A short chapter, I know. Only 6k words. Despite my best efforts we are quickly catching up to what I have typed so far. I'll work as hard as I can.
A few more notes - Several have mentioned me putting markers for scene changes - I will do so - I put them in when I am typing - but when I go from one editor to another - those markings don't always make it.
A few have said they had some difficulty getting to chapter 8. I hope you have done so. Again it was editing issues on my side.
Some translations needed for the chapter below:
C'est Dommage - too bad
Tres jolie - very pretty
Tres dur - very hard
Once again - Thank you for reading and your comments. And a special thanks to my Beta (Rob4133)- whose ideas and editing skills are essential.
He has an exciting story posted still in its infancy- check it out.
Sorry for the delay.
Bob
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A special session of the Wizengamot had been called by the Chief Warlock. He was angry since the summer he had been steadily losing power and respect. Now that Potter was injured and Longbottom made the mistake of calling for bloodfued, he could finally turn this to his advantage. The member's sat in their plum robes nervously talking amongst themselves. Many had children or grandchildren in Hogwarts. Either one of those 2 powerful families naming their family as an enemy could end in disaster.
Albus noted the Dark alliance especially looked nervous. Historically they were the enemies of the 2 powerful light families. The letters from the children all claimed innocence. A few cursed silently, wishing they had not taught their children to lie so well. But they consoled themselves for the alliance to live and their master's aims furthered they would have to support one another, unless it was shown that a sacrifice of a family or 2 would suffice.
"This special session of the Wizengamot is called to session." He called rapping his wand on the table emulating a thunderous hammer. The twinkle in his eye back, noting that no one was there to represent Potter or Longbottom. Greengrass and Davis sat alone. He thought of the muggle reference, "sitting ducks."
Right before the doors were sealed, they burst open. 6 wizards and witches entered wands out and ready. They spread out facing the lords. A moment's pause and Dowager Longbottom entered followed closely by 2 more bodyguards.
"What is the meaning of this?" His good mood gone like the darkness banished by the sun. "You wizards and witches are not authorized to be here. Put your wands away and leave!"
They guards stood immobile, while the headmaster's face turned red. He yelled again, as some of the lords and ladies in the seats did as well before the dowager spoke. "They don't answer to you, or to anyone else. These hit wizards are in the employ of Lord Longbottom. It is at his order that they guard me. His exact words were, "We were not safe at the supposedly safest school in the world. There is no way I will leave you unguarded in that den of iniquity called the Wizengamot."
"I assure you it is the safest place certainly in magical Great Britain."
"You'll forgive me Albus, but that's pure dragon dung. Put that in your garden when you retire."
Amelia Bones stood. "I received a bit of information from my niece, but only though a secondary source. It seems all of the owls at the school have become ill."
"A most perplexing illness. My COMC instructor assures me that they will all be healthy and once more ready to assume their duties in less than a week."
"Funny how all of them became ill at the same time and right after another accident. Lady Longbottom, please tell those of us who are in the dark what transpired."
"It is dowager now. My grandson Neville is now Lord Longbottom and a finer example of a lord you cannot find."
"Augusta, get rid of the soldiers please. It is very disrespectful to this body." His eyes twinkled and he put on his best friendly old man visage.
"Chief wizard. I am but the instrument of my lord's will. It is his order that I remain guarded. Since he cannot take his seat right now due to his age, he remains at Hogwarts guarding Lord Potter who was almost killed saving my grandson and bond mate's life."
Amelia didn't yell. In fact it was closer to a stage whisper, "What? Why was I not informed? What happened?"
"My lord apologizes to you. His message asked for your forgiveness. He asked me to tell you in the first hours he was obligated to ward Lord Potter and his bond mates, and then fatigue overcame him. He was only reminded of you recently."
Amelia waved it off, "He may be a powerful wizard and lord but he is still a 15 year old. An over sight such as that can be forgiven, but I can't understand why others didn't inform the DMLE?"
"Madam there was no need. And that is not the reason we are here today. We are here because two youngsters think they are all powerful and can bully this august body into doing whatever they want."
"The chief warlock is right about one thing." Augusta interrupted. "They are young. And in the zeal of youth they believe that justice is not an abstract idea. They believe in it and my lord's words are thus. 'You have until Lord Potter awakens to capitulate. If we come looking for you there will not be any mercy found."
Several voices spoke out, Lord Parkinson's was the loudest. "I'm told there are no witnesses. Are the 2 boys going to attack everyone?"
Several laughed at the mocking tone.
Augusta smiled, "You seem to know more than most. Is there something you want to share? Don't worry Lord Parkinson, my grandson is an heir to Godric. The castle speaks to him and Lord Potter."
Mulciber mocked, "2 boys without a father and without any decent teacher. I am told they are arrogant and puffed up in self importance."
She laughed. as did Lords Greengrass and Davis. Davis answered, "Keep thinking that. The quickest way to lose is to underestimate your opponent. You had better quit listening to Snape. His anger blinds him to reality."
"I am glad you mentioned him!" Augusta interrupted. "Hogwarts will be looking for a new potion's master."
"Only I in conjunction with the schoolboard can fire a teacher!"
"Headmaster, did I say fire?" She turned to the lords. "This is not a debate. This is not allied houses seeking permission from the Wizengamot. This is notification as required by the ancient laws. I will say this on my own. If any of the guilty seek mercy, it MAY be found, but only if you act before Lord Potter awakens. Merlin help you if you decide to war."
She turned and started to leave, Dumbledore still trying to get control back, "The Wizengamot still is in session and has yet to ratify the blood feud. You may not like the outcome should you not be in attendance.
"I once counted you a friend Albus. Make no threats against my house. Lord Greengrass currently has the proxies for Longbottom, Potter and House Black. My lord told me to withdraw after speaking. I will obey him, as he obeyed me. Get some help Albus before it is too late."
She turned and left, leaving the doors wide open. It was unnaturally silent for 30 seconds before everyone started to talk to their neighbor at once.
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It had been a busy three weeks since he awoke. Word spread like fiendfire through a decayed forest. Lord Potter had awoken. He actually woke in a good mode. Luna was next to him, Hermione in the loo. She heard Luna's cry. "Harry!"
She echoed from the lavatory, "Harry!" And was done in record time. His skin was nearly healed, him magic refreshed, and since his magic was back his hair of course had grown back in.
Hermione's flying tackle would have done an rugby fullback proud. "Don't you ever do that again!" Both her and Luna proceeded to punish him with untold hugs and kisses until he was rescued by Poppy a few minutes later.
"You'll need new glasses Harry. We'll go this weekend. Those were ready for the trash heap anyway. Even a major "reparo" couldn't fix them."
"We'll have to wait until the warden let's us out of stir."
"You are not in jail Mr. Potter."
"You keep telling me that. You're just one of the screws working for the man. Every time I try to leave, you lock me back in my cell."
"It's a bed not a jail cell."
"Hard to tell, the prison food. Look at the plain grey outfits we're all wearing."
"Harry," Luna stage whispered, "That's a sheet, you don't have clothes on."
"I don't? Isn't there a law against that? Protecting inmates from the elements." He turned to Hermione, "You're my mouth piece; can't you do something?"
She giggled, but before she could answer the warden, chief guard and the enforcer walked in, ... excuse me, The headmaster, Snape the man bat, and the enforcer known as Minerva.
"Ah, the unholy trinity, the brothers and sister Grimm, the..."
"You're in a good mood Harry."
He let the "Harry" go.
"Gallows humor," he dead panned. "We were just discussing the conditions of parole with your guard and my lawyer and, who are you to me again?" He asked turning to Luna.
She whispered in his ear, Lord how he missed her smile and her sweet giggle. "Ah yes, my enforcer, Chicken Little."
"Potter, not even off your deathbed and you are still the most arrogant waste of human flesh that I have ever met. You even exceed your father, he at least had some good qualities. You are nothing but scum."
The amount of venom surprised both Poppy and Minerva. They each covered their mouth surprised at his comments. Even the headmaster seemed surprised at the extreme vitriol.
Harry shrugged, his good humor gone but it didn't show in his affect. "I may be all of that and more. If not for these 2 girls who love me for some wonderful stroke of fortune, I would be nothing. But you know what I am Severus?"
The dark eyes blazed with hate, his passion had been growing lately and he couldn't restrain himself.
"I am an heir of Godric Gryffindor, along with Lord Longbottom. Isn't it funny the 2 students you teased, insulted, and reviled the most are both heirs? Now that we have come into our lordships, the castle deems us worthy to control the wards."
He turned to the headmaster and his deputy. "Guess what else? The castle is sentient. It speaks to Neville and I, while I slept, it had a lot to say. Here's the bottom line. The moment Lord Longbottom and I speak our first order of business will be to bar you from the school." He smiled real sweet at the bat, "How's that sound for an arrogant, no talent piece of scum?"
Dumbledore deliberately stepped in between the two, "Harry you can't do that. Professor Snape is the foremost potion authority in Europe. He is needed here. I need him here."
"Then you should not have let him attack Lord Longbottom, Lady Davis and Lady Greengrass."
McGonagall lips pressed so tight together, her eyes were ablaze with the injustice of it all. Before she could explode on him Dumbledore still tried to "fix" it. "This is why students don't have this power Harry. You can't make good decisions because you don't have the maturity. Adults have that authority and I am going to forbid you to do this. You know it is for the 'greater good."
Harry was happy to see that the Dumbledore's shorts still had the charm on them. Despite the situation the three teens snickered.
"Lord Potter. Are you telling me that 2 teens can hire and fire any teacher here in Hogwarts?"
He shook his head. "No. That's not it at all. If all four heirs were here then we would disband the board of trusties and then could. Since Neville and I are the only 2 students in recent memory to accept their lordships and be heirs. These are the duties of the headmaster, the school has stripped them from him since he can't manage the job on his own. You want proof? If Snape doesn't leave by dinner time, Neville and I will do it publically. This is the only consideration you two will get to save face. Personally I don't care, but the school remembers your long service to her headmaster and offers you another chance; but Snape? He's done."
The rest was anticlimactic. The school celebrated, even most of the Slytherins. Sinestra was asked to be the head. Snape left long before dinner. He tried to take some of the ingredients and other items belonging to the school, but the house elves are all loyal to the school.
Word leaked anyways. Soon word was all over the school that the school had told Potter who attacked him. Four other students were missing from dinner that evening, Bulstrode and Goyle from Slytherin and surprisingly 2 'claws; Edgecombe and Cho.
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Harry paused in his reverie, as he once more took in the beauty of his two ladies. Hermione was breathtaking, her hair coiffed in tiny ringlets, her makeup done to perfection and her gown a beautiful soft blue that left him speechless. Luna was radiant, her gown almost a mystery, layered in soft see through filmy fabrics, while the undergarment shifted through different soft colors. Her hair reflected the light, her eyes alight with mirth, he thought the high elves had come back in his love. While the champions waited, each with his or her date, all dressed resplendently, but none looked a good as "his girls."
"Potter you can't have two dates."
"Percy! Good evening. Hi! Good to see you. How have you been? Why can't I? Where's your date?" Harry said the sentence so fast Percy had to pause to process the information before answering. While Harry continuously shook his hand.
"No one else has 2 dates. The Champions are accompanied by their date. The rule book says date singular!"
Harry put on his concerned face. "Percy why are you here?"
He felt proud of himself, "I am here for Mr. Crouch."
"You are his date? That's good Percy. He's a good catch. You'll look fine sitting next to him."
"What? No! I'm not his date! He's not here." Percy was getting upset and finally took his hand away.
"You mean he stood you up? That's not fair. Tonight was your big night. Where you could be seen with your man. That cad!"
He turned to the girls, bringing them in on the conversation. "What would you girls do if you got stood up on a big night?"
Harry was happy the French champion; Fleur caught on to what he was doing right away.
She liked this Harry Potter, and she could feel the power he held in reserve, him and the other man, but "C'est dommage. They were already spoken for. "I would buy myself some lingerie. It would make me feel tres jolie."
The other girls said, "makeup, clothes and jewelry," respectively. Of course Luna added, "Pudding. I would definitely get some pudding."
"Luna love, that's your answer to everything. Pudding."
"I know, but that's what keeps me sweet."
"Yes it does," Harry said kissing her cheek. "Percy do you like pudding?"
"Not especially," he exhaled sharply just wondering when this got out of control.
"Then there you go. You just have to buy yourself something pretty and you'll feel better."
"For the last time. I am going alone."
"Good!" Harry said pounding his back. "Stand up for yourself, and don't let anyone see you cry."
"I mean I am sitting alone."
"Well then, there's not a problem because since Crouch dumped you, that left an extra seat at the head table. Thanks for volunteering your extra seat Percy. That is very nice of you."
Minerva wasn't going to rescue Potter when Percy started. He wanted to play the adult then he would have to deal with adult issues and the small mindedness of petty bureaucrats. Miss Granger's arguments not withstanding, she knew a different tact was needed. She had seen and heard the whole exchange and loved how he manipulated Weasley.
She almost enjoyed it too much, everyone was waiting on them. "Ladies and Gentlemen. It's time and remember this is not a race. Slow and stately."
Harry's parting shot left Percy shaking his head wondering if he even wanted to go in. "Don't forget. There are a lot of lonely young men in there just looking for their special someone. You are just as good as any of the other, umm girls and guys. You grab that special someone and hold on tight."
Harry continued to reflect over the last couple of weeks even while the gala event continued. Hermione was seated to his left and Percy at the end on her left. Luna was to his right and Fleur to her right. The dinner was marvelous, the company even more so. Albus was no where in sight and Minerva sat in the center position as the hostess for the event.
The dinner was nearly over, Percy just had to regain some of his lost manhood. "Potter. You do know that I am engaged to the delectable Ms. Penelope Clearwater don't you?"
His voice had carried just a bit further than he meant to. Even Minerva stopped her conversation to listen to round 2.
Hermione had always thought the Percy was an unmitigated ass, a self important fool with a wand stuck so far up his behind when he yells "lumos" light comes out his mouth. She was more than happy to "help."
"Percy does she make you call her Ms. Clearwater? What do you call her in private?"
Luna got in the act, "Did she set up your date with Crouch? Did she pimp you out? You know Percy no one here is judging you."
"You are all twisting my words. I represent the ministry! And I call her Penelope when ever I want!" His voice got testy.
Everyone ganged up on poor Percy. Fleur leaned forward and let allure go, directly at the hapless weasel. "Your mistress would be proud of you. You look so nice."
Her smile and allure totally disarmed him, "I'm, I'm happy that she likes me."
"You have a nice smile. You will tell us girls what you do for her later, oui?"
Percy was trying to stammer out a denial but couldn't get his brain engaged. Fleur looked at the three. "It's nice to let my allure go. It'z like keeping your hand balled in a fist all ze time and trying to do things normally, tres dur."
Luna though, while Fleur was bent forward locked her eyes on to Fleur's other weapons. "Little girl. My eyes are up here, no?"
"Oh your eyes are very pretty, but those puppies in your dress are just magnificent! How do you keep them from jumping out?" She was genuinely curious.
"Zat is the magic. You three are bonded, not affected by my allure?"
"Not at all. Fleur, you are very attractive with or without magic, but I have the two prettiest girls here. No offense intended."
"None taken Harry. Zat is the way it is supposed to be."
The twins and Ginny had come to the table now that dinner was winding down. They had to talk to the deputy about a dance Hermione had requested, and had caught part of the conversation concerning Percy and his date."
Ginny hugged Percy who was still befuddled by the allure. "Percy, you have to be yourself. Mom will be so happy. You know she's been sad that there is no one for her to teach all of the house cleaning spells. She tried to talk to Ms. Penelope but Mom could tell she wasn't interested. Now we know why."
"But, but"
"Don't worry about it old bean."
"As long as you're happy."
"And there are plenty of guys to carry on the family name."
"You can live your life as you please."
The twin talk further confused him. "I'm happy being.."
Ginny finished for him, "Of course you are silly, that's all we want."
Hermione jumped up, "I need to use the ladies room."
Fleur followed suit, "Oui. This is a good time. Before the dancing." All of the other young ladies hopped up too. Ginny and Luna grabbed Percy, his eyes were crossed and Harry was unsure if his IQ was above 40 right this second.
"Come on Percy," Luna said. "You promised us you would tell us what Penelope has you wear while you're in the house." All the girls squealed with happiness. Harry heard Ginny whisper, "I always wanted a big sister."
Thoroughly amused by the evening so far, Minerva asked while the ladies were gone. "So far Mr. Potter a most entertaining evening. Do you have any other surprises in store for us? Any other conquests?"
Harry used his mischievous smile, "I think my greatest 'conquest,' is at the small table over there," he said indicating his right.
Apart from the head table, and just a bit further back, in an effort at privacy; Beauxbaton's headmistress, and Hagrid enjoyed a quiet meal. Minnie was surprised to see sitting in between the two of them, a heavily bespectacled Sybil Trelawney. She sat on a chair designed to make her their equal so they could converse without looking down.
To say she was surprised that Sybil was there and sober and sitting with that pair was an understatement. Gob smacked, she lost the power of coherent speech for a time. "How, why?"
Harry shrugged. It was something Hogwarts wanted to happen. Neville and I were looking at complicated plans trying to get the three to sit together. Tracy straightened us out. She reminded us of the muggle kiss principle."
"Kiss?"
"Oh yes. Keep It Simple Stupid. Kiss. So we had ghosts invite all three for a special dinner during the ball; and magic will do the rest."
"You don't mean bonded, Do you? Could you?"
"It's not up to me, it's magic's doing. I know Hagrid certainly deserves a break as well as Professor Trelawney, and I suspect Headmistress Maxime as well.
Harry seldom left the dance floor. Hermione and Luna had a rock, paper, scissors contest to determine who got to dance with Harry first.
He opened with Hermione, then had back to back dances with Luna. Harry noted Luna was happiest when he would twirl her during the various dances. She especially loved the waltzes, as Harry would twirl her while the two were spinning together. He was used to going with the crowd in a clockwise rotation when Luna laughed, "okay Harry that's enough clockwise. Now unwind me!"
It took him a moment to understand, and then he had to readjust in his mind mid waltz. Suddenly they danced in opposite rotation, anticlockwise and twirling her the opposite way. While the rest of the dancers continued clockwise.
He rested with Neville while Hermione danced with Luna and then the four girls all danced together.
It was his turn to dance with Daphne, having had a delightful time with Tracey. He remembered her "insult" from 2 weeks ago.
"No Potter, you oaf. You are not running and lifting weights. Its good that Dobby showed us that room, but until the ball you and Longbottom are going to learn to dance."
"Listen Greengrass."
"No you listen you unlettered country bumpkin. You are not mashing on my toes or on any of the other girls. Longbottom has probably had some dance instruction, but you will not be a menace to girls every where!"
The others were laughing as she castigated him. He didn't mind as Poppy had told him to take it easy for while anyway.
He smiled with the memory and kissed her. "You know I love you right?"
Her smile could light the room. "What brought that on?"
"I remember Neville from a couple of years ago. The two of you have done so much for him."
"And he for us. You have benefited from your bonding as well."
"Not bad for a country oaf."
"Get it right Harry," She said kissing him back. "It's an unlettered country bumpkin."
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The girls were on another break. This time without Percy, when they came back suddenly serious. Daphne said, "There's rumors of trouble in the snake pit. Tory is frightened. Mostly they leave her alone because they are frightened to death that her future brother in law will kill them in their sleep."
"But some of the other girls don't have that protection and there are rumors of abducting her for protection."
Neville and Harry looked at each other smirking. "We'll have to leave the ball a little early. But tell the girls they will see something tonight and not to be afraid. Help will be given to those who need it."
"What are you going to do?"
Neville and I are going to take a bath."
Hermione and Luna were dragging him out to the dance floor. "Come on Potter. 'Mione asked for this dance just for me. This is my dance and you will not miss it!"
Looking back, he remembered the day he had gotten out of the prison ward, umm that is to say the sickbay. "Harry. there is a special dance I want. He couldn't very well say no to her. After listening to her request, "Okay. Let's find the devil twins."
The ceiling held by magic several hundred balloons. The weird Sister on the magic mic said, "At special request of Harry Potter for his girls, we give you the muggle favorite, 'The chicken dance!"
Several dozen girls oohed and with a "squee " of happiness grabbed whoever was near. This was one dance where it didn't matter who your partner was. It was just fortune that placed him near Lucy, he had gone to Hufflepuff and was safe and comfortable there. He was dressed in wizards robes but had makeup on. Once more he had two witches one from Beauxbaton and the other a Slytherin 7th year. He looked happy. They nodded to one another but had no further chance to talk.
At the opening notes the balloons began to fall. When they were just above everyone's head the balloons burst and it was as if pixie dust was sprinkled on everyone on the floor. One whiff of the dust and the dancers were all transformed into chickens. Since the Potter's, the Longbottom's, and even the deputy headmistress was on the floor. She had squealed just as happy as any teen and had grabbed both Poppy and Filius on to the floor.+
It was the most realistic chicken dance in the history of the world. Everyone squawking, those few who didn't dance were laughing and the chickens were just as happy. With the closing notes of the song everyone turned back into humans, or the nearest approximation thereof. Harry was certain a few in the hall hadn't made it to human in the first place.
"One hundred points to the Weasley twins for the best chicken dance in school history."
They were both crying tears of joy. It would be the first positive points they had ever accrued.
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Even with the bonds, it was hard for the girls to understand the guys all the time. Hermione had assumed that Harry was going to think about the issue with Astoria while he took a bath. She was surprised then when she went looking for Harry and found him in Neville's tub - together. "Umm, something you two wanted to tell us?"
Harry turned around and smiled at her, Neville continued to concentrate on... whatever he needed to concentrate on. As she drew closer she saw the water was black, completely. It looked as if they were taking a bath in ink, but nothing was sticking to their skin, when the water sloshed on them.
Luna and the other girls followed her in. Soon the four were watching. Trying to ask what was happening. It was late and everyone had to get up early for the train.
"I want a bath!" Luna had taken her gown off and was in her pajama top and bottoms. With her declaration she took her top off and started to remove her "jammie " bottoms.
Harry shook his head, she was wonderfully wise and marvelously innocent at the same time. "Fine. There's room for everyone. However, Neville and I have shorts on. I recommend you do the same. And no one does any magic once you're in here. Neville is busy laying the groundwork for the spell, I'll be taking over in a minute."
None of the girls were particularly shy around the other girls or guys. Everyone had seen the other in different stages of undress so this was nothing really new. Except it was the first time they were in the tub together.
Neville came out of his trance and Harry sunk into one as the last of the girls settled in the tub. "This is a welcome surprise," he said smiling at the girls. "Did Harry tell you no magic in the tub?"
"He did. How does this help my sister?"
"This will help the whole house. Hogwarts is teaching us a spell. Everyone in Slytherin will be protected. This is taking a little while because we are including messages for all of the messengers depending on the circumstance. We already told Tory to tell all the first years not to be excited when they wake up in the morning. They will see their protectors around them. If anyone attempts to harm them they will be warned and then dealt with."
Tracey asked, "How?"
"By this," he said indicating the tub.
"Inky water?"
"No it's..."
Luna chose that moment to speak to the ink. "I will call you Jerry. Aren't you the handsome one!"
A part of the black ink formed into a cylinder and rose and oriented on Luna. Hermione watched as the cylinder grew a head and then eyes opened. A tongue came out of the snake mouth testing the temperature, and the snake smiled and winked at Luna before joining its mates.
"If I had known it was snakes, I would have given the bath a pass."
"Says Tracey the Slytherin," Harry said rejoining the world.
"In a very lady like and dignified manner, she stuck her tongue and blew raspberries at him.
"Okay I think we're ready. Nev can you think of anything else?"
"No I think we've got it. I've already warned Sinestra." He broke into a grin, I'd like to see one of those morons attack the snakes."
"Maybe Hogwarts will show us the memory. Would you do the honors Nevy?"
"Sure Harry."
It wasn't what he said, but the way he said it. Something else was up. He pulled the plug draining the "water." Jerry before it joined its mates down the drain, slithered up and around Luna's neck and then with a flip of its tail down the drain.
As the water receded, Daphne, then the other three girls smirked and then laughed out loud.
"Longbottom," he sighed. "I thought we agreed no magic in the tub?"
"That was only while we were setting the spell up. I banished your shorts after that while it was draining. And Harry?"
"Yes, what?" He wasn't mad but he used his irritated voice to play along.
"You really are."
"I really am what?"
"Hairy."
The girls laughed out loud.
"Hate you Longbottom."
"Right back at you Potter."
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Astoria was the opposite of her sister. Where one was blonde the other brunette. Their moods were opposite as well. Their father quickly gave up moderating the girls while they were young. He could never understand how one was in a foul mood and the other happy and then as day follows night the two would switch. He was blessed with a wife of uncommon good sense who always had a hand on an situation. Despite their differences, the 2 girls loved each other. And routinely stood up for one another in the pit. Even as first years their father ensured his girls would be able to defend themselves. Even the more advanced years avoided the girls, there were easier targets.
When Daphne was moved to private quarters, Tory had to get even stronger. She learned how to ward her door and kept her closest friends near by. There was strength in numbers. But several months of looking over your shoulder is costly. Her smile lit the room when Daphne and Tracey had told her that Neville was taking care of it and she could rest easy tonight. She was only a little surprised when a translucent bear walked the common room and reiterated the message in Neville's voice and told her to tell everyone they would see a big change in the morning.
She wasn't even a little bit frightened when someone swore and cried out in pain early in the morning. With her wand she called for lights and found three Slytherin boys. Two second years and a sixth year lying on the floor in pain. They had each been bit by one of the black snakes, and several more threatened them. They each looked frightened, and one of the 2nd years had wet himself.
"First warning. One of the snakes said in Potter's voice. This is a mild paralization spell. A second warning is much more painful and if you were stupid enough to tempt fate three times... We'll just say you most likely would not be fit enough to attend Hogwarts anymore."
Another snake, looking exactly like the first added in Neville's voice, "Your head of house is being notified."
Tory couldn't help herself. "Did you not hear my future brother in law? Lord Longbottom Heir to Godric Gryffindor? He said you would wake to a different Slytherin?"
Other girls disturbed by the noise came in mocked the boys. "You know up until last night, guys had free reign in the dorms. Not anymore, the snakes are on our side!"
A few of the braver ones, Tory included picked up the snake and would let them drape on their bodies. Five minutes later Professor Sinestra came in and rescued the lads.
"That's 10 points from each of you, two weeks detention with Mr. Filch. And I will be owling your parents today. This is a new Slytherin. You will change or you will not be a member of my house."
The 4th year, Holister, couldn't keep his mouth shut. "You just wait, the dark lord will destroy all of you blood traitors!"
Sinestra was thought to be a pushover. It was time to show her mettle. "Perhaps, but that is tomorrow. Today Holister your ass is mine. And I can see that cunning is a foreign concept to you." She was going to undo the body bind but Spelman's idiotic declaration changed her mind. "Bring them to my office please."
The girls thought she meant them, so they were surprised when several of the snakes squirmed themselves under the frozen boys and slithered with their packages out the door to Sinestra's office.
Drawn by the commotion, most of Slytherin house saw the boys slither past, they asked people to help, but none were foolish enough to actually try.
Flashback-
"Draco." He sat up alarmed. He had just gotten into bed and was falling asleep. When he heard Longbottom's voice.
"Don't fear the snakes. They will only act when someone or they are being attacked. Hogwarts is upset. No one should live in fear. And too many in the castle do. And this is not just limited to your house either."
"The snakes are here to stay." Harry, that is Potter's voice took over. "But as I'm sure that Neville told you, they are meant to help and only hurt those foolish enough to anger Hogwarts. We were wondering if you wanted to share a compartment with us on the way back in the morning. If you do we will be in the first compartment of the last car. And before you ask, if you can get to the compartment we can disillusion you or you can yourself. We hope to see you there."
The Potter snake started to slither away taking the Longbottom snake with it, when the Neville snake turned back. "Two more quick things. Your fiancé is of course welcome if you wish, and the second part of this is a bet I have with Harry. I say there will be four people snake bit Harry says seven. Dinner is on the loser, and again you and Pansy are invited."
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
"Lord Potter."
Harry and the girls were about to leave when he was stopped. "Yes headmaster?"
"So I take it you and Lord Longbottom are leaving to kill some children?" His voice didn't hide the contempt he felt at that idea.
"No Lord Longbottom and I are leaving to go on holiday. I am sure you know that four families have capitulated and asked for mercy. The only one who didn't is the orchestrator of the attack Severus Snape."
"What about mercy and forgiveness?"
The girls snorted.
"Forgiveness? What about repentance? I'm not talking about a child making a mistake. He tried to kill Lord Longbottom. Where is your outrage that a professor tried to kill three of your students? Where is your outrage that Voldemort tried to kill me?" You think of yourself as the leader of the light but you don't lead. You push and manipulate people. You're so worried about your professor? Very well then, he has until the end of the year to contact Dowager Longbottom and cry mercy. As the year dies so shall his chance."
Dumbledore let him walk away, he was very happy he managed to get Severus another chance, but beyond that Lord Potter will find things different when he returns whether the castle helped or not.