School Daze
Chapter 4 of 5
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
§Parseltongue§ ~Spells~ thoughts/mind speak [Foreign language]
1₲ = 1 Galleon = 17₴ = 493₭, 1₴ = 1 Sickle = 29₭, 1₭ = 1 Knut
£1 = 1 British Pound Sterling, $1 = 1 U.S. Dollar, 1₲ = £50 = $75.00
THIS STORY DOES NOT FOLLOW CANON AND MAY BASH SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS!
Continued From: Hogwarts
School Daze
A/N: Fleur Delacour and Victor Krum are two years older in this story than in canon and the Triwizard Tournament is moved two years forward in time.
Note: I just heard on the news JKR may have made a mistake pairing Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginny. YA THINK! Get friggin serious in fanfiction many authors figured that out years ago. (minor rant over)
Trouble at Hogwarts
The Defense class was an ice breaker for both sides. It started with the seventh year Puffs coming by to say hi and asking questions about Defense. Within a few days a Slytherin or two did the same thing. The Ravenclaws and Gryffindors were shocked and asked their Hufflepuff friends what was going on. A Gryffindor stopped by at breakfast one morning and Dora introduced him. Then a Ravenclaw tried and was successful.
The word was out that the Seekers didn't tolerate bullies or bigots and you had to get along with all of the houses if you wanted to get to know them. The other fact that sped through the gossip network was that they were polite and respectful and expected the same in return. Of course, fate is sometimes a bitch.
One morning a fifth year Gryffindor came running into the Great Hall screaming the Professor Kettleburn was being attacked by a giant spider.
Harry stood with the other Seekers and yelled. "Sit down please. Headmistress, please contact the Minister and ask for Auror help. Dora you with the Defense Professors and top seventh year Defense students guard the doors. I want half of them at the Great Hall doors with the rest of the staff. Seekers as owner I authorize killing curses against the spiders but not unforgivables. Reductos and Blasting curses should do. Dora, that applies to your group also. Seekers shift now."
They shifted outside of Hagrid's hut and found three Acromantulas Harry didn't hesitate and hit the first with ~Bombardia~then Dumbledore's wand was in his left hand and he hit the second one with the same curse as Daphne and Luna did the same. Astoria, Neville, Susan, and Hannah hit the third and little was left of it.
Harry heard, §Food at last§
§Who are you and what are you, wait Salazar wants to know if you are his Sadie§
§That I am speaker but who speaks you are not Tom?§
§My name is Harry and I wear Salazar's ring which is how I knew what name to ask. Tom is dead. Would you hood your eyes so that I might approach you? §
§Only if you tell me what Salazar daughter's name was. §
§Now Sadie you know Salazar didn't have a daughter. You also know your job is to defend Hogwarts and to help the heirs of the founders. I am the heir of Salazar, Godric, and Rowena. My friend is Helga's heir. Sal wants to know if his portrait still hangs on the entry to the chamber. §
§You truly wear his ring and know the proper response. §
§How many spiders are there? §
§Too many to eat before they have more and too many for you to fight. §
§Where are they?§
§They are near the entry to the forest.§
§Sadie if you will hood your eyes, we can attack them from the air.§
§That I will do Harry Slytherin§
"It's a damn good thing we have new brooms. Did anyone find Kettleburn?" Harry asked.
Hannah replied, "Nev and I saw Hagrid running to the school with him."
"Ok, I'll shift to Dora and bring her here. We'll need eight brooms if we use Reducto charms we can keep them fresh so Sadie can feed. We'll kill the adults and use a neutering charm on the small ones we can find. That should give us time to plan what to do with the others." Harry explained and shifted to the entry.
"Good job everyone. You can stand down and someone please tell the Headmistress we'll explain the situation later today. I want Hagrid secured in the dungeon until I can speak to him. Dora grab my hand we have a little job to do and need your help." Harry told the guards at the door and took Dora's hand and disappeared.
Harry suggested that he be pared with Dora since this was her first real fight. They paired up Nev, Susan, Luna, Hannah, Daph, and Tori. The used sticking charms to stick their left and right legs together. The best flyer would control the brooms and they would use Reducto charms. Harry pulled the elder wand and took to the air.
He explained Sadie to Dora on the way. "A basilisk, a fucking basilisk, we're going to fly over and not hit her so she can feed. What the fuck are you thinking Harry James Potter? Kill the spiders but don't harm the fucking basilisk. Only you would think we could harm a twenty foot basilisk. Are you totally insane or what?"
Harry interjected her rant, "Now Dora, she's harmless and a thousand years old so she's probably fifty feet long, if you're sweet I'll ask if she'll take us for a ride."
Dora started again, "A ride, you want to ride a fucking basilisk…"
"Sure, why not it will give her something to do and she can show us the forest. Dora she can hood her eyes so she don't harm us. She belonged to Sal but now she's mine. See isn't she pretty," Harry said to Dora, as they caught sight of Sadie, and the Acromantulas fleeing from her.
§Sadie we're right behind and above you on brooms.§
§My eyes are hooded Harry their den is ahead of us.§
§Thank you Sadie, pay no attention to my girlfriend squealing I told her I would ask you if you would let us ride on your back. She doesn't think that is a good idea. It seems basilisks have bad reputation with those who don't understand them.§
§I will give you and your friends a ride and show you the great forest when you call for me.§
§Thank you great lady, now it's is time to kill spiders.§
Harry told the others what Sadie said and they moved apart and made their first pass over the fleeing spiders. Firing Reductos charms both left and right. Harry told Dora not to use so much power and cast so often or she would exhaust herself. When they found the den, they sent fire down it until Harry told them to stop.
They hovered over the entrance to the den. Harry asked Dora, "Do you know what gasoline is?"
"Yes, Dad still does work in the muggle world and has a car and a lawn mower so I know how it smells also." She replied.
Harry conjured two wooden barrels and filled them with water. Then he asked Dora to transfigure the water in one to gasoline. When she did he levitated it over the den and set it on fire then dropped it. They heard it explode and saw flames shoot out of the den. So he had Dora transfigure the water in the second barrel and did the same thing. He dropped six more burning barrels in the den and shot a flame whip into the den until he heard the explosions.
They left the den and looked for more spiders. They saw several that were petrified. Harry told them Sadie was securing her food for the coming winter by petrifying instead of killing the Acromantulas. Telling Sadie he would call her later, they flew back to the broom shed and walked back to the castle. As they walked, the others knew Harry's mood was growing darker and Susan's mood wasn't far behind Harry's.
They entered the Great Hall and saw Hagrid sitting on the floor in chains with a goblin spear at his neck below his chin.
Harry looked at Pomona and asked, "How's Professor Kettleburn?"
The Headmistress smiled, "He's alright except for being mentally stunned and quite angry. He says he can teach tomorrow but Poppy says that's yet to be determined."
Harry's mood lightened slightly but most didn't notice because of the magic he was radiating. He looked at Hagrid and said, "Tell me Hagrid what fool brought an Acromantula here, and then found it a mate?"
Hagrid replied, "I got Aragog when I was nine and taught him to speak. He was never any trouble. When I was expelled at thirteen, I released him and he said he was lonely so I found him a companion. I thought it was another male. The older generations are no problem but the young ones are having trouble finding food."
Harry interrupted, "Well you idiot, the students make a great source of food for them don't they. If they managed to get in the castle, they would have a captive food source. I have three rings that want you in Azkaban and the three founder's rings want your head."
Susan interjected, "Harry Helga wants his head as well."
Harry smiled at her. "I don't know how many we killed but it was measured in the hundreds. Sadie probably killed ten and petrified two or three times that many. She can now keep them in control for a while."
Pomona was the one who asked, "Who is Sadie?"
Dora interjected, "She's a beautiful basilisk about sixty feet or a bit longer."
Everyone in the Great Hall drew in a breath so Harry quickly added, "She was raised by Salazar to defend the school and cannot harm those who don't attack her or the school. She recognizes me as her master since I wear the Slytherin ring. Through it I can speak to her. Tomorrow she'll give us a ride on her back and show us the forest."
Harry let that sink in for several seconds. "The real problem is that we don't know how many of those damn spiders there are. We used about four hundred gallons of gasoline and set it on fire in their den then killed as many as we could find outside of the den. The second problem is what to do with you Hagrid and staying at Hogwarts isn't in your future."
"Lord Potter may I suggest something?" Fred Weasley asked.
"Of course Mr. Fred Weasley all help is appreciated sir." Harry replied.
"Our brother Charlie works at a Dragon Reserve in Romania. With a recommendation from you and the Headmistress Hagrid should be able to get a job there." Fred explained and gave them a good option.
"Thanks Mr. Weasley that's a great suggestion, get with me after dinner please and we'll write your brother." Harry affirmed and his friends agreed.
Everyone saw the hope come back into Hagrid's eyes.
Harry looked around the Great Hall then lectured them. "I have one reminder for everyone. The Forbidden Forest is forbidden for a reason and now I hope you know why. It just got more dangerous with Sadie on the hunt. If she surprised you and you tried to curse her, you would be petrified at best and food in the worst case for you. I would rather she not get a taste for human flesh. Our goal will be to wipe out the Acromantulas and then introduce a herd of cattle and add some hogs for her to feed on."
After a short pause Harry added, "Minister, Headmistress, could we have a word with you after we shower. We smell like gasoline, and death. Hagrid one of the others will talk to you. This is the second time you let me down and I find it difficult not to do what Godric wants and put your head on a pike. Had you let Sirius take me he would be alive and I wouldn't have been sentenced to nine years in hell."
Harry turned and left the Great Hall with the other Seekers in his wake. After their showers, they talked in their common room.
Harry started the conversation saying, "I think we need to stay here at least two more years." He saw his ladies start to balk at that. "We have our OWLs and can get married tomorrow if that's what you want. But, Dumbledore had almost fifty years to fuck up Hogwarts and we can't undo the damage overnight."
Susan stated, "I agree with Harry. We could work on a Mastery or two in real time. That puts us here still classed as students. If Hogwarts starts teaching to Mastery level, we'll get a better grade of students. Since there are no formal classes, our time is ours. The wards charge off of Harry's and my magic and once they're fully charged we'll need to spend less time here every year or so."
Luna suggested, "We could spend less time in the aging time compression so we turn seventeen next summer. We can put off taking our NEWTs until the end of next year. We have the knowledge but don't have to take the test."
Dora muttered, "What about me?"
Harry smiled, "Well I have a Lady Black-Peverell and a Lady Black-Slytherin but no Lady Black-Potter or Potter-Black. You could apply for one of those two positions I suppose. You get your NEWTs this year and start on a Mastery next year. The only thing is I don't want you in the aging time compression until we catch up to your age. We have the Room of Requirements for extra time if we need it."
"YES, yes!" she yelled then placed a lip lock on Harry while his other three ladies giggled.
Luna stated, "You will be a virgin until your wedding night Dora that's what we all agreed to."
"No problem that makes it more special and there are other things we can do." Dora answered.
Luna, Daphne, and Astoria along with Susan and Hannah said, "We know," and sighed.
Dora said she wanted to be Black-Potter and Harry said he would take her to the Black vault for her engagement ring after dinner.
Discussing the Triwizard Tournament
They met with Amelia and Pomona in an informal and relaxed atmosphere as they told the story of Sadie and the Acromantulas. Both ladies were satisfied that Sadie was safe unless attacked. Amelia said anyone stupid enough to attack a sixty foot basilisk deserved whatever they got. Harry told them he would wait until the Christmas break to visit the Chamber of Secrets. Both older ladies asked Harry about his words to Hagrid. Luna sat on his lap and she along with Daphne and Astoria told the story with Harry adding points now and then. They wrapped up the Seekers part of the meeting when Harry told Pomona that Dora was moving in with him as his fiancé.
Amelia sighed and stated, "Our Foreign Minister, under pressure from Dumbledore who was the Chief Warlock at the time, entered into a magical contract for Hogwarts to participate in the Triwizard Tournament three school years from now. The Headmasters of the schools and Foreign Ministers signed the contract. Igor Karkaroff was the Headmaster of Durmstrang at the time but died with the other Death Eaters. The new Headmaster of Durmstrang, Mr. Evan Purser, and the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, Madame Maxime, want to hold the tournament next year instead. The three Foreign Ministers agree."
Harry leaned back in his chair pulling Luna tight against his chest. "I suppose if we withdraw the Headmasters and Ministers lose their magic." Amelia and Pomona nodded yes and Harry said, "Shit! Another screw up by Dumbledore no big surprise there. Ok, what are the expenses and how are they shared?"
"If the schools bring twenty students or less we provide their food. Otherwise other than the opening and closing feasts plus the Yule Ball the other schools provide for themselves." Amelia explained.
"That's more reasonable than I expected from Dumbass. How many events and competitors are we talking about?" Harry asked dreading the answer.
"Well that's yet to be determined since Durmstrang and Beauxbatons want more than the three agreed to." Pomona answered. "They suggest that there are competitions between years one and two, three and four, five, and those who have passed their OWLs. The contests will cover all common classes plus flying a timed slalom course. The major event is the original three tasks, are you familiar with them?"
The Seekers nodded, and Harry said, "From what we've read many of the tournaments in the past had two problems. One was the number of deaths and the other is that only the first task could be viewed. Minister, please don't get huffy with my next statement. One of the problems with Great Britain and the continent is that we are a hundred years or more behind not only the muggles but also the rest of the wizard world. What I need from the Ministry is the ability to import wizard made electronics from Singapore."
Amelia and Pomona looked shocked, and Harry dropped the next bomb. "Godric says, and Rowena and Sal agree, that Hogwarts and Hogsmeade are not under the control of the Ministry. Nevertheless, I would rather keep the peace between us and do things with the Ministry instead of against it. Hogwarts will pay for the equipment because it can be used in teaching."
"Harry are you sure that equipment will work in a high magical environment such as Hogwarts?" Pomona questioned.
"Yes, it works at New Salem and all the other schools that have a lot more students than we do. This should have started over ten years ago when it was first proposed by the ICW's Department of Education. Death Eater money and Dumbassadork kept it from happening." Harry stated leaving no doubt about his opinion and who he blamed.
He decided to twist the knife, "We're one of the few countries that don't allow Magic Carpets for the same reason. We use owls and the floo to communicate while most of the world uses telephones and fax machines for instant and more secure communication."
"I'll try my best, Amelia conceded.
Neville couldn't resist and said, "Do or do not there is no try."
Amelia giggled knowing she would have to explain her words to Pomona later. "Lord Longbottom, I've also seen Star Wars but you make a good point."
Harry looked at Sue who nodded, "The heirs agree to the second proposal to involve all students or at least give them a shot at competing for Hogwarts. There is one other thing we have concerning the second task. It involves finding something the champion will sorely miss. Whoever that is will be an adult who volunteers and knows the risks involved. Those risks will be minimized to the best of our ability and the volunteers monitored closely."
The meeting broke up and they went to dinner then to their suite where Harry formally proposed to Dora. After she quit kissing him, which he returned, he took her to Gringotts and the Black vault so she could choose her ring. That night she slept with them for the first time and woke up to Harry's morning wood. She sighed knowing she had to wait until New Year's Eve but that didn't mean she couldn't tease. And tease him she did until Luna put her straight. Luna was the undisputed first wife. They may be equal in everything else but when Luna spoke in a certain tone, the others agreed instantly.
Harry was approaching six feet tall and the girls seemed to be topping out between five foot eight and five foot ten inches. While Harry was taking care of some family business his fiancées were going over their house rules and reaching an agreement how things would be. Dora agreed that Harry needed one more wife since a coven of five witches was the most powerful. Now that she would be a Potter, the other ladies including Sue and Hannah taught Dora some exercises to help increase her power. They used the Room of Requirements' time suspension feature so they didn't age.
Dora taught Harry how to better control his Metamorph abilities. He could change his eye and hair color almost instantly. Then he could change his cheek bones making them more prominent and make his chin squarer. Even those who knew him found it difficult to recognize him at first. Dora learned the advantage of having a parselmouth as a fiancé and walked around with a goofy grin for days. But his other fiancées were in the same shape and they avoided others except when they couldn't.
The time seemed to fly and suddenly it was Christmas break. The families agreed to keep gifts to 5₲ except within the immediate family of course. Harry gave Ragnok a book the goblin had searched for since it was written by his grandfather. Harry found it in Japan through contacts he made in Hawaii. Sharpaxe and Hawkclaw got gift certificates for custom made knives of their own design. The Hogwarts staff got gift certificates, as did the Potter elves.
At noon on 31 December 1991, Harry married Luna, Daphne, Astoria, and Dora with Neville as his best man and Sue and Hannah as bridesmaids. Neville married Susan and Hannah with the Potters as best man and bridesmaids. The ceremony was restricted to family only and Amelia performed the marriages. After dinner, that evening only the Seekers were left at Potter Manor and the house went into time compression for ten days. Very tired but pleased Potters and Longbottoms returned to real time. They attended the Minister's New Year's Ball and danced only within their group.
Harry and Neville reached Battle Mage power in April as the term sped by. Amelia and Augusta with the founders' heirs support got the laws passed to allow importation of electronics into Great Britain. A rider was added to include magic carpets. The elves, with help from the goblins were busy wiring the castle for electricity, which made the elves happy because of so much work.
Harry and the other Seekers went to the Chamber of Secrets and found it filthy so they cleaned it up. Harry found Salazar's library with the ring's help. Harry was able to copy the books and scrolls by using parsel-magic. He only made a personal copy of those written in parsel. Only about five percent of the books were considered dark and those were secreted away so that only an heir of Slytherin that spoke parsel could find them. Slytherin's library opened up to a larger library that contained books and scrolls from all of the founders.
They decided to gift many of them to a new section of the Hogwarts library that only Hogwarts students with OWLs could enter. The books could not be removed or copied and a ward alerted the librarian if someone tried to do either. The biggest discovery was the portrait of the founders together. Harry and Sue decided it should hang in the Great Hall and Pomona agreed. Harry let his wives talk him into taking the end of year exams for sixth year while Dora took her NEWTs. The students found the exams difficult but not impossible and they were ICW standard, which meant a lot.
The exam results were passed out at end of year feast. The Seekers, like most students, chose to open theirs in private. Harry about shit his jeans when Dora failed all of her NEWTs on purpose.
She punctuated her reply to his bitching like Luna usually did. "Listen husband, we got married together, we sleep together, and we will pass our NEWTs together also. DO YOU UNDERSTAND Lord Potter?"
"Yes dear I understand and can even agree with your reasoning." Then he slapped her on the ass saying, "That's for not telling me ahead of time damnit."
Dora replied faking pain, "Owie, now you have to kiss it and make it all better."
"Nope no kisses," Harry stated.
Dora pouted, "But you hurt my bum and have to kiss it."
"Nope, I'll kiss your lips," Harry maintained his stand.
Dora perked up and grabbed his hand pulling him toward their bedroom saying, "The lower lips will do just fine."
Harry heard his other wives giggle and knew he had been suckered into doing what she wanted again. He thought what the hell the sex is great and we both get what we want.
Luna looked at her sister wives and they said as one, "We have to find the fifth soon."
Although it wasn't necessary when they told Ragnok why Dora failed her NEWTs she found a medical excuse that stated she had a virus that affected her thinking. It went on to say that it scrambled the letters of what she was reading. Dora sent a certified copy of it with a letter explaining that she couldn't take the summer exam since she would be on her honeymoon. The ICW came back saying that there was no problem, and her records would be erased and she could retest next year.
All thoughts of another wife were pushed aside while they spent a month in Hawaii. They made love on the beach, on almost every piece of furniture in their suite, they even found a spot on Kilauea that was fairly flat and grassy. They made their promised visit to Pele. She told them mentally she was enjoying playing with Voldemort's spirit and making his stay as pain filled as possible.
The honeymoon was extended so they could visit Singapore for two weeks. They made sure they had the latest and greatest equipment for the Triwizard Tournament. Harry suggested that they add two power generators since they had a primary and a spare. His reasoning was that if they ran two they would draw half the load and they would have two spares unless one was down for maintenance. A phone call to Pomona ensured that everything was running smoothly and those who stayed in the castle loved the electric lighting and projectors. She said that Hagrid was happy in Romania with Charlie Weasley and doing fine. Harry found that he was happy for the man.
Amelia called and said that four schools wanted to send a teacher and one student from each year to observe the Triwizard Tournament. She said that the Ministries involved would foot the bill if their students could attend Hogwarts classes. Sue gave her ok so Harry told Amelia it was fine. Harry asked how she liked her phone. Amelia laughed saying that the Potter store in Diagon Alley couldn't keep phones in stock.
The Fifth Wife
They spent August at Potter Manor with a few side trips to southern France near Nice. While lying on their beach, near their vacation villa that had been in the Black family for years, Harry felt a strange pull and mentioned it to Luna. The wives said they felt it also and Luna mentioned that it couldn't be a Veela since they didn't affect married men or any woman. The beach wasn't private but was out of the way so they didn't put up wards other than muggle redirection wards.
The heard a voice that sounded like it came from a young girl say [Fleur this beach is beautiful why are there no people but those eight on it.]
[Gabrielle this beach belongs to the Black family so it probably has muggle repelling or redirection wards on it.]
They watched as a young lady of about 17 and what looked like her eight year old sister approached them.
"Pardon me, I am Fleur Delacour, and this is my sister Gabrielle. Are you members of the Black family?" The oldest one asked. She was beautiful but then so were his wives and even more so in his opinion.
[I'm Duke Harry Black-Potter and these are my wives, Luna, Daphne, Astoria, and Dora from left to right.] Harry replied in flawless French then conjured two beach chairs, introduced the Longbottoms, and asked them to sit and talk.
Gabrielle giggled for some reason only known to her and said, [You speak French like a native Lord Black.]
[Thank you. We're on vacation from Hogwarts, so please call me Harry and my ladies by their given names.] Harry told the young girl with a smile.
[I'm in my seventh year at Beauxbatons and it should be the most interesting one yet.] Fleur remarked.
[Ah you're coming to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament then.] Luna questioned.
[That is supposed to be a secret but Papa is the French Foreign Minister and I overheard him talking with Mamam.] Fleur explained.
Harry smiled and replied, [Perhaps full introductions are required. The beautiful red head is Lady Longbottom-Hufflepuff heir of Helga Hufflepuff. I am Lord Harry Potter-Black-Gryffindor-Slytherin-Ravenclaw-Peverell. Sue and I own Hogwarts and had to agree to hold the tournament even though we're not that happy about it. We don't like the fact our students could be hurt or worse. The idea of meeting people from the other schools is great we just think there could have been a less dangerous way. I don't like contracts that could cost a person their magic and Sue agrees.]
Luna looked at Harry and told him, "Harry take Neville with you and take a hike up to the hotel and bring us back some ice cream pleeeeesssseee with sugar on it!"
Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Yes dear, come on Nev they want to do girl talk so we can do girl watching."
"Harry you girl watch and I'll do my best to find all of the pieces when I have to put you back together." Neville joked and Susan and Hannah agreed.
When they got out of hearing range Neville confided, "Harry, I think your wives are interviewing your next wife. Sue and Hannah are on me about taking on a consort from a Most Ancient and Noble House so she can extend their line."
Harry thought a few moments and acknowledged his brothers statement. "You're right the thing is that all five of us feel her pull. My ladies suggested the same thing and I said no after agreeing to one more wife. That's five lines I'm extending the other young lords can do their part also. My advice is to let the girls choose, as she is sure to be compatible. I had to face that it was socially acceptable and almost demanded we both have enough of our own money to afford it. Any hesitation is in our minds and if I go against my ladies I lose every time. So I make a token act of rebellion then agree and the sex is great."
"Git, I don't know how you keep up with four women when I have trouble keeping up with two." Nev admitted.
"It's Luna who makes the schedule that only lasts for the first two hours. When you find your inner beast that problem will cure itself. Fortunately there are charms that ensure little Harry don't get sore. More than that, I'm lucky their monthlies are spread out to cover most of the month so it's usually only three in bed with me." Harry confessed to his friend and brother.
Harry picked up a gallon of three different ice creams and put them under Stay Cool charms. He also got two dozen cones before heading back to Black Villa and his wives. They arrived back on the beach and heard seven girls giggling and laughing Harry knew then he was in deep shit.
Luna shocked Harry with an unexpected question. [Harry, how old would you say Gabrielle is?]
Harry looked and answered, [Between eight and ten.]
Gabrielle giggled and said [I'll be fourteen Sunday. The following Sunday I'll look my age. We are Veela and mature different from pure humans.]
Harry looked at Neville who had what Harry called his shit eating grin on his face. So Harry took the high road replying, [That's nice.]
That earned him a slap on the back of his head from Luna.
"Damnit woman what did I do this time?" Harry asked actually not knowing.
[Harry James Potter, what do you know about Veela besides the normal lies?] Luna questioned.
[Other than I met two earlier absolutely nothing,] He said rubbing his head.
Harry received a forty minute briefing on Veela, and how important their puberty was to them. He sincerely apologized to Gabrielle and gave her a hug and felt a tug on his magic slightly different than the one earlier.
[You felt it from Gabby and it's different from Fleur feels,] Daphne stated and Harry could only nod knowing this wasn't good for him at least.
Astoria continued her sister's train of thought. [It's not the Veela Allure but an indication she's found her mate. Fleur gets the same indication, which is why they were on the beach. They were trying to locate their potential mate.]
Fleur explained, [It's hard to explain but it's not the normal Veela mate bonding signal we get. It's more like this man would make you the best mate even though he has wives. Normally no Veela would accept being anything but the only wife. However, there are some, like us that get these signals that say it's best for you and him. Veela rarely have more than one child, which is a daughter. However, mated with a powerful wizard they can have as many as three and one will most likely be a son.]
Harry nodded his understanding not willing to trust his mouth yet. [The other thing is that if she has three children they will most probably be three to three and one-half years apart. Mamam will not have another child and Papa will let the Delacour line die before he will take another wife. If Gabrielle were to become your consort and had a boy, he could be named Delacour-Potter extending Papa's line.]
Harry gulped then stuttered, [My wives are fine with this after just meeting you?]
Luna smacked his arm saying, [No silly man we did it to show them what a stupid boy you can be. Of course, we're fine with what magic has chosen for us and you should be also. Now what the fuck is your problem Harry James Potter?]
[Oh, I don't know Luna Marie Potter-Lovegood perhaps it's getting caught surprised by my wives again when they know how I hate that. Perhaps it's the fact there has been no discussion from my side again. Perhaps it's the fact I don't know these lovely ladies. It could be the fact that I'll have to face a father and ask for one daughter's hand in marriage then ask for the other daughter as a consort. What the hell is a consort anyway? Perhaps I'm worried one of our students will be maimed or killed in the fucking Triwizard Tournament I wanted no part of but had to go along with or kill several people.] Harry ranted and his magic was going wild until Dora sat in his lap and kissed him deeply.
"Oh," Luna said.
"Oh is all you have to say?" Harry asked but not as angry as his rant.
[I thought it was your same old I don't want another wife and I will not take a consort bull-shit. And if you didn't know what a consort was why the hell didn't you ask?] Luna stated letting her magic flare.
Daphne explained, [Fleur, Gabrielle, don't pay any attention to them. Soon he'll grab her and disappear for an hour or so and they'll come back satisfied and with goofy grins on their faces. Harry don't like caught surprised especially around people he don't know. Then he holds his anger over little things in until it causes an explosion. But he also gets really horny when he's this way.]
Harry growled, [You aren't helping Daph.]
[Ok Harry I'll be second or last but you have to admit the sex is hot after you and Luna have a go at each other,] Daphne teased.
[I know and agree. That's why she does it and why I go along with it. But damnit Luna we agreed on no surprises about major things.] Harry snarled at his first wife.
She sneered back at him, [You found out shortly after we did so quit bitching. I think you'll find André Delacour more accommodating than you think. He has been married to a Veela over twenty years and is in line to be France's next Minister for Magic.]
Fleur and Gabrielle left a short time later and the Potters disappeared to their wing in the villa. The sex was hot and they managed to get set right before the Delacours arrived for dinner. The Potters talk with the Delacours went better than the Seekers expected. A marriage contract for Fleur and a betrothal contract for Gabrielle were drawn up and signed in Ragnok's office.
Fleur went to Hogwarts with the Potters and they worked out in the Room of Requirements. She and Harry grew close and their first kiss was magic and she knew she would be loved for Fleur and equal to the others as would Gabby. She shifted back to France a day before she had to leave for Beauxbatons. Her shifting let her visit Hogwarts when she wanted. Unlike Hogwarts, Beauxbatons students had the choice of living there or at home.
The Hogwarts Second Year
At Beauxbatons, Madam Maxime was not a happy camper as she looked at the copies of the Delacours marriage and betrothal contracts. It didn't help when Fleur said she wouldn't have entered the tournament anyway. What grated her most was that Fleur and Gabrielle would be moving in with Lord Potter and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it. She had inspected the classrooms in Hogwarts and the exceeded ICW standards, which was also unexpected. They had things her Professors had never seen that were awesome teaching aids.
She had met Lord Potter-Gryffindor and his wives. She looked down on him from her great height but as he looked into her eyes, she was the one who was left feeling lacking enough power.
She remembering being confused at the feeling and hearing Pomona say, "I see you met our mages and the two student owners. As my letter stated be sure to brief your students on using the old forms with them. Lord Potter-Black-Gryffindor-Slytherin-Ravenclaw-Peverell is a stickler for politeness and decorum as are his wives and the Ladies Longbottom-Hufflepuff, Longbottom-Abbott, and Lord Longbottom. Lord Potter is the undisputed leader but then he did take down Voldemort in our Great Hall."
Shaking her head she thought, well they would leave next Friday and with any luck, the Potter group won't enter the championship part of the tournament.
On 29 August 1992, Harry enjoyed the look on the faces of the students as they entered the Great Hall. The castle now had electric lighting and the candles were gone. He could see the shock on their faces when they discovered the castle was actually a light marble rather than stone grey. He couldn't wait to monitor charms and transfiguration. He wanted to watch the students interact with a hologram that showed the correct wand movement and incantation.
After the sorting Headmistress Sprout announced the Triwizard Tournament after the opening feast. Since all students could compete in their age group, it was a hit with the students. No one minded that the overall champion had to be an adult with OWLs. When Pomona said the tournament had been cancelled because of the number of deaths the number of potential entries decreased. The last thing she said before the feast appeared was that Durmstrang and Beauxbatons would arrive on Friday, 4 September. The Seekers didn't mind this change.
Harry let his mind drift back to the previous year and the first time he and the others rode Sadie in the forest. They saw Unicorns and other wildlife. The impressive thing was the amount of potions ingredients there for the picking. Harry laughed silently thinking of setting the centaurs straight about who owned what. When one notched an arrow, Harry warned that if it came toward Sadie they would all be dead. Bane the idiot centaur made a snide comment about puny humans and found Harry on his back with his wand on bane's neck.
In a cold voice Harry said, "Only an idiot badmouths a Battle Mage. Apologize or leave this place forever. Well your third choice is to die by my hand. Idiot I am Lord Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin and I own this place."
Bane apologized and was banished from the forest, he was found later petrified and Harry knew who did it. Harry smiled remembering that it took nearly a month of seeing Sadie entering or leaving the forest before it was old news. Harry returned to his dinner with a smile on his face.
Pomona then turned them over to one of people from Potter-Longbottom Imports Ltd. He explained how the lights worked then projected the coming attractions for Star Wars IV - A New Hope, and said it would be shown in the Great Hall the next evening. The hall was buzzing with talk of the changes and the Triwizard Tournament. Harry knew the first week would be testing again, which conformed to the ICW standard. He also knew that the Head of Houses would meet with their students this evening and pass out maps to the first year students. They would then go over the testing schedule and explain how those who needed extra help would get it.
Harry had shifted to Fleur at 2200h her time and found out Madame Maxime wasn't happy. The trip was worth it when she gave him a searing kiss goodbye. He just hoped he could wait until 31 December for their wedding since she was as hot as his other four. The Seekers easily tested into seventh year while wondering how Fleur and Gabrielle were doing. Fortunately, the week flew by with testing keeping them occupied by trying to stay just under NEWT level.
On 4 September 1992, the Beauxbatons carriages arrived at 1530h. Harry had to admit the Abraxans were beautiful if a bit showy. As he suspected, Fleur and Gabrielle were the last out of the carriage so he nodded to Dora. Dora and Astoria disappeared the reappeared with Fleur and Gabrielle who now stood with the other Seekers one on each side of Harry.
Madame Maxime made a show of greeting Pomona then turned to Harry said, "Lord Potter."
Harry sneered and replied, "Madame Maxime I would think that the Headmistress of a school with the reputation of Beauxbatons would know the proper form to greet an English Duke when they first speak to him. So in order to educate you in the proper form you may call me Your Grace when we speak until I say you may call me Lord Gryffindor or sir. Now if you don't understand that I can repeat it in over sixty languages. Am I clear madam?"
Madame Maxime sighed and held her temper, "Yes Your Grace perfectly clear."
"Very well I hope your students do better. You Madam bordered on insult to the head of six Most Ancient and Noble Houses. That is something I do not tolerate. There are several former Lords and Dumbledore shoveling dragon shit because they insulted me. I now own them and their possessions." Harry stated and nodded his head slightly ending the conversation and letting the bitch know he wasn't impressed by her size or title.
The Beauxbatons couldn't believe how Madame Maxime could make such a faux pax to the principal owner of Hogwarts. They watched the Durmstrang ship arrive in the Black Lake and float to the shore. The students disembarked and formed up like a military unit on the shore before marching to the castle.
Headmaster Purser smiled and said, "Good evening Your Grace, Headmistress Sprout, I am Evan Purser the Headmaster of Durmstrang may I present my students."
"Good evening sir, please call me Lord Gryffindor or Lord Potter in the future. Your student and staff are most welcome. Their rooms and common rooms are as you requested. There are signs in Bulgarian, German, and English that will direct you to your quarters. Tonight our head boy will show you the way to make things more convenient for you. There are training rooms dedicated to each contest and a room for your entry into the overall championship."
"If you would like, our elves will move your students and staffs possessions to their rooms. Dinner is at 1730h in the Great Hall for the first two evenings you have your own table. But after that your students may sit where they want. We hope to get to know our guests. Ladies of Beauxbatons those words were for you as well, the head girl will show you the way this evening. Please join the Headmistress and my party in the Great Hall and I will make the introductions." Harry explained. The foreign students knew he was speaking English by reading his lips but they heard the words in French and Bulgarian in their heads.
Professor Sprout led everyone into the Great Hall where there were now six tables instead of the normal four. The two new student tables were well marked by both the table cloth colors and a placard with the school name. The hall had been expanded and the head table was now an upside down V so the staff could see everyone and each other. Once everyone was seated, Harry waved his wand, for show, and four large screens appeared one on each wall.
Harry walked to the open part of the V and said, "Good evening and welcome to the Duchy of Pottershire, the Earldom of Gryffindor, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am His Grace Harry, Duke of Pottershire, Earl of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Black, and Peverell. What this means is that I own three fourths of this school and rule the surrounding four counties. In Pottershire we hold to the old forms of address and decorum. In addition I am the head of the named Most Ancient and Noble Houses."
"Before I start the introductions if you speak what you want to drink into your goblet it will fill with that and remain full until you say no more." Harry loved the look of surprise on so many faces.
"First I would like to introduce my lovely wives who will join me here. The Duchess Luna Potter-Ravenclaw, the Duchess Daphne Black-Peverell, her sister the Duchess Astoria Black-Slytherin, who is followed by the Duchess Dora Black-Potter. Next is the Countess Fleur Delacour and the next Duchess Potter-Black, and her sister the Countess Gabrielle Delacour soon to be the Countess Delacour-Potter. May I present my brother Earl Neville Longbottom, his wife and one fourth owner of Hogwarts Countess Susan Longbottom-Bones, his wife the Countess Hannah Longbottom-Abbott. We are known in Hogwarts as the Seekers because we seek knowledge and justice for all magical beings." Harry paused.
"Now this evening we have some dignitaries who worked hard to make this tournament happen. First is Chief Ragnok of the Goblin Nation, my little father, former guardian, and advisor. Then there is Chief Ragnok's son Sharpaxe, Chief Guard of Gringotts and my uncle, and his brother Hawkclaw, his second in command and my other uncle. Next, we have the Minister for Magic Lady Amelia Bones, the Foreign Minister of Great Britain Mr. Stanley Hope. From France we have the Foreign Minister Count André Delacour, and from Bulgaria is Foreign Minister Lord Ulrich Hailer. Last but by no means least is the Headmistress of Hogwarts Madam Pomona Sprout, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons Madame Maxime, and the Headmaster of Durmstrang Lord Evan Purser."
"Before I turn this over to Headmistress Sprout I would like to tell you that the reason you hear me in the language of your school is a charm I wear that was invented by Countess Lily Potter-Ravenclaw my mother. Darn I almost forgot. We have an issue and need a vote from the students of all three schools. The question is since Susan and I are student-owners of Hogwarts in our seventh year should we be allowed to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. While there is no rule against it there is also no precedent as guidance. So by a show of hands vote yes that Susan and I may compete. Please vote now." Every hand was raised surprising everyone.
"Thank you for your time and patience. Headmistress I'm sure they would rather listen to you, please take the floor." Harry said and led the Seekers to the Hufflepuff table where their seats were waiting for them.
"I will try to be brief but there is a lot of information to give out. The main event of the tournament is the original three tasks that will determine the overall champion. To enter this event you must have your OWLs and be an adult. These are the three most dangerous tasks and are not to be taken lightly. A Magical Artifact will choose the champions for each school. To enter you will write your name and school on a piece of parchment provided for you. Then you will swear to the goblet that the name you are entering is your true name. Should you attempt to enter another individuals name or are otherwise not qualified the goblet will take your magic and life." She let that sink in.
"There will be wards that warn you to back off because something isn't right. These wards cannot be fooled by Polyjuice, Aging Potions, or Glamour Charms. This year we are adding four additional competitions. Group One includes first and second year students. Group Two includes the third and fourth year students. Group Three are fifth year students, and Group Four are those students who have their O.W.L.s. There will foot races for the four divisions. There are scholastic competitions in all classes that are common to the three schools. There is a dueling competition for the sixth and seventh year groups. In the spring, there is a broom race through a slalom course. There will be practice days for each school and the wards will only allow students and coaches from the school in. The wards will not let anyone else see the practice." Pomona paused and winked at Harry.
"Initially our guests were going to take their meals, classes, and sleep in their own facilities. However, His Grace didn't think that served the purpose of getting to know people from other schools and cultures. He somehow got lucky in Monte Carlo, Las Vegas, and a few other casinos' and donated his winnings to Hogwarts for holding the tournament as hosts. So beginning at dinner you will be able to order what you want to eat."
The screens came on and showed three menus, one in English, French, and Bulgarian. An animated wand selected the items it wanted and they changed to red. It then touched a rune and the red cleared. The wand then made the correct selection and touched another rune and the menu items turned green and the animated film showed the food and drink appear. When the food disappeared, desert appeared.
"If you have any special dietary needs please tell one of your Professors and we will get the word to the kitchens. The breakfast and lunch menus will not change as often as the dinner menu but they will add and delete things that are rarely ordered. When we go to open seating your menu will appear in the language of your school. If you are English and want to eat French or Bulgarian food, simply pick the menu up and say French or Bulgarian please and it will change. This idea was presented by the four Duchess Potters and charmed by them also." Pomona paused not sure, how the next item would go over.
"We had a request through the ICW from the Americas, Australia, and Far East to allow one student from each year group and the schools Deputy join us and observe. They may want to start a tournament similar to the Triwizard Tournament." Harry closed his eyes knowing what was coming.
He tuned out the Americans, and Japanese, but paid attention when Pomona read, "From the National Australian Institute of Magic we have Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall and representing the sixth and seventh…representing the first and second years, second year student Miss Hermione Granger. Your Grace do you have anything to add sir?"
Harry stood and the cameras zoomed in on him. "Yes Headmistress, I want a meeting after dinner with our new guests to insure we start off on the right foot. Their cultures are different enough I feel this discussion is needed in the interest of their safety."
"Very well Lord Gryffindor I agree, may I suggest adding the Minister for Magic, the Foreign Ministers, and the Headmasters?" Pomona asked.
"Yes Ma'am the Seekers will join us also so I don't have to tell them later." Harry replied.
Pomona started the meal and with the animation, the students had no trouble ordering their food. The meal was delicious they ordered French food as suggested by Fleur and Gabrielle. They talked about the tournament and the events they may want to enter.
Once the meal was finished, Harry invited the guests into the ante room and put up wards. When the guests were, seated Harry stood and asked if they heard his opening statements and they had.
"Alright I'm going tell you what I know about your societies and you can then tell me different in a respectful manner. I'll start with Japan since their customs are close to ours or at least were. At one time, you had regions not unlike our counties. These regions had their own lords or Samurai. They were judge, jury, and executioner and made their own laws. There were certain forms of addressing these lords and they expected those forms. How am I doing so far?" Harry asked the Deputy Headmaster from Koto School of Magic.
"Very well, Your Grace, we know and understand your forms. Some but not all of ours are still in use. Even our non-magicals still use many of the old forms including our young." Mr. Togo explained in answer to Harry's question.
"Next we have the Australians one of our fellow members of the United Kingdom. From our point of view, they were initially populated by criminals sent from Great Britain. They prospered and became a liberal society that elects their government. A few stick to the old ways. Over the years, we have enjoyed several trips there and seen a fair amount of your beautiful country. Your life style fits you, and that's the way it should be. Those I've met here in Great Britain respect our customs, know, and use the old forms with few problems. Like us, you have your bigots and like us you don't take kindly to them. How am I doing so far Deputy Headmistress?" Harry asked McGonagall.
"Very well, actually surprisingly well Your Grace. I apologize but I'm not sure I get the point of this meeting." McGonagall told Harry.
"Hopefully that will become clear soon. Now we come to the Americans, the youngest of the six nations represented in this room. We have also made a fair few visits to America. While we were there, we did our best to observe, respect, and live within your laws and customs. However, you more than most nations are known for not returning that respect when you visit another nation. We have sat in pubs in London, and other places, attended the British Open, and Wimbledon Tournaments and listened to your citizens piss and moan about our ways and say how we need to change them."
"A fair number of fights have started over remarks made in the country that you modeled your government after. In fact, your laws are mostly based on English common law. To be honest I don't know why you four and one from Australia are here in this old castle among the fucking foreigners. Well, there's the door don't let it hit you in the ass as you leave. You see there is a difference between here and the rest of Great Britain. Down there you would deal with the Ministry for Magic represented by Lady Bones. Here it's different. Here I rule, and my word is the law. The only person on the face of the earth I answer to besides my wives is Elizabeth II our Queen."
"I have destroyed several powerful wizards including two dark lords with the help of my Goblin family and four of my wives and friends sitting here. I do not tolerate bigots or bullies. You four don't like the fact that I have four wives and will take two more women into my immediate family. Well your opinion doesn't count here and those thoughts if spoken may get your head on a pike over the front gate as an example. So in order to save your lives, Gringotts will send you home and your management and Governments will be told why."
"It amazes how some people can preach tolerance but are intolerant bigots themselves," Harry rolled two memory crystals to Ragnok.
"Little Father would you identify these please." Harry asked of Ragnok.
"Of course son," He looked them over, and laid the one from the Americans on the table and tapped it with his nail on his right index finger.
The memory played and they saw and heard the thoughts of the four about how backward these people were. They said that they needed to preach democracy to the younger ones.
"You see gentlemen and I use that term lightly in your case. Hogwarts is a sentient being infused with not only the founders' magic but also those of thousands of wizards and witches who attended, taught, or visited here. Hogwarts passed that to our sorting hat Alfred who communicates with me mentally and I made those stones. Sharpaxe please remove the trash from Hogwarts." Sharpaxe nodded and the Americans were gone.
"Now we come to Miss Hermione Granger bigot extraordinaire and unfortunately for me my cousin whom I can't throw out of the family, although I've spent hundreds of galleons trying. I cannot believe you of all people would come here knowing that I was here, and that I effectively rule this place. Do you have a death wish or what?" Harry asked his voice laden with ice.
"I, I was hoping that you had changed," She said near tears as she knew he had her memories in the other crystal.
"Miss Granger, do you understand that I have sufficient reason to take your head for sedition against my Duchy?" Harry asked the young girl that seemed even younger now.
"I, I, I, I didn't know that," She stammered really coming to realize that she was in deeper trouble than she thought.
"Are you saying that you came into my country with a government and laws that you didn't know about but are required to follow? Then because it doesn't fit the way you think things should be, that you could change things because you fucking feel that our way is wrong. Is that what you expect Hermione Jean Granger? Do you think I'm a fucking idiot, and that I wouldn't respond in kind? Are you that damn foolish?" Harry ranted and his magic was almost stifling to the point that empty chairs were moving. Suddenly, Luna was in his lap holding him.
Luna looked at Ragnok, "Please get that little bitch out of my sight before I kill her myself or one of the others do it before me, and I have to whip a sister wife's ass. Oh, rest assured your Headmaster will get that memory crystal as will your Minister."
Luna took Harry, and the Seekers disappeared. Ragnok looked at Pomona and chuckled, "Well there are no bodies to clean up. He's learning to control his temper now we work on his magic."
Pomona looked at Maxime and remarked, "If I were you, I would find a way to apologize, because you're next on his shit list. That Madam is not a place you really want to be."
Headmaster Purser stated, "My students voted to let him in the tournament if he is selected, we would be wise to hand him the trophy and play three rounds of poker."
"If he enters he wouldn't go for that, and I would feel sorry for the dragon he faced. I suspect by now he's either in bed with his wives, or he's blowing up things. But of course, he could be riding Sadie. Shit I forgot to warn our guests about a sixty-foot basilisk that protects him. Most of our students have ridden her at least once to see the Forbidden Forest," Pomona mused.
"Is he always like this?" McGonagall asked.
"No Minerva, he just hates bullies and bigots. He's seventeen and responsible for the safety of every magical in several hundred square miles. He takes that very seriously. He didn't want this tournament held but didn't want us losing our magic because of his wants. You just witnessed the first Battle Mage since Merlin attempting to control his temper and magic. The rest of the Seekers are close to the same level except for Fleur and Gabrielle, who will catch up to them probably within the year." Pomona explained.
André tried to shift the mood a bit by saying, "My daughters are Veela, and I have 100₲ that say their first child is a son, and that has never happened that we know of. Madame Maxime you need to brief your students, but we have an appointment immediately after breakfast."
"Yes Minister," The large woman said and excused herself as she left. Headmaster Purser followed her.
Pomona turned to McGonagall and asked, "How did that little…witch get selected to come here? I know for a fact that the criterion was received by you and your Headmaster, and she damn sure doesn't fit it. Whoever selected her may have cost her, her life and magic."
"She scored the highest on the exams. She's a bit lacking in social skills, but her interview went better than average so her total score got her selected." McGonagall answered as best she knew how.
Ragnok interjected, "We told your Headmaster not to send her here that there was bad blood between her and him. She was a bigot at nine, and he called her on it. Her ran into her in Brisbane a year later, and called her on it again and warned her she would end up losing her magic or be hurt or worse. Then she comes into his den and pulls her normal trash. She's lucky to have a head on her shoulders. I could picture Gryffindor's sword singing as he satisfied its blood lust."
McGonagall frowned and mused, "That sounds more like Excalibur than Gryffindor's sword."
Ragnok chortled, "Who is to say they aren't the same sword?"
Amelia, who had been quiet, spoke. "The next ICW meeting should be interesting. I expect to see more than one Headmaster called in front of it. I can picture Harry in front of the ICW, and they wouldn't like his words."
Ragnok chuckled, "He isn't big on politicians, and his Aunt Amy is one and his soon to be father-in-law is another. Come to think of it he is one also. Amelia we have teasing material on him."
She shuddered and hissed, "You tease him if you wish little father. But the last time I did I had to explain my light-blue hair for a week. That's a dragon that can stay asleep."
Sharpaxe looked at Hawkclaw, and then chuckled. Harry did the same to Ragnok. However, Ragnok wasn't seen in public, and no goblin would say a word about his pink hair.
Dan and Emma were woken up early the next morning in Australia. The goblin that delivered Hermione would only say, "I hope this trash is well educated in your world. Her former trust vault is closed. Her current interest is six percent. While you maintain your status as Goblin Friend, she does not. Miss Granger unless you wish to pay the maximum on your debit card you will return it by noon today."
The goblin disappeared.
Dan looked at Emma then at Hermione and shook his head. They tried to talk her out of going. If she got through this Dan and Emma were going to put their foot down or in her ass. He blamed himself and Emma for part of it because they hadn't put their foot down earlier. However, perhaps it was now time to get her help. Fortunately, she was caught up in her studies magical and non-magical.
They were in the afterglow of their lovemaking when Harry asked, "Why does that bitch get to me?"
"Oh Harry I think it's because you want to change her, and you can't any more than she can change you. You see her as a bigot, and she sees you as old fashioned wanting to live in the days of King Arthur. She sees black and white while you see shades of grey. Plus she is blood relation, and you're so different in many ways but one is the same. You both grew up without friends. Now you have them, and she doesn't. Yet she has what you can't. She has parents, and you don't think she appreciates them. Just put her back in that place in your mind love." Luna cooed, and his breathing told her that he was falling asleep.
The next morning before breakfast Sadie was carrying Harry back to the castle. He was standing on her back like he was riding a surfboard or snowboard, and Sadie was moving fast. Harry had a huge smile on his face as Sadie slid by the entry door he hissed his good-bye and thank you then did a flip off her back. She never broke her speed and soon disappeared into the forest.
Harry looked at his wives and fiancées with their hands on their hips. He rolled his eyes and said, "What did I do this time?"
"You scared the hell out of our guests. Neither you nor Madam Sprout told our guests about Sadie. Plus you git, you made us get cold when you left early." Luna complained.
Harry walked up to her, grabbed and kissed her then whispered, "It's not like you six didn't cuddle up together so the cold bit didn't last long Snuggle Bunny."
"Ok, how was your trip into that horrible Forbidden Forest?" Luna teased back.
"Actually there are three baby Unicorns probably a week old. We caught sight of a black Unicorn also but it was moving away from us." He reported as they entered the Great Hall.
Harry got his wives seated then went to the front of the staff table. The screens came down so all could see him. "I want to apologize for not warning you about Sadie my basilisk. To be quite candid with you, I ride her quite often and tend to forget she's around. If you don't attack her, she won't attack you unless you've tried to harm me, my wives, or friends."
"On our first trip together a centaur decided to be an ass we had words, and I found him petrified two days later. Sadie told me a few days after that she didn't like the taste of the human part, but the horse was ok just a bit stringy. Since I have no desire to eat any part of a centaur, I nodded and agreed it probably wouldn't be worth messing with one. Now I must ask that you remember that I wear the Slytherin Head of House ring, so I can speak Parseltongue. If I go dark, it wasn't from speaking parsel. Then if did that my wives would kill me. So I don't have plans of going dark, rumors or not Miss Brown. And if I hear another one about my love life I might decide to take your magic so keep your mouth off of us and your thoughts to yourself."
"Now to stop some other rumors, it's true I sent the Americans and one of the Australian bigots home. I've said it before I do not tolerate bigots or bullies in my home, and Hogwarts is my wives and my home. It's also true the castle speaks to me through Alfred our sorting hat, a magical device charmed by all four Hogwarts Founders but primarily by Godric Gryffindor. Good morning Headmistress did I miss anything?"
"Good morning Your Grace, I don't think you did. How was the Forbidden Forest this morning?" Pomona smiled and asked.
"Well Sadie has the spiders under control. The Centaurs ask me to remind our guests that they think they own my forest. Their words not mine. But it was a warning to stay out of their territory unless you're invited. Oh we have three new Unicorn foals a week or so old. And there is at least one black one running around. Sadie asked me to remind you that she only hoods her eyes as she leaves the forest so to stay out unless you're with me, so I can warn her. She is hunting to prepare for winter and didn't like me calling her a squirrel, but it was worth it to get the ride." Harry reported on his trip, as Pomona knew he would.
"That area we talked about needs to be marked tomorrow so I can keep her out of that part of the forest. The school farm needs to send us two live cows for payment for staying out of part of her forest. Bargaining with a basilisk is easier than bargaining with Ragnok for sure." Harry added and waited to see if anyone had any more questions before enjoying his breakfast.
"Excuse me Your Grace, I am Victor Krum and was wondering if you fly like you ride Sadie." The youngest Professional Seeker asked.
Professor Sprout said, "Actually he wouldn't admit it, but he's worse on a broom. Unfortunately, for his house team as an owner, the charter says he can't play inter-house Quidditch. However, the charter does say he could play on a Hogwarts team."
"Well thank you Headmistress. Mr. Krum while I respect the Headmistress opinion, I don't play Quidditch, but I do love to fly. I do suggest sir that when you marry, don't let your wife or wives watch your games. I've watched you and the Wronski Feint you do is a phenomenal, absolutely brilliant piece of flying. If I want a cold bath, I try it over the lake." Harry replied to the question and smiled at the seeker who returned it.
Astoria said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Husband you will not try that move over land, or we'll have words such as couch now."
Harry winked at Krum and replied, "Yes dear. And those are the first words a married man needs to learn. For you single guys out there, who want more than one wife, remember with two that you catch twice as much hell from them as you do from one. Then you have to face not only your mother but two mothers in law. But if you choose well you get the love of two or more great women."
"Excuse me Your Grace I am Michelle Dupree. I was wondering why the change from last evening when you came off like a stuffed shirt snob."
The Hogwarts students and staff gasped and shook their heads while Fleur hid a smile.
Harry stood straight and his clothes changed to regal purple robes trimmed in gold. He held his right hand above his head, and the Sword of Gryffindor appeared. The entire hall heard it sing.
The temperature in the Great Hall dropped at least twenty degrees and Harry's eyes showed fire behind the ice as he stated, "Miss Dupree, I find that your word's border on insult, and the Sword of Justice agrees with me. I always thought Beauxbatons taught French History and the ways of the court. Now tell me if I should forgive you this one time as the Sword of Justice sings wanting your blood. I shall forgive you if you admit you are a stupid bitch that was raised by dogs who had no manners. If you refuse that, I will give you the choice of losing your magic or your head. You are in my home and within it are my wives, fiancées, and friends. Are you so blind that you cannot see this? Are you deaf that you could not hear my words or are you just a stupid little girl whose body grew and aged but whose mind is six? Now make your choice bitch."
To the surprise of many, Harry repeated his words in French.
"Your Grace, I apologize and admit I am a stupid little bitch that was raised by dogs that had no manners. I am in your home and should have realized that last night was a formal occasion, and this is not. You are among your friends and are trying to make us feel more relaxed today. Please forgive me Your Grace." Miss Dupree pled.
"I will let this pass one time and one time only. I have destroyed some of my countrymen for less by completely stripping them and their families of fortunes. They and their families are now shoveling dragon shit in Gringotts and will for years to come. I do not accept your apology, however. You had best keep a civil tongue in your mouth as it pertains to my family and friends because, little girl you just made it to number one on my shit list. I was not joking about this sword it seeks blood and in this case, it is yours." Harry cut his hand then healed and threw the sword towards the ceiling, and it disappeared.
Madame Maxime stood and looked at Dupree. "Miss Dupree I will see you in my office immediately after breakfast."
She turned to Harry, "Your Grace, when we arrived yesterday I was angry, and in that anger, I forgot my place and took it out on you. You were only trying to make me, and my students welcome here, and I forgot that good manners should be returned in kind. For my words and actions, I apologize."
Harry saw the sincerity in her voice, "Apology accepted in the spirit it was given. We all have bad days' Madam, and those of us who are responsible for the safety of others have them more often than we would like. Perhaps after the feast this evening you, Headmistress Sprout, Headmaster Purser, and the Ministers would join my lovely wives and me for a glass of wine in our suite."
"Thank you Your Grace, I would be delighted to join you and your lovely wives." The Headmistress replied.
Harry looked at Luna and said, "Well at least this time I didn't have to kill anyone. Please take good notes for me I'm going to go blow up some things."
Harry disappeared.
Luna looked at Daph and said, "If this keeps happening his fucking Merlin index will exceed 1500. Alright ladies we need to plan how to get his magic back under control before he kills someone he didn't mean to."
Neville looked at his wives, "I know where he is, and will make sure he doesn't hurt himself again. That fucking bitch owes him a life debt and don't let her forget it." Then Neville disappeared.
Neville found Harry in the Room of Requirements but instead of blowing up things Harry was holding the Sword of Gryffindor. Nev noticed that the tip was on a glowing square.
"Harry?"
"Hi Nev, Alfred suggested using my excess magic to feed back into Hogwarts. It helps me and makes her stronger so it's a win-win." Harry acknowledged his friend and brother.
"That's a good thing Skywalker. You're a hell of a lot calmer than I expected or I would be myself. Well, Dupree got the attention she wanted," Neville chuckled.
Harry snorted, "It just wasn't the way haughty bitch thought it would be. Maxime isn't any more pleased with holding the tournament than we are, but neither is Purser. This was Dumbledore's baby all the way. Apparently, he heard rumors that Voldemort was trying to get a hold of me to perform a ritual to get a body back. Dumbledore hoped Tom would kill me, so he could kill Tom and be the big hero again."
Neville noticed the square had quit glowing and asked, "You ready to go back? If you worry your girls, you'll be in deep shit. I don't see that as a good thing for either of us."
Harry saw Neville shudder at the thought. "Your wives will probably blame you for not bring me back sooner. My girls will chew my ass for not bringing them with me. I asked Ragnok how I could understand women better. He told me that they weren't meant to be understood just loved."
"That's why he's King of the Goblin Nation. You have to be wise to be an effective king." Neville explained.
Harry smiled and nodded at his brother. The sword disappeared and so did the two mages. They reappeared at the Hufflepuff table.
Luna inspected her husband and said, "That was quick, are you alright?"
He kissed her forehead, "Alfred suggested a way to get rid of excess magic that I'll explain later. Actually, I feel great. Luna I've been thinking…"
Harry heard the other Seekers gasp, "All right you lot that isn't always a bad thing. Hermione's actions don't make sense. Is it possible that there's a hidden charm or charms on her mind that are keyed to being around me?"
Daph appeared next to the Australian Vice Minister and told him what they suspected. He immediately made a phone call, and Daph returned to the table. Astoria disappeared and told Sharpaxe of their suspicions. He nodded and disappeared to notify Ragnok.
"She will be checked by their best mind healers that will look for that type of charm." Daphne reported.
Hermione was sitting in her room under house arrest while awaiting trial in three days. She was going over the actions that led to her situation. She couldn't understand why she wanted to go to Hogwarts. She knew Harry didn't like her and couldn't blame him. What was it about Harry that made her that way? Why did certain things or persons set her off in a rant that pushed people away?
She was so impressed with Hogwarts. It was beautiful castle and like no other, she had seen pictures of. It even had electric lighting and modern equipment that somehow didn't look out of place. She heard Harry and understood what he said and even why he said it. Then boom, she knew this was wrong, and she needed to change these backward people and the best place to start was with the youngest.
Of course, she wondered how Harry's group got older so soon. They were five years older than she was now. Of course, it had to be that they were messing with time, which was dangerous. But that was none of her business. She decided.
"Princess, are you decent?" She head her Dad ask.
"Yes daddy." She saw the door open and there stood Chief Ragnok. She couldn't stop herself from shuddering while thinking the worst.
"Hermione, Harry asked that you be checked for some mind charms that may not have been detected years ago. I questioned Dumbledore, a painful experience for him and an unpleasant one for me. But I discovered that he had placed certain charms on you as a baby. Some are timed, and others are keyed to certain actions or statements made by others. A few are keyed to your being near Harry. Fortunately, we now know what charms were used, and the order they were cast in. I have informed the Australian Ministry, their Chief Justice, your Headmaster, and Harry." Ragnok informed the shocked twelve year old whose life Dumbledore almost destroyed.
Hermione's demeanor changed to one of fear to hope.
"If you want, we can take you to our Medical Wing and remove the charms and from there back to Hogwarts," Ragnok said with a smile.
"Harry wants me to come to Hogwarts?" A shocked Hermione asked.
"Hermione, you are part of his family and were hurt by a sick old man. He knows that now, and knows you never stood a chance. Your status with the Goblin Nation and vault has been restored at his insistence. I didn't tell him that I would have done that anyway." Ragnok revealed.
Hermione was so shocked that she could only nod. She watched as an elf placed a new trunk on the floor and packed her room except for the furniture. She kissed he parents good-bye while crying tears of relief. Ragnok held out his hand, and they appeared in the Medical Wing. Hermione found out why manipulating time could be a wonderful thing. What took three days in the time chamber was only seconds on the outside. When she arrived at Hogwarts, it was still breakfast time. She saw Harry standing while talking to Luna and Neville. When he turned and looked at her, his smile melted her heart.
"Your Grace…" she said and watched him open his arms.
She ran the length of the table, and jumped into his arms and heard Harry say, "Welcome cousin," as he swung her around.
The American team wasn't as lucky as Hermione. Copies of the memory crystal and the criteria for those going to Hogwarts appeared on the desks of the Chief Justice, Minister for Magic, the school's President, and each member of the Board of Directors. If that wasn't bad enough the letter from Ragnok stating that not only were the team's vaults locked down but so were the School's and the School's President's vaults.
The president chewed the team's asses. The board chewed the president and the team's asses. The Minister and Chief Justice sat side by side as they met with the Chairman of the Board, the School President, and the team.
The Minister stated, "New Salem Institute begged us to go to the ICW so they could observe the Triwizard Tournament. The ICW after much debate agreed and informed us that the tournament was being held in the Duchy of Pottershire. They also made it clear that the Duke was the absolute ruler there as per Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom. The criteria for selecting people that would go to Hogwarts was written and agreed to by all parties, including the Duke. His Grace made it clear he did not tolerate bigotry or bullies." The Minister gave the team a foul look.
"We amended the criteria to include the fact that you would be acting as ambassadors for not only New Salem but the USA. Everyone involved signed off on this including the team. The team knew it was going into a country ruled by a young feudal lord that held the power of life and death over the magicals on his lands. For some reason, we will discover, your team chose to disregard their purpose and decided to make things better for the poor down trodden masses and save them from this evil lord." The Minister sighed and took a deep breath.
"Apparently you idiots didn't realize that there is magic that you don't know of and couldn't understand. Hogwarts has stood for a thousand years, and is infused with magic of not only its founders but also tens of thousands students, Professors, and guests. It was started by four of the most powerful mages that existed at the time. It's even rumored that Gryffindor was descended from Merlin, which would mean so is His Grace." He let that sink in while he gave them a look of disgust.
"Not only is the ICW on our ass, wanting answers, but you have managed to piss off King Ragnok by insulting the young man he calls son. We may be able to pacify the ICW but Ragnok wants your heads on a pike. Yes, Lord Gryffindor's words at the conference were harsh, but they were also true. I spent over twenty years in our military and saw what he saw more often than not. The thing that always amazed me was when someone said the fucking foreigners in another country. They were right about fucking foreigners, but they didn't seem to realize they were talking about themselves. When you enter another country, by definition you become a foreigner."
The Minister looked at the group and continued. "As far as we can tell the Board did its job but the School let the Board down. I expect to see a new president and vice-president as well as a review of the selection committee and its process for selection. The four students will be expelled and most probably will have their magic bound. This may save their lives. Fortunately, they have a non-magical education, so they are still employable. The directors of the MCIA and MFBI are waiting on you so get the hell out of my office."
They found out the Vice President was a bigot but led the team because of his position at the school. The four students had lied while answering questions because they wanted to go on a trip. The selection committee had used the wrong conference room because the right one was in use. The conference room they were supposed to use had truth wards installed. They didn't check the one they were in for truth wards. The Minister shook his head and said FUBB (fucked up beyond belief).
The students lost their magic for lying and their actions. The School's President and Vice President lost their jobs, and the Vice President was blacklisted in Education. Harry convinced Ragnok that was enough to send a message so others could learn from it. His thoughts were if they did more they became the bad guys.
That evening at Hogwarts the Goblet of Fire lit and the Seekers, along with several of their school friends, talked Harry into entering the major competition. Harry waited until the others had entered including six from Hogwarts before placing his name in the Goblet.
That night Harry welcomed the Headmasters and Ministers to the Hufflepuff Suite's Common Room.
"Welcome to the Hufflepuff Suite where Susan's ancestor once lived. Inside this room, we use our first names, and mine is Harry. Outside we have to wear different faces or be taken advantage of." Harry told his guests and introduced his wives and fiancées by their first name. The guests did the same.
Bing appeared with white wine and a selection of cheese and crackers. Harry smiled as Olympe Maxime saw the label on the wine.
"I hope you enjoy the wine as it's my favorite, but I'm partial because I own the vineyard and label." Harry told them.
They discussed the Americans and Hermione. When Harry told them what they found out about Hermione they went from shock to livid at Dumbledore. They spent nearly two hours discussing various things, including Harry's hope that the students could find lasting friends from the different schools. Olympe wanted to discuss Dupree but Harry said it was a Beauxbatons internal matter if she kept her mouth shut and acted as if she had some sense instead of a spoilt child.
To be continued in: "The Triwizard Tournament and Epilog"
