Chapter Sixty One - Cultivating Finch-Fletchley

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 Sixty One - Cultivating Finch-Fletchley

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

With a flash of white light the two teens, Harry and Daphne, appeared on the seventh floor corridor directly opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.

Daphne pulled away and said, "May I choose the location?"

"This is all about you, Daphne," he replied. "You can have whatever you want."

Again she smiled at him as he moved out of the way to let her pace.

When the door appeared, she gave a little squeal of excitement. Ever the gentleman, Harry beat her to the door, opened it and ushered her inside.

As he stepped in it was to find himself in the front foyer of what appeared to be a large manor home. He immediately recognised it as the Greengrass manor.

"This is just like Green Fields," she happily sighed. "At least, this is the manor without all the portraits, house elves and the like.

"Hermione told me how you called up a replica of Pottermore for her first time and I thought that was a nice idea. I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all," he replied, closing the door and walking further in. "As I said, tonight is all about you."

After a dinner prepared by Dobby and Betsy, who had both again thrown up a notice-me-not field over the 'front' door, Daphne gave him a tour of the place.

As the tour came to an end, she was clearly nervous. Harry wrapped her in his arms and said, "You'll get no pressure from me, Daphne. Whenever you want to end this, just say so."

"No," she firmly replied. "I want this. " That seemed to be enough to settle her again as she led him deeper into the manor and back to 'her' room.

Walking in she paused a moment and asked, "Can you... get the bed ready, while I freshen up?"

"Of course," he nodded.

Daphne went into what was clearly a copy of her personal ensuite and, just before she closed the door, turned back and nervously asked, "Can you... be in bed and ready for me for when I come out?"

"As my lady commands," he gently said, with a small bow.

She smiled back and closed the door.

When she came out only ten minutes later, Harry was reclined on the bed with only a single sheet on. The rest of the bedding was folded at the foot of the bed. The sheet would have been there, too, if he didn't think seeing his naked body as soon as she stepped out of the ensuite might have panicked her.

However, while Daphne wasn't naked, she was dressed somewhat similar to how Fleur had dressed for that... ceremony and her first time with him. As she moved closer, he could see that her outfit was quite similar to what Fleur's was, even to it being a chiton; except Daphne's was a silvery green. There was also no choker, but she was just as naked underneath.

As for her pubic hair, it was much darker than the hair on her head; closer to the colour of her eyelashes. And was just as visible through the material as Fleur's was through her own chiton.

By the time he'd figured all that out, she was standing next to the bed on the other side to him, clearly unsure what to do next.

Harry reached across and flicked back the sheet on 'her' side. However, she was very hesitant to move.

"No pressure, Daphne," he quietly said. "What do you want to do?"

Again, him telling her she was in control seemed to get her moving. Her hand opposite her covered shoulder moved up to that shoulder before she dropped it again. Then she gave a slow twirl before turning back to him. "You like?" she quietly asked.

"You look lovely," he smiled.

That had her smile back and again reach to her shoulder. However, instead of undoing a hidden clasp, she just brushed the material off. That caused the whole lot to fall to the floor.

She then immediately almost jumped into the bed, before hurriedly pulling the sheet up and lying on her side, facing him. She was clearly very, very nervous.

Harry flipped to his side to face her and used his upper hand to carefully reach over and gently brush her hair away from her face.

"Absolutely gorgeous," he murmured.

That earned him a smile.

"Come here," he said, reaching out and urging her closer.

Gently, he coaxed her to relax through gentle snogging. That led to more vigorous snogging, which led even to more.

A while later, she had adopted a similar relaxed state to Hermione after her first time, except mirror imaged.

With Harry lying flat on his back, she laid on her side and against his side. Her upper hand was on his chest over his heart and her upper leg was curled up over his thighs.

As for the sheet, it was off them; half on the floor and half over the foot of the bed.

Harry was just managing to get his breathing back under control, but Daphne was almost purring as the arm he had under her and behind was lightly trailing up and down her lower spine.

"Oh, Gods," she muttered, for about the dozenth time in the last twenty minutes.

"Want to try something else?" he asked.

"I don't want to move," she replied.

"Then let me worry about what happens next," he returned.

Gently he pressed her away from his chest and back onto her back. That gave him time to prop himself up on an elbow before his head dipped to her chest.

He gave her a quick grin before he dropped his face to her chest and...

"Harry!" she exclaimed. "They're for... oohhhh Merlin!"

A minute later, as Daphne lay writhing and moaning with what he'd been doing with her breasts, he went lower.

"Wha-what are you... Ohhhhh... OooHHHHH... AhhhHHH-FUCK!" she screamed out the last. She was practically thrashing about on the bed.

Apparently, Parseltongue was useful for more than just talking to snakes.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The next morning, Harry awoke lying on his side and began watching Daphne sleep. Unlike the neat and tidy he expected from the girl, as that was always how she seemed to be when awake no matter the time of day or night, in sleep she was a mess. She also lightly snored and was sleeping on her tummy with her arms and legs sprawled out. Harry had been restricted to sleeping on a very narrow strip right at the edge of the bed.

Knowing by the fake daylight out the 'window' it wasn't that much past dawn, Harry gently eased her nearest arm and leg to him back over to her trunk for her arm and down straight for her leg. Then slid in closer to give himself some room from his very recent precarious perch.

Once more comfortable, he propped himself back up on one elbow, leaned in close, brushed her hair away from the back of her neck and gently nuzzled her under the back of her ear.

A few moments later, she gave a light groan of desire.

Happy to have heard it, he gently moved his upper hand lower down, reached between her thighs and forward, and gently worked her over a little with his fingers.

When she began to gently thrust back and forth, he quickly rose to his knees, used his wand to levitate her tummy up a bit, slipped a pillow into the gap between her hips and the bed and lowered her back onto it.

Using a lubrication charm he read in that book Sirius had given him, he then knelt between her legs and hovered over her.

A few moments later he was in and gently thrusting.

However, it took about a good ten seconds before the rising arousal in Daphne woke her and her eyes opened, unfocussed.

"Oh, Merlin!" she whined. "What... are you... doing?"

"What do you think?" he quietly asked right back. His head only a foot or so from hers. He began to increase his pace and depth.

And her moans got louder.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

An hour later they again laid in bed, sated. This time Daphne wasn't asleep, but she was so full of endorphins and oxytocins she might as well be. She was lying flat on her back with Harry lying on his side and facing her.

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked.

"Oh... bloody Hell, Potter," she near moaned.

"You want more?" he asked.

"No!" she quickly exclaimed. "Oh... Gods, no!"

"As you wish," he said.

Looking at him and smiling, she asked, "You're not going to suddenly jump me again?"

"Certainly not," he replied. "You said 'No'; so, 'No', it is."

Her smile widened and she rolled to her side to face him. When she looked down she asked, "Err... Harry?"

"Mmm?" he asked.

"If it's 'No', then why are you―?"

"I have an incredibly gorgeous, naked girl lying on the bed right next to me. A girl who smells of sex. Why do you think?"

"Oh," she giggled.

Rolling back to lie on her back again, she asked, "What time is it?"

Harry picked up his wand and fired off a Tempus. "Almost eight am."

She sighed and said, "Go and have a shower. We should be ready in time to go down to breakfast with the others."

"Yes, My Lady," he replied, flipping onto his other side to climb out of bed.

Knowing she'd be watching him, he walked to the foot of the bed and near to the door to the ensuite, before he then mimicked a big stretch, flexing and rolling his muscles and arms... and bum cheeks.

"Ohhh... Gawd," she moaned.

With a grin while facing away from her and pretending not to hear her, he walked into the ensuite, leaving the door open as he did. Calling back, he called, "You can shower with me, if you like!"

She joined him in the shower less than a minute later.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After Dobby again popped them straight into the corridor of the Lords' Quarters directly outside their apartment, both then walked in.

Hermione and Fleur were already up and, probably, waiting. Both looked at the pair of them and, while Fleur giggled and snickered, Hermione looked at Daphne in stunned surprise before breaking into giggles of her own.

A moment later she exclaimed, "Did I look like that?"

Fleur, still snickering, loudly replied, "Yes!"

A little embarrassed, Harry tried to defend himself. "Well, you said I was to make her first time as nice as I'd made yours!"

That was it for Fleur. She began laughing and rolling about on the sofa upon which she sat. And, while a little embarrassed at Harry's remark, Hermione was still giggling.

Daphne, smiling, said, "I need to go change before breakfast." Then, walking between the sofas and the coffee table, grabbed a hand each of Fleur and Hermione and dragged both girls after her to her bedroom.

Harry watched them go and, with a sigh of contentment, headed for the kitchen. Maybe he could sneak in and―

"Dobby be already preparings brekky, Master Harry!"

"Dammit!"

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Harry was already in the dining room and making a start on his breakfast when the girls came looking for him.

Hermione, the first one in the door, walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Good boy!" she whispered, before taking the seat at his left hand and sitting down.

Fleur, not to outdone, also kissed him on the cheek and sat.

When Daphne came in a moment later, she was changed and took her own seat. "I thought we'd be going down to the Great Hall for breakfast?"

No one mentioned they'd not be going down to the Great Hall for breakfast, after all.

"Dobby had other ideas," replied Harry.

Once everyone had loaded a plate and were getting their breakfasts into them, Harry asked, "What're everyone's plans for the rest of the day?"

"Resting," Daphne immediately replied, before she then blushed on realising she'd said that out loud.

That had both other girls laughing again.

"Assignments," replied Fleur. "I have a lot of work to do."

Now that her tutors had been organised, though hadn't turned up yet, she was sent in advance a whole lot of work to do to prepare for when the first would turn up on the Monday.

Hermione asked, "Besides the meeting with the Alliance after lunch, what about you, Harry?"

"Oh, dammit," he sighed. "I'd forgotten about that."

That's when he got hit in the head with an unbuttered crumpet thrown by Daphne. "Hey!"

When he looked back in surprise, while Hermione and Fleur snickered, Daphne tried to glare at him, failing miserably in the process.

"I can't help it!" he almost whined. "I just... I was distracted!" And blushed.

"That's the endorphins, Harry," explained Hermione. "Give it a while and it'll wear off."

Eventually, Harry went back to the Room to exercise a little. But, he didn't engage in a full workout. Instead, it was just burning off energy he was after.

He was back after about an hour and happily turned to working on assignments. When he asked where Daphne was, Fleur smiled and replied, "Sleeping, I believe. I think you tired her out. I can... relate."

Harry's blush was only a light pinking of his cheeks, that time. He was getting better.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Daphne had put in another appearance just before lunch and, no longer sporting the just-got-shagged look the girls accused her of, the Potter four joined the other heirs in the trip to the Great Hall for lunch.

On the way, Neville asked, "Ready for the meeting this afternoon, Harry?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Where is it, by the way?"

Neville smirked at him and said, "Greengrass manor."

Just as they were sitting down at the Hufflepuff table, Harry noticed when Justin Finch-Fletchley entered and invited the boy to join them. Slightly surprisingly, he did.

While Harry was still his 'partner' in Transfiguration and the 'Longbottom Three' were in Herbology, he was not in Astronomy and History of Magic, being the four classes Gryffindor shared with Hufflepuff. Nor was he his partner in any of the electives as the boy shared his two electives, CoMC and Divination, mainly with the Ravenclaws. While Harry took CoMC, his classes were with the Slytherins and Finch-Fletchley didn't take Ancient Runes.

As the boy sat down opposite, he gave Harry a haughty sniff and asked, "Been away from the school for yestereve and this morn, my Lord Potter?" he asked.

Harry grinned and haughtily sniffed, "Nay, my Lord Finch-Fletchley. Verily, I was detained on matters of House by these three ladies fair."

That had both snicker at one another.

"This real you is so much fun, Potter," said Finch-Fletchley. "You take the mickey out of these titles of ours even more than I do."

As Finch-Fletchley hadn't, as yet, been properly introduced to Fleur, Harry quietly said, "My Lord Finch-Fletchley, I apologise that I have been remiss. I present Heiress Presumptive Fleur Isabel Delacour of the Venerable House of Delacour of magical France. Fleur, this is Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley, Viscount of Lonsdale, Heir Primary to His Lordship the Earl of Bedford and Heir Secondary to His Grace, the Duke of Kendal of the United Kingdom.

While Finch-Fletchley cocked a surprised eyebrow at Harry for knowing his titles and lineage, he still stood as Fleur offered her hand, grasped it with his main hand and lightly kissed the back of her fingers. "Charmed, My Lady. And please call me Justin."

"Fleur," said Fleur, as she smiled and withdrew her hand as Finch-Fletchley retook his seat.

Finch-Fletchley immediately turned to Harry and accused, "You've done your homework."

Harry replied, "Justin, I'm a Lord of Noble and Most Ancient House, One of the Seven. Do you know what that means?"

"I do, now," he replied. "I didn't before all that which happened as a result of the First Task. As soon as I could I practically raided the library, here, for all that I could on the subject."

"In other words, you also did your homework," smiled Harry. "Could you think any less of me to do the same as soon I learned of your lineage?"

Finch-Fletchley smiled and replied, "Of course not."

Harry turned serious and said, "Justin, there are some people I really need you to meet. May I organise a meeting to take place, here in the castle, for some time over the next week? It will probably be held in the Headmistress's office, so there's no need to worry anything untoward is going to happen.

"I also swear to you this is not to do with your father or grandfather. This is about you."

Finch-Fletchley frowned back for a moment, before he said, "On your honour?"

Harry immediately replied, "On the honour of my House and the memory of my fore-bearers, Justin."

As Fleur and Daphne both gave little gasps of shock, Finch-Fletchley gave a single nod back and replied, "Then I look forward to your missive."

Harry smiled and said, "Thank you."

Now he needed to speak with the Alliance. With everything that had been going on he'd not raised the issue at a meeting yet. And he needed to 'formally' let them know.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After lunch, Harry was quick to escort Fleur back to the apartment before running to the Headmistress's office. Neville escorted the other Heirs up to the office, direct.

Arriving in Green Fields, Harry only staggered a little getting out to the floo.

He was the first through, after Daphne.

Once all the members, their partners and heirs arrived, the meeting was quickly started. This time it was chaired by Samuel. After all, it was his home.

When the issue of new business came up Harry raised the issue of Justin Finch-Fletchley and his lineage.

"You mean to tell me," said Miles Ogden, "At the school, right now, is a young man who is second in line, in direct line of succession to a Dukedom; and no one knows about it?"

"Well, other than he and us in the group unofficially called the Heirs," said Harry, "There's also Law-wizard Ted Tonks; who did the due diligence for me to confirm it.

"Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley is the Viscount of Lonsdale, Heir Apparent of the Earldom of Bedford and Heir Secondary, as the first born son of the first born son, of the Sixth Duke of Kendal. On the death of his grandfather his father will become the Seventh Duke of Kendal and he will become the new Earl of Bedford. Then, on the death of his father, he will succeed to the Dukedom as the Eighth Duke.

"Sweet Merlin!" exclaimed Ogden. "We need to speak with him."

"I have not informed him of what I've been aiming for," said Harry, "Ultimately, his succeeding in gaining a new seat on the Wizengamot representing the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley. That is, after all, how the Noble Houses were first created. We just haven't had a Noble and Magical House in many generations, even though the Malfoys have been demanding they be recognised as such.

"I believe... and Ted Tonks assures me I'm correct... that particular ancient law is still on the books."

"It is," breathed Ogden. "And, yes, for that purpose."

"When can we meet with him?" demanded Samuel.

"I have told him that I hope that he would be open to a meeting of importance to him. And strongly suggested it would take place at the castle, most likely in the Headmistress's office, within the next couple of weeks.

"Others, in the past, have attempted to use his connection to the Duke of Kendal or the Earl of Bedford, for self-serving purposes. He is, understandably, quite wary. Might I suggest no more than two people, plus Lady Marchbanks, meet with him?"

"Definitely," said Ogden.

Harry added, "And might I also suggest you come armed with evidence of how such a meeting... with an option to join the Alliance... will aid him, rather than hinder him? You might also suggest you visit with his muggle father or anyone else he deems appropriate."

Ogden thought a bit before he looked to Samuel. "Samuel?"

"You, at least, should attend, Miles," said Samuel. "You're the Chief Warlock, after all. I also think the other should be Amelia."

"He's right," said Madam Bones. "It should be you and me, Miles."

Ogden nodded before turning to Marchbanks. "Gris? Any problems using your office for this?"

"None," she immediately replied. "However, young Lord Finch-Fletchley has developed a level of trust with Harrison. I suggest he escort the young Lord at least to the first meeting."

"You might also want to extract a temporary secrecy oath from and inform Professor Sprout of this," suggested Harry.

"I don't think we need to go to the extent of a secrecy oath," said Marchbanks. "But, I see your point about informing Pomona. I'll just ask her not to speak of it. She'll understand."

The next item of business was on bringing in the Venerable House of Delacour as a member House of the Alliance. No one had a problem with it, other than it was not a British House and had no roots in wizarding Britain.

Frank said, "Check the Charter. There is no requirement for a House to have any roots in Britain, wizarding or otherwise."

With that resolved, Jean-Paul would be approached by Frank and Samuel with the intent to offer an invitation. It would be based on Fleur's acceptance as concubine to Harrison, Lord of House Potter.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

In with the spouses in the 'Ladies' Lounge' of Green Fields, Adeline was almost dancing with joy. As soon as the girls entered the Lounge, Adeline had cast a minor charm on both. Moments later, she grabbed both and dragged them aside before then erecting a quick silencing field. She'd cast the same at the previous meeting, but neither girl knew of it at the time.

It was that quick discussion, following by both girls blushing and being angry about it, that had everyone else know what had happened; neither Daphne nor Hermione were virgins any longer. The younger witches among them were immediately 'sworn' to secrecy by the expedient of being told, 'This is both not for any rumour mill, most especially Hogwarts's, or for your fathers or brothers to learn of. Period.'

However, Hannah was also one of those 'spouses' due to her betrothal to Neville. So, she took both girls aside, herself, a little later to ask for certain information. Her mother saw it, of course, but hid her knowing smirk.

Susan didn't know of it, because she was 'shadowing' her aunt at the meeting of the Heads. However, Pauline had no doubt she would by that night.

For the others, none of them would talk. They knew the penalty on first offence would be a permanent ban from any future discussions. That meant they'd get left at home, or ordered outside to 'play' on their own. Boooring.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

With the meeting lasting a little longer than what many expected, the post-meeting fellowship didn't last all that long. And the heirs were back at the castle well before dinner.

When Harry returned he returned a little confused, though, and nearly crashed head first into the wall of the Headmistress's office opposite the floo. He'd almost completely missed his exit, because his mind was on how Adeline Greengrass had taken him aside, laid a massive hug on him and kiss on his cheek, looked him dead in the eyes and said a clearly heartfelt, "Thank you."

Though very curious and confused, he waited until they were back in the apartment until he asked Daphne why her mother had done that.

Daphne blushed and replied, "Mother pulled a fast one on Hermione and me. Without warning us first, she cast a purity detection charm on us both."

Fleur, who had overheard, gasped and exclaimed, "She didn't!"

Daphne firmly nodded back. "So, mother now knows Harry and mine, and Harry and Hermione's, agreements each have certain clauses no longer applicable. That's her claim as to why she did it."

Hermione asked, "I take it that's quite the rude thing to do?"

"Yes," Daphne almost snapped. "It's why I was so angry with mother immediately afterwards. That charm is only permitted to be used under licence when a Betrothal Agreement is being drawn up, or being moved to a contract. It is used to test the bride still meets conditions of a contract if the contract requires the bride to be... unsullied."

"So, I had a right to be upset with her?" asked Hermione.

"Yes, Hermione; you did," replied Daphne. "So, there's no need to apologise you got angry with her, when you did."

"I thought I might have been out of line," she sighed.

"No," said Daphne, firmly. "Mother was out of line."

Harry asked, "Do I need to have words with Samuel about it?"

"No," replied Daphne. "What's done is done. And I really do not need Father to know you've already shagged me stupid. I do not want him to know until he has to know."

"That's your choice, Daphne," replied Harry. "If that's what you want, we'll go along with it."

The other two girls nodded.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Surprised with how quickly things moved, during breakfast the next morning both Harry and Justin were approached by Professor Sprout and told the Headmistress wanted a word with them both in her office immediately following the meal.

As they came together and walked slightly behind the Professor into the main corridor heading towards the wing that held the Headmistress's office, a worried Finch-Fletchley sidled over to Harry and asked, "Harry? Do you know what this is about?"

"I'm pretty sure I do, yeah," he replied. "If it's who I think it is, a couple of people want to talk to you and want to provide you aid. If I'm right, listen to what they say. Then, if you're not ready to make a decision about anything, say so. Tell them you will take it on board and consider it. I'm sure you know the drill.

"Nothing needs to happen, right now. Merlin, this can take years to come to fruition if people decide to drag their feet, or if you want it to. You're only fifteen at the moment, so you're still a minor. Just... hear them out, alright?"

Professor Sprout had dropped back and to the side a bit to listen. When Harry finished, she added, "Lord Potter is correct, Mister Finch-Fletchley. Who we're going to see only want to make you aware of some information, for now. Information you really should already be aware of, if not for Cuthbert Binns and his focus on goblin rebellions. Just be polite."

"Yes, Ma'am," Finch-Fletchley replied.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

When they entered the Headmistress's office, Harry had to just about push Finch-Fletchley in through the door after Professor Sprout.

"Justin, relax," Harry quietly said from behind. "I swear to you, you're going to be fine."

Already in the room were Headmistress Lady Marchbanks, behind her desk; Miles Ogden and Amelia Bones were sitting before it. The latter two both stood and turned to the door as the three walked in. Both were gently smiling.

"Welcome, you two," said Marchbanks.

As they got closer, Professor Sprout faded away and went and sat on the stool in the corner as Harry guided Finch-Fletchley to the two 'guests'.

Harry was then quick with the introductions. Ogden first, considering his station. He also kept it informal.

"Justin," he said, "This is Chief Warlock Lord Miles Ogden. If you do not know, Chief Warlock Ogden chairs the Wizengamot in the same way the Lord Speaker chairs the House of Lords.

"And, Justin, this is Madam Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic for wizarding Britain. She's also Susan's aunt and guardian.

"Lord Ogden, Madam Bones, this is Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley, the Viscount of Lonsdale."

"Miles just gave a snort of amusement and held out his hand to Justin. "Hello, young man."

After carefully shaking Justin's hand, Ogden said, "To make it easy for you, just address me as Lord Ogden. This is an informal discussion."

"Yes, Sir," said Justin, almost by reflex.

Bones then stepped forward and offered her own hand. "Hello, Lord Finch-Fletchley. You address me as Madam Bones."

Justin shook it and said, "Ma'am,"

She then whacked Ogden on the arm and said, "Don't come over all over-Lordly."

Marchbanks cut in, indicated the chairs and said, "Take a seat, please."

With Justin and Harry sitting alongside one another and facing-in along a leg of a triangle from Marchbanks's desk, Ogden and Bones sat facing them and Marchbanks's desk, too, along the third side of the triangle based off the Headmistress's desk.

"Thank you for taking the time to see us, Lord Finch-Fletchley," said Ogden. "What we have to talk to you about has to do with how you're a muggleborn with a noble title who has entered our world."

Ogden went on to explain what that meant for Justin, with an explanation of how the original members of the Noble seats on the Wizengamot also entered the same way, upwards of centuries ago.

Finch-Fletchley eventually asked, "Let me see if I have this straight, Sir. You're saying that, since I hold a title in the Peerage, and I'm the first of my line to do so who is also a magical, I'm entitled to a seat within the Wizengamot once I come of age at seventeen?"

"In a nutshell, yes," replied Ogden.

"But, what about my father and grandfather?" he asked.

"Ineligible, because apparently neither are magical," replied Ogden.

Finch-Fletchley sat back and thought about it. Eventually, he asked, "How would that work? From what I've read I'm actually considered Unhoused, as I do not belong to an existing magical House."

"Excellent question!" beamed Ogden. "Because of your position in the peerage, a new House is automatically created based on your own surname. "You would become the Head of the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley and, when you attain seventeen years of age, you would become and be titled Lord of the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley and immediately eligible to sit on the Wizengamot."

Again, Finch-Fletchley thought about it before he asked, "If the House is created now... and I cannot hold the Lordship for it until I turn seventeen... would I need a Regent or Proxy for it until then? And, if so, am I limited to whom I can appoint to the role? If I even can appoint someone to the role."

Ogden blinked back for a moment in surprise before he grinned and replied, "How very astute of you, young man."

Ogden then turned to Bones and asked, "Amelia? Perhaps you can address our young Lord's question?"

Bones shook her head and sighed. "I cannot, Miles. I can guess, but I do not know the answer."

"I do," Harry quietly said.

"Harrison," said Ogden. Then he gestured 'be my guest'.

"First," replied Harry. "The House needs to be created. You can have neither a regent nor proxy without a House. To create the House needs to start with the Goblin Nation and their Rite of Inheritance. It first needs to be shown that Justin, here, is not already the rightful Lord of an existing House that... squibbed out, for instance.

"Once that's carried out and ther eis no pre-existing House, the Goblins can then create the heraldry from the now known heritage. That includes the Head of House ring and the like. However, they won't do any of that without a House vault being established first.

"That will then establish the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley.

"With the House now established, as the only magical member of that House, Justin's magical guardian would need to move quick to appoint either themselves as Regent or grant Justin emancipation so he can take up his duties, himself."

"Magical guardian?" Finch-Fletchley then whirled to look at Sprout. "That'd be you; right, Professor?"

Sprout smiled and replied, "Indeed, Mister Finch-Fletchley. But, if this works out for you, I'm quite willing to allow you to appoint another; if that is your choice."

Harry gave a little snort and replied, "It'll work. Time for me to come clean on something."

When all eyes turned to him, he explained, "I've had the Law-wizard of Record for the House of Potter researching this for the past few months. Justin, he's the one who did the full background check on you on my behalf. He's also been speaking with the goblins on what is needed.

"When you feel you're ready, they're waiting for you to come in to get all this sorted for you. According to my Law-wizard of Record, Ted Tonks, they're apparently excited to meet with you."

At first surprised, Finch-Fletchley's expression turned shrewd. "What do you get out of this, Harry?"

"A few things," he immediately replied. "One; if it's something you want, then your gratitude. Two; if you go through with this, then I get to thumb my nose, yet again, at all the stodgy old traditionalists on the Wizengamot. Three; the opportunity to ask you to join the Potter-Longbottom Alliance, of which Lady Marchbanks, Lord Ogden and Madam Bones as Regent Bones, are all members. And, four; I'll be recognised as being partly responsible for having shepherded the creation of a new Noble line within magical Britain. Big kudos for me. There are probably more, but I don't know what those are, yet."

Finch-Fletchley cocked an eyebrow back and said, "A straight-up answer. Colour me, impressed."

Turning back to Lord Ogden, he asked, "When do I need to act on this?"

"Never," said Ogden. "There's no time limit involved."

"Can I discuss it with my father and grandfather?" he asked.

"You can discuss it with those cleared to know about magic," replied Bones. "If your grandfather is already cleared to know about magic, then yes. Otherwise, no. Only those residing in your muggle place of residence are allowed to know. However, if it's necessary for him to know... then I can grant a waiver."

Finch-Fletchley nodded and murmured, "So, no change there, then. Can my grandfather be cleared to know of magic for the purposes of discussing this with him?"

Bones thought about it before she looked to Ogden and asked, "Miles?"

"If absolutely necessary, we can set something up." he replied.

Finally, Finch-Fletchley firmed up and said, "Then, I thank you for the information, Sir. I shall need to think on it, in detail. And discuss it with my family, before I act."

"So you should," Ogden immediately shot back. "I'd have been a little disappointed in you, if you didn't."

A little later, Harry escorted Finch-Fletchley out of the office with Professor Sprout.

As they walked away and down the corridor outside the office, Finch-Fletchley was clearly thinking hard about what he should do.

Harry said, "Justin. There's no rush on this. You can decide to simply delay until you're ready to deal with it, if at all. I just felt you should know."

"No," said Finch-Fletchley. "I get that. So, thank you."

Harry just smiled back and gave a nod of acknowledgement.

The other boy then looked to Sprout and asked, "Professor; would it be possible to discuss this further with you, alone?"

"Of course, Mister Finch-Fletchley," she replied. "Whenever you're ready or you need, my door is open to you. You know that."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

At the end of the April Wizengamot meeting, Harry met with Ogden, Bones, Marchbanks, Greengrass and Longbottom in the Chief Warlock's office before returning to the school. Until then, he didn't even know the Chief Warlock (or Witch, when the position was held by a witch) had an office.

The topic was, unsurprisingly, Justin.

"So, he's now been made aware of the Seat that awaits him?" asked Samuel.

"Yes," replied Ogden. As this was his office, he 'chaired' the meeting. "I've also arranged for certain books on the history and formation of the Wizengamot to be sent to him, so he can read it for himself."

"Any idea on which way he'll go?" asked Samuel.

Harry replied, "He'll do his own research. He'll speak with his father about it. He will probably ask for one of us, or more, to pay his father a visit. With that last one, I recommend he be given leave to go home for a weekend so he can give his own views directly to his father and family; and to at least introduce you, if he already knows you."

Ogden cocked an eyebrow and smirk at Harry before he asked, "And who do you believe should attend?"

"The same folks who were in the office with him on Sunday," Harry immediately replied. "Except me, that is. I just made the introductions. And don't forget to include Pomona Sprout. She is, after all, his current magical guardian."

"My views, too," said Ogden. He turned to Bones and asked, "Up for a visit to a muggle home, Amelia?"

"Always," she simply replied. "But we don't know when, or even if, he's going to ask."

"I think he will," replied Harry. "But, give him at least a couple of weeks, if not a month, to ask. Then be prepared."

"That was my read of the situation, too," said Bones.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

On late Friday evening a few days later, during a week when Hermione appeared to get more and more perturbed about something and which Harry had no idea how to address because he didn't know what was causing it, she dragged him aside for a chat.

"Harry," she began. "Have I done something wrong, or do you think you're falling out of love with me, or are Fleur and Daphne better―"

"Wait, wait, stop," he blurted, cutting in.

When she did immediately stop, and also looked on the verge of tears, he asked, "Hermione, Love; why would you ever think such a thing? I love you."

She sniffled and replied, "Because you haven't come asking me if you can sleep with me again."

Confused and a little embarrassed, he said, "I'm supposed to? I didn't know that. There was nothing in the books Sirius gave me that said I should do that."

With dawning comprehension at what had happened, Hermione groaned and said, "No. They don't, do they."

Taking a deep breath she said, "Harry. You're allowed to approach me and ask, or suggest, or hint, or anything like that, that you'd like to have sex again. I give you permission. And, I'm sure once the other two learn that, they'll also tell you that you have permission to ask."

"Oh," he said. He thought about it for a few moments before he gave a little nod to himself and asked, "Hermione, can we sleep together again, tonight? I mean, to have sex? You don't have to if―"

"Yes," she immediately blurted before calming again. "Yes, Harry. I'd like to sleep with you tonight, too."

With a wide and pleased grin he asked, "Do you... want to go up to the Room and―"

"No," she replied. "I'd like to sleep in your bed in here, if that's alright with you?"

He happily nodded.

Relieved, she said, "Great. Why don't you finish up what you're working on and then get ready in bed. I'll be in in about twenty minutes, alright?"

"Alright," he said, starting to turn away. He hesitated a moment before he turned back and said, "I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't know." Then he left for his bedroom.

As soon as the door closed she sighed before she turned to the other two, who had been watching them. "Ladies, we have a problem."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

It was less than the twenty minutes, before Hermione entered. She had come in and immediately noticed that Harry had clearly just come out of the shower, as there was still the light mist of steam coming from his ensuite.

Harry was sitting in bed with only a sheet on to the waist and was skimming through one of the books Sirius had given him, with a look of combined annoyance and concentration on his face. She only saw the expression for a bare moment before he looked up and smiled.

He set the book aside and, without a word, flicked back the covers on 'her' side of the bed.

Realising Harry was trying to find out from the books where he went wrong, she smiled and walked over. She was, at the time, wearing a simple dressing gown; her fluffy one.

Barely hesitating, she undid the cloth belt holding the gown closed at her waist before then flicking it off her shoulders with both hands at the 'lapels' and letting it drop to the floor.

Again for a moment, she stood there allowing him to look her nude form over, before she slid into the bed and moved in for a cuddle.

Outside in the living room, once Hermione walked in and closed the door, Fleur cast a silencing charm over the door and walked back to the sofa.

Sitting down with a sigh, she looked to Daphne and said, "'Ow did we not see this?"

Daphne just smiled and shrugged. "You have to admit, it seems quite odd."

"'Ermione's right, though," she said. "We 'ave to be more... forthcoming... with 'Arry in future."

Daphne nodded.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The next morning, when Harry woke, it was to the feeling of Hermione again snuggling into his side; almost treating him like he was an oversized teddybear. He didn't mind, though, because it felt nice.

As he laid there and thought about what Hermione had told him the previous evening - about how she expected him to ask for sex, too - he resolved to be more forward about it in the future. Yes, he had been somewhat horny and had been somewhat horny for the past couple of weeks, but he didn't know Hermione felt it was his job to ask.

As he laid there, he was unconsciously rubbing his fingertips up and down her spine. And, it wasn't until she arched her back a little and groaned, did he realise he'd been doing that.

When she opened her eyes and looked up at him from his chest she said, "Damn it, Harry. You've made me horny again."

"Sorry," he blurted, pulling his hand well away.

"Oh, Harry," she sighed. "I don't mind you making me horny, especially when you can do something about that. It was just the idea of you waking me up feeling horny."

Returning to lie her head of his chest again, she asked, "Know what the time is?"

"Well, by the angle and brightness of the sun coming in through the window," he replied, "I'd say it'd be about six, six thirty?"

She gave a small grunt before she slid her leg further over him, sliding her hips on top of his, and said, "In that case," as she pushed her chest over and onto his, "You've got time to do something about solving the problem for me."

Then kissed him and began to gently grind onto him.

He was happy to help.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

This time they came out of Harry's room and actually did go down to breakfast in the Great Hall. Both Fleur and Daphne were waiting for them in the living room. Both wore knowing smiles.

Once they met up with the Longbottom three, while neither Harry or Hermione noticed the expressions on the faces of the three, Fleur and Daphne did. Neville and Hannah had similar expressions to Harry and Hermione, while Susan was grinning in delight.

Daphne and Fleur were sharing snickering with Susan about the expressions on Neville's and Hannah's and Harry's and Hermione's faces. Tracey, when she met up with them, took one look and from then on was trying not to blush too much. She might not know exactly what the expressions meant without other stimuli, but she received that from the reactions of Susan, Daphne and Fleur, making it quite clear to her.

A little into breakfast, Daphne leaned into her best friend and said, "Yeah, Trace. They shagged like bunnies last night. And, if I'm to judge, this morning too."

Tracey looked back in shock and embarrassment. "Da-aph!" she quietly whined.

Daphne just smirked back. "As you already know... because my mother was being overly nosy at the last meeting of the Alliance... I've done it with Harry, too.

"And it was wonderful, Trace! When you're finally ready to do it with Blaise, if he's still the one you're considering doing it with, come and see Fleur, first. She can get you the right potions to make your first time... not painful and more pleasant."

Tracey just blushed and silently nodded.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

From then on, the 'Potter' girls knew that, if they wanted a bit of a 'fun time' from Harry, they could go to him and ask. Harry never turned them down and was always ready for more. And, while they first thought their first night with him would forevermore be the best they could expect, he never behaved as if it would be. He constantly made it very pleasant for all three.

It was also now apparent both Hannah and Susan had no complaints in that department, either.

The Potter girls all found out that Hannah had quickly told Susan what she'd learned in the 'spouses' meeting in the Ladies Room of Green Fields about Hermione and Daphne. And those two little minxes practically ambushed poor Neville, not wanting to be left out.

Not that Neville ever complained, but there were times one or the other of his girls would have to take him aside for a few moments to explain to him it was 'ungentlemanly' to walk around looking like he'd recently just been shagged stupid; even if it was true. And he then tried his best to mask his true feelings. Most of the time he succeeded. But, Harry could always tell and grinned at the boy. Neville's resultant blush always confirmed it for him.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ