A/N: As always, it is an honor to create my own world in the reality of Harry Potter. What you recognize is JKR's, the rest is mine.

Harry emerged from his potion aided sleep firmly enveloped in a firm and supportive hug. Blinking the last of the sleep from his eyes, he caught her lips in a gentle kiss that deepened into something just short of passionate. "Good morning. I think there's a position for alarm clock open. Would you like to apply?"

A delighted, musical giggle and another kiss was her response. "When I told you you might be my boyfriend, that and a lot of other positions were filled. For that matter, you filled a bunch of positions for me too. I hope that we'll enjoy learning about them together."

Harry rose and embraced her, murmuring, "Me too", then led her into the sitting room and their loveseat, finding fresh, hot cups of tea awaiting. They settled in on their loveseat and sipped their tea for a moment.

"So, you seemed like you'd had a day and a half by the time we saw each other at lunch. What happened?"

Harry sighed and spent a moment deciding what to tell her and how. "Well, the first part of my morning was about as straightforward as things got. I arrived at Gringotts and Ragnok needed to confer about the court cases: the Dursleys, Dumbledore and Pomfrey. When they're tried, the criminal and civil cases will be wrapped up into one. He told me it was possible to make a statement for Potter, that I'll not be abused or taken advantage of. I understand his point, but told him I didn't want to go beyond what's just. So we drew up and signed paperwork to start that."

Hermione looked intently and read past what he'd said. "This is part of why now being an adult is so hard. You're not being asked to make easy, simple decisions. For what it's worth, I think you made the exactly proper choice. Seeking justice without harshness will prove to everyone that you are truly equal to being Lord Potter. I never had any doubt and I'm very proud of you."

Conversation stopped for a moment. Harry gave her a hug and kiss filled with his gratitude. He angled back in the loveseat, continuing. "Dumbledore has been questioned under Veritaserum and much of what he revealed is very, very disturbing." He paused and she could read the pain she noticed at lunch returning to his face.

"My life has been stage-managed, controlled, manipulated since before I was even born." He soldiered on, past her semi-incredulous, semi-horrified gasp. "You remember last year, after we saved Sirius but couldn't capture Pettigrew? When I told Dumbledore what Trelawney told me?" A nod. "He told me that it was the second true prophecy she'd given and that he should give her a raise. The first time was when she interviewed for the Divination post. This was while my mum was pregnant with me. They were overheard by a DeathEater, but only the first little bit, and he passed what he heard to Voldemort. As events played out, he decided it was me he had to eliminate. You remember the memory the Dementors ripped from me, his attack on my family and my parents' deaths."

Harry couldn't go on. His voice trailed off and he looked greenish. Hermione held on fiercely, stroking his hair, murmuring soft, nonsense phrases and endearments until he stilled and calmed.

"After my parents died, Dumbledore took charge of me. We know Sirius is my godfather. I also have had dreams of flying on a motorcycle we now know was his. What happened between Halloween night and the night of the first, when I was left at the Dursleys is something I don't know yet. Maybe they haven't got to that yet; Merlin knows there's enough to question Dumbledore about. Maybe if they talked to Hagrid, he could tell them more, I'll owl Aunt Amelia tomorrow."

Harry grew pensive again. "I know from the Dursleys that I was left on their doorstep, in a basket with a note. Why would he do something like that? Just like I was a bottle of milk! No one talked to them, no one explained anything to them. Why wouldn't they resent me? What they did to me was abusive and no one should ever have to go through anything like that, but I can almost see things from their side. Particularly if they hate and fear magic, like Aunt Petunia."

Hermione interjected. "Harry, they may have grievances against Dumbledore, but taking them out on a toddler and a little boy was criminal. We saw your scars, your hand-me-down clothes, how thin you got over the Summer. I see how you squint, and I bet those glasses aren't right for you either. They didn't have to love you as much as they do your cousin – I knew kids before I ever came to Hogwarts whose parents favoured one of their children more that the others. But they did have to see you fed and properly clothed and healthy; they did quite the opposite. I can't shed any tears for them, they should have made lemonade, not abused you."

She thought a bit more, chewing on her bottom lip, in that manner Harry found adorable. "Do you remember that Dumbledore told at the end of our first year that it was your mother's love that had protected you and that was why you defeated him again? That may be why he left you there – your mother's only living family – but that's not excusing Dumbledore; he should have given you to them in person, and explained why they had to take you in. He should have made regular visits to ensure that you were healthy and not being abused." Again, she hugged him and kissed his cheek.

Harry went on to another disturbing thought to which the day's revelations had led him. "And what happened to Sirius? Dumbledore knew who the secret keeper was, it was in my parents' will that Dumbledore cast the Fidelius. He knew Sirius didn't betray them. He was the head of the Wizengamot, he could have stopped them from throwing Sirius into Azkaban. I could have lived with him, or with Neville and his gran. Even though his parents weren't able to keep me, Gram would have. If they'd read my parents' will – and why didn't they? – she would have reared me or Aunt Amelia could have reared me with Susan. Only thing I can think of is that maybe he wanted me to not know anything about this world before I had to go to Hogwarts."

"You have a really good point, Harry." Hermione had again been biting her lip in concentration while Harry thought out loud and had gone further down that line of conjecture. "Your birthday is the latest date one can be admitted in any one year. That would not be a problem for someone from a family used to magic, but would be a real handicap for someone like us, who didn't know about magic.

"When I and my parents learned about magic and Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall was the one to tell us. She spent practically an entire day with us, explaining and demonstrating magic and the things one could do with it. A week or so later, she took us, along with several other families in the same position to Diagon Alley to get kitted out.

"I had the advantage of being ten months older than you. You did read through our first year texts, I remember you saying that." A nod. "But I bet no more than once. I had the chance to really study them. Also, we went back to Diagon Alley a couple of times more and I picked up supplemental books. I learned a lot about this world's history and something about the attitudes people who grew up with magic have. Not perfectly, mind, we've seen that. After all, you can't learn everything from books!" A huff at Harry's mock shocked look. Seeing that Harry had mainly recovered his equilibrium, she softly kissed him and suggested he and she go have dinner.

-MhahE-

As they sat to dinner, Harry saw the usual British fare. Remembering his lunch with Amelia, he wished that he could try some of the food that the two foreign champions got at their tables. Apparently, the elves were telepathic, for an assortment of dishes appeared in front of him and Hermione.

"Harry, how did these get here, do you know?"

"Yes, I thought I'd like to expand my horizons and wished to try some of the dishes Fleur and Viktor get, and these showed up."

"You know that I have vacations all over Europe in the summer; so I know about these foods. Shall we explore?"

That was all the invitation Harry needed. They began with foods from the Durmstrang table. There was a rich pork goulash on spätzle, roll mops – pickled herring rolled around gherkins, olives or onions. There were items from what Hermione told him was a traditional smörgåsbord, including the rather strong tasting, but appetizing lutefisk. She told him that smörgåsbords had a lot of other foods, that they could try another time.

They turned to the Beauxbaton table's dishes. There were two soups, bouillabaisse and vichyssoise, both of which were delicious. There was good crusty bread of a type Harry'd not had before and an assortment of terrines and French cheeses. By the time dinner was over, Harry thought he'd never had a finer meal anywhere.

As the Great Hall started to empty, he looked towards his girlfriend. "I need a word with the headmistress and Hagrid, then I'll collect the others. Would you go up to my quarters and have the door open?" A nod and kiss later and Hermione left.

Harry got to the head table and asked Minerva and Hagrid for a private word. Once they were in the anteroom, he got to the point. "I learned some things that Dumbledore confessed to under Veritaserum and it seems that both of you know some things about the day my parents were killed and the next day when I was left at the Dursleys. Would you both contact the DMLE and be interviewed to help the investigation?" Both agreed to do this, and Harry then left the room and collected Fleur, Viktor and Cedric.

-MhahE-

The four TriWizard competitors entered his quarters to find that Hermione had had Dobby arrange comfortable chairs and 'their' loveseat near the fire, with a selection of hot and cold drinks on the tables.

Harry began by introducing Hermione to the others as his girlfriend, adding "Fleur, thank you for telling me what you did the other night. Hermione and I talked about it and it ended with us realizing how we felt and now we're boyfriend and girlfriend."

"'Arri, I was glad to give you both a nudge, but I think I only sped you up by a bit."

Hermione couldn't let that go by. "Perhaps, Fleur, but with Harry's fears about what is to come, you gave us more time together, we hope, so I add my thanks to his. Now, I don't play Quidditch, so I'll sit back and try not to be bored whilst you four plan for Saturday."

The other four chuckled and began to discuss the sort of drills their various teams used for Chasers. They soon found common ground. Settling on a terminology, they planned a twenty-five minute exhibition of Quaffle handling, starting with one ball and ending with four. The maneuvers would get increasingly complicated. While it would be difficult to execute, without a practice and only a bit of warm up, all four were confident of their skills. Viktor, Cedric and Harry agreed that they'd trust Bagman to manage the Seeker competition.

After the Quidditch talk, Hermione brought the discussion around to food. Harry told Fleur and Viktor what they had ate at dinner that night. Both were impressed at the pair's willingness to try different foods. They admitted that neither the Slytherins nor the Ravenclaws seemed at all interested in expanding their culinary horizons.

Viktor said that in addition to further exploring the smörgåsbord, he'd make sure the elves gave them other dishes he liked, such as beef stroganoff and various forms of paprikash. He noted that he found the paprikash particularly tasty with kasha, toasted buckwheat groats.

Fleur said that she and her Beauxbatons schoolmates enjoyed a wide range of French dishes and it would be no problem to send some over to them. She wanted them to let her know what they liked or disliked as they tasted her country's foods.

Cedric surprised all of them when he told them that his father had represented the Ministry in Turkey for several years. He learned to love their foods and brought that love back home. Cedric admitted he loved that food too and promised that when he had Turkish at Hogwarts he'd have the elves share with the others.

-MhahE-

Harry and Hermione were pleased that the get together had gone so well. On their way back to the Gryffindor tower, after bidding their guests farewell in the Great Hall, Hermione saw her boyfriend in deep thought, then come to a decision.

"Love, I need to talk to the twins. Something just fell into place and I need to see if I'm right." She grew concerned to hear his muttered "Potter luck if I am right."

They entered the common room and saw the twins with their friend Lee Jordan. Happily, Ron was nowhere in sight. Harry caught Fred's eye and he and George walked over to the couple.

"I need to ask you a couple questions, but not in here. Can you come over to my quarters?" They nodded and the four went. When they were seated and given refreshments, Harry asked "Before your third year, did you go to Platform 9 3/4 through Kings Cross Station?"

Fred and George looked at each other, then both looked pensive, an expression that no one at Hogwarts had ever seen and few would have thought possible. "That is really odd, Harrikins," mused George.

"Yeah" said Fred "we used the Floo our first two years. So did Percy, Charlie and Bill before us."

"We never thought of that, all magical families use the Floo, it's just a lot simpler." Continued George. "For some reason, the change went right past us and I guess it did for Percy too."

Hermione and Harry exchanged a look that spoke volumes. "Thanks for sharing that with us, guys." Said Harry. They entertained the twins for a few minutes more, then saw them back to the common room. Then Harry took Hermione's hand. "Come on, we need a quick word with Aunt Amelia."

They went up to the Headmistress' office and explained the situation. Shortly, Harry spoke to his godmother. "Aunt Amelia, I just talked with the Weasley twins. They told us that before our first year, they always took the Floo to the platform, just like you and Gram told us all magical families do. But the last four years, they've gone to King's Cross instead. Something smells. We think that you need to question Dumbledore about this and maybe Mr. and Mrs. Weasley too. This could help explain Ron's behavior since we've known him."

Amelia looked gravely at the duo. "I see your reasoning and it seems sound. The main question is if they are in cahoots with Dumbledore, or are being forced in some way. I'll look into it and get back to you tomorrow."

They thanked Professor McGonagall and Harry escorted Hermione back to Gryffindor as it was close to curfew.

"Are you going to be OK?"

"Not sure, love. There were so many disturbing things today, and some I can't even talk about yet, they're things I still have a lot to learn about before I can talk about them to others; I'd talk to you about them if I could. I don't know if I'll sleep at all tonight. But don't let that stop you, sleep well, my Hermione." They shared a deep, long kiss, confirming their feelings, then she muttered the password and went inside.

-MhahE-

An hour or so later, Harry lay in his bed. He'd been sadly accurate, sleep was eluding him and perhaps would for the whole night. He considered, then rejected having Dobby asked Healer Gentry for a sleeping potion. He didn't want to depend on potions to sleep; anyway he suspected it wouldn't work tonight anyhow. He sighed, then started when another person popped into the bed.

"Hermione? How? Why?"

"Dear, Dobby told me you couldn't sleep and he brought me to you. I've had charms on my bed curtains since first year, so Parvati and Lavender wouldn't keep me up, so they'll not know I'm gone. Dobby'll take me back about 5:30 tomorrow so they won't even know I was gone." She punctuated her explanation with a series of tender kisses, smiling inwardly as Harry began to relax. "Remember, I told you I filled a lot of positions for you. This is one of them. I'm here for you tonight and every night you need me – even for every single night for the rest of our lives, if I have my wish." Continuing to kiss him, she cuddled into him as she felt his eyes close and his pulse and breathing slow and become regular. Only then did she drift off into a deep, satisfied slumber.

-MhahE-

For one of only a few times in his life, Harry enjoyed a deep, dreamless night's rest. So deep in fact that when Dobby popped Hermione away, he didn't wake. He woke to Dobby's call at 6:00, momentarily startled, but remembering, smiled and did his morning routine. When she came in, he hugged and kissed her very deeply, leaving them both breathless. "You are far past being magical, you're a miracle worker! I've never slept as well in my entire life. Thank Merlin you went looking for Neville's toad on the Express!"

His girlfriend, for her part, beamed at him. "Do I understand then that repeat performances aren't amiss?" She giggled at his vigorous nodding. Growing serious, she gently bussed him. "Harry, you're the love of my life, and nothing would make me happier then to do this every single night for many, many years to come." Harry grinned, nodded and again stole her breath, then they went down to eat.

-MhahE-

They ate an uneventful breakfast and then went to their first class of the day, transfiguration. In fact, today was to be a triple double for Harry; double transfiguration and charms in the morning and double care of magical creatures in the afternoon, while Hermione had single arithmancy in addition.

Harry felt some sight trepidation, for it was the first day since the Selection that he'd been in class, all of which he shared with Ron. As it turned out, he needn't have worried; the rest of his Gryffindor yearmates formed a guard separating him and Hermione from the ginger, joined by the Hufflepuffs, led by Susan. Harry ended up being flanked by Susan and Hermione, across the classroom from Weasley. Before Professor McGonagall entered, his two best witches told him that this had been the way Bilius had been kept from confrontingHermione in and between classes,and faculty intervention had hardly been required.

The lesson was very interesting. Each student was given a piece of sponge and told to transform it into an object of their choice that had physical properties as different from the sponge's as they could make it. Harry was pleased when he changed his sponge into a round piece of yellow-orange marble. Susan made hers into an ice figure of a rabbit, that Professor McGonagall charmed to not melt. Hermione, though stole the show by transfiguring her sponge into a chalk runestone, complete with a set of runes comprising her current homework assignment. McGonagall awarded 20 house points and said she'd inform Professor Babbling of what she'd done – doubtless she'd get points in Ancient Runes tomorrow also.

After class, Harry approached the interim headmistress and had a quick word. She agreed to hook the hearth in his quarters to the Floo network for voice only. She also saw the sense in making a list of advanced transfigurations for Harry to look up and study. Since she was not informing him of any of the tasks, and he would be learning them through self-study, she was not violating the tournament's rules. Harry, Hermione and Neville then hurried to charms.

In charms, Professor Flitwick taught about tracking charms, in their various forms, detection charms to see if one carried any and how to break unwanted tracking charms. The couple picked up the charms rapidly, and practiced by casting various of the charms on the other. They tried the detection charms and found the charms they'd cast, in addition to several that others had applied to them in practice. Then, they broke the charms they and the others had placed. Though Flitwick wasn't lavish with awarding points, the class generally agreed it was the best lesson so far this year and they left in high spirits.

As in transfiguration, Harry and Hermione stayed for a word, asking the part-goblin guru to provide them a list of advanced charms for self-study. "Not only is this permitted in the rules, Lord Potter, but as a member of the Nation, I am honour bound to aid House Potter. The list shall be ready Monday at breakfast. Seemeforitthen." Having the answer for which they hoped, they left for lunch, escorted by Neville, Mandy Brocklehurst, Su Li and Michael Corner.

After lunch, they had a free hour before care of magical creatures, which they used to place tracking charms on each other, their book bags and Harry's glasses. They agreed at Harry'ssuggestion to check for the presenceof charms cast on them by others after breakfastand atnight before sleeping. She rewarded him for his clever thinking and it was a rather distracted wizard who walked out to Hagrid's class.

Since they had care with the Slytherins, he'dbeen a bit concerned, but found that inaddition to Neville and Seamus, Daphne, Tracey, and surprisingly, Blaise Zabini escorted them to the class area. Blaise said quietly that he wasn't bigoted, and that he supported both Harry and Hermione. As the class began, Hagrid made sure that they worked in the same group who walked there with them, placed Ron and Draco's faction together, with the rest of the students between them and Harry's group. The lesson covered a lot of ground, beginning with another try to find something the Skrewts would eat; a pointless exercise in Harry's opinion, as they seemed to thrive and grow at an alarming rate, solely on air.

The rest of the class was far more interesting. Hagrid brought out four sets of four potted trees, one set per group, and lectured about Bowtruckles, guardians of trees from which wands were made. The 'electrum' group had a great time observing the bowtruckles, drawing them, noting their differences from tree to tree. One of the trees was holly and Harry was amused to see the bowtruckles sport berrylike markings on their bodies. Daphne's wand was of oak and the heads on the guardians looked like acorns. Hermione's wand was vine wood and their heads looked like tiny, wild grapes. Blaise's wand was alder and their guard looked like articulated clumps of leaves.

-MhahE-

Eventually the very satisfying session ended and they returned to the castle. Harry walked his girlfriend to arithmancy and returned to quarters and was able to finish his transfiguration homework and about half of his charms assignment before his gorgeous lady walked in and gave him a series of kisses that left him hard-pressed to remember his own name. She was impressed that he'd made such a good start on his schoolwork.

They were talking about finishing their work after talking with the Greengrasses and Tracey, when the fireplace flared green and Amelia's head appeared. "Auntie Amelia, good afternoon, you have news for us?"

"I do indeed. We're still interrogating Dumbledore; you'll understand there's a lot to get out of him and only so much Veritaserum we can give him in a day. We asked him about the time between your parents' deaths and you're arrival at the Dursleys. You were given a thorough medical examination and partial blocks were placed on your magic and thinking." She had to pause as both of the couple yelled angrily. "I quite agree with you both. The good news is that the both blocks have been partially broken over time and that Healer Gentry will completely remove them next week when you have your detailed examination, recorded as evidence for the trials."

They nodded at the good sense this made and she continued. "We asked him about the Weasleys and he said they did start going to the platform through the station at his request. They were told that you would be more comfortable and accepting of them that way and he wanted you to know a good, light-minded magical family." Again, she waited out their exclamations of dismay. "I'm sorry, there's worse. Ron Weasley has been paid ₲ 50 a month to be your friend and to 'protect you from inappropriate relationships'." This time, she endured twin screams of outrage.

"What of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and their other children?" The soft, controlled voice fooled neither witch. Harry was far gone in a cold, murderous fury, and one look at his eyes told them he was fully capable of killing at that moment. Harry disappeared from Amelia's view, as Hermione dived on him. For a good five minutes she heard her croon soft, loving endearments, and periods of quiet, during which his godmother was certain Hermione was communicating in a more direct fashion.

Finally, his head came back and she was pierced through the heart at the look of betrayal and despair in his eyes. "Harry, it was only Ron; when I told Arthur and Molly, they were heartbroken and they might disown Ron, but they're going to wait until they are over their anger and can think rationally."

He shook his head, clearing it. "Ask them to allow an interview with Veritaserum, I want it dripping from his ears and the whole story on record."

"I'm sure they'll give their permission. It's 5:30 and you two need to eat and you have a full night ahead of you. Good night,"

"Wait, Auntie! Would you and Gram stay after the exhibition on Saturday? I'm going to need all my family."

"Of course, love. Until then." The Floo winked out.

After some minutes of comfort with Hermione, they went down.

-MhahE-

They ate a wonderful dinner, the highlight of which was the addition of a platter ofdifferentcheesesand terrines than from the night before, accompanied by the same great bread. Also, there was a veal dish in a creamy white sauce over rice that Hermione told him was blanquette de veau. Harry supposed that others might deem this dish as bland and dull. But to him, it spoke of comfort and home and family, things with which he had so little experience. But this meal simply continued his crash course in these things to which he'd only truly been exposed for the last three days.

He told her this in sotto voce. She gave him a sad, loving smile. "I promise you, you'll have a full education in these topics before I'm done with you. I'm glad you like the blanquette. It is a great comfort food, and the French do the same with pork, chicken, fish and vegetables." They did full honours to their meal.

As the meal drew to a close, Harry rose and went to Parvati. "Scion Patil, could you join me in my quarters tomorrow after dinner so I might become better acquainted with a house recommended to me by King Ragnok?"

"Certainly, Lord Potter, I would be delighted and I'm sure that when you extend this invitation to my sister, she'll be equally eager to come as well." She stood and Harry kissed her hand.

Turning to his Quidditch teammate of the last three years, he made the same request and received the same reply from Alicia. Then he asked Neville to be with him and Hermione after Saturday's entertainment. Neville was delighted to consent.

Strolling to the Hufflepuff table, he made the same requests to Zacharias Smith and to his godsister, and both agreed.

Then he went to the Ravenclaw table and invited Padma Patil, who happily said yes. Then he told Fleur how much he and his witch had loved the platter and especially the blanquette de veau. She thanked him and promised send them a blanquette of monkfish soon.

Next, he ambled to the Slytherin table, shook Viktor's hand affably, then told his guests that he needed a word with the headmistress and would be back in a moment. In passing, he noted the sour, angered look on Malfoy's face.

He drew near to the head table and asked Minerva for a word. Nodding, she led him to her office, then surprised him with a tight hug. "Ma dear laird Potter, are ye well? I kenned how hard the day ha been to ye. Can this one ease thy burden at all?"

Harry smiled at his favourite teacher, his den mother. "Dear headmistress, you've done so much already to ease my way. Auntie Amelia's been able to speak to me in my own digs, thanks to you. Since my name came out on All Hallows'een, I've been gifted with what I never had before, a family. You are part of that family, never doubt that! I came to you now to see if I might get some Floo powder, so I could call out when I need to." Minerva smiled and gave him a sealed crock of the substance. Placing the crock in a pocket and rising, he said, "Thank you. I now need to hurry, I've three witches I've no wish to leave waiting!" Retuning her hug, he left, returned to the Great Hall, then led his guests to his quarters, to find Hermione waiting on the doorstep for them.

-MhahE-

Harry played the host perfectly, ensuring that his guests and Hermione had the drinks of their choice before seating himself. "First, you three have my deepest thanks for coming tonight. I consider this a huge kindness on your part. I still truly know very little about this Lordship lark and I need all the help I can get."

The three Slytherins looked at each other and shared wry looks. They'd known that Harry had, for reasons beyond his control, grown up mainly separated from his parents' world. They knew that both their pupils (Hermione was clearly destined to be Lady Potter someday) needed intensive coaching to get up to speed anytime soon. Their respective parents had been clear that their duty was to tutor the newly revealed lord and his lady.

"My lord . . ." Daphne began, only to be cut off.

"Please, Daphne, Astoria, Tracey, I know there is doubtless a complicated, etiquette that you'll be teaching me, well, us. But for now, we're in private. For now can we be Harry, Hermione, Daphne, Astoria and Tracey? For now anyway. We'll be good students and if that means we need to be formal in here too, we'll do that; but for tonight, can we possibly pretend?"

"Harry, we don't want you to feel any more uncomfortable than is needful. So, your first lesson is that in private, once you've been addressed by your title and you've addressed those with you by their titles, you can indeed be on first name basis, if the highest ranked person there so desires."

"Thank you, Scion Greengrass, Miss Astoria, Scion Davis, Miss Granger. Now, let us be free with our given names. Now, may all our assignments be as easy, though I'm none too hopeful about that!"

Peals of laughter erupted from the four girls. Tracy beamed at them. "I hope that the worst that you two will find is that it is rather tedious, so buck up, Harry.

"We have several books, and you'll note none of them are terribly thick, that we think you should read first."

"When we meet next and we hope we'll meet again" said Daphne yearningly "we will then have something to discuss and consider further."

Hermione smile reassuringly at the three. "Speaking for myself and Harry," a nod from her boyfriend confirmed her thoughts, "we'd like to do this again too."

Their mentors relieved looks heartened them. They were stunned at the next comment from their professors.

"Harry, you and Hermione are clearly a couple," began Astoria "and it's clear it's going to be for life. I don't think anyone really has any doubt about this. So, why aren't you and she wearing your betrothal rings?"

She might have laughed at the pair's mouths agape and astounded looks, but she knew that would be too cruel and after all, they were there to help them. "Harry, would bring us the Potter ring case?" When he did and opened it, she went on. "Did you have a chance to look at the rest of rings?" When he shook his head, she looked to her sister to proceed with this practical lesson.

Daphne moved around so she was behind the couple's loveseat and between them. She pointed to a ring that was a near duplicate of the one Harry wore, only smaller and more delicate. "This is the counterpart to your ring, the Lady's ring. It also serves as Lady Potter's wedding band." Going on, forestalling comments by either, she told them. "This ring here is the lord's wedding band. And this one," pointing to an exquisite ring of deep garnet, surrounded by round cut diamonds, "is the Potter engagement ring. These two," pointing to matching gold rings with garnets set flat and running all around the bands, "are the Potter betrothal rings."

Tracey picked the tale up from there. "'Betrothal' sounds very scary and final. Don't worry, I'm a halfblood myself and my mundane grandmother tells me that magical betrothal rings are just like mundane promise rings. Once worn, they can be removed should you reconsider – not that I or we think either of you would. To use them, you put it on your partner's right third finger and the partner says 'As long as I wear this ring, I'll consider no other'."

It took no more than a single, shared look for them to know each wanted this very much. Harry placed the ring on Hermione's finger, and she gladly confirmed, "As long as I wear this ring, I'll consider no other!"

Then it was Harry's turn and he proudly vowed, "As long as I wear this ring, I'll consider no other!"

Their teachers were thrilled and mildly surprised them by hugging them, hugs they returned in the spirit they were offered.

Harry pointed at the three tiny rings also in the case. "What are these?"

Daphne explained "These rings are given to your children, on their first birthdays. The one with the capital 'P' is the Scion's ring, foryour firstborn. The rings with the miniscule 'p' are for succeeding children. They come off when they come of age, and if you have more than three, additional rings will be supplied from your vault." Then, she and Astoria showed their Scion's and child's rings and Tracey her Scion's ring. Harry and Hermione looked at each other, then kissed deeply at the thought of having a family together.

-MhahE-

The betrothed pair felt the first lesson in the ways of pureblood nobility had been brilliant and both blessed Ragnok for suggesting they speak to the four families (five now with Tracey's) besidesthose of his godmothers. With the societal portion of the visit over, they looked forward to coming to know the three as people and gain insight into their school house and those inside it.

Asking about their upbringing also lent valuable insights into the ways and expectations for the nobility. Hermione, and after a bit of consideration, Harry were not shocked to find that, as rigorous as the Greengrass upbringing had been, Tracey's was even more so. As a halfblood in an aristocratic house, she had no margin for error among their peers; she needed to get it right the first time and every time. They were impressed that this had not resulted in her adopting something akin to Daphne's 'ice princess' persona. Tracey was a fully unaffected person, open and friendly. Harry found her perfection in playing her official rôle as scion to her house even more impressive for all that. She had found scope for a wide range of interests and was very knowledgeable in a number of magical and non magical pursuits.

Daphne, as it turned out,was quite like her friend, once one penetrated her 'ice princess' façade. They were surprised and a bit amused to learn that the main reason for the persona was simple shyness. A relaxed Daphne had many interests, and was a wonderful conversationalist, with a dry sense of humour. Astoria, in her third year, still had a refreshing sense of wonder; even with all they'd been through, Harryand Hermione could feel their jaded outlook fade in her company.

They found that Slytherin house was not the seething pit of barely concealed machination they supposed it to be. Mainly, they were told, it was a quite serious place, in which students kept their plans and ambitions internal. Their internal lives were obscured by careful, if not overcareful good manners. Still, there were exceptions.

"What you've told us is very interesting indeed, but doesn't jibe with Harry's experience, nor with mine. Malfoy's behaviour, along with Nott, Flint, when he was here, and several of the now finished older boys cannot be said to meet any standard of subtle or cunning with which either of us are familiar."

Harry added, "The almost pathological need to bait me, Hermione, and other Gryffindors at mealtimes and between classes doesn't fit your description at all. To say nothing of the derogatory nicknames and hate speech directed towards us. Crabbe, Goyle and Parkinson, just seem to follow him reflexively. Do established magical families get sorted on a legacy basis? They surely act more like the Gryffindor stereotype than anything else."

Daphne laughed. "They do rather, don't they? Actually, your question raises some complex answers. To start, the house is actually calmer now than in our first year. A lot of the more virulent bigots have finished: Flint, Avery, Selwin, Rosier, McNair for instance. Doubtless all of them are ready to become DeathEaters should He-who-Must-Not-Be-Named ever return; even now, I'd wager some of them acted in the mayhem after the World Cup."

"But, yes, we think there is a legacy issue here as well." Tracey continued. "There has always been a current of blood bigotry running through our world, there has been for centuries. Butit's become stronger and more upfront in the last sixty years, since Grindelwald's rise. It ismuch more in the open during and since the Blood War you ended in 1981, Harry. Also, it's more identified with Slytherin house. People like Malfoy and maybe Snape ended up there instead of other houses because of that."

Daphne then said, "Yes, Draco and his hangers-on make a big noise in the house too. But, no one really pays attention to any of them. He'd like to think he's some sort of a prince, but the only reason he hasn't been put down hard is that his father, who's generally been a model of Slytherin virtues – forgetting our second year," Here she smirked at the tale of Lucius losing his house elf and getting roughed up for his trouble "and does have the power and respect still to make matters very difficult if someone treated his son or friends as their posturing deserves."

While their three guests chuckled, their hosts couldn't share their mirth. They'd not enjoy it so much had they been petrified and almost killed – but you had to be there mused Hermione. For his part, Harry still easily felt the bruises and the pain of the Basilisk's fang piercing his arm; the sharp, immediate pain was undimmed by the year and a half that had passed andbythe cure provided by Fawkes' tears. He didn't feel anger towards his new friends; all he endured second year were not experiences he'd ever wish on another.

Harry was thoughtful and concerned. "That is good to know he's not the force that he promotes himself to be, but I can't help but to think your being here rankles him. Do you think he'll try for some payback?"

The two older girls grinned and shook their heads. However, Hermione, then Harry saw the stricken look and greenish cast to Astoria's face. As gently as she could, Hermionetoldher,"Astoria, none of us will let anyone hurt you, we promise. But we need to know what was said and by whom. Please, be brave and tell us."

Astoria gulped, nodded and climbed into her sister's lap. "Tonight, before dinner, Malfoy, Nott, Crabbe and Goyle grabbed me when I came down and got me into an alcove. He said he was disappointed that we were going to be blood traitors and talk to the Scarhead and the Mudblood. He said those sort of actions had consequences and he'd hate to see anything happen to us, particularly to me. He said it would be sad if their were an accident, involving me and four wands, but most of the house wouldn't be upset with a blood traitor's punishment. I was looking at the floor and he put a finger under my chin and forced my head up and made me look him in the eye. He said, 'You do understand what I mean, don't you? Good.' He left and I pulled myself together and went to dinner."

The four teens fought their impulses to rant and rage, not wanting to further frighten the young girl. Harry looked at the other four, drawing the portkey from his robes. "I know where we can find help and keep you safe. Everyone, touch this." Tapping the portkey, they exited.

-WftF-

They appeared in Ragnok's office and Harry drew up chairs. "Ragnok will be notified and will join us soon. Since he commended you to us, he should have some ideas about safeguards."

Within five minutes, the king entered his office. The humans rose and bowed to him and received a bow in return. Noting the four witches seemed shaken, a wave and mugs of rich cocoa were placed by them. "Well met, my lord Potter. How may the Nation help our friend."

"Well met indeed, King Ragnok! May you glory grow and your enemies flee your rage! May I introduce Scion Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, her sister, Miss Astoria Greengrass and Scion Davis, Tracey Davis." The goblin king nodded an acknowledgment. "Following your advice, we've made the better acquaintance of the Greengrass children, and included Scion Davis at their suggestion. It has been a very informative evening and through their tutelage, Iam pleased to announce that Miss GrangerandI are officially betrothed." Nodding at the king's grin, Harry went on. "However, we've discovered that our new friends have been horrendously threatened by others of their house for meeting with us. We're here to safeguard these good witches."

Immediately, Ragnok's expression became grave. "Which of these children heard a threat made?"

"T-that would be me, Your Majesty." said Astoria. Her quivering voice made it plain she was not yet over that shock.

Ragnok nodded. "I see." Then he touched a toggle on his desk, spoke several commands in Goblinaase, then opened a drawer and removed a memory crystal. Approaching Astoria, he spoke, much more softly and gently than wizarding prejudice credited. "Miss Greengrass, goblins cherish children and would never subject them to a trial like you have endured. So we may spare you having to relate your story once again, I would like for you to think about the incident. When it is clear in your mind, nod and I'll touch this recording crystal to your forehead. It will record your memory and will not hurt you, nor harm you in any way."

After a moment, she nodded and Ragnok recorded the memory. Shortly after, three goblins entered the office. One gave Ragnok a phial, which he put on his desk. The other two escorted two couples. Harry knew from their appearance they were the Greengrasssisters'parents and Tracey's parents and rose,Hermione doing so too. The three other witches rushed to their parents, embracing them. Momentarily, Daphne stepped back and gestured to her father.

"Father, mother, may I present Lord Harry Potter and his betrothed, Miss Hermione Granger." Her parents nodded at them in affirmation. "Lord Potter, Miss Granger, may I present my parents, Lord Adolphus Greengrass and Lady Elizabeth Greengrass."

Harry and Hermione nodded too and when the Greengrasses advanced towards them, they met halfway. While Harry shook Adolphus' proffered hand, Hermione and Elizabeth briefly embraced. ThentheGreengrassesstoodstilland Daphnecocked an eyebrow. Both took the hint, switched positions, and Harry kissed the back of Elizabeth's hand, while Adolphus did the same to Hermione. A movement of Daphne's head prompted them to approach Lord and Lady Davis. Tracey facilitated the same ceremony with her parents. Then at a gesture, everyone took seats around Ragnok's larger work table.

Lord Greengrass broke his impassive manner and smiled at the pair of teens. "Lord Potter, greetings, well met! I see my daughters and Scion Davis have instructed you to good effect this night."

"Greetings and well met,Lord and Lady Greengrass, Lord and Lady Davis. You may be proud of your daughters, they are all wonderful teachers. They have made a good start in our education. We've already learned much. I asked Ragnok to invite you here, as a disturbing incident has made me take action to safeguard your daughters." Both sets of parents looked shocked, concerned and outraged. Harry hurriedly continued, "King Ragnok is in a better position to continue this."

Ragnok took charge. "My lords and ladies, Miss Astoria Greengrass has been threatened tonight, before she met with Lord Potter. I have recorded the memory on a crystal,but before we proceed, I took the liberty of calling a healer for a calming potion, I suggest that MissAstoria drink it first."Adolphus nodded at his daughter, who emptied the phial and noticeably became more serene.

Playing the memory was far worse than hearing her story; every nuance in Draco's voice and expression screamed out at them. The exact nature of his threat was plain, he was anything but subtle.

The emotion in Lord Stephen Davis' voice was echoed by the other adults. "Now that we have heard this-this thug, how can we protect our girls? Revenge only means the worst hasbefallenoneof them."

Ragnok grinned ferociously. "Very soon Lord Malfoy will be made aware of his heir's diplomatic skills. But for now, I offer these." He produced four lovely necklaces, from which intricate lockets hung. "These are for your daughters and Lord Potter's betrothed. They are enchanted to protect them from all curses up to and including the Imperius Curse. They will not protect them from the other two Unforgivables, but the necklaces are also portkeys, activated by saying or thinking 'Potter', and will bring them to Lord Potter's side."

The Lords and Ladies sighed and visibly relaxed. Lady Portia Davis looked at Harry and asked, "My lord, is this a burden you are willing to shoulder?"

Harry'slookproved to allof them his burningdesire to protect those he cared about. "All I can promise you is that if any harm happens to any of them, I will already be dead." Left unsaid, but understood was that he'd have died fighting.

Adolphus said "That is all we can ask, and much beyond any obligation owned to us; truly we are in your debt. Come, I believe we all have business at Hogwarts tonight."

Ragnok looked at Harry. "Press your wand on your portkey and say 'expand'. Harry did so, and the portkey expanded so the all could touch it. Thanking Ragnok, the nine of them appeared in the Great Hall.

-WftF-

Bidding farewell to the Greengrasses and the Davises, who were off to speak to the headmistress, the betrothed couple went to Gryffindor country. "I'm not in the mood to studytonight, dear, we can pick it up tomorrow. I'm going to have a soak. Why don't you come in as soon as you are ready, we both need a cuddle, I think, and some quality sleeping time."

His witch nodded in agreement. "You read my mind. Soon."

Parting, he went in, drew a relaxing bath and soaked for a time and found her waiting for him. Cuddling, they kissed gently for a time, talking about the day and decompressing. Soon, they relaxed and drifted off.

A/N: As usual, I'd be nothing without a good Beta and Alix33 is one of the best. Any beefs with the chapter are on my dime (and likely despite her best efforts).

Hermione's nocturnal excursions into Harry's bed have seemed like such an integral part of this story to me that it is a shock to remember that I read it first in Robst's wonderful WIP, You're my Density id: 11033616. I gratefully acknowledge the debt. Also, I first read the idea of Harry becoming emancipated in his story Can't Have it Both Ways.

My story recommendations are Robst's You're my Density, id: 11033616 and his Banking on Her, id: 7392700. Frankly, two of my all time favourite stories, due to the fully realized mutual love between Harry and Hermione. Hopefully, the relationship that is developing between them here ends up as being more a tribute to these stories than a parody. Frankly, I admire his inventiveness, and the seeming ease and speed that prose rolls off his fingers.

There is a poll on my profile page. I hope you'll take a moment and vote. TIA.

I wish to thank all of you for your loyalty in following this story. I know for a fact the SNAFU on FFN a few months back likely means there have been about 10,000 views that didn't register. I sincerely hope that this chapter is found to be worth the wait.

As always, your input is valued. In FFN, your hits, follows, favorites, reviews and C2s are the only way I get 'paid'. And it is better than gold, IMHO!

IN MEMORIUM
DR. E. K. PAGE-ROBIN (PhD)
MOTHER, ACADEMIC, PIONEER, LEADER
IN MEMORY ALWAYS GREEN

Posted: 01/04/2016
Words: 8,5
43