Chapter 4
08 July 1996 (cont'd)
Harry's head dropped while Daphne stared in rapturous amazement as the Phoenix circled and then alighted on the breakfast table, dropping a letter in front of the ninth Earl of Potter. The firebird seemed to wait for the young man's attention and when Harry looked back up, he caught the young man's eye. They gazed at each other for a solid minute before Fawkes trilled a joyous song.
The Phoenix looked at Daphne, gave a short happy trill that caused a delighted tingling to shoot up and down her spine before he took off and a moment later, disappeared in a ball of fire.
"Thanks Fawkes," said Harry in a grateful voice. Daphne looked at him with a quizzical expression and he said, "When I saw him, I immediately assumed the bastard of a Headmaster was going to destroy our Idyll that we have." She smiled and took his hand. He returned her smile and then said, "When our eyes met, he seemed to tell me with …images? emotion? That our Idyll is of our own making and no one can take it from us." He gave a short laugh and said, "They can make it really hard, but they can't take it from us, because it springs from us."
"All that with just a look."
"He's a Phoenix, what can I say?"
"He's beautiful. Amazing. I don't really have the words to completely describe him."
Harry nodded to her, "True." He knew he was stalling, hoping that if he ignored the folded piece of parchment in front of him that was sealed with a purple wax seal, it might somehow disappear.
Finally, he muttered, "Gryffindors Forward" and leaned over to grasp the letter.
Daphne grabbed his wrist and said, "Are the anti-portkey and anti-apparition wards active?"
He nodded and shot her a smile of thanks before concentrating for a moment. The ward book had explained how the wards obeyed his commands. As the primary owner of the property, he could mentally control the wards and in his absence, they obeyed Daphne. As their family grew, he could choose to add their children.
Once he verified the wards were configured appropriately, Harry reached out for the letter again, broke the seal and read. After reading the letter, he silently handed it to Daphne while staring straight ahead.
Oh, this can't be good she thought to herself. It was not.
"That utter and complete bastard," she said in a deadpan voice. "He is disappointed that you ran away from your 'family' and wants you to go back there to reconstitute the wards and then to Sirius' house. He had hopes that you would put away your childish ways after he showed so much trust in you at the end of last term. He hopes he wasn't wrong. Amazing, the arrogance of that old man." She was getting very angry now and her softly tanned face flushed with emotion.
"At least we know McGonagall and Flitwick didn't go blabbing to him," Harry said in a flat tone.
She glanced at him with a worried look and said, "Yes, that's true."
Reading on, she exclaimed, "He can't be serious. He really can't be seriously trying to tell you that we need to find a way to dissolve our marriage. He really can't be serious in trying to order one of the Fifteen around like that." She read on a bit further, "Oh, I see. I'm a dark arts supporter because my Father is a complete ass. Brilliant deduction Dumbledore."
Despite their earlier discussion about being in control of their own destiny, Dumbledore's letter scared Daphne. He was a powerful Wizard both politically and magically. Could he take Harry away from her? While her heart screamed in defiance, her mouth howled in wrath. Her amazement at Dumbledore's audacity turned to fury by the end of the letter.
"He knows what's best! He'll take care of everything! You need to trust him! Ugh!" She got up, throwing the letter down as if it were a hot coal and stormed off down the steps of the veranda. She stopped, as if she had forgotten something, and hurried back up the steps. She kissed Harry deeply and thoroughly before saying, "I'm sorry, I'm too upset to talk right now. I'll be back in five minutes, Ok?"
He nodded to her with an amused expression, before watching her walk away. With a little 'Sirius inspired brainstorm', he called out, "Do you know you have a really sexy arse?" `
She turned back, smiling and blew him a kiss before sashaying down the path to the formal garden.
When she turned away from him, his smile disappeared.
.oOo.
She wandered the garden for a good ten minutes, cooling off as she walked. She had a short fuse and could fire up quickly, but when the irritation passed, she cooled off soon thereafter. For most things.
The very few who she formed implacable resentment toward, those people she never forgave and she burned with a cold anger. Fortunately, for her, it was a small list. Her Father. Voldemort. Dursleys. Dumbledore.
For the average, everyday upset, gardens and the outdoors always helped her regain her equilibrium; it was as if they absorbed all her hostile feelings.
Wandering back to the house, she found Harry sitting at the table on the veranda with his books in front of him. He was reading Advanced Magical Combat, which she plucked, out of his hands in order to sit in his lap.
He sighed and put his arms around her, pulling her close. After a moment he said, "I'm this close to withdrawing us from Hogwarts and having tutors finish our last two years."
She was surprised, but after quick reflection, she shouldn't have been. Dumbledore had been central to his godfather's death, the withholding of the prophecy, installation of a power limiting ward, tacit condoning of the years of physical abuse that Harry suffered and willful suppression of Harry's heritage and role in Magical society. Who knew what else the old man had done? Of course, her husband would consider Dumbledore to be nearly an enemy now.
She snuggled closer to him, feeling his warm breath on her neck and enjoying the physical closeness; a type of intimacy other than sexual that was as wonderful as when they shared themselves with each other. She kissed the side of his head tenderly, knowing that he was greatly conflicted, angry and probably very sad as well.
"You've always looked up to him, haven't you?" she said softly.
He nodded and she said, "Do you feel like he's let you down?" When he didn't respond, she prodded him, "With the ward and so on."
With a big sigh, he said, "Yeah. I really don't want to deal with him at all. There's enough going on with Voldemort. Plus, for the first time in my life, it's pretty damn good and I don't want to lose it."
Daphne stood, "Ok, enough of this. I love you, you love me. We're married and I intend on shagging you at least twice today. Now, let's go for a walk down to the beach" she said in a humorous no-nonsense tone, the wide smile adding fuel to her intent.
He laughed as she pulled him out of his chair and they walked arm-in-arm to the shingle beach just down the path.
.oOo.
Where they left the house on an upswing of emotion, hope peeking through the clouds of gloom, Harry stormed back to the house, furious. Daphne trailed behind at a safe distance, figuring that this was one of those times that Mount Potter just had to blow.
They had been ambling down the beach, hand in hand and it was like something out of a novel (which kind, she'd never tell Harry). They were chatting about their likes and dislikes. Favorite subjects. Hopes and dreams.
Her throat had a closed up in opposition when he said, "I just want to live past Voldemort. I want our family to grow, but really? I just want us to make it past him."
She had plastered a happy expression on her face and forced out her reassurances that she believed he would kill the snake-faced bastard and they would have their three babies to raise and love. Inside, she'd teemed with anger that Dumbledore had dropped the prophecy on Harry minutes after his godfather had died and then patted him on the head, sending him home with no guidance or plan for preparation.
Voldemort? He was just an animal. It's easy to fear him, probably wise to fear him. She did despise him and what he espoused, but hate? How can one hate an animal? One put a rabid animal down for the good of the community and mercy for the suffering beast.
Dumbledore, though, he was a man. He will be held accountable.
Just as they'd turned back toward the stairs up the cliff to the house, an owl came flying toward them in a herky-jerky, disjointed manner. When it approached Harry said, "Errol?" in an undertone.
Daphne's eyebrows shot up when she saw the letter it bore. A bright red letter.
Errol performed a perfect dive-bombing run, releasing the howler right above Harry and then staggered away, if a bird could be said to stagger in flight.
Harry looked at Daphne with an expression of disbelief, shrugged and then opened the volatile missive.
HARRY POTTER! YOU COME TO THE BURROW IMMEDIATELY! WE'VE BEEN WORRIED SICK ABOUT YOU, AND NOW WE FIND YOU'VE BEEN CONSORTING WITH A HUSSY AND ENDED UP IN A HORRIBLE FIX! I'M VERY DISSAPOINTED IN YOUR BEHAVIOR YOUNG MAN; YOU ARE IN QUITE A BIT OF TROUBLE! YOU'D BEST BE HERE BY DINNER TIME, OR ELSE!
Harry's confused expression slowly melted into cold fury. He let it set for a long moment and at that point, Daphne was more scared for mother Weasley than insulted by her. "Harry?" she asked in a soft voice.
"Come on, we need to deal with this immediately. Get changed" and he took off to the house in long strides.
She lagged behind when he started muttering to himself and by the time he reached the top of the stairs from the beach to the top of the cliff, he was shouting.
She smirked a bit. This is going to be fun.
.oOo.
She was right.
He was waiting for her in the entry hall, wearing expensive robes and pacing. He glanced at her, saw her dressed similarly to him and he nodded. "Follow my lead" he said and tossed in the Floo powder shouting "The Burrow!"
Daphne followed a moment later and when she stepped out of fireplace at the Weasley residence, Harry was waiting to hand her out. Molly Weasley bustled out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, spotting Harry said, "Oh Harry, I'm so glad…", then she spotted Daphne and her eyes narrowed. "You" she sputtered.
At this point Harry pulled out his wand and began the instruction for the day. "Silencio" he cast and the matron of the Weasley family was cut off abruptly.
Daphne heard a commotion and saw Ginny Weasley watching the proceedings from the landing of the stairs wearing an expression of complete astonishment.
Hearing snickers; she turned and saw the irrepressible Weasley twins behind her in the entryway wearing big grins, which she returned when they both flashed her double thumbs up. She'd always liked the boys. They'd tried to prank her in her fourth year and she'd turned it around on them so that they'd been sporting pink hair for a week. Instead of being offended at being outsmarted, the three had laughed about it and been amicable since.
"Mrs. Weasley" Harry said in a cold voice. Daphne returned her attention to her husband and he said, "We have come to your home today in hopes that you sent that howler in a moment of pique and that you since regretted it. I sincerely hoped so, as I found it rude, offensive and completely inappropriate. You have insulted my wife, my station and me. If I remove the Silencing charm, can we discuss this or will you continue to be rude and offensive and attempt to shout at me?"
Molly was red faced and rooting around in her apron and robes for her wand to cancel the spell. Not getting any response, Harry sighed and looked around. Seeing Fred and George he said, "Misters Weasley, is your Father at home?"
"Sure, Harry. Want me to get him?" said Fred.
"Yes, if you please. Tell him Lord Potter requires his presence."
Fred paused, looked at Harry with a questioning look to which Harry inclined his head toward the still red-faced matron. Nodding, Fred said, "Right away, my Lord."
George walked up to the Potters and quietly said, "So, congratulations are in order here."
Harry's entire demeanor shifted and he lit up like an electric bulb. Pulling Daphne close, he said, "Yes, I've never been happier."
George smiled and nodded, "Good. You both deserve it. Swing by the shop sometime soon, partners." As he shook Harry's hand and gave Daphne a peck on the cheek, they heard the clomping of feet from the stairs as Ginny walked back up.
Just then, Arthur came in with Ron in tow, a smiling Fred bringing up the rear. Fred had obviously tipped off his father that Harry was right pissed and that he was using the old forms. Arthur approached Harry, gave a slight bow and said, "My Lord, welcome back to my humble home. How may I serve you?"
Molly goggled at her husband, grabbed his arm and pointed at her mouth. She was stunned when Arthur ignored her and paid attention to Harry.
Daphne approved of the approach her husband was taking. He'd tried to talk to the Weasley matron as a friend of he family and she'd closed off that avenue of discussion by her attempt to rant at Harry. Since that approach failed, Harry was going to treat with Arthur as two heads of family, of which Harry was far, far senior.
Harry glanced at Daphne who gave him a slight nod. He then returned Arthur's bow and said, "Mr. Weasley, my visit today is most troublesome to me. I have always held your family in great esteem and affection, but today I received a most offensive howler from your wife."
At this, Arthur sighed and bowed his head in resignation. Harry continued, "In it, your wife called my wife a name I will not repeat, threatened my person with punishment of some sort and reproved me as if she were in a position of authority over me."
At this point, Molly forgot she was under the effects of a Silencing charm and put her hands on her hips and started jawing at the young peer, pointing a finger every now and then for good measure. When her face began to purple, Harry returned his attention to Arthur and merely indicated with his hand to Molly.
After a pause, Arthur said, "My Lord, I wish to express my extreme regret for the offensive behavior of my spouse and guarantee that she shall be upbraided most severely."
At this point, Ron opened his mouth, proving the old maxim that it is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and be proved a fool. He opted for the latter. "Hold on Dad. I was there when Mum wrote the howler and she didn't say anything too rough or out of line."
Arthur bit his lip; it was obvious to Daphne that he wanted to choke his youngest son. He'd been on the verge of escaping this incident with nothing more than a mild tongue-lashing and Ron had to inflame the situation. Arthur was well aware that as one of the Fifteen, Harry could ruin him at the Ministry if he wanted to. Teenage spats and upsets are one thing, insulting an Earl and Countess was quite another, and Arthur knew it. "Ronald, be silent!" the usually mild mannered man spat.
Ron's eyes widened and he looked to Harry and said, "Mate, you gotta understand, we're just worried about you and" here he gestured at Daphne as if she were a prize heifer at the fair, "her being together. We're just worried about, well, you know, potions and such."
Harry's eyes widened at Ron and his head whipped around to glare at Arthur. Daphne had drilled into him that as Head of the House of Potter and Black, he was responsible for the behavior (within limits) of those in his family. He was treating Arthur the way he expected to be treated and very displeased with the behavior of the Family Weasley.
"Mr. Weasley, this of the second time in less than an hour that my wife had been insulted by a member of your family" Harry said in a threatening undertone.
"Harry, mate, what's going on here? Does she have you under the Imperius? I bet she does" and Ron reached for his wand.
In a move that shocked everyone in the room save the twins and Daphne, Arthur turned to Ron and slapped him across the face. When Ron got his wits back, Arthur barked, "Apologize to Lady Potter!"
"But Dad, she's a Slyth…" and his father cut him off again.
"Apologize now!"
George said in the most serious voice that any had ever heard out of the mouths of the twins, "Best do it Ronniekins."
Ron looked around the room, a stunned expression on his face. He rubbed his cheek where his father had slapped him, looked at Daphne and said in a halting voice, "Lady Potter, I apologize for my comments."
Daphne narrowed her eyes at Ron to convey her extreme displeasure and then looked at Arthur, nodding her head.
Arthur gestured to the stairs and Ron headed up to his room, Harry pointedly ignored the lanky redhead.
Harry said to Arthur, "Mr. Weasley, as I said before, I hold you and your family in great esteem, this situation notwithstanding. However, I should also make clear that I have obviously claimed the mantle as Head of the House of Potter and Black with all rights, duties and responsibilities therein. I am, essentially, an adult in the eyes of the law. I expect to be treated as such. Good day sir." They shook hands, Arthur bent over Daphne's hand and the Potters used the Floo to return home.
.oOo.
When Harry tumbled out of the fireplace, Daphne helped him up with a big smile on her face. He saw it, scowled and started to stomp away. Rolling her eyes, she caught up to him and gave him a big kiss.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"You did really well at the Weasleys'. I could tell you wanted to smack the spit out of the mouth of the youngest male idiot and his mother." She paused and then said, "You did very well. The tone was right, the verbiage right and you treated Weasley Pere with respect and dignity but didn't let the boorish behavior of his spawn and spouse slide."
Harry shook his head, "I just can't believe that Ron was saying those horrible things about you. I know he's a hothead, but he was implying love potions and an Unforgivable for crying out loud." He got an impish grin and said, "Sorry love, I can throw off Voldemort's Imperius, yours would be nothing compared to that and he knows it." He pulled her close and Daphne heard him mutter "Berk."
"Don't worry about him, he'll either grow up or we'll move on." He pulled back and looked at her with a frown so she said, "Love, look at it as objectively as you can. Say…Tracey was the same person she was in our first year; do you think I'd want to associate with her when all she wanted to talk about was her pet kneazle and boys?" He shook his head and she said, "The same is true for Weasley. If he doesn't grow up, you'll move on. It's Ok and normal.
"You did really well today, you know that?" She gave him a much longer kiss, "You behaved as the Head of one of the Fifteen. Come on, let's change and do our workout." She headed up to their room with a smile on her face. She was going to put on a pair of really tight shorts and see how long it would be before they got to their gym.
.oOo.
After their late-starting workout, the Potters looked at each other and Daphne voiced their common thought. "This part sucks." He was out of shape due to the living conditions at his relatives combined with the attack that was only a week in the past.
She was a pureblood, and as such didn't exercise. Most magical families used magic for all their needs and as such didn't see exercise for health reasons as useful or even sensible.
Together, they had a long road in front of them. "You know, Flitwick, McGonagall and Moony aren't going to cut us any slack?" he said to her as he stripped off his clothes to take a shower.
She contemplated joining him, but then her aching shoulders, legs, arms. Her whole body really, vetoed the idea. She sat at the vanity off the side of the sinks and checked her eyebrows, "Yes, I know that this week is going to be rough. Maybe we should work out before breakfast. Save a shower." She heard an affirmative noise from him as the shower cut off and he reached for his wand to dry himself off.
"Men. Can shower in less than five minutes. It isn't fair." He kissed the top of her head as he walked into his dressing room to get some clothes.
They stumbled into the library after a light lunch and while Harry resumed his reading, Daphne composed a letter to the Dowager Lady Longbottom. She had to run into the stacks a few times to check some etiquette rules, but in the end had an acceptable letter.
As Daphne Greengrass, she had been known by, but not moved in the exalted circles that the Dowager Lady Longbottom frequented. As Countess Daphne Potter, though, she was not only in the circle of the Dowager Lady, but a social superior. The difficult aspect of the letter was to court the Lady's dignity in asking for help and tutelage, but also let Lady Longbottom know that help was not really requested, but required. In addition, to do all this tactfully so as not to offend a well respected woman.
She showed the letter to Harry who read it and at the end, looked over the top of the parchment at her, gave her the knee-watering smile and said, "Do you really think that I could have ever written a letter this good?"
She smiled back at him and said in a sweet voice, "Maybe in ten years or so, love."
They laughed and went back to their studies as Hedwig winged away with the letter.
.oOo.
They studied for most of the afternoon and on one of their breaks they'd found an empty room that they decided would be their practice room. Daphne looked up the spells and runes to protect the walls, ceiling and floor from damage. She recruited Harry for the spellcasting while she carved the runes in the wall.
"I think Runes is my favorite subject. It's like figuring out a puzzle each time we learn a new set."
Harry harrumphed and said, "Give me Charms and Defense every day of the week. Transfiguration is pretty neat, but I don't really get into it like the other two."
She nodded. "For the core courses, I like Transfiguration the best. There's quite a bit of theory, but it all comes together like a folding fan." After a few more minutes and some high power spellcasting by Harry, they were finished.
"Let's take a walk to the beach," he said with a smile.
Dowager Lady Longbottom's reply came just before dinner. "We've been invited to dinner and discussion tomorrow," Harry said as he read the letter. He handed it to Daphne after he finished.
After dinner, Daphne said, "I love you, but don't even think of picking out your clothes for tomorrow night. That's my job."
Harry laughed, "Yes dear."
.oOo.
09 July, 1996
The next morning, they rose at 0600 and did their workout. It was still extremely tiring, but Harry had an excellent incentive in that Daphne wore the tight Lycra shorts again, and in return, he took off his T-shirt. It's all about the little things.
They took a long rambling run up into the hills, stopping every so often as fatigue overtook them. When they got back and were sitting on the veranda drinking lemonade, which Daphne raved over, she said, "How do you want to deal with Dumbledore?"
He sighed and said in a joking tone, "Do I have to?"
She poked him in the shoulder and said, "Yes. Seriously, what do you want to do?"
"What I really want to do is take his wand, break it in front of him, flog him for two days and then hang him from the castle battlements. Somehow, I don't think that's going to happen."
He sighed and pulled her into his lap. She jokingly held her nose and he laughed. After a few minutes, he said, "I don't know. I hate to admit it, but having him at school is a big defense against Voldemort."
Daphne nodded in concurrence and then smiled. "I guess we need to bring out your inner Slytherin then husband of mine."
He looked at her quizzically and she said, "We'll be sneaky and marginalize him. The fangless snake can't hurt you. I don't have any specific ideas, but we can ask Lady Augusta about it. Loyalty to class is far superior to any loyalty she might have to Dumbledore. We can lay out some basics of the old meddler's transgressions and ask for some advice."
.oOo.
Harry and Daphne called out "Green Hills!" and then were twirled away to the ancient home of the Longbottoms for their first real foray into the political world of the Fifteen. They had talked long about the impact these efforts could have on the struggle with Voldemort.
"I think, that if we can get the Wizengamot firmly on our side, or at least a majority of the Fifteen, the nightmare that was the first war with Voldemort and then the mealy mouthed political expediency of the last year could be a thing of the past" Harry said as he paced in the library.
They were taking a break from their studies and Daphne was stunned that he was finished already with Advanced Magical Combat. He'd read it in three days and could perform most of the spells. She smiled at his statement, though.
"Love, I think you're being a bit naïve. Don't think for a moment that just because you have quite a bit of political muscle now, that the corruption and graft are going to disappear overnight."
He flashed a knowing smile and waved his hand, "Oh, I know that. I just need to talk to Neville and Susan to see how we can begin to address it. I've already invited them and Susan's Aunt to dinner tomorrow night."
Daphne threw back her head and gave a throaty laugh. "I've created a monster. It's alive! It's alive!" to which Harry laughed as well.
They were dressed in formal robes for dinner, what the non-magical world would call a Tux and Gown affair; white tie, not black. Harry handed his wife out of the Floo and found Neville waiting for them in the entry hall, dressed similarly.
"My Lord Potter, my Lady Potter. It is good to see you and I welcome you to Green Hills," Neville said in a friendly welcome before he executed a well-practiced bow.
Daphne curtseyed deeply and Harry returned the bow a little awkwardly before saying, "My Lord Longbottom, it is good to see you again. I assume you are acquainted with my wife?"
At this point, the three couldn't keep it up and they all began laughing. "Harry" said Neville with a smile, "Daphne and I have sat as Potions partners for the last three years. Why do you think I haven't blown up a cauldron since second year?" Harry just smiled and shook his head. Neville held out his hand and said, "Come on, Gran is most excited to meet the two of you. Formalities for introduction, but after that, we'll be mostly informal."
They walked out of the grand Entry Hall and Neville sized up his guests before saying, "I'll be honest, I never imagined the two of you together, much less married. But if you are happy together, I'm happy for you."
"Thanks Neville" said Harry while Daphne waylaid The Longbottom of Longbottom and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Did you get a new wand?" Harry asked.
Neville smiled and said, "Yeah, Cherry and Unicorn hair. A good fit Mr. Ollivander said."
They entered the main drawing room and found Lady Augusta seated in a chair near the fire. It was a beautiful room, elegantly furnished, apportioned just exactly so and Lady Augusta was the perfect extension of it. It was obvious that she had designed and furnished the room and it created quite the impression.
She rose and held out her hand to Harry, "My Lord" turned to Daphne and with a smile said, "My Lady, I am sure that I repeat as my Lord Longbottom has already done and bid you welcome to Green Hills."
Harry bowed over her hand and then Daphne and the Lady did simultaneous curtseys. During all this, Lady Augusta had a smile hovering just out of sight. It was evident to Daphne that she was thoroughly enjoying the pomp and circumstance of moving once again in the upper echelons of society and power.
There was general discussion as the four got to know each other better. As dinner was announced, Harry escorted Lady Augusta into the dining room and Neville escorted Daphne.
Midway through the fifth course, Harry caught the nod from his wife and said, "Lady Augusta, from my letter, I hope I conveyed my woeful ignorance of the duties and responsibilities of my station. You may or may not know that the Headmaster intervened in my placement after my parents' murder and left me with my maternal Aunt and her husband, both of whom are violently anti-magical. As such, I only learned of my status as one of he Fifteen two weeks ago from my lovely wife."
Lady Augusta's eyebrows furrowed and she frowned at the Headmaster's intervention with his placement. When Harry paused, she asked, "The Headmaster never informed you of your duty? But what did your parent's will read regarding your placement?"
Harry shook his head regarding her first question, then looked at her meaningfully and said, "He never said anything. I don't know about their will, I've never heard nor seen it."
There was a pregnant pause and when Lady Augusta straightened up slowly to her most perfect bearing and posture saying, "I see," Daphne knew they had her firmly on their side.
The discussion became much lighter and when they rose for coffee, Harry and Neville sat next to their respective ladies and Harry said, "Neville, Lady Augusta, I need your help."
"Anything, Harry. Name it," said the Longbottom scion.
Harry paused then said, "Dumbledore is crossing the line from helpful to interfering and blazing a path toward obstructionist."
Neville frowned while Lady Augusta gave a resigned look that implied she saw this problem coming. Harry gave him a brief description of his life, leaving Neville staring at his friend with a gaping mouth and Lady Augusta red faced.
"My Lord," she said with restrained, indignant anger. "I am completely at your service. How may I help you?"
Harry and Daphne smiled and shared a quick look. It was Daphne who answered, "My Lady, my husband and I are in need of guidance of our newfound roles in society and government. With your vast experience, would you consent to share your wisdom with us on a regular basis for our instruction?"
Lady Augusta sent a reproachful eye toward her grandson and then gave the Potters a smile saying, "I am honoured that you have asked me and am delighted to help. As I said earlier, I am at your disposal. Inform me of when you need my services and memories and I will make myself available."
Harry gave a small sigh of relief. He never really doubted that she'd help them, but it was always a surprise when someone actually extended their hand to help him instead of twinkle and spew platitudes; Daphne, Evelyn (or was it mum now?), George Stebbins, and now Augusta and Neville Longbottom had all helped him in meaningful ways in the previous weeks and it still stunned him.
Harry began to stammer his thanks when his hand was covered by his wife's. "My husband is still overwhelmed with the situation and your offer is most welcome in many ways, my Lady. We have much instruction to attend in the forthcoming weeks, so I think that our sessions will be irregular, at best."
When Augusta waved that away as irrelevant, Neville piped up, "What instruction do you have scheduled?"
Harry sat back a moment and was clearly contemplating something meaningful. After a moment, he said, "Nev, when's your birthday?"
The Longbottoms blinked at the seeming non-sequitor and he said, "July 30, why?"
Harry nodded to himself and exchanged a glance with Daphne. She shrugged her shoulders in an "it's your choice" manner. Harry took a deep breath and said, "After our misadventure in the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore portkeyed me back to his office. When he got there, he told me of a prophecy that was made before we were born."
Neville and Augusta were riveted on Harry while Daphne held his hand for support. "You see, I was born on the 31st of that year." He firmly took Neville's eyes into his own fierce look, ensuring he had his friend's undivided attention and said, "Dumbledore heard the prophecy and it goes like this:
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…and the Dark Lord shall mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…
"So you see, I need to get up to snuff right away. We've hired McGonagall, Flitwick and Lupin for extra tuition this summer."
There was complete silence throughout the Manor house and the Longbottoms looked at Harry in horror. "Harry, is it you or me?" Neville managed to choke out after a full minute.
Harry's only reaction was to lift his fringe and Neville exhaled explosively and nodded, "Right, marked as his equal."
Augusta finally broke out of her near trance-like state and rubbed her grandson's back. He gave her a weak smile and Harry said, "Neville, I have no doubt, that you could have not only been the prophesized one, but also succeeded in my task."
Neville looked at him skeptically, and to tell the truth, so too did Daphne and Augusta. Harry raised his hand to forestall argument and said, "You improved so rapidly this year in the DA it was amazing. You showed the overall best improvement of anyone in the entire club. Not only that, but you were the only one still standing with me at the end in the Veil Room. Not Hermione, not Ron. You."
Neville nodded, taking it all in. Augusta's eyebrows raised, her interest piqued. "What's this about the last ones standing?" She turned to Harry and said, "All Neville told me was that there was an altercation and he was helping you."
Harry smiled and Daphne could tell he was glad that he could tell the story that he knew Neville would never tell because of his modesty. "Well, it started with me getting a vision…"
.oOo.
They got home late that night and after they made love in slow, tender fashion, Harry held her as the moonlight spilled through the window and across their bed. After a bit, Daphne said, "What's on your mind, love?"
"It's getting much more real for me now."
"The prophecy?"
She felt him nod his head but she could only love him, hold him, be by his side in martial and marital matters; and pray to all the gods in heaven and earth to protect her man. She fell asleep that night with a tear track on her left cheek.
.oOo.
10 July 1996
Their workout went a bit smoother this morning and they even finished their run without stopping. After showering (together), they ate breakfast in the family dining room as it had started to rain. They usually ate breakfast on the veranda when the weather was fine and Daphne liked that they had already developed a small Potter family tradition.
"Ah, Susan and her Aunt Amelia will be able to make it tonight," Harry said as he read the letter Dobby had set out for him.
Daphne was reading a few letters as well. In the first, Tracey updated her on the doings in the Davis household and her musings on the shifting of power at school due to the union of Greengrass and Potter.
With a hint of sadness, Daphne found she really didn't care about most of what Tracey had to say. Her life had changed so radically since the evening of the 30th of June, all of what Tracey had to say seemed so small and far away. It reminded her of when Phillip had tried to convey to her the seriousness of the day-to-day life of a nine year old. To him, of course, his issues and problems were quite impressive and pressing. To Daphne, who'd seen a bit of the larger world, she saw his problems for what they were: the diminutive struggles of child. With a terrible sadness, she involuntarily felt the same way for what Tracey had written and it tore at her heart a bit.
Her words to Harry from the other day began ringing in her own ears and they were quite bitter, "Either she'll grow up, or I'll move on." It was much harder to be on the receiving end of that tidbit of wisdom.
In the second letter by her plate, Daphne read and then said to Harry, "Tracey's Uncle Duncan is back. He says he's available tomorrow evening to discuss Occlumency."
Harry nodded as he took a deep drink of orange juice. He drank pumpkin juice at school, but there was something deeply ingrained in him that found the idea of pumpkin juice to be quite nauseating. "Our nights are not our own, neither are our days, eh?"
Daphne nodded as she read before holding up the parchment saying, "He lists a book for us. I'll order two."
"Ask Dobby to go, he'll be faster."
She nodded and summoned the little elf. With a pop he appeared and Daphne had to remark to herself the change in their major domo. He'd calmed significantly and had taken to anticipating their needs in extraordinary fashion.
She'd never really paid attention to Matty, her family's house elf, but seeing Harry treat Dobby as a friend more than a servant made an impact on her. Making a small effort to befriend the little being had been more than what was required and Dobby was now as devoted to his mistress as much, or even more so, than his devotion to his 'Harry Potter Sir'.
After Daphne gave Dobby the name of the book, she said, "Thank you for doing this for us, Dobby."
The little elf had bowed deeply and with a smile of genuine warmth said, "It is being Dobby's pleasure, mistress." With a pop, he was gone.
They had an hour before Flitwick arrived during which Harry read more of the journal of the Potter Fifteen while Daphne finished Advanced Magical Combat. Amazing what a proper motivation can do for a person's reading and comprehension.
Therefore, it was when the diminutive Charms professor stepped out of the fireplace at exactly 0900, both Potters had their annotated and tabbed copies of Advanced Magical Combat under their arms and ready for the lesson.
With a smile, Flitwick said, "Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Are you ready to begin?"
"Yes, sir" said Harry. "We've set up a room to practice spellcasting or we can adjourn to or the library. Whichever you prefer."
Flitwick had a half smile and said, "Let's go to the library for a bit and then we can see your room." After a pause, he said, "How is your progress with your text?"
When both Harry and Daphne indicated they'd finished with the book, Flitwick mock-glared at Harry, saying, "And why have you never shown this level of effort during the school year?"
Harry gave a laugh and said, "Well, there's this Dark Lord, see? He wants my guts for garters, so…" and the three of them chuckled and took seats.
After they all settled and Dobby provided tea all around, Flitwick's face became very serious. "Last we met, I told Mrs. Potter that I'd not be teaching you how to cast the Tickling charm but how to maim and kill. I wanted you two to seriously think about that and consider if you could do that. Have you?"
Harry nodded solemnly. He glanced at Daphne, who nodded and said, "We have, sir. In addition, we've talked about it with each other and we realize this is what's necessary. Only because of the infernal prophecy, that is. Without that, we'd be living private lives and let the Aurors take care of it. Since we must be involved, we'll fight."
Flitwick nodded to himself, seemingly more sad than anything. Looking at Daphne with a raised eyebrow she responded, "My husband spoke for both of us. I am in complete concurrence with everything he said."
"Very well." He hopped down from his seat and strolled to the door saying, "Let us proceed to your dueling room." As they walked, he explained, "I am going to review your form first. If you have flawless form, or nearly so, you can still cast when you have a broken arm or leg. Fighting through pain will be necessary, I'm sorry to say. You must expect to get hurt. You must expect each other to get hurt."
They entered the dueling room, Flitwick whipped out his wand, and before either could react, Daphne was lying on the floor, stunned.
Harry blinked and then ran to her. He was awakened a few moments later, sitting next to his wife, Flitwick standing over them with a disapproving look on his face.
"Mrs. Potter, you must always be ready for someone to attack you. Your husband is the Chosen One to defeat Voldemort, and as such, you are as valuable to the forces of Lord Voldemort as he is. Always be ready to cast a shield or evade the unexpected spell."
He shifted his disapproving gaze to Harry, "Mr. Potter, for the time that I was casting, you had an unopposed opportunity to attack me and you wasted it gaping at me. When your wife was felled, you did not take the correct action and attack me, you wasted your own life to check on her."
He looked at them both and said, "This is not a game anymore, nor is it an academic exercise. This is a fight to the death and you must treat it as such. One of you may die. You don't have to like it and I would be stunned if you could find peace with the idea but you must behave as if it doesn't matter, else you both will die in a manner similar to what you just experienced. Alastor Moody is many things, but his cry of 'Constant Vigilance' is entirely appropriate for where you stand this day. Questions?"
Thus began their instruction in the noble art of Magical Combat under Grand Master Duelist Filius Flitwick, Master of Charms.
When reviewing basic combat spells: Disarming, Stunning, Binding, Bludgeoning, Reductor, Blasting and Cutting, Flitwick said:
"Repeat the wand movement one hundred times without casting. Then you may cast it one hundred more times. Form. You must have perfect form for all your spell work."
When covering the beginning of Advanced Magical Combat spells: Bone Breaking, Bone Exploding, Advanced Shield, Fire Whip and Blinding, Flitwick said:
"You must learn to cast without verbalizing the incantation. Developing this ability will take time, but I want you to practice casting all spells silently. Attempt to cast the spell, be it a combat spell or simple household spell twenty five times silently before giving up and verbalizing."
After pummeling Daphne repeatedly in a quick exchange of spells, he said:
"Move! If you stand still you will die. Stand on the balls of your feet and slide from side to side. Rush your opponent. Most magical persons avoid physical confrontations."
While taking a quick break and drinking some water, he offered his observation and levied tasking:
"The Unforgivable curses give your opponents a significant advantage. To negate it, Minerva will help you with conjuring, but I want you to focus on dodging. You will cast the Stinging hex at each other for fifteen minutes a day and the recipient can only dodge."
By the end of the two-hour double period, Harry and Daphne were sporting considerable welts and bruises, as the Pinching hex was Flitwick's favorite motivator, and both were panting in exertion.
He surveyed them for a moment and said, "You did well, considering your inconsistent Defense Against the Dark Arts instruction and your age. You have far to go, but much potential. Remember, my homework for you is to practice silent casting and the dodging exercises."
Whistling a jaunty tune, Flitwick saw himself out to the fireplace and Daphne sat next to Harry on the bench where he was sitting. She leaned her head on his shoulder and said, "Now we have McGonagall and after lunch Lupin." She could feel his empathetic shudder and they rested for a few minutes until they heard the Floo roar.
Harry helped his wife to her feet and they went to meet the Transfiguration Mistress in the entry hall.
Eschewing the library, Minerva led them back to the now dubbed 'Room of Pain' and conjured a seat for her to sit on. Before they said anything, McGonagall said, "Mr. Potter, I told your wife and I assume she informed you. I wanted to express personally my extreme regret for failing you repeatedly through the years. Starting with your placement at your relatives through the debacle that was your fifth year, I find that I have failed you on multiple occasions and I shall endeavor to atone for my past mistakes and hope that someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
Harry digested what she said for a moment before nodding and said, "Professor, as I said to my wife, I do not ascribe malice to any of your errors, either great or small. I forgive you for the wrongs you have done me."
With a shining eye, McGonagall nodded and then shifted. It was time for instruction and she sat and looked at her students expectantly.
Figuring out that they were on their own for seats, Harry said, "Oh" and turned to drag the bench closer to the Professor. He was on the receiving end of a vicious Pinching hex to the back of his thigh for that.
When he whirled and glared at Minerva, she merely glared back and said in a derisive voice, "Are you a wizard or not? Conjure a chair yourself. You too Mrs. Potter. You may not conjure for each other."
Both teens looked at their feet for a moment before exchanging a glance. Daphne spoke up and said, "We don't know how to conjure chairs, Ma'am."
Nodding, McGonagall said, "You will by the end of the week."
She paused and said, "Transfiguration in magical combat is about controlling your environment. For example" and with a nimble wand movement, she conjured a lion behind the Potters.
Harry heard the growl and spun around, casting a silent Reductor curse before he even could think. The lion did not survive the encounter. With a look of chagrin, Harry Vanished the remains of the beast.
"Excellent reaction with silent spellcasting Mr. Potter and it illustrates my point."
The Transfiguration Mistress waited for her students to deduce her meaning and after a few seconds Daphne's eyes lit up and she said, "While Harry was dealing with the conjured lion; he was defenseless to any attack from you. Also, if he ignored the conjured lion, it would have attacked from behind, incapacitating or even killing us."
"Very good. What's the drawback to the situation?'
Harry had this one and said, "You had to use time to conjure the lion. During that time, I could have been attacking you."
"Good" she said with a rare smile. "What else?"
Daphne said, "Well, most Transfiguration has complex wand movements that take time."
"Yes" McGonagall said as she rose and began her pacing that she invariably did while lecturing. "Therefore, you will need to increase the speed of your Transfiguration casting. Once you have the advantage, you can continue to use Transfiguration to attack and assault your enemy and then use a hex or curse to finish them off. Conjuration will be of great help, but there is a drawback."
"Power," Harry said without prompting. When McGonagall merely cocked an eyebrow, he continued, "Repeated conjuration can take a lot out of a person over a period of time."
"True. Therefore, your Transfiguration will be of even more help" and McGonagall transfigured the chair where she had been sitting into a rhinoceros.
This time Daphne cast a Stunning spell and dropped the beast in its' tracks.
McGonagall said, "Well done. I hope my point is made?" and transfigured the stunned rhino into an anaconda.
Harry smiled and hissed to the serpent in parseltongue, "Immobilize the old woman."
In a flash, the huge snake was wrapping itself around the older woman who glared and then transfigured the snake into rubber balls before it pinned her arms to her sides. She then banished the rubber balls at Harry, "Not amusing Mr. Potter."
Once she resettled herself on a new chair, McGonagall said, "The Fifth Universal Law of Transfiguration. What is it?"
Without a pause, Daphne said, "Any non-living, non-organic matter may be transfigured into a living, non-human being."
"Correct, and the incantation and wand movement?"
When both teens had demonstrated, McGonagall said, "What are the implications of this piece of magic for your case?"
After a moment, Daphne smiled and kicked off her shoe. With a deft flick of her wand, she attempted to cast the spell silently. Failing, she attempted twice more before transfiguring her shoe into a wolverine, which, after a quick Compulsion charm, charged McGonagall.
Stunning the wolverine, McGonagall canceled the transfiguration, leaving Daphne's shoe in the middle of the Room of Pain. "Exactly. Well done. The trick for this kind of application is one of timing, of course."
They began a long and intricate discussion of the uses of Transfiguration in a battle situation. Conjuration of physical shields to block the Unforgivables or to use as shields to hide behind and launch attacks, the use of apparition to gain a momentary advantage in time to allow for more complex conjurations and transfigurations and so on.
The found out quickly that McGonagall was a stickler for form, like Flitwick. After performing the wand movements for all nine of the Universal Laws one hundred times each, McGonagall said, "I want you to consider each Law and think up ten ways that you can use each Law in a Combat situation."
McGonagall had Dobby fetch some shingle from the beach, a few fallen tree branches and some bread from the kitchen.
For the next hour, the Potters started to remediate their first five years of Transfiguration, focusing on melding speed and form. At the end, McGonagall eyed her two students and then gave them a thin smile, "Well done for the day. We will continue tomorrow where we left off. Please have the same raw material present" and she walked out leaving the young couple to slump to the floor, leaning on each other.
Dobby popped in and said, "Master and Mistress would like lunch now?"
Harry nodded and pulled Daphne to her feet and they stumbled into the family dining room to bolt down turkey sandwiches and crisps.
Afterwards, they sat on the couch in the drawing room, Daphne snuggled up to Harry, muttered "I love you" and they promptly fell asleep.
This is exactly how Remus Lupin found them a half hour later. He had used the Floo to arrive in the entryway at one sharp. He was greeted by Dobby who whispered, "Master Harry and Mistress Daphne is being asleep in the drawing room."
He smiled to himself, knowing that Minerva and Filius had worked over the couple. He took a short trip and ambled thr0ugh the house, remembering the two times he had visited James here. They were good times and he gently shook Harry on the shoulder while wearing a gentle smile.
"Wakey, wakey" he taunted the sleepy teens.
When Harry and Daphne recovered consciousness to a suitable point, Remus straightened and said, "Meet me in the library five minutes."
As the Potters came in the double doors of the library, they saw two stacks of books on a worktable and Remus Lupin leaning on said table. "Sit" he beckoned and indicated the chairs.
"What we are going to do for today and tomorrow is read" and indicated the two stacks. "We are going to read the histories of Voldemort and his Death Eaters, as well as, the histories of Gellert Grindlewald and the Knights of Walpurgis. You will get a feel for the tactics and strategies that the two significant European Dark Lords of the last century have employed.
"Begin."
Daphne stifled a grin. At least I'm not getting that damn Pinching hex, nor getting my arse kicked.
A half hour later, she and Harry were both quite nauseous. They'd been reading about the atrocities the two dark lords and their cohorts had perpetrated. The Potters' lunches were sitting uneasily.
"Ok, let's talk about what you've read, shall we?" said Remus in a chipper voice.
"Monsters" whispered Daphne.
"Exactly" said Remus in a hard voice, his smile rapidly fading to a glower. "Exactly right Mrs. Potter. They will do anything to anyone, no matter how depraved, immoral, repugnant or disgusting. There is nothing beyond the pale for these people and you'd best get used to that idea quickly.
"What I want you to do now, is continue reading and look for patterns in their behavior. Where skirmishes or battles are described, look for spell usage, troop coordination and the like."
They both nodded and went back to their reading.
After another half an hour, they stopped and Remus asked, "Well?"
Harry sat back and reached out for his wife's hand. "Well, it seems like there are two types of dark arts practitioners; the first is the Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy type. Very capable and very dangerous in any situation. The others are the Crabbe, Goyle and Nott type; they use the Unforgivables a lot as they can barely cast the Color Changing charm."
Remus nodded and said, "The bulk of the Death Eaters and Knights of Walpurgis were and are thugs who could cast the Killing curse and the Cruciatus. The elite few, as you mentioned Lestrange and Malfoy, are very capable. However, they all must be taken seriously, as the Killing curse from a moron like Alecto Carrow will kill you just the same as a Killing curse from Voldemort."
After a moment to consider, Remus waved his hand at the books and said, "What else?"
Daphne said, "They usually attack with significant numerical superiority. Probably to offset quality of spellcasters."
Remus nodded and said, "So the lesson is?"
She responded, "Where I see one, there are five more waiting in the shadows."
"Good."
He surveyed them critically, no sense of Moony here, only Professor Lupin. Finally, he said, "Since the Death Eaters are playing to their strengths with the use of extreme dark arts and the Unforgivables, your response is to…?"
"Play to our strengths" said Harry.
"Which are?"
"Transfiguration for me" said Daphne.
"Charms" said Harry.
Nodding, Remus said, "Good, I'm glad you're aware of this. So you know what this means, don't you?" When he got no response from either, he said, "It means that Harry is going to put in extra time with Transfiguration, and you" he said to Daphne, "Will put in extra time with Charms."
When he got somewhat confused looks, he patiently said, "You will need to be well rounded in your use of magic in battle if you wish to survive. Relying on just Charms or just Transfiguration allows your enemy to counter you and then kill you. Therefore, you both will study extra hard in your weaker areas. Understand?"
Both their eyes lit up and gave him understanding nods. They talked a bit more before Remus said, "You two look all done in. Minerva, Filius and I had a few chats over the weekend and they told me that they were going to beat on you so I'll let you go a little early. Get some rest and for the love of the heavens, do your homework."
Harry walked Remus to the Entry Hall fireplace while Daphne went for a shower. When she came out of the shower, she had to laugh as Harry had come upstairs, flopped on the bed face first, and not moved.
"A bit tired, love?"
He turned over and pulled her down to him. After she cuddled up, she said, "It was tiring, but fun."
Harry nodded and squeezed her shoulder, "What do you say we do our 15 minutes of dodging with our morning workouts?"
She nodded into his chest, after three attempts silently cast the spell to wake them at four thirty, and they both fell asleep.
.oOo.
The alarm went off on time and Daphne poked, prodded and bribed her husband awake and into the shower. Their guests were to arrive at six, so she went to check with Dobby that everything was on schedule before getting dressed.
She walked into the kitchen and was astounded. Dobby was a blur rushing from sink to counter to oven and back to sink. The asparagus was laid out on the cutting board, washed and trimmed. The potatoes were cleaned, diced and waiting to be roasted. One of the four ovens in the kitchen had what smelled like roast loin of pork while another had what could only be a heavenly chocolate something-or-another. Dobby was currently washing a cutting board he had obviously just used and was singing a song in his piping elfin voice.
He noticed her as he wiped off the cutting board and in a flash, the board was banished to it's cupboard and he was next to her asking, "How can Dobby serve, Mistress?" He had a hopeful smile on his face as he gazed up at her.
"How goes the preparation for the meal?" She and Dobby had spent two hours planning the menu and china for the meal. Seating was easy enough, Susan would sit at Harry's right, Neville at Daphne's right and Amelia Bones at Harry's left. They were eating in the Grand Dining Room and were using the best linens, china and gold utensils. Hogwarts wasn't the only place in the magical world that used solid gold utensils it seemed.
A bit of the old excitement crept into Dobby's demeanor as he bounced a few times before saying, "Everything is as planned Mistress. Dobby is having no problems at all. The red wine is decanting and the white is chilling, the roast is cooking and the vegetables is almost ready for the pot." He looked at her a little shyly and said, "Master Harry is giving directions for the dessert and telling Dobby it is a surprise for Mistress."
Daphne gave Dobby a soft smile and said, "Thank you Dobby for making our first entertainment here at our home so wonderful."
Dobby gave a short sob and then threw himself at Daphne's knees for a moment before stepping back. He choked out, "Mistress is as great and noble as Harry Potter, sir. Is too much." He then jumped back to work, mopping a seemingly spotless corner of the kitchen.
With a smile, Daphne returned to the master suite and took a short shower. It only took her fifteen minutes to do her hair and after donning a blue silk robe with the Potter crest on her left breast, she walked out into the bedchamber.
She found Harry out on the balcony with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was wet and he was looking over the grounds toward the mountains with a pensive expression.
She wrapped her arms around him from behind and said, "What vexes you, love?"
She could feel his body relax at her touch and he answered, "I'm not sure. So much has changed in the last two weeks and I feel utterly exposed and unequipped. Lady Augusta's tutoring should help but I still feel like a firstie getting on the Express for the first time."
He leaned back into her embrace and wrapped his arms backward, around her waist. He gave her bum a playful squeeze and said, "I guess I don't know what is coming next. Outside of the training we've set up, I have no idea what is next in the chute."
"You've got me," she said softly.
He turned in her embrace and pulled her to him, "Aye, I do."
.oOo.
They sat in the formal drawing room, talking away their nerves. Daphne was resplendent in soft gold colored, strapless dress robes. Harry was in the Wizarding equivalent of white tie tuxedo and was nervously watching the Louis XIV clock on the sideboard. Daphne put her hand on her husband's thigh and said, "Just be yourself, love. Harry Potter is a good man and you don't have to put on airs. There is some etiquette to follow, but you know Neville and Susan. Just be yourself."
At exactly six PM the fireplace roared. Harry remained seated, as Daphne had instructed him. It was Dobby's responsibility to see the guests from the Entry Hall into the Drawing Room. A moment later Dobby, wearing a miniature tuxedo, escorted the smiling figure of Neville Longbottom into the room. Dobby bowed the Longbottom scion into the room before disappearing
Harry stood, with a smile, said, "My Lord Longbottom", and gave him a well-executed bow – his first.
Neville smiled and said, "My Lord Potter, Lady Potter" and returned the courtesy.
Harry flopped down on the couch and said, "Ok, that's over" causing Neville to laugh as he sat in a wingback chair.
At that point, the fireplace roared again, twice in close succession. Harry looked at Daphne and said, "Game time."
Dobby bowed Susan and Amelia Bones into the room. Susan had her strawberry-blond hair piled high on her head in a style similar to Daphne while Amelia had her hair in a braid wound about the back of her head. Both were dressed in elegant dress robes and even from across the room, Daphne could see Susan's Head of House ring on her right hand. Harry and Neville both rose and Harry said, "Lady Bones, Director Bones; welcome to Rowan Hill."
Susan glanced at Harry's right hand, saw his Head of House ring on his right hand and then turned her attention to Neville and saw him wearing the ring of House Longbottom.
With a wry smile, Susan curtseyed in return of Harry's bow and said, "My Lord Potter, the pleasure is ours." She smiled and said, "My Lord Longbottom" to which Neville bowed to her and then she smiled at Daphne and said "Lady Potter."
They all took their seats and the topic of conversation of course became Harry and Daphne's marriage. Daphne and Susan chatted like the teenage girls they were and after telling the story of Harry's arrangement of the marriage contract, the three women looked at Lord Potter with a mock glare until they all laughed.
Susan picked up the story with some of the news in society that she had gathered at some dinner parties she'd attended in the last week or so. "Most everyone is expecting you to assume the mantle of Lord Potter and Lord Black. Based on tonight, I assume that is correct?"
Harry took a sip of his champagne and nodded. "Potter is senior, but I am the Earl of Potter and Viscount Black. It's one of the reasons I've invited you over tonight. First, I'd like to get to know you better. We worked well together in the DA, but I've only just now come to know about my status as head of two of the Fifteen. Between the three of us," Harry indicated to Susan, Neville and himself, "We are a majority vote of the Fifteen. Since we all get along fairly well and are like minded when it comes to the conduct of the struggle with Voldemort, I thought it would behoove us to become better acquainted."
Amelia's eyes widened and Daphne could almost see the older woman's thoughts in the air. She was realizing the power that sat in the room under the guise of three rising Sixth Years.
Susan was very interested and considered the news. "Ever since my parents died when I was one, Aunt Amelia" here she indicated the older woman, "has raised me to be the Head of House Bones and one of the Fifteen. Very rarely has one of the Fifteen been female and I know I have an uphill battle in some arenas because of it. "
Daphne figuratively sat back and thought, However, for Susan to ally herself with House Potter, Black and Longbottom, three of the oldest of the Fifteen, well… It would help her in her duties significantly. It didn't hurt that she got along well with Harry and Neville. On top of that, Daphne saw some of the looks she was giving Neville.
The talk lightened for a bit, allowing Neville and Susan to digest the implications of Harry's words. Shortly, Dobby popped in and announced dinner and Harry escorted Susan and Amelia, while Neville escorted Daphne.
The dinner was full of laughter as both Susan and Neville told stories about Harry's exploits from their own perspective. Some topics were purposefully avoided; the Triwizard Tournament and the aftermath being the prime example.
"…and Hannah comes running into the common room screaming about Potter killing a basilisk with his bare hands to save the school."
Amelia chuckled, but Harry, Daphne and Neville just looked at their plates before Harry said, "I used a sword."
The two Bones' goggled at their host. Amelia finally regained use of her vocal chords and said, "You really killed a basilisk at the school?" When Harry nodded, the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement said, "The Headmaster never reported it."
When Harry scoffed, Director Bones said, "Are there more things that the Headmaster didn't report?"
After Harry gave a quick summary of his first five years including the power-limiting ward, he noticed that Amelia had quietly conjured parchment and a self-inking quill and was taking notes. At the end, she said in a quiet, kind voice, "My Lord, I know this dinner party had quite another purpose, but may I see the back of your hand?"
When he showed her the scarring due to the blood quill, her face hardened and said, "Right, then. Thank you. I may have to call you to the Ministry as a material witness and take a statement. Would you be open to that?"
From the foot of the table, Daphne said, "He will come when you call, Madame Bones." With a small smile, Amelia inclined her head.
Harry sat back after the main course and sipped his water before saying, "Madam, I intend on making waves shortly. I hope to have Minister Fudge removed before the month is out. Voldemort has been building and consolidating his power unchecked for a year now and he must be dealt with. I think you'd agree that Fudge is not the man to do that."
With an un-ladylike snort, Amelia said, "I've long been dissatisfied with that moron Fudge. The man has all the imagination and intelligence of a burnt stick. The potential for real change in this room is very interesting."
Daphne said, "If Fudge goes, you are the logical successor. Voldemort is a monster, but not stupid. He will come for you."
Amelia nodded and Harry said, "I recommend upgrading your wards." He looked at Neville and said, "Green Hills as well. The package we purchased from Phalanx in Diagon Alley is nigh on unbreakable. It's everything short of the Fidelius."
Amelia nodded, considering. "I've had these talks before. My Head Auror has been telling me this since your little expedition to the Department of Mysteries."
Neville now stepped in and said, "Would you risk Susan's life?"
Raising her hands, palms out, Amelia said, "I surrender. I'll talk to the warders tomorrow."
Daphne stood and the party moved to the Drawing Room for coffee. When they were all settled, Harry smiled and said to Amelia, "This may sound odd, but what do you need to fight the war?"
"More. I need more Aurors; I need more disposable funds for supplies like armor and invisibility cloaks. I need more control over the rules of engagement. I need more."
Harry nodded and said, "I hope this isn't rude, but Susan, Neville, would you please join me on the balcony for a minute?"
Daphne smiled and winked at him. This was exactly as they discussed and she surreptitiously cast a listening charm on her husband to hear the conversation while chatting with Amelia about various items.
Harry closed the French doors behind him and turned to his classmates saying, "Guys, for a minute, let's put the Fifteen and other such off to the side and look at us. We're all orphans because of Voldemort and his ilk. I don't want my kids or your kids to be orphans as well. We're all friends, and I'd like to become better friends. We all want a better life for ourselves and our future children and are willing to work together to achieve that goal."
Neville leaned on the handrail and looked from Harry to Susan. Finally he said, "I think we can railroad quite a bit through, Harry, but it would help to have a cooperative Ministry and Wizengamot."
Susan nodded and said, "The graft is still very real in the non-Fifteen Wizengamot voters. Malfoy and his kind have real power."
"I've been wondering, why haven't the Fifteen cleaned up this crap before?"
Susan answered without hesitation, "Fear. Fear of retribution on a family member. The new rich like the Malfoys and the Notts have often killed members of the Fifteen out of retaliation."
Neville nodded in concurrence and Harry thought a minute. "I won't bow to them. I won't bow when the bastards are in front of me with a wand and I won't bow when it's in the political sphere. What about you guys?"
Neville stood tall, taller then Harry had ever seen him and Longbottom of Longbottom said, "I won't bow."
"Neither will I" said Susan.
"Then the Orphans stand together." They all smiled at that. After a moment, Harry said to Susan, "I wasn't kidding, I have every intention of seeing your Aunt as Minister before Neville's birthday. I'll need your guys help, because I have no idea how to make it happen."
Neville said in a low voice, "We'll need to get her the resources she needs."
After a moment, Harry motioned to the doors and said, "Let's rejoin my wife and the Director before they take over the world with twenty Galleons, a house elf and four nifflers."
The other two laughed and as Harry opened the door, Susan said, "So, Neville, when is your birthday?"
The balance of the evening was in much higher spirits and around ten, Neville rose and began to make his farewells. After bowing over Daphne's hand and shaking hands with Harry, he turned to Susan. She gave him her hand, which he bowed over, and then he said in a rush, "Are you busy tomorrow? We have a new horse that I'm breaking in and wondered if you'd like to go riding?"
Susan faintly blushed and said, "I'd like that very much. Ten?"
Neville smiled broadly and said, "Ten it is. Green Hills is our Floo address."
After Neville used the Floo, Daphne smiled wickedly at Susan and Harry whistled while looking at the ceiling. "Oh stop it you two" Susan said with a fierce blush that only a redhead can achieve. "And you too Auntie" she snapped at Amelia who had a broad grin.
A smiling Amelia Bones said, "Lord Potter, it has been a wonderful and informative evening, we must do this again, soon."
"Yes, we will, thank you for coming Director."
Amelia flung in the Floo powder and called out "Oak Park Hall!" but the flames did not turn the characteristic green. She did it again with no response. Turning to her niece, she said, "Wait here. I'm going to go get an Auror squad and investigate. My Lord, may I intrude on your hospitality a bit longer for my niece?"
"Of course. We'll be in the drawing room," said Daphne.
An hour later, a soot stained Amelia Bones returned to Rowan Hill. After a quick Cleaning charm she sat down and said to Susan, "I'm sorry dearest, the house is burnt to the ground. Voldemort came sooner than we thought he would."
A/N
1. I own nothing.
2. Thanks to all those who took the time to review. Our vacation was fantastic and we are all rested, tanned and ready to get back to the grind.
3. Regarding Neville as Lord Longbottom. I never really found a good spot to put it into the chapter without sounding stilted, but there is a succession law in place that stipulates that if a Head of House is permanently incapacitated (greater than 7 years), then the heir succeeds to the Lordship of the House. This is why Neville is Lord Longbottom and not his father.
4. The Universal Laws of Transfiguration as I see they could be:
1. non-living (non-organic) to non-living (non-organic)
e.g. basalt rock into steel chain
2. non-living (non-organic) to non-living (organic)
e.g. railroad spike into wooden bucket
3. non-living (organic) to non-living (non-organic)
e.g. match into needle
4. non-living (organic) to non-living (organic)
e.g. bread into teapot
5. non-living (non-organic) to living (non-human)
e.g. pincushion into porcupine; teapot into tortoise
6. non-living (organic) to living (non-human)
e.g. tree into giraffe
7. living (non-human) to non-living (organic/non-organic)
e.g. parrot into plate
8. non-living (organic/non-organic) to living (human) [restoration only]
e.g. reversal of any human transfiguration
9. living (human) to non-living/living (organic/non-organic)
e.g. human being into bone. I see the animagus transformation as an extension of the ninth Universal Law.