Chapter Forty Eight - Neville and His Girls Get 'Hitched'

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 Eight - Neville and His Girls Get 'Hitched'

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―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

With the next day a Saturday, their first back in the castle, the two teens had breakfast in their apartment. Hermione, as promised, was wearing wizardingwear casual.

After breakfast they immediately set to work to get all the rest of their assignments for the week out of the way and had them done well before lunch.

Finally, they exited the rooms into the public part of the castle, not that long before they needed to get to the Great Hall if they wanted to have lunch there. They did.

She asked, "Feels better not having assignments to do when you're goofing off, doesn't it?"

"I know," he replied.

"What now?" she asked.

"How about, lunch; then, if it's what you want to do, we visit the Gryffindor common room," he suggested.

"Why do you want to go to the Gryffindor common room?" she asked.

"I don't, really," he replied. "I thought you might want to."

She gave a little huff of amusement and replied, "I don't."

"Fair enough," he said. "Then, I guess we'll figure out something to do during lunch."

As they walked, it was about three minutes later when Hermione asked, "Heard back from Ted, yet, about the... CBA?"

"No," he replied. "It's only been half a day, Hermione. Give the man some time."

"You still think this is going to happen pretty quickly, though?"

He gave a firm nod and replied, "I do. Nothing has changed my belief Samuel Greengrass wants this done fast."

"Then how about, after lunch, we go back to the apartment. Just the two of us," she suggested. "There's something private I need to talk to you about."

"We can do that," he agreed.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Lunch was normal for a Saturday. Due to no classes - and, therefore, no class timetables - people came and went as they felt like it. Their only limitation was lunch did not start until 12noon and ended at 1.30pm. You could stay longer or arrive earlier, but no food appeared until noon and all food was removed at 1.30pm sharp.

Harry and Hermione walked in at 12.30pm. That meant they arrived after the 'ravenous' ones ran in and who also probably skipped breakfast, but still had plenty of time before the stragglers realised they were going to miss out if they didn't get a wriggle-on and tried to bolt their food down.

Neville joined them about ten minutes later and, on seeing them, broke into a wide grin and lead his two girls over.

Hermione gestured for them all to sit.

When the two girls looked uncomfortable with that, Harry said, "The only time you are restricted to your House tables for meals is; the welcoming feast, the breakfast where class schedules are distributed, any special feast that arises and the leaving feast. That's it. You are allowed and, according to the rules, even encouraged to sit at other tables at all other times."

Both and Neville, looked back in shock.

"Really?" squeaked Susan.

"Really," he wryly returned.

Hermione reached for her satchel and realised it wasn't there. Then sighed. Meanwhile, Neville and the two girls sat opposite with Neville in the middle.

Harry noticed Hermione had reached for her satchel and said, "Look it up when we get back to the apartment, Love."

She nodded, "I will."

Neville, sensing the break in the conversation quietly said, "I have news. Harry, can you put up that privacy charm you do?"

Harry gave a nod, looked to see how far away the nearest people to them were, gave a second nod and cast the charm.

"There," he declared. "Only those who come right in close will be able to hear anything other than an annoying buzz."

"Thank you," said Neville. Grinning to the two girls, who were almost bouncing on the bench either side of him, he said, "Dad sent me an owl, this morning―"

Susan cut in, "And Auntie Ami and Mister Abbott sent us owls, too!" Which had Hannah happily nodding as well.

"Good news?" smirked Harry.

"The best!" grinned Neville, though he looked a little nervous. "He, Madam Bones and Mister Abbott are coming to the school tomorrow, after lunch. We're to meet with them in the Headmistress's office at 1.30pm. They'll be signing the agreements there and Lady Marchbanks will be witness."

"That is the best news!" laughed Harry. "Nev, that's fantastic! I'm so happy for you; for all three of you, actually."

"Me too!" squealed Hermione. Unable to contain herself any more, she popped up, ran around the table and, as the girls were rising, dragged them both into a Hermi-Hug.

Once the two were clear of the bench, they all hugged each other and jumped around in joy.

While the girls were otherwise occupied, Harry said to Neville, "While you're there, mate; don't forget to ask the Headmistress for permission to move into the Lords' Quarters with the girls. Trust me."

Neville firmed up, gave a nod back and said, "I will."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After signalling to Daphne and Tracey, who were sitting at the Slytherin table watching and clearly understanding what was happening, the five went out to the antechamber they'd used previously.

A couple of minutes later, both Slytherins came out of the Great Hall and hurried over, slipping in through the door.

Both Hannah and Susan turned to them, squealed in happiness and launched themselves at both girls.

"Yes?" asked Tracey.

"Yes!" both girls replied, before Hannah added, "Tomorrow!"

That had all four now happy.

Daphne managed to separate and walked over to where Neville was standing a little apart with Harry and Hermione.

Without a word, she laid a big hug on him; behaviour, Harry never expected of her.

Once she'd hugged Neville, Harry asked her, "Mind stepping over here for a moment?" And moved a little further away.

She gave a nod and joined him apart from everyone else.

"I have contacted my Law-wizard of Record, Ted Tonks of the House of Black, to inform him of my decision to approach your father seeking a Concubine Bond Agreement between you and me," he told her. "I also sent an urgent message to your father, at the same time, letting him know we had an agreement-in-principle and that Ted would be in contact with him.

"Ted sent me a modified standard agreement yesterday and I sent back the changes I wanted to see included.

"Just so you know what the gist of them are, they are: One; so long as nothing... physical... happens between us, both of us will have easy escape clauses we can activate at any time. Two; if something physical happens, you will still have the easy escape clauses, but I will not; mine will have significant financial penalties involved. Three; if we... if you... f-fall pregnant from s- physical activity between us, then escape clauses will still exist; but, such escape clauses will have serious financial penalties for the one who then breaks the agreement, especially me."

As he was talking he worked hard to keep from blushing, but wasn't completely successful. It was hard enough to get through saying it.

"There will not be a clause that requires you to... you won't be required to do anything you don't want to; understand?"

As she looked at him with wide eyes she couldn't speak. She just nodded back while staring fixedly at him.

"This is to keep you safe from those who would mean you and or your House harm―"

That was as far as he got before she mimicked a Hermi-Hug and jumped at him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Harry," she sniffled.

"You're welcome," he replied, finally bringing his own arms up to caress her back.

After a few moments he gently pushed her away to again look into her now watery eyes. "Now it just depends on your father. If he tries to use this situation to demand fiscal benefits... then, I'm sorry, I've instructed Ted not to proceed."

"He won't," she earnestly promised. "Father's not an idiot. He'll very quickly work out what you're doing and will approve."

"Good," he said, relieved. "I also want you to know that, if you want out because you've met someone and would prefer to be with them, I'm open to discussing that; alright?"

"Thank you, Harry," she replied.

"I don't ever want you to think that you'll be with me, or are with me, because you have to be with me. You get to choose."

She nodded and smiled, her eyes sparkling with brimming moisture.

When they pulled apart to turned back to the others, it was to see them watching back. Harry checked Hermione and saw not a hint of jealousy. If anything, she clearly approved.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After they'd left the antechamber and he was walking alone with Hermione returning to their apartment, Hermione looked to Harry and said, "You did good, in there."

"I don't think I could do anything else," he simply returned.

"No, I don't think so, either," she agreed.

As they approached the door to the Lords' Quarters, it was to see Malfoy and his pet bookends step out of an alcove with a smirk on his face. All three had their wands drawn. It was clear Malfoy wanted to 'start' something.

Harry sighed. He knew this was going to happen, sooner or later. Malfoy just couldn't help himself.

As a mutter loud enough for only Hermione to hear, he said, "Whatever you do, do not retaliate. Let the new wards do their job."

"Understood," she quietly replied.

When they were about twenty feet away, Malfoy raised his wand to a more ready position and said, "Potter. Rumour has it―"

But, surprising Malfoy, Harry didn't even pause as he expected. Instead, he kept walking forward; which brought Malfoy's little monologue to an abrupt and confused halt.

When he was about four feet away, Harry finally stopped. He chose the distance as it put him in reach to snatch Malfoy's wand out of his hand if the little white ferret tried to launch a curse or hex.

With a sigh, he said, "Mister Malfoy, is it your intent to piss off the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter, or the Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black?"

When Malfoy looked confused, he continued, "I only ask as I'll need to know if I shall be contacting your father directly, as Lord Potter, to inform him how badly his Heir completely and utterly screwed up; or Lord Black, so he can have the honour."

When Malfoy still looked confused - Potter didn't retaliate, as he expected - Harry continued to explain, "And, I only ask because your father will want to know why it is he's just discovered his marriage contract has been irrevocably torn asunder, the Black dowry your mother received from the House of Black has been yanked out of his own accounts back to the House of Black accounts and your mother and you have been Disowned."

Malfoy went white. "Y-you wouldn't!"

"I would," he shot back. "And faster than you can say, 'Wait 'til my father hears of this'."

Malfoy stood there for a few moments more before his face flushed and he developed an angry scowl. "You'll get yours, Potter!"

"My Share? Oh, I intend to, Malfoy," he happily declared back. "I'm sure Lord Black will happily give me my share of what was part of the Malfoy fortune, when he yanks it out of your father's accounts. What do you think; is one fifth of it a fair cut?

"After all, I'll have been the one that pushed you far enough you engaged your wand and not your brain, didn't think it through and had a shot at me; which allowed Lord Black to legally take it.

"You see, Mister Malfoy; I do not think it's a matter of 'if' with you, only a matter of 'when'. And I'm happy to bide my time until your over-developed sense of self-entitlement exceeds your pitiful authority and gives me that excuse."

The whole time Harry was smirking at the boy in amusement, Malfoy could only stand there feeling impotent. And he now knew Potter knew that.

Harry chuckled and said, "I do not know why you bother to engineer these little incidences between you and me, Malfoy. Unless your godfather has been there to pull your nads out of the fire by swooping in and assigning me and others with me with spurious losses of points and detention, you've never won a single one of them; not on the grounds, not on the Express, not here in the castle. Even then, you never won; he did, by abusing his authority as a Professor.

"Well, he's now in Azkaban partly because of that abuse of authority. So, regarding him, I won in the end.

"Now, will there be anything else, or will you blurt 'Wait 'til my father hears of this' and storm off like you usually do?"

Clearly furious, Malfoy lowered his wand, backed up half a step started to say, "Wai―" before he snapped his mouth shut and stormed off.

Harry watched him go and looked to the two now confused bookends. "Well?" With a flick of his fingers he indicated Malfoy's direction and said, "Your lord and master went that way. Best hurry to catch up. Without you both standing there looking mean, someone's liable to laugh at him."

Both boys, still confused, turned and hurried to catch up with the blonde ferret.

Harry then heard chuckling and turned just in time to see an auror standing ten feet away dispel the last of a Disillusionment charm as he watched the three hurry away.

Turning his attention to Harry he said, "That was hilarious." And chuckled again.

"I'm glad you're amused," Harry smirked back. "And I'm sure you'd never consider sharing the memory of that with the auror bullpen. That would be shameful behaviour. Lucy Malfoy might find out about it if you did that and go into a right royal snit."

The auror laughed again and said, "You're an evil young man, Lord Potter." Then turned and walked away as he re-donned his disillusionment charm.

Once they were sure he'd gone, Hermione asked, "How'd you know he was there?"

"I didn't," he replied. "I just suspected he or another was. However, I'm also aware of the new and reactivated wards Headmistress Lady Marchbanks has activated. As soon as Malfoy fired a curse, the entire staff would have been alerted to it. All we both needed to do was avoid it and wait. That's why I specifically said, 'Don't retaliate'."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Once inside the apartment, where Harry was still chuckling a little, Hermione said, "Take a seat. I need to get something from my room for our talk."

As he sat back Harry managed to calm down and waited for his Love. He was thinking about how much easier life in Hogwarts was going to be with both the new wards and the presence of the aurors. And how accepting Hermione had apparently become of the still-developing CBA between he and Daphne.

Hermione then re-entered the living room wearing the same fluffy pink dressing gown he'd accidentally seen her wearing their last morning at the Granger residence, when he'd heard her cry out and raced up stairs to help.

Same as then, it did not look like she was wearing anything under it. However, this time, she wasn't wearing the white towel wrapped around her head for her hair.

As she walked forward, she asked, "Remember this?"

"Errr... yes?" he replied. His throat felt a little tight.

As she got closer she said, "Well, if you were about ten seconds slower, you would have seen this!"

And, just like that, she flicked the robe off her shoulders and allowed it to drop to the floor as she stopped about five feet and in front of him.

She was naked.

As she stood there, with her left knee closed over her right a little to 'cover' the lower part of her lady bits, Harry couldn't utter a word.

Finally, he managed to squeak out, "I... I... W-wow!"

Quickly snapping his eyes back up to hers, he was in time to see her stop worrying at her bottom lip with her top teeth and smile back.

"Y-you... Y-you're gorgeous!" he blurted.

Her smile widening into a blushing grin she softly said, "Thank you, Harry."

When he then tried to stand so he wasn't face to... lady cauldron, she stepped forward, placed a hand in his chest and pushed him back into the chair.

As soon as he was back in it she spun around and sat on his lap. She was very pleased to feel he definitely appreciated her looks. And gave a little squirm.

As soon as she saw the slight expression of pain flit across his face, she stopped as she did not want to hurt him; and leaned into him with her arms around his neck.

All Harry knew was that he now had a lap full of a very attractive naked young woman and 'little Harry' had painfully popped up to say, 'Hello!'

When she leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck, he reactively wrapped his arms around her waist. Her... naked... waist. And that led to a slow snogging kiss.

Little Harry was calling out, 'Hey! Here I am! The twins and I are getting crushed here!'

Finally getting his will power back under control, he gently pushed her back to sit upright a little to give him some room to breathe and managed to say, "Not that I don't appreciate it, very much; but, what brought this on?"

She gave another little squirm and replied, "Multiple reasons. First and foremost, I wanted to. I think our relationship should progress a bit more and I didn't think you'd be against it―"

"I'm not!" he quickly blurted.

Pausing to smile at him, she continued, "Second, if the Concubine Bond Agreement between you and Daphne is finalised as quickly as even I now suspect, Daphne will be up here with us before very long; and I don't think I could do this - walk out here and be nude - if she was here.

"And, third, as you've now finished reading that book Sirius had you read, I wanted to give you the gift of seeing, at least the part of it about a woman's body, in the flesh."

Standing up again, she stepped away and gave a slow twirl with her arms out a little. "What do you think?"

"I said it already," he breathily replied, looking her over again. "Wow!"

When she gave a little giggle, she chose this time to sit alongside him and sit back.

Which caused him to slide a little further away and turn towards her.

She sat there, leaning back onto the back cushions, her hands clasped over her lower tummy and her legs out straight before her with her ankles crossed.

"Now," she smiled. "Review time. About chapter eight―"

Giving a start, he blurted, "But that's about your... umm―" And indicated towards the junction of her legs.

"I know," she quietly said, smiling while uncrossing her ankles and slowly allowing her legs to spread.

However, Harry could also see the worry buried in her eyes, too. He was determined he wasn't going to mess this up. He'd rather die, first.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Hermione finally managed to coax him into touching her, "You need to touch some places to feel for yourself, Harry. You can't see them without... sticking your face in there and forcing me open."

When she was sure Harry had 'felt' everything he needed to understand, she managed to coax him to disrobe. "Don't you think it's a little unfair you get to see me and I don't get to see you?"

"But... ummm... you see―"

"You have an erection," she simply stated. "It's natural."

While he was blushing madly she finally managed to get him out of his clothes and lay back like she did.

Then she convinced him to allow her to touch him.

And, as she was touching him, he had to warn her about something... Then it was too late.

Mortified while Hermione didn't seem that surprised, she eventually managed to calm him down again. "It's alright, Harry," she soothed. "No need to be embarrassed. I'm actually quite happy that happened." And used his wand - the wooden one - to clean up the mess.

After that 'accident', they were able to sit there and let their hands do the walking for a while as they asked each other intimate questions about each other's bodies.

But, after almost two hours, she said, "I think we'd better stop and get dressed again. Dinner's not that far away. Besides," she giggled, "You need to wash."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After that couple of hours of learning about each other's bodies, both redressed and were ready for dinner in plenty of time.

Once dressed, Hermione said, "Now, how about we invite the other Heirs up here for dinner, tomorrow night?"

Dressed himself but still pulling his shoes on - he did need that shower first - Harry replied, "Sounds good. We'd have to subtly check with Neville and his two girls first, though. They might have only just moved into their own Lord's Quarters and want to experience it on their own."

"We'll ask," she replied.

Lacing his second shoe up and standing up, Harry said, "I'm ready."

"Just in time," she replied, then indicated the door. "Shall we?"

Harry smiled, nodded and headed for the door to open it for her.

As they walked down the short hallway to the main door back into the public corridor, he said, "Thank you. That was... wonderful."

She smiled back and said, "You're welcome. And thank you, for allowing me to explore, as well.

"And, because you didn't push for more, I think we can allow hands to wander a little more freely when we... snog... in future."

He happily smiled back.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Before they went down for breakfast the next morning, Harry called Dobby.

"Yes, Master Harry?" he asked.

Indicating the large window in the room, he asked, "Is it possible to do something to that window to allow owls to travel through it without vanishing the glass, or something?"

"Oh, yes, Master Harry," replied the little elf. "Dobby can be using elf magic to make the glass so owlies can pass through. It be stoppings everything else, though."

"That's excellent, Dobs," replied a relieved Harry. "Can you do that and set up a roost for owls near it? I have a feeling Hedwig would be welcoming of it."

"Dobby can gets it done, Master Harry," the elf firmly replied.

"Thank you, Dobby," he said.

Less than thirty seconds later, Dobby caused the large window to glow blue for a moment, then turned slightly and set up a roost that would fit two to three owls. Directly with it he also conjured a small tray for owl treats and water. And under it he conjured a tray that would catch any droppings.

Harry was somewhat amazed. "Brilliant, Dobby! That looks perfect!"

Dobby gave a pleased smile, caused the owl treat tray and water to be stocked and popped away again.

After quietly watching Dobby perform the work, Hermione said, "That's actually quite clever."

"Thank you," he said.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Ten minutes later, the two walked in through the doors of the Great Hall. Today was the day Neville would be entered into two relationship agreements; a Betrothal Agreement and a Concubine Bond Agreement. And they wanted to make sure all three were alright and weren't about to panic.

Looking to the Hufflepuff table as they walked, both could see both girls were fine. If anything, they were both ineffably pleased and excited. The only darkness in their moods was when they looked to Neville and worried a little.

As they walked past to round the head end of the Gryffindor table, Harry could see his mate looking almost sick. He cast a quick glance in Hermione's direction before they moved to sit either side of him.

After sitting and his mumbled greetings, Hermione asked Neville, "How are you with your assignments? Up to date?"

Confused, he looked to her and muttered, "Sorry? I've had other things on my mind."

"We noticed," she said. "So, how are your assignments coming along?"

"Hermione, you know they're fine," he grumbled. "Why are you asking?"

"It's called 'distraction therapy', Neville," she replied. "You're way too focussed on something that's making you fret. I want you to focus on something else."

"I'm fine," he muttered.

"That won't work," she smiled. "That's Harry's default response when he's unhappy about something."

Harry chuckled and replied, "It is, too!"

Neville sighed and said, "I don't think you're going to be able to 'distract' me."

"Hmmm," said Harry. Then quietly asked, "What if Hermione shows you her breasts. Would that distract you?"

As Neville's head snapped around to stare back in shock, Hermione quietly exclaimed, "Harry!"

That had the boy blush to the roots of his hair and try to look anywhere but at either of them.

Hermione firmly, but quietly, declared, "I am not going to show Neville my breasts!"

"I'm not saying you should, Hermione," said Harry. "I'm just trying to set a level at which Neville can be distracted."

"Errr... Ummm―" Neville stuttered.

"Mmm," said Harry. "Maybe something else, then."

"Definitely," snapped Hermione.

"How about..." he mused. "After breakfast, we all head to the library. Neville, my educating of Hermione on pureblood and noble customs and etiquette has, so far, been rather slap-dash. I've been teaching her what I can, but my knowledge is not that much older than hers.

"That I can do!" Neville was quick to say. 'Anything to get off the subject of Hermione's boo- err... breasts,' he thought.

"Great!" exclaimed Harry. "Now, she knows the basics; such as, the various levels of Houses, the various levels of nobility, the various levels of heirs, that sort of thing. But, I meant to go over how a House is created and another elevated. It would also help her to know how a House can be, though rarely, dropped back a rank.

"Do you think that's something you can help teach?"

"Yes," Neville firmly replied. "Gran made sure I knew all of that before I even started at Hogwarts... here."

"Excellent," grinned Harry. Leaning around him he said to Hermione, "Looks like you won't have to show him your breasts after all, Love."

Again, Neville blushed and refused to look at either of them.

"Harrison James Potter!" she quietly but firmly declared. "You and I will be having words later."

"I never said you should or will show him your breasts, love," he said, oozing sincerity. "I just asked if it would distract him."

Neville finally turned to look at him and smirked, "That was... evil."

"Hey!" he said. "It worked, didn't it? I've now got your promise you're going to help me teach Hermione, after breakfast, more about the Houses."

Hermione glared back, but he could also see she'd put two and two together and figured out what he'd done.

"Fine," grinned Neville. "It worked. Happy?"

"Yup!" he happily declared back. "Now, while we eat, how about we go over a plan of attack of what to teach her?"

With a sigh, Neville replied, "As you said, how a House is formed, promoted or demoted. We can do all that in that order. I'm sure the library, here, has the books we need."

Harry nodded and said, "If not, we can ask the elves to collect the books you might need from our two Households. Now, eat up. We can't have you collapse at the table in the library from hunger while you're trying to teach."

And, finally, Neville was able to eat without feeling as if he was just going to vomit it all back up again.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

A little while later, as Neville was trying to go over with Hermione an overview of what he'd be teaching, Harry excused himself to go over to the 'Puff table and talk to the two girls.

Immediately sitting in a space opposite, he quietly said to them, "Neville was on the verge of throwing up when Hermione and I turned up. He was shaking somewhat and looked a little faint.

"To snap him out of it I gave him something to think about other than fretting over what's going to happen immediately after lunch."

Suspicious, as she'd been carefully watching Neville's reactions, Hannah immediately asked, "What did you do?" It even sounded accusatory.

Looking to make sure no one was trying to listen in, he leaned forward and quietly said, "Don't hex me for it, as it clearly worked; but, I asked him if Hermione showing him her breasts would work."

Both girls looked back, stunned. Susan gasped, "Y-you didn't!"

"I did," he firmly replied. "That did not mean I expected Hermione to actually do that. It was meant to shock him enough, and be embarrassed enough for Hermione, that it caused his mind to... stop thinking about this afternoon and try to think of a way to get the conversation onto a completely different track.

"It worked. Then I asked him if he could help me teach Hermione more about how Houses are created, promoted and demoted. We're heading for the library straight after breakfast and getting onto that.

"That's why he's now eating and is a lot more calmer."

Susan smirked at him and said, "Maybe we wanted him thinking about our breasts." Which had Hannah immediately blush.

Harry smirked back and said, "I wanted him embarrassed; not eager."

When Susan looked down in her own embarrassment, he added, "Besides, it led to me being able to convince him to help educate Hermione. And, that's why I've come over here. I think you should join us and also ask Daphne and Tracey to join us.

"I hope you don't mind me thinking it, but I think educating Hermione up to the level of a Lady Presumptive should be an Alliance project for us of the same age."

Susan said, "I thought Hermione was going for lessons this summer with Lady Longbottom."

"And Lady Ogden, if I remember right," nodded Harry. "But, this is something Neville needs to do, whether he knows it or not, so he doesn't fret so much about the signings later."

Both girls then understood and said they'd go over and talk to Daphne and Tracey in a little while and convince them to come help.

Smiling, Harry gave both a nod, rose and said, "Ladies." And returned to sit with Hermione and Neville.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Twenty minutes later, Harry was walking with Hermione and the other five towards the library. As they walked, she pushed him separate from the group a little and quietly said, "Don't think I didn't know exactly what you were doing by asking Neville if he'd be distracted if I showed him my breasts."

"I knew you would," he smiled.

She tried to scowl at him but couldn't help smiling. "It worked, though."

"Yep," he grinned.

Walking into the library, they found a table large enough for the seven of them up the back and selected it. Then, while the others went in search of the books they wanted, Harry erected a privacy field over the entire table.

Ready, he called Dobby and asked him to bring Hermione's satchel loaded with parchment, quills and ink.

"Yes, Master Harry, Sir," replied the elf before he popped away again.

Dobby was back even before any of the others, and Harry had the lot put on the table, ready.

Daphne and Tracey were the first two to return, carrying a couple of books each.

"These, we think," said Daphne.

Tracey explained, "These are the ones we were taught this."

When the others returned, Hermione was surprised to see the writing paraphernalia already set up and waiting, and sat next to Harry.

"Dobby?" she quietly asked.

"Yep," he replied.

Once everyone was sitting again, he said to the table at-large, "I've erected a privacy and silencing field over the table. We can talk freely without risk of Madam Pince coming over and making a fuss about the noise."

"Good idea," said Susan.

And they got into it.

Hermione was taking quite the prodigious notes, while the others were talking, giving her information and also setting books aside for her to check out and read later.

They worked right through morning tea and almost to lunch.

As the others taught and Hermione listened, Harry took quill and parchment for himself and began to draft a letter to Ted. He wanted his Law-wizard of Record to organise research into the muggle nobility family of Finch-Fletchley.

He still had it in the back of his mind that, if Finch-Fletchley proved to be a worthwhile House, the House be invited to join the Alliance. He was very sure Justin was both a muggleborn and no one else in his family was magical; but, if his nobility carried over into the magical world as he suspected it might, would they be able to create the House known as the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley based on that nobility?

To that end, he was also listening to what Hermione was being taught regarding the creation of a new House in the magical world and using that in his letter to Ted.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Surprised by Madam Pince coming over and informing them they needed to hurry if they wanted lunch, the seven hurriedly packed away what they were working on, returned books and made their way out.

The last thing Harry did was remove the silencing charms.

As they walked, Harry asked Neville if he'd like to bring his two ladies to their apartment for a celebration dinner. He was surprised.

After glancing at his two, who had overheard and nodded back, he said, "We'd be honoured. Thank you."

Turning to the two Slytherins he asked, "Ladies? Care to join us? We'll have the room."

Replying for the both of them, Daphne replied, "Yes, thank you. We'd be honoured."

"Good," he firmly nodded. "That now gives me plenty of time to come up with a menu. Any allergies I need to know about?"

No one had any.

Neville asked, "Will you be cooking, Harry?"

"Yup," he grinned. "I don't think any of you have had the opportunity before for a Harry Potter gourmet delight, have you?"

Hermione was quick to add, "Don't worry. You're going to enjoy this. Harry is a wonderful cook."

"He cooks, too?" asked Tracey.

"I don't cook, Tracey," he disagreed. "I... chef!"

Susan asked, "There's a difference?"

"Philistine!" he declared mock-insulted. "Was Picasso a painter? Did Noah just build a big boat? Was Michelangelo just a rock carver? Nay, I say! I... create gastronomic art!"

By then, Hermione was giggling. Attempting to explain, she said, "Harry doesn't just cook, Susan. He treats preparing food as an art form. You're in for a treat.

"He cooked for us all the time at my place. That is, when his house elf, Dobby, didn't block him from doing so."

Neville snickered, "I saw him doing that, a couple times. It was funny."

"Yeah, yeah," snarked Harry. "Laugh it up, chuckles. The Great 'Potterini' will not be denied his rightful place before the altar of food, the stove, this day. That foul fiend - the sawn off little munchkin, Dobby - shall not deny me!"

That had the others relax and even laugh as they walked in through the doors of the Great Hall.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The five remained in the Great Hall, dining and then talking, until 1.25pm.

Then Neville gave a sigh of relief and said, "We'd better go. We're expected in the Headmistress's office in five minutes."

"Good luck," called Hermione.

Neville and the two girls were about to step away when Neville suddenly froze in shock.

Turning back with a look of almost fear on his face he said, "I don't know where the Headmistress's office even is!"

When the others, except Hermione, looked confused, Harry snickered and said, "Hermione and I do. If you follow me, I'll take you there."

The immediate look of profound relief on the other boy's face had Harry snickering again.

After telling Hermione he'd meet her back at the apartment, Harry escorted Neville, Hannah and Susan through the castle and to the gargoyle that guarded the Headmistress's office entrance.

On the way, he quietly said to Neville, "Don't forget to ask about the apartment in the Lords' Quarters."

"I won't," the boy softly but firmly replied.

Reaching the gargoyle and indicating it, Harry said, "It's through here. To have the gargoyle step out of the way for you, you need the password. However, if you don't have it and you need to see her, just inform the gargoyle and wait."

When Neville stepped forward to put deed to word, but hesitated, Harry gestured for him to go on and smiled.

Neville then firmly said, "Heir Longbottom, Heiress Bones and Miss Abbott to see the Headmistress."

Harry ignored how the statement almost turned into a question at the end. And waited for the gargoyle to step aside.

"Give it a few seconds," he said.

Almost as he finished speaking, the gargoyle did it's nimble little jump to the side and the stairs beyond began rotating upwards.

"There ya go," he said. "Step in and ride the stairs to the top."

Neville gave a nod, turned to the girls and let them precede him past. "Thank you, Harry," he said.

Once they were on their way up, Harry smiled in fondness, mentally wished them the best and made his way back towards his and Hermione's apartment.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Reaching the top of the stairs and the small landing, the two girls waited for Neville before the only and heavy oak door.

Neville took a deep breath and knocked.

Straight away, they heard the Headmistress call, "Come in, please!"

Relieved, he opened the door and yet again allowed the ladies to precede him inside.

As he stepped within he then closed the door behind him before turning back - and stopped to gawk about.

All those portraits of old and dead Headmasters and -mistress's were quite intimidating, before you even looked at the rest of the room.

The three were snapped out of their looking about by Marchbanks calling, "Come forward, you three."

As soon as their attention was back on who else was in the room, both girls almost squealed as they ran forward into the arms of their loved ones. Neville was able to more calmly walk to his father, before the man wrapped him in as much of a hug as the two girls were being wrapped by Hannah's father and Susan's aunt.

After a few seconds, the adults pulled back. And Marchbanks said, "We're all here. Let's get on with this."

After conjuring a table and chairs in the middle of the room she gestured for them all to sit.

Twenty minutes later, after all three had the details of the agreements explained to them and all three agreed with them, the signing went ahead. As expected Marchbanks, in her role as Lady Griselda Marchbanks, signed them as official witness.

Once it was done, Neville felt quite relieved and almost cried in happiness.

Looking to Marchbanks after a glance at his father, he said, "Headmistress?"

"Yes, Heir Longbottom?"

"I was wondering if..." he stuttered, "That is... I would like to... No, that's not it." Bracing himself up he firmly said, "I request permission to move myself, Hannah and Susan into the Lords' Quarters."

As his father looked upon him with pride and Marchbanks grinned, she replied, "Request granted, Heir Longbottom."

Though Harry had said he doubted she'd say no, he was still surprised she granted it so easily.

Turning slightly to the side she called, "Toby."

When a little elf appeared, unknown to the others as the same elf Marchbanks had called to take Harry and Hermione's trunks to their apartment, she ordered, "Please move Heir Longbottom's, Heiress Bones's and Miss Abbott's personal effects from the Fourth year Gryffindor boys' dormitory and the Fourth Year Hufflepuff girls' dormitories, respectively... and move them to Apartment 10 in the Lords' Quarters."

"Yes, Lady Headmistress," the elf replied before popping away.

Turning back to look at Neville and the two girls, she said, "Your apartment will be the one right across from Lord Potter and his Lady Presumptive. Also a three-bedroom. I hope that is suitable?"

"Yes," replied Neville, relieved. "Thank you."

With a nod back she said, "I'll send a note to Lord Potter asking him to meet you outside your new apartment and showing you how to claim it and enter it."

"Thank you, Headmistress," he replied.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Not too long back in the apartment, Harry was in the kitchen going through the pantry and cold storage when a house elf popped in and offered him a note. "From the Lady Headmistress, sir!"

Harry indicated the counter next to him and said, "On the counter, please."

With a snap of it's fingers the note appeared where Harry indicated and the elf popped away again.

He cast the detection charms he knew on the parchment, found nothing untoward and picked it up.

Opening it, he read and learned the Headmistress was asking him to show Neville and his girls how to get into Apartment 10, the one across from theirs, when they arrived. And that they were heading there, directly.

With a wide grin he walked into the living room. Hermione was sitting on the couch and reading one of the books they'd collected from the library that very morning.

As he walked over to her she looked up. He offered her the note and said, "It's done and he did it. He asked for an apartment."

Accepting the note she read and grinned back. "You thought he might not?"

"Yeah," he replied. "I didn't know if he would be able to 'man up' in front of the guardians of his two ladies, let alone his father, and ask. I was pretty sure he would, but there was a chance he wouldn't."

"You going to wait outside for him?" she asked.

"No, no need," he replied. "They know what apartment we're in and he'll knock on the door."

She nodded back.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ