Shifting the Balance

by tracyannie2000

The Battle of Hogwarts has ended but the cost is more than Harry can bear. He has lost every member of his family and only now does he realize that the one girl, that knows him and is willing to marry him, he loves only as a sister. Will Harry insist on settling down with Ginny or will he fall into a self-destructive depression? Can anyone save Harry from sacrificing his happiness?

11. Gaining Allies

Gaining Allies

The Rook, Ottery St. Catchpole

After talking with Draco's parents the two boys had their house-elves pop them over to Luna's house to speak with her and her family. Luna met them at the door with a smile and announced, "Oh, thank goodness, I was starting to worry about how to get my belongings to your house Harry. Would your house-elves mind popping everything over, they can just set it in your suite for the moment if that is alright."

Harry looked down at Dinky who immediately moved to do as the girl asked, leaving Harry, Draco, and Dobby to make their own way inside. Celeste greets them with a smile but before she can say anything Harry announces, "Mrs. Lovegood, while we were at the Malfoy Manor, Mr. Malfoy made a comment that I found interesting and it got me to wondering if you and Mr. Lovegood might be feeling the same way about Luna. Mr. Malfoy was concerned that with Draco living at my house he wouldn't know what was happening with his son. We reached an agreement where Draco's house-elf Dobby will give the Malfoy's weekly reports on their son's health. I am aware that you do not have a house-elf to give to Luna that can perform the same job. I believe that if Luna is willing to bond with one of them, I would like to offer to give her one of my house-elves, as long as one of them is willing that is but I wanted to ask your opinion first."

Celeste looks at the boy in surprise then says, "Lord Potter, I am honored that you would do such a thing for us, I could not ask you to give her a house-elf, but if one was willing to give us weekly updates we would be grateful."

Dinky returns just then and Harry looks to the house-elf and says, "Dinky, I am aware that most of the house-elves are happy with being Potter family house-elves, I need to ask, is there an elf that might be willing to become Lady Lovegood's personal house-elf? If I could have an answer by about four-thirty, I'd like to have this all arranged by dinner time."

Then Harry turns to Celeste and says, "I will not force any of my house-elves to do something they are opposed to doing but I am not stupid enough to believe that they are all happy with having a child as the head of house. Dinky will speak with the house-elves and we will see what they have to say before reaching a decision. I would like to invite you and Mr. Lovegood to come to the castle for dinner tonight, there are some other things that I wish to discuss and I'd rather only do it once. The Malfoy's, the Bones' and Remus Lupin will be attending and as it seems Luna is moving in her attendance will be needed as well."

Celeste shakes her head unsure what to make of these children but replies, "We would be honored to join you and to be allowed to know what is happening with the three of you."

With a nod Harry adds, "I will have a house-elf pick you up at five, as I am having the other guests arrive at five-thirty that will give us some time to straighten out the house-elf situation and weekly updates about Luna. For the moment, if Luna could accompany us, I believe we have a few sleeping arrangements to iron out."

Luna pipes in, "That's boy speak for we have to pick bedrooms and get them furnished so that Harry can have his own room. I think he is a bit of a neat freak, either that or he has OCD."

Harry blushes but manages to smile as he replies, "You try growing up like I did and then wonder why I have neatness issues."

With a laugh Draco asks, "How did you ever handle living at Hogwarts?"

Harry's blush noticeably deepens before he replies, "I cleaned… a lot. I think the house-elves may have gotten offended by the end of first year because our room had a tendency to be quite spotless."

The entire group laughs for several minutes before Harry's blush manages to fade and he can say, "We really must be going if the two of you wish to do any shopping before we are to have guests tonight."

Luna runs from the room to hug her father and then hugs her mother before announcing, "I'll see you at dinner." And the three children pop away.

Hogwarts Castle, Headmaster's Office

Dumbledore is trying once more to cast spells to locate Harry when Kingsley's head appears in the fire and asks to come through. The old wizard sighs and replies, "Yes, of course, come, come."

A moment later Kingsley steps into the room, not even bothering to dust himself off he says, "I just came to tell you that I have no news and that the new head of the DMLE has called for an internal audit so we are all going to be up to our necks in paperwork for the next few days because she wants everything by the end of the week. Moody said to tell you that he will try to check in tomorrow."

Dumbledore considers and says, "Doesn't she know we are searching for Harry?"

Kingsley shakes his head and replies, "You told us you didn't want the DMLE to know so that means that Moody and I still have to do our jobs and only search on our off time, unless you've changed your mind and want us to report that the boy is missing and open an official investigation to find him."

With a shake of his head, Dumbledore denies, "No. I don't want an official report. I'll find the boy. He can't stay hidden forever."

Nottingham Castle, Harry's Room

The house-elves and children appear in Harry's room where there are now three separate stacks of belongings. Harry sighs and walks towards the door, leaving the others to follow him out. In the hall Harry indicates the doors to either side of his own suite as well as the two across the hall and announces, "I'd like it if the two of you were to pick from these four rooms as I would like for us to be close together however, you are more than welcome to pick any room that is not currently in use."

Luna looks inside each of the rooms that Harry indicated then announces, "I think the one on the right is supposed to be for the Lady of the house."

The two boys look in as Dinky confirms Luna's conclusion. Harry shrugs and says, "I don't think I am going to have a Lady for some time and it isn't being used now so I stand by what I said, one of you two can have it. Besides, I figure that when I do have a Lady she will likely be sharing my own suite."

Luna smiles mischievously and then announces, "I will take the room on the left and Draco can take the room on the right of Harry's."

Draco glares at the girl and snaps "Are you trying to say something Lovegood?"

With an innocent look Luna shakes her head, but is unable to hide the mischievous smirk as she replies, "I have nothing to hide. I just think that the room on the right will be more suitable as a room for you. To be honest, I'd just as soon the three of us continue to share Harry's suite, as I find all of these rooms to be just too big. I mean, I personally like having people about and I'd be willing to bet that neither one of us would be messy enough to drive Harry bonkers, but I suppose for appearances we must each have our own suite."

Draco considers a moment then looks into each of the suites again and announces, "She is right Harry, if it is alright with you we could easily turn the office and the nursery into bedrooms for the two of us and we could all share the one suite but use these other two for appearances."

Harry purposely keeps his eyes on his feet as he considers their opinions and then responds, "If that is what you want, but I don't want to be an inconvenience or anything to the two of you and I know that my need for neatness can be annoying."

With a clap of her hands Luna announces, "Yeah! Let's get moving then."

In a short time the two suites have been stripped to basics and lists have been made of things that need to be purchased. Draco with two house-elves in tow heads out to do the shopping as Harry and Luna begin to sort through Luna's and then Harry's belongings to decide what belongs in which room and what things should be set aside to be placed into their trunks.

Just as Luna and Harry finish sorting Draco walks in to inform them the other rooms are prepared. The three children with the help of several house-elves set about arranging things to their satisfaction. Some of Draco's belongings join the things intended for in the trunks and all of the items for the trunks are shrunk down and placed into a cupboard so they don't drive Harry mad with the appearance of clutter.

At four o'clock the children are just finishing arranging everything to their satisfaction when Dinky pops in and says, "Master Harry Potter sir, I is being talking with the other house-elves sir, and we is being wishing to being talking to Master Harry Potter sir and his friends, please."

Harry turns to the little elf with a smile and announces, "We have just finished here Dinky, would you like to sit down and talk, here or shall we meet in the office?"

Dinky considers for a moment then says, "Yous would bes sitting in the office to bes talking business with Dinky, sir?"

Sensing trouble brewing Harry sighs softly before announcing, "Dinky, I think it is for the best if I conduct household business as if it was any other business I will be conducting, as it will be good practice for me. Now, if you would kindly meet us in the office we will discuss some household business before our guests arrive."

Before any of the children could move house-elves popped in and grabbed them by the hand and popped out again.

Nottingham Castle, Main Office

With a pop, Harry, Draco, and Luna found themselves in the office of Nottingham Castle with a few house-elves. Harry seated himself behind the desk and before Luna and Draco could take seats, Harry says, "Draco, Luna, why don't you to take the advisor seats here, that will allow the house-elves to sit comfortably for us to talk."

When everyone is seated Dinky says, "Master Harry Potter sir, I is being talking to the other house-elves and we is being wanting to talk to you. We is knowing who is being best at doing what and we is being deciding that Ducky should be being yours personal house-elf and therefore he will bes being the head-elf."

Harry nods and asks, "Are all of the house-elves okay with Ducky holding the position?"

Dinky returns his nod with a smile before stating, "We is being talking to all of the house-elves sir and we is voting and it is being unanimous sir. I is also asking if anyone is being wanting to be missy Loveygood's own house-elf sir, and there is being two other volunteers besides myself. We bes wanting you to understand sir, we is being happy and love being Potter family elves but we is agreeing with Master Harry Potter sir that Mistress Luna Loveygood is being needing a house-elf and as she will be living here with Master Harry Potter we will be working here still, while we is being learning what Mistress Loveygood is being expecting from us. As I have been trained to be a mistresses house-elf I is having the training for this position and the other two is being younger house-elves with an eagerness to prove themselves."

Luna sets a hand on Harry's arm and looks at Dinky a moment before stating, "Dinky, I know that you have the training and perhaps you would be willing to work with one of the others to ensure they know what they must to be my house-elf but your loyalty to house Potter tells me that though you would be excellent as a Lady's house-elf I would be wrong to take you from Harry. I cannot allow such a sacrifice. I would be more than happy to have you in the roll of my house-elf but I won't do that to you. Someday you will again care for Potter children as that is where your heart lies. The young ones you spoke of are they here?"

Dinky nods and points to two other house-elves and says, "This is being Tenby and that is being… Lily… she is being named after Mistress Lily cause Mistress helped her be born."

Luna looks at the two house-elves and says, "Harry, I think Lily should stay with you as well, for the same reason as Dinky. If Tenby's family is alright with Tenby being my house-elf then so am I."

Before anyone can say anything the house-elf jumps to her feet and throws herself at Luna exclaiming, "Thank you Mistress Loony Loveygood. I is being a good house-elf to yous I is promising."

With a laugh Harry states, "I believe that solves that. Now then, Dinky, I believe Luna is correct and I do intend to one day have children so I am placing you in charge of Guest's comfort with Lily as your assistant until that time. When I do have children the two of you will be in charge of the children. Is that acceptable to you?"

Dinky's eyes widen and she replies, "Oh yes, sir Master Harry Potter sir,"

Harry nods and adds, "For the moment our guests consist of Remus Lupin but if I have my way then Sirius Black will be joining our household as well. I would like a room prepared near Remus's for Sirius. I have only a few more requests, I would prefer to be addressed simply as Harry if you must call me master then Master Harry will be fine but Master Harry Potter sir is a mouthful and unnecessary. Also Dinky, I notice that a few of you have on new uniforms; I would like to compliment the seamstress as they are much better than the rags you wore previously. I will supply more fabric as soon as I have a chance to go buy more. I would like for each elf to have at least three or four uniforms to wear as well as something for when they are off duty. I understand that I cannot give you clothing but I find it offensive for you to be dressed in rags. I would rather you each felt as though you were a part of my family than my slaves. If I can figure out breaking the spell that will allow you to be free I will do it, but I will not free you just for you to die from the spell."

Draco looks at Harry a moment then turns to Dobby and says, "The same goes for my house-elves Dobby, I will provide fabric and I expect to see you properly dressed. If anyone can solve the problem it is Harry."

Luna smiles at Tenby and says, "Naturally the same goes for me. As soon as possible we will begin working on freeing you from the spell. For the moment, we must prepare for our company. Tenby, I would like for you to go to the Rook and fetch my parents if you would please. Boys let us prepare for our company. Dinky would you be so kind as to remind our guest that Dinner will be served at five-thirty."

With a pop all of the house-elves disappear except Dobby and Ducky. Ducky bows and says, "I will take yous to your room Master Harry."

Dobby turns to Draco and says, "Would Master Draco Malfoy sir bes liking for Dobby to bes taking him to his room sir?"

The Bones Estate

Amelia arrived home to find her niece Susan with her best-friend Hannah awaiting her arrival. Hannah's mother was waiting to leave and Amelia looked at the two girls and sighs, "Have I forgotten a sleepover or something?"

Susan is smiling and shakes her head, "Oh, no Auntie we were just wondering if Hannah could come with us tonight?"

With a sigh Amelia shakes her head and replies, "I'm sorry Susan but not tonight. I have a feeling we will be going again and I will ask at that time if we can bring Hannah, tonight is the first business meeting and my understanding is that the wards will prevent uninvited guests. As I have no way of contacting our host for the moment I will have to say no."

Susan and Hannah both look down sadly and Mrs. Abbott smiles before telling Amelia, "I am sorry but they just had to ask. I told them the answer would likely be no."

Amelia smiles at the other lady and replies, "I understand. My Susan can be just as stubborn as I am when it comes down to it. She likely would have asked even if you had already told her that Hannah couldn't go." Then she turns to Susan and adds, "I doubt that tonight will be like other business dinners that we have gone to, Susan. I believe you may actually enjoy the company as our host has invited others of your age. I believe that there will be another young witch at the dinner as the Lovegood family will be there and if I recall correctly their daughter is about the same age as you and Hannah. Now, we must prepare so say goodbye to Hannah and you will see her tomorrow. If it is alright with Mrs. Abbott I will even consent to a sleepover."

The two girls squeal and turn to look at Mrs. Abbott hopefully, who says, "I will check with Hannah's father but I do not see any reason why not."

With a smile the two girls hug and Hannah follows her mother to the flew as Susan turns towards her room to get dressed for dinner.

Nottingham Castle; the Foyer

At five the three children are standing in the foyer awaiting the first of their guests when Remus walks down the stairs. Upon reaching the landing the elder wizard bows to the younger ones and says, "Lord Potter, I thank you for your hospitality. Dinky has informed me that she is to attend to my needs while I am staying here."

Harry smiles and nods before he replies, "Yes that is correct. I would ask you not to ask any questions about padfoot until later as I believe that many of your questions will be answered over dinner. Have you had a chance to look at the dungeons will they be acceptable for your purposes with the adjustments we proposed?"

With a smile Remus replies, "I believe that they will work remarkably well and there is room for others, should the need arise. Although most of the people that are…"

A nod of his head has Harry adding, "With furry little problems, are followers of Grayback. Yes, I am aware but it is my hope that we will be able to change that and if they have a safe place to transform perhaps they will once again be able to be upstanding members of our society rather than being hated for something they cannot control. My only request is that you inform us when bringing others in as this is our house as well and stumbling upon someone you are not expecting can be uncomfortable."

Remus smiles and nods as he assures, "I fully understand and have no problem agreeing with you. I would like to invite my parents over soon for you to meet them, as you have accepted the title of heir to House Lupin, I am sure they would like to meet their grandson. Please don't take me wrong, Harry. I have no intention of trying to be your father, I know that I gave up any right to try that a long time ago, but it was always James and Lily's intentions that you would think of my parents as grandparents and I would like for my father to know that our line will not end with me."

Harry smiles and replies, "I would be honored to meet them Moony but I will have to ask that it wait until next week after I have had the flew connected mainly because I have a lot of things I need to do this week and I would prefer to be able to visit with company. The Lovegoods will be here in a few moments as we have business before dinner. Would you mind waiting for the other company and escorting them into the lounge if we are not finished?"

Remus nods his agreement as Tenby appears with Xeno and Celeste. Harry turns to the new arrivals and smiles as he steps forward and says, "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Lovegood. Thank you for coming. If you will please follow Luna into the office we can discuss our business there, I think we can reach a happy agreement."

Remus wanders into the lounge as the children and the Lovegoods retire to the office to talk. Harry holds out his chair for Luna and takes hers before saying, "You have met Tenby, she has chosen to bond to Luna. She was very excited about it. Luna would you please call Tenby so that we can explain to her about what it is that she will need to be doing."

With a dreamy smile Luna says, "Tenby."

The little elf pops into the room and says, "Yes, Mistress Loony, what can Tenby bes doing for yous?"

Luna looks at the little elf and replies, "Tenby, you have met my parents. As I am still a child and they do love and care about me they are concerned about being left out of my life. We have come up with a solution to the problem which involves you. I am making it your job to give my parents weekly updates on my own health and well-being as well as reminding me to invite them for all major milestones in my life. Can you do that Tenby?"

Tenby smiles and says, "I is being happy to Mistress Loony, when would yous be liking for mes to bes reporting to yous parents?"

Luna considers for a moment and then replies, "I would say on Thursdays just before dinner would be good." Then she turns to Harry and adds, "Mum and Daddy would like for us to come to dinner one night a week, do you have a preference for which day or do Draco's parents have a day claimed?"

Draco considers for a moment before stating, "My parents have not specified such a request, perhaps we should discuss this at dinner." The other two children nod their agreement and Harry adds, "Luna, why don't you escort your parents to the lounge. Draco, would you please join me in the foyer, to greet our other guests, and also send Dobby to fetch your parents? Ducky would you please go to the Bones' house and bring them here?

Nottingham Castle; the Foyer

The two boys take their places in the foyer as the two house-elves pop away and the Lovegoods follow Luna into the foyer. A minute later the Malfoys pop in with Dobby. Harry bows and says, "Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, if you would be so kind as to follow Draco into the lounge the house-elves will furnish everyone with drinks while you wait. Our final guests should be here momentarily and we can begin. Mrs. Malfoy should you require a house-elf to entertain young Hydras during dinner please call for Dinky she was the house-elf that assisted my mother when I was young and will be only too happy to assist."

The Malfoys nod their agreement and Draco leads them to the lounge. A moment later Ducky arrives with the Bones' and Harry once again bows and says, "Welcome to my home, Madam Bones and Mrs. Bones. If you will please follow me to the lounge our other guests are waiting there and the house-elves can furnish you each with a drink while we wait for dinner."

As the two ladies curtsy Susan giggles and as they follow Harry to the lounge Susan whispers to her Aunt, "Who is he Auntie?"

Nottingham Castle; the Lounge

When everyone is seated and has a drink in hand, Harry stands up and says, "I believe that we should begin with introductions as for several of us this is our first meeting, I am…"

Luna leans over and whispers, "Formal introductions Harry, full name remember."

Harry blushes and looks at Luna a moment then whispers back, "I'm not sure that I can remember all of that."

Luna laughs aloud and then turns to the guests and says, "Please forgive him if he misses something, he is rather new to all of this."

Harry's blush deepens and he says, "Yes, well, as she says, please forgive me if I forget something. As I was saying, I am Lord Hadrian James Potter-Black-Lupin, Lord of House Potter, Lord of House Evans, Lord of House Gryffindor, Lord of House Riva, Lord of House Binns, Lord of House Prince, Lord of House Stewart, Lord of House Elric, Lord of House Gaunt, Lord of House Slytherin, Lord of House Emerys, Lord of House Peverell, Lord of House Pendragon, Heir to House Black, Heir to House Lupin… Just a minute, I'm missing one… Oh, yeah, Heir to House Flamel."

Luna leans over and whispers, "Clan Potter."

Harry blushes and says, "I told you I probably wouldn't remember it all, sorry I'm also Head of Clan Potter of the Goblin Nation. I prefer to be called Harry as it is my intention that we all be friends, if you insist on being somewhat formal I will accept Mr.…. Potter-Black-Lupin as that has been my last name since birth. I will ask each of you to introduce yourselves because Luna and Draco have several titles each and there is no way that I will ever be able to remember all of them. Luna if you please."

Luna stands and smiles as she says, "Harry we really have to work on your memory, I think we better start with Occlumency for our lessons and the sooner the better. Oh sorry, I am supposed to be introducing myself, right, Okay; I am Lady Luna Celeste Lovegood, Lady of House Lovegood, Lady of House Ravenclaw, Lady of House LeFay, Lady of House Maestro, Lady of House Moody and Lady of House Quintin. I prefer to be called Luna or Lady Lovegood."

Draco stands and announces, "I am Draco Lucius Malfoy, Lord of House Malfoy, Lord of House Hufflepuff, Lord of House Agrippa, Lord of House Nostradamus, Lord of House Lestrange, Lord of House Loxias, Lord of House Carrow, Lord of House Deverill, Lord of House Gamp, & Lord of House Kneen. I prefer to be called Draco or Lord Malfoy."

Each of the others took a turn standing and introducing themselves. When everyone had finished, Harry stood once more and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for coming tonight. Please let me assure each of you that there is no safer place than where we are… actually yes, I will tell you because I wish to see your reactions so let me welcome you to Nottingham Castle."

Many of the adults gasp and Susan says, "Auntie you told me that Nottingham Castle had been destroyed centuries ago."

Harry smiles and adds, "That confirms what Draco and I had guessed. Nottingham Castle has been owned by the Potter family for centuries, according to the goblins this castle has the most complex ward system ever, they told me that many of the wards on this place are unique and as unheard of as it is they have admitted that even they do not know all the wards here, suffice it to say that nobody can get in unless I allow them to and I have reason to believe that is true simply because certain individuals whom I believe are likely looking for me have been unable to find me. I intend to keep it that way. I will be having my flew connected but the house-elves assure me that nobody will be able to enter without my express permission."

Ducky pops into the room, bows and says, "Master Harry sir, dinner is served" and then pops away again.

Harry smiles and says, "Ladies and Gentlemen shall we move to the dining room and please understand, we have only had time to decorate a portion of the rooms so while we will be eating in the formal dining room I do not stand on formality, actually I ask that we all sit towards one end of the ridiculously large table to make conversation easier."

Nottingham Castle; Dining Room

Harry, Luna, and Draco take their usual seats around one end of the table and the others begin filling in to either side of them. When everyone is seated much like at Hogwarts the meal appears on the table in front of them. As everyone begins to eat conversations begin up and down the table, when everyone seems to be enjoying themselves Harry looks up and asks, "Would you all prefer to finish dinner before we discuss business or shall we begin?"