His husband disillusioned by his side Gideon walked out of the flames and into Madam Bones' office. Amelia was not there though but her clerk was. The woman though was used to seeing Lord Black-Snape use her boss' floo to come and go without the media press so thought nothing of it.

"Lord Black-Snape, it is an honour to see you again. Madam Bones was called away to a meeting." The clerk informed him with a bow.

Gideon smiled and waved away her apologies. "Of course. I'd assume the head of law enforcement would be busy these days. I am not here for her this morning."

"Of course my lord, I forgot the wizengot meets today again. I should think the media is all a buzz down in the atrium." The clerk recalled.

"I am grateful Madam Bones allows me to continue the use of her floo. I believe though I have an hour or more before it meets?" Gideon asked, knowing all to well.

The clerk nodded. "You do. Most of the lords will not arrive until just before, unless they have other business in the building."

Gideon looked around. "I would think your boss would not have an issue with me using her office for a bit. I have a few things that I need to handle."

The woman smiled. "Of course. Madam Bones has left strict orders that you are to be aided in any way upon visits. Could I perhaps fetch you refreshment?"

Gideon nodded. "I'd assume my Black chalice in the chamber for the wizengot already. If you'd fetch the Potter chalice I could do with some cold pumpkin juice."

It sounded off to the woman that a lord would be asking for juice and not wine but she reminded herself it was not yet 9am and that most of the lords she had met working here seemed to be quite fickle about things.

When she left Gideon took a seat behind the desk. "I must say that Amelia has quite the comfortable seat back here. Perhaps I should consider law enforcement."

Severus laughed at his husband. "I remind you as much as Amelia is fond of you, I wouldn't get too comfortable in her chair."

"Because I will want it back soon enough." A friendly voice finished for his husband from the door.

Gideon made a move to stand. "Sorry about that Amelia. I thought your clerk said you were on meetings this morning."

Amelia motioned for him to sit back down. "I am. We had a break and I was informed you were here. I thought I'd drop in before I headed back to meetings."

Gideon felt a bit odd as he sat back in her chair with in the office. "Come to make sure that I don't stick my foot in my mouth this morning?"

Amelia laughed and shook her head. "I know you'll do our order proud Gideon. I came to wish you luck and inform you that your name will be definitely up."

Severus smiled. "We had assumed that since he has so many titles but do we know who intends to bring forward his name and second it?'

Amelia nodded. "Now that is the interesting part. Gideon, do you happen to remember Lord Hunt?"

Gideon thought back. "Yes. He was the most vocal about allowing Dumbledore to return to the school. Why would be put me forward?'

"He was quite impressed by how you handled the room Gideon. He spoke with me this morning. You remind him of your grandfather, Orion Black."

"From what my father and godfather told me of that man and I'm not certain that it was meant as a compliment or I take it as one." Harry said.

Amelia shook her head. "Orion Black was a well respected and very powerful member of the wizengot, and Lord Hunt's best friend. It is a deep compliment."

"And the second to my husband's nomination?"

Amelia shrugged. "Many people would have been scared to nominate him because of his power already but if Hunt puts his name forward, many will second it."

Gideon knew this was good news but he still wasn't sure about this. "I have no idea what I can actually do when I am elected if I am."

Severus reassured him. "Don't worry, we're not about to throw you to the wolves when this is over and done with. Lucius and the others will aid you."

Amelia picked up a folder. "Enjoy my office though remember I want it back, and good luck this morning and this week Gideon."

Gideon watched her leave and when the clerk came back in with the juice that he had ordered, he had suddenly wished he has asked for wine or something a bit stronger. His husband reminded him he had to keep a clear head at the meetings though Severus too was, as he transfigured a pen into a cup for himself, wished for some whiskey.

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Gideon found himself seated for the first time in the hall. There had been some question of where to seat him but remembering his talk of precedence with Cornelius and wishing to be near Susan and Luna, he took his seat as Lord Gryffindor.

Cornelius stepped forward. "I call to order this meeting and the start of elections for the new leader of this body. I ask for names to be brought forward in election."

A stout man stood up, "As Lord Prentice Greengrass I offer the name of the honourable Lady Penelope Goyle as the new head of our body."

Harry realized the woman in question was the same woman who had spoken with Lord Hunt for Dumbledore. "I as Lord John Hodge second the vote."

The Lady Goyle stood up, Susan whispering she was an Aunt to Gregory Goyle. "I accept the honour and will put my name on the ballot."

"Are there any others who wish to nominate a person?"

Lord Hunt stood. "I name the obvious choice, Lord Gideon Gryffindor Potter Prewett Black-Snape, who further holds the titles of Slytherin, Prince and Malfoy."

Harry looked around and wondered if Amelia had been wrong but before Susan or Luna had to act a number of people stood up, four in fact, and it was one who Gideon thought he had not seen before now. He realized there were several seats filled that had not been before. He had not been the only heir to reclaim a title recently, sensing that the wizengot was actually going to have power for the first time in years.

"I Lady Helena Zane stand to second the nomination of Lord Black-Snape, as holder of seven titles he is the most senior choice."

Gideon took a deep breath and stood. "I will accept the nomination and place my name forth for election."

Cornelius looked up. "Are there any further names to be added?" and when no one spoke. "The vote shall be taken in one week's time. We are adjourned till then."

Gideon turned to the girls. "That's it? I would have thought this meeting would have gone on until later into the evening."

Susan smiled. "You forget that the politics happen outside of this room. Now it is time to see how well you learned all Lucius has been trying to teach you."

Sure enough as soon as they exited Lord Hunt came over. "Lord Black. I was surprised but happy to learn that you are not the adopted but true grandson of Black."

Gideon gave a curt nod. "That I am. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of my true heritage as the son of Lord Regulus Black and Lord Fabian Prewett."

Lord Hunt smiled. "I am not aware if you know but your grandfather and I were once dear friends. I know he'd be pleased at how his grandson and heir has turned."

"I assume he would be. My father has spoken of you of course and reminded me that Orion would have been pleased if we should be perhaps acquaintances."

Lord Hunt's smile broadened. "Perhaps you'd join me for dinner. My daughter in law is hosting a small dinner party, just people of some of the older families."

So it was starting already. "I believe I have this evening free. I would assume you'd not protest Lady Hufflepuff accompanying me as my escort this evening."

Hunt turned to her. "Of course Lady Bones-Hufflepuff is welcome. I know of course your husband is not able to attend. Lady Ravenclaw is also most welcome."

Luna shook her head. "Unfortunately while your invitation is most welcome Lord Hunt, I am obligated to be else where tonight. I hope you'll forgive my absence."

"Of course young lady. There will be other times for such events. Dinner is at 7 but if you'd like to join us earlier, drinks are about 6."

Gideon extended his hand. "I will see you about 6 then Lord Hunt. I look forward to getting better acquainted with you and your family of course."

Lord Hunt turned and took his leave and Gideon let out a sigh as they headed back into Madam Bones' office. It was going to take a lot more then he had ever realized, to pull off his being Lucius.

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Severus had been walking him through dinner all night. He assured Harry that though some of the offspring of the lords and ladies may be death eaters, they themselves were trustworthy enough. Lord Hunt's family was known for fighting the dark lord in fact. Even Lady Greengrass's family. It was often the younger sibling, the one who lacked power and the estates, who turned to the dark lord to gain it.

Severus adjusted Gideon's robes one last time. "You look quite handsome. Remember to just act like Lucius. Now that you're a known pureblood it will be expected."

Gideon groaned. "I hope they don't expect me to start calling muggles mudblood or listen to them say such things."

Severus laughed as he kissed him. "No. Even if some would use such words in private, I assure you no one would be that crass there. Lady Hunt was a half blood in fact."

Gideon was surprised. "I thought the old families were all about trying to keep it pure. Lord Hunt actually married someone not of pure blood."

He nodded. "Lady Serena Hunt's mother was muggle born though a powerful witch. She passed away years ago though and is her daughter in law who will host tonight."

Gideon looked in the mirror. "I am as put together as I will be and I presume showing up late would not be a good sign of etiquette."

Severus laughed and led him to the door. "No one would dare mention you're lateness but Susan will probably be wondering where you are if you don't hurry."

Sure enough Susan, quite pretty in dark green dress robes, was waiting in the library. "I thought you had forgotten about me. I thought women were the primpers."

Gideon kissed her on the cheek. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting Susan and I appreciate you accompanying me to the dinner tonight."

Susan looked at Severus. "I know I am not as good looking or charming as your husband over there, but I will try my best."

Severus kissed his husband. "Good luck to both of you and Susan, as hard as it might be, try to keep my husband out of too much trouble."

Susan and Gideon were both laughing as they apparated outside of the wards and arrived on the grounds of a large estate outside of London. The door was answered by a house elf and they were whisked inside.

A woman a bit younger then his husband came forward. "Welcome, you must be Lord Gryffindor Black-Snape and Lady Bones-Hufflepuff. We are honoured."

Gideon smiled. "I believe you must be our beautiful hostess for the night, Lord Hunt's daughter in law I am told. And Gideon is fine here in private, I assure you."

The woman smiled. "Of course Gideon. And I am Catherine, and yes I am married to Lord Hunt's eldest son and heir Christian. He'll be here in a moment."

Sur enough Lord Hunt came down. "Lord Black-Snape and Lady Hufflepuff, welcome. I hope Catherine has greeted you well."

Gideon handed over a bottle. "She has. I have insisted in private you call me Gideon. After all our families are old friends. A gift to the host."

Lord Hunt smiled. "A bottle of the finest vintage from Orion's collection. Your father must have told you of my tastes. I am impressed. And you will call me Robert. We tend to forget our titles here outside of the ministry."

Gideon had been told by Lucius that it was usually custom and was relieved to see he was right. "I thought perhaps we could share a dram later tonight of the vintage."

Robert smiled. "I will have it put on ice and perhaps after dinner we will retire to my library for a chat. Orion would have wanted me to keep an eye on his grandson."

Gideon wondered what Orion would have actually made of his new grandson."I hope you can make the introductions. I fear I recognize few faces here."

Robert turned to Susan. "Lady Huffelpuff, I hope I am not too forward in calling you Susan?"

Susan shook her head. "Of course not Robert. As Gideon said, we are all friends here and such titles should not be required amongst equals. At least in private."

Robert turned back to Gideon. "I see you made quite the choice of companion for dinner tonight. She will be a delightful ally to have on your side."

Gideon moved with him towards the parlour where the other guests were. "And I believe that you will introduce me tonight to a few more useful allies here."

Robert's eyes gleamed. "I knew that the grandson of my dear friend would not miss such a hint. I indeed plan on making you know your support tonight."

Susan squeezed his hand as to reassure him as they moved into the parlour and Gideon started his first night of meeting and greeting those he would need to support his election but also to support him in votes after that. By the end of the night he was in the library and found himself promising to host a dinner himself. He had no idea how well he had done but Lord Hunt seemed quite pleased and impressed with him.