'I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE!'
The group hushed and Harry cancelled the sonorous charm.
'Thank you. And thank you for all coming on such short notice'.
It had taken a good amount of thought, and a great deal more magic, to ensure that not only was his manor safe from those he wished to invite to this meeting, but also his family. The fidelius spell was a hard one to bend, however with all those in his care lending their help to the matter, a way was found to do so. Harry would be a fool to allow several untrustworthy people to invade his home without some form of protection. And considering most now believed him to be evil, he would take no chances. At current, the small mass could only access the ball room and the accompanying bathrooms that had been put in place just for this occasion. Harry personally thought that was a very clever piece of Elvin magic. Wards had also been erected over the entire manor, just to be sure. Most would see the place as a single story building with one main room, and should anyone become suspicious the wards should hold them off. Those invited had to, upon arriving, take an oath not to harm in any way the members of Harry's household, and an oath not to reveal the location of the meeting area. He couldn't have anyone catching sight of a possible landmark and reporting back to either the ministry or Dumbledore.
Pretty much everyone put up one hell of a fight over the oaths, but they also desperately wanted information that only Harry would give. In the end, they all swore, mumbling and grumbling all the while.
He took a calming breath before continuing.
'What I am about to say will understandably shock most of you, and I ask that you allow me to explain without interruptions…'
He paused startled when something flashed into the room. The magnificent fire bird trilled.
'Fawkes? Why are you here?' Harry asked, mindful that where Fawkes normally goes, Dumbledore isn't too far behind.
The Phoenix gave him a look and a trill, and although he couldn't understand the language, the look clearly stated "I'm on your side!"
Harry smiled softly.
'Thank you Fawkes'.
The Phoenix nodded and flew over to sit with Hedwig, to sit very close to Hedwig.
Harry would ponder over that one later, although he wondered if this was the reason why he rarely saw Hedwig outside of delivering letters, right now he had a lot of explaining to do.
'As I was saying, allow me to explain before you ask any questions'.
The ballroom had been arranged to look like a school assembly, with chairs lining a path down towards a raised area. The smaller animals were gathered comfortably in a corner, the larger ones were outside to prevent a panic.
Harry had listed several families and invited them over. The Weasley, Wood, Diggory, Lovegood, Bones and Longbottom family sat on one side, while the Tonks, Black, Malfoy, Granger, Severus, Gilderoy and Remus sat on the other. Fleur and Viktor's family had also been invited, along with the Bell, Spinnet, Johnson and Jordan. The Potter and Black Elves, after they had served everyone, took up a few chairs in the front row. Harry knew there was going to be an outcry when he was finished.
'Thank you. On that night when my parents died, I was brought to my aunt and uncle by Albus Dumbledore…'
And so he talked. He told the large group everything, absolutely everything. About his abuse, about discovering magic at an early age, about realising how different he was to others when his letter came. He told them about his ideas, and his plans, and that he considered himself a Dark Lord because of them. He spoke about consorts, who was on his list, and that he had the idea when he was young, therefore nothing about it was sexual or slave oriented. He talked about his school years, going into detail about his suspicions with Quirrell and Voldemort in first year, the encounter with the Basilisk in second, and how he housed a supposed wanted criminal in third. He told them who Voldemort really was, his real name and how he rose to power. He spoke of the horcruxes, and how he had found and destroyed them, at least he thought and hoped he got all of them. He described what happened to Gilderoy, and why a supposed dead man, Regulus, was sitting in the group. He admitted to having several supposed dangerous creatures living around his manor, and how he tricked the Malfoys into freeing Dobby. He gave the trio a slight apologetic look upon explaining this, however he made it clear that he did not regret taking Dobby from an abusive household. He explained his suspicions regarding Dumbledore, and the minister. He told them about the tournament, who Moody really was, and what happened after he and Cedric had touched the cup. Until finally there was only one thing left to say.
'Voldemort is gone, and this time he is gone for good. But his unmarked followers are still out there, as well as the Werewolves, Vampires, Giants and Dementors that supported his cause. This is where we need to come in. We need to stop these beings from taking his place. There are very few deatheaters left, but even one can cause problems. There are also the masses of people who have and will turn on me because of what they have seen. I am not out to kill innocents, I am simply taking a step ahead of narrow minded people and giving myself a title before they do. We need to prevent another war from breaking out. And, as the saying goes, we need to be really damn Slytherin about it'.
Mipsy passed him up a drink, which he took with thanks and sipped as he waited for the explosion.
'BUT DUMBLEDORE…!'
'A BASILISK…!'
'HOW CAN WE…?!'
'WHAT DO YOU EXPECT US TO…?!'
'ENOUGH!'
The room fell silent as Madam Bones stood. She pinned Harry with a look.
'Say I was to believe your story Mr Potter, and quite frankly I'm not sure I do, just how do you expect us to stop another war?'
'By looking at the people around you and seeing their potential. We have within this group members of the wizengamot, the ministry, the school board. We have a potions master, a former member of Riddle's inner circle, a healer, a Dragon trainer, a cursebreaker, a Werewolf, and a Metamorphmagus. We have a pair of lawyers, members of a newspaper, members of the non-magical community with knowledge of weaponry and technology the magical world has never seen. We have Elves, a Basilisk, a Cerberus, a Hippogriff and even a Phoenix. For hundreds of years we have had this at our fingertips, and yet no one has ever thought to pull these resources together and make something great of it. We are too busy with prejudice and unfairness to other species that no one has been able to see their potential. Riddle used these resources during the last war, and before that Grindelwald did the same. The villains are doing something none of the good people have tried, and I say it's time we turned the tides' Harry replied.
'And how do you propose we do that? You're a child, what do you know of war?' Amos spoke out.
'I know very little of war, but I do know that if the magical world passes off the responsibility to others like they did in the last war, then nothing will ever get done' Harry replied.
'And what about this consort thing. You listed out several of my children and expect me to just sit back and allow it to happen?! You say you killed off a Dark Lord, and yet expect us to sit back and let you take his place?!' Molly cried.
Harry made to answer, when suddenly a magical miracle happened.
'Lord Potter here is no Dark Lord. Not a true one at least. He took a very Slytherin course and named himself before others gave him the title. When you look at who he has on his list, and who he has as allies, then you must realise just how false that title really is'.
Narcissa proudly kissed her husband on the cheek. He smiled at her and continued.
'It is not very often that a Malfoy will admit to being wrong. However I was given the opportunity to do just that, without intimidation or force'.
He chuckled softly.
'Well…a little intimidation, which was understandable considering I was going for my wand at the time'.
He nodded to Harry with a smirk.
'The point is, my family has been shown exactly what our world would be like if we were to accept Lord Potters views. I find myself on an exclusive list of people, made up of pureblood, half blood, those with creature blood, muggles and muggleborn. Members of this list only have one concrete rule they must follow, and that is to accept other members for who they are, rather than what. I spent an afternoon discussing laws and politics with Miss Granger, I spent an evening drinking with Remus, and I spent a rather amusing morning watching a pair of twins experiment with a new prank potion. It was quite the change from Severus' careful and exact potion making, I found I had to dive for cover more than once when a cauldron exploded'.
'It was only three times!' one of the twins protested.
Some members of the group laughed. Severus rolled his eyes with a smirk.
'Once was more than enough' Lucius muttered with a smile.
He turned back to a stunned Molly.
'You have raised your children well, and it is only fair that you allow them to make their own decisions in life. They have chosen to become consorts, not through coercion or force, but because they have seen exactly what kind of person Lord Potter is. Harry is able to earn respect and trust because he has yet to make a promise he cannot keep. He is representing a third party, a side that accepts anyone and anything and promises safety and a prejudice free life'.
He reached up and unfastened his top two buttons, moving the material aside to show the little thundercloud.
'It took me a long time to understand his views. All I saw was another mark of ownership. But unlike the previous Dark Lord, Harry explained exactly what he expected of me, what the rules were, and exactly what the punishment would be'.
He cleared his throat, up from him Remus blushed slightly.
'Of course said punishments were not because of disobedience, but because of my previous actions under Tom Riddle. They were remarkably effective, and they showed me just how wrong my views were. They were certainly more effective than spending years being tormented by Dementors, and for that I am grateful'.
Lucius fought down his blush and stood.
'Dark is a term people have coined to mean evil, I choose to see it as another avenue of learning magic. And with Lord Potter, it is a way of accepting his grey magic. As Lord Potter's consort, I will follow his command. I will help wherever I am able'.
He finished with a bow to a rather stunned Harry. Before he could sit, Narcissa stood.
'As will I. During the last war, I have seen Riddle's followers pledge their children to him, and I was scared when he asked us to do the same. Lord Potter has offered all three of us protection and safety, and all he asks in return is that we respect his views. He gave us only one rule, no prejudice of any sort allowed. I will stand with him, and offer what support I am able'.
'So will I. Harry was the first friend I ever had, I'm not about to loose that' Hermione then said.
'Don't forget…'
'Us now!' the twins yelled, springing to their feet.
'And me. The wolf in me has accepted Harry as my alpha, and if I had to fight Fenrir to prove it, then I would have. Harry provided me with means to obtain the wolfsbane potion, and a safe house when I insisted on there being one. He has proven that he is a good alpha, something I needed when I thought I'd lost my pack' Remus followed.
'Harry trusted me when no one else would. That and he's my godson. If he goes into battle, then so will I' Sirius spoke.
'As will I' Regulus followed, standing with his brother.
'And me. Considering what I almost did to him Harry had the right to send me to prison. Instead he took me in and ensured I was happy. I'm proud to be his consort' Gilderoy declared.
'I confess I was wary of the idea. I had it in my head that consort meant slave of some form. But then I realised that no slave would ever be allowed to do the things we have done. Harry supported me when I joined the national team, and even if that did mean four am starts, I am happy to be a consort' Oliver said.
'Four am?! I don't think I could handle that! I'm pretty new on the list, and I'm still getting my head round the idea. But even if I wasn't on the list, I owe Lord Potter a life debt, and I know that he will not abuse that debt' Cedric followed with a chuckle.
'I still blush when I remember how I met that scamp. Not many people look at a Metamorphmagus and see a person. Normally they just see a shape shifter, and I've had plenty of people try and use me because of that. Harry actually called me a princess, and the only person who has ever done that is my father. He treated me like a real person, and for that he's got my loyalty' Nymphadora spoke with a grin.
'The idea of my brothers and I being consorts freaked me out for a bit. When I saw the twins kneeling at Harry's feet, I didn't see it as something they were happy to do, but rather I thought they were being forced to "know their place in society". But then I saw just how comfortable Fred and George were with the idea, and I started to understand what Harry was trying to do. I'm proud to be a Weasley, and yet I am called a blood traitor. I support Harry's views and am proud to be his consort' Bill said.
'Not much more I can add to that, except that I'm glad someone was able to rein in the twin's antics. I support Harry as well, as his consort and his friend' Charlie followed with a grin.
'OY!' came the predictable protest from said twins.
Draco sighed and glanced at Severus.
'I suppose we'd better stand as well. Potter may be a bookworm with Gryffindork friends, but he's fighting for what he believes in, and that's more than I can say about others. That and he's not a half bad kisser'.
Severus snorted in amusement, but joined his godson.
'Not that I would know that. The only thing I have to add is that somehow Mr Potter seemed to know what we all wanted, and he promised to help us achieve it. I just know he was in some way responsible for getting me out that blasted teaching position, I will support him'.
Neville grinned and stood, holding out his hand for Luna. He kissed her cheek and spoke.
'I was waiting for the consorts to speak before getting up, but that doesn't mean I feel any different about Harry's aim. Without Harry there I'd probably still be a blubbering fool who can't do a single spell right, and I'd still be terrified of Professor Snape, no offence sir'.
'Nothing taken' the dark haired man muttered, a faint smirk on his lips.
'Anyway, I may not be a consort, but I am a friend and an ally. Any confidence I have can be traced back to the help I received from Harry, Hermione and of course my girlfriend Luna. They believe in me, and I will do everything I can to live up to their support. As future head of the Longbottom family, I pledge my support to Lord Potter and his cause'.
'People will see a lot clearer without the nargles making their minds fuzzy. If we help Harry then everyone will be clear of their infestation and we can peacefully live with each other' Luna added.
'Alright I guess we're up then. Personally I find Harry a great guy, and I've yet to hear him lie to anyone. He's always lending a hand and quite frankly he hasn't got a bad bone in his body' Katie spoke.
'We got worried when the twins started disappearing, and when we found out why it was hard not to freak out' Alicia followed.
'But although we didn't know Harry well at the time, we just couldn't see him as a bad person' Angelina said.
'Hard to be evil when these three scare him!' Lee laughed, getting a slap on the head by the girls.
Fleur giggled, standing with Viktor a moment behind her.
'I arrived at Hogwarts and found myself with a mystery I desperately wanted to solve. My Veela side liked the idea of making Harry mine, and yet even it calmed when I realised he appeared to be with several people at the same time. I puzzled over it for practically the entire school year, and it didn't help when Harry teased me'.
She shot him a playful glare before continuing.
'Harry and his friends accepted me into their group. All of them made me feel very welcome, and although I am not a consort I feel honored to be a part of their group. I may not be from Britain, but I will help where I can to end the suffering of others'.
'Before coming to Hogwarts I was Viktor the quidditch star, Viktor the student groomed into being the best. I am myself, just Viktor Krum, with Harry and his group, and they accept me as myself. I was told to wipe out the competition in this tournament, instead I've found myself lifelong friends. I can't see Harry as evil, because he isn't. If he wishes to be a Dark Lord, then I'm not going to think any less of him, because I know he will not use his magic for evil. I am happy to be in his group, and will help in any way I can' Viktor followed.
Harry was floored. He wasn't sure if it was because each and every friend and consort believed in him, or because Lucius was the one to start the show of support. Either way, Harry was left with a warm feeling in his heart. This was the family he had always wanted.
'Thank you' he whispered, but everyone heard him anyway.
Hermione was quick to rush up and hug him tightly. She then gave him a smile and turned to the group.
'It's time we made a decision. So much has been done already, and now we need to finish the job. I know Harry's given you a lot to think about, and we don't have much time, but a decision needs to be made so that we can plan and organize'.
'Are you sure you don't want to be my Dark Lady?' Harry asked in amusement.
She giggled and gave him a playful punch. Harry chuckled and ended his speech.
'All of you are welcome to stay, feel free to spend as much time as you need, you should not make a snap decision on this. Please, spend some time talking and really getting to know one another. For those of you who wish to see my animal companions, feel free to speak with me and I shall introduce you'.
He barely made it off the stage when he was accosted. Tempers were still frayed regarding his reappearance with a Basilisk and Cerberus in tow, and it would take a long time before those not a consort or friend would trust him.
OOO
'Um Harry…why wasn't I on that list?' Ginny asked.
She'd dragged him into a corner to have a private chat, something Harry knew would be about his list, and how to go about getting on it. Puberty may have made his reconsider some people, but his decision regarding her was still the same. Harry took her hand.
'Ginevra I realise you have grown up with stories about me, but that has caused you to believe things about me that just weren't true. You are a very sweet girl, if a little possessive, but I know even now you look at me and see the Boy Who Live, and not just Harry Potter. When I decided to have followers, I didn't want people trying to be with me because of a fame that should have gone to my parents. I wanted people to be friends with me, not my title'.
She bit her lip but nodded. She'd acted like such a brat during the last school term, something her parents had been quick to point out, fawning over Harry and trying to steal him away from his friends. She knew that, but she hoped that once he saw how dedicated she was to him that he'd start to fall in love with her. She wasn't going to fully take him away from his friends, just the ones she thought weren't good for him. When he'd spoke about having a list of people he wanted as consorts, and worse still four of her brothers were on that list, Ginny thought she was going to faint. She was angry, and upset, and confused, and her first thought was to get on that list then make Harry see that her brothers had no right being on it. When her brothers then stood and pledged their support to Harry, pledged to fight Werewolves and Giants and deatheaters, she reconsidered. What good would her bat bogey hex be against a Vampire or a Dementor? She wasn't a fighter, she trusted others to do that instead. Lucius Malfoy's speech though cut her to the core. Here was a deatheater supporting Harry and going against his own master just because Harry gave him a few promises.
Ginny shook her head and slipped her hand out of Harry's. This wasn't her dream at all. Harry was supposed to be a proper Lord and have a proper Lady on his arm. He was supposed to be the knight in shining armor and defeat Voldemort, and then gracefully retire with his beautiful wife to have children. And Ginny was supposed to be that wife. This Harry was an entirely different person, he was far too Slytherin for her liking, and now that she had finally seen it, she wasn't interested anymore.
Ginny walked away, her dream was over.
Harry sighed, he knew he would have to hurt her in order for her to understand. She truly was a sweet person, but she was unable to look past the fame and fortune and see Harry was what he really was, nor was she able to see past the prejudices she'd grown up with. He silently wished her luck for the future.
It was just a pity the conversation with her brother didn't go as calmly as the one with her.
'So all this time you're trying to get sympathy, when really you are evil, and you're turning my family evil too!'
Harry took a deep calming breath.
'Ronald, no. I'm not evil. I know that you will not believe me, and will probably fight against me in this'.
'Too right I will! The moment I'm out of here I'm telling all of your plans to Dumbledore. He'll make sure my family are safe from you!'
'You took an oath, remember. I did not force you to, I encouraged you. Had you not taken the oath, you would not have been invited in. You can tell Dumbledore what you are able to. He will be unable to find me or my family or my home…' Harry started.
'He'll just use one of those portkeys you gave to my brothers!' Ron interrupted smugly.
Harry sighed. Ronald had overheard the conversation between him and Mr Weasley. Although Harry wasn't fond of Ronald or Ginevra, he still wanted to ensure the safety of the Weasley family, and thus had offered Arthur emergency portkeys, stating those on his list already had their own. This was, of course, on the condition that everyone involved would be trusted to come to the manor without causing problems. The man understood completely, and asked that he be given time to think over the offer. Arthur clearly had mixed emotions over what he'd seen and heard, and Harry wouldn't rush him to make a choice.
'No, he won't. Those portkeys are keyed only to the person who owns them. If the headmaster tries to come here using any of them he will be taken to a different location. I'm not hiding any more Ronald, I told everyone in that room who I am and what my plans are, and if you can't accept that dark doesn't mean evil then there is no point in you staying here'.
'You think I want to stay here with the Malfoys and a Basilisk! I never want to come back here again, and there's no way I'll let Ginny back here either! I don't want her on that list of whores you have!'
Harry frowned.
'You realise you are insulting your own brothers with that remark?'
'Of course I do! But they let themselves be forced into it by you and they deserve it!' Ron yelled.
Harry was surprised at the venom in the red head's voice.
'Are you listening to yourself Ronald? If I truly was evil then you are stating that you don't care what I do to your brothers'.
He shook his head. This had gone on long enough. Ronald was completely blind to the world around him that he instantly disregarded his own family just because they had a different opinion than him.
Harry found himself wondering if the red head would ever grow up.
'Ronald it's time for you to leave. As you are a member of the Weasley family both you and Ginevra will be provided with emergency portkeys, however they will not take you to my home. I will ensure that should you need to use them, you will be taken to a safe and secure location. Whether you choose to accept them is your own decision, but don't expect others to support you if they don't believe in your ideals. The world is changing, and if you don't change with it then you will never be able to grow up'.
Harry called for Dobby and asked the Elf to take Ronald home.
OOO
'Harry, may I speak with you?'
'Of course Lady Malfoy. Shall we head to the library?'
She smiled and followed him down the corridor.
'Narcissa will be fine Harry, thank you'.
He held the door open for her and they headed to the far corner for some privacy. Mipsy popped in with some drinks at Harry's request.
'What do you wish to speak to me about?'
Narcissa took a sip of the red wine provided, barely tasting it due to nerves.
'I…I was hoping I could ask for your help'.
Harry reached over and took her hand.
'Of course, you needn't be so nervous'.
Relaxing slightly she gave him a smile.
'While I was at school my learning was aimed towards a medical career. In my sixth and seventh year I often sat in with Madam Pomfrey and aided her with simple healing spells. I knew that I was to be married to Lucius once I graduated though, and that neither family would allow me to continue with my passion. A lady's duty is to be seen on the arm of her lord, and then to be obedient and silent in the background. I love Lucius with all my heart, even though he has done such horrible things, but being married to him meant that it was not proper for me to train to be a healer. I…I wished to ask if it was possible for me to study to take the medical exam. With everything that has happened over the years, I didn't want my family to be under scrutiny any more than we have been, and for people to see me working to become a healer would have sent them talking. But now I feel as though I could make a second attempt'.
Harry sighed in frustration. Here was another example of how the magical world could change for the better. He understood arranged marriages, though he was not really in agreement with them, but to deny a woman the chance to make a living, just because she was suppose to be submissive to her lord, was unfair. However, knowing that Narcissa felt comfortable asking Harry regarding this, that she felt he could provide her with the support she needed, made him feel better.
'My lady of course I will help you, in any way you require. Between us we can arrange for any books and training you might need, and talk to Madam Pomfrey regarding a reference. What we will need is someone from the ministry that can be trusted to overlook your exam. Hopefully Madam Bones will be calm enough for me to ask her'.
Narcissa gave him a bright smile.
'Thank you Harry. At times I wanted to train in secrecy, but I knew it would have eventually came out'.
'I just find it so frustrating that there are those prevented from having a career they love, just because of some word of mouth rules and rampant prejudice. To have you sneaking around to obtain a healer's mastery is just not right' Harry growled quietly.
He was calmed when she leaned over and brushed her lips against his.
'You are fighting to make our world better Harry, that's not something that can be done overnight'.
There was the faintest hint of vanilla as Harry tentatively deepened the kiss, more so to allow her the chance to sit back if she wished. His body was beginning to react favorably to the sensation, and he had no desire to do anything that would make her uncomfortable. That and he'd be breaking the promise he gave Sirius, something he was starting to curse as a soft hand began to wander downwards. Harry broke the kiss and sat back.
'As much as I'd like this to continue, I made a promise to Sirius to wait until I was of age before anything truly sexual happens'.
His cheeks were blushed and he was panting slightly, making Narcissa giggle softly.
'That is quite a pity, but a promise is a promise'.
With one last teasing brush of her hand, she stood and gave him a curtsey before leaving the library. Harry resisted the urge to whine.
'Beautiful and a tease, I am in trouble'.
A deep chuckle made him snap out his dreamy state.
'Lucius!'
The man emerged from the shadows of the vast bookcases and took a seat beside Harry.
'My my, making moves on my wife are we Lord Potter?'
He spoke with a smile, but Harry knew appearances could be deceiving.
'My apologies Lucius…' he began, only for the man to interrupt him with another chuckle.
'No apologies needed Harry, I trust you. Narcissa likes to tease, as you found out, but she is aware that you are still too young. I'll admit to being impressed though, you held yourself back splendidly, promise or not'.
'She is a beautiful woman, a very easy choice to be a consort'.
Harry gave a soft chuckle.
'For all I talk about sexual contact, I am still only a teenager. Really quite naïve'.
Lucius chuckle in turn.
'Yes, I noticed'.
He leaned forward slightly.
'Tell me Harry, when you say anything truly sexual, what is your limit?'
Harry found himself deep in thought. To be honest it was not something he had thought about before, at least in depth. He knew that being naked was out of the question, and so was touching in a private area. Beyond that he hadn't really set down exact lines, more to allow those who were of age to explore each other without reprimand. For himself though…
'Kisses. Light touches, nothing below the waist. Or for the females, nothing below the neckline, unless they consent. With permission, touching the legs, and at the very most the inner thighs. No removal of clothing, although that is mostly for the females, I suppose with the males it would be nothing below the waist and above the general boxer line. Everyone is different, though these would be the rules for myself'.
Lucius had sat quietly and watched the young man as he formulated an answer. He found himself becoming more and more attracted to Harry as time went on, impressed by the mature attitude and the ability to hold himself back. Not many teenage boys could admit to being able to pull away when a beautiful older woman attempted to engage in sexual activity with them, and Lucius was vain enough to admit that his wife was one very beautiful woman. Lucius had also seen how Harry behaved around the males of the group, and could see the young man had based his rules off what he had already experienced. Thoughts of the night with Remus sprung into Lucius' mind, and he found himself wondering how it would have been if an older Harry had joined in. Those same thoughts then turned to the rest of the group, and he could freely admit there were several enticing possibilities. A night with Severus had been on his mind since his school years, his only attempt being somewhat rushed and never completed. A night with the eldest Weasley sibling, or possibly both William and Charles, was a rather delicious fantasy. He gave a silent chuckle as he thought of how disgusted he would have felt not even a year ago to find himself attracted to a Weasley of all people. How times change.
'Very mature decisions, I notice that on areas you weren't sure about, you spoke of asking permission'.
'Of course. The thought of forcing myself on someone, regardless of how innocent it may be, is not something I want to consider' Harry replied.
Lucius nodded, then gave a rather wicked smirk.
'Well then, perhaps we should see how well you follow your own rules'.
Before Harry could question the statement, he found himself frozen in shock as the man stood and began to strip off his upper garments. Eyes trailing down the pale chest, pausing for a moment on the little thundercloud, Harry watched as Lucius gave a seductive stretch and lay back on the couch.
'What are you waiting for, my Dark Lord? Your consort wishes some attention'.
'You are…so very cruel Lucius' Harry managed to say, standing and moving closer, hands itching to touch.
Lucius smirked and closed his eyes, hair fanning out behind him as he spread his legs ever so slightly. If he was vain enough to admit of Narcissa's beauty, then he was quite the egocentric when it came to his own.
When it became clear that Harry was holding himself back, Lucius took charge and swiftly brought the young man down to lie over him, bringing their lips together. He wasn't about to let his wife have one up on him after all.
Harry moaned slightly, this was by far the most seductive kiss he'd had. It didn't help that he was lying atop a very firm chest that was begging to be caressed. Damn you Lucius! He needed to get back control here. An idea came to him and he smirked slightly.
Lucius' breath caught in his throat as nimble fingers gave a nipple a hard squeeze. Getting the message he lay back submissively and allowed the young man a chance to explore. Odd, but his mind wasn't fighting the show of submission. But then, he thought as soft lips kissed his neck, how could it when he was receiving such attention.
Harry was fighting the urge, he really was, but the idea of Sirius not finding out was rather tempting. They were in a secluded corner, the library it may be, and he couldn't see anyone trying to find him any time soon.
Put those thoughts from your head! Harry rested his forehead against Lucius' chest and sighed. He really couldn't, he was still much too young to be engaging in such activities, however willing Lucius was, and his own body for that matter. Once more he was in need of a cold shower. He sat up, eyes glowing with the lust he was holding back.
'You are quite the demon Lucius. Perhaps you should try someone else, someone of age to solve your, problem'.
Lucius resisted the urge to pout as the young man moved off him, leaving him incredibly aroused and unsatisfied. And Harry called him cruel!
'I suppose I must' he finally sighed, sitting up and lifting his shirt from the floor.
Harry got his wits back and chuckled.
'Give me a few years, and I won't hold back'.
The image played in Lucius' head and he groaned.
'You are playing with fire Harry, you realise that I will be first in line when you turn seventeen'.
'Unlikely, I've been told a few others will be in front of you' Harry replied with a grin.
'Not bloody likely' Lucius muttered as they headed out the library and parted ways.
OOO
It took the better part of a week for everyone to calm down and the tension to ease. With so many people declaring their support to Harry, the others soon realised that something did have to be done. One by one the families stepped forward and allied themselves with the Potter head. More oaths were taken, people were properly introduced to Potter Manor and its grounds, portkeys were handed out, and then they got to work.
'Giants, Werewolves, Vampires, Dementors and Deatheaters. Plus a corrupt ministry and a senile headmaster. We've got our work cut out for us' Hermione sighed.
'Senile?' Harry asked.
'Harry I just cannot fully believe that someone would let you have that kind of childhood without being either evil, or senile, and now that I've calmed down I really want him to be senile' his friend replied.
'That is understandable. The man hails himself as a light wizard and no light wizard would ever do the things he's done' Harry replied thoughtfully.
'Hey Harry, what are you going to do for the rest of school?' Hermione suddenly asked.
He gave her a smirk.
'Oh I am going back to Hogwarts. My familiars will not be making the trip with me though'.
'But they'd never let you! And if they did you'd be hounded! They'd have you locked up or even kissed!' she exclaimed in panic
His answer was to take a potion vial out his trunk. She peered at it.
'So…you're going to take polyjuice and go in disguise?'
'No, they would be on the look out for that since the real Mad Eye Moody was found. This little vial will allow me to attend Hogwarts, perhaps even go to classes, depending on what form I take'.
'What form? You've lost me Harry' Hermione said.
He chuckled.
'This potion allows me to change into an animagus form for fifteen minutes. I know I have one, due to another potion, I just don't know what form I'll take. When this potion wears off, I'll have the knowledge to change at will like Sirius, although I will still need to practice hard. It is a recipe I discovered in one of the old tombs in the library. It takes close to a month to make'.
She gave him a scandalized look.
'You made that for yourself and didn't think to make some for us?!'
'Of course not!' he laughed.
He brought out a box, full to the brim with vials.
'There is enough here to change an army, as well as enough of the revealing potion'.
'Oh Harry!' she squealed and threw herself at him.
She then rushed off to tell the others, and soon Harry was surrounded by people trying to hug the life from him.
OOO
The group sat in a rough circle in the sitting room, using up all of the couch space and most of the floor around. Harry took out the set of potions and sat them on the table in the middle.
'I daresay I won't have to thank any of you for coming'.
A few people chuckled.
'I would like to ask if anyone here may already have an animagus form. With the obvious exception of Sirius of course'.
There were a few moments of silence. And then Severus spoke.
'I have one'.
'You?!' Sirius exclaimed.
Severus gave a small smirk.
'Indeed. I learned not long after I graduated'.
'You never made mention of this to me' Lucius spoke.
The dark haired man shrugged.
'There are some secrets I'd like to keep to myself, thank you'.
'May we see?' Harry asked curiously.
Severus groaned softly under his breath.
'Oh come on professor!' George called.
'Please please please please!' Fred begged.
Rolling his eyes the man stood, and within moments there was an elegant black panther in his place.
'…Wow…!'
'Hey that's unfair! How come HE gets the cool deadly predator stalking the shadows, and I get a shaggy mutt!' Sirius protested.
Remus choked back a laugh, hiding his expression behind his hand. Harry chuckled quietly, standing and approaching his former potions professor.
'I am very impressed Severus. This suits you to a tee'.
The panther gave a nod, transforming back and taking his seat. He glanced at Sirius.
'Thank you for the compliment, Black'.
Sirius made a choking sound.
'Compliment?! When exactly did I compliment you?!'
The potion master raised an eyebrow.
'When you mentioned the deadly predator stalking the shadows'.
He smirked at the man's expression. Remus was desperately biting back the laughter.
'However you are selling yourself short. As I recall correctly, a wolfhound is a pedigree. The first thought to have been born around seven thousand BC, and one of the largest, most powerful breeds there is. Perhaps not as smart as other breeds, but certainly not a mutt'.
Harry bit his lip as Sirius gave the other man a blank look, jaw hanging open.
'Did you just give ME a compliment?!' he squeaked.
Remus fell of his seat with laughter, his tumble releasing the tension in the room and causing others to burst out laughing. Severus looked vaguely smug.
Sirius suddenly realised he'd been pranked by Severus Snape. Grumbling he slouched into his seat and crossed his arms.
'S'not funny' he mumbled.
Harry calmed himself with a smirk.
'Alright, back to our original purpose for being here'.
As the others began to calm down, though a few still let out an occasional chuckle, he passed out the potions. In the spirit of harmony, and to help people's image of him, Harry had invited everyone from the meeting to join him. Most of the adults politely declined, not really interested in the animal transformation, but the younger members were all for learning the ability. Tonks had to go to work, and wasn't all that sure she'd be able to transform what with her Metamorphmagus ability. Fleur wanted a chance to see if someone with Veela blood could transform, and Viktor was happy as he was, although he did want to watch. Fleur's parents felt their younger daughter was a bit young for the transformation, if she had a form at all, but Gabrielle had asked to watch and was happily accepted into the group, eager to see what animals people would change into. Susan, who had been at the meeting with her aunt, had asked if her friend Hannah could come over, which was happily accepted, provided all parties took the required oaths, and Dan and Emma had asked if they could stay and watch, and were currently sitting with Xeno who had also opted out of the potions.
Even if they were allowed in the manor, Ginevra and Ronald hadn't been asked.
They had all had been warned that not everyone could be an animagus, and while they knew they'd be disappointed if they weren't, they weren't going to hold a grudge over it.
'On the count of three' Harry spoke.
Everyone held the vials to their lips.
'One…two…three!'
'Yes!'
'Brilliant!'
'Wicked!'
Of the twenty two people who had taken the potion, fourteen shone blue. The others looked vaguely disappointed, however they were more interested in what the others would transform into.
'Are you upset?' young Gabrielle asked her sister in French.
'A little, but I didn't think I'd be an animagus and part Veela' Fleur admitted. She brightened when Viktor reached over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, whispering that she didn't need another form to be more incredible or beautiful. Gabrielle giggled, already thinking of the older boy as her new brother.
'Sorry Reg' Sirius spoke, patting his brother on the back.
'It's ok, would have been nice, but we can't all be mutts' the younger man replied with a shrug and a grin.
Harry picked up the case holding the second potion.
'I believe it might be best if we transformed a couple at the time' he said as he passed out the vials.
'A good idea' Lucius agreed, nodding his thanks as he accepted the potion.
'So…who first then' Lee asked.
'We could always pick names out a hat' Hermione suggested.
The idea was overall agreeable and Luna started tearing pieces of parchment and writing down names. She popped the folded pieces into the hat Neville held out for her and with a smile he handed it over to Harry.
'How about we allow Dan or Emma to pick out names? Say, three at a time? That way, no offence Mr and Mrs Granger, they can't be accused of cheating' he suggested.
Smiling Emma accepted the hat and picked out three pieces of parchment.
'Alright, the first to transform will be…Gilderoy…Luna…and Harry'.
Blinking in surprise, Harry gave his teammates a smile and held his vial up in a toast. Luna giggled and did the same, and a visibly excited Gilderoy followed. Together they drank, and with a puff of smoke their human forms vanished.
'Oh Luna that perfect for you!' Hermione squealed.
'Aww, Gilderoy looks so cute!' Katie gushed.
Harry had reintroduced the chasers and Lee to Gilderoy the day he invited, well more like made them come to his manor, although they understood why. They were also introduced to the Black brothers. Surprisingly, the four took it well, their excuse was that if Oliver and the twins were comfortable, then clearly everything was alright.
Harry took a moment to check his team mates. Luna had become an arctic hare, which he had to admit did work well for her. She was very good at melting into the background and she was surprisingly fast on her feet. Gilderoy had become a golden retriever, and if Harry could chuckle in his current state he would have, the man was adorable as he tried to get his bearings. Luna seemed to have no troubles, happily hopping around, while Gilderoy tripped over his feet and stumbled back and forth. Harry started slightly as someone nudged his feathered form. He'd become a bird of prey, though he couldn't quite work out what he was.
'Not bad Harry, You look pretty fierce' Sirius spoke with a grin.
'Not bad at all' came a second voice.
Harry turned to see Hedwig fluttering down beside him.
'You look good Harry chick, and now we have a way to talk. I was becoming frustrated with you hissing away to those serpents'.
Harry made a noise of amusement.
'Sorry Hedwig, you are right of course, this is better for us. Perhaps once I learn how to transform at will you could teach me to fly'.
The snowy owl puffed up proudly.
'Now that I can do chick! Don't keep me waiting!'
'I don't suppose you could also tell me about you and Fawkes?' Harry asked teasingly.
Apparently owls could blush.
'Everyone else was looking for mates' she offered sheepishly.
Harry laughed, the sound coming out as a bird screech.
'I know he will treat you well Hed, you have made a very good choice'.
She puffed up happily.
'Oh Harry I've got it! You're a black harrier hawk! They're native to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia though, don't know how you managed that. But then, arctic hare's aren't native to Britain either…' Hermione spoke up.
A black harrier hawk, Harry liked it, it suited him. He chirped as Luna came over to say hello, followed by Gilderoy now that he'd finally figured out how to walk on four paws.
'It's hard at first, but it gets easier' Sirius said with a grin.
Huffing the golden dog sat on his hunches and lifted a paw to examine himself.
'This is pretty cool!'
Oddly enough Harry could understand him. He wasn't sure how languages and translation worked in the animal kingdom, he just assumed that every species had its own way of speaking. However he had just spoken to Hedwig, granted that could have been because they were both birds. It was something he would need to check. He hadn't even thought to ask if Hedwig could understand Dusk and Dawn. For now though, he hoped Gilderoy could understand him.
'Remember Gilderoy, you will need to work hard if you want to transform again' Harry warned, fluttering his wings and trying to get a feel of the air currents in the room.
Gilderoy nodded eagerly, apparently dogs could understand birds. How very strange.
'How long does the potion last Harry?' Luna asked. And now hares were added to the mix. What was so special about snakes?
'Fifteen minutes'.
She nodded, contend to test her jumping ability. Harry could only hope whatever form the others took that they could also understand each other.
'Is that all?!' Gilderoy whined.
Harry lifted his wing to ruffle in the man's face, making him sneeze, causing many of the females to coo at him.
'Practice hard and you can transform whenever you wish' he said in amusement.
'Alright guys, time's nearly up' Remus called.
'Let's hope your clothes make the trip' Sirius joked, yelping as the Werewolf swatted his head.
The three animals played a few moments more before the potion wore off, and then they changed back to human form. Thankfully their clothes did survive the journey.
'That was brilliant! Ok it's my turn to pick out names' Dan exclaimed, taking the hat from his wife and picking out three more pieces of parchment.
'Next up…is Bill…Narcissa…and Hermione'.
With a squeal Hermione lifted the vial to her lips, pausing to make sure her team mates and she would drink the potion together. Smiling Narcissa and Bill did the same and they drank.
Lucius choked on his drink.
'Oh my! Are you sure you should have been in Slytherin dear?'
Growling Narcissa took a swipe at her husband's leg, luckily her claws hadn't been extended. She then glanced down at herself, suddenly realising why her husband was joking with her.
A white lioness! Of all things!
'You look really elegant Narcissa' Harry spoke in admiration.
She glanced at him, then gave dainty lion's shrug and carefully stood and attempted to walk.
'Wow! Nice Bill!'
Bill could have sworn he was sitting when he took the potion, and yet he towered over the others. A glance down made him realise why and he snorted. He could live with a horse, he did look pretty wicked.
Dan and Emma could do little but laugh knowingly.
'We should have guessed'.
The little owl hooted at them huffily, however Hermione rather liked that she was a tawny owl. Hedwig flew down from Harry's shoulder and the pair struck up a conversation.
Fifteen minutes later Hermione was on Harry's lap talking excitedly about learning to fly, and hopefully being able to fly without scaring the hell out herself. Narcissa on the other hand was glaring at her extremely amused husband, wand in hand to ensure he wouldn't crack any more jokes.
'Let's keep this going, this is too good! Dear, your turn' Dan spoke with a grin.
Rolling her eyes Emma took out the next set of parchment.
'We have…Draco…and Fred and George'.
'Yes!' George cheered, toasting with his brother, curling his arm around his twin's and tipping the vial into Fred's mouth. Draco snorted and drank his, amused by the pair's antics.
A moment later three small furry bodies sat in the middle of the room. The three glanced at each other, then gave a rodent's version of a scream, although the group weren't sure if the screams were of joy or horror.
They soon found out as a pair of red squirrels began scampering around the room, tripping over their bushy tails and chattering away to each other, while a little white mink sat where he'd transformed, looking as outraged as a mink was able to look.
'I'm a ferret! I'm a bloody ferret! Why did I have to be a Merlin forsaken FERRET?!'
'Son you don't look that bad. A mink is after all a very exquisite animal, very sought after' Lucius soothed, understanding enough to know his son was upset.
Draco gave his father a sharp look, then took a proper look at himself. Realising he was in fact a mink settled him, and he gave a sigh of relief, nose twitching quite cutely as he stretched out. It caused his mother to scoop him up with a coo, and he groaned as she fussed over him, glaring at his father for chuckling.
'Guys will you calm down before you hurt yourself!' Bill scolded, fighting a laugh as the twins clambered over furniture and up curtains, seemingly not handicapped at all at being squirrels for only a few minutes.
'Give it up Bill, we've lost them!' Charlie laughed.
Sighing the oldest sibling nodded, settling back to watch the pair. Draco gave the twins an exasperated look, standing on his hind legs from Narcissa's lap to better see what they were doing.
'Fred, George, or perhaps that should be Rascal and Scamp, come back here, time's nearly up' Harry called.
The squirrels paused in mid climb and with a quick glance to each other scurried back, clambering up the couch to sit on Harry's lap. Hermione wisely moved out the way, and before Harry could object the potion wore off and two grinning red heads cuddled into him.
'Rascal…'
'Scamp…'
'Perfect!'
'My turn again!' Dan spoke up, grinning from ear to ear. It wasn't every day that he could watch people turning into animals after all, the thrill had yet to wear off from watching Sirius.
Giggling Emma handed him the bag and he thrust his hand in.
'We have…Neville…Lucius…and Oliver!'
'Bottoms up boys' Lucius spoke, tipping the vial into his mouth.
With a shrug the other two followed.
'A swallow! That's perfect!' Alicia laughed.
'Always in the air! Never lands unless absolutely necessary!' Angelina joined in.
'We should call him Racer!' Lee suddenly exclaimed.
Harry chuckled, leaving Oliver to his fate while he knelt to examine Neville.
'Impressive Neville, a brown bear could really come in handy'.
Neville nodded his agreement, already planning on surprising his gran once he perfected his transformation.
'And yourself Lucius, very…appropriate'.
The snowy white arctic fox, with hints of blonde through its fur, merely nodded, lifting a paw to pet his silky tail.
'Poser' Sirius muttered with a snort.
Lucius' bark of indignation made him laugh more, and the fox huffed. The trio got used to their new forms until the potion wore off.
'That just leaved Charlie and Cedric' Emma said, holding up the last two pieces of parchment.
The pair grinned at each other, clanked the vials together, and downed them. The resulting shock and awe silence lasted almost five minutes.
'Charlie…Char…What by Merlin are you?!' Bill exclaimed.
'He's a velociraptor! How the hell can he be a velociraptor?! That is…! That's…!' Hermione spluttered.
'What's a velocirapter?' Oliver asked curiously.
'It's a dinosaur, a reptile that lived millions of years ago alongside hundreds of others. Of all things to be and he had to be a ruddy DINOSAUR! Actually…a velocirapter isn't so bad, can you imagine if he'd turned into a t-rex' Hermione explained.
At the confused expression of many of the group, she then explained what a t-rex was. Harry remembered seeing a few books in the library on dinosaurs (must have been put there by his mother, he couldn't see the Potter side knowing much about them) and asked Dobby if he could fetch a few. The Elf popped back with four books and the group crowded round as Hermione pointed out what was what.
'Our brother's a prehistoric dinosaur! Wicked!' the twins spoke.
Charlie, who had been listening in while examining himself, perked up, perhaps this would help him with the Dragons at the reserve! Someone had conjured a mirror a while back and he properly examine himself, and once he got his feet he gave a few experimental leaps, pleased to see he was quite balanced.
'And Cedric, what are you? A badger?' Oliver asked.
'No, I think he's a wolverine. Or perhaps a honey badger. Either way it's very impressive, not at all what you would expect from a member of Hufflepuff house' Remus answered.
Cedric let out a bark of amusement. Typical he'd turn into something vicious, it was so contradictive. He couldn't wait to show his father, once he learned how to transform at will.
'Wow! A lot of these animals aren't native to Britain at all. So much for that theory' Hermione said with an amused smile.
'I for one think we all have very impressive forms. Although I don't know how Charlie's going to be able to go out in public using his' Harry said.
'But can you imagine people's faces if Charlie came charging at him!' Fred exclaimed.
'I'd pay to see that!' George spoke in awe.
'You realise what we need to do now?' Sirius asked with a grin, bringing everyone's attention to him.
'What?' Harry questioned warily.
The man cackled and rubbed his hands together.
'Names!'
The group groaned.