Chapter 25
-oOo-
December 1, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Draco pursed his lips to see the headlines today. Gregory had been arrested over a week ago and taken away from Hogwarts. Crabbe's father was still missing and he said that his mother and him were to go to a will reading for him over Christmas if he wasn't found by then. Vincent was convinced his father was dead.
There were a few of his father's friends that were in trouble, and the Daily Prophet was a worse sign. The picture showed Lord Goyle being escorted through the main atrium of the Ministry. The heavy power-sapping manacles could be clearly seen. The man stood tall and didn't look that concerned. In the background was his father looking on. By the blank expression in his face, Draco could tell his father was surprised by this.
Pansy leaned in. "Draco, Potter is looking towards us," she whispered.
The boy, who had put the paper down, was sitting at the Ravenclaw table this morning. The look on his face was hard and unyielding. For once, Draco was starting to wonder if making enemies of Potter had been the brightest idea.
Greengrass was next to him. Her look wasn't any less hard.
He was sure his father was involved in both attempts to kill them. Like normal, Potter had found a way to escape. The fact he had killed a dragon to do it had him finally thinking Potter was someone that he didn't want to mess with.
The issue was, a Malfoy was as much magical royalty as anyone could be. They didn't back down, they always found a way to beat the odds, or cheat to make sure they were in their favour. Problem was, Potter was always beating him.
The other issue was the people around him. His father and grandfather had spent their lives building a core of Houses that would support them. The Greengrasses, Zabini, Bulstrode, Davis and others were supposed to be open or quiet supporters that were in the pockets of the Malfoys. In the last six months, that had been flipped on its head, and now Lord Greengrass and Madam Bones had made an alliance that was near untouchable. At the core was Potter.
It always came down to Potter.
"Our instructions are to leave Potter, Greengrass and all the others alone," Draco told her. He caught Vincent and Theodores eyes. They were about the only ones that were still sticking close to him now. Many of the older and younger years had started to distance themselves from the Malfoy Alliance. He really didn't like the drop in influence.
"Are you really going to leave him alone?" Theodore asked.
"For the moment. I will be Scion Black and I will have both the Greengrasses," Draco told them. Perhaps, like his father, Draco needed to become circumspect. Someone had told him he acted more like a Gryffindor than a Slytherin. It was a comment that really rankled him. It had also slowly crept under his skin and he was realizing he was not being a Slytherin. His father had told him he needed to stop acting a spoilt brat. Draco had just thought that was because he had a small tantrum when he didn't get a Firebolt. His father had told him he hadn't earned it after getting such poor grades last year.
Draco wasn't sure what had made the change in his father, except that he seemed very concerned about Potter and Greengrass.
"Draco, I can't stand them either, but if you are caught, you may be in trouble like Gregory," Pansy said, sounding a little worried, not snide like she normally would when she mentioned Potter or Greengrass. He didn't like that.
The Malfoys, Parkinsons, Notts, Crabbes and others were the crème de la crème of their world. The half-blood and blood traitors were lower that low. How was it their power was on the rise?
"I will not get caught," he assured her.
-oOo-
December 3, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
"Muggle money is simpler in many ways. You don't need to do a conversion of 27 knuts to a sickle, and 17 Sickles to a Galleon. You have pence and you have pounds. One-hundred pence to a pound. Where it gets complicated for many wizards is the numerous denominations," Mr. Bouvier said as he put up slides to show the various coins and bills.
"How is this worth anything? It's just a painted piece of paper," Draco said, holding a five-pound note in the air and looking at the designs on it.
"It has value because the government insures it's value. In the No-Maj world, there are too many people and too much money to stamp gold or silver coins, or even use reserves to back them."
"You mean this is worthless?" Draco snarled.
Nott had held up his own note. "I think Mr. Bouvier is saying it is more like a draft slip with Gringotts."
"Exactly, Mr. Nott. If I was to take this into a broker, or some banks, I could get five-pounds worth of gold, but I am telling you, five pounds worth of gold wouldn't even be enough to plate a ring," their professor instructed.
This seemed to get some people attention around the room. "You mean the goblins are taking advantage of us?" Dean asked, looking incredulously at the professor. "My mum was only given a galleon per five pounds."
Mr. Bouvier chuckled. "Since when does a goblin trade fairly when it is not in their best interest? But, no, I don't think they are cheating us in this. Wizarding gold is not the same as the pure gold that the No-Maj like. Wizarding gold is actually an amalgam of gold, goblin silver and copper to make it worth the ounce or so of gold in a standard galleon and to stand up to the abuse the coins get over time. To the No-Maj, the coins would be worth about a hundred and seven pounds right now, but due to the statute of secrecy, the ICW has given the goblins exclusive rights to set the trade value in Europe since we can't use wizarding currency in the real world."
"Back in the States, I could easily get a good fifty dollars for a gold dragot. That exchange changes with the market but is usually about 40 percent of the current price for an ounce of gold. The puckwedgies run the largest two banks in the States, and the two goblin banks are forced to follow suit or go out of business."
There was some murmuring around the room.
"On the reverse, a galleon goes much farther in the Wizarding world than that five-pound bill in your hands. A good meal might be fifteen pounds. I spent about 15 sickles for the same at the Three Broomsticks last night. So, there are tradeoffs."
Harry was looking at the reaction of the wizard-raised. His group had already come to terms with it. Pansy was muttering something about 'bloody goblins', while Draco just stared at the note. Harry was wondering what the blonde ponce was thinking.
After a few, Parvati asked, "Mr. Bouvier, how much money do muggles make a year?"
"Good question. Depends on the job. Someone like a sanitation worker or a barista could make twelve to fifteen thousand pounds a year on the low end. A solicitor or doctor maybe ninety to a hundred-fifty thousand pounds a year. Some much more. Others struggle to make anything."
"My dad says most new Ministry workers only earn a hundred-fifty galleons a month," Ron spoke up.
Harry did the quick math. That meant seventeen-hundred galleons a year. If they had convert it to pounds-sterling, that would only be eighty-five hundred pounds.
Many around the room were obviously doing the same and thinking what that meant in the No-Maj world. The look of disgust that a No-Maj sanitation worker made more than an entry-level wizard in the ministry was obviously not sitting well with most of the wizard raised, especially since the Ministry was probably the single largest employer in their world.
"Now, to get back to the importance of this all, the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh years will be going into Inverness in a few weeks. I want to make sure you know what all this money means and to give you time to request any exchange with the goblins," Mr. Bouvier said, turning away from them and using a long stick to point at the pictures on the screen.
Harry leaned over to Daphne. "I already have a few hundred pounds if you need."
She nodded. "I have my own, thank you."
"Father is going to hear about this. If the goblins are cheating us of any of this, then they will not be pleased," Draco said in a low voice to Pansy.
Pansy looked at him. "Why would you have muggle money? You didn't know about anything Muggle before this year."
Draco looked like he suddenly realized he said too much and shut his mouth. Harry looked at him, wanting to ask the same question.
"So, for the rest of the class, we will be using the money I gave you to practice. Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter and Mr. Thomas, would you care to act as store clerks?" Mr. Bouvier pointed at the three stations to the side. One was a Tube booth, another a newspaper stall and, the last, a candy counter.
Hermione stood, "Of course, Mr. Bouvier."
Draco made a soft snort. "Figures the mudblood..."
"That will be a detention and five points, Mr. Malfoy," Mr. Bouvier said from the front of the room, not even turning to look at the boy. Harry smirked at the look on Malfoy's face.
"Tough luck, old bean," Harry put in at almost a whisper, using the no-Maj saying.
Malfoy snarled at him. Harry had a feeling that Malfoy didn't know what it meant.
"Mr. Potter, that is enough. Three points from Gryffindor."
"Yes, Sir. Sorry, sir," Harry replied.
-oOo-
December 8, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne was worried. Harry had been very quiet and withdrawn the last few weeks since the dragon attack. He had also been a bit jumpy, reminding her of Professor Moody.
She had to admit that she wasn't as carefree as she had been becoming. She was happy she hadn't seen the burnt Aurors, but she could remember the smell...
Neville was finally back to full health, as was Tracey. Well, as much as he could be. There was a small burn scar on his neck that was slowly fading. Tracey still had some on her left foot as well. Removing burn scars caused by magical means was not an easy or short-term method. Any scar hat was made by a magic laced method was always hard to vanish. The lightening shaped line still visible on Harry's head was proof of that.
Madam Longbottom wasn't recovering quickly. She had lost part of her leg and was still recovering from the severe burns she had received.
Neville told them they only heard the dragon roar as it dropped out of the sky at them. He had been able to get a shield up, but it hadn't covered all of them. The fact three Aurors had been just a dozen paces away when it happened saved their lives as the Aurors were able to attract the attention of the dragon before it went on too much of a rampage.
Sitting at the table with them for every meal was no longer an option. Actually, almost all the Neutral children were sitting with their allies away from the Slytherin table. Goyle had been taken away the day after the attack and had not returned yet. Most of those around Malfoy were very subdued, but she knew they were watching them.
The others were talking in hushed tones as they looked over the Daily Prophet.
After picking at his food for a few moments, Harry softly said, "Daphne, can we go for a walk instead of the library?"
First period on Thursdays was an empty period for them all and they always went to the library. She reached a hand under the table to his. "All you have to do is ask."
Harry gave her a troubled smile. He got up, pulling her up as he did. Soon they were in an empty hallway. Harry sat on a ledge of a window, and she sat next to him. Sleet and rain was hitting the window.
"I got a letter from your father the other day," he said, looking out at the window.
"Is that why you have been so quiet the last few days? What did he say?"
Harry pursed his lips. "He wants me to declare a Blood Feud with House Goyle and Crabbe. He says there is evidence that they were both involved in the dragon and the Abbott's cotillion," he told her.
She took in a deep breath. Blood feuds were not something to mess around with. "Harry, you do understand what a blood feud is?"
"I know what Madam Bulstrode has told us. Once one is called, the only way to end it is to eliminate the house or pay an appropriate tribute to the aggrieved house."
"That is true, but there is more too it. Madam Bulstrode didn't have time to go over all the rules. Harry, if you call a blood feud, you would have to prove who the aggrieved party is. That means this goes to the Wizengamot or you have to participate in a duel between Heads of the Houses. It can take years for the Wizengamot to come to a decision, and it opens any duels between the Houses as legal, whether they are arranged or not. Until the Heads of Houses meet, any number of lower duels can be called, then whomever is called upon has to be the dueler," she softly replied.
Harry pursed his lips and turned to her. "Daphne, there isn't anyone else in my House."
"There is Hermione, Harry. You are her protector, and she is your vassal, in this situation. Until the Wizengamot decided who is in the right, either House can try to decide it through duels. Ambushes count, Harry. Whomever loses now has to give a boon, or face another duel. The question is can you convince the Wizengamot? And can you convince them fast if the Goyles are not convicted?"
"I want to see them rot, but I don't want to endanger Hermione. Why do this if Lord Goyle is already facing a trial? Are there other Goyle's not arrested or involved in the trials?"
"A conviction by the Wizengamot would prove you the aggrieved party. Since both incidents could have been deadly, you would be owed equal payment or equal chance to see that visited upon them," she told him. "As for other family, only Lady Goyle is not currently in jail, that I know of."
Harry took her hands into his. "So, I call a Blood Feud. Lord Goyle is convicted. What then? What type of boon are we talking about? Your father didn't say."
She shook her head. "If he is stripped of his Lordship, you would have rights to claim it. Gregory and any other Goyle inline would be stripped of that opportunity. Or, you can choose to let the line of the Goyles die out. Because they tried to kill us, you would also be given a portion of their holdings."
"So, I declare a blood feud, they are both tried and found guilty by the Wizengamot, and I have a choice. Do I want to be Head of the Goyles?" He asked more to himself than Daphne.
The gears in her head were whirling. This is probably what father was after. "Harry, I think you should talk with your aunt. If the Crabbes go to trial, it could be the same issue. I am not sure my father is not trying to gain control of those houses, either through you or by using you."
His face hardened. The fire that was in his eyes when upset lit immediately. She had known him long enough, and Hermione had told her, that she knew he didn't like to be controlled or played. As his intended, she had a choice: honour her family or honour her intended, who was going to be her future family. It was a choice she did not like, but she wouldn't betray Harry.
"I see," he said after a few.
"Harry, I don't think he means it in a bad way. This is a political move. One I think he has thought about and realized that at least Lord Goyle will be convicted in a few weeks, and then stripped of his Lordship for trying to assassinate us. Assassination attempts towards Wizengamot members or their heirs, it is not something the Wizengamot takes kindly too," she informed him.
Harry didn't say anything for a few. She could see him thinking behind the fire in his eyes. After a few, he said in a cool voice. "Daphne, I won't be used like this. Dumbledore did that for too many years. If this is what your father expects of me, I am not sure us being in a courtship is a good thing."
The pain in his eyes was apparent. She felt a sickly swooping feeling in her gut. It was almost panic. "Harry, I will never do that to you and will try to point out whenever I see something like that. I am your intended. As such, my loyalties are to you... above my family at times."
His hard green orbs softened after a moment, and he sighed. "Daphne, I will never ask you to choose me over your family. Amelia warned me your father might try to use me at some point."
"I really don't think he means you harm. If you were to gain the fortune and holdings the Goyles have, it will only increase your standing. I am sure he is looking at this as a good thing," she tried to reason. She could see the upside, but the downside of how Harry would perceive this.
"What do you think?" he put to her.
She thought for a moment. "I don't know, Harry. There is a real chance you will have to duel if the Goyle's reject your demand for compensation. I don't know if you are good enough yet. You would put Gregory Goyle into the ground, but if you have to duel Lord Goyle. or a cadet line Head we don't know about, I just don't know."
She also didn't like the idea that if Harry did this, she might be required to give birth to someone with the Goyle name. Absorbing lines without a marriage was a tricky thing, even if won by conquest. Harry might have to take on a second wife.
Not a thought she wanted.
Harry snorted. "So, you doubt I could do it?"
She blinked for a moment. "I don't doubt you can do anything that you put your mind too, but if we are almost talking a month or two before a duel like that, not even you could power your way through that right now."
Harry smirked. "Well, so much for me being leader then."
She flushed when she realized what he was doing. She tried to pull her hands out of his, but he wouldn't let go. "I never said I am giving up on you."
"I know, Daph. I've just been thinking a lot in the last few weeks."
She squeezed his hands. "I know. Care to talk about it?"
He let out a long breath. "Daph, I really like you," he started with and the bad feeling came back.
"You better not be breaking our agreement," she told him, tightening her hold on his hands now.
His eyes looked sad. "You have to understand, Daph. I thought things would get better when Amelia took me in and we found my parents will. The truth is, I am dangerous. Death seems to follow me..."
She wasn't having this. Moving, she gave him a kiss before pulling back. "Harry, you are a powerful wizard. Powerful wizards always attract other magic to them. Right now, our parents are shaking things up in the Wizengamot. We are their heirs. For now on, we will be at every solstice meet, and after next summer it will be expected for us to be at the Equinox meets as well. Whomever wants our alliance broken, they think we are the best target. Even if you break our courtship agreement, I will still be in as much danger."
She didn't take her eyes off of his. After a moment, Harry sighed. He leaned in, pecked her and then put his forehead against hers. "I just can't see you or anyone else hurt or killed."
Daphne held his hands as tightly as she could.
"Then we keep up with our training. We all stick together. All our friends look up to you, Harry. Together we are strong," she said fiercely.
"Alone we are vulnerable," he replied. She hadn't quite thought of it like that, but it was apt. It put name to her fear of having so few.
"Then it is me and you, and all our friends, allies and family. We will not be vulnerable that way."
Harry smiled. It was the first real smile since the dragon. "Well, if it is me and you, I was thinking that I forgot to do something this week."
"And what is that?"
"Well, the Headmistress did announce the Yule Ball, and I haven't asked the prettiest girl in school yet..." Harry said with a quirk to his mouth.
Playing along, she backed up, putting her nose in the air. "No, you haven't yet."
Harry shrugged and went to get up. She was stunned for a second. "Where are you going?"
"To ask her," he said, a small grin on his face.
Her eyes narrowed and dropped his hands. He had never given Fleur Delacour anything more than a cursory glance. Had he finally found the French Champion more attractive than her? "You better not be talking about that Beauxbatons witch most are still drooling over."
Harry shrugged again. "She's not bad looking, but she isn't the one I want to ask."
"And who would that be?"
Harry stood tall and gave her a bow. "I do think it's the right thing to do this the proper way. Heiress Greengrass, would you do me the honour of escorting you the night of December twenty-second?"
She huffed, before smiling. Standing up, she returned the appropriate curtsy and extended her hand. "Scion Potter, it would be my pleasure to give you that honour."
He took her hand, kissed it, and then she let out a small squeak as he suddenly pulled her in and gave her a deep, needy kiss. It was the first one like this they had shared in weeks. When he pulled back, she found herself breathing a little heavily and liked when his forehead gently met hers again.
"Are you better now?"
He closed his eyes. "No, but I am better when I am with you."
She gave him a sad smile. Neville had told Tracey that Harry was having a rough time sleeping. "Then I guess you will just have to spend all the time you can around me."
"Sunday is our first match against Beauxbatons, and we have three practices this week," he told her.
"I'll be at your practices. You think I'm going to let you lose?"
Harry chuckled. "I guess I need to add to your collection."
Her smile was coy. "You better. Two is not enough."
"As my lady wishes," he replied before pecking her lips again. Harry pulled her in, and she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. She couldn't keep the shiver in. He had tried to push her away. Right now, he was the rock keeping her grounded as she worked through the aftereffects of the attack.
-oOo-
December 11, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
It was a blustery, cold day. He was happy Hermione and Tracey knew some good warming spells as he sat above the pitch. He was mid field, a good forty feet above his chasers, as he was supposed to be for the first release of the quaffle.
Opposite him was a girl with light-brown hair and the powder blue quidditch robes and gear of Beauxbatons. She looked to be a year or two older. "Good luck," he said.
"I won't need it," she responded in a heavy French accent.
Harry snorted. So, this was not going be a friendly game. "Have your way," he said lowly.
"The crowd is anxiously awaiting the first match of our friendly tournament. Our own Hogwarts has a team with a few people I hear are top notch..." Bagman's voice was echoing around the stadium.
"Right, a good clean game. From all of you," Madam Hooch yelled over the wind and crowd.
"The Quaffle is in the air and Davis from Hogwarts beats out Cilley from Beauxbatons..."
Harry, not really caring about what Bagman was saying, took off in a leisurely pace around the stadium. Madam Hooch had released the snitch before the teams came out, so he had no clue where to look first.
The Beauxbatons girl was shadowing him. "What's your name?" Harry asked, scanning the pitch. Even with the cold wind buffeting them, it was a great day to play in the full sun.
She didn't answer. Instead looking around and scanning the field. Harry was taking this seriously, but he would like to know her name. If she wasn't willing to play nice though, he wasn't either. Looking down, he saw the Beauxbatons Chasers rushing up the field with Fred and George lining up an interruption.
Seeing the opportunity, and the snitch nowhere in site, he dove. "Merde!" he heard behind him and grinned as he sped towards the ground' "Snitch Two!" Harry yelled out. Just as they practiced, Harry dove, just barely missing the lead Beauxbatons Chaser. Somehow both bludgers made it to the twins' bats and a few seconds after hearing the crack of the Beater bats hitting the bludgers, he heard the scream of a girl behind him.
Harry pulled up, again, just barely avoiding a Beauxbatons Chaser and returned to seeking height. The whistle was blown, and he looked down to see the Beauxbatons' Seeker on the pitch holding her arm. Harry winced.
He had played the way he should, but he hadn't wanted her to get hurt. After a moment, she got up, shaking out her arm and took up her broom. Roger gave him a thumbs up while Fred and George grinned. The Beauxbatons team had laughed at them to have so many under-classmen on their team. After that, the French school should take them more seriously. With some of the glares pointed at him, he figured he didn't make any friends.
He wasn't really trying too.
Most of the time the French Seeker was on the ground, Harry had searched and seen something interesting down the other side of the field. As she flew up, looking very disgruntled, Harry figured he now had the upper hand for the rest of the match.
Over the next hour or so, Harry kept an eye on the snitch as the battle below heated up. Roger wanted them fifty or more up before he caught the snitch. His competition had tried to fake him out once, and he followed, using it to break up another Beauxbatons play.
The score was eighty to fifty when Roger gave him the nod to do his thing. Harry had lost the snitch on the last interruption. He started to seriously search now. About ten minutes later, he saw it while the girl was trying to get ahead of him. He decelerated enough to let her go by and then dove. She hesitated for half a second, probably thinking Harry was trying to spook her again. This time though he was serious and let his Firebolt go to its full speed. She was flying a Nimbus 2000 and the second of hesitation cost her. Harry was already three broom lengths ahead and the chase was on.
It took him two minutes to chase down the snitch, but the Beauxbatons girl was never in the chase, always behind Harry. When he finally caught the snitch after flying straight up over the pitch, the whistle blew, and the stands exploded with cheering from most in the stands.
Harry was buried in a scrum of his teammates when he landed, before they lined up to congratulate the other team. When Harry got to the girl, he shook her hand. "Harry Potter."
She looked disgruntled. "'ou played bette' than expected. Next time I shall win," she told him.
He flashed her a smile, knowing he would practice more. Again, she had refused to give her name, as though he was some bug that was below her. Roger clapped his shoulder when he joined him at the end of the line. "I see you are making friends," Roger said with a smile.
"Yeah, you know. I always like to make friends," Harry told him.
Roger laughed. By now, the fans were being let onto the pitch and he shook Neville's hand before Daphne was launching herself at him, throwing her hands around his neck and giving him a big, slobbery kiss before pulling away. His smile had that goofy quality to it.
Fred and George wolf whistled. "Way to go, Harry!"
"You get both snitches!" George yelled.
Daphne turned three shades of red as Katie hit the laughing twin. Harry knew he must look a little flush as well. He held out the snitch to her. "Another for your collection."
She pecked his lips before taking his arm. "Thank you."
"Party in Gryffindor!" Fred yelled out and all the students around them cheered. Harry had no clue if that was by the rules, but they were about to find out.
As they were leaving the pitch, Amelia, Sirius, the Greengrasses and Davises met them outside the stadium. Daphne was still clinging to his arm but stood up taller. "That was some game," Lord Greengrass complimented.
"Thank you, Lord Greengrass."
"I am glad I was able to see you play after hearing how you usually fly," Amelia said. "Just keep the death defying stunts to a minimum."
Harry grinned. "I'll try, Auntie," he said. She blinked a few times. Apparently, Susan was wearing off on him and he was seeing her as a beloved relative.
Sirius grinned and came in for a hug. "That was brilliant, pup! James would have been so proud, and Lily would have been chastising you for the next few months."
Harry grinned and he hugged the man back. "I'm just worried about Durmstrang now."
"I think you will beat them handedly," another voice came. Harry turned to see Remus.
"Maybe. I've heard Krum is their seeker. He gets to play them on Boxing Day. How are you, Remus?" Harry asked, holding out his hand.
A few winced. "Tough break, that," Sirius commented.
"Harry can win," Daphne said resolutely.
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Thanks for the confidence vote."
She smiled back at him. Her mother nodded. "I think your flying is some of the best I have seen, Harry. If Daphne thinks you can, I will put my support behind the sentiment."
"Thank you, Lady Greengrass."
He turned back to Remus. "How are you?"
"Much better. Thank you for visiting me that day. It helped to sort out many things for me," the werewolf said.
Harry nodded. "I think for both of us."
"Auntie!" Susan said, finally joining them with Hannah and moving to give Amelia a hug.
"Now, I was hoping to steal you and my daughter for a bit, then you can go join your friends," Anders asked.
Daphne moved back in to wrap her arms around his left. Harry replied, "Sure. I'm sure they will be partying until it is broken up later."
"I'm sure," Sirius said with a big smile. Soon, the group was off to Hogsmeade for a toast in the Three Broomsticks.
-oOo-
December 20, 1994
London, England
Harry was glad to be home for a few days. Most were staying at school for the Yule Ball tomorrow night, but most that were going to be heirs of Wizengamot seats that were fourteen or older, had come home for the meet tomorrow as well. They would be returned to Hogwarts after the first break tomorrow.
Today, though, was going to be their yule celebration. Harry knew it as Christmas, but most that were older families or had grown up only in the Wizarding World, observed the older Pagan holiday, just with the more modern traditions.
It was one of those traditions that had him grumbling as Susan flopped on his bed. "Come on. Auntie, Sirius and Remus are already waiting for us," she said with a huge smile.
"Alright. I'm up," he said, rubbing his eyes and sitting up.
Susan giggled. "Grumpy much?"
"When an annoying pixie gets me up," he retorted, giving a big yawn.
She gave a devious grin. "Oh, come off it. There will be presents and Tipsy and Minsy always serve breakfast in the family room," she told him, hopping off the bed and wrapping the house coat around her. He watched her leave the room. "Oh, and Daphne should be coming over later for dinner this afternoon."
Yawning again, he called out, "Dobby."
Harry got out of bed and put his slippers on before Dobby came into the room. "The Great Harry call Dobby?"
Harry sighed. "It's just Harry," he said. Dobby just nodded his head before Harry asked, "Can you please put my presents behind the tree?"
Dobby smiled. "Dobby already do that last night. Would the Great Harry like fresh orange juice this morning?"
"Please. And some strong tea too?" Harry asked as he made his way out of the room.
In the family room, Susan was looking around the tree at a pile of presents. Harry had never had this experience before. Amelia and Sirius were talking. When he was spotted, Sirius gave him a huge smile. "Happy Christmas, pup."
"Happy Christmas," he replied.
"Can we open presents now?" Susan asked, reaching for a few boxes.
Amelia laughed. "She's been waiting almost an hour for you to wake," she said towards Harry. "Do you want to wait for Remus?"
Sirius shook his head. "He wasn't planning on being by until later this morning, and the Greengrasses should be over by then."
Harry perked up. "Daphne is coming over this morning? I thought they were coming for dinner?"
"I did invite them to our Christmas dinner at one," Amelia said, "but Illiana said they would be over about half-ten. Something about Daphne wanting to come over early."
Harry fought down his flush at the look she was giving him and Susan saying, "I bet she wants to come early."
He had to repress the urge to hit her. Hannah and Tracey were being bad influences on her. The wagging of Sirius' brow had his neck feeling warm.
Even with the light teasing, to feel like he was with family was more of a gift than the ones under the tree. Smiling, he helped Susan give out the gifts. He was pleased to find some new clothes, especially a new winter cloak with several pockets on the inside. The one Amelia had gotten him in February was a little small now and looked a little worse for wear.
Susan was bouncing around to get a small wizard wireless set, a small gramophone and small vinyl records that Sirius said a new shop in Diagon Alley was making. He said many of the modern muggle music were being transposed onto the vinyl disks. Amelia and him had gone in on them.
Harry was pleased to find he had gotten the same thing with a small collection of six records. Each had a half dozen songs on them, two or three on each side. He only recognized one band as one Dudley used to listen too, and he already knew he didn't like them.
The biggest surprise came when Sirius had both him and Susan open a small gift together. "This book doesn't have a title," Susan said, a little confused.
Harry looked at the embossed paws and hoof on the cover. "Sirius, is this what I think it is?"
"Your father's journal on how we became Animagus," Sirius told him.
Susan looked up, her eyes as wide as Harry's. "Animagus?"
"Wicked," Harry said in wonder as he looked down and ran his hand over the cover.
"We have all decided that you have progressed far enough and are all strong enough to start the process. It will probably take a year or two to complete, but there is no reason you can't start now and be done by your owls," Amelia said.
Susan jumped up and threw herself at Sirius. "You're welcome, red," he said affectionately to the girl.
Harry opened the book. "When do we start?"
Sirius chuckled as Susan pulled off him and hugged her auntie.
"Take a look through the journal first. In January, you will start meeting with McGonagall every other Wednesday evening at seven. She will take you through the initial stages, and next summer I will take over," Sirius told them. "By then, you should know enough to know if you want to go through the process or not."
"Wicked," he said again, really excited he could do something that his father had.
Susan and Harry were still really hyper when they went to the atrium about ten-thirty. The Greengrasses were to be over any minute now. When the fire flared, Harry was a little disappointed to see Remus, but soon was shaking the man's hand, and then being pulled into a one arm hug. Harry didn't flinch or try to back away.
"Happy Christmas, Harry. Merlin, you look more like James every time I see you. He was about five-ten. How tall are you now?" Remus asked, letting him go.
"Five-seven and three quarters," Harry said with a broad smile. A fourteen-and-a-half, he was one of the taller boys in his year, others having caught up to his growth spurt now. Especially Ron.
As though echoing his thoughts, Susan said, "He is one of the tallest in our year."
"His hair is just as messy too," Sirius teased and ruffled his hair.
"Gert off," Harry complained to Sirius. The man laughed as Harry tried to fight him off. It was to this that the fire flared again, and Anders walked out first. The very proper man raised an eyebrow at Harry pushing Sirius away while the older man was laughing.
"I see we have come at an... inopportune time?" Anders asked.
Daphne came out next, followed quickly by Astoria, and then Iliana. "Will you stop!" Harry groused.
He was too busy trying to fight off Sirius as Amelia shook her head and Susan laughed at them. "Please excuse the children, Anders. It is Yule after all."
"I am not a child," Harry snapped, finally taking a few steps back from his grinning godfather.
"I am. Happy Yule or Christmas, whatever you celebrate," Sirius said to the Greengrasses.
Remus shook his head too. "You and James really were made for each other, Padfoot. Lord Greengrass, Lady Greengrass, it is a pleasure to see you again."
Anders shook his head. "And you, Remus. We are among friends so I think you can call me Anders and my wife Iliana."
"Happy Yule, professor," Daphne said. Daphne gave Harry a look as though she was trying not to laugh as he was still trying to straighten his hair out and huffed.
"You're a berk," Harry told his godfather before straightening up and giving the Greengrasses a small quarter bow. "Happy Yule. Welcome to our home, Grace Hall."
Iliana laughed. "Your hair still needs a brush, but thank you, Harry."
"I think he looks better that way," Susan teased.
"I agree," Daphne spoke up. Harry felt a little heat come to him from the look in her eyes. Later they would need to find a nice place to talk.
"He looks like he just stood in a hurricane," Astoria said, her face uncertain.
"Then he looks like his father," Sirius said, still grinning like a loon.
"James used to try anything he could to tame it when he first started to date Lily," Remus agreed.
"Really," Harry asked, a little intrigued. Daphne came to his side, and he took her hand in his.
"Come on. Let's go open the other presents and we can tell you more about them," Sirius said, putting an arm over his shoulder. Harry didn't shy away like he would have at the beginning of the summer. Daphne came along as Sirius and Remus started to tell him more about his parents.
-o-
Anders watched the men drag Harry and his daughter away. Astoria had drifted over towards Susan. He turned to Amelia, who was shaking her head. "I never should have offered him a room here," she said exasperatedly.
"Been like this all day?" Iliana asked next to her.
"Sirius can be serious when he needs to be, but he's acting more the child than Susan and Harry combined. It is nice to see Harry so excited to learn more about his parents though," she said a little wistfully.
"Auntie, is it alright for Astoria and me to go join them?" Susan enquired.
"Go ahead, Susie. There are no real formalities today," Amelia told them. The two girls rushed up the stairs.
"I must say, I am very pleased with how well our children have gotten along," Anders told her.
"I am as well. Though, Susan has always been kind and open," Amelia replied.
"I am glad they are acting rather normal. Daphne is still suffering at times from the two attacks on them," Iliana said worriedly.
Amelia sighed. "I know. Harry is acting a little paranoid at times. Even Susan is a little uncertain to go out. Do we have the support needed to push through the new laws on criminal activity and to overturn the Pureblood Exemption laws?"
Anders nodded. "I think we have well over a hundred votes at the moment. If we back the new tariffs on artifacts, we will get the thirty-three votes that the Patil's hold."
"That puts us within twenty votes of passage. How about the holdouts from Dumbledore's old block?"
"I think they will vote our way. Many are still upset about the Westfords and want to have answers," Anders replied.
"We will get answers. I just need permission to either use veritaserum or Legilimency," she told him. It had been extremely frustrating. They had caught the Fishmonger, and she had suspicions that the others they had caught knew about the attack at the Abbotts Cotillion, but she couldn't get anything out of them, and since they were purebloods of Wizengamot houses, she couldn't question them about the other attack without them bringing it up first.
"I trust we will. Should we go join our children?" Anders queried, holding his arm out for Iliana. She moved in and took it.
"I think that best. We will be eating a late supper at two," Amelia reminded them.
"Is anyone else joining us?" Illiana enquired.
"We invited the Grangers, Longbottoms and Davises. The Longbottoms were going to the Davises today and the Grangers are expected closer to noon time. Augusta is doing better with her replacement leg, but still doesn't have the energy to do much," Amelia said sadly as they started up the stairs.
"I look forward to Lord Goyle's trial in a few weeks. I want to see the man fry at the end of a spit," Anders said a little vehemently. "Has Harry decided if he will declare a Blood Feud?"
She frowned. Amelia understood what the man was getting at, but she was not in favor of politics in this way. "We have talked about it. Harry doesn't know yet, but knows he needs to decide in the next day or so. He does not like the possible repercussion should Lord Goyle not lose his status. I agree with him. He could win a duel with almost anyone his own age, probably within a year or two at Hogwarts, but he is not ready for a professional dueler."
Anders frowned. "It does not have to come to that. With a conviction, the Goyle's would be required to pay restitution. We could strip them of their Wizengamot seat."
"Then why do you not do it yourself?" Amelia questioned the man.
Iliana didn't look happy. Amelia suspected she did not like this course of action but couldn't say anything against her husband. As forward-thinking Anders was becoming, he was still a traditionalist.
"That wouldn't work. The perception of House Greengrass as a Dark house only seeking power would be proven and we might lose support from some of our more light aligned Houses," Anders said as they made the top landing.
"So, you would use my ward to get it instead?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.
"I would position him and my daughter to gain from this and to give them more power when they are to step up to the Wizengamot someday," he told her. She could tell his conviction was only to forward their position.
She stopped just outside the door to the family room. There was some laughing and talking coming from it. "Iliana, would you give us a moment?" she asked.
"Of course. I should keep Astoria from trying to get to the presents too quickly," she said with a nod.
Amelia made sure the door was closed. Anders had a raised eyebrow as though unsure what this was about. "Anders, when we first considered this alliance, Harry asked me about what might happen. One of my main concerns was you using his naivety to manipulate and control him. I even warned him of it. I am very pleased he trusts me enough to talk to me about this, but he is already growing weary of you. I am telling you now, if you wish to keep the House of Potter on your side, you will treat him more as an equal, or you will lose him."
Anders looked a little taken aback. He went to open his mouth and she went on.
"The betrothal agreement we have both signed allows Daphne and Harry to decide where their relationship goes. You and I cannot manipulate that. If we do, I promise you, Harry will see through it, and my feeling is that he will either reject Daphne or ask her where her true loyalties lie, if he hasn't already. You came to me with this idea to change things. Right now, I only see you trying to practice more of the same Blood Purist and Wizengamot politics that you have decided to break. Before you ask Harry if he wishes to go through with the feud, or any other plan you have, consider what it might do. You will find Harry is brighter than you think, and your daughter is guiding him in ways that will benefit both of them but may not be to your liking."
"I support Harry and Daphne and think they are on the right path. Do not destroy that with your manipulations," she told him.
He just stood there, looking a little shocked. "Amelia, my concern is to make sure they are in the best position we can leave them in."
"Then we are to set the field. You and I both know that this game we are playing is not going to be resolved in a few years. We are trying to make a generational shift. Don't you think it's the responsibility of their generation to decide how they want it to look?" She gave the man a hard look.
After a moment, he frowned. "They are only fourteen. Daphne turns fifteen in a few days. It is our responsibility to guide them..."
"Guide them, yes. Decide their future? Decide our vision of that future? Not in the least. I am telling you, Anders, you try and manipulate Harry, once he figures it out, which he did in about an hour after he received your letter, from what I understand, you will lose him. Most likely your daughter too. Daphne already looks to be throwing her lot in with him," she stated. "Remember, we will have no say if they choose to enter a betrothal. It is their decision. We can help with the details, but that agreement cannot cause either of us to force it unless they become intimate and Daphne pregnant."
The man just blinked, not responding.
After a moment, she nodded her head towards the door. "Harry is having his first real Christmas and Yule celebration today. He has been manipulated and abused most of his life. If you do anything to lessen this experience for him, we will have words. I plan to ensure his day is very memorable. I would appreciate you do the same."
With that, she took the nob and entered the family room. The four kids were laughing as Sirius chased Remus around the room with a twig of mistletoe. The werewolf was threatening to turn the 'old mutt' into a toad, his wand waving at Sirius. When Sirius suddenly stopped over Harry and Daphne, Daphne didn't hesitate to peck Harry. Susan had said they were being rather close when they thought they were alone or among their friends, but rather chaste otherwise. This caused many to goad them into a deeper kiss. Iliana was shaking her head.
Amelia smiled at the antics.
It was several minutes later that Anders followed her, the smile on his face not really touching his eyes at times, and she caught him looking pensive at times when he thought others were not looking at him. Amelia hoped she had gotten through to him.
She really did like Daphne. The girl was good for Harry. Harry was good for her. They just needed to stay out of it, otherwise Amelia feared they would poison the very changes they all wanted.
-o-
Daphne was having a very good time today. The Bones and Harry had been marvelous hosts so far. The antics of Sirius and Mr. Lupin were rather entertaining. It was like seeing their more rambunctious classmates, the Weasley Twins, just twenty years older.
After dinner, Astoria rushed off with Susan to her room to see the new dresses and to 'talk'. She had her suspicion Astoria was going to grill Susan on her and Ernie, and maybe get some hints about what she should do. In the last few months, her sister had started to show more interest in boys. At thirteen, Daphne would have been surprised if her sister hadn't. And with the way Hannah, Tracey and Susan talked at times, Daphne wasn't surprised her younger sister gravitated to them about boys. Knowing her three friends, Daphne was glad she was talking with them than others she could be talking with in Slytherin.
As they ran off to Susan's room, Harry and her were shooed away while the grownups went to Madam Bones study. Even her mother went. Her mother said today was not going to be a day to talk about shop, but a letter had come shortly before supper that had Amelia looking worried for a few.
"You think something has gone wrong for their Wizengamot plans," Harry asked, his hand in hers.
"I think it highly likely. So, my sister went to Susan's room, should you show me yours?" In all the times she had been here over the summer, they had rarely gone anywhere except the roof gardens, the library, training rooms or the family room.
Harry got a grin on his face that sent a little thrill through her. "If you want," he told her.
She found she very much wanted to. She looked around, just to make sure no one was looking and they both rushed up to his room. The second his door closed, she didn't care what else was in the room. It had been almost three days since she had been able to really kiss him and her arms wrapped around him so that her hands could run into his hair. He didn't wait to lean his head down and his tongue was almost immediately on her lips.
She moaned at his aggressiveness today, his hands on her hips and then rubbing her sides. She had not wanted to get into any heavy petting or anything yet, too afraid of what she had heard from other girls and where it might lead.
Today, when his hands seemed to accidentally rub close to the side of her breasts, she felt a hot heat go through her. She was going to be fifteen in a few days. Maybe she shouldn't be as afraid of being touched. She wanted too Harry more as well. She had also been trained to be a proper lady…
The feel of Harry's hands stroking her sides though was too nice.
She pulled back, realizing she needed to gasp for air. Her chest heaved and she felt the way her chest rubbed against Harry's in her dress. It had a really warm feeling form in the pit of her stomach and trickle down between her legs.
Harry wasn't in any better shape. "Happy Christmas," he said, his eyes half hooded and the green embers only serving to increase this warm feeling in her.
"Happy Christmas," she replied, her voice breathier than she meant. The way his eyes went from intense to just about molten at her words, had the warmth between her legs grow more. Months ago she would not have had the courage to do what she was about to.
"Harry?"
He leaned his head in, pecking her lips before putting his forehead on hers. Merlin! Did he know what that did to her?! She took one of her hands out of his really messy black hair now. "If you want," she said, a little shyly as she put her hand on his, "you can touch me a little more."
She could swear she felt his heart thud in his chest with how closely she was pressed against him. She took his hand and moved it to her bottom. She moaned when he squeezed a little. "From here," she stated, and then moved her hand, with his in it, up her side until his hand was at the side of her breast. She didn't have enough courage yet to move it to her front, but she couldn't deny she had an urge too. "To here."
He licked his lips. "If you want to touch, I won't say no," he told her.
She just about whimpered at the way his green eyes looked at her. Instead, she moved so that her lips met his and her hand moved to his back. Harry didn't really wait. The second her tongue crossed his lips, his thumb brushed a little more along the side of her swell than she had told him before moving down.
A moan did escape her mouth into his. He didn't press it though as his hands slowly went down her side. She had really enjoyed the sensation of his thumb. When his hand made her waist, she snaked around the back and she groaned when he clutched her arse.
In that time, her hands had done much the same. Feeling as much of his chest as she could. Her body was pressed too firmly against his to do more than what he had done to her. As their kissing became more heated and Harry grabbed her arse, she found herself doing the same.
It was moments of bliss for both of them. When his hands wandered up again, she panted as he brushed the side of her chest again. He ran his thumbs along the side of her swells a few times. With her moans and his groans as she squeezed his bottom, he seemed to be building the courage to do more.
She wasn't sure she wanted to stop him until a knock came at the door and it opened suddenly.
"Harry? Daphne?" Madam Bones enquired as the door opened.
Daphne shot back, slamming into the wall. Harry did the same, jumping almost a yard back. Madam Bones stopped just inside the door, her brow raised and a stern look on her face. They looked at Madam Bones for a second, guilty looks on both their faces. Madam Bones cleared her throat before saying. "Dobby and Tipsy are laying out dessert. I think it time you both came down."
"Yes, Madam Bones," she said, suddenly trying to straighten her now rumpled dress.
"Yes, Auntie Amelia," he said.
Madam Bones hadn't moved yet. "For now on, until you are both at least sixteen, any room you are in in this house will have the door open and I expect all clothes to remain on. Do you understand?"
"Yes, auntie," Harry replied. She just nodded.
"Get yourselves straightened out and come on down."
When Madam Bones left, they both looked a little red-faced as they tried to straighten out their clothes. When she was satisfied, she moved to Harry's side. "I didn't mean to get us in trouble," Harry told her.
She gave him a smile. "I was not complaining," she assured him.
A slight mischievous smirk came to his flush face. "I wasn't either."
After nodded, she said, "If you want to kiss like that again, I won't say no."
His smile grew even broader. "Good. I was rather hoping we could."
She smiled back at him. "Happy Christmas, Harry."
He leaned down to peck her, then held out his arm. "Happy Christmas, Daph."
At least their faces weren't as red anymore when they made it to the formal dinning room at Grace Hall. The grin and wink that Sirius gave them soon reversed that. The look from her father wasn't helping either. She had a feeling either her father or mother would be laying down the same rules once they got home to Greencross Manor.