35 By Right of Conquest 5
Disclaimer: See By Right of Conquest Chapter 1
From Chapter 4: It was time to relax while learning and doing some training. Their summer looked promising but unfortunately tomorrow they would lay Padfoot to rest.
Chapter 5 - Summer Time Part 1
Hogwarts
At dinner that evening, Harry waved for Neville to join him and put up privacy wards around the five of them.
"Neville, I asked Ragnok to tell your grandmother that I thought that you both need checked out by goblin healers. Dumbledore made fast and loose with memory modification charms and some others that were damaging. I also think you should get your wand checked. I'm not that sensitive to magic but can feel yours at times, but it feels off. It's almost as if it's being stifled. We know for a fact that the wand must match the wizard or witch. You may have a better match in your family vault, but it's doubtful a parent's wand will be a good match. You're not your father or mother but a combination of both and their ancestors. I also think it would be good to have the Goblins check out your parents." Harry said and sipped his pumpkin juice.
"Neville the Cruciatus curse does leave a person's minds muddled, but the worst case is only a matter of hours, not years. Call me paranoid if you want, but I don't trust Dumbledore or Snape. You've lost nothing by having them checked, as it will be paid out of Voldemort's vault. On the other hand, you may have something to gain. My mother was your godmother, and yours was mine. I thought you should know this Neville." Harry said hoping Neville would take it to heart.
"Thanks Harry, I hate to think you're right about my parents and Dumbledore, but it would explain a lot of things. Gran thought it would be good for me to use Dad's wand, and I agreed. However, I will have it checked. I do better casting when I practice alone than when I'm in class around others." Neville replied.
"Neville you need self-confidence, if you don't believe in yourself, how can others believe in you?" Harry asked, and saw Neville's nod in acceptance. Harry hoped to gain a new friend the next school year.
Harry dropped the wards as Minerva stood.
"Next term the Hogwarts Express will leave Platform 9 3/4 at 09:30 on 27 Aug. It will leave Plymouth at 0730h and Southampton at 08:30. From London, it will travel to Leeds and leave there at 10:30 for Edinburgh. It will depart from Edinburgh at noon for Aberdeen and will depart there at 14:00 for Hogsmeade. The 28th and 29th will be used for orientation and meeting our new Professors. It will also give those who want a chance to skip forward a class year time to test out of their current year. This may be done by subject, so you may end up in 3rd year Transfiguration and 4th year Potions." Minerva told the shocked students and sat back down.
Harry and his girls said good-bye to the twins and a few others before approaching the head table. He handed Minerva an envelope and said they would see the staff in August then they said good-bye and disappeared.
"Headmistress I thought you couldn't disapparate from Hogwarts," Percy Weasley yelled.
"Two things Mr. Weasley, first they didn't apparate, and second it's the Owners privilege."
Besides those two points, the fact is that I would allow it. However, I have made some changes to His Grace's statement earlier about attitude. If you are found unworthy to attend the new Hogwarts, you will not be able to board the Express or enter the school grounds if you travel by another method. The owners and I will not train future terrorists. As I have spoken so shall it be.
Minerva wondered how many students would be returning and a voice in her head told her, less upper years than you expect but many more first years. You will be flooded with letters asking for transfers to Hogwarts, if not this coming year it will happen the next one. While His Grace asked for at least two professors per class, you will be better served to hire three. Minerva McGonagall visibly relaxed.
000-000
Harry and the girls appeared at the Grangers back door followed by Dora. Hermione led them inside. Luna ran to Xeno, and they hugged. Xeno handed each of them a copy of the Quibbler, which would be delivered the next morning after they sat down. Harry laughed at the front-page picture of him. It showed him holding the sword as if he was stabbing Sally. The headlines read:
Lord Harry James Potter takes the mantel of Head of the Most Ancient Noble Houses of Potter, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Peverell, and Black
List of titles and explanation of peerage page 3
Lord Potter Soul Bonded to Three Witches
The former Hermione Jean Granger, Luna Marie Lovegood, and Fleur Marie Delacour
Backgrounds of Potters page 4
Lord Potter kills 68 foot Basilisk with Sword of Gryffindor
Additional pictures and story page 2
Lord Potter Declared Goblin Friend and Prince by King Ragnok
Story page 5
Lord Potter and Wives Owners of Hogwarts
Story page 6
Dumbledore, Fudge, Snape, and Umbridge Arrested
Story page 7
Lucius Malfoy Arrested, Marriage Annulled, Son Declared Bastard
Story page 8
Madam Bones Declared Minister, Madam Longbottom Declared Chief Witch
Story page 9
"Pumpkin I hate to do this, but I need to go back to make sure the two elves I hired have the press running correctly. I'm printing an extra thousand copies but don't think that will be enough."
"I understand Dad. You'll still join us in France right?" Luna said not able to hide her disappointment.
"Of course I will pumpkin," Xeno said and hugged her then kissed her forehead. He hugged Hermione and Fleur then disapparated from the back garden.
Harry put Luna on his lap. Hermione was on his right and Fleur on his left as they confirmed their plans for their trip. They knew it would be interrupted by trials and other meetings but between portals and popping, they wouldn't be away overnight. They were amazed to find out that although Gringotts had banks all over the world the vaults were all at one secret location. As Goblin Friends, they could enter a bank in Singapore and walk out of the London bank.
Dobby came to Harry wearing a sad face Harry asked, "What's wrong little friend?"
"Mr. Crouch is being arrested, and theys finding his son under controlling curse. Old Mr. Crouch is gibbing Winky clothes. Iffen Winky not be finding new Master soon she be dying Harry sir." Dobby said his butchered English indicating how shook up he was. Harry looked at his girls who all nodded.
"Dobby, will Winky come if I call her?" Harry asked gently.
"Her should Harry sir."
"Winky"
"Youse be calling Winky Lord Potter sir. Winky not suitable to be in youse presence, Winky is being disgraced house elf sir." The sad elf said forcing herself not to cry.
"Winky I believe it is my right to decide who is worthy and who is not. Would you like to serve my family? There won't be much work while we're in school, but you can join us there and help in the school if you wish. Later, we will live in Potter Manor and in six or eight years, there will be children. The decision is yours but my wives, and I would like you to join our family." Harry told the little elf and they all saw her demure change.
Winky accepted the bond and became a member of the House of Potter. Once the elves left, they went to bed knowing tomorrow would be a very sad day for Harry. That night Harry was cuddled to Fleur's back, Luna cuddled to his back and Hermione was on top of the three of them.
At 06:30, 28 May 1993 the Potters and Grangers appeared just outside of the gate to Potter Manor. Harry placed the Potter ring between the eyes of a Griffin on the right half of the iron gate. The gate opened inward, and they entered the grounds. They heard two pops, and Harry slid his battle wand into his right hand.
"Master Harry sir I am Mattie and this is Macy, we care for Potter Manor sir."
"This is Hermione, Luna, and Fleur and they are my wives. These are Hermione's parents Dan and Emma Granger. I guess the first thing we need to do is take control and charge the wards. Then we would like to see the family graves. Sirius Black passed away last Monday and requested to be buried next to my father, and I said he could. We will have a few other guests, Remus Lupin, Andromeda, Ted, and Nymphadora Tonks. They will be joined by King Ragnok and his son Hawkclaw." Harry told the two female elves.
They decided to walk rather than pop since it was warm, and they could see more of the grounds by walking. The Manor was hidden by trees with a wide driveway that curved through the small forest.
A Griffin appeared and Mattie shook her finger at it and said, "Julius you be good. This is Lord Potter and his family."
The Griffin bowed and let them pass without a problem. Mattie said they had eight Griffins and eight Hippogryphs that helped guard the grounds. She smiled when she told them Julius thought he was the boss of the Griffins, but it was because the females let him think that. Harry looked at Dan, who nodded in understanding that human males weren't the only ones to give in to their females.
"Holy cow that's not a manor it's a palace," Dan exclaimed as Harry and the others, including Fleur stood with their mouths hanging open.
"Master Harry sir, the Manor has 32 suites on the upper two floors. Your master suite is on the ground floor near the back of the south wing. The library is near the back of the north wing and is four stories tall. The second floor is the formal sitting, dining, and conference rooms. The conference rooms open into a large ballroom for formal parties, sir. The ground floor is informal living, dining, and entertainment areas. The kitchen is below in the first lower level. The lowest level has a dueling room, exercise room, and wine cellar. The portrait room is across the hall from the Master Bedroom. Would you like breakfast before charging the wards sir?" Mattie asked and they decided it would probably be best if they ate first.
Mattie led them into what she called the breakfast room, which overlooked a large swimming pool. They could see a small lake, in the distance, and beyond that the ocean. Dan asked if Mattie knew where they were, and she smiled and said they were near Lizard.
"That would be almost straight west of Paris so no wonder it's so warm here already," Dan said then explained that much father south would be the ocean.
After breakfast while Macy entertained the Grangers with a tour, the Potters were taken deep below the lower basement to the ward stone, which they took control of and charged. The manor now seemed to hum with life, and Mattie smiled.
Mattie then showed them the small Potter cemetery. Harry noticed there were names other than Potters there so he didn't feel bad about interring Sirius here. It was on a hill, and the manor could be seen, and they could see the ocean. It was a peaceful place. Harry put flowers on his Mum and Dad's graves. He started to make a place for Sirius but Mattie stopped him saying it would be done when the time was right.
Harry called Dobby and Winky and introduced them to Mattie and Macy telling that Mattie was the head elf. Mattie told Macy to take Dobby and Winky for Potter robes. Macy would meet their guests and escort them to the manor for tea before the funeral.
Ragnok, Hawkclaw, Remus, Xeno, and the Tonkses arrived at 09:25. Ragnok and Hawkclaw had Sirius' casket, which Macy sent to the gravesite. They popped to the manor, mostly to avoid Jules and to arrive there faster. While the ladies talked in one group, and Dan talked to Ted and Remus, Harry, Ragnok, and Hawkclaw conversed in Goblin. While it sounded like they were arguing, their smiles told a different story. Ragnok placed his hand on the table palm down. Harry placed his on top of Ragnok's, and Hawkclaw covered Harry's with his.
Luna looked at her sister wives and shook her head slightly indicating there was no need for questions. While Harry led the procession to the gravesite, Luna held Hermione and Fleur back.
"What passed between Harry, Ragnok, and Hawkclaw, he will tell us when he is ready. They are doing what men do, and we need to respect that. Sometimes things are better if we don't know about them until later." Fleur agreed as did Hermione, by that time they arrived at the small cemetery.
Harry let Remus, Andy, Ted, and Dora tell Sirius good-bye then indicated that his wives should if they wished. Harry stood and placed his hand on the coffin at the head, and it turned from dull grey to gold.
"Lord Sirius Orion Black, the Marauder known a Padfoot, I Lord Harry James Potter-Black, son of the Marauder known as Prongs, send you on your final journey. Your mission is to be happy in your new place and know the love of not only my parents but others. Padfoot while we didn't know each other in this life, I'm sure that we will in the next, but hopefully not for many years. Padfoot before you depart, please listen, and listen well my godfather. Hopefully, this will ease your journey and help you rest in peace." Harry paused and took a deep breath.
Raising his hands to the heavens above Harry let his aura go. His hair grew, and it seemed to be blown by wind as he said, "I, Harry James Potter-Gryffindor the 63rd Earl of Gryffindor and the 15th Duke of Covington do hereby strip Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore of 65 percent of his magic and claim it as mine. In addition, I strip Severus Tobias Snape, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, and Dolores Jane Umbridge of 75 percent of their magic and claim it as mine. Dumbledore you are punished for your crimes against my godfather and others. Snape, Fudge, and Umbridge you are punished for crimes against my godfather and the British Wizard World. Bartemius Crouch Sr. I strip you of 50 percent of your magic for crimes against my godfather and others. Millicent Bagnold I claim 50 percent of your magic for crimes against my godfather and others. As I say so shall it be!"
The magic was crackling around Harry when he was hit by six blue bolt of lightning. Instead of dropping over Harry pointed at each of his wives and hit them in the chest with a bolt of lightning.
Harry placed his hand on the casket, and it disappeared. His ladies grabbed him in a hug, and they disappeared. Mattie appeared and led the group back to the breakfast room. Harry and the girls appeared a few minutes later in different clothes.
"Sorry about the quick exit but our clothes disappeared about the time we arrived in our bedroom. Dumbledore, Snape, and Crouch were certainly above average in power. Bagnold, Fudge, and Umbitch were less than average. Now I'm sure you want to know where I got the bright idea to do what I did. At least, one of my wives will want to grill me until I tell her. I was amazed to discover that I can communicate with Sirius through the head of the House of Black ring. Long story shortened it was Padfoot's idea. Charlus Potter and the others jumped on it although Helga and Rowena still want me to take Dumbledore's head." Harry told them and looked at Remus.
Remus thought a while then began laughing and couldn't stop. "Harry that was priceless and exactly something Padfoot or Prongs would do if they could. Think about it Andy what happens if you're magically weak and go to Azkaban?" Remus asked.
"I doubt even Dumbledore will last a week before going insane. Even with no wand, you can fight the full effect of the dementors if you are magically strong enough. However, the weak wizards don't last long before going mad then die. I'm surprised you didn't take more from Dumbledore Harry." Andromeda replied.
"Oh, I don't want him dead just yet. Most of what's left of his magic will be used to keep his old body alive. His Occlumency shields are now trash as are Snape's and the others. Charlus and the founders told me not to share magic with anyone who has gone through maturity as it could explode their core." Harry replied and Remus agreed.
"Remus, grandpa Charlus said that your furry little problem is a virus and there may be a cure in the non-magical world. That's something Dan and Emma may be able to help you with. They may not be medical doctors, but I'm sure they know some." Harry told Remus, as his wives started giggling and couldn't seem to stop.
"Grandfather Charlus is chewing my butt for calling him grandpa. He says that the Queen's Wizard deserves more respect from a young snot like me." Harry said then said, "Grandfather you wouldn't do that to your only grandson please."
"Charlus just told Harry that his portrait was in Her Majesty's chamber and threatened to suggest that she call us for a meeting. Harry he didn't call you a young snot. He called you a little shit and you know it." Luna said, causing the others to break out laughing at the look on Harry's face.
Ragnok left Harry an envelope and said it contained a list of his properties and investments. He also suggested that Harry might be interested in what he inherited from Sirius at least an item on the first page of the black portfolio. Harry invited everyone to stay at the manor, but they had other plans. Remus asked Harry to contact him when they returned to Great Britain. Dora had to report to duty at the Ministry on Monday, she wanted to spend the weekend with her parents, and no one blamed her for that. Xeno wanted to finish his articles for the next two Quibblers, so he wouldn't have to spend a lot of time missing their vacation. Therefore, the Potters found themselves alone before lunch.
000-000
Mattie gave them a tour of the ground floor after lunch. Harry perked up when Mattie showed him a door she said was the portal room. Next to it was the room that he was interested in Mattie called it the room of the old ones. She told Harry he must open the door and enter first so the room would recognize him as Lord and Master. Harry took a deep breath and entered the room. He could feel the magic accept him, and he asked his wives to enter. He looked around for his parents but didn't see them. He found it odd that there was a portrait of a manicured lawn with a small manor and a forest behind that.
A voice got his attention, "Harry, I'm your grandfather Charlus and this is your grandmother Dorea. James, Lily, get your asses out here now, we've told you that you can't make babies where you are no matter how much you practice. Your son and his three lovely wives are here. Harry while we wait for them to get dressed, as you go left of our portrait your ancestors are there in descending order. The last portrait has been blank since before my grandfather's time, and there is no name on it. The family grimoire will let you call the books that contain our history as well as those that contained magic developed by the Potters. This is family magic so you can only share it with your wives." Charlus Potter told the teens.
"Son" Harry heard in a soft voice and turned toward the portrait of the manor.
"Mum?"
"Yes, it seems so long since I last held you Harry. I see your wives are waiting to be introduced. James Charlus Potter, get your mangy arse out here now." Lily said.
They saw a small figure run from the manor, and it grew larger as it got closer to his Mum.
"Harry?"
"Yes Dad. Mum, Dad, on my right is the lovely Mrs. Fleur Potter-Gryffindor-Slytherin. On my left is the lovely Mrs. Luna Potter-Gryffindor-Hufflepuff-Slytherin, and I'm holding the lovely Mrs. Hermione Potter-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin. Of course, the Peverell and Black names get added in there also for formal occasions. Fleur is Veela and will be entering her sixth year in September even though she's only a few months older than me. Luna is first in her class this year and Hermione is first in our second-year class. We will set our OWLs in August and join Fleur for our sixth year in September. Ladies these are my parents James Charlus, and Lily Rose Potter also known as Prongs and Tiger Lily." Harry said and wandlessly conjured a leather sofa, so they could sit and talk to his parents and grandparents.
Charlus sniggered at Lily and James when Harry did heavy duty wandless magic as if it were no big deal. His parents said they understood all the names but the Slytherin. Therefore, Harry and the girls had to retell the story. Harry conjured a table showed the memory stones of the encounter with Quirrell and Sally.
"Lil's, I was late because Sirius' sprit arrived, and he told me that Harry gave him quite a sendoff."
Hermione placed a memory stone on the table and showed the memory of Sirius' sendoff. Charlus roared in laughter, as did the other ancestors.
"Harry it will be six months before Sirius can enter a portrait. He says he does have a portrait in his vault. But if you'll put a blank frame next to ours, we have a few people who would like to visit." James told his son.
Harry summoned a frame and placed it next to his parents' portrait. The frame held a blank canvas, and a blond woman appeared. Luna fainted, and Harry brought her out of it quickly.
"Mum?"
"Yes pumpkin, this is Potter magic that allows me to visit. Unfortunately your Dad and I never had a portrait made." Maria Lovegood told her daughter.
"Will it work in our master suite Mrs. Lovegood?" Harry asked his mother-in-law.
"Yes but it's Maria, Harry you're my son-in-law after all."
"Luna we know you want some private time with your Mum, and you deserve that. Mattie."
"Yes Your Grace"
"Please take the portrait with Mrs. Lovegood to our master suite sitting room." Harry told the elf and kissed Luna then shooed her out the door.
"Fleur and I will give her awhile then go and check on her Harry." Hermione said.
"Yes dear"
"Oh my, they already have him trained Lily," Dorea said.
"The problem is that we're not sure three is enough to keep him out of trouble Ma'am. He has this saving people thing, and thinks he had to do everything by himself." Hermione told Dorea.
"Hermione its Dorea or grand mum, unlike Charlus I'm not an etiquette snob and need to be call grandmother." She said and smacked her husband on the back of his head, hard.
"Harry I can see that you love your wives very much son. How long have you known them?" Lily asked.
"Well Hermione and I met briefly on the Hogwarts Express on our way to Hogwarts the first time. However, I got to know her better after Halloween of 1991. Luna and Fleur I've known less than two weeks, and we got married the day we met." Harry said knowing an explosion was coming.
"Way to go son, three wives before you're 13 must be some kind of record." James said, and Lily smacked the back of his head.
"Dad I'm the bloody Boy-Who-Lived I don't need any more recognition. The idiots think that I killed Voldemort at 15 months old. I told them you or Mum must have done something to save me. I'll make a deal with you. I'll handle my three father-in-laws if you handle my three mother-in-laws since you know so much more about women than I do." Harry replied with an evil grin.
"Harry what your father knows about women could be written on the point of a needle in bold letters." Lily said, and Dorea laughed then agreed, saying he got his knowledge from his father.
"Hey, I got on well with one woman, and she never chewed me out once," Charlus Potter stated.
"Well if all you ever said to me was 'yes Your Majesty,' I'd have no reason to chew your arse Charlus James Potter." Dorea told her husband of 40 years.
"Why do women always use our full names when they're pissed at us Dad?" Harry asked his father.
"So you'll bloody well know that we're pissed at you, Harry James Potter," several voices said including Hermione and Fleur.
After lunch in the portrait room, Fleur and Hermione went to check on Luna while Harry got questioned by his parents. He told them about the heir test and asked if the blank portrait could be for Merlin. They agreed it could be but said that it was most unlikely. Luna brought her mother's portrait back and said it was time to clean up for dinner.
Harry said, "Yes dear," and followed Luna out of the portrait room leaving the couch and table behind.
The teens showered and went to the breakfast room for dinner, which was seafood. They had an excellent dinner and talked. Harry was talked out of going flying, well bribed would be more accurate. He decided that kissing his wives was more important to him than flying. Mattie showed them the entertainment room for the family. Harry was surprised to find modern equipment and the latest movies on VCR. They settled in and watched Star Wars, and kissed nearly as much as they actually watched. It was Fleur's turn on top tonight, but that made no difference, as it was still comfortable.
Once they settled in bed Luna said, seeing her Mum made her feel a lot better. Maria told Luna that there was nothing that she or her father could have done for her. She said that it was her time to go home as she called where she was. They found out that Maria, Lily, and Alice Longbottom were close friends and saw each other often after they graduated Hogwarts. Maria was working on a charm to bring the Longbottoms back when it went wrong and brought part of the house down on her. Hermione and Fleur felt lucky they had both of their parents and silently vowed to spend more time with them after they finished school.
It's Not All Peaches and Cream
Sunday they practice mostly wandless magic and studied for their OWLs Fleur was a big help in pointing out what she was tested on. With the rings and Harry learning he had more of Tom/Voldemort memories than he thought so studying became easier and enjoyable. Hermione was putting less faith in her books and more in what she saw. Her faith in those in authority was shattered by Dumbledore and Snape. Fudge and Umbridge helped that as did Lockfart as Harry called him. The girls spent almost three hours with Harry in the pool teaching him to swim. Mind transfer of knowledge was truly a marvelous thing as far as the Potters were concerned.
At 16:00, they entered the massive library for the first time. It had a family only section, that Luna and Fleur said most family libraries had. They said that each family invented magic through the ages, and some only members of that family could use. Dinner took a half hour, Xeno and the Grangers arrived just before the meal. Harry took a small portrait blank frame into the portal room and asked his grandfather if there was anything special he needed to know about it. The only special thing was that the one opening the portal had to be the last on through it, or it would close and leave someone behind. The girls were a bit put out that they couldn't open a portal until they were 17 or had their NEWTs. Hermione was particularly vocal about how unfair that was. Charlus put paid to that when he asked if they had children would they want a 12-year-old going all over the world by themselves.
Harry disappeared, and Dorea called the three girls and Emma into the portrait room and ripped into them for be 'so damn insensitive as to be un-fucking-believable. James ran to the manor, and Charlus disappeared rather quickly.
"What the hell were you three thinking? House, lock the portal room so only Harry may enter it. My grandson grew up without friends until he met the redheaded git and you, Hermione. He's given himself and a fortune to you, and you just ripped his heart out. You other two didn't say much, but you didn't stop Hermione's rant either. Keep it up and you'll lose him and the bond will be broken. If that happens, you four will lead very lonely and miserable lives, even if he only throws one of you out. Now get out of my sight and think about the mistakes you made. Don't try to find him. He's flying on a Hippogryph." Dorea said, and Lily gave them a look of disgust that said more than any words could.
Dorea was wrong Harry was on Jules not a Hippogryph. The Griffin seemed to understand what Harry wanted, and that he was sad.
Grandfather what the hell was that all about?
Harry I believe it's a combination of a lot of things. First Hermione has no understanding of what the Head of House means. Second she is a young girl who has been bullied most of her life by those her age and older. She's been taught that equality is right and inequality is wrong. The truth is the four of you are borderline too young for this bond. Don't ever doubt that they love you because they all three do with all their hearts. Being bonded doesn't mean there will not be disagreements. Hermione has been told by her peers that she's ugly and called a bushy headed beaver and worse since she started school. You introduced her as the beautiful Hermione, but she didn't believe she was and don't understand that you do. She knows, at least in her mind, that she isn't a beautiful as Fleur or Luna and that hurts her grandson.
But granddad she is as beautiful as Luna and Fleur.
Harry it's not me that you have to convince it's her. Grandson what do think would have happened if your father brought you four in there and said you couldn't open a portal until you were 17 or had your NEWTs?
We would have shrugged and said ok then went on about our business most probably.
Now if André took the four of you into a portal room and said only Fleur could open a portal. How would you feel?
I probably wonder why if we were family that she could, and I couldn't and I might feel cheated because I'm an outsider and married into the family. Especially if I didn't understand about family magic granddad, like I do now. I see what you're getting at I think. Part of my problem is that I agree with the rule and don't understand why she doesn't. In addition, I'm a bit pissed at Luna and Fleur for not helping me explain things to Hermione. Then I've learned to let Hermione have her rant, and then come back with my reasoning.
Have a good fly on Jules he loves to fly with the Master. Just be sure to keep him inside the wards.
Thanks granddad.
Hermione was in the Master Suite in tears. Her major problem was that she knew Dorea was right.
"Hermione we all screwed up," Fleur said, "We've spent time on everything but what is really important. Luna and I should have spent more time with you and Harry about what it means to head a Most Ancient Noble House. Dad is the head of the Most Ancient Noble House of Delacour. However, being raised in a Most Ancient Noble House and not being the heir, we aren't privy to everything even though I'm the oldest. Ours is a paternal house, and daughters are placeholders without the full power of the Head of House. Right or wrong in the House of Potter, Harry is the law not unlike a king or tribal leader. Xeno is a wizard and can't open a portal here even though he is considered family," Fleur paused.
"Dad is the younger brother of the head of the Most Ancient Noble House of Lovegood. Therefore, while he and I know some things about the house of Lovegood, we don't know everything. Everrod Lovegood wears the ring and makes decisions about house concerns. There are things Everrod can do that daddy can't. Fleur is right we spent time on wandless magic and other things when we should have brought you up to date on the workings of magical Royals. The fact is that our husband could become King of magical Great Britain," Luna took a deep breath.
"But that is only part of the problem. The major problem is that you don't feel you're worthy or equal to the other three of us. Look at us Hermione, and I mean take a close look. We're all different and Harry sees that we are. But he also sees the beauty in each of us. While we will never truly be equal to Harry because of what he is, he will treat us as equals unless he can't. There are some things only the head of a house can do until we come of age. There are other things that only he can do, even if we are 150 years old. In the House of Windsor, Elizabeth is the head and there are a lot of things Phillip can't do." Luna told her sister wife then continued.
"Ginny Weasley was my only friend growing up, and Ronald has always called me Looney. After Mum died, I began to believe that and withdrew inward. I was bullied all of last year until Harry put a stop to that. I refused to let them win and stayed in the background observing what was going on around me. I had all but decided to take Croaker's offer to become an Unspeakable when Harry stepped in. Fleur's a Veela, and she has had it as bad as or worse than the two of us and Harry. The boys fall all over her or would if she wasn't married. The girls will hate her because of her beauty and her effect on boys. Few if any would trust a Veela around their boyfriends. It's not fair to her or their boyfriends, but they don't care. One of our problems as a group is we haven't sat down and laid out our fears and what bothers us the most. We need to do that as soon as possible…"
"How about we do that after dinner this evening," Harry interrupted Luna. He found himself under three girls that were apologizing between sobs and kisses.
000-000
After dinner, they went to bed to talk. André and Apolline would be busy until 17:00 tomorrow so they wouldn't leave Potter Manor until 11:00 the following morning. They talked about their upbringing and insecurities', and they had many. A few they had in common but most were different. The girls had never been physically beaten, and Harry had. They all had been teased and/or bullied. None of them, including Fleur thought they were good looking. Harry insisted they go to the full-length mirror in the bathroom and point out things that bothered them about their bodies.
"My boobies are too small."
"You're not 13 yet Luna, and you're petite all over and I like that, it looks good on you. Look at me, I'm too skinny, and you can count my ribs."
"Well if I'd been starved Harry, I would be worse than you are and besides that you're wiry not skinny. My butt is too big, and I'm as straight as a board."
"Your butt is just fine Hermione, and you will get curves later you're only 13. Look at me my knees are knobby, and I'm the shortest one in my class and my hair is white making me look like I'm 50."
"Your legs are gorgeous and well-proportioned, and you're only 13 like the rest of us. Of course, you're the shortest on in your class you're the youngest by three years, and your hair is silver not white or dirty blonde like mine."
"Ok so none of us think we're perfect yet the others of us don't see the flaws that we think we have. We'll be thirteen or fourteen and not 17, and our bodies haven't matured and neither has our magic. You're all different but I love you all the same way, and all I can see is three young girls who will be beautiful in a few short years. Some of what you see as a flaw, I see a being you, and I love you for that." Harry said and it must have been the right thing to say since he got a lot of kisses.
When they got back in bed, they talked about the head of a Most Ancient Noble House and what it meant. It didn't take long to see that what another might see as a privilege was a responsibility. As head of a house, the master did have privileges but he or she also had more responsibilities to offset those.
Fortunately, for Emma, Mattie was also worried about her Master and his wives, so she agreed with Emma and Dorea to provide a listening charm that Emma could listen to what was going on from the portrait room. Dorea, Lily, and Emma all agreed incidents like what happened in the portal room were best nipped in the bud early so it didn't become a huge problem later. They thanked Charlus for his wisdom and help with Harry. When Emma went to bed, the portraits laughed at her wanting to get her hands on the Dursleys.
Little Whinging Surrey
Vernon Dursley was still fuming it was Sunday, 30 May 1993, and yesterday he went to get the freak because that bloody school got out the day before. He waited as people appeared with trunks like the one the freak had, and some even had fucking owls. However, the freak never showed up. The freak didn't send a word that he wasn't coming home, not even a note or phone call. Vernon left King's Cross Station in a pissed-off mood wanting to murder the freak.
Vernon wasn't paying attention to his speed he was too pissed, and his face was almost purple when he heard the siren he didn't even slow down. Finally, the police car pulled alongside of him and the bullhorn got his attention. Instead of being polite, he tried to bulldoze his way out of a ticket so instead of getting one he got four. Then the police trailed him all the way home. Yes, they switched off at different points but Vernon had to drive the bloody speed limit, which made him late for supper.
When he entered the house, he snapped at Petunia, she told him to warm his own fucking meal, and if he burned it, he could wash the dishes. He couldn't remember what he said, but she told him he could sleep on the couch or floor. At 22:00 hours, he tried to sweet talk his way in the bedroom, and she told him to piss off and sleep on the fucking hall floor if he wanted or the guest bed. She said if he slept in the guest bedroom, he could change the linen in the morning and make the bed himself.
Sunday morning he woke up on the couch at 05:30 and his back hurt. Petunia was banging around in the kitchen and that woke him up. Vernon Dursley was still pissed, but he tried to be smooth and asked what was for breakfast.
"Whatever you cook for yourself Vernon Michel Dursley you can eat. But I'm washing dishes once this morning starting now." Petunia said in a cold voice.
"Where is my paper?" he whined.
"The Tele said it would be a bit late Her Majesty is announcing new peerages, and the paper had printing press problems so it will be late today." A cold voice replied then said, "The yard needs mowing so you can get to it. I have to weed the flower bed because you didn't bring the freak home."
Vernon took a deep breath as he put some cereal in a bowl and said, "Petunia, I told you I waited an extra hour, and he never showed up. I saw other freaks come through the station with trunks and owls. I waited an hour after I saw the last one."
"Well if you had called me, I would have delayed supper." Petunia replied.
"Petunia that station is an out of range call, and you know that," Vernon stated as if that ended that.
"Of course, but what did the 20 pence you saved cost you?" Petunia smirked.
"What do you mean what did it cost me?" Vernon was now confused, as Dudley would have been.
"Well from where I set that 20 pence cost you four tickets totaling £652 plus a cold dinner and a night on the couch. I should add cereal for breakfast." Petunia answered almost with a sneer that would have made Snape shudder.
"Vernon you know if he doesn't show up we'll lose the £1,000 per month we get for his support don't you? Have you even looked at that letter we got from the bank last Wednesday?" Petunia asked and saw her husband's face drop.
"No I forgot about it, it's probably just some advertisement. Moreover, that old bastard Bumbledork, or whatever, said we'd get that £1,000 until the freak turns 17 Petunia. I will look at the letter from Barclay's after I mow the yard and wash the car. Damn that freak for not showing up." Vernon answered but now he was getting worried.
The paper came, and Petunia saw the front page and fainted. Vernon grabbed the smelling salts and brought her around, and she pointed at the paper. Vernon picked it up and there in all his glory was Harry James Potter. The headline screamed:
His Grace the 15th Duke of Covington Saves Friend
from Rabid Wolf with Ancestor's Sword
His Grace the Duke of Covington (formerly known as Harry James Potter of Little Winging, Surrey) age twelve was showing his friend Miss Hermione Granger his ancestor's (Godric Gryffindor the Earl Gryffindor) 1000-year-old sword when they were attacked by a vicious black wolf. Lord Potter defended his 13-year old friend of two years by slaying the wolf. Lord Potter was informed of his peerage earlier that very morning and given the family heirloom. Lord Potter was orphaned in 1981 by a terrorist who targeted his parents and slayed them by blowing up their house in Godric Hollow. By the grace of God, the young Lord Potter survived the explosion. He has been living with his maternal aunt, and her husband Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Dursley of #4 Privet Drive, Little Winging, Surrey. The Potters are an old family who has long supported Queen and Country. The late Duke Charlus Potter was a close advisor to Her Majesty.
When asked if his uncle would hold his proxy to the House of Lords the young Lord asked why he would grant that honor to someone to beat him and treated him like a slave. It took his young friend Miss Granger several minutes to convince him to show me the scars on his back. People those scars were made by a belt, and he will wear them the rest of his life. Lord Potter said he would name Miss Granger's father Dr. Daniel Granger his proxy. If I were a betting person, I would bet a year's wages that I have met the future Duchess of Covington. They may be young, but the love shows in their eyes a bright as the sun. Rest assured that Child Services was notified before this article was printed.
"Nooooo," Vernon screamed as the front door was bashed open.
"MI-5 agents, both of you get on the floor. Face and hands down and do it now!" was the last thing Petunia heard before fainting again. If Vernon had read the letter from the bank, it would have told him his accounts were seized, and that Harry James Potter would not be returning to Little Whinging except if he stood trial there. With their hands cuffed behind their backs Petunia and Vernon Dursley were led to a police van amid boos and jeers from their neighbors. They thought they were in deep shit then, but they were in the wading pool compared to what would come their way. When they reached the van, Marge Dursley was sitting in it crying about poor Ripper being put down.
000-000
Dan Granger was there with his video camera and a huge smile on his face. He ducked behind some hedges, and Hawkclaw popped them to Potter Manor. Once Emma told them what had happened with the children, Hawkclaw went to the bank. Like goblins, humans had to work out their own relationship problems.
After breakfast, Dan led the Potters into the entertainment room and attached the video camera to the big screen TV. It seems Dan had taught Hawkclaw how to use the camera and they got to see what went on in the Dursley home.
"Hawkclaw promised to send a memory stone of what goes on with them in jail and at their trial." Dan told the family and everyone smile.