Chapter 36
Classes and Conversations
Author's Note: I am changing the 2nd Year Gryffindors class schedule very slightly for this story. According to the HP Lexicon, in canon, Potions, Herbology, and DADA takes place on Mondays. I'm changing Herbology to Transfiguration for the simple reason that I want to have both of the new Professor classes in one single chapter. So it will be Potions, then Transfiguration, then DADA after lunch. Along with the chronology of classes, the Houses that Gryffindor has each class with might be different than in the book. This is for story-line sake more than anything.
This is a VERY long chapter! The longest of the story so far. Enjoy!
Monday, January 4th, 1993 – Early Morning
Early in the morning of the first day of classes, after a round of passionate sex and separate showers, Harry and Hermione were preparing to leave their Quarter's when Headmistress McGonagall's house-elf met them in the sitting room.
"Madam McGonagall has asked me to give you a letter, Harry Potter, sir," Sasha said.
Harry took the small slip of parchment when Sasha offered it to him. He thanked the elf, and looked at the letter.
Mr. Potter,
I have something very important to speak to you about. However, I know you will be very busy today between your classes, schoolwork, and your meeting with the Patils. Instead of coming to my office at a time of my choosing, I would be happy to visit your Quarters. Please give your choice of time to Sasha, and I promise to be there.
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry summarized the letter to Hermione, then turned to Sasha.
"She just spoke to me last night," Harry said, "What does she have to tell me that she couldn't tell me then?"
"I'm afraid I cannot say, sir," Sasha said.
Harry expected that, of course. He nodded and turned to Hermione. "What do you think? Best time to meet Headmistress McGonagall?"
"Well, we have plans to meet the Patils today," Hermione said, "And Padma is going to move in here with us. I suppose she could move in this afternoon after classes, but..."
"But...?" Harry urged her on.
"Whatever the Headmistress wants to tell you could be for your ears only, Harry," Hermione said.
"I would tell you whatever she tells me, you know," Harry said.
"I know that," Hermione said, smiling, "But would you tell Padma?"
Harry frowned and pondered that. He barely knew Padma. Sure he wanted to get to know her since she was his future Betrothed, but it was too early in their relationship for her to know private information.
"I suppose it would depend on what it is," Harry said, "But probably not."
"Well, either we meet with Padma and Parvati this afternoon," Hermione said, "And explain to Padma that Headmistress McGonagall wants to meet us in here sometime today. Or we meet with Headmistress McGonagall this afternoon after classes, and the Patils after dinner."
"We've already had to delay our meeting with Padma and Parvati," Harry said, "and Headmistress McGonagall did seem to understand in her letter that I'd be busy. So... how about we invite McGonagall up here sometime after dinner, and suggest Padma meet with her friends, or go to the library?"
"I suppose so," Hermione said.
Harry nodded and turned to Sasha. "Sometime after dinner this evening."
"I will inform Madam McGonagall of your decision," Sasha said, "Expect a message from Madam McGonagall or myself before dinner. Would you like me to serve you breakfast in here, as per usual?"
"No, Sasha," Harry said, "I think we're going to take most of our meals in the Great Hall from now on. You're excused. Thank you."
Hermione thanked Sasha as well, and the elf vanished in a pop! Harry and Hermione shouldered their knapsacks, then headed out of their Quarters. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the Great Hall. As soon as they stepped inside, a buzz of murmurs and whispers, and students staring at them met them. Harry and Hermione ignored it, and walked over to the Gryffindor table. Harry sat next to Parvati once again.
"Sorry our plans were interrupted last night," Harry said, "What Headmistress McGonagall had to talk to us about was quite important."
"It is alright, Harry," Parvati said, "Halfway through my journey to Gryffindor Tower, I realized last night might not have been the best time to have a meeting anyway. I would have been terribly late for curfew, on the same evening our new Headmistress lectured us on that very thing. Wouldn't have been very smart of me."
Harry chuckled. "Hermione and I figured that out for ourselves last night. We basically said the same thing to Headmistress McGonagall. Will you and Padma please meet Hermione and I in the Entrance Hall around three-o-clock? We'll have the meeting then."
"Sure," Parvati said, "Sounds good to me. I'm sure Padma will agree too."
Harry smiled and started piling food on his plate.
"Has anything interesting happened in Gryffindor Tower since last night?" Hermione asked Parvati.
"Regarding your... new appearance?" Parvati asked, cautiously.
"I like to refer to it as a lifestyle," Hermione said, smiling.
Parvati smiled approvingly. "A nice, positive way to look at it. That's wonderful, Hermione. The only developments I've heard is from Lavender."
Both Harry and Hermione glanced at Lavender across the table. She sighed and smiled at Hermione.
"I'm just confused as to why you're no longer sleeping in our dormitory, Hermione," Lavender said.
"I'm afraid that is too personal to explain, Lavender," Hermione said, "Just know that both Madam Pomfrey and Headmistress McGonagall suggested I have my own private Quarters."
"Okay," Lavender said, and looked at Harry, "Then why are you no longer living in Gryffindor Tower?"
"I've recently become a Lord," Harry explained, "I was given a choice to reside in my own Quarters, known as the Lord's Quarters, and I took it. Something happened over break between Hermione, Ron Weasley and I, and Ron has been forbidden to speak to us."
"Or even be near us," Hermione said, "Which is why he's sitting with his brothers."
"As such, I can't exactly sleep in my own dormitory," Harry said, "Hermione and I are living in the same Quarters, because I've recently named her as Vassal to the House of Potter. Minus the whole 'servitude' thing, which is completely unnecessary."
Lavender nodded. "That sounds like as good a reason as any. So, Hermione... being a Neko must be so fascinating! I didn't think I'd ever met one! You might be the only one in Great Britain! So what's it like?"
"Lavender!" Parvati said, in a scolding tone, "We have Defense with Professor Lockhart today, and he's promised to teach us about Nekos. I think it would be better to discuss it with him instead."
"I agree," Harry said, "And if what he doesn't tell us is satisfactory, I'm sure Hermione would be happy to answer some questions."
"I'd be happy to answer them as long as they aren't too personal," Hermione said. "But only after Professor Lockhart finishes his lessons on the subject. I, too, am very interested in what he has to say about it."
"Unfortunately, his class isn't until this afternoon," Lavender said. "Ooh, but we have Potions and Transfiguration this morning! We'll be the first students to get to experience the new Professor's classes!"
"Yeah," Harry said, "I'm sure they'll be brilliant.'
Monday, January 4th, 1993 – Morning
When Harry and Hermione neared the Potions classroom in the dungeon, they were rather surprised when a voice called Harry's name. Daphne Greengrass was standing alone a few yards from the classroom.
"I think I know what you're wanting to talk to me about Daphne," Harry said, as he and Hermione walked over to her, "Meet Hermione and I in the Entrance Hall at three-o-clock this afternoon, and we'll discuss it."
"How do you know what I wanted to talk about?" Daphne demanded.
"Your father's letter," Harry said, "He warned me that you would want to talk to me as soon as possible. As it turns out, I am already going to talk to someone else about the very same subject, and you're welcome to join us."
"The 'very same subject'? I doubt it!" Daphne snorted; then her eyes widened, "Unless... you're telling me I'm not your only -"
"Nope," Harry said. "Your father didn't tell you?"
Daphne huffed and shook her head. "Fine. Three-o-clock in the Entrance Hall. See you there."
Harry nodded. Without another word, Daphne walked off toward the Potions classroom. After allowing Daphne a bit of space between them, Harry and Hermione then headed toward the classroom. When they arrived, they looked around for a pair of empty seats. They soon realized that the only two vacant seats in the Gryffindor section were separate. Ron was sitting at one desk by himself, and Neville was sitting at another by himself.
When Harry saw Professor Tonks, he had an idea. He motioned for Hermione to follow him, and walked up to the new Potions Professor, who was writing on the chalkboard. She smiled when she saw him and Hermione.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger?" she asked; "Wait... do you want me to call you Mr. Potter, or Lord Potter?"
"Mr. Potter, ma'am," Harry said.
"Of course," Professor Tonks said, "Now how can I help you?"
"Did Professor McGonagall talk to you about our recent issues with Ron Weasley?" Harry asked.
"Ah, yes, she did fill me in," Professor Tonks said, "She told me, and my fellow staff, that Mr. Weasley was supposed to be separated from the two of you – with a fair bit of distance."
"Yes," Harry said, "And as you can see, he is sitting alone at a table. The only two free spots are at two different desks, which means -"
"One of you would have to sit with him if the situation continued," Professor Tonks said, nodding, "I had intentions to separate Gryffindors and Slytherins, but doing so would keep Mr. Weasley near the two of you."
She turned and looked around at the students. Then she smiled.
"Attention students," Professor Tonks said, "Before we begin, I have a couple of seating arrangement changes. Theodore Nott, please sit with Tracey Davis. Daphne Greengrass, will you please sit with Neville Longbottom? I believe your two families are in an Alliance. I think we can trust the pair of you to get along."
Daphne and Neville exchanged glances, and Daphne shrugged and nodded, then stood and crossed the room.
"Ronald Weasley," Professor Tonks said, "Please sit with Blaise Zabini."
"What?!" Ron squawked. "You expect me to sit with those Snakes?!"
"First Strike, Mr. Weasley!" Professor Tonks said loudly, but calmly, "That is a warning and twenty-five points from Gryffindor."
"For what?!" Ron demanded.
"Derogatory use of a House name," Professor Tonks said, still calmly, "Headmistress McGonagall clearly mentioned that last night during the Feast."
"Yeah," Ron said, "and I also remember that all House Points will be challenged at the end of every day. I guarantee this one won't stand. It is hardly fair!"
"Whether or not you're correct, that isn't the issue at this moment," Professor Tonks said, "I've asked you to sit with Mr. Zabini. Do as I say, Mr. Weasley, or I will be speaking with the Headmistress about this. I'm sure you don't want another strike."
Ron grumbled and stood. He picked up his knapsack, and walked over to the Slytherin side of the room. He sat down next to Zabini, and did his best to ignore the boy.
"Please be seated at the empty desk Mr. Potter, Miss Granger," Professor Tonks instructed.
Harry and Hermione thanked their new Potions Professor quietly, then walked over to the empty desk and sat down.
"Good morning, students," Professor Tonks said, "As you can see on the blackboard, my name is Andromeda Tonks. I am the new Hogwarts Potions Mistress, but the common term is 'Professor'. So I ask you to call me 'Professor', 'Professor Tonks', or 'ma'am. Allow me to tell you a bit about myself. For starters, I was a student in Slytherin several years ago. By the time my predecessor, Severus Snape, had entered Hogwarts, I had already finished my education and left Hogwarts to officially begin my new life. The summer after I left Hogwarts, I married a wonderful man by the name of Ted Tonks, and have been happily married to him ever since."
Across the classroom, Draco Malfoy scoffed loud enough that Harry could hear it. Professor Tonks stared at him with raised eyebrows, but said nothing. Draco, however, wilted slightly in his chair, looking less menacing then he had been a moment ago.
"About a month after my wedding," Professor Tonks continued, "I applied for the post of Potions Mistress at Brighton Auror Academy and was accepted. Now, I know only a year of teaching doesn't sound too impressive. I would have taught at the Academy for much longer, however, those plans were interrupted. However, it was a happy, wonderful interruption. I was pregnant with my daughter, Nymphadora. Yes, the same Nymphadora who is now an Apprentice Professor in the Transfiguration post.
"After some years of being a stay-at-home Mum, I applied for a job again. The job I applied for was the Potions post here at Hogwarts. However, Severus Snape was chosen instead. So I applied to be a Healer at St. Mungo's, in London, and was accepted. I've been a Healer all these years, until just very recently. But now I am at my dream job of being the Hogwarts Potions Professor. And here I am."
Professor Tonks smiled and allowed this information to settle in.
"My daughter, Nymphadora," she continued, "has been a student here at Hogwarts for the past seven years, finishing up just last June. At least once a week for seven years, I received a letter from my daughter with complaints about Severus Snape. However, while I love and trust my daughter to have told me the truth about Severus Snape when it came to teaching this class, I believe I will need a second opinion. Or rather... several second opinions.
"I want to hear your opinion – each and every one of you. I want to hear about Severus Snape. I want to hear about how he taught this class. I want to hear about what you learned. How did your classes go? Tell me about those practical lessons where you brewed Potions. Tell me about the lectures Severus Snape spoke about."
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances. When did Snape lecture them about Potions? Their silent reactions were shared from several students around the classroom. Professor Tonks noticed this.
"Whether it be praises about Severus Snape's teaching abilities," she continued, "Or whether it be rants and complaints. I want to hear it. Let me know what your curriculum has been like the past year and a half. Anything you felt was too complicated? What do you feel Severus Snape should have taught you? Let me hear it.
"No... no, scratch that. I don't want to hear it. I want to read it. That is your assignment today. By the end of class, I want an essay from each of you describing, in your own words, everything I just discussed. Any questions?"
"Is this for a grade?" Malfoy asked.
"Probably not," Professor Tonks said, "But it is mandatory anyway. Here is your chance to complain about Severus Snape. I'm sure you've all had complaints, most of which haven't been heard. My ears and eyes are open to you. Mr. Longbottom?"
Neville, who had raised his hand, lowered it. "Will – er – will we – uh – get in t-trouble for complaining about – um – Professor Snape?"
"Severus Snape is no longer your Professor, Mr. Longbottom," Professor Tonks said, "You don't need to call him that. In fact, at this moment, he is likely staring at the ceiling of his prison cell in Azkaban. Whatever you write down likely won't come close to the reasons he is sitting in Azkaban. So, no... you won't get in trouble for complaining about him. Any other questions? Mr. Nott?"
"How long does the assignment have to be?" Theodore Nott asked.
"That is completely your choice," Professor Tonks replied, "It could be six inches. It could be eighteen inches. It could be much longer. I am not interested in quantity, Mr. Nott. I'm interested in quality. Miss Granger?"
"What will you do with the information?" Hermione asked.
"For starters, I hope to create a curriculum from it for the rest of the term," Professor Tonks replied.
"You don't have a curriculum for us?" Malfoy asked. "Isn't that supposed to be part of your job – to create the curriculum? Yet you're asking us to do it for you?"
"I could follow my predecessor's curriculum, but something tells me it won't pass my approval," Professor Tonks replied. "I'm giving all of you a chance to create your own curriculum. Come on now! What do you want me to teach? In the past year and a half, what Potions have you been yearning to work on? Which ones were you hoping would be the next brew that Snape announced? And it just never happened!
"I also want to know how I can improve your lessons. How I can make them better? Headmistress McGonagall said it perfectly yesterday, when she spoke of every new Head of Hogwarts hoping to improve on what the past Head did. I am doing the same here. Hoping to improve on what my predecessor did. But I need your help to tell me exactly he did. Enough questions. Take out writing material. I am eager to read everything you have to say! When you're finished, you may relax and talk to your neighbors around you. But only if they've finished their assignment, and you may not move elsewhere to do so."
At once, the Gryffindor and Slytherin second years retrieved writing material from their belongings and started writing the assignment. Of the hour-and-half of time remaining in class, it took well over an hour for Harry and Hermione to finish their assignments. By the time he had finished, Harry had written nearly eighteen inches worth of a rant about Severus Snape, his lessons, his teaching style, and his curriculum. Hermione, however, had written nearly twice that length! Harry was quite surprised, but also impressed. Was she simply being descriptive with what she had to say? Or did she have to say much more than he had. He wasn't sure, because he was quite sure he had said quite a lot about Severus Snape.
There was about twenty minutes left in class after Harry and Hermione handed in their assignments. Professor Tonks simply smiled, and gave them permission to talk quietly amongst themselves.
"You certainly wrote plenty," Harry commented, as he and Hermione sat down, "I wrote a good amount, but yours was nearly twice as long! Exactly how much ranting about Severus Snape did you do?"
"I don't rant!" Hermione huffed.
Harry raised his eyebrows as he looked at her.
Hermione sighed. "Fine. About half of it was – as you called it – ranting. Even though it wasn't ranting. Because I don't rant. The rest of it was suggestions for Potions to brew. Can you imagine the types of medical and health Potions we could make, even at a second-year level? How many of those potions could be simple to brew, but could be quite helpful! Professor Tonks could spend the whole term on that subject alone!"
"So you suggested medical potions?" Harry asked.
"Among other types," Hermione admitted. "Really, when you think about what Snape's curriculum was, it was just silly! Half of the class failed half of those assignments because they belong in lessons meant for maybe third or fourth-year levels! And yet he made us brew them during our first and second years. Although, I imagine we'd do a lot better at some of those assignments if he had dedicated more time to lectures!"
"Lectures are boring, though," Harry said.
"You're basing that on the droll that Binns talks about," Hermione said, with a small smile, "Potion lectures could be really, really useful and important! Especially if they're guides to help us with Potion brewing. I'm sure half of Professor Tonks' lessons will be lectures, given that is something she mentioned."
Harry simply nodded, finding no arguments on that.
With about a minute left in class, Professor Tonks stood and gathered everyone's attention.
"Today's class is about to end," she said, "There are a few of you who have not turned in your assignments. If you would turn them in now. I will read all of your essays, and we will spend our next class discussing everything you have written."
Those students, including Ron, who hadn't turned in their assignments yet stood and walked up to Professor Tonks' desk. When the bell ended, Harry and Hermione already had their knapsacks on their shoulder, and left as soon as they were excused.
"So what did you think?" Hermione asked Harry, as they headed in the direction of the Entrance Hall.
"That was by far the best Potions lesson we've ever had," Harry said, "And Professor Tonks hasn't even taught us anything yet."
Hermione laughed. "I very much look forward to when it comes time for a proper class. But, yes, I heartily agree. Transfiguration's next. So I suppose we'll get to see how Remus teaches."
"And perhaps Dora, as well," Harry said, "Outside of Metamorph lessons, I mean. However, something tells me we might have a similar lesson to the one Professor Tonks conducted."
"Essays on class lessons, teacher behavior, and the curriculum?" Hermione suggested.
"Yes," Harry said, nodding. "I have a good feeling there will be less ranting in this essay on my end, however."
Hermione chuckled, and once again agreed with her boyfriend. Ten minutes later, the young couple stepped into the Transfiguration classroom. Knowing that Ron wouldn't likely sit anywhere near the front row, Harry and Hermione chose to sit at two neighboring desks at the front row. Parvati and Padma Patil sat behind them in neighboring desks.
"Lord Potter," Padma said in a low voice.
Harry turned around in his chair and looked at Padma. "What's with the formal greeting, Padma?"
"Sorry," Padma said, blushing, "Father's instructions. I'm to address you as such unless you tell me differently."
"Well, I'm telling you differently," Harry said, "You can call me Harry."
"Thank you, Harry," Padma said, smiling, "We'll both be in the Great Hall at three-o-clock."
"I should warn you," Harry said, in a voice just as low, "we won't be alone. Daphne Greengrass will be joining us."
Padma raised one eyebrow, but then she simply nodded. "My father informed me that she was also involved in the... arrangement we're involved in."
Harry merely nodded, knowing Padma didn't want to use the word 'betrothal' in front of the rest of their fellow students.
"Daphne will join us to discuss the arrangements as well," he said.
"I look forward to it," Padma said.
Harry smiled. He glanced at Parvati, who was simply looking at him, with the appearance that she was deeply in thought. Harry then saw Ron walk into the room. Ron looked at him for merely a moment, before glaring at him. Harry glared back, and Ron's expression wilted. He looked away from Harry, and sat down at the back row of desks, next to Seamus and Dean. Harry turned back in his seat. Remus was writing his and Dora's names on the blackboard. Dora was sitting in a chair beside Remus' desk. When she saw Harry looking at her, she winked at him. He smiled and nodded as a greeting.
"Apprentice Professor Tonks," Professor Lupin said, "Would you please take roll-call so we can get to know everyone's names here, and make sure there is no truants?"
"Yes, Professor," Dora said.
Dora stood, grabbed a clipboard and quill from Remus' desk. She spent the next couple of minutes calling everyone's name. When their name was called, the student simply said 'here', as they usually had done with Headmistress McGonagall. By the time Dora was done, Remus was sitting on the front edge of his desk. As Dora sat back down after finishing, Remus thanked her and turned to his students, smiling at them.
"Good morning, students," Remus said, "My name is Remus Lupin, but you may call me 'Professor Lupin', 'Professor', or 'sir' whilst in class. My colleague is Apprentice Professor Nymphadora Tonks. Such a term is quite a mouthful, so she has given you permission to call her 'Dora'. During most of the lessons, it will myself who will be in charge. However, if there are ever days when I am ill, Dora will be my substitute.
"I see we have Gryffindors and Ravenclaws here in this class. Because Headmistress McGonagall has also given me the honor of making me the Head of Gryffindor, I suppose it might be redundant to say that I was a Gryffindor while a student here. But it might also interest some of you to know that the Sorting Hat considered placing me in Ravenclaw. So judging on houses alone, I think we'll get along quite nicely, won't we?"
Remus smiled when several of the students, including Harry and Hermione chuckled.
"Much of the past decade or so," Remus said, "I've done my fair share of teaching students. Some which were your age, and some much younger – far younger than Hogwarts allows. The first half of my teaching career, I taught at various Muggle primary schools, and one secondary school. Obviously I wasn't teaching any magical subjects, but my experience as a teacher was important. I then moved on to tutoring students, both Muggle and magical. While I have no official history of teaching Transfiguration, Headmistress McGonagall hired me because she knows from personal experience that I have much knowledge in the subject. She should know, because she was my Professor, of course."
Remus let that information settle, then turned to Dora. "Dora, would you like to formally introduce yourself to the class?"
"Yes, Professor," Dora said, then turned to the class, "As Professor Lupin said, you may call me 'Dora'. I'm not a big fan of my full first name, and I'd likely hex you if you call me it."
Remus cleared his throat. Dora merely grinned and winked at the class, which made the students chuckle.
"Your new Potions Mistress, Professor Tonks, is my mother," Dora said, "Last June, I completed my seven years of education here. I had three dreams after I left this place. The first was to take a well-deserved holiday to some nice locations around the world. I did that, and had lots of fun. The other two dreams had to do with my career. I wanted to be either an Auror or a Professor. I figure neither job has to be exclusive. I could be a Professor, then an Auror, or vice-versa. When Headmistress McGonagall offered me the Apprentice post, I heartily accepted. Obviously, unlike Professor Lupin, I have little to no teaching experience. But that is what being an Apprentice is for. I'm here to learn, just like all of you. But for me, I am learning to be a Professor.
"As Professor Lupin said, you may find that I could be your substitute from time to time. If that comes up, then I'm sure we'll have loads of fun. And as I hinted during the feast, I'll show you some cool things about myself. I am a Metamorphmagus."
Dora changed her nose into a pig snout, and turned her hair an assortment of colors. This made most of the students laugh and applaud. Dora grinned, then returned to her former appearance.
"During one of those days I'm a substitute," Dora said, "I'll teach you all about Metamorphmagi. For now, I turn the floor back to Professor Lupin."
"Thank you, Dora," Remus said, "For our first class, you're going to have a fairly easy assignment. You see, I need a bit of help with my curriculum for this term. And that is where you come in..."
Harry and Hermione exchanged smiles. They both knew they were right with their predictions. Much like Professor Tonks in Potions, Remus had given them basically the same assignment. An essay in which they had to describe Professor McGonagall's lessons, her teaching style, the curriculum they had learned over the past year and a half, and what they wanted to learn over the next term. Once again, Harry and Hermione were finished with their assignments in about an hour. Dora happily collected their assignments when they were finished, and left them to their own devices.
Monday, January 4th, 1993 – Afternoon
During lunch, there were, once again, little reaction to Hermione's Neko appearance. There were murmurs, whispers and stares amongst students, but nothing that reached Harry's ears. Hermione might have heard some of it, due to her enhanced hearing abilities, but she made no mention or reaction if she had. None were directed at her, so they weren't too troubling. Harry had not done anything to show off his abilities since the Feast the previous evening, so there was very little discussion about him being a Metamorphmagus. He wondered if most of the student body had forgotten, instead focusing on Hermione's new lifestyle. But he didn't think himself that lucky.
The only real interesting thing about lunch was that Ron had attempted to sit in the vicinity near Harry and Hermione. However, Headmistress McGonagall was having lunch at the same time, and had instructed Ron to sit with the first years instead, who were also there for lunch. Ron was fuming through lunch, and doing everything he could to avoid talking to the first years, though Colin seemed intent on striking up conversation with him. Harry hadn't thought Ron had ever eaten lunch so fast before leaving the Great Hall with still half-an-hour to go before the next lesson.
The third and final lesson of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts with the Hufflepuffs. The very start of class turned out to be interesting for Harry before class had even started. Susan Bones had placed a strip of parchment on his desk before walking off to join her fellow Hufflepuffs. Harry picked up the strip of parchment and read it.
Lord Potter,
Please meet Hannah Abbot and myself after Defense class. We would like to speak to you about something very important.
Susan Bones
Harry showed the letter to Hermione, before pocketing it.
"What do you think?" he asked her in a low voice.
"Didn't you tell me both Susan and Hannah are from Houses that are allied with yours?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, "They're part of the Great Alliance."
"Maybe it has to do with that," Hermione said, "Class ends at half-past-two. As long as the conversation is short, we'll have time to get to the Entrance Hall to meet Daphne and the Patils at three. Even if we have to talk with them en route to the Entrance Hall."
Harry nodded, and was about to reply, when the door at the front end of the room opened. Having had been in the adjoining room earlier that year for a detention, Harry knew that it was the Defense Professor's office. Professor Lockhart stepped out from his office and moved in front of his desk.
"No need to take any of your books out today, students," Lockhart said, "What I will be teaching you over the next few classes has nothing to do with any of my books. Yet! I simply haven't gotten around to writing the book. So you're getting quite the privilege here. I am thrilled to announce that your lesson for the next couple of weeks will be on the subject of Nekos!"
Lockhart smiled in Hermione's direction, showing off his blinding white teeth. A few of the students around the classroom snickered, though Harry wasn't sure whether or not they were snickering at Hermione or Lockhart.
"As Headmistress McGonagall explained last night at the wondrous Feast," Lockhart continued, "Our dear Miss Hermione Granger here is now a Neko. Headmistress McGonagall informed me that Miss Granger's predicament was caused by an unfortunate accident. She has asked me not to provide the details of the accident, however. She fears that innocent students could tragically fall victim to Miss Granger's predicament. I happen to agree with her. I also happen to agree with another message the Headmistress asked me to pass along. Please do not harass Miss Granger about how she wound up becoming the Neko you see before you. Though she is a brilliant student, Miss Granger is not your teacher. It is up to Magical Me, Gilderoy Lockhart, to teach you all about the fascinating Neko!"
An hour later, Harry followed a fuming Hermione out of the DADA class. Her cat-ears were flattened against her hair, and her tail was slapping the floor, while it fluttered around angrily.
"Hermione," Harry said.
"Can't believe him," Hermione growled. "Nothing he said was even close to information I read in my book-"
"Hermione," Harry tried again.
"It is almost as if he made everything up!" Hermione muttered, "Fiction! That was utter fiction! I wonder how many of his other books are also fiction!"
"Hermione!" Harry said loudly.
"WHAT?!" Hermione growled out with a hiss.
"Susan and Hannah are waiting for us," Harry said, nodding to the two Hufflepuff girls who were standing nearby looking at Hermione.
He decided it was not prudent to also mention the rest of their classmates who were also looking at Hermione. They were either staring at her flattened cat-ears, or her tail which was expressing her anger as much as her words. Harry sighed, knowing news of Hermione's behavior would be all over the castle by dinner.
Hermione's ears slowly returned to normal and her tail stopped moving. She seemed to realize nearly all of their classmates were staring at them.
"Get a move on, everyone," Susan said, "It is impolite to stare."
Ron glared at Harry and Hermione as he gave them a wide berth and followed most of their classmates down the corridor. Only Susan, Hannah, and Parvati remained behind.
"You're still planning to meet with my sister and I, right?" Parvati asked Harry.
"Of course," Harry said, "Three-o-clock in the Entrance Hall. We'll be there."
"I'll go find my sister then," Parvati said.
Parvati smiled then walked off. Susan gazed at her curiously, before she looked back at Harry.
"It seems you're rather busy today, Harry," Susan said, "Our conversation can wait."
"No, it is alright," Harry said, "If we walk while we talk, Hermione and I won't be late for our other meeting. We'll probably be early in fact."
"Okay," Susan said, "Um... before we begin. Are you alright, Hermione?"
Hermione glared toward the direction of the Defense Classroom. "I'm starting to doubt everything I know about Gilderoy Lockhart. Everything he talked about Nekos in there was... well, fiction!"
"Are you sure?" Hannah asked, as the four students began walking off down the corridor.
"I've spent the last few days reading a factual book on Nekos to familiarize myself with my new lifestyle," Hermione said, "Everything Lockhart told us went against what the book said. Remember how he talked about how he spent a week at a Neko colony so he could research them for a new book?"
"Yeah," Susan said.
"Only a select few humans are welcome inside Neko colonies," Hermione said. "The only humans allowed are those involved in serious romantic relationships with one of the Nekos who lived there. If Lockhart visited to research a book..."
"Maybe they allowed him inside because he's a famous author?" Hannah suggested.
"Or he had a Neko girlfriend," Susan said, grinning.
"I highly doubt it is the latter," Hermione said, "He would have mentioned it. Also, most Nekos mate for life. As for the former, they wouldn't have allowed him inside. Neko colonies are very private. Also most humans aren't allowed in fear that they'd try to harm the young Nekos. Young Nekos – those even younger than me – have a history of being kidnapped by humans for... disgusting purposes. Lockhart would have been turned away immediately, and if he refused, he would have been seriously maimed and injured, if not killed. Yet he says he spent a week in a Neko colony. It is just unheard of!"
"That's just one point he made," Hannah said, "What about the other topics?"
"If everything he said is true, then the book I read is fiction!" Hermione said, "Which is impossible, because I've already been experiencing things mentioned in the book. If Lockhart's story is fiction... then..."
"It makes you wonder how many of the actual books he has written are fiction," Harry said.
"Yes," Hermione said, "I need to read those books again and really pay attention to details. It will give me something to do for Defense class instead of that stupid piece of homework he gave."
"You're not doing the assignment?" Harry asked, shocked.
"I'm not going to write fiction!" Hermione growled, her ears flattening again.
Harry merely gave her an apologetic expression. He realized he needed to change the subject.
"So... what did you want to talk to us about, Susan, Hannah?" he asked the Hufflepuffs.
Susan and Hannah looked at each other. After they appeared to have a silent conversation amongst themselves, Susan sighed and looked back at Harry.
"We wanted to apologize," Susan said.
"Apologize?" Harry echoed.
"I'm sure you remember what happened during the first meeting of Lockhart's Dueling Club," Susan said, "You spoke Parseltongue to that snake Malfoy summoned during your duel with him. Everyone thought you had ordered the snake to attack Justin Finch-Fletchley. And then soon after, Justin was Petrified. So everyone thought you were the Heir of Slytherin."
"Finch-Fletchley's attack was just the icing on the cake," Hannah said, ""Everyone knows that Slytherin was a Parselmouth, so of course when they heard you speak it, Harry, they decided you were Slytherin's Heir. By the time we got back to the Hufflepuff Common Room that day, everyone had been talking about how you're the Heir of Slytherin."
"Hannah and I didn't know what to believe," Susan said, "We were being very cautious because – well – our families are in an Alliance with yours. But after Justin got attacked, Ernie MacMillan – his family is also part of the Great Alliance – he cornered the both of us, and convinced us that you were behind it all."
"He – um – also told us," Hannah said, slowly, then hesitated and exhaled, "he told us that if you were this Dark wizard who had opened the Chamber of Secrets, then obviously you had betrayed your Grandfather's Great Alliance, and that we should just inform our families and withdraw our Houses from the Alliance."
"He backed it up," Susan said, "with saying you had done nothing to cement your part in the Great Alliance since you came to Hogwarts."
"That's not my fault!" Harry exclaimed, "I knew nothing about the Great Alliance until I was told during Christmas Break!"
"Yeah," Hermione said, "Why didn't one of the Children of the Great Alliance confront Harry and talk to him about it. It would have been known then."
Susan and Hannah looked at each other in surprise.
"Wish we would have known about it," Susan said, "We could have told you, Harry! Anyway... um... last night, before she left Hogwarts, Auntie Amelia visited me in the Hufflepuff Common Room. She told me that she had discovered the culprit behind the Chamber of Secrets. She wouldn't tell me who it was, but she promised me it wasn't you. Then she told me that I needed to apologize to you."
"It sounds more serious than just a simple apology, Susan," Hermione said.
"It is," Susan said, "It really, truly is. Harry's Grandfather, Charlus Potter – he founded the Great Alliance. He was responsible for bringing in the Houses of Bones, Abbot, and all the other Houses. The Great Alliance is famous for being the most powerful Light Alliance in the Wizengamot in centuries. Falsely accusing the Heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter of being a Dark wizard..."
Susan shuddered and looked at Harry. "By all rights, you should expel our Houses from the Great Alliance. Hannah and I did nothing to defend you. And Ernie MacMillan was outright accusing you of being a Dark wizard, showing no remorse."
"We could say we're sorry, Harry," Hannah said, "But we both know it may not be enough."
As they neared the Grand Staircase, Harry debated what he should do. Then he decided.
"I'm not going to make a decision today," Harry said, "I'm not going to accept, or reject, your apologies."
"Harry," Hermione said, disapprovingly.
"How many Children of the Great Alliance are in Hogwarts at this moment in time?" Harry asked.
"At least one child from every House in the Great Alliance is currently in Hogwarts," Susan said. "Coincidentally most of us are second-year students. Then there is Luna Lovegood, who is a first year."
Harry nodded. "I'm calling for a meeting next weekend between all present members of the Children of the Great Alliance. I don't know whether it will be Saturday or Sunday, nor what time it will be at. I'll figure that out by the end of the week. We'll have an official meeting. Issues can be voiced, and decisions can be made. When I make up my mind for the exact time of the meeting, I'll try to pass along the message to everyone."
"I like that idea," Susan said, approvingly. "Alright. We'll await your decision until this weekend."
Hannah agreed. The pair of Hufflepuffs said farewell then walked off. Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione descended the Grand Staircase toward the Entrance Hall.
"You should have immediately accepted their apologies, Harry," Hermione said, frowning.
"No, I don't think so, Hermione," Harry said, "It would have been very unprofessional. I am now Lord Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. I am the sole remaining member of the House of Potter, the founding family of the Great Alliance. The Great Alliance is my Grandfather's legacy. Immediately accepting apologies from two of my allies who continuously bad-mouthed me – it is not a decision to be made immediately."
Hermione made no reply, and simply looked deep in thought. She was silent as they entered the Entrance Hall. Daphne Greengrass and the Patils were already waiting for them. After some quick greetings, Harry and Hermione lead them back up the Grand Staircase toward the fourth floor.
"You didn't bring your trunk with you?" Harry asked Padma, as they ascended the staircase.
"Of course I did," Padma said, "It is a Shrinking Trunk. Daddy's Christmas present this year. He bought two for Parvati and I."
"Aw, I'm jealous!" Daphne said, "I would love a Shrinking Trunk. Would make carrying the damn thing around so much easier. But why did you bring your trunk with you, Padma?"
"All will be explained shortly," Harry said, "It isn't proper discussion when there could be eavesdroppers at any turn."
Daphne merely nodded and said nothing. Soon, they were all standing in front of the large Griffin statute.
"Hello, handsome," Harry said, "Padma Patil is now a resident of these Quarters. Would you please create a third bedroom? Also, please allow Parvati Patil and Daphne Greengrass entrance. Consider their permission permanent unless otherwise stated."
The Griffin nodded, and side-stepped.
"Did you just call that statute 'handsome', Harry?" Parvati asked, with a light giggle.
"Long story," Harry said, as he led the girls up the stairs, "Let's just say I'm not responsible for that. Anyway, you all now have permission into my Quarters. I wouldn't advise trying to get around the Griffin if you didn't have permission. Nobody has tried to do that yet, and I'm not looking forward to the first attempt."
"If the statute is anything like its real counterpart," Padma said, "I can't blame you."
"Me either," Daphne muttered, "Did I hear that correctly? Did you just say Padma is now a resident of these Quarters?
"All will be explained shortly," Harry echoed what he had said minutes ago; they stepped into the Common Room of the Quarters. "Welcome to the Lord's Quarters – home of myself, Hermione, and now Padma. This is the Common Room, or I suppose 'sitting room' might also be appropriate. There is only one bathroom right now, though I suppose that could change if it becomes necessary. There are now three bedrooms. There's mine, and there's Hermione's..."
He gave a mischievous grin as he looked at Hermione, who rolled her yellow eyes. Then he noticed a new door he hadn't seen before, and pointed to it.
"And I assume that is your new bedroom, Padma," Harry said, "It was literally just created, so I can't tell you anything about it."
"Just created?" Parvati asked, "As in the Griffin statue created it?"
"I suppose the magic surrounding Hogwarts created it," Hermione said, "And the Griffin is just the representative for this room."
"Sit down everyone," Harry said, "It appears we have much to discuss."
Harry and Hermione sat down on one sofa, while the Patil twins took the other sofa. Daphne sat down in one of the chairs.
"Where to begin?" Harry asked, though mostly to himself, "Well, I suppose it begins with my recent visit, during Christmas Break, to Gringotts, where I met my Account Manager and Vault Keeper – the same Goblin has both jobs – for the first time."
"You only met your Family's Account Manager for the first time recently?" Daphne asked, "Good Merlin, Harry. Daddy introduced me to our Family's Account Manager when I was seven. I know you didn't return to the our society until you were eleven, but – well – are you telling me you didn't visit Gringotts until last week."
"I visited Gringotts for the first time on my eleventh birthday," Harry said, "However, I did not meet my Account Manager. It appears it was just a random Goblin who led me to my Trust Vault. When my Account Manager found out, he was pretty upset. I should have met him on my eleventh birthday, but apparently there were powers working against me. So yes, I just met him during Christmas Break. By the time that meeting ended, I had discovered several things.
"First there was my parents' Final Will and Testament which should have been opened over a decade ago. That led to the revelation that Sirius Black wasn't responsible for betraying my parents. It also led to me being Emancipated, which was my parents' wishes. This led me to receiving an Inheritance and Blood Test. And that is where I found I am Lord and Head of two Houses, and Second-in-line to another."
"A possibility of three Houses," Daphne said, "Three separate bloodlines to continue, which would lead to you having to marry more than one witch. Earlier today, you hinted to the fact that you were Betrothed to more than one girl. I know I am one, and..."
She glanced at Padma. "I'm assuming Padma is the other?"
"One of the others," Harry said, "I'm also betrothed to Gabrielle Delacour."
"Three contracts?!" Daphne asked, shocked. "What was your father thinking?"
"From what I've discovered recently," Harry said, "He wanted more children than just me."
Daphne nodded. "So he made contracts with more than one House. And when your parents died -"
"I inherited all three," Harry said, "Correct. Once I was given the title of Lord Potter, all three contracts became active. I was informed of them by my Account Manager, and the notifications of the Contracts were sent to the parents of my Betrothed."
Daphne nodded again. "Daddy told me he received a letter about the Betrothal Contract. That was day he told me I was Betrothed to you. Ever since I was seven, I knew it was possible I was Betrothed to somebody. I just didn't know it was you. Daddy said he would exchange letters back and forth."
"Basically the same for me," Padma said, "Mum and Daddy taught us about Betrothal Contracts when it came to House customs. But they never made any indication that one of us was part of a Betrothal Contract. At least not until the end of December. That was an interesting conversation."
Padma looked at Parvati as she said the last sentence. Parvati frowned and looked at her folded hands in her lap.
"I wasn't very happy when Daddy told us about the Betrothal Contract," she said. "You see, Padma is technically the older sister between us. She was born before first you see. So that made her the eldest daughter. I thought that was so unfair. I mean – you're a Gryffindor, Harry. I'm a Gryffindor! Why wasn't it me?"
Harry blinked. "Did you want to be Betrothed to me?"
Parvati stammered for a moment, before clearing her throat. "I suppose it wouldn't have mattered if it was you or one of the other boys who are Children of the Great Alliance. Padma and I... we grew up with the idea that when we became the proper age, we would be married off to a highborn Indian man ten years older than us, if not twice our age."
"Why would you believe that?" Hermione asked.
"Tradition," Padma said. "Our father is ten years older than our mother. Our mother was barely seventeen when she married Daddy, and became pregnant. She was barely eighteen when we were born. Our mother's sister is the youngest of seven wives, married to a highborn man in India. So we believed we were destined for the same fate."
"Daddy only penned one Betrothal Contract," Parvati said. "A Contract with your father. The House of Patil is a Minor House. The Contract was only made with the hope that a marriage – between a daughter of the Patil House, and the grandchild of the Founder of the Great Alliance – would elevate our House. Unfortunately, because there is only one Contract made, the other daughter – me – is destined to marry a man who already has other wives, because I'm responsible with bringing forth the next generation of my House. That isn't exactly the kind of life I dreamed of."
Parvati sighed and frowned, as she looked at her sister. "I threw such a fit when I realized Padma was Betrothed to you. Like I said – I know you better than she does. We're both Gryffindors! I was being so ridiculous. The contract was made when we were all in nappies! Daddy wouldn't have known if you'd be in the same Hogwarts House as one of us. He decided Padma, because she's technically the older daughter."
"Which is understandable because it is the proper procedure when it comes to penning Betrothal Contracts," Daphne said.
"Exactly," Parvati said.
"So that explains what your father meant when he said you were upset," Harry said.
"He told you that?" Parvati asked; she blushed and huffed. "Of course he did. He's so... infuriating sometimes! I'm not Betrothed to you. Why is my problems your problems?!"
"If – when Padma marries Harry," Daphne said, "You'll still be considered Harry's family. You'll be his sister-in-law."
Unexpectedly, Parvati glared at Daphne.
"Where did you say your bathroom was?" Parvati asked.
Harry pointed a thumb in the direction of the bathroom. Parvati nodded, and as she stood, Harry noticed her eyes were rather misty. Harry frowned as he watched her walk away, then he turned back to Padma.
"What's wrong with her?" Harry asked.
Padma sighed. "It is a very long story. One that I'm... not exactly comfortable talking about right now."
"Alright," Harry nodded, "Whenever you feel comfortable to tell me, I'll listen."
Padma smiled weakly. "Thanks, Harry."
"Okay," Daphne said, "So as I understand it, Padma is one of your Betrothed. I get that. But now it appears she is moving in here with you. She brought her belongings with her, and you told that statue create a third bedroom. What's that all about?"
"That would be due to my father," Padma said. "He's got some really... medieval beliefs about marriage. Because I'm Betrothed to Harry, I cannot be involved with any other boy. I can't have a boyfriend, nor can I even have a date with another boy aside from Harry. If a boy behaves anything other than as a friend toward me, I'm not only supposed to inform my father about it, but I have to immediately report it to Harry."
"He's protecting your virtue, isn't he?" Daphne said, with a snort. "Blushing virgin bride on your wedding day?"
Padma blushed. "Not exactly. I'm just not allowed to date other boys in case of accidentally becoming pregnant with a Heir not belonging to Harry. Daddy... doesn't exactly care about blushing virgin bride, just that I'm... not in that type of relationship with anyone but Harry."
"He gave you an open invitation to have a sexual relationship with Harry before your wedding?" Daphne asked.
Padma blushed and nodded shyly. "Yes. And that is all I'm comfortable with saying. I – um – I need to see how my sister is doing."
A couple weeks ago, Harry would have been a stammering, blushing mess at the thought of Padma's father giving his daughter open permission for a sexual relationship with her Betrothed. But now that he was having a sexual relationship with Hermione, it had changed his outlook on such things. Of course, it wasn't as if he was expecting to jump in bed with Padma that night... but in the distant future if it became an option before their wedding...
He shook himself from those thoughts, only realizing then he had been staring at Padma, as she made her way toward the bathroom. He suddenly felt really stupid for thinking about that. He was having a wonderful time experiencing such passionate times with Hermione, and now he was thinking of another woman – no matter whether or not she was his promised future wife – just because she was insinuating sex before marriage was allowed? That made Harry felt dirty... as if he needed to get down on his knees and apologize to Hermione for thinking of such things.
"Huh," Daphne said, "I believe I might actually be jealous."
Daphne's unexpected statement broke Harry from his thoughts. "Huh?"
"One of your Betrothed gets to live with you – at least while you're at Hogwarts – for the next five-and-a-half years," Daphne said. "And I'm Betrothed to you, and I'm still sleeping in my dormitory, and Daddy didn't even give me another option! Harry, I hope you don't mind me asking. But I need to ask before I do anything else. Would you give me permission to make my residence here too, if my father gave me permission?"
"Hold on, Harry," Hermione said, "Something tells me you have other reasons than just jealousy."
Daphne huffed. "You're too smart for your own good, Granger."
"Hermione," Harry immediately said, "You'll call her by her first name. I don't like when someone only calls us by our last names. It feels like an insult or something."
Daphne unexpectedly blushed. "Sorry. Old habits. But that is exactly what I'm talking about, Harry. I'm a Slytherin. You're not only a Gryffindor, you're the Gryffindor Golden Boy. I'm supposed to look down on you, like the rest of the Slytherins do. When they discover I'm Betrothed to you..."
She shuddered. "No. I need to move here before that happens. I won't be welcome back in the Slytherin Common Room or dormitories when it is discovered."
Harry nodded. "I guess I can understand that. Alright, Daphne. If your father gives you permission, than so do I. In fact, I will also write a letter to your father, to formally invite you to live here."
Daphne smiled. "Thank you, Harry."
"You're welcome," Harry said, "I'd give you the official tour but I think we should wait until Padma and Parvati return. I wonder what's wrong with Parvati."
"Girl issues most likely," Daphne snorted. "You could never hope to understand that."
Hermione laughed. "Actually you might be surprised to find that maybe he could."
Daphne only raised her eyebrows in wonder as both Harry and Hermione started laughing out loud.
A very long chapter finally finished! In fact it is the longest of this story! Over 9000 words!
Harry's meeting with the girls isn't over. It will continue next chapter, however it won't be the start of the next chapter. Next chapter, we go back in time slightly to earlier the same morning, when Amelia Bones and a team confronts Lucius Malfoy. Then Amelia interrogates Peter Pettigrew. Then we return to Hogwarts with a discussion between the Patil twins, the end of the discussion with the girls and Harry... and Harry and Hermione talk with McGonagall about the subject revealed at the end of Chapter 35. Yep. It will probably be another long chapter.
I feel like I need to apologize for the Defense class scene in this chapter. I know many readers were likely looking forward to Lockhart teaching about Nekos. But when I got to that scene, I couldn't figure out a lot to write about it. What could Lockhart teach that I could make up and be fictitious? I wasn't sure. So I just summarized it with Hermione's rant at the end. Just know that it was a pretty bad lesson. Also, there may be questions about the mentioned "Neko Colonies". Yes, it is possible Harry and Hermione could visit a Neko Colony at some point in this story. But it won't happen for quite a while.
So much happened in this chapter. I very much hope you liked it!