Chapter Sixty Six - An Emergency Meeting

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

A/N: Sorry SUPER BOWL! folks. I was a SUPER BOWL! bit distracted and forgot SUPER BOWL! to post this SUPER BOWL! yesterday.

Chapter Sixty Six - An Emergency Meeting

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―==(oIo)==―

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After getting things finalised before the meeting at Pottermore, Harry sent Hermione back to her parents to ask them to attend the meeting. He believed it was the right thing to do, to have the Wilkinses talk to her parents; muggle parents of a muggleborn to nomag parents of a supposedly nomag-born.

She was happy and excited to go. He was just glad it was a Sunday and her parents would be home and not at work.

It wasn't too long before messages began arriving back. First, unsurprisingly, was Frank; he'd be coming with Alice, Neville, Hannah and Susan. The girls were staying for the day at Longbottom Hall. Next, was Amelia; who mentioned Susan was at Longbottom Hall and expected to see her there. Then the rest started coming in. Harry was happy to see Miles Ogden would also be attending, along with his wife, Hedda.

He was, however, unhappy to see that Augustus MacMillan would be coming. He'd forgotten than Ernie was also a 'single' Heir and feared moves to put forward his name as the concubine holder for CeeCee would be made. He immediately mentioned those fears to Samuel.

Samuel quietly replied, "If it happens, we'll deal with it. But, let's not count our hippogriffs before they're hatched."

When Hermione didn't return after half an hour, he suspected she'd be waiting to come to Pottermore with her parents.

The surprise was the return of Fawkes, who came bearing a note back from Jean-Paul. The Delacour four would all be coming as, apparently, Fawkes was happy to bring them all.

Even more surprising was, as soon as Fawkes dropped the note pretty much into Harry's lap, he flew over and landed on CeeCee's shoulder again. Then the two stared at each other. CeeCee even giggled at one point.

Harry, thinking he knew what was going on, looked to Sirius and gave a little head-tilt in CeeCee's direction before cocking an eyebrow.

Sirius looked a little confused for a moment, before his eyes widened in shock and he quickly spun to stare at the unusual pair. When he looked back to Harry, Harry gave a slight nod and shrugged.

Harry turned to look at the pair and called, "Fawkes?"

When both he and CeeCee turned to look at him, Harry asked, "Fawkes, have you bonded with CeeCee?"

The resultant trill of joyous refrain, together with slightly opened wings, was all the answer Harry needed.

Harry sighed and said, "Fawkes, you can't! CeeCee lives in the muggle world."

The resultant short trill back, with the clear sounds of a raspberry added at the end, had CeeCee laugh. She explained, "He said, 'Mind your own business, nestling'. I don't think I should add that last bit."

That had a few of the magicals, who didn't understand the problems that were likely to arise from it, laugh. Harry was one who didn't.

He sighed and quietly said, "Well, that's gonna set the kneazles amongst the snitches."

Dorothy asked, "What does it mean?"

Harry replied, "Fawkes has just become CeeCee's familiar; or, more properly, bonded companion. That means, he'll now go where she goes, except for times when he's out hunting or off doing something else.

"However, as a clearly magical bird, he represents problems with maintaining the Statute of Secrecy. If he's spotted by those non-magicals who are not allowed to be in the know―"

Fawkes interrupted with a long trill that sounded a little annoyed. CeeCee immediately translated. "He said, 'Across the centuries he's lived since the Statute was implemented, he's never been responsible for a breach. He will not be now'. And it sounded like he was annoyed you thought he would be."

Harry flicked his hands up in a 'giving up' gesture and said, "Sorry, Fawkes. I'm just seeing likely avenues where problems may develop."

Short trill. "You're forgiven."

With another sigh, Harry moved to stand and said, "Well; I need to get to Pottermore to set the ward permissions. I'll see you folks there, when you get there."

Samuel added, "And, we'll head home for an early lunch before meeting you there."

Daphne piped up, "Umm... Harry?"

Turning to her as he stood, he asked, "Wanna come with?"

Her smile was all the answer he needed.

She turned to her father, about to ask, when he gently smiled back and said, "Of course, she may. Just... stay out of trouble."

Happily, she gave him a kiss to the cheek before joining Harry.

Looking to the Wilkinses before they left, Harry said, "This short time will give you time to hammer Sirius with questions about us before you come over. I recommend you use it. None of us will be offended." Then walked out to the next room and its floo.

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―==(oIo)==―

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Back in Pottermore, Harry informed the elves via his major domo, Willy, what was about to descend on Pottermore a little before 1.00pm. Then turned to Daphne.

"You've not had a chance to see it yet, have you?" he asked.

"No," she replied, with an almost imperceptible head shake.

"Then, tour first," he replied, leading her out of the welcoming parlour.

Once done, with her paying very close attention to the bedrooms near the master suite, he led her down to the kitchen.

"I think we need to think about how to set this meeting up, furniture-wise," he said. "I could use your help with that."

As the two sat at the informal breakfast table, with Dobby assisting Pinty got on to making lunch.

Well before the two teens had come up with a workable plan, lunch appeared on the table before them. They ate as they continued to plan. He was now even happier Daphne had asked to join him, as he didn't think he'd have figured it out without her.

They would not be sitting as they normally did for a meeting of the Alliance. They'd quickly figured out that would not work, here. Instead, they'd be going far more informal with chairs brought into the main parlour and, as it was large enough, they'd sit in a somewhat haphazard circle with small tables used as side tables between chairs.

This way, discussion would be more informal. And allow for a better hearing of views. They'd also have snacks and drinks available to anyone who wanted one.

Once they had a plan, Harry called Willy and had him set something up in the room. Pinty, with help from Dobby, prepared amuse-gueule - titbits of finger food - the guests could nibble on while they talked. Daphne explained the term to him, as he'd not heard it before. He always thought it was hors d'oeuvres, but learned that meant an appetiser between courses of a multi-course meal.

'Hunh! You learn something new every day,' he thought.

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―==(oIo)==―

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Hermione turned up with her parents, first. Harry expected that. Then Sirius and Remus brought over the Wilkins five, plus Ted and Andi Tonks. Ted and Andi had been called back over to the Black Townhouse by Sirius before they came. Nymphadora was on-shift with the aurors. Next was the Delacours arriving via Fawkes.

As soon as he dropped them off, Fawkes flew over and landed on CeeCee's shoulder, while Fleur almost ran at Harry before laying a major hug and kisses on him.

"'Ello, my 'Arry!" she cried.

That had the Wilkinses look at them with varying looks of surprise and confusion.

Hermione also saw it, smiled and said, "Harry saved Fleur's life during the Second Task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament."

Harry looked to Hermione and said, "Hermione-love; can you introduce and explain Fleur to the Wilkinses? I have more guests coming and I don't have time, right now."

She nodded and said, "Of course." Then escorted Fleur, who really didn't want to stop hugging Harry, over to the Wilkinses, taking the other Delacours with her.

Then the rest began to quickly start arriving in a somewhat haphazard order: Miles and Hedda Ogden; Frank, Alice and Neville Longbottom with Susan and Hannah; Griselda Marchbanks; Heathcliff, Lydia, Edwin and Tracey Davis; Eugene and Pauline Abbott; and, annoyingly, Augustus, Esther, Cyril and Ernie MacMillan. Amelia Bones stepped out of the floo with Justin Finch-Fletchley and a man Harry thought he recognised from when Justin claimed his seat in the Wizengamot.

Quickly checking names off a list in a small notebook with a muggle pen he carried, Harry said, "Right. That's everyone. If we can move this into the parlour we can explain what the emergency and importance of this meeting is."

As they walked into the next room, the parlour, Amelia was quick to introduce Justin's father, the man who came with them, to Harry. She'd HEEDed ahead to ask to add the man's name to the wards, which Harry was happy - and relieved - to do.

In the parlour, of the Alliance each person introduced themselves. Then Harry asked Sirius to introduce his 'party'. Sirius used CeeCee's 'muggle' name. That was planned in advance.

"Alright," sighed Harry. Standing from his chair and moving forward a bit. "Here's the situation, which is why you've all suddenly been called to an emergency meeting. For this, I have offered the aid of the Alliance to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. I know that was rather... presumptuous... of me. However, I believe you'll support me doing so, once you learn of why.

Indicating CeeCee, he said, "Sirius introduced you to young Charlie, here. However, that is not her birth name; she was adopted with no one, at the time, knowing her true name. Through reasons I believe I'll let Ted explain, which is one of the reasons why he's here, we now know CeeCee's true birth name to be Corina Cephei Malfoy. She is―"

That was as far as he got before the room exploded in noise of shocked exclamations, both of anger and disbelief.

Harry stood there for a moment and unconsciously mimicked Amelia Bones, when he folded his wand arm across his chest and used his offhand to massage the bridge of his nose.

Fawkes started trilling a refrain of music meant to soothe. But, it appeared it only soothed those of the Wilkinses and Justin's father, who were sitting both sides and together.

Finally, Harry had had enough and said so. "ENOUGH!" he shouted.

That had those few still yelling, quiet down.

Giving them quelling glares he turned to Justin's father and the Wilkinses.

In a clear voice, heard by all, he said, "My Lord Earl of Bedford, Wilkins family; you have my sincere apology that, while guests in my home, you have been subjected to such unseemly, uncultured behaviour by witches and wizards who are supposed to be of high wizarding society in this fair land. I trust you shall not be subjected to it again."

When he turned back it was to see quite a few sheepish faces, but also a couple of angry ones. However, none of them verbally arced up again.

"Now," he said, "As I was saying... CeeCee's true birth name is Corina Cephei Malfoy. She is the biological daughter of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Law-Wizard Ted Tonks assures me he has proof of that claim and will make it available shortly."

Ted gave a firm nod and smiled.

"Of course, as you are no doubt aware, this makes her the rightful Heir... Heiress... by primogenitor of the Magical House of Malfoy and its estates. CeeCee is muggle-raised... or, as they call it in Australia where she was raised... nomag-raised. Until a few days ago, she had no idea of her true heritage. Again, Ted will explain why.

"I have called this emergency meeting of the alliance, with Lord Black's blessing, to provide her succour. No doubt many of you will have already figured out why.

"The Will reading of Lucius Malfoy occurs at 10.00am tomorrow morning. At that time, CeeCee's existence will become public knowledge. I am... concerned... she will then immediately be in danger from the darker elements of our society. The vultures hoping to pick over what they believe to be the carcass of the Malfoy estate will not be happy once she comes forward.

"A House, though not of the Alliance, is in peril. We can provide aid. What say you?"

Harry was surprised that Augustus MacMillan was the first to speak.

"First, Lord Potter, you ask us to support you in elevating a muggleborn to his... rightful... place on the Wizengamot," he near-scowled. "Now you bring us the Heiress of a House considered dark and ask us to provide aid, yet again. When is it going to stop?"

Harry gave a nod to show he understood where MacMillan was coming from. Then he replied, "To the first point; because the law, the very Charter of the Wizengamot, said it must be so. To refuse was to go against the very Charter by which our society formed as a society. We, the Noble Houses, were obligated to see it through.

"To the second point; CeeCee is a twelve year old young lady and nomag-raised. How could you consider her Dark? Though born of Malfoy blood I invite you to take a closer look at what's now sitting on her shoulder. Fawkes, against even my urging, has decided to bond with her. I sincerely believe Fawkes is now her bonded companion; which opens up a whole can of different problems that'll need to be addressed later. With CeeCee as the only Malfoy by blood left, how can you say the Magical House of Malfoy is still of the Dark? The paradigm has shifted."

MacMillan frowned in thought before he then said, "A valid point. Two valid points."

Harry nodded and said, "How about we hear from Law-wizard Tonks as to how this came to pass, so we have a better understanding of how to help her?

"Oh, yes!" he suddenly exclaimed and chuckled. "As husband of Andromeda, CeeCee's aunt on her biological mother's side, he's also her uncle."

When no one objected, Harry returned to his seat as Ted stood.

Ted explained what led to him beginning the search for her and some of the information they found. He also explained how he received the final proof and then apologised - again, apparently - to CeeCee for the slight injury to her nose that gave them the blood to originally confirm through the goblins she was who they believed her to be.

He also told everyone about the blood test which confirmed it. And said they'd be going into the bank early to do the test again; this time, live and in-person as required under goblin law.

Then Sirius, being serious for a change, stood and explained the main problem: someone trying to enter her into a magically binding and enforced marriage or concubine contract, utterly against her or her adopted family's wishes. And protecting her against any effort to either strip her of the estate or just flat out killing her.

Once the problem was explained, Harry knew he had their support. He could see it on their faces.

"Alright," he said. "So the Wilkinses fully understand the problem..." he turned to Justin and asked, "Justin; for the purposes of informing the Wilkinses of what we consider the problem, do you mind sharing with us how many betrothal or concubinage contracts or agreements you have received since your House was established a few weeks ago? Please note: You don't have to if you don't want to. This sort of information is considered House business and not for anyone else to know who aren't specifically involved, unless you want them to be."

Justin gave a slight frown before he turned to look at his father. His father gave a slight shrug before Justin turned to Marchbanks. "Headmistress Lady Marchbanks? I'll allow it."

Marchbanks gave a nod back and said, "Between Heir Finch-Fletchley's Hogwarts Head of House, Pomona Sprout, and I, as his magical guardian and proxy on the Wizengamot, he has received well over a dozen. Quite a few of them were laced with illegal compulsion charms and the like."

Bones cut in and added, "Which my office are currently investigating and seeing the perpetrators charged, for those that were illegally charmed."

Harry looked to his second male friend and said, "Thank you, Justin. I believe the Wilkinses will find that both a little shocking and informative."

Both Stephen and Dorothy were looking a little ill. Stephen said, "Yes, thank you, errr... my Lord."

"Justin," Justin immediately corrected with a smile.

Stephen could only nod back with a rather weak smile of his own.

Harry turned back to the room and suggested, "How about we take a break to let the Wilkinses think about that for a while... and us a chance to try and think of ways to help them... while we stretch our legs a little. Ten minutes?"

People started to rise from their chairs and began talking to those near them, or others they wanted to catch up with.

He had just received a hug from Gabrielle, with Astoria right behind and awaiting hers, when the elder Lord Finch-Fletchley approached.

"Sir," Harry said, offering his hand. "How can I be of assistance?"

The man smiled and shook Harry's hand before he leaned forward and, with a small smile, quietly asked, "When are you going to ask?"

Harry froze for a bare fraction of a section before he asked, "Sir?"

The smile widened and the man, the Earl of Bedford and Heir Apparent to the Dukedom of Kendal, just as quietly asked, "When are you going to ask if Justin can provide a... more direct... assistance?"

Harry gave a quiet sigh and just as quietly replied, "I won't. I will not put you or Justin on the spot like that. It wouldn't be right."

"But, you do not deny it is a possible outcome," the man said.

"No," he replied. "Justin is the sort of young man I can trust to do the right thing and be a proper gentleman regarding her. He would never take advantage of her... that way. You have raised a fine son, Sir."

"What were you thinking?" he pressed. "Betrothal or concubinage?"

"Because she needs to continue the family name, the latter," replied Harry, "With escape clauses for both out the whazoo and back. Talk to Samuel and inform him I give my permission for you to read the concubinage agreement between Daphne and me. He has it on him at the moment. You'll see what I mean. Oh; and Ted Tonks wrote it, if you wish to seek legal clarification of any of the points."

"An excellent idea, Lord Potter," he said, giving Harry a nod of equals as he began to withdraw.

Harry was having none of that and gave a slightly deeper one back, "A pleasure speaking with you, Lord Finch-Fletchley."

As the Earl headed for Samuel, Astoria stepped forward and demanded her aborted hug.

As she got in close, she whispered into his ear. "I hear tell you've made Daph very happy... and very satisfied."

Surprised at the girl's forwardness, as he pulled back he said, "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean."

She just smirked and said, "Suuure you don't."

"Well," he grinned. "We'll leave it at that, shall we?"

She giggled and hugged him again, before suddenly backing off and hurrying away.

Harry was over talking to Frank and apologising for not giving him a heads-up first, when Sirius approached and asked, "Harry? Mind if we delay even further?"

When Harry turned a querying expression on him, he elaborated. "The Wilkinses, Hermione's parents, the Finch-Fletchleys, Ted and Andi Tonks and I need to borrow your office for a bit."

A little surprised, Harry replied, "Go for it. I'll let everyone else know of the delay as soon as you are all out of the room."

Once Sirius withdrew, Frank asked, "The three muggle families, right?"

"Right," said Harry. "I daresay the Finch-Fletchleys and the Grangers will be explaining things a bit better for the Wilkinses. Besides he and Andi being bio-family, Ted will provide legal counsel."

"Bio-family?" asked Frank.

"Sorry. Muggle expression. It's short-form for biological family; that is, family of the blood. It's often used when referring to someone biologically related to someone who's been adopted and vice versa."

Understanding, Frank said, "Ah!"

When it was time to resit, Harry stood on a conjured set of steps and said, "Sorry, folks. But, the Wilkinses... together with Sirius, Ted and Andi Tonks... have excused themselves for a little while. They've been joined by the Finch-Fletchleys and the Grangers in my office. I daresay the Wilkinses wanted to hear the views of other muggles and muggle-raised on this particular issue.

"I suggest we use this time for a frank and open discussion of the alliance, for those who didn't want to speak in front of the Wilkinses. Any objections?"

When there was none, he gave a nod and said, "Then let us return to the meeting."

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―==(oIo)==―

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The discussion, while they waited, was a relief to Harry. He wanted to hear the real thoughts of those in the alliance. As he said, he wanted the thoughts of those who didn't want to say anything in front of non-alliance members, especially the Wilkinses. And they didn't disappoint.

There were none who were against helping CeeCee, because they could all see the likely result if they didn't. As Amelia said, 'The poor girl would be trapped into a betrothal or concubine agreement by her birth mother, Narcissa, before she could even blink.' However, Heathcliff Davis raised the point that Sirius could toss Narcissa out of the family as paterfamilias, but keep CeeCee.

Ogden said, "Sorry. That should work, but there'd be no telling what the Wizengamot would do if the Dark Houses united and paid enough bribes to the right people. The Wizengamot might still vote to hand the poor girl to Madam Malfoy; or, rather, Dowager Malfoy now. There may even be enough Light families that would vote that way, too; thinking Lord Black was trying to finagle the Malfoy estate for himself."

Eugene Abbott gave an annoyed shake of his head and said, "The only way out for her, I think, is for her to be in an established betrothal or concubine contract before steps can be made by Madam... sorry, Dowager Malfoy to get her hands on her."

Marchbanks, who usually only deigned to speak when actually called upon at these meetings, said, "I believe Eugene's correct. It's the safest course for her. However, it will need to be an agreement that contains a significant number of escape clauses." She then looked to Harry.

Harry sighed and said, "I will not discuss what is written in the betrothal and concubinage agreements for Hermione, Daphne, Fleur and me. However, I'll say that there are some certain types of escape clauses within them. I'll also inform you both were written by Ted Tonks. And, if you'll note, he's one of the people currently in with the group in my office, as we speak."

"So this might be resolved, even now," said MacMillan.

"Possibly," said Harry. "I'd even consider it unlikely. There are two important points to consider: CeeCee's parents... adopted parents... are muggles; and they really have no ties to wizarding Britain. As far as they're concerned, they could simply sign over the inheritance to Sirius as paterfamilias for House Black, or Narcissa Malfoy, and just walk away."

"That won't work," said Ogden.

"We know that," said Amelia. "That's because we have a much greater understanding of the issues. However, they don't. They're being asked to believe an entire system of society that is completely foreign to them. And, on top of that, that we're not working against them for the best interests of their daughter. And, on top of even that, that entering her into a betrothal or concubine arrangement is to actually protect their daughter, not turn her into a... brood mare or sex slave."

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―==(oIo)==―

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When those who had gone into the office returned, Stephen said, "Folks; I... We... thank you for the information you've given m- us and the help you're offering.

"For the past... hour'ish? I've... We've - Dorothy, Patrick, Sarah, Charlie and me - have been brought even more up to date with information about how to protect Charlie... CeeCee. But, at this time, we really don't know what to do. Personally, I'm now wishing Ted had never found us. But, at the same time, I also realise someone would have, eventually.

"For now, though, my family and I need to talk about this between us. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not," said Harry. "You should talk to one another about it."

Stephen hesitated a moment before he looked to Harry more directly and said, "Thank you, for spotting a potential problem and coming to our aid. It is very much appreciated. Thank you, all."

"You're very welcome," he replied as everyone else said similar words.

Just as they were apparently about to leave, Harry called to CeeCee, "CeeCee!"

When she turned to look to him, still with Fawkes on her shoulder, he asked, "Would you ask Fawkes to return to take the Delacours back to France when they're ready to leave?"

She turned to Fawkes for a few moments, while Fawkes trilled out some reply, before turning back to Harry. "He said to give him a call. He'll come. But, he's also not a cab service in future."

Harry nodded and said, "Thank you, Fawkes; I understand."

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―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

With the Wilkinses leaving, many of the other families left soon afterwards. Each asking to let them know if any of the others heard about what the Wilkinses had decided to do.

Finally, Amelia Bones left with the Finch-Fletchleys and was also escorted out by the Ogdens. The only ones soon left were the Longbottoms, the Delacours, the Grangers, Susan and Hannah.

When the Grangers left, Hermione reluctantly went with them. Then the Longbottoms, with Hannah and Susan, took their leave; leaving just the Delacours.

For most of the time, Fleur cuddled into Harry's lap and didn't seem to want to leave.

Finally, Jean-Paul sighed and said, "Time to leave, Little Flower."

Fleur gave a deep pout but, after giving Harry a long kiss, finally hopped off his lap.

Then Jean-Paul called for Fawkes, who arrived a few moments later, and the Delacours flamed away. That just left Harry.

As it was getting on to dinner time he headed for the kitchen, only to find Pinty already hard at work. With a sigh, he headed for the library. Maybe he should finally make a start on reading the Potter Grimoire.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The next morning, the Monday morning, Harry was up and ready for anything by 8.00am. As far as his body was concerned, he was still on 'Hogwarts time'.

The early hour allowed him a leisurely breakfast - which he was again 'not allowed' to cook - while reading the Daily Prophet. As the first Monday of the month, he also received his Gringotts general bank statement; and was skimming through that on the side.

All he was really concerned about in the statement was if any unauthorised withdrawals were made and he wasn't losing money hand over fist from his investments. He wasn't. If anything, he made a decent profit; a little bit more than above market average.

He also pulled out the previous two months' statements, as he'd not properly made time to go through them back then.

It was while he skimmed down the columns of figures in the previous statements, comparing movements of liquid assets, that he came across where the girls had spent money in Malkin's and elsewhere the day they took Fleur shopping. He gave a low whistle at the total figures, but was quite pleased. It meant they were comfortable spending 'their' money, rather than 'his' money. Or, it at least meant either Fleur or Daphne had finally convinced Hermione of that.

With breakfast finished, he set his dirty dishes and cutlery aside, where they vanished from a few moments later, dashed into his office and brought back parchment, quills and ink. Then he set-to with the bank statements to list down anything of importance he wanted to speak with the goblins about. He could then use that as an excuse to be in the bank later that morning, if necessary.

As he was working, he heard the floo activate and the muted cry of 'Rule Britannia'. He'd just figured out who it was when her voice came more clearly through to the informal dining room.

A few moments later, she walked in.

"Harry," she said, clearly pleased to see him.

"Hello, Daphne," he smiled back. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what brought you over to see me?"

After she kissed him on the cheek, she pulled out a chair, kitty-corner to him and sat. "You're planning on going to be in the Alley when Malfoy's Will is read, if not in the Will reading itself. I plan on going in with you."

Surprised, he looked back and asked, "How did you―?" Aborting what he was going to say he gave his head a little shake and gave a short snort of self-deprecating humour. "Slytherin. Of course. It was silly of me not to realise that you'd have figured that out before I opened my mouth."

She just smirked back.

It wasn't until then he realised she was dressed in elegant 'mourning' black.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

At five minutes to ten, with Daphne on his off-arm and dressed in black mourning robes himself, Harry walked into Gringotts in Diagon Alley. Because of who he was, he immediately went to the reserved teller for those of Noble Houses. No one was ahead of him.

"Good morning, Teller," he said to the goblin, offering his key.

Without a word, the goblin checked the key over before passing it back. "How may Gringotts be of service, this morning?"

"I believe a Will reading is to take place at 10.00am - the Malfoy Will," he replied. "Is it a closed or open reading?"

The goblin checked something and replied. "Closed. My apologies; you are not on the list of those allowed to attend, Lord Potter."

"That's fine," he nodded. "May I be informed of who has been invited?"

"No," the goblin replied.

Harry carefully slid a short stack of five galleons onto the counter and quietly asked, "Are you aware of if the Will has been challenged by one Corina Cephei Malfoy?" Then immediately gave a nod to the stack and said, "You should be careful about leaving gold just lying about like that, Teller."

Quickly sliding the galleons over to his side of the counter and directly into his own pockets, the teller firmly said back, "Yes and agreed," Once done, he glared back, "If that will be all, wizard; please step away."

"Thank you, Teller," said Harry. With a slight head bob he did just that.

Walking away, Harry leaned into Daphne and said, "I think we need to find somewhere close to the entrance of the bank and keep an eye out for any trouble that may arise as people step out." He'd changed his mind about visiting his own account manager.

Daphne immediately returned, "Fortescue's will be best." And indicated the ice creamery just up a couple shops back towards the Leaky Cauldron and on the opposite side of the alley to the bank. It offered the best view from a position sitting at an outside table.

"Good idea," he smiled, leading the way over.

Harry wasn't interested in any ice cream and neither was Daphne. So he bought them both tea and scones with a side of strawberry jam and cream.

Then they waited. He estimated it would be at least a half hour and somewhere just shy of an hour.

Once they had their orders, Harry threw up a weak audible and visual muffling privacy charm. It was just enough to make Harry not stand out so much.

Then he looked to Daphne and asked, "If you're not breaking House confidence by answering, what was your father's take on the situation with CeeCee?"

Daphne was a few moments before she replied, "Father is... concerned. He... agrees that it would be preferred that the estate be kept out of the hands of the Dark, of course. However, he sees the risk to Miss... to CeeCee as significant."

"Mmm," he muttered.

"However, he's supportive of your idea to see the girl concubined to Justin. He, too, sees it as the obvious choice. He's just worried that either her or Justin's father will... baulk at the idea."

"My concerns, as well," he nodded. "I'm worried that Stephen will try to deny the risk and take his family back to Perth to attempt to hide. A decision that would ultimately fail."

"Father believes the same," she said. Then asked, "How do you believe this would affect the negotiations for a Betrothal Agreement between Finch-Fletchley and Tracey?"

Harry smirked back and said, "If such is happening, of course." Adopting a more serious face, he replied, "Unknown. It might even mean that the Betrothal Agreement might not be so necessary, after all."

With barely a cocked eyebrow back, she replied, "Yes. Tracey does not know what she thinks of that. I do not believe I am betraying her confidence by stating she was feeling quite ambivalent to the idea of being betrothed to Justin.

"In confidence, however, I'll let you know she feels somewhat attracted to Blaise Zabini."

"I figured," he replied. "However, from the body language of both, he does not seem so enamoured of her."

"No," she sighed. "And, from the lack of behaviour towards any females in the school, I'm starting to fall into the camp of those who believe him to be a homosexual."

He grinned and said, "He exhibits the same, as you put it, lack of behaviour towards the boys, too."

"Quite," she quietly muttered, taking a sip of her tea.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

A little over twenty minutes later, both Caracticus Nott and Cassius Parkinson, stormed out of the bank. They'd only gone so far when Parkinson, who was behind Nott at the time, reached out and grabbed the older Nott by the elbow, bringing the man to a halt. A few words were quietly said from Parkinson when both men moved off to the side and under a shop window awning.

Moments later, an obvious masking and privacy field went up around them. It was stronger than the one Harry threw up.

Harry, watching, quietly said, "Shit."

"They're up to something," said Daphne, who'd also seen them both.

"Yeah," he muttered.

Thinking it through, he said, "Give me a few moments."

Without waiting for a response, he quickly stepped into the shop and out of sight before sending off two messenger Patronuses. Then quickly returned to his seat.

Daphne asked, "What did you do?"

"Sent a Patronus off warning Sirius, as I expect him to be inside; and a second one to Madam Bones, letting her know trouble was likely brewing in the Alley."

Nodding, she said, "Wise, I believe."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Inside the bank in one of the conference rooms, the Will reading had concluded with Ted immediately filing a petition for the reading to be overturned due to the rightful Head and Lady of the Magical House of Malfoy being denied her rightful inheritance. That near-instantly had those who were due to receive bequeathments jump up, shouting in angry denial.

On Sirius's nod, Ted stepped out of the room and brought CeeCee and her muggle family in, explained who they were and presented the recently acquired anew Gringotts-approved evidence she was the rightful Lady of the House through primogenitor.

The Malfoy Account Keeper had immediately said, "Ah! The missing Malfoy Heir." He turned his beady eyes on CeeCee and said, "Well met, Heiress Malfoy."

CeeCee didn't know what to do so just gave a slow nod back and softly said, "Thank you."

That had quite a few, clearly believing they were going to be picking the Malfoy carcass clean, again shout in angry denial.

Narcissa had sat there in shock, staring at CeeCee in both hope and fear. She would not, could not, take her eyes off her.

After Parkinson and Nott stormed out of the room, most of the rest quietened back down again. One who made no noise, but just sat watching and writing things down was a clerk out of the Minister's Office, taking notes. Others were Olaf Goyle, Vincent Crabbe Senior and a few others of little import. Any others who had been named beneficiaries in the Will were either in Azkaban, such as Bellatrix LeStrange, or dead, such as Draco.

They'd only just recovered a somewhat angry peace, due mainly to the Gringotts guards stepping forward and gesturing with razor sharp halberds, when Harry's first Patronus entered.

In it's ethereal voice that sounded like Harry's, it said, "Stay in the bank. Trouble brews outside. Possible ambush. I've summoned the aurors to deal with it."

Sirius quietly muttered, "Ssshyte."

Immediately looking to Sirius, Stephen asked, "What was that?" He hadn't seen the Patronus, but did hear the message.

"A messenger Patronus from Harry," replied Sirius. "I'd say Parkinson and Nott have stupidly tried to set up an ambush from concealment outside the bank. Best we stay in here for a while."

Stephen muttered, "You weren't kidding when―"

"No," he firmly replied.

Unnoticed by the others, CeeCee had hesitantly approached Narcissa and quietly asked, "Missus Malfoy?" She stopped a few feet shy of the woman.

Narcissa looked to the girl, who could only be her daughter, and just as quietly replied, "It's Mad- no, Dowager Malfoy now." She hesitated herself for a moment before she carefully asked, "Corina?"

CeeCee replied, "I'm told that was my birth name, yes. The goblins confirmed it. My adopted name is Charlotte. Mum calls me Charlie, but I prefer CeeCee."

Narcissa smiled as her eyes began to water. Carefully standing, she asked, "May I... hug you?"

CeeCee thought about it for all of about two seconds before she stepped forward the last few feet and slipped her arms around the taller woman's waist; as Narcissa raised her own to come around CeeCee's upper arms and around her back.

Within a moment, CeeCee had her head turned sideways and pressed into Narcissa's upper chest while Narcissa's own head bent forward to rest sideways on the crown of CeeCee's head. Both witches, younger and older, then let their tears flow.

Turning to see the last movement of it, Sirius had a mild shot of panic before he saw the expression on Narcissa's face. He immediately felt a profound sense of relief. This was not the expression and actions of a woman who would see her daughter killed or abused. Those tears were real.

"CeeCee?" her father called halfway between demand and ask.

Surprisingly, both witches looked back. "Yes?/Yes, Dad?" Then both pulled back and looked confused at the other.

That had everyone confused before Sirius understood and snickered.

"I get it," he said. "CeeCee is Corina, or Charlotte's, nickname. And Cissy is Narcissa's nickname. With the quick Australian accent, they sound the same."

Seeing the Wilkinses were quite wary, while Ted was handling the documentation with the goblins Sirius made the introductions. He started with Stephen first.

"Stephen, Dot, Pat, Sarah," he said, before indicating Narcissa. "This is Narcissa Malfoy, now Dowager Malfoy. She is, if you haven't already guessed, CeeCee's biological mother.

"Cissy; this is Stephen, Dorothy, Patrick and Sarah Wilkins. They are the family who, at first, fostered CeeCee after she was found abandoned; before then―"

"Abandoned?" Narcissa cried out in shock, interrupting. "Lucius told me―"

"We'll discuss it later, Cissy," Sirius firmly interrupted right back. "Here and now is not the place." And gave a pointed look to the others in the room.

After a quick glance of her own in the direction of the others," Narcissa firmed up, gave a nod back and said, "Of course, My Lord."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Out in the Alley, Harry and Daphne had been keeping an eye on Nott and Parkinson, where they quietly waited under the same shop awning.

About a minute after he sent the Patronus message to Bones, a good half-dozen to a dozen aurors walked up from both ends of the Alley. Bones was with them and she made a beeline for Harry and Daphne.

Once she was close enough, Harry gave a nod of his head towards the shop next door to Madam Malkin's and said, "Parkinson and Nott are trying to remain inconspicuous under the window. From their actions, they're clearly lying in wait for Sirius and the others. That's where they went as soon as they came out of the bank, quite angry."

Bones looked for herself before she gave a flick of her hand to one of the aurors - Dawlish. "Go have a chat with them. That should be enough to send them on their way."

Dawlish gave a nod and said, "Ma'am." And made his way over, leading who appeared to be his partner.

It was obvious the 'dastardly duo' had seen the increased number of aurors and were not happy about it.

When she turned back, Harry said, "I know I could have waited until they actually tried something, but―"

"But you weren't prepared to put the Wilkinses at risk," she finished. "I wouldn't have been happy with you, if you did."

Within thirty seconds of Dawlish and his partner sidling-up to Parkinson and Nott, both 'ex' Death Eaters angrily stormed off up the alley towards the Leaky, past where Harry and Daphne were sitting with Bones standing nearby and also watching.

Dawlish was more leisurely following behind with a wide grin on his face. Just before he passed Fortescue's he turned to walk over to the two teens and Bones. "That, I must say, was enjoyable."

Bones, watching the duo still walk away, smirked and said, "It's always pleasant to hear my people enjoy their work."

Harry raised his wand and cast another messenger Patronus towards the bank. "Just letting them know the probable ambush has been dealt with."

She gave a nod and asked, "So, what brings you to the alley on a Monday morning?"

"A hunch," he replied. "We first tried to get in on the reading. However, the goblins told us it was a closed reading, so we came out here to watch and wait."

"Knowing what has likely happened within the bank," she said. "I should have thought of a possible ambush."

"No reason to," he shrugged. "It's actually quite the moronic thing to do, when you think about it. Look at all the witnesses that would have seen them do it."

"Mmm," she muttered.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Harry's second Patronus to Sirius popped in and said, "The aurors have dealt with the possible ambush. It's now safe to leave."

"Uh-huh," said Sirius. He then turned to those not of the family - the Ministry representatives and the few others - and said, "Alright, folks. The reading's over and this is now House business. Thank you for coming, but I have to insist you now leave."

Though the Ministry representative appeared annoyed at that, they all quietly rose and left. That left Sirius, Ted, Narcissa and the Wilkinses in the room.

Once they'd gone and the door was closed again, he turned to Narcissa and said, "You don't know how pleased I am to discover you're not immediately disagreeable to CeeCee and her family being here."

"She's my daughter," said Narcissa. "Why would I be?"

"We'll discuss that later," he returned. "For now..." Turning to Ted, who was still going over bank parchmentwork, he asked, "Ted, how much longer will you be?"

"Almost done," replied Ted. "I just need CeeCee to come over here to sign some documents. Then I need you and Narcissa to sign them and others."

Once the signing of documents was done - with CeeCee, unused to signing with a blood quill, rubbing the back of her hand at the end of it - Ted said, "That's it, for now."

The goblin sitting on the other side of the desk nodded and said, "Indeed." He then turned to look at CeeCee and said, "Heiress Malfoy; I and Gringotts stand ready to aid you in your finances from this time forth. Please, do not hesitate to contact me on any matter in which I may assist."

CeeCee looked back and quietly said, "Thank you."

Now ready, Sirius and Ted escorted them out of the room and back to the main lobby of the bank. Just before he walked out the doors taking the lead, he drew his wand and took a guard position ahead.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Still watching the doors of the bank, Harry was the first to spot Sirius walk out, followed by the Wilkinses, Ted and Narcissa all together.

"They're out," he quietly said, starting to rise.

With Daphne and Bones right behind him, he almost casually walked out into the middle of the alley and waited. Sirius clearly spotted them within a couple of paces off the bottom steps of the bank.

He didn't notice, however, the couple of aurors who took up flanking positions walking down the sides of the alley, parallel and matching the pace.

"Hey, Padfoot," said Harry, once Sirius was in normal conversation volume range.

"Thanks for that, Harry," said Sirius. "Who was it?"

"Parkinson and Nott," he replied. "They were loitering in front of the window of the shop next to Malkin's."

With a quick glance at the spot, Sirius gave a grunt of acknowledgement as they now all headed to the Leaky. "They weren't happy to hear the Will was overturned due to CeeCee, as primogenitor Head of the House, not being mentioned in it. They were due to receive half a million galleons, each."

"Ouch!" muttered Harry. After a quick glance to Narcissa, he quietly muttered, "How's Dowager Malfoy?"

"Coping," he replied. "She... apparently... is not as obstructionist to this as we feared she may be. I'll let you know more once I get to talk to her for a fair bit more, back at the Kennel."

"Fair enough," nodded Harry, just as they entered the rear door of the Leaky. He was still looking for Nott or Parkinson or anyone else who might have been there to cause mischief.

If there were, though, the half dozen aurors who walked in first might have been enough for them to change their minds. Nothing happened.

As they entered the taproom, Harry said, "Daphne and I are going back to Pottermore. Call on me if you need me."

"Will do, Pup," said Sirius. "And... thank you for the warning and dealing with the threat."

"No worries," he said.

Once those going to the Black Townhouse were gone, that included Narcissa, Harry and Daphne returned to Pottermore.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As soon as the two teens were back at Pottermore a few moments later, Daphne launched herself at Harry and snogged him. When she pulled back, she demanded, "Now. Take me to the Master Suite!"

Harry grinned back and asked, "What brought this on?"

She smirked, "If I need a reason, it's because of the way you handled yourself like a Slytherin, back there. You thought about how to handle the situation with no harm to yourself. You didn't charge in and get yourself injured. That deserves a reward."

Still grinning, he took her by the hand and started to leave the room. "Always happy to oblige."

An hour later and they were both lying naked in the master bed. Both, with the slight endorphic feeling of completed physical exertion, just relaxing. Daphne was again curled into his side as he laid on his back, almost purring as Harry let his fingers wander up and down her back.

"That was nice," she sighed.

"Happy to please," he returned.

"Can you be nice again?" she asked.

He grinned and rolled towards her.

A half hour later, after showers for the both of them, she said, "I've already told father I intend to move in here, permanently, well before the end of the holidays."

"Oh?" he asked. "And what did he say to that?"

She grinned and said, "Don't be a stranger."

After an enjoyable lunch, she returned to Greengrass Manor.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Harry was, once more, alone in the manor. "I am not going to get used to this," he muttered.

It had only been about an hour since Daphne had left. He'd tried reading some of the Potter Grimoire, but the silence of the manor was, of itself, deafening. He realised he needed noise of some form around him. The wizarding wireless, once he found it, helped some, just not enough.

Though it wasn't anywhere near approaching dinner, Harry decided he'd do some cooking. Dobby was getting more and more annoying about his cooking meals; something he'd have to have some stern words with the elf about. However, Harry was going to cook something. He'd go mad, if he didn't.

Once he was able to source where all the groceries and staples were located, he set-to with a vengeance. He turned out a couple of cakes, trays of scones (superior, in his opinion, to the ones he and Daphne had at Fortescue's), biscuits (cookies) and a couple of different pies. That took a couple hours.

As he was in the kitchen, he made a start on dinner - for one (sigh). And had that cooking while he made a start on cooking his favourite soup; slow-cooked, finely diced potato, sweet potato, carrot, onion, swede, turnip, celery, parsnip and smoked ham; herbs to season. That would slow cook on a low heat overnight and be ready for the next day before lunch.

He only stopped cooking when his dinner was ready. By the time he got that into him and was ready to go back to the kitchen, it was spotless. Dobby had finished everything while he was eating. The only thing still cooking was the soup; and that was sitting off to one side and in a corner of the stove where the banked coals were shoved.

'Damn it,' he thought.

Finally, he realised he had to bite the bullet about his and Dobby's cooking 'battle' and called his loyal little friend. "Dobby."

"Yes, Master Harry?"

"We need to talk."

It was not a pleasant conversation for either of them.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ