Chapter Forty Four - An Oops and a Myocardial Infarction

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 Forty Four - An Oops and a Myocardial Infarction

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

When the Grangers arrived home, Wendell took one look at his daughter, both radiant from the exercise and looking gorgeous, and goggled in shock. Then he turned an almost scowl on Harry.

Harry just looked innocently back and shrugged. Wendell's behaviour was exactly as he expected.

Monica, not so much. She took one look at her daughter and smirked before dragging her upstairs 'to chat'.

As soon as they were gone, Wendell asked him, "What happened to Hermione's hair?"

"Betsy fixed it with elf magic and a hair management potion called Sleak-Ezy," he immediately replied. "It looks good, doesn't it?"

"Hmmmph," Wendell grumbled. "Remember: As her betrothed, it's your job to make sure no harm befalls her. If you need help hiding the bodies, let me know."

Harry grinned and replied, "No worries. I remember."

Both 'men' knew the other knew exactly what they were both alluding to.

When both ladies came back downstairs, Monica was demanding to know more about the potion and if it worked on non-magicals.

"No idea," said Harry. "I don't know why not, though. Try it and see. Call Betsy and ask as she'd probably know and could even source it for you."

Monica did exactly that and Betsy couldn't say it wouldn't work. She also promised to purchase some for her and come to apply it if called, with Hermione's permission."

"My permission?" asked Hermione.

"She's your Ladies' elf, Hermione," Harry explained. "If you order her to answer someone else's call, she'll do it."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Dinner that night was a bit of a feast. However, the only people sitting at the table were the Grangers and Harry. The aurors said they'd eat in the 'Quarters', so Harry and the Grangers could have this last meal together in private.

As it was winding down, another well-cooked and succulent roast beef with all the trimmings, Harry made sure the two Granger adults were finished with theirs and about to have their teas when he gave his throat a little clear and said, "Wendell... Monica... Thank you, so very much, for allowing me to come and stay. And for putting up with having strangers in your home for this past near month and a half―"

"You're very welcome, Harry," said Wendell, cutting him off. "And the aurors and other guests have not been a bother."

"You've brought us new friends and acquaintances, Harry," said Monica. "Plus, we've both been given a better look and understanding of the world our daughter is now a part of."

He blushed and looked down. "Still―"

"Still nothing," Wendell firmly said. "Monica and I are now a great deal more relieved our daughter is going to be alright in your world. It was something that plagued us with... yes, even nightmares... this past few years.

"This past five weeks has given us both a lot of peace. Especially knowing that manipulative old coot of a Headmaster of yours is now effectively dealt with."

"And the wards," added Monica. "And the floo out the back."

Still blushing he said, "If you're safe, Hermione's happy. Plus, I've got one more thing to give you and a couple of things to tell you to keep you safe."

He then reached into his pocket and drew out two items before offering, one each, to the two adults. They were little lapel pins.

"Each of these is a fully charged portkey. If someone, for some reason, manages to get through your wards with ill intent and you're home, the bringing down of those wards will activate them. As long as you're wearing them, you'll be portkeyed direct to Pottermore and under the far more powerful wards there.

"If the wards come under attack, an alert built into them will also alert both myself and Sirius that they're such. And both of us will be able to call on the aurors to get here with alacrity. But, the portkeys will get you away to safety even if something goes wrong with that, or the aurors are delayed."

Both accepted them with near reverence and looked at him with gratitude. Hermione, however, turned in her chair, leaned over to him and planted a major kiss on him.

With eyes shining brightly she pulled back and quietly, but heartfeltingly, said, "Thank you."

Wendell gave his own throat a clear and softly said, "Yes. Thank you, Harry."

Getting his blush under control, he frowned and said, "Dumbledore worries me. But, he's not the only threat to you out there from our world. While Dumbledore will try and use you, there are those who may come after you with more life-threatening intent. Dumbledore's attempts to get in through the wards, twice, is only an inkling of that."

"We'll wear them always, Harry," said Monica.

After a quick nod he said, "Secondly, if you're not somehow wearing the pins and the wards start to go, I've instructed the Potter elves to get you out of here if you're still here. If you're at, say, the hospital if it happens, they'll alert you to it without letting anyone else see them. They're pretty good with things like that."

After that quite emotional moment, the two adult Grangers immediately donned them.

"Well!" said Monica with a sigh. "What time, did you say, you had to be ready to floo to Hogwarts tomorrow?"

Harry smiled at her, grateful for the obvious intent to change the subject.

"7.30am sharp," he replied. "Dobby... and, probably, Betsy... will bring our trunks once we're gone. It's safer than taking them with us through the floo unless we were to shrink them and put them in our pockets. I'm, for one, just as likely to trip over mine and break my fool neck stepping out of the floo at the other end if they don't, even if it is in my pocket."

That had the other three grin back.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

For his last morning Harry was determined that today, of all days, he was going to beat that half pint, sawn off, little joy-killer of an elf of his to the kitchen. He'd set the alarm to go off an hour earlier than normal.

When going to bed he chuckled and thought, 'Got ya now, pipsqueak!'

When the alarm went off, on as quiet a setting as he thought he could get away with, he was quick to deactivate it, pull his invisibility cloak over himself, put on as many masking charms on himself as he thought he could get away with - scent, noise, body heat, etcetera - and hurried down to the kitchen.

Almost giggling to himself he hurried into the kitchen... and stopped dead in shock.

Dobby was already there and preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Master Harry!" he chirped, working with a skillet and the fry pan for the hash browns. The eggs were being poached, the bacon was on the grill, he even had tomatoes being grilled, as well.

Yanking the cloak off and cancelling the charms with a powerful finite he firmly said, "Damn it!"

Glaring at the back of the elf with suspicion he checked the clock on the wall... and found it was set to a time half an hour later than the one in his room.

He again glared at the elf before he hurried back up to his room... and found the clock was set the same as one in the kitchen. That meant he either didn't set the time of the alarm right, or someone had changed the time for it to go off.

Hurrying back down to the kitchen he found Dobby now checking the poaching eggs and demanded, "Did you change the time on by clock to go off half an hour later?"

Too innocently to be believable, Dobby turned to face him and asked, "Is Master Harry feeling alright?"

"Damn it!"

Still with his cloak in his hand, Harry stomped off back to the stairs to go back to his bedroom to get showered and dressed for the day.

It was while he was showering, and trying to figure out where his plan had gone wrong, that he had an epiphany. "That... little... shit!" he quietly but vehemently muttered to himself. "He's charmed my clock! That's how he knows when I get up and can beat me to the kitchen! Cheeky... little... bastard!"

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

When he got out of the shower and dried, as soon as he stepped through the ensuite door and back into the bedroom he noticed everything was packed in a 'new' trunk and one full set of his Hogwarts Uniform, together with fresh underwear, was laid on his bed. One pair of his shoes were tucked under the side of the bed, ready for him to don.

"Now he's just rubbing my nose in it!" he huffed.

He dressed then went over to inspect his 'new' trunk. Flipping it open he saw the thing had wizarding expansion charms and compartments in it.

All his new clothes, both wizarding and muggle, were now neatly packed inside. So were his school books, parchment, ink, quills, cauldron, scales, potion ingredients' case, telescope, received Christmas gifts, other paraphernalia... and even his Firebolt. He was stunned.

It took him at least a full minute before he slowly closed the lid and latched it again.

Finally able to shake off his apparent shock he gave a huge sigh and, more calmly, began to make his way down to the dinette for breakfast.

However, he'd only dropped two steps down the stairs from the first floor landing when he heard Hermione suddenly cry, "Bet-seeee!"

That had him immediately spin about and race up the stairs to the second floor without making too much noise about it. If there were intruders, he didn't want to alert them to his quick approach.

The door to Hermione's bedroom was open, so he jumped within with his wand drawn, crouched and ready to battle. He didn't even realise he'd drawn it.

Hermione was in the room wearing a fluffy pink dressing gown that came down to mid thigh, with her hair trussed up in a white towel. She was looking back at him in shock.

After his quick check found the room to be clear of Death Eaters or similar, he looked back at her. That's when he noticed what she was wearing; but, even more, that what he could see of her body was showing signs of having only just come out of the shower - her skin was flushed a healthy pink and was lightly steaming. Then realised she was probably naked under that dressing gown as he could also spot her own Hogwarts uniform was laid out on her bed with her pink underwear on top.

He immediately blushed and stuttered, "Errm―"

Getting her own shock under control before he could get his under such, she firmly said, "Best go downstairs and wait for me to get dressed, Harry. I need to talk to Betsy."

"Errr... yup!" he said, before he spun away and hurried down the stairs as quietly as he could. He was just in time to pass Monica on her way up from the first floor. She was wearing her own, but bigger and longer, fluffy dressing gown with a look of confusion on her face. But, Harry could see she was at least somewhat dressed under her robe.

He only paused long enough to blush again and quietly said, "Oops!" Then hurried down as quietly as he could and raced for the kitchen.

He was just thankful he hadn't also come across Wendell. He'd be told off, just for the evidence of the blush he knew he was now sporting.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As Monica rounded the top stair and saw her daughter's bedroom door, as usual, wide open she was also greeted to the sight of her daughter doffing her robe and standing in the room, side on and naked. Her skin was the pink of a hot shower and she still had wisps of steam rising from her skin.

Quietly stepping in through the door, as her daughter bent over to pick up her underwear from off the bed, she quietly said, "Well―"

With a very shocked but quiet, "Eeek!" Hermione's reaction was near-instant. She dropped to the floor, grabbed her robe and jumped back up holding it before her as she turned to the door, blushing furiously away. It almost appeared as if she bounced down and up.

Knowing she'd caught her daughter out, Monica smirked and continued to say what she was going to say. "I certainly hope what I just saw was not what Harry just saw."

Furiously blushing, Hermione squeaked out, "No!... I-I was wearing my robe when he saw me."

Stepping in further, Monica reached for the door, closed it and turned back to face her daughter. "I did warn you that, one day, if you continued to leave your door open while you were getting dressed you were going to give someone an 'eyeful'.

Hermione, still holding the dressing gown looked down in somewhat shame and quietly said, "Yes."

Monica gave a snort of amusement and said, "You'd better get dressed and go down and see Harry. You just embarrassed the boy again."

Then she left, closing the door behind her.

With a pained sigh, Hermione threw her robe on the bed and turned back to don her clothes.

'Betsy, first; then, Harry,' she thought.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

At 7.30am, on the dot, Headmistress Lady Marchbanks was watching as the floo 'whoomphed' with a burst of flame and the flames turned green. A moment later an auror stepped out, then Lord Potter, then Miss Granger and, finally, a second auror.

As they were stepping out, she came out from behind her desk and was waiting before it by the time the second auror stepped out.

Once the floo reverted back to orange flames she quietly said to the two teens, "Welcome back to Hogwarts."

Both grinned happily back. Both were also already dressed in their Hogwarts robes, with Lord Potter wearing the Potter crest on the opposite breast of his Gryffindor crest and the Black crest subservient. While Miss Granger wore the Potter crest on her right sleeve up near her shoulder, signifying she was under a Betrothal Agreement or contract to House Potter.

But, that was what they were wearing. Lord Potter had clearly grown a few more inches, filled out across the shoulders, lost the spectacles and... yes... apparently also lost that famous scar. And, while Miss Granger's physical statistics hadn't changed, her hair now fell in loose waves to lay on her shoulders and was clipped back at the temples by matching gold clips. Her changes were small, but no less startling.

"Your luggage, dears?" she asked

Harry gave a nod and called, "Dobby... Betsy..."

With a double flash, both elves arrived with their two trunks.

With a nod of her own, she called, "Toby."

A third elf arrived. This one, clearly a Hogwarts elf, was looking to her for instructions.

To the elf she indicated the two Potter elves and said, "Show these two that Lords' Quarters apartment I had the school elves ready for me, would you?"

"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf replied, before he turned and looked at Dobby and Betsy for a moment. Then both Potter elves nodded back and all three, plus the two trunks, disappeared.

Hermione appeared confused for a moment before she looked to Marchbanks and asked, "Headmistress? You asked... Toby... to show both Dobby and Betsy the Lords' Quarters...?"

in a tone that sounded as if she was saying it was obvious, Marchbanks replied, "Yes, dear. Lord Potter is being given an apartment with three bedrooms. As his recognised betrothed, you're allowed to share with him."

Hermione stood there, mouth open a little and blinked for a moment. "Ummm..."

Harry, realising the problem, said to her, "Hermione, if you want to be in the Gryffindor girls' dorms with Parvati, Lavender, Sophie and Fay, I understand. We can have Betsy move your effects to there, if you prefer."

Looking to him she said, "Ummm... no! I... i-if you don't mind, I'd prefer to stay with you."

"I thought you knew to expect that, dear," said Marchbanks. "Have I offended?"

Spinning back, Hermione replied, "Ummm... no. I... just didn't expect it. That's all."

"And I didn't know, either," said Harry. "I should have... and didn't."

"Actually..." said Hermione. "I'm... thinking... this will be a much better idea. Thank you."

"You're welcome, dear," said a slightly confused Marchbanks.

Hermione grinned at her.

One of the aurors asked, "And where are the Lords' Quarters, Headmistress?"

"On the fifth floor on the way to both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw towers," she replied. "Go up the grand staircase to the fifth floor, head towards the two towers and I'll have an elf meet you on the floor to show you the rest of the way."

The auror gave a nod and said "Thank you, Ma'am," And he and the other auror left through the door to the stairs.

Looking to the two teens she said, "I believe it's now time we head for the Great Hall. There's been a lot of speculation as to when you two would arrive."

"Yes, Ma'am," said Harry.

Both teens then followed her out.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As they walked, Hermione asked the little old witch who was their new Headmistress more questions about the Lords' Quarters and why someone, who was only betrothed, was expected to stay there with their betrothed.

"Aren't you worried what we might get up to?" she asked.

"You're betrothed, Miss Granger," replied the witch. "I might not be fully aware of what your Betrothal Agreement states, but I have a fair idea of the gist of it. Part of it states Lord Potter may act for your protection, does it not?"

"Well... yes," Hermione replied.

"Then, where better for you than to be close by so he can protect you than in the room next to his?" she asked.

"Oh," said Hermione. "I didn't think of that."

"Hmm!" said Marchbanks in a verbal nod.

When Hermione didn't seem to want to ask any further questions she stopped and waited for the two teens to stop as well, they did only two paces forward, and looked back at her. Both were looking at her with quizzical expressions.

She was a moment before she quietly said, "Alliance Secret."

That had Harry give a little start of shock as Hermione looked even more confused.

Marchbanks looked to Hermione and said, "That means, what we discuss here cannot be discussed with anyone outside of the Alliance, dear."

"Oh," said Hermione, understanding.

Marchbanks then looked back at Harry and said, "I have received correspondence from Lord Longbottom. He has informed me that he is currently in negotiations with Mister Abbott about a Betrothal Agreement between Heir Neville Longbottom and young Miss Abbott. Further, he is in simultaneous negotiations with Madam Bones about a Concubine Bond Agreement between Heir Longbottom and Heiress Susan Bones.

Both were surprised, but not so much.

"I see this is not news to you," said Marchbanks.

"Not that it would happen, but that it is happening now is," replied Harry.

"Hmm," said Marchbanks. "Lord Longbottom has requested that, when the Agreements are signed, I call on you to suggest you recommend Heir Longbottom request Lord's Quarters of his own for he and the two young ladies. I will approve it."

That surprised both.

"Why?" asked Harry. "I mean, why me?"

"Lord Longbottom does not want it to seem as if he's over-fathering his son. However, if the suggestion comes from you..."

Harry nodded and said, "Then Neville won't think it's an order from his father. It'll be his choice. He wants Neville to make these sort of decisions on his own."

"Precisely," she nodded.

"Uh-huh," muttered Harry. "I'm happy to do so. I also expect Neville will leap at the opportunity if he doesn't think it'll get him into trouble. The other three boys in the dorm are all slobs, whereas Neville and I are not."

"Then you'll need to convince him it won't hurt to ask," she said.

He nodded and said, "Will do."

She then hesitated again and asked, "Do you know why you've been offered an apartment with three bedrooms?"

Both teens immediately looked shocked. "Errr... you know something about a possible approach for a Concubine Bond Agreement for me, don't you?"

"I do," she firmly stated. "However, since that approach does not appear to have already been made, it is not my place to expand on that."

"Noted," he said. "Not even a hint?"

She smirked back and replied, "I'm sure you can figure it out, if you haven't already."

"Greengrass," he sighed.

She just smirked back. "Shall we continue to the Great Hall?" she innocently asked.

As she walked between the two teens and continued on her way, both turned to again follow her. Both teens, at the same time, glanced at one another.

A few seconds later and as he followed, Harry softly but firmly said, "You're an evil woman, Lady Griselda Marchbanks."

She just cackled. It was so much fun 'tweaking' the youngsters.

'Oh, how I missed this!' she thought.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Walking the long way, so they'd walk in through the main doors of the Great Hall from the entrance hall, it was about ten minutes before they arrived.

As soon as they walked in following the Headmistress, the Hall fell silent. Marchbanks just ignored it and continued on her way between the tables to the head table, while Harry and Hermione peeled off at the head end of the House tables to go to the Gryffindor table. They already saw Neville was sitting there waiting for them with a grin on his face.

They'd no sooner separated from the Headmistress before the first of the other students tried to approach. It was Angelina Johnson.

"Harry!" she exclaimed. "I want―"

"Back off and let us sit down!" he snapped out.

That immediately brought her to a sudden halt. Though he wasn't looking at her, she had an expression of shock on her face.

Reaching a grinning Neville, Harry made sure Hermione walked around the table with him, so their backs were to the wall, sat her first next to Neville and sat alongside her on the other side. They'd sat next to the other boy, who had also chosen to sit with his back to the wall, to show solidarity. They didn't know, however, he'd saved them seats.

"Morning," grinned Neville, just after they sat. "Making waves, already, I see?"

Having already eaten before they flooed to the castle, both teens only dragged over a cup and saucer and began to make cups of tea each. Both knew they were going to be immediately bothered by other students all demanding answers to their questions and wouldn't get much of a chance to eat before they had to go to class.

From an inside pocket of his robes, Neville drew out two small sheets of parchment, checked them and offered one each to the two. "Your class schedules," he said.

Hermione was all set to snatch it out of his hand before she hesitated with a small start, then more calmly accepted it. "Thank you, Neville," she said.

Harry smirked to her and nodded. He approved. And she smiled back.

After just finishing making their teas, Harry asked, "How did everything go on the trip here and yesterday?"

Neville had only just opened his mouth to reply when they heard the cough of someone trying to get their attention opposite.

With a mental sigh, Harry turned to see who it was. Ernest MacMillan. The boy looked determined, angry and not a little scared. 'Ah!'

Sitting back and up a little straighter he looked the boy full-on and asked, "Something I can help you with, Heir MacMillan?"

Self-fortifying himself first, the other boy said, "Lord Potter. I have come at the request of my Lord to offer you my heartfelt apology for my behaviour I have directed towards you between the start of this school year and today. I―"

Harry interrupted and asked, "What about Second Year, Heir MacMillan? Do you not remember your behaviour towards me throughout that year? Does calling me the Heir of Slytherin not ring any bells with you? Do you not recall what you called me... to my face... in public? And what about the hexes and such in the corridors? How many did you cast at me?

"Secondly, you 'come at the request of your Lord?' At least you're honest in stating apologising to me is not something you actually want to do.

"If you want to apologise, Heir MacMillan, then actually apologise. Make it from the heart or it'll be worthless."

MacMillan, clearly angry, had to close his eyes as he managed to rein his temper in. He knew he had to do this, or his grandfather was going to disown him on the spot as soon as he learned of it. He... had... to do this.

Getting himself back under control, he looked back, took a deep breath and firmly said, "Lord Potter. I have come... to offer you my heartfelt apology for my behaviour I have directed to you over... our time together in the school. I have behaved with... dishonour and in a manner that has brought my House into conflict with you."

As he talked he seemed to get more into it and even managed to calm a little.

"Though... I see now that I was in the wrong and you did not deserve the treatment I caused to befall you. You were undeserving of any of it.

"My... I hope you accept my apology in the spirit it is given and we both may put this matter behind us."

With that last line, MacMillan almost seemed to slump inwards. Obviously, his apology was done.

Harry gave it a long moment for the boy to collect himself before he replied. "Apology accepted. You may inform your Lord I have accepted your apology in the spirit it was given and invite him to speak more of this matter with Lord Longbottom at Lord Longbottom's convenience. Anything else?"

MacMillan looked back for a moment and replied, "No, Lord Potter. Thank you." Then, without waiting for Harry to say anything else, spun about and hurried away.

Harry gave a snort of amusement and returned to his tea.

Neville leaned around Hermione and said, "I think you've just caused anyone who had visions of coming over to demand answers from you to rethink their plan." Then he flicked his eyes to the rest of the Hall.

When Harry glanced up through his eyebrows and looked about he could see what Neville meant. There were quite a few who were staring at him and appeared very reluctant to get on his bad side.

They now knew, more than ever, the meek little orphan boy was gone.

They could also see he was a great deal taller, had filled right out, wasn't wearing his glasses any more and sat with a firm posture. This was no longer the Harry Potter they once thought him to be.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Dumbledore did not sleep well. He never did in these cells. They never turned the light off completely, only dimmed it down so they could see him if they ever took a peek through the little viewing slot in the door for that purpose.

However, his sleep that night was even worse. That Bones had declared him to be a Dark Lord had really hit home. It was even worse when he quickly realised that, with being declared a Dark Lord, it now meant the prophecy could now be about him and not Tom, as he truly believed.

When the little slot for an auror to peek within would be opened about an hour after he'd been given his meagre breakfast, he knew―

He heard the bolt on the outside of the door give its distinctive deep 'shh-clunk', signalling the door was about to be opened. And then it was.

The same two burly aurors as the previous day stepped in. The senior of the two said simply, "Prisoner, stand."

With a sigh he rose to his feet and held out his hands held close before him, bent at the elbows with his wrists inches apart. A few seconds later and the magic-inhibiting manacles were firmly affixed.

As soon as they were, both aurors stepped to either side of him, gripped him by his upper arms and marched him out of the cell and towards the Interrogation Rooms.

This time, during his move from his cell to the Interrogation Rooms, he never said a word.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

A few minutes after MacMillan left, the mail arrived. Neither teen received anything as they'd received it before flooing to the castle.

It was as he was returning to his tea, Angie Johnson regained her courage to approach.

"Harry?" she carefully asked.

"What can I do for you, Angie?" he calmly asked.

As he was neither smiling or appeared angry, she was at somewhat of a loss on how to proceed.

"I... want to talk to you about you withdrawing from the team," she said.

"What about it?" Again, no inflection.

"I want you to reconsider," she stated.

"I have," he replied. "However, as I stated to you in the letter I sent you, I stand by my decision.

"I really did not appreciate my so-called House-mates practically berating me and demanding answers to their questions that day Hermione and I returned from the Wizengamot trial sessions.

"I am not a walking version of the Daily Prophet they can command to do their bidding like I'm a bloody house elf, or something.

"If you need a new seeker, as I said in my letter, I strongly suggest you approach young Miss Ginny Weasley. I've seen her in action and believe she will make an excellent seeker for the Lions."

Angie, though clearly angry at what she perceived as a 'brush off', didn't retort. Instead she simply gave a single sharp nod in return and walked away back down the table - marched, really.

Hermione quietly said, "You know it means you can never go back to being a seeker for the Lions, don't you?"

Harry gave a quiet sigh and said, "I didn't want to be the seeker in the first place, Love. I was bullied into it by McGonagall. She told Wood I was to be the new seeker for the Lions, without even bothering to ask me first, and that was that.

"I like flying, Love. And chasing the snitch gave me something to do while doing that. But, I can still do that by simply releasing a snitch on my own and chasing after it."

Surprised, Hermione said, "I thought you liked being seeker."

He smiled back and replied, "No; the fake Harry did, because it helped his façade"

"Ah!" she said. A moment later she added, "I'm glad. I didn't like how dangerous it was for you; nor how much you seemed to get hurt, all the time."

He leaned across a little and kissed her on the cheek, causing her to blush a little and look away.

Looking back around her, he looked to Neville and said, "Now. Before we were interrupted, you were going to tell me about how the past couple of days went."

Again, Neville was about to open his mouth when Professor Babbling approached and said, "Lord Potter. I'm here to escort you and your betrothed to your new accommodation. You'll also be needing to collect your books for your morning classes."

With a sigh, Harry looked to her and said, "Very well, Professor." Turning to Neville he clearly said, "I apologise for yet another interruption to our conversation, Heir Longbottom. Perhaps we'll be able to complete it during next break."

As the Professor gave a little start of shock, Neville grinned and replied, "I look forward to it, Lord Potter. Perhaps we'll be able to complete it during morning tea."

Harry gave a smile back, rose, stepped back over the back of the bench seating and turned to the Professor as Hermione rose beside him.

She waited for them both to walk around the table and then lightly gestured towards the main doors before walking that way, herself.

The two teens followed, knowing they had many eyes watching them as they did so. Both ignored them.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After Dumbledore was again manacled to the ring-bolt on the table, as with the previous day the same aurors entered and took up positions. This time they were immediately followed by the Dicta-quill operator and the Master Healer carrying her rack of vials of Veritaserum. Then Madam Bones entered with her file and went directly to her seat on the opposite side of the table.

Without even offering a greeting, this time, she opened her folder, made herself comfortable and asked, "Ready for your next Veritaserum dose, Albus?"

"No," he lowly replied.

"Too bad," she smirked.

After everything was set up, the Dicta-quill was activated and the dose of five drops of Veritaserum were administered Bones began her interrogation.

"What was the true purpose of you having caused the erection of those series of so-called traps in the third floor corridor as you announced on the first of September, 1991, to the students of Hogwarts?"

As Dumbledore mentally struggled to not directly answer the question he replied, "I informed the staff the traps were erected to protect a valuable artefact given to me by a dear friend―"

"Was that response meant to direct me away from the truth?"

"Y... Y... Y-y-yes."

"What were you trying not to tell me?"

"T... T... T...Thhhhh-the traps were... a... s... series... of tests."

"Tests for whom?"

"H... H... Haaaarry P... Puhhh...ter."

"What was the purpose of testing Lord Potter with those series of so-called traps in the third floor corridor as you announced on the first of September, 1991, to the students of Hogwarts?"

"T... t... t... toooo test... h... his... braaaa-ver-y."

"Do you see, Albus? Fighting the potion is pointless! You are only delaying the inevitable."

"Y... Y-yes."

"Did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed?"

"Y-yes."

"From when did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed?"

"Ffff... fff... ffffirst... of... Sepppp-tember―"

"Did you know Quirinus Quirrell was possessed from the first of September, 1991?"

"Y... Yyyy-yes."

Bones was a few moments before she asked, "When were you aware the troll was released into the school, as reported by Quirinus Quirrell on the thirty first of October, 1991?"

"Ah... At th... the Feast."

She paused a moment while she thought and then asked, "At what time were you first aware the troll was released into the school, as reported by Quirinus Quirrell on the thirty first of October, 1991?"

"Ssss... sssiiii.. sixxxx thhh-... thurrrty seh... sehven, thhhhat n... night."

Scowling, she demanded, "What time did Quirrell burst into the Great Hall to make his announcement about a troll being loose in the dungeons?"

"Sssseh... Sseh-ven nnnnuh.. niiiine...teen."

"So, you were aware a troll... a second troll, if you consider the first troll being the one that was part of those traps of yours... was within the school grounds approximately three-quarters of an hour before Quirrell made his shocking entrance into the Great Hall?"

"Yyy... yes!"

"Why did you not head it off and deal with it as soon, or very soon after, you knew it had entered the grounds, Albus?"

"Aaaa... I... wwwwanted... to... sss- sssseee... wh- whhaaat... T-T- Tommm... w... would do... w-whuh... w-with it."

"And if, instead of releasing it into the corridors of the school, Quirrell had brought it direct to the Great Hall?"

"H-heee... didn't."

"Did you know where it was, at all times it was within the school?"

"Y... yyyyes."

"At that time, did you know that a student was not in the Great Hall, but was on the second floor in a girls' bathroom?"

"Y... yes."

"Did you know that the troll was making it's way towards her?"

"Y-y-yuh-... yyyesss."

"Did you know Lord Potter was going to go and find the girl, when it became apparent to him that Miss Granger was not in the Great Hall?"

"Y-yyy... Nnnno."

Frowning at the response, Bones had an epiphany. "Did you use any form of compulsion... No. Did you directly use any form of mind magic on any student to inform Lord Potter, then Mister Potter, that a student was in that second floor girls' bathroom?"

"Nnnn... Yyyeeesss."

"On which student did you use such mind magics to inform Lord Potter a student was in that second floor girls' bathroom?"

"M-Missss... Br-Brown."

"And which form of mind magic did you use against Miss Brown?"

"C... Cuh... Com...pul...shun.. charm."

"Why did you use an illegal compulsion charm on Miss Brown to inform Mister Potter that Miss Granger was in that girls' bathroom?"

"Sssso... yyy... yuh-oung... H... Ha... Harr-reee... w-would... go.. ressss-cue... h-her."

"Why would you send Lord Potter to go rescue her?"

"Tuh... T-tooo... tessssst... h-his.. b-b-braaaaay-very."

Surprised, she blurted, "Are you trying to get Lord Potter killed, Albus?"

"N...n...nnn-Yyyy... Yeeehhs!"

Utterly shocked, the aurors and even the Master Healer in the room all gasped in shock. Bones was a few moments stunned silent.

"Why are you trying to get Lord Potter killed, Albus?" she demanded.

"... ... ...B... Beeee... C-c-c―"

Dumbledore then appeared to go into some form of fit.

The Master Healer immediately stepped forward, rapidly casting over him as he went into some form of paroxysm. Then, without a word, suddenly stunned him.

She immediately whirled to stare at Bones and snapped, "He's having a heart attack. I need to get him to Mungo's... now."

"Shhhhit!" said Bones.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As Harry and Hermione began to follow the professor up the grand staircase, as soon as they were apart from any of the students moving about on the stairs, the Professor looked to Harry and said, "I apologise for interrupting your conversation, Lord Potter. I thought, once Miss Johnson had departed, your conversation had ended."

"Apology accepted, Professor Babbage," he immediately replied. "However, you should know, both Miss Johnson and Mister MacMillan before her were both interrupting the same conversation that had started between Miss Granger and me and Heir Longbottom almost as soon as I sat. You were just the third to do so."

She just gave a nod and small smile back. So, Harry knew she wasn't too upset about it; unlike how McGonagall would have reacted - with a snooty huff.

Once on the fifth floor she led them along the main corridor in a part of the castle Harry did not often traverse and to quite the fancy wide wooden door. It was almost half again wide as a normal door; about the same width as one of the doors into the Great Hall from the entrance hall, but nowhere near as tall. In the past, he'd normally be one floor up when heading for the Gryffindor tower.

An auror seemed to be standing watch opposite it; watching both directions and the door, itself.

Entering after the Professor, Harry was surprised to see the floor change from bare stone to a carpet runner along a long and wide corridor. There were also skylights in the ceiling, letting in natural sunlight, and silver brackets along the wall just above head height containing gas lamps. The skylights had to be magical, course; as there was another two floors directly above this one.

She walked down past about four doors on either side before she arrived at one numbered '9'.

Turning back to slightly face them, she indicated it and said, "This is it. Lord Potter, you need to claim it as your own by placing your wand hand palm flat on the door, pushing a little with your magic and claiming it."

Harry gave her a nod and put his hand on the door and 'pushed'. "I am Lord Harrison James Potter. I claim this suite for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."

Harry felt his palm tingle a little before he 'felt' the acceptance.

As he stepped away, the professor said, "Now you, Miss Granger. You just announce yourself and Lord Potter has to again put his hand on the door and announce you're granted access."

Hermione stepped forward, putting her own hand on the door, and firmly said, "I am Hermione Jean Granger, betrothed of Lord Harrison James Potter."

Then she removed her hand and stepped back giving her palm a scratch with her off hand as she did so.

Harry then stepped forward and put his hand back. "I am Lord Harrison James Potter, I grant Hermione Jean Granger access as my betrothed."

As Harry stepped back again, the professor gave a nod and said, "The suite, or apartment, is now keyed to only allow the two of you access. If anyone else touches the doorknob they'll be stunned and the staff will be alerted to that.

"You need to open the door first, Lord Potter."

Harry stepped forward again, gripped the door-handle and gave it a twist before then giving it a push. The door swung inwards and away.

"In you go," said the professor.

As Harry walked through the doorway and inside, Hermione followed right behind; then the Professor. He was surprised to also see the auror, who had been standing guard outside, also step in and begin casting detection charms about the place.

'Really?' he thought, not knowing Hermione was also thinking pretty much the same thing.

Both Dobby and Betsy then appeared with twin flashes and big smiles on their small faces.

"Master Harry! Miss-tress Herm'nee! Welcome!" said an excited Dobby.

The Professor gave a quiet cough to catch their attention.

When both teens immediately turned around and looked towards her, she said, "I'll leave you to quickly explore. Classes start in a little over fifteen minutes and I believe you both have a double of Transfiguration, then morning tea, then a double of Herbology before lunch."

"Thank you, Professor," said Hermione.

"Yes, thank you, Professor," added Harry.

The Professor gave a small smile before she let herself out, pulling the door shut behind her.

As both turned back, Harry looked at Dobby and said, "How about a quick tour? Then we need to collect our books and go."

Less than five minutes later, both teens were walking out, pulling the door shut behind them.

Dobby and Betsy had both loaded their book satchels with the right texts, ink, quills and sufficient parchment.

Hermione looked to Harry and said, "Wow! I don't know what your room is like, but mine feels like 'five star'!"

"The same," he grinned. "We need to bring the others up here, especially Neville, so he can see what it's like, first hand."

"You, too, can live like this?" she smirked.

"Exactly," he grinned.

She gave a nod and said, "We'd best hurry. As Professor Babbling said, we have Transfiguration first, so at least we only have to drop down one floor. But, we'll still be late if we don't get a wriggle-on." Beginning to fret a little, she added, "Ooohh... I hope the new Professor is as good at teaching as Professor McGonagall was."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The apartment had, as promised, three bedrooms; with each having its own ensuite. The apartment started with a central common room. From that led four doors and an arch. Each of three of the doors led to a bedroom and the fourth led to an office. The arch led to a combined kitchenette with a small dining table that could seat six at a squeeze.

The entire apartment was lavishly appointed though seriously out of date, as expected. However, all the furniture appeared in almost pristine condition and little wear appeared anywhere.

Harry's trunk, his entire collection of personal effects at that, were set up in the clearly master bedroom. Hermione's were in the next largest sized room and Harry was surprised to see just how much stuff was in there.

"How, on Earth, did Betsy manage to fit all that into your trunk?" asked a shocked Harry.

She gave him a wry grin and replied, "She didn't. She got rid of my trunk and replaced it with a, as she claims, 'Noble Ladies' Travelling Trunk' from Pottermore. The inside is wizard-spaced like you wouldn't believe.

"Oh, and that was why I had that loud exclamation, this morning," she blushed, "When you raced upstairs to find out what was wrong, I'd noticed my walk-in wardrobe was basically bare. Betsy had managed to pack the lot."

"Ah," he stammered. "I-I'm... sorry, about that... by the way."

"Not your fault," she firmly replied. "Besides, you didn't see anything inappropriate. I wear a great deal less than that at the beach."

"Errr... yeah," he muttered.

"Mum gave me a right fright right after you left, though," she explained. Then blushed slightly and said, "She came in just as I dropped my robe to get dressed."

After they finished looking at each other's new bedroom, they explored the rest of the apartment, together. Dobby and Betsy had been busy setting it all up for them. Even the pantry was stocked with groceries under stasis. Looking at the labels Harry knew it was all brand new, so wasn't there from years past or anything. Dobby had to have gone shopping.

However, when Hermione saw the office with all its empty bookshelves, she stared fixedly at them and softly said, "Harry, dear."

"Yep?"

"The bookshelves are empty, Harry," she firmly said. "I don't like empty bookshelves."

He smirked and said, "When I've got the chance I'll send Dobby to Pottermore to collect and bring back a selection of books related to the subjects we're studying. I'm sure there'll be enough to sufficiently populate these shelves for you."

She turned a familiar smile on him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Good boy," she softly said.

'Now that was pure Monica,' he thought.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

At Saint Mungo's, Bones was pacing outside the Casualty wing; the emergency 'centre' of the hospital. She was muttering to herself as she did so, but not loud enough for anyone to overhear.

Moody and Robards were standing with their backs to the wall on opposite sides, Moody near a corner. Both were watching her and everyone else move about while protecting their Boss's back.

Pockridge had already been out once to update her. "It's confirmed," she sighed. "Dumbledore had a heart attack. A pretty severe one. They're working to stabilise him now."

A half hour later, a cardiac specialist healer came out.

"Madam Bones?" he asked.

"Yes?" she replied.

He took her to the side wall near Robards and softly said, "As Healer Pockridge informed you, Dumbledore's had what's commonly referred to as a heart attack. It was brought on by both his poor diet - too much sugar - and spending quite a bit of time trying to fight the effects of Veritaserum.

"You should know the extra drop did not cause this. We've also determined it is safe for him to be given five drops, just not for a while.

"He seems Merlin-bedamned to fight the serum and, if he does, he risks yet another myocardial infarction. Healer Pockridge has informed me it is imperative he be questioned and forced to speak truthfully. However, his own mulishness not to answer will kill him if you push too hard.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you can do to force his compliance to answer without risking further infarctions, or even death."

Frustrated, Bones muttered. "So close!"

The Healer just gave a shrug and said, "Perhaps a form of Veritaserum can be developed that also includes a calming component? Sorry, but it's not my area of expertise."

Surprised at the suggestion, Bones only gave a nod and replied, "Not your fault, Healer. And, thank you, for saving the old fool's life."

"You're welcome, Madam Bones," he replied. "Now. If you'll excuse me, I need to get back in there."

As the man began to turn away, she quickly asked, "How soon can I get in there to ensure he's properly secured. He's a flight risk."

"I assure you, he's not going anywhere," he firmly replied. "However, we should be moving him to the DMLE secure ward in about thirty to forty minutes. He'll remain unconscious well beyond our moving him there; probably at least until this afternoon, at the earliest."

She gave a pained sigh, pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration and said, "Thank you, Healer."

"Again, you're welcome," he replied.

This time, she didn't stop him from re-entering.

When Pockridge came out thirty minutes later, she was leading the way with Dumbledore on the levitated bed and escorted by another Healer and two medi-witches. Dumbledore was, as she'd been warned, unconscious.

Without a word, Pockridge just gestured for Bones and the other two to follow.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As they were descending the stairs of the grand staircase, Harry said, "By the way, after class this afternoon - or, first chance I get otherwise - I'll be asking Professor Babbage the opportunity to test to enter this year's Ancient Runes class."

In pleased shock she suddenly dove at him and gave him a Hermi-hug of old. "Harry!" she exclaimed. "That's wonderful!"

Chuckling, he held her for the moment and said, "I knew you'd be pleased."

When she pulled back she then planted a kiss on his lips, sighed and said, "We'd better hurry." Then proceeded to drag him down the last few stairs and along the fourth floor corridor.

He just grinned and allowed himself to be towed along.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ