.
The first order of business was congratulating, from the Alliance, Lord Ogden on attaining the role of Chief Warlock. He was clearly pleased at the praise. But also said he could not ethically allow the Alliance undue influence on his decision-making. That was expected.
Then came the formal advisement that House MacMillan had been excommunicated from the Alliance due to the actions and words of the Heir of the House, Ernest MacMillan. That had a few show they were uncomfortable.
"Any questions or comments regarding that matter?" asked Frank.
Samuel Greengrass immediately said, "I have been approached by Lord MacMillan, who asked of me I speak on his behalf when we all next met. He wishes to offer private apology to Lord Potter regarding the behaviour of his Heir, before then offering a public one.
"I said I would raise the matter so it was tabled, but not speak either for or against."
Madam Bones piped in. "Lord Potter was in the right to boot House MacMillan from the Alliance," she said. "I have discussed the matter at length and in detail with my niece and, I have to say, if someone had behaved as appallingly as Heir MacMillan behaved towards Lord Potter, towards me, I might have taken even stronger action."
The elderly Tyler Stebbins of the Elder House of Stebbins, who had no Heir, said, "Nevertheless, House MacMillan holds a seat on the Wizengamot. His House represented only one of six... sorry, seven... seats this Alliance has available to it - I'd forgotten about Amelia's seat as Director.
"Secondly, young Ernest has always been a bit of a hothead. I'm rather surprised he ended up in Hufflepuff, to be honest. I expected him to be sorted into Gryffindor.
"As it was the under-aged Heir Secondary that offered offence, and not the Lord of the House, I ask the matter of House MacMillan's excommunication be reconsidered."
Frank immediately said, "That's entirely up to Lord Potter. Heir MacMillan offended he, not the Alliance as a whole."
As everyone turned to Harry, he'd already been thinking about it, so was quick to respond.
"Mister Stebbins's opinion of Ernest MacMillan's attitude is correct. The boy is a hothead. However, I have also spent some time over the past four weeks reconsidering the matter and my reactions to it."
He paused a few moments and continued. "Points for the re-admittance of House MacMillan are such. One: Ernest MacMillan is a child who, from what I've seen, has an elevated sense of his own entitlement. The past four weeks should have taught him the error of that. Two: I was angry, at the time, over the behaviour of the whole school towards me, not just Heir MacMillan's. And I can see I let my own temper somewhat unfairly dictate terms. Three: Heir MacMillan is just that; the Heir Secondary. He is not the Lord of the House, let alone Heir Primary. Four: I could just have easily made the same decision regarding, except for Neville Longbottom, the behaviour of the other Heirs who currently attend Hogwarts. He just happened to be the one who said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
"Points Against are such. One: He is fourteen years old and should have a logical understanding of his responsibilities to his House. So, he cannot claim he didn't know what he was doing or should have done. Two: His actions against me were not reactive, like the other Heirs; but proactive. That is, he did not go along with the general consensus, at the time; he actively even led that behaviour. Three: He has had four weeks in which to offer apology off his own back and has not yet even attempted to do so; nor has the Lord of his House. I do not expect to have to ask for an apology for an apology to be offered. It should have been immediately offered... or as soon as available... and wasn't."
He gave the members time to absorb that information before he finally said, "I acknowledge the past four weeks have been... earth shaking... for the magical community of wizarding Britain. And, as such, peoples' minds have been on other matters. However, Heir Secondary MacMillan should still have been of sound enough mind to offer apology.
"My decision is this: If Heir MacMillan... not Lord MacMillan, on his behalf... publicly offers apology without expectation it would be accepted, then I believe we can revisit the re-admittance of House MacMillan to the Alliance at our next meeting."
As he was speaking, Harry was carefully watching the expressions of those around him. He was pleased to see they all listened carefully to what he had to say and were willing to hear him out.
After a few moments Samuel Greengrass said, "I like it. It puts the onus on House MacMillan to act before the Alliance will react."
That had the others all agreeing, with Frank offering Harry a smile that he could see showed Frank was pleased with him for his words.
Next came a discussion on whether they would support, as a whole, a single candidate for the position of Minister. Harry didn't have a view on that, so remained silent.
It was decided they would support a known and long-time member of the Unaligned faction, Lady Jacinta Cauldwell of the Noble and Ancient House of Ashwater. Ashwater was one of the few noble Houses that had passed on to another family through the marrying of a daughter of the House to another without a Line Continuation clause via contract, Cauldwell.
After that, a few other points were raised such as recent births, deaths and marriages within the member Houses, younger Heirs were formally introduced and updated orders of succession within the Houses were clarified. Then Frank raised the matter of Dowager Lady Augusta.
"Though I have decided not to disown her for her actions while acting as guardian of Heir Longbottom and as House Regent, I have banished her to a Longbottom holiday cottage until the legal matters surrounding her actions are resolved. At the conclusion of that I will revisit my decision regarding her and her behaviour. As such, she remains a member of House Longbottom... for now."
Again, the Members nodded.
He continued, "Both Alice and I have also rewritten our Wills. If we pass before Heir Longbottom reaches his majority, he is to be immediately emancipated and inducted as the newest Lord Longbottom. We believe he is now old enough to take up the Headship of the House, if it becomes necessary. He will not have a Regent. Dowager Lady Augusta, most definitely, will not be allowed either position of regent or guardian ever again."
As the others nodded in recognition of his words, Harry could see it did not really come as a shock to anyone.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Once the meeting concluded and they were rejoined by the 'spouses', everyone remained behind to enjoy an afternoon tea laid on by the Longbottom house elves. Harry was quick to speak with Hermione.
Off to one side, he immediately and quietly asked her, "How were you treated by the others?"
"Very well," she happily replied. "Apparently our relationship, as it currently stands, is by no means unusual."
He lightly frowned and said, "I thought Sirius, Ted and I had already made that clear."
"You had," she sighed. "However, it's one thing to be told that, it's another to actually experience it."
He gave a non-committal 'hmm', but nodded. He did then smile. "I'm glad you're becoming more comfortable with it."
That was as far as they got, privacy-wise, before Adeline Greengrass beckoned them over.
As they walked over, she said, "No hogging the future Lady Potter, Harry. You get to spend all your time with her back where you're staying. Now is the time for mingling with contemporaries."
Harry just chuckled, gave a shortened courtly bow and said, "My apologies, Lady Greengrass. However, I find myself unable to be apart from her beauty for more than a few minutes at a time."
"Oh, bravo!" said Lydia Davis, who'd overheard. "That'll score you 'good husband' points."
As the other ladies snickered, Harry just chuckled back, separated from them and made his way over to Eugene Abbott, where he was talking with Miles Ogden.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After reminding Neville of their day of 'muggle shopping' the next day, the two teens were finally able to return to the Granger residence before dinner, but not in time for Harry to cook. A situation Dobby seemed a little smug about.
"Yeah, yeah," he snarked at the elf. "Laugh it up, chuckles. But, mark my words, there will soon come a day of reckoning!"
Hermione, ever the supporting type, laughed out loud.
Not able to cook dinner, Harry joined Hermione with her parents as they discussed what the meeting was like. Though Harry was there he was not there for the 'ladies' meeting. He was pleased to hear his betrothed was fitting in well with the older ladies.
"They're just all so accepting," she gushed. Turning to Harry she asked, "Did you know that just about all of them were in similar contracts before they married? Only Prissy Sibbledotch, of the ladies there, wasn't.
"And Adeline was telling me they've already received offers for similar agreements for Daphne and Astoria." Her expression suddenly darkened and she added, "Though, the offers have all been quite insulting, she says, and are for dark families. They're having a bedeviling time fending those off.
"It took me only a few moments to see and figure out that both girls are practically terrified their parents will be forced to accept one or two of them. The one from Malfoy they keep getting hounded with has for both girls to be effectively handed over, together with eventual control of the Greengrass Seat on the Wizengamot. That's just so wrong!"
As Harry listened he knew he'd have to contact Samuel Greengrass and see what he could do to help. However, he was going to have to talk to Hermione about it, first, if he read the situation right.
Hermione's parents were also listening with some level of alarm. They were pleased their daughter was, for the moment at least, not at risk of such. But were horrified on behalf of the other two young ladies' parents.
Wendell asked, "What can be done to help them?"
Harry sighed and said, "The obvious one is to help get both girls betrothed to someone who will be able to protect them. However, it can't just be anyone. It has to be someone of high enough standing - House-wise - in the community that it won't be seen as a slap in the face to all those Houses who are pushing similar contracts.
"As I've previously explained to Hermione regarding a similar situation, because House Greengrass is a Noble and Ancient House and there's no male Heir, it's likely any first born child or children will be pushed to take the name 'Greengrass' as their family name, rather than the name of the father's House. That will make many reticent to offer such an agreement.
"Of course, because there's two daughters, that problem only exists with the first to accept an agreement. The second daughter, irrespective of the order of birth, will then be free of the requirement to carry on the Greengrass name.
"But, since there are two daughters, that carries with it a major problem. Many are going to hold off until one or the other are in an agreement with a Line Continuation clause before they make their own offers. So, the second daughter, once the first is betrothed, is going to receive even more offers."
Monica suddenly said, "Concubine Contracts. That's what you're hinting at here, isn't it."
Harry nodded.
"You," she suddenly said.
Wendell frowned and asked, "What are you getting at, Mon?"
Harry sighed and said, "What Monica's figured out is that both girls can be bound to me, at least temporarily, under a Concubine Bond Agreement."
"Concubines?!" he angrily asked.
"They play an important part in our culture, Wendell," he explained. "They're important to ensure bloodlines are maintained; and, therefore, Houses."
Before Wendell could get up in arms about it again, he went on, "Daphne and Astoria Greengrass are the last of the Greengrasses, besides their parents, left. They are the two daughters of Lord Samuel and Lady Adeline Greengrass of the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass. There are no sons.
"Therefore, they will need to marry with a Marriage Contract that agrees to the first born son, at least, carrying the surname Greengrass. The Weasleys aside, magicals don't usually beget more than two or three children at most. So... for the first born, at least, to carry the name Greengrass... there is a risk it means the father's family name will not be continued through their union. There are a great many who will not be willing to risk that.
"That's where Concubine Bond Agreements play an important role. It means the father can marry and beget children through his wife that will carry his family name, while he also begets children for the concubined witch so she's be able to continue her line. It could also be known as a Morganatic Marriage, in that the concubine and her offspring have no legal claim to inheritance from the father of the children; and that includes titles.
"It's also important to note a concubine is not looked down upon in the wizarding world. Instead, they are somewhat revered for their... I'd say 'sacrifice', but that would be the wrong choice... 'dedication to tradition', would be better.
"The only limitation placed on such Bonds is that the husband, or the husband's family, is able to properly provide for the blended dual family that will develop."
Wendell grumped, "It sounds medieval."
"Not so much," replied Harry. "In 1936, then King Edward the Eighth was offered the concept of marrying Missus Wallis Simpson in a Morganatic Marriage. Even after Edward abdicated and he married the woman, by royal decree she was styled 'Her Grace', for the title Duchess of Windsor, rather than 'Her Royal Highness', as was her true right. That was Morganaticism at its finest."
Still frowning in annoyance, Wendell pressed, "And this is allowed in the wizarding world?"
"It is," he nodded. "If I remember my readings right, it was brought in when the numbers of Ancient Houses began to alarmingly fall due to the wizarding wars in the late 1700s. They were dying out. Since they've never really recovered, each time the concept has been raised within the Wizengamot to be struck from the books, the motion loses. Contrarily, it's even been expanded upon to not just include the Noble Houses, but any House of Elder House and up."
"You're not considering taken on a concubine, are you?" he pressed.
"It's not something I'm aiming for, no," he honestly replied. "However, I might just find myself... 'press-ganged' into it. I'm young, fit, head a Noble and Most Ancient House, head one of the major Alliances, my family does not have a history of fathering squibs and, to top it off, I'm considered a hero of the wizarding world.
"I think, very soon, the Alliance is going to be pressuring me into taking on at least one concubine. And it's likely to be Daphne Greengrass, or her sister, or both.
"However, if it happens as I think it will, I'll make damned sure the Concubine Bond Agreement has easy escape clauses for both parties, just as mine and Hermione's does.
"I'll argue that the witches concerned will have sufficient protection just from the agreement and need nothing more. Which will be true. That will give both girls ample time to seek out suitable suitors, or Samuel... Lord Greengrass... enough time to organise a better deal for the both of them. I'm willing to protect them; I'm not willing to father children on them."
Wendell, still closed off, muttered, "I don't like it."
Harry immediately agreed, "You're not alone in that view."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
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