Chapter Forty Nine - Sorting Agreements
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Chapter Forty Nine - Sorting Agreements
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Harry had made up his mind what he was going to cook for dinner and was setting up his preparation area with everything to hand, when they received that knock on their door.
He quickly hurried out and over to the door, opening it.
The three, Neville and his two girls, were standing on the other side.
Grinning at each other, he asked, "Ready to see your new home?"
"Yes!" squealed Hannah, before Neville even got a chance to open his mouth to reply.
Harry stepped out, not even bothering to close their door and took the three steps across the corridor to the opposite door. OIt never dawned on him that none of the three 'Longbottoms' had told him which apartment would be theirs. Thankfully, none of the three even noticed.
A quick explanation, Neville claimed it, then Hannah and Susan stepped up to gain access and Neville accepted it.
"There ya go," said Harry. "Now it's keyed only to you three. If anyone else touches the door handle they'll be stunned and the staff will be alerted.
With nods back he indicated the door and said, "Neville, you need to be the first to open the door."
With a deep fortifying breath, Neville again stepped forward, open the door and pushed it open wide. Then stepped back to let the girls in first.
From outside, Harry heard lots of squealing and calls of joy as the girls charged through the apartment, investigating everything.
As Harry was standing there with a bemused Neville, Hermione came out of their apartment and smacked him on the bum as she walked past and into the, now, House of Longbottom apartment.
'Jeez!' he thought. However, it did get him moving forward to step inside, himself, after Neville.
When the girls had settled a little Harry asked them, "Did Headmistress Lady Marchbanks have the elves move all your possessions up here?"
"Yes!" replied Susan.
"In that case, the other girls in your dorm might become a bit concerned when all your stuff suddenly disappeared," he explained. "You might want to think of going back down there, pretty soon, to explain to them why you're no longer there."
Both girls glanced at each other with looks that said to Harry, 'They really didn't care what those girls thought'. But, hey, they're 'Puffs; they'd do it.
Before he left them to get used to their new apartment, Harry said, "Dinner tonight will be a light salad with a lemon vinaigrette; roast beef with red wine jus; poached and snap-baked potato, sweet potato, carrot and onion; steamed corn with butter tabs, and steamed peas pre-soaked in a light mint vinegar. Dessert will be a surprise.
"Expect to turn up about 6.30pm to sit at 6.45pm."
Other than Hermione, the others all looked back in shock.
Hermione snickered at their expressions as Harry walked out, back across the corridor and re-entered the Potter apartment.
Susan stuttered, "W-when you said he could cook―"
Hermione grinned back and said, "The word 'cook' is much too pedestrian for what Harry does with food. You'll see.
"Don't snack before you come, or you'll regret it."
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Harry was well into preparing the food for dinner half an hour later and was advising Dobby on what he wanted prepared for dessert when there came a knock on the door.
Hermione immediately called out in a sing-song voice, "I'll get it!
Moments later, Neville walked into the kitchen.
Surprised, Harry asked, "What brings you here already, Nev? The girls already sick of you and throw you out?"
Neville gave a snort of amusement and replied, "I just got back from the Gryffindor tower, where I advised Ron, Dean and Seamus I've moved into the Lords' Quarters. While Dean and Seamus looked happy for me, the look of jealousy on Ron's face..." And he petered off with a shrug.
Harry said, "Yeahhh, I know what you mean. So long as he doesn't say anything negative, I guess we'll just ignore it."
"My thoughts, too," he replied. "On Sunday night, though... when I told him you'd no longer be in the dorm, but in the Lords' Quarters... he was quite scathing."
Harry stopped what he was doing and turned to look back. "Did you say anything to him about it?"
Neville blushed and replied, "I threatened to call him out for it and duel him if I ever heard him say anything like that again.
"You should also know that, the next morning, their family owl was carrying in a Howler for him. But, one of the professors stunned it before it even got to him and removed the enchantment. Then he said that the staff now consider Howlers to be a form of bullying and they were now banned."
"Good," Harry firmly said. "About how Howlers are banned, that is. The Howler from Molly was probably because their family clock alerted her to her son suddenly being 'In Danger' and realised why.
"Ron's whole family have warned him not to piss me off. And part of that is by him running his mouth off."
As Neville had decided to hang about until the girls got back, he stayed in the kitchen talking with Harry. Harry even explained what he was doing and had the boy assist.
When the girls returned, neither looked happy.
Neville took one look at them both, put down what he was doing and led them back into the family room and over to a corner.
Both girls then left about two to three minutes later, heading back to their apartment. Neville came back into the kitchen and said, "Sorry, Harry. I've gotta go. Apparently, the other three girls in their dorm were happy Hannah and Susan would no longer be there.
"I don't think it was maliciousness on their part, they're 'Puffs, but my two were upset by it."
"Then, what are you doing standing here for, Nev?" asked Harry. "Go! Go take care of and cuddle with your ladies."
Neville smiled, said, "Thanks Harry," and left.
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After earlier sending a note by HEED to Daphne and Tracey about when he was expecting them for dinner, they turned up right on time. Though neither had dressed up, it was clear they'd both applied 'touch-ups' to their make-up.
Almost on their heels, Neville walked in escorting Hannah and Susan.
That had Daphne and Tracey give squeals of excitement and hug them. It was the first time both Slytherins had seen them since they'd left the Great Hall for the signing.
With rapid-fire talking between the girls, Neville turned a slightly pained look to Harry and asked, "Harry? Mind if I show Daphne and Tracey―"
"Your apartment," Harry finished. "Of course, not. Go! Dinner's not for another fifteen to twenty minutes."
Ushering the girls back out - or, rather, being dragged out by them - Neville took the girls back across the corridor and into the House of Longbottom apartment.
They weren't long. Not even ten minutes.
"It's the same, but mirror image!" declared Tracey.
"I'm not surprised by that," said Harry. "I'm pretty sure Lady Marchbanks planned it that way."
Neville seemed to get it first and said, "Because, she considers you and I to be equals!"
"Yup," said Harry.
Dinner was that light salad he mentioned, followed by the magnificent and succulent roast, followed by dessert. The dessert consisted of individual warmed chocolate cakes, inverted, covered with hot chocolate sauce with a ball of Fortescue's icecream on top, slowly melting from the heat. He could have charmed the icecream not to melt, but thought it was authentic if it did. No one minded.
Once done, Neville sat back and groaned. "I don't think I've ever eaten so well or so much!"
"That... was... fan-tas-tic!" declared Tracey, using her spoon to scoop up the very last traces of chocolate sauce.
That lead to more praise, which had Harry happy but blushing away. Hermione just sat there and grinned in happiness for her betrothed.
Daphne said, "You're right. You don't cook. That was much too good and delicious to be called cooking."
"I hope you're going to cook for us again, in future," said Hannah.
"I plan to," he said. "If I can swing it, I want to do this every Saturday or Sunday evening, at least."
No one was against that - except, maybe, Dobby.
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After everyone had left for the evening, Hermione asked Harry for the mirror as she'd promised Sirius she'd contact him, once things had 'settled' at school.
Not even thinking about using Dobby, he'd gone to get it himself when the elf popped before him with the mirror.
With a sigh, he said, "Thank you, Dobby."
With a smirk the elf popped away again.
Harry returned to the sofa and handed the mirror to Hermione. "Cheeky little ratbag," he muttered.
Hermione just giggled back. Obviously, he had no support from her in this.
With the mirror held before her, Hermione firmly intoned, "Padfoot."
She had to wait a few seconds before the face of Sirius appeared in the mirror.
"Hermione, love!" he happily greeted her. "Listen. You don't happen know of the whereabouts of my godson, do you? He seems to have dropped off the face of the Earth. I remember him telling me he'd be leaving for Hogwarts the next morning and a quick word a day or two later, but that was oh so long ago, now, I fear he may have forgotten all about me."
Hermione was giggling away while Harry, sitting next to her, was grumbling about up-themselves pureblood Lords with overboard senses of their entitlements.
Laughing, she replied, "I'll put him on as soon as we're finished. How are you?"
"I'm good!" he replied. "I've finally gotten all the Black accounts set back to rights. So, all that parchmentwork is done for a while.
"You should have seen the look on my account manager's, Bloodrock's, face when I dumped the lot on his desk. It was a mix between horrified and pleased. Ha!
"Now... how have you settled back in at good ol' Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts?"
"Good and yes," she replied. "Did you know that, because I'm betrothed to Harry and he was eligible to move into the Lords' Quarters, I'd be moved in with him?"
"Huh!" he replied. "I should have remembered that and I'd forgotten it. Not that Harry was eligible, but that it would be assumed you would be moved there, too.
"Are you happy being that close to Harry, or would you prefer I request you be moved out? As you're only betrothed it's an option."
"No," she replied. "I just didn't expect it. However, not having to share a dorm with those two gossipers is actually a relief. And Harry's been a good 'host'."
"Fair enough!" he declared. "Then, I won't interfere."
"Thank you, Sirius," she said.
After their conversation and, with a grin, Hermione silently handed the mirror to Harry.
"Sirius," said Harry.
"Godson!" Sirius exclaimed. "Wow! Look how big you're getting!"
Harry sighed.
Giggling again, Hermione walked off towards her room.
Harry said, "You and Hermione didn't discuss it, but you should know that Neville and Hannah Abbott entered into a Betrothal Agreement today; and then Neville immediately entered into a Concubine Bond Agreement with Susan Bones."
Sirius appeared surprised. "I knew they were going to be discussing it, I just didn't know it would happen so quickly."
"Yup," he confirmed. "The three are now in their own Lord's Quarters apartment directly across the hallway from ours."
"They are?" asked Sirius. "Hang on. I thought you said they were both only agreements."
"As far as I know, they are," he replied. "At least, when I called them agreements, neither Neville or either of the ladies corrected me.
"I think it's Lady Marchbanks and Lord Longbottom somewhat abusing the privileges for Neville. As it's rude to ask if the girls are with Neville due to agreements or contracts, no one's going to find out either way unless Neville or either of his girls mention it."
"Good point," mused Sirius.
After their chat, Harry disconnected the mirror and left it on the coffee table. As either he or Hermione could be called and the apartment was secure, he thought it was a good idea to leave it there for them both.
After kissing his betrothed good night, they both went to bed.
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The next morning was the start of the second week of second term. Both Harry and Hermione confessed to each other they wondered if they should knock on the door of 'the Longbottoms' when their door was knocked upon.
Grinning, Harry rose and opened it to find them standing there.
Neville asked, "Want to walk down, together?"
Harry laughed and said, "Come in, for a moment."
As they trooped in, he said, "Hermione's just trying to escape from Betsy. Her ladies elf won't let her leave unless she is, as she calls it, presentable."
Susan said, "That's not a bad thing, Harry." And both girls walked over to Hermione's door and, as it was ajar, let themselves in.
Once the girls left, he turned to Neville and said, "We were wondering if we should come over and knock on your door. You, knocking on ours, made that choice moot."
Hesitating a bit, Neville blushed and looked away. "Harry... ummm... you know how Seamus and Dean told us... ummm―"
Harry grinned with a slight blush of his own and said, "Say no more." Turning away a bit, he called, "Dobby."
"Yes, Master Harry?"
"Can you get me the first of those two books Sirius made me read, please?" he asked.
"Yes, Master Harry," replied the elf. A quick pop away and back again, he was offering the book.
As Harry took it, he said, "Thank you, Dobby."
As Dobby popped away again, he offered it to Neville and said, "Quickly, go run this back to your room. When you get a chance to read it, you'll find it very informative."
Neville, after a quick read of the cover, gave a still-blushing nod back and scurried out the door.
He was back just as all three girls came out of Hermione's room, talking to one another.
"Harry?" muttered Neville, a little worried.
"That's between you and me, Nev," he quietly replied. "No more needs be said. And I won't be questioning you on it."
With a sigh of relief, Neville breathed, "Thanks, Harry."
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After breakfast, where Hannah and Susan joined them on the Gryffindor table to break their fasts, their first two morning classes were Herbology (with the Hufflepuffs) followed by CoMC (with the Slytherins). Harry thought Neville had the right of it when he mentioned how it saved so much effort that those two singles were together. Then History and a free period for Harry, but Arithmancy for Hermione, between morning tea and Lunch.
When there were some Gryff's who looked about to jack up about there being two 'Puffs sitting at their table and eating, Harry quite clearly said, "You don't know just how happy I am that at least two Hufflepuffs realise that the school rules... not just allows Houses to sit at other tables for their meals... but encourages it. I despaired for wizarding Britain's youth they hadn't learned anything since the first task."
Professor Babbling, bless her soul, piped up and said, "Quite right, Lord Potter. Five points, each, to Hufflepuff... Miss Abbott and Miss Bones... for recognising you're allowed to sit at other tables for meals other than official feasts."
That had quiet exclamations of surprise ripple through the student body. And also stopped the Gryff's, who were getting upset about it, from arcing up about it.
Harry turned a grin on his now favourite Professor after Marchbanks. She winked back.
As they were heading down to the greenhouses together, Harry asked Neville, "As he'll very likely be sitting with you again, can you suss out Finch-Fletchley for me? I'm looking to see if he can make a good ally for the Alliance."
Apparently only a little surprised, Neville replied, "Sure! And I think you're right."
Harry gave a pleased nod back and said, "Alliance Secret. I have commissioned an investigation into the muggle nobility of the Finch-Fletchley family. And also on how an existing, muggle, noble family can have that nobility officially recognised in the magical world."
Neville gave a slow whistle and said, "I know it was done in the past. That is how the nobility entered our world, after all. But I've no direct idea, myself."
"Hence the research," he smiled.
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Going from Herbology to CoMC an hour later was a mere short walk across the lawns. And Harry could see why Neville was so happy about it. If you got dirty in Herbology there was no need to get overly cleaned up, just a wash of hands, before going to CoMC; as there would be a need if going to any other class. Then you just cleaned up before going to, in this case, morning tea.
On the walk, Neville quietly said to Harry, "Finch-Fletchley puts on a brave front, but he really just wants to fit in. He also finds it hard to trust anyone because of who his grandfather is. Oh, by the way, his grandfather is some sort of... 'Dook'?"
Unexpectedly to the other two, Harry suddenly stopped dead where he stood and stared at Neville in shock. That caused their trio to separate a little. Hermione, who hadn't heard Neville try to explain who Finch-Fletchley's grandfather was, had also taken an extra step, but stopped quicker.
Turning back after taking another couple of steps himself, a confused Neville looked at Harry and asked, "Harry; mate. What's wrong?"
Harry quickly looked around and saw it was only he, Neville and Hermione.
Stepping a little closer to Neville he asked, "Did Finch-Fletchley tell you which Duke?"
"Ummm..." uttered Neville as he tried to think. "Dook... Duke? Duke of... Ken-doll?"
"Kendal?!" Harry quietly exclaimed.
As Hermione gasped in shock Neville replied, "Yeah, that's it."
"Holy bloody hell!" gasped Harry.
Hermione, in shock herself, didn't berate him for his language.
Neville, concerned now, asked, "I... take it that's a big thing?"
Calming down a little, Harry replied, "Neville, that's a very big thing. It means, effectively, Finch-Fletchley is probably related to the royal family in some way."
"Oh," said a now surprised Neville.
"Yeah," said Harry. "I expected an Earldom, at an outside a Marquessate, but a Dukedom? I should have realised as soon as we found out it's his grandfather who holds the main title. I was an idiot that I didn't realise that."
"So, what do we do with that knowledge?"
Harry sighed and said, "At the moment? Nothing. I'll pass that information on to Ted Tonks and see if he can discover more. Now that we know it's the Dukedom of Kendal, that's not going to be too hard for him to do.
"And, if I'm right, the young Viscount of Lonsdale, Justin Finch-Fletchley, is going to find himself invited to join the Alliance. His so-called muggleborn status just got tossed out the window. His muggle House is at least on a par with a Noble and Most Ancient House. In the muggle world, his House outranks even the Seven... by a wide margin."
"Wow!" said Neville.
Hermione hadn't said a word until then.
As they hadn't moved for a little while, other Gryffindors also walking their way were starting to look at them funny.
"Come on," said Harry, indicating they really should get moving again. "We need to hurry up."
"Harry," called Hermione. "Do you know what this means?"
"Yeah!" he said. "If I'm right, Finch-Fletchley is due for a seat on the Wizengamot; muggleborn or not."
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When the class finished and they returned to the castle, the three Gryffindors were both quick to change and quick to get down to the Great Hall.
As soon as Harry had built himself a small morning tea, he pulled out writing equipment and quickly penned a note to Ted. He'd send it straight after the next class and after escorting Hermione to the Arithmancy classroom, while he was 'enjoying' one of his few free periods.
After History of Magic - where he was unable to properly focus on the class, even if it was interesting - he was quick to escort his beloved to Arithmancy. Then practically ran up to the owlery.
As Hedwig saw him she immediately flew down to land on his shoulder and rub her head into his temple.
"Hi, girl," he breathed, panting a little in exertion. "I've got a very important note for you to take to Ted Tonks."
She flew over to a close-by perch, landed on it, spun about and held out her leg for him. He was quick to affix the note and make sure it was secure before then helping her out the window.
With a, "Fly safe, girl," from him, he launched her into the air. Then watched her until he could no longer see her in the sky.
"When Ted reads that he's going to go into shock,' he thought. 'As a muggleborn he must know who His Grace, the Duke of Kendal, is.'
Now calmer, Harry walked back to the Lords' Quarters. He knew Neville also didn't have a class, this class period.
They'd chat for a bit.
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After knocking on Neville's door and being let in, Harry finally got his tour of the apartment. And, Tracey was right, it was almost a perfect match for the Potter apartment, just 'flipped'.
After settling down, Harry asked the other boy if he had and used a personal elf while at the school.
"No," he replied. "Gran refused me one because she said having one would make me lazy. And I don't think Dad's thought of it."
"Now that you're betrothed and with a concubine presumptive you might want to consider asking him if you can have one," said Harry. "If anything, the ladies should be pampered, don't you think?"
It was no surprise when Neville didn't even baulk at the idea. He immediately returned, "You're right. I'll send him a letter and suggest just that."
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After picking up Hermione outside the Arithmancy classroom the two teens headed directly to lunch.
She asked, "Did you get your note sent off to Ted?"
He nodded and said, "As soon as I dropped you off at Arithmancy I went straight up the owlery."
"Hedwig give you any trouble?" she asked.
"Nope," he smiled. "She's bright, I'll give you that, but she's not aware of just how much I use HEED for a lot of my mail. Besides, before Dobby was bonded to me I wasn't using her any more than I am now."
As they walked, Hermione glanced over and grinned back.
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After lunch was a double of Ancient Runes, where again Daphne sat with Harry and Hermione.
When Daphne appeared worried, Harry quietly said to her. "I've not heard anything yet, Daphne. But, it's only been a few days. And not having heard anything could also be a good thing. At least it means your father didn't immediately turn down my demands."
The girl then relaxed and gave a weak smile back.
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After a worrying day working in the Ministry, MacNair was finally able to return to his master with the information he had collected.
At Riddle Manor, Wormtail announced him.
When the rat came out the odious little man merely said, "He's waiting."
Entering the 'throne room', MacNair knew to keep his head down and his hands open, showing he wasn't carrying a wand. He walked with purpose forward before dropping to his knees ten feet shy of his master's chair. The required distance and obedience.
"Well, MacNair?" demanded Riddle. "Have you been successful?"
"I believe so, my Lord," he immediately replied.
"Let's hear it, then."
Over the next twenty minutes MacNair spoke of what he knew, or knew again, of the Granger residence, the home of 'the Potter spawn's mudblood supposed Lady Presumptive's parents'. There was nothing written down that wasn't behind major security charms about the remaining auror contingent on the property. However, rumour he'd overheard in the auror bullpen while hiding within indicated there was only one at all times.
The Granger house was also warded, but the ward scheme was with the goblins. The DMLE were aware of them but, they too, were under major security charms. He did learn, however, that the Granger house had 'some' exemptions regarding wards that were usually not allowed on muggle homes.
"They're just muggles," Riddle sneered. "They won't be much."
"My thoughts, too, My Lord," offered MacNair.
He had also tried to gain access to the Department of Mysteries and failed. However, he was able to waylay a junior Unspeakable and use that woman to learn that information concerning the Potter spawn was under what was called Deep Secret provisos.
That had Riddle frown. From his single Unspeakable Death Eater follower, Rookwood, he knew that Deep Secret was the strongest security the Department had. MacNair would not learn anything of that matter unless he was both an Unspeakable and high enough up in their ranks to be cleared to know. That meant Section Leader, or a member of a section upon which the Deep Secret was focussed.
MacNair had no idea why an Unspeakable was at the Granger house and, apparently, Obliviated and Compulsed him. He expected to be cursed for that, but wasn't.
Continuing he said, "While in the ward records office I also discovered news concerning the wards of Hogwarts, My Lord; and was eager to learn of them for your benefit."
"Well?" demanded Riddle. "Let's hear of it, then."
MacNair explained how the Ministry ward masters had been requested by the new Headmistress of Hogwarts and ordered to help by the Acting Minister, Bones.
He explained about the anti-bullying, dangerous artefacts, dark magic and assault wards that had been reactivated. He then explained of the new wards that had been erected when the deactivated wards were reactivated; the use of magic in corridors outside of class and a location charm, linked to a map, that will allow the staff to know who and where someone is in the castle at all times.
"Of most concern though, My Lord, is they've managed to create and erect an anti-Dark Mark ward over the school. Anyone bearing your mark―"
"Crucio!"
MacNair was left writhing on the ground in agony for ten seconds before the curse was lifted.
"You should have informed me of that last one... first!"
"Yess, My Lord; s-sorry, My Lord," the man grovelled, trying not to stutter or show any further pain.
"An anti-Dark Mark ward, you say?"
"Yes, M-my Lord."
"What happens if the ward is triggered?" Riddle demanded.
"It's a n-notification w-ward keyed to the sstaff," replied MacNair, trying to get off his side and back onto his knees. "As soon as someone b-bearing the Mark enters the grounds, the staff w-will know of it and know where that person is to be found."
MacNair, still looking at the ground, waited for his master's next demand.
A few seconds later Riddle hissed, "Isss that allll?"
"Yes, Master," MacNair was fast to reply.
Again the long silence.
"Very well," Riddle finally said. "I have decided you have provided the information I expected, plus exceeded what was required. You get to live... for now."
"Thhhank you, My Lord."
"If you do not hear from me beforehand, you are to report back here on Friday night."
"Yes, My Lord."
"You may leave my presence," sneered Riddle.
"Thank you, M-my Lord," said MacNair, rising to his feet and backing out the door.
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―==(oIo)==―
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After a quiet Monday afternoon and evening spent doing and completing their assignments for the day, both Harry and Hermione were early to bed.
The next morning, Harry was up early and had planned, if Hermione also rose early, on an early breakfast.
He had just entered the living room, collected his school satchel and changed the contents to load it with the necessary texts and fresh parchment for the day when an owl flew in through the charmed window, circled the room and landed on the owl perch Dobby had set up for such visits. As soon as he saw it, Harry recognised it as Ted's 'office' owl; a Northern Hawk Owl named 'Justice'.
A quick cast or three of detection charms over the bird and he had the owl released of its load. Irrespective of recognising it he knew Ted could have been compulsed to send him parchment with a curse or two embedded in it.
Summoning the letter from off the floor where it had fallen, he was quick to check what it was. He was unsurprised to find it to be a shrunken document or package.
Taking the package to the coffee table as the owl helped itself to water and the treats, he put it on the table and unshrunk it. It opened into a somewhat thick document.
He then used upon it the parchment 'flattening' charm Marchbanks had taught he and Hermione and picked it up.
Straight away he knew what it was. Ted had even left a note as a 'cover letter' for it.
~ # ~
Lord Harrison J. Potter
Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland
Lord Potter,
Included, as you have no doubt already seen, is the most current negotiated Concubine Bond Agreement between the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter and the Noble and Ancient House of Greengrass, regarding yourself and Heiress Daphne O. Greengrass.
Please read it with all due haste and seek to immediately inform me if you will accept it in its current form, or seek to make additional changes. I inform you Lord Greengrass has been most compliable with your demands for escape clauses. He has even taken them further, as you shall discover on reading the agreement.
If you choose to accept it in it's current form please send a note back with Justice that simply states you accept. If you choose to make additional changes please send a note back that states so.
If I do not hear from you otherwise, Lord Greengrass and myself will meet with you directly to sign the agreement.
I look forward to hearing from you soonest.
Edward Tonks
Wizard at Law
Law-wizard of Record for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
~ # ~
Harry quickly scanned through the document and was stunned to find that Lord Greengrass both recognised what Harry was up to and wished to take it a step further. He was willing to sign over complete authority of Daphne to him. And it only took moments for Harry to figure out why.
'He does not want any power to cancel the agreement in his hands!' he thought. 'Damn! That's bloody clever.'
Quickly ducking into the office, sitting at the desk and pulling blank parchment, ink and quill to him from where they were now kept close to hand, he dashed off a response.
~ # ~
Edward Tonks
Wizard at Law
Law-wizard of Record for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
c/- Diagon Alley
London
Mister Tonks,
I accept the agreement in its current form. However, I wish to first allow Miss Daphne Greengrass to read it for herself and give her blessing to go ahead before I will be willing to sign it. If she is against, then I will not proceed.
Please act as if she will accept, at this time. If she does not, I will send an immediate notification to you of such. For that you should expect my elf. We can then determine where we will go from there.
Without contrariness from her, we go ahead.
Lord Harrison James Potter
Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter
~ # ~
Walking back into the living room he immediately approached the owl and tied the note to the bird's leg.
"Thank you, Justice," he whispered to it. "You may return to Ted now."
The bird gave a bob, turned about and launched itself back out the window.
He stood watching it go.
"Wasn't that Ted's owl?" asked Hermione.
Startled, as he had not realised Hermione had entered the room, he spun to her.
"Errr... yeah," he replied. "He's sent me the latest version of the CBA."
He walked over to the coffee table, picked it up with its cover letter and handed it to her.
After she read through it, Hermione looked just as surprised as he was.
"He's signing her over to you," she said. "Almost as if she's... she's... an asset." It was easy to see she was appalled.
"For the purposes of this, she is," he agreed. "But, he's being smart."
When she frowned back in not a little anger he added, "By handing over any authority over her to me, he is putting himself in the situation where he simply cannot be forced, compulsed, whatever to cancel the agreement from his side. He will be incapable of it."
That had her surprised. Then her expression turned back to a troubled one. "But, from this, you could abuse her."
A little hurt at the insinuation, but understanding she was asking as a general overview rather than just him personally, he replied, "Legally, yes. But, I believe it's clear he trusts me not to do that.
"And, really, would you have anything to do with me if you thought I would be that sort of person?"
"No," she replied. "However, I know you a lot better than Lord Greengrass knows you."
"Noted," he said. "But, what else can he do?"
She had no answer to that and sadly nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Knocking on the Longbottom's door and being admitted by Neville, it was to see that Neville was up, dressed and ready, but the girls weren't.
He quickly went and let them know the 'Potters' were there, by knocking on their doors and calling to them through the closed door.
On his return Harry explained about receiving the CBA and asking for the aid of the two girls to approach Daphne in the Great Hall and sending her to the antechamber before they entered. Harry and Hermione would be waiting for her within.
He was all for it and, once the girls emerged, told them what was going on. They, too, agreed.
As the five then walked down the stairs of the grand staircase to the ground floor, Harry, Hermione and Neville waited in the entrance hall while the two girls stuck their heads in the door to see if Daphne was already there.
A quick glance was all it took before Hannah turned back and said, "She's there. Sue and I'll go let her know." Then both ducked inside.
Harry turned to Neville and said, "You'd best go inside, too. Otherwise someone might figure out you're not with the girls and wonder what's going on.
"Besides, it's probably better if Daphne didn't have such a large audience when she hears what I have to say."
Neville gave a nod, said "Good Luck." And walked in through the doors as Harry and Hermione walked in to the antechamber.
A minute later, Daphne and Tracey walked in. Daphne was clearly worried and agitated.
As soon as they approached, he said, "I received correspondence from Ted Tonks. It's a copy of the amended Concubine Bond Agreement.
"Firstly, as promised, all escape clauses I informed you I demanded to be included, have been included. However, your father has also added stipulations for those; to activate the clause or clauses they can only be done so at Gringotts and only after which of us wants to activate the clause has first been tested free of enchantments or potions that are compelling us to seek such.
"Secondly, so your father cannot be compelled to find a way to break the agreement he has... Daphne, in a nutshell, he's basically demanding I become your magical guardian. He's ceded authority over you to me."
Harry then drew the copy of the agreement from out of his inside robe pocket and silently handed it to her. Then said, "Go ahead and read it."
Daphne never said a word for that whole time. Even when she began to read the document she never said a word. However, she gave out the occasional slight sound of shocked surprise.
When she was done, she looked back at Harry and handed it back. There were tears in her eyes, but Harry couldn't tell if they were from happiness or sorrow. Her expression didn't reflect it either way.
"Now the important question, Daphne," he quietly said. "Having read it, I want to know if you still want me and your father to sign it."
As a single tear slid down her cheek, she silently nodded.
"Very well," he said. "In that case, I shall send an urgent message off to Ted Tonks to arrange a time in the very near future where the agreement can be signed and witnessed.
"As Madam Marchbanks acted as witness for the agreements Neville, Hannah and Susan were entered into, I have little doubt she'll be willing to act in the same role for this one and in her office. I shall suggest that to Mister Tonks.
"Also as we appear to have reached an accord, I believe this will happen no later than within the next two days. I want you to be there for it, just as I want Hermione there for it. Right up until I sign, you can come to me at any time and tell me you don't want to go through with it and I will not sign.
"If you don't want to be there when it's signed, I understand. It's your choice."
"Thank you, Harry," she quietly said. "I th- I believe I do want to be there."
"You're welcome," he replied with a smile. "Now, once you've fixed your face a bit, I suggest you return to your breakfast. Hermione and I will leave you now so you have time to do what you need to do."
With a gesture at Hermione as Daphne nodded back, he and his betrothed exited.
His last view of her was as Tracey closed in and took the girl into a hug.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they walked into the Great Hall, Hermione was also almost in tears. She looked to him and firmly said, "Once you fully take up your role as a member of the Wizengamot, I want you to do everything in your power to end these sort of agreements; betrothal ones, too.
"They shouldn't be able to force anyone into a... relationship of convenience. It's just wrong."
"It will be one of my priorities, love," he replied. "I assure you."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they walked out of their double of Transfiguration, Ted's house elf popped in before the five - the two 'Puffs were with them - and silently handed Harry a note.
~ # ~
Lord Potter,
Lord Greengrass confesses to being under extreme pressure right now and seeks to finalise this within an hour or two of noon.
Lady Marchbanks has already been contacted and has welcomed us to use her office for the signing. It will be held at 1.15pm today.
On departure I shall be going directly to the Daily Prophet to formally announce the concubinage of Heiress Daphne Ophelia Greengrass to Lord Harrison Potter this very day.
Lord Greengrass and I will be of fervent hope this will immediately relieve Lord Greengrass of the pressure he currently faces from 'unnamed' Houses seeking an agreement for Daphne Greengrass and a son of their House.
Ted Tonks
~ # ~
With a quietly muttered, "Shit." Harry handed the note to Hermione.
After reading it, she sighed, "Alright. That's fast, but Ted explains why." Looking to Harry she asked, "Are you ready for this?"
"Yes," he nodded. "I wouldn't have even entertained the concept if I wasn't ready."
After handing the note to Neville to read, he took the other four aside into a vacant classroom and said, "I'm sorry to ask this again, girls; but, can you again approach Daphne and let her know what's going on?"
Before they could even answer he added, "Actually―" Turning to Neville he said, "Pass the note on to the girls and they can quietly hand it to Daphne."
Neville had already finished reading it and was showing he was just as concerned. He silently handed the note to Hannah, who was the closest of the two to him at the time.
After reading it herself, Hannah said, "Will do, Harry. We'll pass it as soon as we see them for morning tea." Susan had read it over her shoulder.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The plan went off without a hitch. The girls had managed to pass the note to Tracey, who then passed it to Daphne. As Harry was already sitting at the Gryffindor table with his back to the wall, he was able to surreptitiously watch as Daphne read it, look to him and firmly nodded.
Looked down at his small plate, he quietly said to the others, "She has it and has read it. She now knows."
After what felt like an interminable time in Herbology, they were actually released a little early, as usual, so they could change.
All five - Harry, Hermione, Neville and his two - hurried up to the Lords' Quarters to clean up and change, if and where necessary, into clean robes. Harry, knowing he would need to get to the meeting during the latter part of lunch, made sure he didn't get any dirt on himself during the class. Unsurprising to him, neither did Hermione.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At lunch and though nervous, Harry clamped down on his emotions through sheer force of will and managed to eat. However, he did keep glancing towards the head table at Headmistress Lady Marchbanks.
For all her body language showed, the woman didn't have a care in the world. She most definitely was not watching Harry, Daphne or any of the other heirs of the Alliance.
However, his constant monitoring of her meant he was immediately aware when she rose and walked from the room through the staff entrance at a few minutes after 1.00pm. He'd even checked his watch - 1.04pm.
Judging her speed and the distance she'd have to travel in his mind, then comparing it with his own faster speed and the great distance he'd have to travel, he guessed he could leave within five minutes and easily make it there after her and before the time.
He was just about to leave when he realised neither Daphne nor Tracey were likely to know how to find the Headmistress's office.
'Shit,' he thought
He turned to Hermione and told her the problem.
Hermione had the solution before he even finished explaining. "I'll approach her about talking to her about an Arithmancy assignment. Then suggest we go somewhere to talk. That'll allow me to escort her to the Headmistress's office."
With a slight slump of relief he smiled and said, "That would be perfect. Thank you."
She smiled back. "You'd best go now. That gives me the excuse to go and approach Daphne."
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek, again causing her to blush from the suddenness of it, rose and headed for the main doors. Hermione only hesitated a moment before she rose to head to the Slytherin table.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry waited only two to three minutes before he saw Hermione and Daphne walking up the corridor from the grand staircase, heading his way.
He gave a little sigh of relief. His worry was that, with Hermione apart from him, she'd encounter trouble.
When they turned up, both sporting smiles, he asked, "Any trouble?"
"Only Malfoy and Nott trying to deny me approaching Daphne," said Hermione. Her smile then widened into a grin and she added, "When they both realised they were doing that, they turned on each other."
He gave a snort of amusement. "Obviously, they both think Daphne, here, is to be theirs."
"That's exactly what they both think," growled Daphne.
"Well, let's go and make sure that won't be possible," said Harry.
He turned to the gargoyle and said, "Three to see the Headmistress, please. I believe we have an appointment."
Immediately turning back while they waited, he looked to Daphne and asked, "Still okay with this?"
She immediately firmed up and strongly replied, "I am."
He smiled back as he heard the gargoyle step aside and heard the stairs start to ascend.
A quick glance to make sure and he gestured, "After you, ladies."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ