Chapter 7: The Fallout – Or, Consequences:
~Dumbledore~
Author's note: I'm writing this as I think of it. Mostly, it kinda writes itself. I have a general idea of where it's going, but there are times when I can just sit down and the words flow effortlessly. I hope that's alright with some of your whom are reading it. Originally, it started off with my intention of it being just Harry and Daphne. But I found that if another witch was added, it would have more story behind it. With Harry inheriting and controlling the Major Houses listed here, he'd have to have many children to eventually inherit, it'd place too much of a burden upon only one wife, that being Daphne. That's one of the major reasons why Hermione is here. I chose her because I like her. Hey, it is my story, although like the rest of us, I'm just borrowing the characters and places from JKR. The plot is what I've made it. I've found that taking some of the elements from the books make for a better writing. I hope. So, read and enjoy it. Write me if you'd like what you see.
The three of them walked out of Gringott's and went to Madam Malkin's Robes to get a new set of Robes, since they were now Lord's and Ladies of the greatest Houses in the Wizarding World. Daphne explained it to Harry and Hermione in a way that was understood.
"Harry, you hold many titles of 'Lord' as well as control the Lordship's of the houses that your two wives have through their inheritance's. You are going to be noticed, whether or not you're still in school! You're GOT to make an impression, at least by dressing well and most importantly, acting like a Lord. I'll help you here in the social customs and the expressions and the impact that you can make towards helping others."
Harry looked at Daphne, not knowing what to say. "So, getting new Robes is a good start?"
Daphne smiled, Hermione along with her. "Harry, your newly acquired wives who represent two of your Houses will be very much in view in our society. We'll need to dress the part and back you up in all of your decisions and stances on your decisions."
"Ok, ok. I understand. Lets go in and get you both what you need." With that said, they walked in and got the complete outfits and accoutrements that the Ladies felt were appropriate.
They three walked out an hour later, dressed in the newest fashions for them both, but what caught the eyes of many were the House designations on their Robes. Harry had the Lordship's of not only the Houses of Black and Potter, but also the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, plus the Lordship's of two Houses that he represents through his wives: That of Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Harry tried not to say anything except to walk past the stares of the onlookers, along with that of Daphne and Hermione. Daphne seemed to be able to take on the stares and not let it bother her. Hermione was too, but with a small amount of trepidation and a lot of nerve and self assurance. They both were doing this for Harry, and that helped them.
They were headed back to school, but, what they didn't know was what they were headed into: The Headmaster's reaction and that of their fellow students!
While Harry, Daphne and Hermione were in Diagon Alley, two Owls from Gringott's were sent to their respective destinations: One to the Ministry and one to Hogwarts to the Headmaster. The Parchments that they were carrying were, in Muggle terms, a Nuclear Bomb!
The Claiming alone of any ONE of the Most Ancient and Most Noble of all the Houses in the Magical World would be enough to send cascades of shock around the World. Any Magical person who is knowledgeable in the history of these Houses would tell you that they are extinct, due to a lack of provable heirs, so the Proven Tests brought on by the Magical Inheritance Tests would change the Political Landscape for so many generations to come, possibly a Thousand Years, hence.
And, here a sixth year student has claimed TWO of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Houses himself, plus two other Ancient and Noble Houses along with his now Betrothal Wives and their Claiming the last two of the Founding Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Seems Harry never did do anything by halves!
At Hogwarts, in the Headmaster's Office, sat a very old Dumbledore. He'd just received an Owl from Gringott's and had just finished reading the Parchments. Dumbledore held his head in his hands, shaking his head from side to side.
"What am I going to do now? Harry, HARRY! Do you realize just what you've DONE!" Dumbledore got up from his desk, pacing around his office. "You're just like your father, only this time, you've screwed up my plans for personally defeating the second Dark Lord in my lifetime and thus eclipsing even that of the Great Merlin!" The anger that showed on his face was purpling worst than that of Vernon Dursley's! Maybe, the reason that Albus sent Harry to the Dursley's was that Albus and Vernon were too much alike when faced with 'problems' concerning Harry?
Dumbledore left his office, he had a lot to do now to try 'damage control'.
If possible.
~Fudge~
Meanwhile, at the Ministry, Hall of Records, a large brown Owl arrived with a satchel of Parchments, just like those that were sent to Hogwarts.
A minor clerk took possession of the satchel, like is always done. It was opened up and it was then that the clerk saw the Personal Seal of the Head of Gringott's Bank/chief of the Goblin Nation. The clerk read over the Parchments and the Documents and immediately ran off the the Office of the Minister of Magic – Cornealious Fudge.
"Minister, Minister. You must see this, you must see this!" The clerk ran all the way up the stairs, not bothering with the elevators. He ran past everyone, including department heads and pushing everyone out of his way. He got to the Ministers office and didn't wait, he just burst through the door and saw Fudge look up at him, surprised.
"What's the meaning of this? Don't you see that I'm in a meeting? You'll be written up for this! Mark my words! Now, get out, NOW!" Fudge was in a meeting with Lucius Malfoy, who was looking down on the minor clerk and smirking.
"Minister! I've just received Parchments and Documents from Gringott's . . ." the clerk barely got that first part of his message out. He was out of breath from running.
"We ALWAYS get those things from those heartless Goblins! Now, didn't you hear me the first time? GET OUT!" Fudge screamed, turning past red to purple faced.
"The Lordship's of BOTH the House of Potter and the House of Black have been Claimed, and . . ." he started to finish his findings when he was silenced.
"What?" Both Fudge and Malfoy looked at him and at the same time voiced their same reactions.
"What did you say? Who claimed them?" Lucius demanded immediately. He KNEW what that would mean to him, both socially and most importantly, financially.
"The Potter boy, Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived claimed both of them just this morning, and that's not all!"
"WHAT? That's impossible! He's just a kid at that darn school run by that demented old fart who's been looking to take my job from me!" Fudge looked at Lucius with trepidation in his eyes.
Lucius asked a question of the clerk, "You've got anything else! What is it?" Lucius demanded.
"The Potter boy signed two Betrothal Contracts, one is to a daughter of the House of Greengrass and the other is to a Hermione Jane Granger, a Muggleborn Witch. But, that's not the worst!" The clerk was wide-eyed at what he had to report.
"Well, what is it? It can't be worst than that!" Fudge replied.
"Yes, it can be and it is. You won't believe it. All four Houses of the Founders of Hogwarts have been claimed just this morning! Harry Potter claimed two of them: the House of Gryffindor and the House of Ravenclaw. The Greengrass Witch claimed the House of Slytherin and the Muggleborn Witch, Granger, claimed the House of Hufflepuff! I've got the official documents from Gringott's Head himself and the Chief of the Goblin Nation. It was determined by a Magical Inheritance Test. The Witches are now Betrothal Contracted to the Potter boy and he now holds the Lordship's of all six Houses! Those three now control Hogwarts!"
Fudge and Malfoy looked at the clerk who gave the papers to the Minister. They looked at each other.
"Thought you'd like to know immediately." The Clerk said and then left.
"Are these Documents real?" Malfoy asked Fudge. He was certainly hoping they weren't, for obvious personal reasons. He wanted Draco to inherit the Lordship of the House of Black, mainly to preserve the family wealth and to maintain his own Political power base in the Wizengamot.
Fudge looked at the Seal on each of the Documents – Horrified!
"Yea, they're real all right." showing Lucius the Seals on each of the Documents.
"See, SEE! It's the personal Seal of the Chief of the Goblin Nation, none the less!"
"I SEE. I SEE. Darn, what'll we do now? This will screw up every plan we've ever had and all those in the future!" Fudge started to rant and rave.
"I understand, Cornealius. Give me some time to think of what we can do. If he's not to savvy with politics, we'll be able to outmaneuver him, easily. Just don't worry, and don't do anything rash right now. Just calm down." Lucius talked to Fudge, trying to calm things some as best he could.
The dragon manure had just hit the fan and it was just starting to spread around.
'Oh, Joy', as a favorite potions professor would say concerning unexpected events.
~Hogwarts~
Three students, rather well dressed, were walking up the path from the Main Gates to the main door of the great Castle. They were watched from the window of the office of the Headmaster.
"Now, it starts." Dumbledore said, quietly, to himself.
"I do hope he knows what he's doing and the long term effect he's going to place upon us all. At least those two he's with have level heads." With that thought spoken out loud, to himself, he turned and walked away from the window."
"Harry," Daphne spoke to him, "things at school will be different for us."
"I know, Daphne, I know and that's what bothers me. Once people find out what's happened to us and the Houses that we represent, I think our friends and enemies will be changing sides, somewhat." Harry stopped walking and looked away towards the Castle, and then towards the Forbidden Forest. The wind whipped his traveling cape around his form causing his wives to look at him now, in a different 'light'. It was then that Daphne and Hermione looked at each other.
"You know, Daphne, for the first time, I now realize that Harry is more than I've ever thought he was." Hermione spoke softly to Daphne.
"I agree with you, Hermione. I think both of us have chosen well. He's going to be a force to be recognized with."
Daphne turned to Hermione, "We're going to have to watch his back and defend him anytime. He's going to need us now while we're here in school. He'll have many enemies now, some new ones you'll never suspect. Just watch out and keep your ears open."
They both walked up to each side of Harry, took him by his arms and walked up to the School.
Once inside the school, Harry mentioned that he'll need to see the Headmaster.
"Headmaster, we'll need to talk, if you have time." Harry began when he saw him in the hall.
"I agree with you, lets go to my office." Dumbledore mentioned.
"Well, I think it's appropriate for me to congratulate you on you rising to the status of Lord. I think it'd be more appropriate for me to refer to you as Lord Potter, unless you'd prefer another of Your House's?" Dumbledore started off, trying to be sociable to Harry.
"That would be most appropriate, Headmaster." Harry replied. "I would like to ask you for new quarters here for me and the Ladies."
"That will be done for you. The Founders had their own quarters which will be opened up and cleaned and all your possessions will be transferred there. Will there be anything else?"
"Yes, Since I've been elevated to that of Lord, I've been granted the status of an Emancipated Minor, as has been the Lady Daphne and the Lady Hermione. As such, neither of us will have a need of a Magical Guardian. In addition, there will be many duties that I'll have to tend to from time to time outside of class and that I will have a need of both Ladies with me. For your information, I hold the Lordship's for six Houses."
When Harry said that, Dumbledore's eye's almost popped out of his head.
"Two of them are the House of Potter and the House of Black. I personally have descended from the House of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, whose Lordship's I personally hold. The other two I hold as the husband of the Descendent of the House of Slytherin and the Husband of the descendent of the House of Hufflepuff. At the end of the school year I will be going to the Potter Ancestral Home with my two wives, Daphne and Hermione. Starting from today, I am responsible for the Finances of all six Houses and those of the Minor Houses."
"Harry, . . ." Dumbledore started to say when Harry interrupted.
"You may address me as Lord Potter. That would be most appropriate. As for these two ladies, they may be addressed as Lady Daphne and Lady Hermione. Neither of us would want 'others' to have any thoughts otherwise, now would we?" Harry was smiling. Daphne had her 'ice queen' face and persona in place and Hermione was just looking at the Headmaster with a stone cold glare. She was remembering that he WAS her Magical Guardian without her being told. 'The nerve of that man!' she was thinking.
"Um, uh, well, uh, Lord Potter. Please accept my apologies for being too familiar with you. It was not my intentions to do so. I'll have the Castle's elves set you up now with your required apartment."
"Thank you, Headmaster." Harry replied. "Oh, and before I forget, there will be more business that we'll be attending to in the very near future. Since the three of us are the legal Heirs of Hogwarts, we'll require you to get in touch with the school's Board of Directors immediately and set up a meeting, possibly tomorrow. I'll want to be attending that meeting, along with you, Professor McGonagall, and myself along with the Ladies Daphne and Hermione."
"Uh, Lord Potter, that's quite too soon for some of them to meet, what with such short notice. Don't you think it'd be more proper to allow them more time to prepare?" Dumbledore was trying to think quickly.
"No, I don't think so. The agenda I have will not take too long. It'll be in their best interest to be notified as soon as possible." Harry was staring at the Headmaster, when a thought came to him. "There is another alternative, though. Hmm . . ." Harry let that statement hang in the air, waiting for Dumbledore to jump on it. Harry was setting a trap!
"Yes, that might be better, most thoughtful of you then." Dumbledore replied.
~The Castle and the Elf~
With that said, Harry excused himself, along with the Ladies, and left. Out in the hallway, while standing in front of the Gargoyles that guarded the Headmaster's office, Harry stopped. He called out, "Hogwarts! Do you know who I am?"
Daphne and Hermione looked at him, strangely, then turned to look at one another.
Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder, gently, "Harry, you can't talk to the Castle! You've not gone around the twist – have you?"
Harry was smiling. "Not quite, Hermione, it's a feeling that I have. I'm surprised that you've not felt it yourself." Harry turned to Daphne. "How about you? Do you feel anything?"
Daphne stopped and closed her eyes, standing perfectly still. "Yes, Harry, I do. I do! That's the Castle, isn't it? It's a 'she', and she's sentient! I never thought of the Castle that way. How about you, Hermione? You feel her?"
Hermione stood still, looking around. Trying to feel what she thought was not possible.
"Close your eyes, Hermione and open your mind to something you've known in the past is not possible. Just relax." Daphne said.
I moment later, "I can feel it. It's a 'her'. The Castle is Sentient! I never thought it was possible! I can feel her! I CAN FEEL HER!" Hermione was jumping up and down, practically dancing. "The questions I have! CASTLE! HOGWARTS! CAN YOU HEAR ME? I am Hermione Jane Granger, now Lady Hermione Hufflepuff, the last heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Helga Hufflepuff."
"Lady Hufflepuff, you don't have to shout. I can hear you perfectly well. I am Hogwarts and you are my Heirs." The castle spoke to them like they were speaking to another mortal being.
The surprise that appeared on their faces, including Harry, was unquestionable.
"I've been sentient since the founding of this school by my founders. The only example that you would be familiar with is the Sorting Hat. For these past Thousand Years, I've watched my Heirs and remembered their thoughts. They've all been very brave, knowledgeable, and friendly. Harry, YOU!, are the BEST of the BEST of all of them."
"Castle, if you've been watching over my ancestors and the ancestors of these Ladies, why didn't you speak to them when they were here, alive?" Harry asked the most obvious question. He looked at Hermione, who smiled. "Thanks, Harry, for asking that question for me. I was very curious."
"Harry, since the Days of the Founders, since the Days of Merlin the Great, I've known my future and the future of our world. My interceding with my Heirs was not necessary until now. I've been waiting for you and Daphne and Hermione, for it is the combination of the talents that each of you three hold, working together, that will bring about a new Millennium for the Magical World. As you've known and experienced, the Dark Wizard, Voldemort is upon us and will, if he succeeds, destroy us all through his greed and fear of Death. Much wrong has he done, not only through his own hands, but by the hands of others, whom he has worked through and forced, by lies and the feeding of their own level of Greed and corruption."
"We know about Voldemort. I've faced him many times." Harry replied to an obvious statement made by the Castle.
"Wait, Castle. You said you've known your future. Can you tell us more? You said you've been waiting for us. How do you know about us, especially me? I'm Muggleborn. Both my parents are Muggles. How do I fit in?" Hermione asked.
"Lady Hufflepuff. Though your parents are without the talent of Magic and you hold such a magnificent Gift, both of them are descended from the Founders and their ancestors' magic has been suppressed since their ancestors left our World. Their descendents' Futures were known and thus their Magical Talents were suppressed until you were conceived. Each of you were conceived and brought here for a reason. You've been withheld in the Spirit World, trained for your specific jobs to be carried out now. You will receive all the help that you'll need to be successful.
"Why was I put in Gryffindor? Why not the House of my Ancestors?" Hermione asked the Castle.
"Just because your ancestors were willing to accommodate those who were not wanted by others doesn't mean that you were not brave. It takes a very brave individual to accept those who are rejected by others. You needed the experience of bravery that Harry here, has given you, that you needed to experience before you came into your true heritage. Lady Hufflepuff, you have preformed magnificently."
"What about me? How have I fitted in?" Daphne asked the Castle.
"Ahh, Lady Slytherin! Though many think that your House and Family as Dark, you are not! Your Family have kept out of the wars only to preserve yourselves and thus YOU, individually. Your family possesses great love for each other. You've been taught the skills of political maneuvering that Harry, here, will need from you. You, Lady Slytherin, are full of Grace and Beauty, that can only be matched by Lady Hufflepuff. Of all of your Ancestral Heirs, I value each of you the most."
"Thank you, Hogwarts. I appreciate your kindness. I just hope to live up to your expectations." Hermione said, while blushing. "Never, while I've been in school, have I received such kindness and praise. I never thought I would be worth it." Hermione looked down, not knowing how to feel about that kindness that was pronounced upon her. But, there was one feeling that she did feel: She felt that she had the weight of the World on her shoulders.
"What will we do now? We'll need a place to stay." Harry asked and stated.
"I've prepared a suit of rooms for all you. Since you're now Betrothed and legal you'll now have your own apartment for the rest of your lives. If you need anything, ask for the elves. Should you wish to talk with me, just ask for me. And, when your enemies approach you, each of you, I'll be there to give you aid and protection. Also, I'll try to teach you the skills that you'll need."
"Castle, can we talk with you, more at length? Right now, we need a place to stay so we can get out of people's way and have some time to ourselves." Harry mentioned. He and the Ladies were getting tired.
"Follow my lead and I'll show you where you'll be staying." With that said, the Castle led them up to the top floor, to an unused wing that had been prepared by the Elves. It was a magnificently appointed Suite of rooms, well furnished and complete with all of their belongings, all neatly laundered, ironed and put into their appropriate closets and chest's of drawers. Their Books were placed on their own private desks along with their personal items. The Bed was larger than King size, large enough for them to have plenty of space. The Dining Room was adorned in exquisite taste, the accouterments embellished with silver and gold of the most exquisite china and crystal.
"Harry! This is lovely! I never knew an apartment like this existed here! How come we never knew?" Hermione asked. She and Daphne were walking around looking in all the rooms, trying to imagine themselves just living there.
"Harry," Daphne turned to her new husband, "How long can we stay here? Would it be just until we finish school?"
"Well, Daphne, I think, from what the Castle mentioned, this is our home here for the rest of our lives. Why don't we ask the castle? CASTLE, We've got a question."
"Lord Gryffindor. I was listening to your conversation about your apartment. This is your living quarters, for all three of you for the rest of your lives. I realize that you have other Estates that you will be living in, from time to time, but, this apartment is reserved for you three, exclusively. You may come and go at your leisure. The elves are at your service anytime; Just call for them and they will help you."
"Thank you, Castle. We all appreciate your help." Daphne replied. She was raised to show and demonstrate her upbringing and manners in many social situations. It was she who appreciated the living standards that the upper class of the nobility and the ruling class were accustomed to. The Greengrass Family lived very well, but she knew that she was in for an entirely different level of living arrangements due to her and her husbands' inheritances, and Hermione's, also.
~Dobby~
"I've got an idea." Harry mentioned to neither of his wives, in particular.
"What's that, dear?" Hermione replied, with a smile.
"I've got an elf who may want to help us." Harry replied with a smile. "DOBBY!"
With that name spoken out loud, there appeared a very active, but oddly dressed elf, with mismatched colorful socks, and a hand knitted multicolored hat on his head.
"Did the great and noble Harry Potter call for Dobby?" He was very happy and exuberant in his manners towards Harry.
"Yes, I did. I'd like to talk with you and make a deal with you, if you'd like." Harry started off saying.
"The Great and Noble Harry Potter has need of Dobby?"
Harry knelt down in front of the elf placing his hands on Dobby's shoulders and looking at him, smiling. "Dobby, it seems as though I've come into many inheritances, Lordship's, if you will. . ." but, before Harry could finish, Dobby broke into Harry's explanation.
"Master Harry Potter, Dobby knows all about your change in status and the elevation to that of many Lordship's. No other Wizard has as many Lordship's as you do."
"How do you know, Dobby? We've not told anyone else."
"Dobby stays close to you. You've been nice to Dobby. Dobby only wants to help Harry Potter."
"Dobby, would you like to be a part of my House? I need an elf to help me, full time." Harry asked the question that he knew Dobby would like to hear.
Dobby's eyes got bigger, and his enthusiasm was much greater. "Yes, Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby will be most grateful to work for you."
"Dobby, you'll be a part of our family. You'll be living with us and helping us. The Ladies here, Daphne and Hermione, will be needing a female elf. Would you know of one who'd like to be a part of our family? She'd have to get along with you; Maybe, someone you'd like to be with, yourself?" Harry was smiling.
Dobby was looking at Harry, thinking, and nodding his head slowly. "Dobby knows of one elf, her name is Winky. She's been cast out of her former master's house and she has no where else to go. She's here in the kitchens, but she's been drinking too much butterbeer and, well," Here, Dobby was ashamed to tell Harry just how bad Winky was.
"Dobby, what's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Master Harry Potter, elves shouldn't drink butterbeer, it gets them drunk and they can't think properly. They don't act like proper elves anymore when they get that way. Winky is a good elf, but not when she's drinking. She feels bad that no one wants her anymore."
"Dobby, go get her, and tell her I want her to be a member of my House, along with you. Tell her, she'll be a good elf for the Ladies of my House as well as the other Houses that we all represent."
Dobby was overjoyed. He looked at the Great and Noble Harry Potter, the holder of six Lordship's and was crying tears of happiness. Dobby reached up and hugged Harry and Harry hugged him back in return.
"Oh, Dobby, you and Winky will need some proper uniforms, not clothes, mind you, but uniforms. Their purpose is to show others whom you meet in all your official duties and capacities, as the Elves of the Family of Harry Potter and all his Lordship's. It will make your job much easier and it'll give you greater respect." Harry conjured some parchment, a quill and a small pot of gold colored ink and wrote a message. "Here, Dobby, take this into Diagon Alley and go to Madam Malkin's Robes and give her this. Tell her you and Winky both will need some official uniforms tailored just for you both and you're to wear the emblems of the Houses of Potter and Black as well as all four of the Founders of Hogwarts. Have her send me the bill directly. Will that be acceptable for you?"
Dobby's lower lip was quivering and tears were running down his cheeks from his great eyes. "Never has Dobby been treated so kindly. You are, in deed, the Greatest Wizard who'll ever live, Harry Potter, sir!"
Then, Dobby popped away to give the good news to one very deserving elf, plus, some proper clothes that will reflect the new status of both Elves.
Both women stood there, mouths agape, total disbelief shown all over their attractive countenance's. "Harry!" Daphne started, "Do you realize just what you've done!"
Harry looked up at Daphne, perplexed. "Uh, well, I just gave Dobby something to wear so that he'll be respectable in his appearance. And I got him some help. Winky is a nice elf and she doesn't have a job, so, I needed some help. Anyone would have done what I did. No special deal." Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"No special Deal? Harry!" Daphne was not comprehending his reaction. "This will get out to every elf in our world and soon they'll all want the same thing that you gave Dobby. Do you realize how the families will react to that? If the elves get up and leave them, we'll have trouble on our hands! It'll be the start of an Elf Revolution!" Daphne threw up her hands in disbelief.
"Daphne, it'll be ok. It's the right thing to do. Someone, somewhere, would have done what I did. It was just a matter of time before it happened." Harry went over to her and wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry. It'll all turn out ok, you'll see."
Harry, Hermione and Daphne spent the rest of that weekend afternoon in their newly acquired apartment personalizing it. Meanwhile, Owls were flying everywhere, and people were upset, and to say the least 'anxious' at the news that the gossip mill was grinding out. A certain reporter who'd had 'experience' with a certain muggleborn witch sent an owl for an interview.
Later, that same afternoon, Hermione received an owl. She took the parchment and fed the owl some treats and read the message, Surprise was the least of her reactions!
"Hermione, I've heard some rumors concerning you and Harry and possibly another witch. I realize that my past associations with you and your friends have not been the best. I'd like to make that up to you by interviewing you to find out if the rumors are true and to give you the best the Daily Prophet has to offer. In return for this privilege, I'll let you have complete editorial control over the final copy. I would like to do my best to be friends with you again, if you'll give me this one last chance. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience." Most Sincerely, Rita Skeeter
"The nerve of that lying bitch! Never in all my life would I even THINK that she'd even ask me for another interview! And!, she expects me to bow down to her demands?" Hermione was starting on one of her hot rants and pacing up and down their apartment.
Daphne looked at her, perplexed. "What's wrong with that?"
"Here! Read it for yourself! If I ever get my hands on that, that, . ." Hermione didn't even want to finish her statement. "Every time she prints anything about Harry, she lies through her teeth, just to make him look bad!"
Daphne stood there, reading the letter, and thinking. "Hermione, she says that you'll have final editorial approval of the copy. That in itself is valuable. I'm involved in this too. Let me help you both with the questions we'll answer and the answers we'll both give her. Would that help?"
Hermione was pacing, looking up at Daphne, then at Harry, who'd not said a word. "Well, Harry, what are your thoughts on this?" Hermione asked him.
"Personally, I don't care either way what you do with that Skeeter woman. I think that the only truthful article that's ever been printed about me was in the Quibbler." Harry said without really thinking. "Oh, there was that time that you blackmailed her into writing the truth about her. But, that was done against her will, so to speak. She didn't have a choice. Really, I'd just ignore it. I've had so many damning articles published about me, I don't care anymore." Harry got up and left the room.
Daphne watched her husband walk out of the room, apparently not caring one whit about the situation. She knew that this was not the way to 'take care of business', even though it's just a small part of his affairs, still it should be taken care of properly.
'Hmm,' Daphne thought to herself, 'this is just the perfect opportunity to begin to exercise our influence in a very public way. People are going to learn about what's happened to us today and it's best we control the situation now. Who knows, either Fudge or Dumbledore will probably get involved and spin it to make their own selves look good at Harry's expense.'
"Hermione, if Harry is not going to do anything about this, then it's up to us to take care of it in a way that'll make him look good. He's not done anything to warrant having more enemies, yet, anyway. What do you say?"
Hermione looked up at Daphne, thinking for just a moment. A slight smile crept up across her full lips and rosy cheeks, which Daphne immediately noticed. She, too, was smiling, for she then, without having to hear Hermione's reply, knew what the answer was, no, IS!
"Hermione, my dear, seems as though you'd have fit into the House of Slytherin very easy! My compliments to you on that 'hidden' quality of yours! You are full of surprises, dearest!"
"Daphne, my dear, I learn quickly from the best!" With that, they both hugged.
Daphne sat down at a desk with some parchment, a quill and a pot of gold colored ink. There, she looked up out of the window, thinking, then she began to write:
Dear Rita Skeeter: I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness in writing to Lord Potter. We've been thinking of your offer and after due consideration have come to the decision to accept your offer, but with conditions. First, we appreciate you giving Lord Potter editorial control over the final draft. This we find necessary due to the published articles that have been printed about him in the past. Second, we want to mention what has happened to us today and it's 'consequences'. Third, we are looking for someone in the publishing world with whom we can work with with whom we can trust, absolutely. IF, this interview works out to the satisfaction of both Lord Potter and ourselves, then we would be willing to give you first interview status with ALL of Lord Potters' interviews. If you are willing to accept these terms, come see us tomorrow afternoon here at Hogwarts.
Harry James Potter, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter,
Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black,
Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Gryffindor,
Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Ravenclaw,
Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin and Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Hufflepuff,
Lady Daphne Slytherin, Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin,
Lady Hermione Hufflepuff, Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Hufflepuff.
"Hermione, here is the letter I've drafted. Read it and tell me what you think. We're in this together for ever."
Hermione read it over. "I like it. It describes our needs and what we're willing to do." She looked at Daphne with a rather unpleasant look. "But, I'm not too keen on dealing with Rita. Not after what she'd done to Harry." Hermione pursed her lips till they were a very thin line. "I'd not be too comfortable around her, trusting her with our family information till she gives us some kind of Oath."
"I understand, Hermione, really, I do. But, right now, we need someone to spread the truthfulness about Harry and us. We need a friend." Daphne placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder. "The best way to get rid of an enemy is to make them your friend."
"I know, Daphne, I know."
"Thank you, my dear Hermione, thank you for your support. I'll send it off now, and we'll see what happens tomorrow."
"Dobby!" Daphne called for the diminutive elf, who appeared all dressed in his uniform. "Lady Slytherin call for Dobby?"
"Yes, would you please be so kind as to deliver this parchment to Rita Skeeter? She is a reporter for the Daily Prophet." Daphne made her request to Dobby. "Oh, and Dobby, you look rather distinguished in your new Uniform. It fits you perfectly." Daphne made the heartfelt comment to Harry's favorite elf, who was overjoyed at being so well thought of and for the compliment he received.
"Thank you, Lady Slytherin, Dobby thanks you for your kindness." With that, he knelt down to her in a show of respect and then got up and disapparated away on his mission.
Meanwhile, back at the 'ranch', so to speak. Dumbledore just received an owl from Gringott's. It was an official letter detailing all of the withdrawals that had been made from both accounts and vaults of the Black family and the Potter family since the night of 31 October 1981 when both of the Potters were killed, thus orphaning the then young Harry and on that same night when the then Lord Sirius Black was arrested and thrown in Azkaban prison without a trial. All the gold that had been withdrawn by Dumbledore is to be given back, else charges filed with the Wizengamot would be brought about. This is being done on the authority of Lord Potter and Lord Black for each of the Family Accounts.
Dumbledore read this with sweat running down his skin, a feeling of trembling about his very magical core itself. He knew he'd have to either obtain loans from some of his backers or else liquidate almost the entirety of the assets of the Ancient and Noble House of Dumbledore. He'd have nothing left. He'd used this gold to provide the funding for his Order of the Phoenix and the members. This Order was the only thing that stood between Freedom in the Magical World and the Chaos that was represented by Voldemort. Too many deaths had happened and the Ministry had done nothing to either stop it or halt it. The Wizengamot was infiltrated by the supporters of Voldemort, and these self same supporters KNEW Albus was aware of them!
Albus just got up and walked around his office, his head in his hands. 'Harry, you just don't know what you're doing. The actions you're demonstrating will have long lasting effects on our world for generations to come. Houses will fall, both good and bad, and without your knowing the status of the players in this so called 'game', you could not only hurt but injure innocent people.'
Albus just stared out the window of his office, shaking his head. 'Harry is now an emancipated minor in the eyes of the Law. He's working with the Goblins and all they care about is the status of their clients' accounts, contracts and gold. They have no care about Wizarding Politics which could, in the long term, affect all of their concerns. Little do they know that Voldemort will eventually take over ALL of Gringott's accounts, contracts and gold and either have the Goblins work for him, or decimate their kind entirely.'
With these dark thoughts pressing him down, he left his office. 'Time to have a talk with Minerva.'
~Minerva McGonagall~
Albus walked out of his office, down the winding stairs and off towards the Transfiguration classroom where his colleague was in her office.
"Hello, Albus. What brings you here?" Minerva asked politely.
"Good afternoon, Minerva. I hope I'm not distrubing you today on your day off."
"Oh, no, not at all. I'm just catching up on my reading. I never do have enough time. Come sit down, have a spot of tea with me."
Minerva has known her elderly colleague for, well, since her first year as a student.
"Albus, come in and sit down, I've know you for far too long to know that you've got something on your mind, something very important, I'd consider." Minerva was smiling at her knowing him too well.
Albus sat at her desk, facing her. He situated himself and was silent for a while, not really knowing where to start. He was worried.
"Minerva, have you heard the latest news concerning Harry?"
She just sat there, sipping her cup of tea, with sugar, of course, and wondered when that question, or one like it, would come up. 'Now, it starts!' She thought to herself.
Minerva put her cup down and looked at her colleague and friend, who had been thusly so for almost her entire life. "I've been aware of the possibilities of something, shall we say, 'important' to be going on in his life most recently. He needed to go into Diagon Alley today, for what, I don't know the details." She looked at him, rather sharply: "But, Albus, I trust the lad. Completely. He's had a very hard life, more so than most any other I've ever known. He's not one to carry a grudge or deliberately go out to hurt someone. Not knowingly, of course."
Albus exhaled and looked out of the window, anywhere but at Minerva's eyes, which would pierce into his soul, or so it seemed.
"Today, Harry claimed the Lordship of the House of Black, from his godfather, Sirius."
"Oh?"
"And, he also claimed the Lordship of the House of Potter."
Minerva raised an eyebrow almost to her hairline. "I've not heard of anyone in my lifetime holding two Lordship's simultaneously. That's highly unusual."
"It is, Minerva, it is, but, that's not all. Not by a long shot!"
Albus didn't speak, not immediately, anyway. He got up and paced the floor.
"Albus, what's wrong? Surely with Harry holding two Lordship's isn't that much of a worry to you? Is it?" She was beginning to think along some lines of thought that she, well, 'shouldn't.'
"What Harry did today, in Gringott's, well, it'll affect the Magical World for perhaps the next millennium. At the very least! What Harry has done has never been
done. And I mean not just done, but not even attempted. He just waltzed into Gringott's and within an hour or two, had accomplished something that no other magical being had ever done." Albus looked at Minerva. "And, I mean not even since the time of Merlin the Great. Not even Merlin himself had ever accomplished what Harry's done today!"
Minerva got up and walked over to her colleague, placing a hand on his shoulder . She tried to comfort him. She'd never seen him so, well, what's the word? Anxious? Never before like this!
"Albus. What did Harry do?" She was beginning to worry.
Albus turned to Minerva, looking at her directly with his blue eyes. "Today, Harry James Potter, the only son of Lord James and Lady Lily Potter claimed two of the Lordship's of the Founders! Not only that, but he entered into two Betrothal Contracts: One with Daphne Greengrass and the second with Hermione Granger, who, by the way, both of these two also claimed the other two inherited seats of the Founders! Miss Greengrass, claimed the seat of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Slytherin and Miss Granger claimed the seat of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Hufflepuff."
Minerva was astonished, she knew Harry had to go to Gringott's, but what she'd just learned was beyond anything even SHE could have imagined having happened.
"Albus, how could Miss Granger have claimed such a Seat?" She was unable to even comprehend the 'how' of it. "I mean no disrespect, but Miss Granger is a Muggleborn. How could that have happened? Would it hold up to any kind of serious inspection?"
"I don't know how to answer your questions. If nothing else, I just hope that this is some kind of prank thought of by the twins." Albus replied, not exactly in a nonchalant manner.
"Albus, don't even joke about that! The twins are good at pranks, but not something like this."
"I know Minnie, I know. But, can you imagine the looks on their faces if it were a prank? I don't even think that even they could top that!" Albus smiled at that thought. "Hmm" He was thinking – again. "Yes, I see what you mean. The twins would probably have to ride out of a class room on their brooms during a test, disturbing everyone with some kind of fireworks afterwards. I don't think even THEY could accomplish that feat to top Lord Potter." Albus smiled.
"Oh, Albus, the sanctimonious thoughts you have sometime."
"I forgot to mention, in referring to Harry and his ladies, in public and probably in private until we are otherwise informed, they are to be referred to as Lord Potter, Lady Daphne Slytherin and Lady Hermione Hufflepuff."
"Alright, Albus, I can do that. It only seems right. I do have a question for you."
"What's that?"
"Since those three have claimed the titles to the Founders, does that mean they also can lay claim to the school?"
Albus was really worried about this one question. Shaking his head, "I don't know."
Albus was thinking; He got up and continued walking about Minerva's office when he stopped and looked up at her. "Minnie, magic is a wonderfully peculiar thing. Sometimes I wonder if Magic itself is a sentient thing or being. The laws that surround it. I've always wondered."
"Albus, I've had that same thought myself as have many of us."
He didn't know whether or not to say anything about that letter from Gringott's, so he kept that part to himself, for now. He was of two minds on that. Here he was in a position to ward off Voldemort and his minions and the ministry wasn't helping, instead they were denying their very existence. It took gold to pay for the help and the information. And that wasn't cheap.
He shook himself out of his ponderings, looking at Minnie, "Well, carry on then, Have a good afternoon." With that said, he left to ponder his own thoughts. And future.
~Mundungus Fletcher~
"Where did you hear THAT?" The question was asked by Rita Skeeter, the sometimes reporter for The Daily Prophet, Wizarding Briton's only Magical Newspaper. Well, there are 'others', such as the Quibbler, and Witch Weekly, and the radio broadcast's, but as far as daily news of 'consequence', the Prophet was it.
"Madam, please, excuse me, but I was in Knock Turn Alley and was just minding my own business, when in walked Lord Malfoy." The source that Rita depended on for sniffing out leads did lead her to some good articles, so, she continued listening to him. After all, it couldn't hurt. Best to be prepared with what news, knowledge and leads she could get.
"Oh, and what did he want?"
"He was talking to some wizards, some that even I wouldn't hang around. They were talking about that Potter boy being a Lord and all. He'd just come from Gringott's and that the Goblins had sent Fudge some official sounding document. Malfoy was there when it happened, he was talking to a couple of these fellows in the pub, kinda low like, not wanting to let anyone hear. Anyway, if that wasn't bad enough one of them raised his left arm and I saw 'The Mark'! I tell you Rita, I was scared out of my wits, what wits I've got. I recognize it from the pictures I saw in the paper from the International Games that was held several years ago here. You know what I mean. It was up in the sky, all green like. Anyway, Miss Rita, this Malfoy fellow, here he is, in Knock Turn Alley, in a Pub, talking to some Death Eaters about the Potter boy being a Lord and all."
"Now, now, just go somewhere, and don't be seen in public, calm down, and take these Gallons for your trouble. Keep quiet about what you've seen. It could bring you more trouble than you'd want. You're a good source, Mundungus, and I don't want to loose you." Rita Spoke gently to her source, a wizard who was very well known to a certain Headmaster. He needed galleons and played both sides of the fence well.
With that done, Mundungus Fletcher was off to hide, a talent that he was very good at. 'I'll be keeping my eye out on the paper for the next few days and see how things progress, what with the information I've given that Skeeter witch. But, maybe that headmaster will pay me something for this bit of information. Might as well squeeze it for all it's worth. Galleons are hard to come by nowadays.' And with that thought, one dirty, low life wizard of questionable loyalties was off to 'do business'.
"Well, Mundungus, what news have you brought to me today?" Albus Dumbledore asked his old friend. He knew that 'Dung could get into places that ordinary, upstanding wizards and witches couldn't get into. He was the perfect mole for digging up leads.
Of course, moles are similar to rats, if you follow my meaning.
"I was in the pub in Knock Turn Alley today, not too long ago, when in walked Malfoy . . ,"
"You mean Lord Malfoy?"
'Dung nodded his head in the affirmative.
"Well, in he walked, all dressed up in his finery, carrying that silver snake headed cane of his, and he went up to some of the questionable wizards, the kind that no self respecting wizard like myself would associate with. Anyways, he was talking to them about the potter boy, you know the one, the boy who lived. Anyways, Malfoy was talking about him, the potter boy being a Lord and all, of several Houses, the Potter House and the Black House. Malfoy said he was talking with Fudge when one of the Ministry lacky's ran in out of breath. They'd just got official notification from the Goblins at Gringott's."
"I appreciate your telling me this, Mundungus. I really do." Albus pulled out a bag and gave it to 'Dung. "Here, take this one hundred Gold Galleons and keep this information to yourself. Do you understand me?"
'Dung nodded his head. If ever there was one Wizard he didn't want to piss off and make an enemy of, THIS was the one! Voldemort would just torture him with the cruciatus curse and then kill him. Dumbledore would do 'more'.
He shuddered at that thought.
As he was fixing to leave, he turned to the Headmaster, "Oh, I almost forgot. When Malfoy was talking, one of the wizards he was talking to raised his arm, left one, I think. Anyway, when he raised his arm, the Mark was showing! Thought you'd like to know."
This got Albus' attention!
"Do you know who he was talking to?"
"Yea, one of the LeStrange brothers, they was both there, along with that crazy bitch of a witch he's married to."
'Dung shuttered at the thought of getting caught by them and felt himself lucky to have gotten away unnoticed. 'The things I've heard her do makes my flesh crawl,' Dung thought to himself. 'Best I not be too vocal about some of my thoughts.'
"You've done very well, Mundungus. Go hide somewhere and keep your gold to yourself. Don't let anyone know or see how much you've got. Here, take another bag. You've earned it!" With that said, Albus tossed him another bag containing one hundred gold Galleons.
'Dung nodded his head in appreciation and left quickly.
Little did he know that the gold that he was paid by a certain long bearded, very old wizard, came from the vaults of Families that were now headed by a young wizard who did not care for him. And, if only Mundungus was concerned about his own skin, if only he'd known better. What he didn't know then was that young wizards' wife who was now known as 'Lady Slytherin', would be hounding him all the days of his life.
Of course, 'Dung didn't know to whom his 'loyalties' really lay with.
The effects of the House you not only belong to but to whom your loyalties as well as your Magic is tied to, have very long lasting effects upon each magical being.
If Only!
~Rita Skeeter~
Rita, having just heard the news, or rumor or lead, however you'd label it, wrote out another letter to Harry. 'This news is something I just can't let sit till tomorrow. I've got to get an interview with him today. Or at least one of the witches he's with, what names were they using?' She picked up the parchment that was sent to her. 'Ah, here it is, Lady Daphne Slytherin and Lady Hermione Hufflepuff. Hermione, Hermione, I know that name!' Rita sat down and looked over her files of names that she kept handy. Her eyes lit up. 'Here it is. She's the one who's been the Potter boy's friend since their first year. AND, she's a Muggle Born! Now, HOW could she have pulled off a trick like this? Claiming the Seat of one of the Founders of Hogwarts! That's just not possible. Has to be a rat somewhere. She had to have paid off the Goblins for something like this. Hmm.'
Rita sat down and wrote out another letter to Harry, hoping she'd 'get lucky'. She knew she'd have to go through those witches that protect him, but, for a story like this, she'd kiss their backside!
Dear Lord Potter, Lady Daphne Slytherin and Lady Hufflepuff: Please accept my apologies for writing you so soon, again, today, but, I've just acquired some information that would be in your best interests. All may not be as it seems, in the Political Arena already. And it's not in your favor, either. Please, if I could just have a few moments of either of you today, I'd be willing to give you what I have of myself, swearing an Oath, anything. This interview will be most helpful towards all of you. I'm also willing to publish anything you would want me to in my Column if that'll help. I'll only print the truth as it pertains to each of you and I'll do my best to stand by your side. I know who truly holds the power in our world now, and it's you three. I look forward to your answer at your convenience. Rita Skeeter
Rita set her quill down on her desk and looked over her letter that she'd just completed writing. She was satisfied, so she tied it to her owl's leg and sent the owl off.
Now, the waiting begun.
'Might as well write down my list of questions in case they want to see what I'm asking. Can't hurt. It might show them I'm prepared.
Daphne was just cleaning her self up when she received the owl. She opened it up since it was addressed to all three of them and read it. Her eyebrow was raised at the implications that were included. She knew that this was something that had to be dealt with immediately, so, she went to Hermione and discussed it. They both had to protect Harry and his reputation for the upcoming future. The Political Arena was already being set and it's 'performers' were in the wings ready to make their appearance. Daphne had watched her father all her life as he was a Lord and a member of the Wizengamot. She'd seen him dealing with those whom he liked, who were his allies and she'd seen him argue against those whom she knew were his political enemies. She knew how to deal with both, and she'd have to call in her father for help and support for her husband. Harry can do this alone, but, it'd be so much easier if he had support from those whom he was helping. Having an open administration would be so much easier if others knew what you were trying to do and accomplish. She just shook her head and went to get Hermione and show her the recent Owl delivered parchment letter. Time to get them both moving and have that interview. Harry's next salvo should be in tomorrow's Daily Prophet! She was reminded of what her mother told her: 'Daphne, behind every Great Wizard is an even better Witch. Always remember that. Your job is to work behind the scene's, that'll help your husband get his job done so much easier. But, you should always let him know what you're doing.' It's time to put her mothers advice to work.
"Hermione, I need to talk with you. We just received another Owl from that reporter and she said there's been some recent developments that we should be aware of." Daphne walked into their bedroom where Hermione was in a 'delicate' moment! No need to explain what, 'cause Daphne had just recently been doing that same thing!
Oh, how Daphne hated politics and interruptions!
Hermione stirred, exhausted, and opened one bleary eye. "What is it now! I was thoroughly enjoying myself when I was so rudely interrupted."
"Yea, Daphne, How's a recently married Lord expected to do his duty when he's interrupted?" Harry was smiling. The covers were falling off the both of them, but, what do you expect? They were all legally betrothed so in this room, there were no secrets, no shame, but there is a lot of eyebrows heading up into their hairlines. Still, being young has it's advantages and Daphne and Hermione BOTH have just found out just WHAT those advantages are! Neither of the witches were complaining.
"I've just received, we've, just received another 'missive' from that reporter, Rita Skeeter, the one neither of you like. She said she's got some information of recent developments that concern you." Daphne walked over to their bed and sat down. Crossing her legs, still wearing her night gown, and nothing else under it!, she continued. She knew, she'd been taught well by her mother just how to 'work a man' for her best results, so she could get what she wanted. Of course, what she wanted was for all of them, not just for herself.
"Hon, she's just going to pester us till she either gets an interview from us or she'll dig it up from somewhere else, and if it's the latter, we won't have any way to control it. Best to do it now. I'll ask her to swear an Oath of Alligence to us. That no matter what she sees or hears while she's with us, she won't divilge to others without our expressed approval and permission. What'd'ya say, sweetcheeks?" With THAT said, or 'implied', Daphne swatted her hubby's backside gently, waiting for an answer.
"Oooh, alright, if you insist. Looks like I'll have to get up, showered and dressed." Harry moaned out and got up. He was dressed in his very best 'birthday suit', which both Daphne and Hermione liked! So, too, did Harry, from his obvious 'State' of muscular contractions!
Hermione got up and started to go to the bathroom, but Daphne stopped the both of them. "Wait, don't do anything, just relax, stay the way you are. I've got an idea."
"Dobby!"
The diminutive elf popped in, and when he saw the three of them, he covered his eyes.
Oh, Dobby, don't be embarrassed, we need you to go see Rita Skeeter and bring her back here immediately. Bring her to our living room, NOT our bedroom. Ok? We want to interview her, or is it the other way around?"
Dobby nodded his head and popped away.
Daphne looked at her family, "Now, that wasn't so difficult now, wasn't it?" She was smiling. She turned around and said, "Just wear a robe, and don't worry about what Rita will say, neither of us have anything to be embarrassed about."
"But, but, she'll see us and know what we've been doing?" Hermione squeaked out.
"So? We're all on our honeymoon, we're all recently betrothed and we're doing what is expected of us. Besides, after I get through with that witch, she'll be under our authority and we can control what she says or doesn't say or prints. Besides, it'll get her to be more, how should I put it? Groveling? Would that be the appropriate word? Just remember, power comes in many forms, and I'll teach both of you how to exercise it. Don't worry, I'm in this just like you are." Daphne smiled and turned, and with a 'swishing' of her nightgown robe, showing lots of leg and thigh, she demurely walked away.
An apparition pop sounded in the next room. Harry turned to Hermione, both needing to put on a robe as Daphne requested. "Well, Hermione, looks like it's 'show time' as the Muggle entertainers would say.
Hermione shook her head, "Yea, it is. And I wonder what I've got myself into?"
"Hon, do you have those documents that Ragnok gave you? We'll be needing them." Daphne stuck her head back in their bedroom.
"Yea, sure, let me get them. I'll be right out."
"What's she need them for?" Hermione asked.
"I've not the slightest, dear, but knowing Daphne, she's got all our bases covered and is about to hit a home run, in our favor."
"Hmm, well, ok, but I do feel a little 'exposed' going out dressed only in my night gown. Rita's gonna seen right through this, and I'm gonna be as red as the Weasley's hair!"
"Well, I kinda like what I see from here!"
Hermione swatted his arm. "You! Men are all alike, thinking with the wrong head!" She was smiling a bit, secretly liking the fact that she was admired by her husband, especially as to how she was dressed. But, she'd done her 'wifely duties', as had Daphne, so she had no problems. But, there were times when she missed the Muggle World. At least there, you weren't bothered on your honeymoon by 'business'.
"Well, it's show time." Harry said, and walked out into the living room along with Hermione, carrying the documents.
Rita Skeeter was well dressed and sitting down, with her quik quotes quill ready to do business when she looked up and saw the three most politically powerful witches and Wizard walk into the living room, dressed in just their night gowns and robes!
Her eyes about popped out of their sockets. 'Great Merlin! What's going on?' She thought to herself.
Daphne spoke first. "Hello, I'm Lady Daphne Greengrass Slytherin, wife of Lord Harry Potter." Turning to indicate Harry. Then turning to Hermione, "And this is the Lady Hermione Granger Hufflepuff, Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Hufflepuff." They three sat down together with Harry in the middle and his two wives on either side of him, the hands of his wives resting on his knees, protectively.
An indication of events to come and where they stood in relation to him.
A VERY powerful indicator!
Harry spoke next, as was appropriate. "You sent us two letters requesting an interview, Rita. You caught us, shall I say, 'unawares'. That's why we're dressed the way we are."
"I'm so sorry, my Lord Potter, I didn't mean for this to happen so quickly, I didn't mean to embarrass either of you. It'll not happen again, I swear!" Rita began.
Daphne held up her hand, "No problem, THIS time, but first things first. First, with all our interviews, you'll be using a standard dictation quill, NOT a quik quotes quill! Do you understand?" Daphne had a rather hard edge to her question.
"Ye, yes, Yes! My Lady, I thoroughly understand." With that said she put away her quill and got out a standard dictation quill.
"That's much better. We appreciate that thoughtfulness very much. It's because we have many, shall we say for now, 'secrets', that we don't want divuldged for now.'
"Of course, I understand."
"Secondly, We all three require an Oath of Secrecy based on your Magic, your Blood and your life. That last part I, we, are very adament on because of our status. What we're looking for is a spokesperson for the Prophet whom we can rely on and who'll keep our secrets and keep her mouth shut on what she sees, such as how we're dressed, for example, and what she hears, both expressed and implied.
"Thirdly, we required a copy of what you intend to print, so we can look it over and make any changes, if necessary, and then give our approval. Any one of the three of us can give you our approval. But, make no mistake, what one of us knows, the rest of us knows. Am I clear on that?" Daphne was making the rules here and she will not broach any mistakes nor give away any of her nor her husbands needs.
"You've got my Oath, on my Magic, my Blood and my Life, Lord Potter, Lady Daphne, and Lady Hermione."
Daphne was smiling, 'Very good, we all appreciate with. Now, on with the interview." With that said, Daphne got the large envelope and pulled out the Documents, their copies with the Official Seals on them.
"Here, you will see the Documents we were given by Ragnok, the Chief of the Goblin Nation and the Head of Gringott's Bank. Also, you will see the official copy of the Document that was signed by both Wizards and Goblins over a thousand years ago stating the creation of the Bank and their duties, specifically what they can do. If you look here," Harry pointed out the paragraph where the Magical Inheritance Test is given, "You'll see where the Magical Inheritance Test is authorized. This is the test that each of us were given. First, it was given to me, then to Lady Daphne, then to Lady Hermione. Neither of us expected these results. Not in our wildest imaginations did either of us expect to inherit the Founders legacy. What I did expect was to inherit from my Godfather, the Late Lord Sirius Orion Black. But, not his Lordship. I just wanted to be remembered, that's all nothing else.
Rita looked closely at the documents. She'd never seen anything like them. They were the originals! And they were VERY old, she could tell by the conditions and the script and fonts, the way they were written and made up. She didn't even dare to touch them.
"What are your formal Titles?" Rita then asked.
Harry spoke up next. "Lord Harry James Potter, Head and Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. This I received from my Father as his only Heir. Next, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, Lord and Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. I received this as my inheritance from my Godfather, the Late Lord Sirius Orion Black, Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black."
"Wait, wasn't he in Azkaban? Wouldn't that preclude you from inheriting that title?"
"My Godfather, the Late Lord Sirius Orion Black was NEVER given a trial. He was arrested and thrown in Azkaban Prison for fourteen years with out EVER being charged with any crime, with NO proof. This was done by the authority of both the Minister of Magic, Cornealius Fudge and the Head of the Wizengamot Albus Dumbledore! I intend to see that retified – immediately!"
Harry's temper was rising fast, like a storm that had come up suddenly without any warning. Daphne and Hermione both placed their arms around him, trying to calm him as best they could. It was working, but barely. "Dobby! Tea please, with sugar and cream." Hermione asked out to the elf.
Moments later, the diminutive elf appeared with a silver tray of tea for four with cream, sugar and lime juice and spoons, cups. He placed it on the table and served it to all four of them and then stood back.
"I'm sorry for Lord Potter's reaction, Rita." Hermione explained. His Godfather is the only real close family he had left after his parents were killed. It's a rather sore topic. Please, excuse us for this." Hermione and Daphne rubbed his back.
"Sirius never got a chance at life. He was abused and tormented for his way of thinking, of being in the House of Gryffindor while he was in school. Sirius and my father were the closest of friends, as close as they could be without being brothers by birth. Mooney, and Peter were also close with them. They were all in the House of Gryffindor, Professor Minerva McGonagall was their Head of House then. They called themselves the 'Marauders', they were good at pulling Pranks and jokes, pretty much harmless, although they didn't like Severus, uh, Professor Severus." Harry looked up at Rita for a moment. This is just a little background information for you to consider."
Rita nodded her head, not wanting to speak.
Hermione continued for them. "Let me continue, please. Harry, through the Magical Inheritance Test that Ragnok personally performed on all three of us, Harry here, found he inherited the Seat of the Late Lord Godric Gryffindor, Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Gryffindor, as well as his Lordship's Title. Next, Harry inherited through this same test, the results you can see for yourself here," Hermione indicated the Magical Inheritance Test Document, "that he inherited the Seat of Rowena Ravenclaw, the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Ravenclaw and it's Lordship's Title. With either of these two Founders' Houses, you may address Harry as either Lord Gryffindor or Lord Ravenclaw. Either would be appropriate."
"What about either of you? How did you inherit?" Rita asked, gently.
"Both Lady Daphne and myself had the Magical Inheritance Test Performed on the both of us, after Harry. She inherited the Seat of the Lordship of the House of Salazar Slytherin and she may be addressed as Lady Daphne Slytherin. Now, at this point, she was betrothed to Harry here, her Father was present, Lord Cyrus Greengrass. The Betrothal Contract was signed with both Ragnok and Griphook witnessing it. The House of Greengrass is now under the direct protection of, and has given Harry an Oath of Allegience to, Harry, as Lord of the Houses of Potter, Black, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The Next time you see Lord Cyrus Greengrass, you'll notice on his robes the insignia of those Houses as he is a protectorate under them. Also, the Houses of Slytherin and Hufflepuff are included."
"Next, Rita, I was given the Magical Inheritance Test and I inherited the Seat of Lady Helga Hufflepuff. At this point, my father came in and signed a Betrothal Contract with Harry, Lord Potter, and I became Lady Potter as well as with my inheritance, Lady Hufflepuff, just like Daphne here is Lady Daphne Black-Slytherin."
Rita's head was swirling with the implications that all of this entaled. Even she had a difficult time wrapping her mind around what it would do to the changes that will be occurring in their world, politically, at least. Not to mention Financially.
"I received word from one of my informers, that Lord Malfoy was seen talking to some known Death Eaters, about your recent elevation to that of Lord. Apparently he has contacts in the Ministry, somehow. I just wanted you to know that. He seems to be a very dangerous wizard and someone to watch out for."
"I'm fully aware of Lucius Malfoy's standing." Here, Harry waved to his most generous House Elf, Dobby. "Dobby, here, used to work for Lucius. And shall we say, a couple of years ago, I found a way, very easily done, I might add, to free Dobby from Lucius' Service." Harry's face was reflecting some anger. "The way Lucius treats those under his authority is not right. I hate to think of others' he may mistreat whom we don't know of, if any at all. Besides, you should take a look at Lucius's left arm, if you get my drift!"
Rita, dropped her cup of tea, gasping at that most unexpected implication!
"You don't mean, what I think you mean? Do you?" Rita was on the verge of babbling.
Harry just smiled, and nodded his head.
A very cold chill went up her arms and down her spine. The number of times she'd met that particular wizard and the times he'd touched her, closely! She could even feel his breath on her very skin!" Rita shuddered at those memories, her skin rippling, crawling at the thought of 'what' could have happened to her had she'd even, ONCE, taken him up on one of his 'offers'!
"L-Lord- uh Lord Potter, you'd have to have evidence for that to be brought up before the Wizengamot. Hearsay and rumors are one thing, but hard evidence is another!" Rita spoke up, uncertain as to what she was actually saying to Harry's implications. She looked at him and he didn't even flinch. She KNEW he had something.
"I have three forms of evidence. Any ONE of them would be enough to send Lucius to the deepest dumgeons of the depts of Azakaban for Life. Or, Sent to the Dementors." With this said, Harry leaned close to Rita, his robes were opening up rather 'suggestively' when his uttered his next salvo, "I've seen with my own eyes, that the Dementors can give to their 'favorite' victims a 'French Kiss', their lips pressed down HARD on their victims mouths and nose. Their tongues are rather, shall we say, 'LONG!'"
"Here, I want you to take a look at these other Documents that I was given by Ragnok. These parchments, each one for each of the Six Houses, detail the minor houses who owe me their Allegience, as well as the individuals who owe me life debts that are still outstanding from their ancestors as well as financial debts that are owed me as Lord of each of these Houses.
Rita looked at them and was Floored! It was like looking at the entire compliment of the Wizengamot, and most of the International confederation of Wizards, plus the rulers of the Wizarding Western World and the Muggle U.K.'s former Colonies! And if that wasn't enough, at the top of each of the six documents appeared the PERSONAL SEAL of Ragnok, head of Gringott's Bank and Chief of the Entire Goblin Nation. Rita Looked at Harry, no, LORD Harry Potter, etc., etc., for he had the title of membership of the Goblin Council! The ONLY Wizard to have ever done so. The entire Goblin Nation were tied to him!
Harry leaned back into the embrace of his wives. Rita was as pale as any ghost! The implication of what he'd said, about the Dementors and his Alliences would rock the Wizarding World, down to it's very foundations!
"Finish writing up your report, present it to Lady Daphne and Lady Hermione here and with their Approval, then you may publish it for tomorrow's Daily Prophet. I look forward to reading it and seeing the reactions. Oh, and Don't forget our three 'requirements'. I'll hold you to them."
Rita got up and Harry along with Daphne and Hermione also stood, but Rita got down on her knees, in front of the Lord and his Ladies, and Swore:
"My Lord and my Ladies, I Swear unto you both individually and Together, my Oath of Fealty and Service, on my Life, my Blood, and my Magic, to always support you and never divilge your secrets or any other information other that what you want me to, by expressed permission. I also give you myself, for you to have in any way that'd please you. You've but to ask. So Mote it be."
With that Oath and its 'extra' that Rita put in, she looked up, and kissed the House rings that Harry wore and kissed the Rings that Both Daphne and Hermione wore and got up. She curtsied.
"Dobby, please carry Lady Rita to her office at the Daily Prophet." Harry asked, and with that said, Rita and the Elf were off.
"Well done, my Husband, Well Done. Looks like we both should give you a Lord's Reward, shall we, Hermione?" Daphne was smiling.
"We shall, Daphne. We shall."
And with that, they all 'retired'.
