Chapter 22
-oOo-
September 20, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Neville sat with Hermione while Ron and Harry sat behind them. What used to be Binns classroom was different now. There was a wall that was filling with copies of papers: The Daily Prophet from Britain, the New Amsterdam Gazetteand Pacific Sun from the United States, La Nouvelle Republique from France and the Canberra Times from Australia were the most prominent. It was a collage of modern affairs that Professor Davis had them looking at every Tuesday. Thursdays was the drier day, going over 'real' Wizarding History. In the first few weeks Professor Davis had started on the roots of their current magic system: the conflict between the Romans and Picts.
Neville had never heard of any of this history before and found it fascinating. He actually couldn't think of anyone in class that had fallen asleep yet.
Well, that might have something to do with the looks of the new Professor. Tracey was growing into being a beautiful woman, and if she looked half as pretty as her mother at the same age, Neville would find her as hot as he did now. Not that he would voice that opinion, but he couldn't deny the dreams he was having about Tracey, or the way she kissed him left him having to take long showers many nights. The fact she had said the other night they weren't even really snogging yet had him moaning in his sleep that night.
Of course, many of the boys in the castle were having the same issues over his intended's mother. Neville was happy his wet dreams did not include her. He was more than content with Professor Davis' daughter.
As though thoughts of the girl could call her, a letter fell out of his book as he put it on the table.
Hermione glanced over. "Another note from Tracey?" she asked, a soft smile on her face.
"I hope so. Otherwise, someone has learned to copy her handwriting," he replied, taking the note.
"That is a possibility," Hermione countered.
Neville chuckled as he opened the paper. The flowing script, and the small picture of a paper crane felt like Tracey.
-o-
Just want you to know I miss you when I don't get to see you. Lunch in our alcove?
Love
Tracey
-o-
Neville had a grin come over his face. Tracey and him had found a small alcove on the second floor of the West Tower that never seemed to get much foot traffic. He would have to go down to the kitchens and get a picnic basket. It was a good thing the elves didn't mind doing that.
He tore off the bottom half of the letter, wrote a quick 'Yes' and then used a spell she had taught him. The paper folded up into a small crane and then fluttered out of the room as Professor Davis walked in. The Professor followed the small paper crane and looked to be suppressing a smile as she walked over to her desk. "Books away today. I have a lesson on how the old Druid Circle still influence magical Britain. How many got a copy of the Daily Prophet today?"
Many in class raised their hands.
"Good. If any of you have it still, open up to page five. About halfway down the page you will find an article about wand crafting regulations. I know, a boring subject, but it was the Council that decided to start using wands and that decision still affects us to this day," she told them.
Hermione already had her paper and parchment out, taking notes.
-oOo-
September 24, 1994
London, England
Amelia was woken by Minsy. "Mistress Amelia," the elf said softly.
Since Harry and Susan had gone back to Hogwarts, she was back to her long hours. The search for Dumbledore hadn't turned up anything in months. She hadn't thought the man would be this elusive, not with his penchant for controlling things.
Trying to find who tried to assassinate Harry and Daphne was equally as frustrating. They had not been able to apprehend the Fishmonger. Somehow the man was being elusive to both her Aurors and Hit Wizards, as well as the Unspeakables. It was worrying that someone could evade them like that, but again, Dumbledore was being equally as elusive.
Her last big worry, which was baring fruit, was the outing of all those that had helped Dumbledore. Three more arrests this week, making eight people. The Crouches were already kissed. It had made a stir to eliminate the last two members of an old House, but they had deserved it. The laws were clear in the punishment for their crimes, and with the alliance with Anders, old money had not swayed the court to defer them to just Azkaban this time.
Of the other six, two were still in St. Mungo's going through treatments. Poor Bertha Jorkins was still recovering from all the memory charms that had to be broken or reversed. She had been almost as bad as Remus, who was still in the hospital as well.
Thomas Rivers had turned in his Aurors badge last week after finding out how compromised he had become by Dumbledore. The compulsion and obliviations found on him were bad enough it was considered not to reverse the spells. She silently gave him a full accommodation and pension. He had only been on the force for ten years, but it was the least she could do that no one had found that in all the evaluations they were required to go through each year.
Knowing how deep some of the issues went, she was silently having everyone in the DMLE checked and working on having it repeated every month for a while.
Four more would be going to trial in within the next month. The biggest of the cases would be her ex-Head of Records. The woman had been found to be involved in manipulating records over the last twenty years. Once that trial was done, she was looking forward to arresting Lucius Malfoy and a few others. The woman had taken more than a hundred-thousand galleons in bribes during her career and altered, buried or 'lost' thousands of files for Dumbledore, Malfoy and others.
All this led to long hours working with her Aurors, Barristers, Solicitors and her investigators. Never mind the security the Aurors were now heading up in Hogsmeade and Hogwarts in preparation for the stupid Triwizard Tournament. They had been able to change the second task, but not the other two. The contract was too solid on those. Her concern was still the hostages for the second task, but they still had a few months to ensure their safety. On the positive, the cup was only allowed to choose hostages that were over-age or had been approved by their parents or guardians. That should reduce some of the risk.
"Mistress Amelia," Minsy said again, shaking her.
"I'm up," she said a little groggily. Normally she would have shot out of bed, but there had been a glass or three of scotch when she got home tonight.
"Minsy has let in Mr. Scrimgeour and two Aurors, as you have allowed. They are waiting in the atrium," she told her.
Amelia shot up, grabbed a dressing gown, groaned at the headache that was already threatening, then grabbed her wand and rushed out of her room.
At the base of the stairs, Scrimgeour was standing with a few parchments. Dorsey and a young Auror, whose name alluded her at this early hour, was waiting next to the fireplace.
"I assume this is rather important, Rufus?" she asked. It was very unusual that this would happen.
The man's dour expression spoke volumes. "I need your signature."
She pursed her lips. "What for?"
"We were able to finally capture the Fishmonger. He was trying to ferry across two-dozen werewolves, some illegal potion ingredients and other artifacts. Got an interesting surprise," Rufus told her.
"What type of surprise," she questioned.
"Read the paperwork."
She pursed her lips and summoned her monocle from her room. Once on, she scanned the paper. Rufus was asking to raid members of the Wizengamot. "Bloody hell," she murmured. "You are certain?"
"I have Selwyn, Yaxley and Mulciber in cells right now. All three were on the boat and all three tried to kill my Aurors," Rufus growled. "I have three Aurors in St. Mungo's and they were also in some interesting garb."
She quirked an eye at him, and he pulled out a silver mask from his pocket. She took in a hissing breath. Scrimgeour went on, "There were five. One lost his mask falling over the side and we could not find them. The last took a cutting curse to his neck and we couldn't save him."
"Who?"
"Don't know. His head went over the side and we couldn't summon it. Found out these masks have an anti-summoning charm on them. Probably some other stuff. We are getting them all to the Unspeakables."
"Bloody hell. You have a quill?"
Rufus handed her one. She signed the three search warrants. They had to move quickly before any of their allies got word of this. "Tell whoever is in the Barristers office to get an order prepared to move them to the lower cells on Azkaban. Double guard. I will be to the Ministry in about twenty minutes. I want this kept quiet, Rufus. If the Prophet or Minister finds out before tomorrow night when I give a Press Conference, I will be ordering a full review of all Aurors and everyone else in the DMLE. Is that clear?"
"Crystal," Rufus said with a feral grin.
She spun to rush up the stairs. The fire flared before she even reached the top as they all left. She was worried about the possible political fallout of this, but she couldn't keep the grin off her face. For years she had tried to get something on the ones that escaped Azkaban or were still unknown. Selwyn and Yaxley were surprises, but Mulciber was not. Rufus probably already had people looking for the one that got away and they would have to see the goblins to do a blood trace on the one that died. She was hoping the person was another Death Wanker.
With a determined stride she threw her door open and summoned her Hit Wizard robes. She might need them for the next few days if things went south. She wouldn't put it past anyone to try to eliminate certain officials. It had happened before when those of Dark Houses were in this much trouble.
"Minsy, take these notes down," she ordered, knowing the elf would be close by. "Double the guard at Hogwarts. Have another review scheduled for the Triwizard Cup with Bagman and whomever is in charge of Magical Cooperation. I will need parchment to send Harry and Susan notes. After that, bring up Gaiden. She is faster and I want this to them for breakfast."
Minsy frantically wrote down everything before realizing the last two were orders for her. "Right away, Mistress Amelia," the elf called out.
"Can you have Tipsy make me some coffee and get me a hangover draught," she called after her elf as she slipped on her boots.
Minsy poked her head back in. "Minsy will... interrupt Dobby and Tipsy."
Amelia shook her head. "Never mind. I'll just get some at the Ministry."
"Yes, mistress."
Sirius had mentioned the elves were involved with each other, but she had forgotten to talk to Harry about that before he left. She wouldn't deny them their tryst, and it was a time of night they were 'off-duty'. If this went on, there would be elflings around soon. "I won't lay claim to them," she muttered.
There was a soft crack and a disheveled Minsy, the hair in her ears at all odd angles and her dress on backwards, appeared. "Mistress Amelia need Tipsy."
She had to stifle the laugh. With everything else, seeing an elf that had obviously been 'enjoying' herself was just too much.
-oOo-
Later that day...
"Ah, so nice to see you. Thank you for coming," Slughorn said ushering them in.
Daphne was still very wary about Slughorn. He had really given Harry, her and their friends more attention. He was always fair in class, and taught everyone in a much better way than Snape ever had, but it didn't go unnoticed the shine the man had taken to Hermione's brilliance, Harry's fame, Daphne's connections, class prowess and being intended to Harry, Neville as a scion that would have much power and his intended, Tracey, as well as Blaise, Susan, Ernie, Hannah and Millicent as children on their alliance.
Today, many of them were here. Roger, Susan, Ernie, Hermione, Neville, Tracey and Blaise. Stepping in, she wasn't surprised to see that they were not the only ones. Cho Chang, Lavender Brown, the Patil Twins, The Carrow twins, Ginny Weasley, Ian Gregor and two boys she didn't know. Looking at the assembled people, it was obvious what they all had in common right away: all of them had families with Wizengamot seats or were allies of those with important seats, like Hermione.
"Thank you, Professor Slughorn. It is a pleasure to accept your invitation," Harry replied. She smiled internally. He was getting better at this.
"Oh, the pleasure is mine, my boy. I am glad to see your intended, Ms. Greengrass, is with you. Excellent job on that last essay, I must say. Though, Ms. Granger still edged you out this time," Slughorn said jovially.
"Ms. Granger and I are in a friendly competition. I shall better her next time," she jibed in a cool tone. Hermione raised an eyebrow at her.
"You can try," challenged Hermione.
The man laughed. "A friendly competition indeed. And you, Mr. Potter? Are you competing?"
"I am no competition for my best friends. Now, once Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive, I hope for a good competition," Harry responded.
"Oh ho. Yes. I look forward to those matches," Slughorn replied.
"Don't let my intended fool you, professor. Harry is competitive with us as well. He is also going to win the Quidditch Tournament," Daphne put in. She would not let anyone doubt that.
Slughorn nodded. "I assume there is no bias there, Ms. Greengrass?"
"None, sir," said Daphne. The man laughed again and soon they were passed off to the group as a few stragglers came in.
"Do you notice there is no one from the Dark Houses?" Tracey put to them. None of them were really into socializing today. Daphne didn't like the look Padma Patil and Lavender Brown were giving Harry. She was his intended and would not let that go. The way she clung to his arm proved she belonged their and he was not available.
"I did. I am not surprised. Malfoy has been trying to kiss up to him, but Slughorn never associated with any of those that supported with You-Know-Who once their allegiances were known," she whispered back.
"Is it me or are almost everyone here an heir or heiress?" Harry enquired.
"Only four of us are not," Hermione replied.
"If you all like, I have tea, butterbeer, or for those of age, some excellent mead," Slughorn told them, calling them over to a large table. Eighteen of them sat around the round table.
"So, I know this isn't all that I would like to talk with this year, but I thought it nice to see some of the top stars of my potions class here today," he started. Looking around, he beamed at them all. Daphne had the thought that this man was good. Grade wise, they all were within the top ten of their years. She tried to pay attention to the grade postings for their year and those elsewhere in the castle. Father and mother had asked her to keep an eye open for a few good potion people her families could hire for their growing business.
"Thank you, sir," Blaise said after a moment.
"Welcome, my boy. Welcome. Now, don't be shy. Take anything you want. The ginger biscuits are particularly nice, as are the jelly tarts. I promise I don't spike anything," he said with a grin.
"Now, Ms. Chang, is it true your family is involved in importing from China and other Asian countries?"
"Yes, sir. Mostly alchemical and rare components. My parent's shop is always stocked," Chang replied. Her soft Scottish accent had the three older boys, including Roger, looking at her.
"I am never disappointed when I visit. Is he part of the group supporting the lowering of tariffs?"
"I am unsure. Dad doesn't talk about the Wizengamot much," she replied.
Slughorn looked a little disappointed. "That is alright, Ms. Chang. I didn't really become interested myself until I was in my twenties. What about you, Mr. Davis?"
"I am unsure about the tariff's, sir. Being an Under Head of Magical Reversal, my father doesn't have much stake in the proposed changes. I do know my parents, and many here, do support changes to other taxes," Roger replied.
"So, I have heard. This is something Mr. Longbottom is probably interested in. The Potter-Greengrass allies have put forward a change that would affect potion ingredients," Slughorn commented.
"I don't know all that is in the bill, but my Gran assures me lower the tax on Muggleborn and making the same for everyone will not affect our herbology business," Neville replied.
"Why should we do that?" one of the older boys asked.
"It is rather unfair to tax someone just because of who their parents are," Hermione retorted.
"This is a civilized conversation, Mr. Winters. Ms. Granger, I would like to hear of this more later. Ms. Brown, I hear your father is accepting apprentices again?" Slughorn changed subject.
As the man worked around the room, he was good at pulling out how much each group knew about the current Wizengamot affairs. It was also obvious that he focused more on the alliance children as the hour wore on. By the time they left, Slughorn looked pleased.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Greengrass, would you stay behind for a moment?" Slughorn called out.
"We'll catch up with you," Harry told their friends. "How can we help you professor?"
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind passing some regards to your parents and guardian?"
Daphne nodded. "Of course, Professor."
"Wonderful. The Changs and Proudhons have asked me to pass their felicitations and would like to congratulate your houses on the courtship you are both in. If Lord Greengrass or Madam Bones would like to accept the felicitations in a tea, they would like to be contacted. I can organize anything you would like."
Harry was about to respond when she answered first. He wasn't sure if he understood what Slughorn was trying to do. Like today, he was trying to sound out who would be the strongest potential people to support on the Wizengamot in the future, he was not trying to sound out if their Alliance wished to expand. Things must be moving faster than father had thought.
"I will pass along your message. Scion Potter and I thank you very much for the recognition and support of our courtship, Professor," she replied.
Inside she was doing flips, both happy and worried. She believed Cho didn't want Harry, but Lord Chang was still seeking an alliance. Harry had multiple houses, and technically he could take a wife for each, but as the Potter Lord, he was not required too. She was a little pleased that multiple wives was just not done often anymore, but it was still a possibility. Father and Madam Bones didn't seem to want that outcome.
The unknown would be Sirius. If Sirius wanted to pass on his votes and see his House continue, he would either have to marry or name Harry Scion. That would mean she would have to bear three or more children to have the Greengrass, Black and Potter names continue. She wasn't sure she was ready to think about that yet. The alternative, Harry having a second wife, was even less of what she wanted to think of.
Her fear was that the Changs were an elected house and known to be ambitious to move up the social ladder. Cho seemed like a nice girl, but Daphne didn't want to share.
"Thank you, my dear. Now, run off. It's a wonderful day out," Slughorn said, playfully giving them a shooing motion.
When they were in the hall, Harry asked, "What was that about? Wouldn't the Changs and Proudhons just send Amelia and your parents a missive?"
"Chang approached me a few weeks ago. I think her father has already approached your aunt and were probably rebuffed. The Proudhons are allies of the Changs. Slughorn knows if he can broker a deal between our alliance and theirs, someone would owe him a favour," she replied.
Harry made a face. "No wonder they call you snakes," he snarked.
She giggled. "Good thing you can talk to snakes then, otherwise you might have to worry about me."
He laughed. "I have only found one snake I can't control so far."
She gave him a raised brow. "Only one?"
"As much as I like snakes, I like flowers more," he said with a cheeky grin.
She smiled and stopped him long enough to peck him on the lips. "Nice answer."
-oOo-
September 26, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Blaise, Tracey and her were walking up to the library. Millicent wasn't doing most of the study sessions, not as interested in having her grades up. She was content to be very good at potions and astronomy. She did show up to all their workouts and DADA practices, though.
Daphne was hoping they were not getting a false sense of security. All the Dark Houses were being abnormally quiet, and after there had been a dozen or so cases of magical use in the halls between classes that were known to be handled with a heavy hand, many were weary of breaking any of the new rules.
As such, Daphne and the rest of them were starting to find the year rather enjoyable. The politics of her House were not as cutthroat. She was able to spend time with Harry with no comments, though she didn't miss the jealous or disgusted looks towards them at times from more than just Slytherin.
Harry, Neville and Hermione were already at their usual table. Monday afternoons were usually just the six of them. Tuesdays and Thursdays were the larger groups. Harry was engrossed in an essay, so she slipped into the open chair besides him.
He looked up. "OH, Daph. I didn't realize you were here," he said, his green eyes focusing on her.
She liked the pleasant shiver that ran down her spine every time he did that. "You looked preoccupied."
"A little. Still trying to catch up a little to where you are in Runes," he told her, showing her the latest homework assignment. He was doing well for someone who hadn't been with them last year. He was maintaining a high Exceeds Expectations. She had no doubt he would be maintaining an Outstanding by Christmas.
"You want me to look it over?"
"In a few. I want to finish this last translation and then do the chains for binding," he replied.
She smiled at him, proud of his effort and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Harry gave his goofy grin, which just made her insides squirm more.
Looking down the table, Tracey had already gotten her charms work out and was talking with Neville. Hermione was still engrossed in the book before her. Blaise looked at it before taking the top of the feather on his quill and pointing to something on her paper. "I think you got the wrong verb here," he told her.
She watched the interaction, curious about it. Something had changed between the two since Hermione's birthday and she wasn't sure what it was.
Hermione looked at what he was pointing at. "I am pretty sure I got the right word for 'traveling'," she told him.
"If you mean by foot," Blaise told her. "Page fifty-eight of the Gobbledygook book I got you. It goes over the different ways goblins look to travel."
Harry leaned over to Daphne. "What is going on? They have been like this for the last twenty minutes."
She waved him off to be quiet. Blaise cast a quick look at her, but Hermione had already picked up another book and was flipping through it. She knew Blaise had a bit of an eidetic memory from the years of occlumency he had been through. He just struggled at times to get the wand work down, and he was not a strong essay writer. He had improved significantly over the summer.
Tracey cast a quick glance, and then went back to working on the charms revision with Neville.
Hermione was running her hand down the page. "You mean here? Why wouldn't you use the 'way the foot walks' as the main verb? This is supposed to be a rune chain that tracks movement."
"Is the only way to move by foot?"
Hermione stared at Blaise for a second, looked at the book and then her paper. "Can you speak Gobbledygook?"
"The Zabini's are bankers and investors back in Italy. We are all taught English, Italian, Gobbledygook and Dwarfish from a young age. Many of the banks in Northern Africa are run by the dwarves, like the goblins dominate Europe. That book was one my mother gave me when I was six," Blaise told her.
Hermione looked incredibly excited. "Really? Could you teach me?"
"If you want," Blaise offered.
She had never seen Hermione look that way at anyone else. She was excited, but it was like she was excited because someone was challenging her. Daphne wondered how often Hermione felt challenged?
"Please. When can we start? Did I make any other mistakes? I don't have any plans after dinner tonight..."
Harry gave a soft chuckle next to her. "Poor sod," Harry whispered.
She nudged him. "Leave off," she warned him. Blaise had taken to Neville, Harry and Ernie this summer and she didn't want Harry to bug Blaise about this. They could be good for each other. "She is your best mate."
"Like I said, poor sod," he whispered back, a grin on his face.
She nudged him again. "Finish your runes and we can go over it," she ordered him.
He chuckled softly again. "Yes, dear," he said cheekily.
She made a face at him before trying to control it. Why could he rile her like this? Not that she minded it too much. "Hush you."
He kept chuckling for a few minutes as he settled back into his work.
They called the session about three and she accepted an invitation to walk with Harry for a bit. Hermione and Neville went off towards Gryffindor Tower while Tracey and Blaise went the opposite way, saying they would all meet again after dinner.
As they walked towards the grounds, her arm around his, Harry asked, "Does Blaise like Hermione?"
"I don't know. He's never really said he likes anyone before," she responded.
Harry nodded. "Practices start Saturday, so I may have to miss our picnic."
She gave a little bit of a dramatic sigh as they walked. "If I have to give up some time with you so you can be the best Seeker against Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, I guess I can just wait until Sunday," she said and got a sly smirk from Harry. "Besides, I need another snitch to add to my collection."
"You keep saying that and I might get a big head," he teased.
"No, you won't," she said matter of fact. "You will play to the best of your abilities, without getting cocky, and if you do, I will give you a reward."
He looked at her questioningly. "What type of reward?" he asked.
She stopped, looked around to make sure she didn't see anyone, and went up on her toes to give him a kiss. It was a sweet kiss that sent shivers down her body again, especially when Harry's hands went to her waist. They hadn't done anything else yet, but she was starting to get the feeling she might want to kiss him harder.
The grin he had made her grin. "I guess that is a good reward. What if I don't play to my best?"
"If you get too overconfident or a prat, I'll make sure you don't get any kisses for a long time."
His face scrunched up. "Right. Don't get too overconfident or become a prat."
She laughed at him, and they started to walk again. "Prat," she said affectionately.
"So, no kisses then?"
She rolled her eyes and let him peck her on the lips. "I'll let it pass this time."
They walked over the bridge out towards Hagrid's hut. "We should go visit Hagrid soon. Hermione and I haven't been there yet."
A voice came from behind them. "It's not bad enough you made the Greengrasses Blood Traitors, you now want them to converse with half-giants?"
Harry was quick. His wand was out and he was pushing her behind him before she could get her wand to her hand. Turning, she saw Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson and Nott. "Leave her be, Malfoy," Harry snapped.
The boy had a snarl on his face, pulling his own wand. "The wards don't pick up who uses magic out here. I think it's time to settle some issues. Especially now your Aunt seems to be going after proper Pure Bloods."
Harry backed up, pushing her back. The others pulled their wands as well. She felt a tinge of fear.
Harry snorted. "You aren't going to go run to your father?" Harry goaded Draco.
"Harry," she hissed. The others looked to mean business.
Draco's lip curled. "Don't mention my father," Draco spat. "You have no idea what you have done. Now get away from Greengrass and let her come back to where she belongs."
"Daphne is with me. Does dear old daddy mean you to duel me for her? Or does he want to you finish me off like he couldn't this summer?"
"Diffindio," Draco snapped.
Harry pushed her to the side and the spell made a gouge in the wood post across from them. She circled her wand. "Venscutum."
A shield that was mostly translucent came to her wrist and she moved to block the next cutting curse. The other four with Draco looked a little dumbstruck that Draco would actually attack them. The shield cracked and faded when the spell hit it and she conjured another one. Harry was moving and he spoke so fast she only caught the three stunners and then with a flash Draco's wand flew out of his hand. Crabbe and Goyle dropped from the stunners, but Nott was able to shield against Harry's other stunner.
Draco's wand flew into the air and landed by Harry's feet.
"Draco Malfoy, you have made an unprovoked attack on a Scion and Heiress in a Courtship with intent to harm. I, Scion Potter, of the House of Potter, demand retribution," Harry snapped out.
Two Aurors were suddenly pounding on the bridge as they ran to them. "What happened?"
"Potter attacked me and took my wand," Malfoy yelled out.
Daphne, thinking she would be safe now, stood up, but didn't vanish her shield. "Scion Malfoy threatened Scion Potter and me. Then attacked us with severing hexes. Scion Potter and I only defended ourselves after the first spell was cast."
She watched with satisfaction as Pansy paled some.
"Whose wand is that here?" one of the Aurors asked, moving to pick up Draco's wand.
"Mine. Give it here or my father will have your badge," Draco demanded.
Harry moved to protect her again. "I demand satisfaction," Harry stated. The rules of dueling and honour were suspended while attending Hogwarts or on the grounds, but they had all been taught the rules and laws.
The Auror backed up her thoughts. "There is no satisfaction while you attend school, Mr. Potter. Mr. Malfoy, you and Mr. Potter will be coming with me. We are going to have a talk with Headmistress McGonagall. Reynolds, revive those two. You are all taking a walk with us."
She was fuming now that the danger was over. As she thought about it, Malfoy had meant to really harm them. The fact Harry hadn't responded in kind was rather impressive. As Auror Reynolds herded her fellow Slytherin she looked to Harry. He was glaring at Malfoy's back. The blonde gave him a hateful glare over his shoulder.
"I apologize for not being here quicker, Mr. Potter, Heiress Greengrass. There was a disturbance at Professor Hagrid's hut we had to respond to before this happened, " the Auror with them said.
"I want him kicked out," Harry said. "He tried to get us with severing charms."
She took his hand. The shock of the moment starting to wear off and she was starting to feel the fear of what could have happened. "We are alright, Harry."
"You need to get to the Headmistress. We are required to report and present anyone we find breaking the rules," the Auror said.
Harry held her hand firmly. "We didn't do anything wrong."
"We saw most of the fight and will report it exactly as it occurred," the Auror said.
"Thank you, Auror..." she looked to his badge, "Dawlish."
"My pleasure, Heiress Greengrass. if you would," the man gestured, and they made their way towards the third floor.
-oOo-
Headmistress Office, Hogwarts, Scotland
Ludo was nodding happily. The man was so excited about the events this year, he was almost hopping in his chair. The idiot didn't seem to care that Crouch and Dumbledore were no longer involved, or that the Tri Wizarding Tournament was being changed and made less 'challenging', as long as he got his Inter-School Quidditch Tournament.
Ludo was a man that looked to have once been a rather burly man, but now was more fat than muscle, with sandy hair that was thinning and a face that belong more on an early twenty-something, not fifty-something.
"So, we are doing a six-game tournament, one-game to be held every three weeks and I am announcing the games?" the ex-Quidditch player said excitedly.
"Yes," Bernard St. Pierre said. St. Pierre was a man with a pencil mustache, a full head of dark hair and light blue eyes. He had come highly recommended, and she had no issue voting for him when he was recalled from Spain to Head the Department of Magical Cooperation. "The other schools have agreed. The respective Ministries have also agreed to the changes to the events. Do you know why four dragons were ordered?"
The man had only been in the job for two weeks.
"We do not. Unfortunately, we cannot change that event. The competitors will have to retrieve a clue. We are all agreed we will make the dangers clear before we allow anyone to put their names in the Goblet? We also agree to the change in contract so that any Champion can back out and be replaced by another at their school, if they want?" Amelia asked.
"I can't believe they would use the original contract," Minerva complained.
"Yes, everyone is in agreement," St. Pierre replied.
Amelia nodded and they all stopped when a small stone gargoyle over the door announced, "Auror Dawlish and Reynolds requesting permission to enter. Seven students with them."
Minerva's lips pursed. "How many more warnings can I give?" she asked facetiously. "Are we done here?"
"I think so. We will have one final meeting next week and then sign the final agreement," St. Pierre informed them.
"Very good. Amelia, do you want to stay in case your Aurors found something?"
"I better. If it's nothing I will just excuse myself," she responded. Minerva nodded and a moment later, Amelia watched seven students enter. Her brow scrunched to see Daphne and Harry with others she recognized. The blond could only be Lucius Malfoy's son, and the big boy with light brown hair looked a lot like Crabbe Senior.
"What is this," Minerva asked to the group.
"Potter attacked us..." the Malfoy boy attempted to rush out.
"I did not," Harry snapped at the Malfoy boy.
"Enough," Minerva snapped and both boys went quiet. Daphne was standing tall and regally, with Harry doing his best. Only one of the others were acting like she would expect such 'virtuous' Purebloods to act. He looked like he was a Nott.
"Auror Dawlish, what is going on?"
"I do not have Mr. Malfoy's side yet, but Mr. Potter and Ms. Greengrass have claimed they were threatened and then attacked by Mr. Malfoy. Reynolds and me only caught the spell fire. Mr. Malfoy did throw the first three spells before Mr. Potter stunned those two and then disarmed Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Nott shielded a spell from Mr. Potter but cast no others. Ms. Greengrass used an Aegis shield to block a severing charm from Mr. Malfoy," the Auror said in a quick clip.
She moved to take hold of the situation. Her ward and his intended were attacked on Hogwarts grounds.
Minerva motioned for her to sit, and she did after a moment.
"Is this true, Potter and Greengrass?"
"That is not the whole story," Malfoy cut in. "Potter has threatened me in the past and stolen my inheritance and is part of making the Greengrasses Blood Traitors..." He was cut off by a flick of Minerva's wand.
"That will be enough, Mr. Malfoy. I will ask you your perspective in just a moment. Potter? Greengrass?"
Harry's nostril's flared and she could see he was angry enough he might make this worse if he spoke. Daphne must have seen it too because she rushed to speak first. "Auror Dawlish has reported the situation as it occurred, Headmistress McGonagall."
"And what did he threaten?"
"He made mention about 'evening the score' now that Madam Bones was going after proper Purebloods. I do not know what he is talking about, Headmistress," she stated.
Minerva turned her hard stare to Malfoy and the others. "Is this true, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Potter has threatened me by Line-theft and challenging me to a duel in the past," Malfoy snarked.
Amelia caught Harry's eye and she saw a spark there that these two did not get along. She was going to have to ask him about it after this. He had not mentioned this rivalry. "That is a serious accusation, Mr. Malfoy," she said. "How has my ward committed line-theft against you?"
The Malfoy boy sneered as he looked at her, then his face paled when he must have recognized who she was. "Uhm, well, my mother is a Black. I was to inherit the House of Black."
"Was a Black," she stated. "I think if you ask your father or mother to look it up, you will find she has been disowned. Scion Potter is also one degree closer to the current Lord Black in relation, clearly making him the heir of the House. I shall have to send a letter to Lord Malfoy making sure you receive the proper education in this matter."
Harry looked about ready to laugh or something and stood taller when she cast him an eye.
"Yes, be that as it may, these are matters better addressed outside of Hogwarts. This is a place of learning, not dueling at a perceived slight. You are certain Potter and Greengrass only cast to defend themselves?"
"Yes, Headmistress. Ms. Greengrass only cast to protect herself while Mr. Potter only cast to stun or disarm. Mr. Potter stopped casting once his opponents were down," Dawlish replied.
The woman glared at the seven students. After a moment, Minerva's pursed lips opened. "Mr. Malfoy, you shall serve detention with your Head-of-House for the next week for bullying and instigating a duel. The rest of you with him shall serve two nights for bullying. Really! Five of you against two," she said, clearly disappointed.
The five Slytherin students just glared back. "Yes, ma'am," the Malfoy boy said after a moment.
"Mr. Malfoy, if I find you instigating or participating in anything else like this, you will be going home until after the New Year. If there are any other events after that, you will be expelled. Am I understood?"
Malfoy's face showed his rage before he seemed to crush it down and take on more of the cool expression his father was known for. "Yes, ma'am. Are we dismissed now?"
Minerva pursed her lips again. "The same will go for the rest of you. I will consider a week or more of suspension should you be found bullying again. You may go."
The boy gave a quick nod and turned, leading the others out.
"Minerva, are you sure that was strict enough? You said he cast severing charms at you?" Amelia questioned Harry and Daphne.
"Yes, Amelia," said Harry in a clip voice.
"Minerva..." she quieted as her old friend and teacher held up a hand.
"I understand the severity of what happened, but I am enforcing the new rules. I understand your ward and Ms. Greengrass could have been seriously hurt, but they were not. The new rules state I am to give a warning and other punishment for the first offense if no one is hurt. After that, I am free to decide on the punishment. Though expulsion will need to be cleared by the Governors," Minerva stated.
"They were only saved because of the training we gave them over the summer," Amelia said hotly.
"They are not hurt. If they are attacked or bullied again, regardless of outcome, Mr. Malfoy and anyone involved will be suspended, if not expelled. I will apply the rules evenly, unlike a previous Headmaster," she stated.
Amelia wasn't pleased, but she could understand. Minerva's hands were as tied as her own when it came to following rules and laws. "Amelia, he almost hit Daphne. I had to push her out of the way for the first one. Why can't I demand satisfaction for potential harm to my ally and girlfriend?"
She met Harry's angry eyes. Her own lips pursed. Minerva spoke first. "Hogwarts is meant to be a place of education, Potter. Unless Greengrass is harmed or someone intentionally interferes with your relationship with the intent to cause irreparable harm or separation, the laws about seeking 'satisfaction' around courtships, and even betrothals, are suspended on these grounds between students. As are any formal laws or rules around honour duels or reparations. It is meant to provide an environment where mistakes can be made and learned from. The actions of Mr. Malfoy press against those rules. Your Regent can take up this issue with Lord Malfoy, but you cannot."
"Amelia, make it clear to Lord Malfoy that if Draco threatens Daphne or any of our friends again, I will be seeking Draco out for a duel once we are away from the castle," Harry demanded.
"Harry, don't do that. If you are the aggressor, Lord Malfoy can stipulate any condition and even any duelist he wants," Daphne said angrily.
Harry closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths. As his Regent, she could advise against this path, but she could not stop it if he ordered her too. It would supersede her Guardian rights because of the Courtship Agreement.
"You would just let me let him hurt you first?" Harry asked, the concern clear in his voice.
"No. I would recommend that Madam Bones send a formal complaint to Lord Malfoy. It would need to be registered with the goblins and the Department of House Affairs because this threatens our courtship. This means that you will have other recourse you can pursue instead of a duel," Daphne tried to steer him towards a better path.
Amelia regarded the girl. She had watched with a smile all summer as they had grown closer and seen them both push each other in ways neither expected. If these two decided to enter into a betrothal when this agreement was done, she would sign it without regret.
Harry regarded the dark hair girl for a few before letting out a huff. His shoulders slumped and he put a hand behind his neck. "You are sure?"
"I think that the best path," Daphne assured her ward.
Minerva cast her a glance, looking impressed. "I would agree with Daphne," Amelia put in, hoping to push him over the ledge on this.
He nodded. "Amelia, please lodge a formal complaint for interference in a Courtship Agreement."
She nodded. "I will send you an owl once that is done."
"Thank you," he said. After a moment, he looked to the Headmistress. "Are we in trouble?"
"I do not condone any fighting or dueling in this school, but you clearly were just defending yourself. Next time you are to walk away, if you can. If you don't try to get out of the situation first, we will be having words and you will be having detention," Minerva told them.
Harry nodded.
"Thank you, Headmistress," Daphne replied. Harry let out another long breath.
"You may go."
"Escort me back to Slytherin?" Daphne asked.
Harry nodded and extended his arm. After they left, she looked to her Aurors. "Where the hell were you? You were supposed to be trailing them," she snapped at Dawlish and Reynolds.
"We thought there was an explosion at Professor Hagrid's hut and raced to find out. They were heading there, and we needed to know it was safe," Dawlish reported.
She made a disgruntled sound in her throat. "I am having a talk with Scrimgeour about how he trains you on protection details. It doesn't matter if the sky is falling. You stay and keep an eye on them. What if that had been someone else that had found their way onto the grounds?"
Both Aurors looked a little stricken.
"Now, go. Keep an eye on them. I am stopping by my Head of the Aurors when I get back."
"Yes, Boss," they both said, giving a three-finger salute that was taught in the Academy but almost never used.
She rubbed the bridge of her nose once they left.
Minerva got up. "One finger or two?"
"I'll take the whole bottle, but one will do," she replied.
Minerva clucked her tongue. "Welcome to the life of an educator. When I was a student, things were not as tense between the houses and students. I think Albus and others fostered that over the last few generations, and I was blinded to it. I have a long few years ahead of me to fix this."
Amelia snorted. "I don't know how you do it. Are you sure that was the appropriate punishment for Malfoy's boy and his lot?"
"I would prefer to throw many of them out. They are already indoctrinated by their parents and years of neglect to the school rules and the intent of its charter has brought it to this point. I fear it will not be until after our current group of first-years is gone before I finally manage to bring this school back to where it should be. Doesn't mean I won't try though," Minerva said solemnly. She took an almost full bottle of scotch and two glasses over. "Do you like ice?"
Amelia shook her head. "I am thinking it is just as insurmountable in the Wizengamot and Ministry. If things start to go downhill again, like they did in the seventies, I don't know if I can be a responsible parent and stay in this country with Susan and Harry."
Amelia took the glass with a 'thank you' nod.
"I am too old and stubborn to give up my place of birth. I will stay and do everything I can until my last breath." Minerva raised her glass and Amelia reciprocated.
"This alliance with Anders was supposed to be a way to get us back to where we once were and resolve many issues, we see killing our society. Opposition has been much heavier than we anticipated. I need Dumbledore and put him to trial. I have a few other new headaches that could help to break the Dark Alliance or strengthen it. I don't know yet. There are a lot of unpredicted moves in House loyalties in the last two months," she said taking a sip.
"As unexpected as a Potter and a Greengrass dating?"
Amelia snorted. "Yeah. As unpredictable as that. That girl is full of surprises though."
"As is Mr. Potter. His grandparents were much the same. Euphemia Black and Fleamont Potter stood on almost the same ground when they started a courtship their sixth year. Look how strong that coupling became," Minerva said, taking a sip from her own glass.
Amelia cocked her head. "I forget at times that Euphemia was a Slytherin. She was so smart and just as brave as Fleamont was as times."
"One's house is not the sum of who a person is. I did not miss that Greengrass didn't freeze or run. She stood right besides Potter. Potter is also learning to be calmer. If I was to say, he is bringing out her Gryffindor while she brings out his Slytherin. Throw in the fact they are competing at the top of their year, and obviously loyal to all those around them, I would say they will make a powerful pair should they stay together," her old transfiguration Professor said significantly.
She had the same opinion. "I just need them to survive to get there."
Minerva laughed. "Potters have always drawn trouble. I doubt that will be the last."
Amelia scrunched her brow, concerned. "No. Probably not."
-oOo-
October 1, 1994
Somewhere along the Irish Sea...
Albus was getting worried. Severus had been gone for over a month now.
In that time, he had gotten restless. He was not used to being cut off from the world. Since February, that had been the way of things.
As he walked the cliff edge, staying inside the wards, his frustration grew. Not long ago he went where he wanted. Talked to whomever he wanted. Basked in the praise for who he was, or smugly gloated over those that were envious or afraid of him.
After Arianna's death, he knew he wasn't worthy enough to be a leader with great power. He had avoided it for almost thirty years, before Gellert had forced his hand. Then power was thrust upon him, and he tried to take the most innocuous positions for his fame. At first it had been Under-Secretary positions, but over time it became Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. He avoided the higher offices, but had secured just as much, if not more power, than the Minister of Britain or Prime Minister of the ICW.
Looking back, he now realized that he had fallen for the trap he had avoided for so many years after his sister's death.
In that time, he had built a network of spies, moles and informants that had let him know almost anything that was going on, outside the most hidden circles, like Tom's.
Now, he had nothing.
Severus absence and the need to know had led him out today. He had disguised himself, as loath he was to do, and found his way into Hogsmeade. The Auror presence had surprised him. He saw no less than ten. That was unheard of. It curtailed his planned outing, and he was only able to get a dozen or so older copies of the Daily Prophetand look across the lake at a school he had called home for almost a hundred years. That was the one that cut most deeply. He actually had a pain going through his chest to see Hogwarts and not be in the castle.
What cut deeper was to be on the edge of the grounds, and not feel the castle and the wards. He had been cut off from the only place he had ever truly cared about.
Now, he was pacing along the quarter mile stretch as a storm was threatening to come over head.
The papers he found disturbed him deeply. The Potter-Greengrass alliance had people scrambling. He could tell by the types of bills being proposed, and a few that the purebloods had supported, overturned. In three months, the Light Alliance was in a rout without his leadership and the news of the Crouches, Selwyn, Mulciber and Yaxley had the Dark Alliance scrambling. The attack at the Abbott's cotillion was evidence of that.
Changes were afoot and he was worried.
If all that wasn't enough, he had found the paper announcing the Courtships of the Longbottom heir to Tracey Davis, and Harry to the Greengrass chit. He saw the shadow of the Potter-Black Alliance all over again. That had nearly upturned his plans, destroyed many pureblood families if they had been allowed to hunt Tom like they wanted, and almost destroyed him more than twenty years ago. With the changes now, the Potters were going to be his downfall this time.
He needed Severus back and to get that horcrux. It was now imperative he found a way to take the reins again. If too many more changes occurred, he would not be able to head off the changes he saw coming, and their dire consequences.
As he thought about it, his mind had wondered to where he had been held. Avalon. Camelot.
The legendary seat of Merlin could hold answers to finding the abominations of Tom.
The temptation was getting larger. Except for the resurrection stone, he couldn't think of a larger ambition.
His issue was that he now knew he wasn't as strong as he used to be. The cave had shown that. It had taken almost four weeks to recover and didn't feel the power thrumming through him like head when younger. This feeling of being old could no longer be shaken off.
He turned when a crack came over the wind. Severus was standing on the cobble steps of the cottage, an unreadable expression on his face. "Did it go well?" he asked the man.
"We have a complication," Severus said, going up the steps and into the house.
Dumbledore frowned. A few heavy raindrops fell on him as he followed the man in.
Severus already had a bottle of dwarfish brandy to his lips. He didn't usually drink, nor take so long on a mission. "You have been gone over a month. What happened?"
He reached into his pocket and placed a stone on the table. Blue and black runes shown over the surface, and he felt the dark presence. It was off though. He raised an eyebrow at the man.
"The Dark Lord," Severus said without ceremony, taking another sip.
"What happened to the flask?"
"Destroyed. He has been almost drained of his magic. What is left is... unpleasant." The glower said everything the tone didn't.
Albus frowned. "What do you mean?"
Severus took another sip of the brandy. "This is whatever is left of the Dark Lord. It was possessing a snake and almost killed myself and the tracker I hired. We found the stump the Grey Lady told you about, but the diadem was gone for a long time. There was nothing else."
"This is most disturbing. Why did it take you so long?
"I couldn't very well go through customs with that thing," Severus snarked.
Albus ignored the tone. "Tell me everything."
It was well over an hour to go over the details. By the end, he was running his wand over the stone. The signatures matched what he knew Tom's to be, but it was different also. "You said an enchanted sword did this?"
"The werewolf-squib was not from Albania, but he said his family had been guardian of the woods for a millennium. The sword was more powerful than the one you had from Godric Gryffindor. It radiated power after it sapped most of the magical power from this thing," Severus told him.
"I would say that there is just a sliver of magic keeping this soul piece alive. Must be the connection to the other horcruxes," Albus muttered.
"Where is the next spot? I want this thing dead. I can swear I hear him in my head, and it did this," Severus told him, pulling up the sleeve on his left arm. Albus' eyes widened. The mark on Severus arm was just as dark as it had been when Tom was at the height of his power.
"This is what happened when the mist touched you?"
"I am telling you the Dark Lord didn't induce pain like that. He wanted his followers to suffer, but he needed them to function as well. Do we have anywhere we can keep that thing while we search for the others?"
Albus could feel the taint as well, but he was loath to let it too far away. This was the primary soul shard, the life that was Tom Marvolo Riddle. They couldn't risk it escaping again or having one of his followers find it. "Severus, I need you to make contact with one of your associates. I need to know the reactivation of your mark is just something you have or if it is more widespread."
Severus frowned. "And the next horcrux?"
"I need to think on this," he told the man. He would not tell Severus that he was unsure. He had been positive the diadem would still be in Albania. Why would Tom remove it from such a secure spot? It had taken hundreds of years to find and by the way Severus described the area, Albus was convinced it was only the man's Dark Mark that had allowed him into the clearing.
"Think quickly. We need to destroy them."
"Yes. Yes. I know, Severus. Thank you," he said irritated. He knew the importance of this.
"I am going to take a bath, finish this brandy and then sleep. I will find Avery tomorrow."
Albus didn't want to wait anymore, but he could see that Severus was in no condition to leave again today. "That's fine. I am going to go back to my walk."
What he needed was his library and memories. There was something hidden there that would reveal the location of the next horcrux. He just couldn't get to the knowledge he had accumulated over a lifetime.
Albus Dumbledore was frustrated.