Harry Potter and The Demon Chronicles
Disclaimer/Plot/Author's Note: SEE FIRST CHAPTER
Dedication: I'd like to dedicate this story to Winged Seer Wolf: my recommended reads are Saviour of Magic by Colt01, The Rise of a Dark Lord by LittleMissXanda, Hadrian Potter: Darkness Rising and Hadrian Potter: Darkness Returns by AvatarVecna, Harry Potter and The Serpent Chronicles by ACI100, Harry Potter: Lord of Darkness by AngelSlayer135, Core Threads by theaceoffire, The Power by DarthBill, For Love of Magic by Noodlehammer, Saisei no Kuroi Ryu Sorera and Harry Potter and the Archangel by Winged Seer Wolf, Right Side of Hell by NeoMare, Harry Potter and the Tribe of Mystics by Lord of mystics and Harry Potter and the Prince of Slytherin by The Sinister Man
Key Pairing: Harry/Daphne; Neville/Gabrielle
Other Pairings: Sirius/OFC; Others TBD
Normal Speech
'Thoughts'
'Mental Speech'
/Parseltongue/
Review Answers:
Lichking484: A point I address in this chapter;
When the magic left her, Serena let her hands pull away from Harry before she asked, "Is it done?"
"It is," Harry remarked, before he smirked as he added, "And, for the record, I've never had a sister or a brother…so this should be interesting."
Serena could only laugh before she left the room, Harry already making plans to provide Serena with her own chambers for her time within his, now their Family Home.
Year One: The Demon of Hogwarts
Chapter 13: Black Christmas
When Zharka, Kyrian, Mixey and Remus learned about Harry's act of kindness, reward and familial intentions towards Serena, Harry was a little surprised to find all of them were pleased for her and what he had done in the name of a friendship that now grew stronger.
Zharka even went as far as to thank his young Lord for his kindness towards the half-elf, having spent most of her life seeing her as the daughter he never had.
He also knew it was something Harry had done in the name of honour, since it was evident, even to him, that Serena was far closer to Harry than any of them could get, even Zharka and he was the head of the staff.
As they'd suspected, the blood from Harry had changed Serena's appearance slightly: her red hair was more profound, which Remus compared to that of Harry's Mother, Lily Potter, while her eyes now had an emerald-green edge to their colouring and, in Harry's opinion, made her look stronger.
As Harry had also personally suspected, his blood bonding with Serena had also affected her magic through the Power.
As she soon discovered, she had a much greater affinity than other elves, when it came to working with the magic and powers over earth and forest life. Her knowledge and skill with Potions and Healing also increased and, like Harry could Flame from one location to the other, Serena found she could appear and disappear in a whirlwind of leaves.
And everything she could do was all thanks to her new little brother.
TDC
Speaking of that, after adopting Serena and gaining a sister, Harry contacted Griphook at Gringotts, inquiring about the Lordships he now owned as Head of the Potter Family.
As he discovered, despite her elder status, Serena's adoptive status, as well as the fact that Harry had already claimed the titles in blood and magic, meant that his sister was now more a stand-in, if he ever needed it, and, instead of being the Lady of the Family, she was now listed, to his amusement, as Heiress in the event of anything happening to Harry.
Even stranger, no matter which of his bloodlines he was heir and lord to, Griphook revealed that this was the same for all of them, which was something that relieved Serena because, as she put it, "I didn't ask you to make me your sister to take anything away from you, Harry."
Then there was her elven status, which even Harry knew would make waves in the Ministry if they learned of this.
However, it wasn't until the Ball that reality hit Harry with a bump as to just how high those waves would rise.
TDC
When the day of the Christmas Ball came around, Harry found himself in a state that could only be described as a whirlwind of emotions, primarily worry and trepidation, as he stood in front of his mirror, using his Shapeshifting power to try on one outfit after another, trying and failing to find the perfect example of attire for a Noble Lord like him.
With his guests coming to the Castle, which also put him in the spotlight as Master of Ceremonies and the benevolent Host, Harry knew he had to make things interesting and enjoyable for guests and occupants alike.
And, with the family of his betrothed, among other guests, turning up for the festivities, first impressions definitely counted.
As he shifted his attire into another outfit, only to frown as he felt it didn't quite give the effect he wanted to show to his guests, Harry was spared any further worries when the door to his chambers opened.
As he looked past his reflection, he let a smile cross his face as Serena walked in, dressed in a cobalt-blue gown decorated with silver lace, which made her look like she was wearing a veil made from ice and frost, as well as the Crest of the House, which was set in a place that formed a clasp, which held her dress together at the shoulders. Her red hair was brushed smoothly behind her shoulders while, to his amusement, she also had a small amount of make-up around her topaz eyes that seemed to make them sparkle.
With the innocent cheek that was expected of any bratty little brother, Harry laughed before he asked, "Out to impress someone tonight, are we?"
"Is it too much?" asked Serena, earning a worried look from Harry.
Damn his inability to make a joke sound like a joke.
As she went to try and fix herself, however, Serena was cut off when Harry turned and, taking his hands in hers, he shook his head as he assured her, "Don't; you look amazing, Serena. It's just what I'd expect from a young member of my House and, if they were here, I'm sure Mum and Dad would agree you look like a princess."
Even as Serena blushed, Harry frowned curiously: this was the first time he'd ever compared anything in his life to what his parents might think.
Maybe it was just his hosting nerves showing through, or maybe he was stepping into that sliver of light that Salazar had told him about more than he first thought, especially now Serena was more than just his assistant: she was his sister, his kin and his family.
As he smiled at the thought of finally having a family, as weird as it was, Harry brushed a lock of his big sister's red hair away from her eyes as he cleared his throat, "Seriously, Serena, you look beautiful and, both as your brother and the head of our family, I feel inclined to ask it: just who are you looking to impress attending our first party looking like this vision of magic?"
"Only you, little brother," Serena laughed, though she still blushed at the way Harry addressed her.
She might be many years his elder, but even though they were now brother-and-sister, she couldn't find it in herself to feel anything except pride and warmth when he complimented her on her looks and how she was trying to make herself into the sort of female family member he would be proud to always call his sibling.
At the same time, Serena watched as Harry returned to the mirror, once again using his Power to try and fail at the decision of which outfit he was going to wear for the party.
After watching him shift through seven more suits, Serena cut him off with a snigger as she put a hand on his shoulder, stopping his constant shift as she reassured him for once, "Try not to be so worried, Harry: despite who is going to be there, they won't be judging your attire, just your knack for holding a party. And remember, tonight is all about you, your guests and nothing else…"
"My family," said Harry, taking hold of Serena's hand before, to her amusement, he kissed the back of it softly as she nodded.
"Yes, that too; obviously, I'll be right there with you, while Zharka is chaperoning the place and Kyrian is keeping an eye out for trouble that might bring things to a halt, so all you need to focus on is yourself, your guests and your roles for tonight. Anything else can wait until next time."
"Thanks Serena," Harry sighed, patting his sister's hand before he screwed his eyes shut and, changing once more, he opened his eyes, spreading his arms as he showed off his latest option to his sister. "So…being a guy and all, I think a woman's touch is needed, so tell me: how about this?"
"Perfect," Serena replied, stroking a lock of her little brother's hair away from his eyes before she smiled as she stood next to him. "You look like Lord Potter now, Harry."
"But I am…" Harry began, but when he caught Serena's knowing smile, he nodded once.
"Okay, I get the hint."
TDC
Unlike many of the times when Harry had seen it outside of the Season, Potter Castle's main ballroom now looked like something out of a mystical kingdom: the entire room had been charmed by the elven members of the Household to mimic the Hogwarts Great Hall as snowflakes fell lightly on the floor, though they didn't lie.
Instead, the flakes touched the floor and, when they hit the ground, they dispersed like a mini-explosion of light, each of which transformed the floor into a beautiful set of sparks and starlight that made the whole room shine. Meanwhile, the walls were decorated with holly wreaths and decorations commemorating the Season while the top end of the hall held a large buffet table with plenty of room through the remainder of the hall for dancing, eating and socialising.
Music was played from somewhere in the halls by magic summoned from Harry and, as the young Lord walked into the hall, intending to deliver his seal of approval – not that it was necessary – he found he was actually impressed with the final result.
There was no doubt in his mind that Zharka and his ilk must have really known how important this was to Harry.
"Beautiful," he whispered, before a soft pop announced Mixey's arrival.
"Lord Harry's first guests are arriving, sir," the elf explained, earning a curious, but also amused look from Harry as he reasoned that there was only one person who would probably be here early, if only to get the awkward moment out of the way. "Shall Mixey show them to the ballroom?"
"Yes," Harry replied, snapping his fingers for emphasis, which caused the double doors leading into the ballroom to open telekinetically, even as he told Mixey, "Welcome them as is your role, Mixey and then inform them that I'll meet and greet them here: and, in case I don't get a chance to say it later, I just want to say thank you, Mixey."
"Mixey is honoured to serve her Lord Harry."
"I know, but, really, thank you…and when you get a chance, pass on my thanks to Zharka and Kyrian too; as for Serena, her being able to attend the ball at all, even as my sister, is reward enough for her, so…anyway, shall we get on with this?"
When Mixey vanished, Harry took a moment to compose himself before he looked up, just in time to see Serena approaching; without needing to be asked or told, or even stopped from doing it by Harry, the young elven Potter stood proudly next to her little brother, sliding her hand into his for additional support before, squeezing his hand in hers, she asked, "So, be honest, are you ready for this?"
"Not really, but I guess there's only one way to be absolutely sure," Harry chuckled, releasing his hand from Serena's as he watched the main door to the Castle open, indicating that Mixey's directions had been successful in showing his guests through to the ballroom.
Not to Harry's surprise, Daphne was the first guest to arrive, but she wasn't alone: she was accompanied by a proud-looking young man with stone-grey, if not silver-fox-coloured hair and deep, wintry-blue eyes whom was dressed in a formal-looking set of dress robes upon which was a crest: a white dove with a laurel leaf in its beak flying over a letter G.
Drawing himself to his full height, intending to make the best impression he could on the man with his betrothed, Harry let his fears slide away as he addressed his first guests, "Heiress Daphne Greengrass, Lord Greengrass: welcome to Potter Castle. Thank you for accepting my invitation and, in my family's name, may I extend my own formal wishes for good fortune and good health during this festive period."
Suffice to say, Lord Greengrass was stunned at Harry's formal remarks, though Daphne couldn't help but smile as she watched her Father present a hand to Harry, which he shook with a hardened grip, firm, strong and confident, even as he added, "I don't think I would be out of line in saying that I've been waiting for this meeting for a while now."
"Indeed not, Lord Potter," said Lord Greengrass, the surprise at Harry's strength of will and his confidence evident on his face, even as he cleared his throat before he explained, "Allow me to introduce myself: I am Lord Adrian Stefano Greengrass and, on behalf of my wife, my daughters and I, I would like to thank you for your invitation."
"Although, as long as I hold your daughter in as high a regard as I do, Lord Greengrass, there is no doubt in my mind that you and your family shall always be first on my list," said Harry, earning a smirk from Daphne while Adrian cocked an eyebrow even as he looked back to the Greengrass Lord. "And, on that note, I would like to request another meeting with you, perhaps two days from now, to finalise the details of my offer of betrothal to your firstborn daughter?"
"I…I shall pass the message on to your elf, Lord Potter."
"Thank you, sir, and please, we are among friends here, so call me Harry," said the young Lord, earning a curt nod from Harry before he turned his attention to the other two figures accompanying Adrian and Daphne.
One of them was a white-haired girl with a few black streaks that seemed to be tied together in a black-and-white ponytail, as well as cool, but young greyish-coloured eyes that lit up with awe and wonder as soon as she saw the ballroom. Like Daphne, the young girl wore a set of beautiful white dress robes with her family's crest and, around her neck, Harry couldn't help but notice the pendant he'd given Daphne.
As though she caught him looking, Daphne cleared her throat as she told Harry, "I apologise if you feel slighted by my decision to pass your gift onto my little sister, Astoria Elsa Greengrass, Harry, but, as our friends know, you've made sure I'm more than safe enough."
'No wonder Adrian's looking at me like he wants to string me up from the battlements,' thought Harry, drawing himself to his full height as he nodded before, extending a hand to Astoria, he kissed the back of it, earning a giggle from the girl, before he looked to the final member of the group: a white-haired woman with the same blue-coloured eyes as Daphne, but, like Serena, the woman was dressed in a regal-looking cold-blue ballgown with a string of pearls around her neck and her Lady's ring clearly visible on her finger.
As with Daphne, Harry extended his hand politely to the woman, even as Daphne added, "Allow me to introduce my Mother, Lady Elena Victoria Greengrass; Mother, as you've wanted to do since I sent you the owl, may I now introduce my betrothed, Lord Harrison James Potter."
"A pleasure, Lady Greengrass," said Harry, kissing the back of the woman's hand before he caught sight of Elena eyeing Serena, but not with coldness or hatred.
Instead, she was in awe of the elf, as her voice told Harry as she asked him, "The pleasure is all mine, Lord Potter and, if I may ask, who is this young elven lady standing so closely and personally by your side?"
"Of course, my apologies," Harry replied, introducing Serena to the Greengrasses as he told them, "My friends, allow me to introduce my recently-blood-adopted elder sister and current Heiress of my family, by right of blood and magic, Serena Lilian Potter: Serena, this is my betrothed, Daphne Greengrass and her family."
The revelation that Serena was the Heiress surprised the Greengrasses, though, thankfully, their shock seemed to be more-amused than horrified, even in Daphne's case, while Harry indicated the hall as he explained, "Please, come in: make yourselves at home. My apologies for no seating arrangements, but I felt tonight would be better for all as more of an informal meet-and-greet soiree to honour the Season, instead of hosting an actual celebratory ball. Of course, if you require seating, all you have to do is ask: I will have extra seats placed around the edge of the hall."
"A noble sentiment, Harry," Daphne laughed, though not before she caught sight of several comfortable chairs appearing on either side of the ballroom behind Harry, even as she looked to her betrothed with a new sense of wonder and delight. "Nice robes, by the way."
"At least he made up his mind with what he was going to wear," retorted Serena, though when Harry laughed good-naturedly, even Daphne began to realise just how strong the sibling-like bond was between them, even as she took notice of Harry's white dress robes, which were wrapped around his body like a tuxedo, with a red shirt underneath the jacket of the dress robes and the Head of House Potter ring clear on his finger.
What really surprised Daphne, however, was how, instead of the classic caramel-blonde-haired look and his amber eyes, Harry had even changed back into the classic, expected jet-black hair and returned his eyes to emerald-green, apparently in homage to his parents.
Now, she could see the son and heir, and now-Lord, of James Potter's family as clear as day and, judging by the neutral, calm air used by her parents and her sister, she suspected they too had seen and understood the meaning as clear as day.
Now, Daphne could only hope that Harry had the chance to be the host his parents would have been proud to call their son.
It was time to find out.
TDC
As the Greengrasses entered and took a moment to enjoy the design of the ballroom, Harry looked back when he felt the wards around his home inform him of the arrival of the rest of his guests.
First to arrive after his betrothed was Neville, who introduced Harry to his Grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, who was both awed and honoured to be in the presence of an elven lady like Serena, though she also thanked Harry for helping Neville come out of his shell.
However, when Harry saw that Gabrielle was the next to arrive, he wasn't too surprised to see Neville watching her carefully, even though she was accompanied by two others whom Harry guessed were her Muggle parents, both of whom had turned up dressed in formalwear.
Mr Granger, or Daniel, as Gabrielle introduced him, was dressed in a suit that would be better suited for a groom at a wedding while Mrs Granger, aka Emma, was dressed in a beautiful-looking red dress that trailed neatly along the floor. As for Gabrielle, she was dressed in a green dress that seemed to match her Slytherin colours, with her messy hair tied back and her eyes wide with awe at the sight of the room.
As he greeted the Grangers, Harry cleared his throat before he asked, "Forgive me for being so forward with this, Mr Granger, but I was wondering if you, your wife and your daughter would like to spend Christmas here at the Castle with me and my family?"
"Is this because we are not like you and your other guests, Mr Potter?" asked Mr Granger, his voice cool, but with an added note of danger that told Harry he would really need to be careful what he said.
"Not at all, sir," said Harry, drawing himself to his full height as he explained, "Unlike many of my peers in the magical world, I do not judge the actions, abilities or even the blood of non-magicals as anything different, least of all lesser or inferior to our own. I simply wished to extend this invitation as, I am not sure if you are aware, but there have been things brought to my attention concerning your daughter. Things I would like to share with you and, if I can, help you understand them."
"Such as why you and your friends call her Gabrielle?" asked Mrs Granger, her voice just as cool, but laced with danger and warning as her husband, and yet, Harry didn't back down, even though he was curious about how she knew that.
"Exactly."
"And what about our preparations?" asked Mr Granger, indicating his wife as he explained, "This is one of the few days of the year we get to spend as a family and, as such, given the time of year, my wife has prepared a feast for tomorrow for obvious reasons."
"I can have any and all preparations, including food and gifts, brought here for you should you wish it," said Harry, sticking to his role as benevolent host, though he could see, from the look on Gabrielle's face, that this wasn't going the way either one of them had hoped it would when Harry had made the offer to the girl to join him in the first place.
After a moment's contemplation, Mr Granger nodded once as he told Harry, "Very well, Mr Potter, but I hope you do not just expect us to cancel our arrangements all the time, not even for our daughter, Hermione."
Harry had to bite his tongue, and clench his jaw harder than probably Severus would have, as he nodded in response to the man's suggestion, before he showed them inside, earning an apologetic look from Gabrielle at the same time.
However, it wasn't a look Harry returned for one reason and one reason only.
Unlike his wife, Mr Granger didn't seem to accept that Gabrielle was Gabrielle and, to look at him, Harry couldn't help but think of how Petunia used to be whenever she talked about Harry's Mother.
Like she was something the horse-faced bint didn't want to talk about.
'Please,' thought Harry, turning to greet the last of his specially-invited friends, Blaise Zabini, as well as his Mother, Lady Christina Zabini.
'Please let my theory be right because, if I have to do to them what I did to that spiteful witch, I don't think I'll be able to stop myself this time.'
TDC
Soon after, more of Harry's personally-invited guests: Susan Bones accompanied by Madam Amelia Bones, her aunt and her guardian and the Director of the DMLE, though, for reasons unknown to Harry, the latter said she felt honoured and privileged to be here in the Potter Family's ancient home once again.
When Harry introduced Serena, Madam Amelia also made a comment about Harry being just like his Father, a comment that had Harry surprised, though he didn't show it. Instead, he turned his attention back to the group of guests arriving as next were a family that had been offered by Susan.
Cedric Diggory, a third-year Hufflepuff and a friend of Susan's, along with his parents, Amos and Tabitha Diggory, both of whom were proud and grateful for Harry's invitation, Amos also a little awed at the sight of Serena: apparently, he'd never encountered a dark elf before.
The Patils followed the Diggorys and they were accompanied by the Davis Family: Tracey, Parvati and Padma seemed to walk in together while their parents, Alicia and Rowan Davis and Amira and Ajay Patil, all greeting Harry and, like the others, telling him what an honour it was to receive an invitation to a Potter Family Ball.
Finally, as Harry began to feel tired in his mind and his jaw muscles with his perfected smile, the ones he'd been expecting trouble from arrived.
The Malfoys.
Leading the way was Lord Lucius Malfoy, a proud-looking man with light-blonde hair and cold blue eyes; when he offered a hand to Harry, it was for the same reason Harry did so: out of ceremony alone.
As he shook Harry's hand, Lucius was introduced to Serena and, for a moment, Harry thought he saw something akin to disgust cross the Malfoy Elder's face before Draco Malfoy appeared, dressed in formal-looking black robes with a collar that made him look like a vicar; however, to Harry's disgust, Draco didn't shake Harry's hand and, as though seeking to really stick the knife in, he turned his nose up at Serena.
Even as he tried harder than ever to hold onto his noble front, Harry scowled, 'One reason, ferret boy! That's all I ask: just one reason!'
Finally, Draco's Mother, Lady Narcissa Malfoy, appeared and, when he saw her, Harry actually understood the meaning behind her name.
She had a proud, noble appearance that could be described as beautiful, her beauty only amplified by the white gown that she wore, her posture as tall and straight as most purebloods.
Offering his hand to Lady Malfoy, Harry politely kissed the back of it before he introduced Serena and, unlike her male counterparts, Narcissa not only shook Serena's hand, earning another disgusted look from Draco in the process, she also told Serena that she was honoured to meet one of what she called the Fair Folk.
With the last of his guests having arrived, Harry took a moment to compose himself, which included making damn well sure Serena wasn't left alone while he played host, before he moved to the head of the hall, up onto a raised platform where, turning to face his guests, he addressed them in a Power-amplified voice.
"My honoured friends, guests, allies and invitees: for those of you who don't know me, I am Lord Harrison James Potter, Harry to my friends…"
To his relief, there were a few chuckles at this, earning a soft smile from the young lord himself before Harry continued. "On this night, we celebrate the Season and the Winter Solstice; so tonight, I invite you to eat, drink and be merry: I only ask that, while you are here, keep any…discomforts or bias against one another outside these halls."
Not to the surprise of his friends, or Serena, Harry glared steely, emerald daggers at the Malfoy Elder and his offspring as he said this.
However, neither one seemed too concerned with the host's advice, even as Harry let his gaze spread through the hall before he went on, "As most of you know, having met or been friends or associates with my late parents, Lily and James Potter, the members of House Potter have always held onto a long and profound history of being fair and equal to all and, as my guests, I ask the same of you."
Even Neville seemed to take the words to heart, judging by the wary, but sincerely-friendly look he sent Gabrielle, even as Harry continued with his speech, "Tonight is not about influence or strength or who is better than whom: tonight, we are one and, for now, I ask that you all enjoy yourselves and, should you need anything, then please, ask Zharka, a High Elf that is head of my staff. In the meantime, I shall try and converse with each of you before the night is done, but, for now, let the festivities begin."
At the snap from Harry's fingers, as if on command, a slow dance tune echoed from around the halls while Harry stepped down to scattered, but grateful applause from his guests, each of them congratulating him on a brave speech in front of such a numerous party.
And yet, even as he did his rounds and played host, Harry couldn't deny it.
'That was the scariest thing I've ever had to do.'
TDC
Over the next thirty minutes, Harry did the respectable host routine and meet and greet with his guests, sharing drinks with a few of the students and making light conversation with the adults.
At one time, Daphne found him and asked him for a dance: as host, as well as her betrothed, he knew it would be improper of him to deny her and so, doing the best he could with the knowledge he'd acquired from lessons from Serena and Zharka, Harry guided her across the floor. Though, somehow, after the dance, he found himself also sharing a dance with Daphne's sister, Astoria, who seemed content to hold him as she moved with him, like a princess with her Prince Charming.
When he was done, Harry repeated his kiss on the back of Astoria's hand from before and moved off towards the side of the hall; however, just as he reached Serena's side, Harry found himself being called by Mixey, who appeared in front of him. "Lord Harry, there is an unwelcome guest here: he will not leave."
"Show me to them," Harry replied, excusing himself from his sister's side as Mixey took him down to the entrance, the sound of the party still echoing in his ears.
Moving down along a snowy pathway, Harry reached the gateway and, as Mixey revealed the uninvited guests, Harry felt a mix of disbelief and rage rise up inside him as he asked, "Begging your pardon, but what exactly are you doing here?"
"We heard of your party, Harry, my boy," Albus Dumbledore replied, his entrance to the castle blocked by Harry's Family Magic, as well as the fact that he wasn't even invited, but Harry didn't say that. "And, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and an old friend of the family, I felt it was my right to attend such a soiree to ensure your safety: now, would you be a sport and allow me to enter your home?"
"I would, were it not for the fact that I don't welcome you," Harry remarked, keeping his distance from Dumbledore even as he added, "All invitations were sent out and the only way to find the Castle is if you're invited onto the island by the Lord, which is yours truly, Dumbledore: me."
Harry caught the tick over Dumbledore's eyes as Harry went on, "So, while I'd like to know just how you found such a protected place with ease, I'm afraid that I have to ask you to leave…and that means both you and your other uninvited guests."
From behind Dumbledore, the Weasley matriarch that Harry had noticed on the first day of Hogwarts' term appeared, accompanied by her family, though Ron Weasley had a look of fury as he saw the castle illuminated behind Harry, even as the Lord told him. "I didn't invite any Weasleys, so I will be investigating how any of you even knew of this place and how to access even the gateway. Now leave: your presence here is disturbing my guests and impeding my duties as host."
"So, you're saying that you'd rather hang around with Death Eaters and unworthies instead of real people?" asked Ron, earning a cold glare from Harry as he shook his head.
"Those unworthies are guests of House Potter," Harry replied, "Now leave: don't make me ask…"
Before he could finish his warning, Harry was suddenly cut off by a loud pop and Mixey appearing at his side, her eyes wide with terror as she squealed, "Lord Harry; Lord Harry!"
"What is it, Mixey?" asked Harry, kneeling down to calm the elf, though he was also thankful for the distraction.
"It is Miss Serena, milord!" Mixey answered, unaware of the rage that had suddenly risen in Harry with the words, though her next words didn't help much either. "She's in trouble, sir!"
Not even at Hogwarts had Harry moved as fast as he did upon hearing those words, leaving the unwelcome guests beyond the gateway, their eyes watching as Harry left them alone…again.
TDC
While Ronald fumed at the fact that he was being kept out of such a big place and a good party, and Molly started mouthing off about rudeness and how he had no right to deny Dumbledore, the man himself was in a state of curiosity, as well as bewilderment.
And not just because of Harry's noble deeds or the fact that he honoured the old neutral ways of his family.
But because of his reaction to the words from the House Elf about this unknown Serena person.
It was as if she was dear to him, which meant he wasn't as completely-dark-minded as Albus had feared.
'Is it possible I have it wrong about him?' wondered Albus, though not before he grabbed the Weasleys and, calling on Fawkes, he left the Castle and its somewhat-mysterious enigma of a Lord.
Though Albus would not soon forget his doubts about Harry being anything like Tom.
TDC
Moments Ago
Draco Malfoy thought that he had officially entered the pureblood equivalent of Hell:
First, the ignorant upstart of a half-blood known as Harry Potter had treated him like something that Draco wouldn't even use to wipe his boots with and then he'd exiled Draco from Slytherin House and, somehow, he'd become Heir of House Black, which was a title that Draco had long-since known belonged to the truly worthy and those who deserved it.
And, since the House was his Mother's birth-house, then the only one who deserved it was Draco himself.
But the title was going to a half-blood?
That was the ultimate insult to the Malfoy Heir's honour as far as he was concerned.
House Black, his Mother's House, was meant to be his House when the treacherous current Lord finally kicked the bucket and yet it was in the hands of this half-blood pretender and loser.
However, when he'd written a letter to his Father to get Lord Slytherin's rule overridden, it had been his Mother that had responded in kind:
Your Father cannot help you here, Draco: the will of a Founder's Heir is FINAL!
Do NOT cause trouble for him or you will find yourself out of Hogwarts and sent somewhere else.
Like Durmstrang
As the term progressed, Draco had done the best that he could to oblige his Mother's request.
After all, anything was better than Durmstrang, which was a place where his Father's name would mean very little and, unlike Hogwarts, the students at Durmstrang knew of, practised and specialised in the Dark Arts.
So, what could Draco do to them when they had skills and abilities that he could only dream of?
Then, on Halloween Night, Draco had encountered an unusual fear-inducing nightmare where he was made to feel as small and insignificant as blood-traitors and Mudbloods and yet it was those people that stood above him, laughing at him.
That wouldn't do and so, when Harry had handed out invites to his Yule Ball, Draco had begrudgingly accepted, knowing that the threat made by the Lord of Slytherin House and slowly-rising Slytherin King was genuine.
However, upon arriving at the Ball, Draco had been disgusted and soiled to find Mudbloods, blood-traitors, unworthies and, even worse, Muggles and two half-breeds sharing the same environment as him and his parents.
Worse still: Potter called one of these creatures his sister; did the git have no respect?
So, it was understandable – at least, it was so in Draco's backwards, purist-warped, twisted mind – as to why he was in the pureblood's Hell: but it wouldn't stand; he'd teach Potter a lesson.
Laying down his glass, which hadn't been filled with rich decanters of wine, but juice – Potter had said he would oblige the adults, but the younger ones would not drink at his soiree; honestly, what Ancient House's Lord didn't allow a drink like real people? It was so wrong, it wasn't even right for a new lord – Draco crossed the room before he approached the disgusting red-haired half-breed.
Steeling himself, while trying to keep down the bland offerings of food on display at the ball, Draco adopted his post as heir of the Malfoys as he asked in as polite a tone as he could muster, "Pardon me, Miss Potter: would you allow me a moment of your company?"
To Draco's outrage, the filthy half-breed actually had the nerve to glare at him like he was the one who was filth and she was his better, before she nodded to a nearby corner of the ballroom as she told him, "My brother distrusts you, Heir Malfoy, so I will speak with you, but we will not be leaving this room."
Then, with a sneer that Draco usually saved for those beneath him, the half-breed, Serena if Draco remembered correctly – like freaks like her deserved names – stepped past Draco and moved to a quiet corner of the room.
That was the last of last straws.
Her attitude and her belief that she was better than him was the final straw for Draco.
As soon as he met her, the Malfoy Heir surprised Serena – genuinely-surprising her, even though she'd kept a guard up around him at her brother's request – when he smacked her clean across the face, sending her sprawling to the floor.
As everyone else turned to see what was going on, Draco jumped on her and ripped at her gown, his voice laced with fury and the same delusions he'd shown every time he spoke to the master of the house as he asked, "How dare you act like that around your betters! Do you actually think a half-breed thing like you is better than me? Does your thick-skulled brother think he can best me? You should not be breathing my air, you filthy freak, you should be kissing my boots!"
"And you…should be running, Draco Malfoy!" An icy voice interrupted, silencing the blonde's delusions while, at the same time, Draco realised how the music and ambience of the room had fallen silent, with each of the other occupants of the room now looking at him while the owner of the voice added, "Now, I only ask nicely once: take your hands off my sister!"
"Why are you defending her, Potter?" demanded Draco, looking into the bright-green eyes of the Lord of the Manor, which were glowing like the Killing Curse with the added effect of a familiar aura of bloodlust and danger that had each one of Harry's guests backing away, leaving Harry, Draco and the downed Serena alone in the centre of the room.
Not that Draco realised the threat, or the trouble, as he spat, "She's filth: she's nothing and so are you! fraternising with their kind. You're nothing; when are you going to understand that I am better than all of you and…"
"And yet, for someone who claims to be my better, here you are, assaulting a member of my family in front of nearly a half-a-hundred witnesses and the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Harry reminded him, though his hands were clenched tightly into fists while the lights in the ballroom had suddenly dimmed, bathing the Lord's face in shadow while his voice only grew colder as he snarled at the arrogant upstart.
"Last chance, ferret-boy: get off Serena now…and then get out of my house before I really lose my temper!"
Even those who'd only seen him sparely, and those who'd heard of him on the magical grapevine, could tell that Harry seemed to be trying very hard to keep his emotions in check, in light of his duties as host and the fact that he was not only dealing with a troublemaker, but a threat to his family, who even the likes of Narcissa Malfoy had been able to tell was someone Harry valued very highly.
Draco didn't know it yet, but any hopes he would have had about getting back into Slytherin and back with Harry as a friend died that night!
Not that the blonde knew it, of course; out of nothing more than an instinctive whim, Draco glanced to his Father, seeking him to make it all right and show Potter the error of his ways.
However, to Draco's shock, it was his Mother that interjected as she exclaimed, "Lord Potter, please: while I thank you for your hospitality and your generous offer to come to this majestic castle, I must ask that you allow my husband, my son and I to take our leave."
"And…the assault?" asked Harry, noticing a smirk appearing on the face of Lucius Malfoy while Narcissa spoke up.
"I promise you that Draco will be punished for this," she explained, though not before the smirk faded from Lucius' face as Narcissa strode forwards and, grabbing Draco, she pulled him off Serena, though not without keeping her eyes on the dark elf as she added, "I apologise if he harmed you in any serious ways, Miss Potter. Lord Potter, by your leave!"
"Not to sound discourteous, Madame Black, but…get out," Harry growled, somehow able to sense that Narcissa meant well with her words, though he could also feel an air of warning from her, like she was trying to make him aware of a point that, in his fury, he was blind to at the moment.
At the same time, the use of her birth name told Narcissa the only reason Harry had even bothered to invite them, as she had also heard of Draco's complaints that Harry claimed to be the future Head of House Black.
However, whether it was the power rolling off of him or the fury in his voice, Narcissa knew that his claims were neither false nor just words.
He was her future House Lord and, as such, he could make sure she left Lucius, and Draco, in the lurch.
But her attitude for now, including accepting his invitation and assuring her of Draco's punishment, was some sort of test, as if he was seeing whether or not to have her stuck with the Death Eater and his arrogantly-spoilt brat of a son for the rest of her life.
Whether or not she passed it, she didn't know.
Harry, however, made it clear what his intentions were as he told her, "Know this: from now on, you, Lady Narcissa, as a member of House Black, are welcome back here as and when invited, but your spawn and your…husband are not and will never enter these grounds again: any attempts to do so…well, let's just say there's a reason Lucius' employer never succeeded!"
If anything was the cue for them to leave, it was that and, despite Lucius' furious look, Narcissa knew it as she more or less moved to drag Draco out of there while Harry turned and, glaring at Lucius, he gave him his coldest stare as he hissed in a hushed voice, "I took down your Master with hardly an effort, Malfoy: taking you down, I shall enjoy…one day."
"One day…indeed," Lucius sneered, tipping an invisible hat to Harry for appearances sake before he turned and left, leaving Harry to move across the floor and, kneeling by Serena, he fixed her dress before he ran a hand over the bruise that had formed from Malfoy's cowardly assault.
Her tears, her shivers, her weaker-than-him status and even her flinching away from his touch – the one person she trusted most to be near her and hold her for comfort or because one of them sought it from the other.
Forget waiting: Harry demanded justice!
"Madam Amelia!" Harry snarled, looking to said woman with rage and determination in his eyes, which actually caused them to flash amber as he told her, "As Lord of the House of Potter, I demand that Draco Malfoy be charged and penalised with assaulting my family…"
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Lord Potter," Amelia replied, though her voice held a note of sorrow in her tone, even as she watched Harry's expression turn whiter than white at the confession.
However, as the party resumed, Harry rose from Serena's side, the dark elf now sticking close to him as he glared at Amelia. "And why not? All these witnesses: my Family's Magic and the fact that Serena is my family aside, why won't it be possible?"
"It won't be possible because, you don't know this yourself, but Lucius Malfoy is a master of the spinster's art," Amelia explained, moving closer to Harry and Serena to keep their conversation quiet, even though Harry suspected none of the other guests would soon forget what they saw, heard and felt take place in that room.
At the same time, Zharka, Daphne, Neville, Gabrielle and Remus all moved to join the trio, though, as she did so, a look of realisation crossed Daphne's face when she finally understood just where Harry's softer side had started to show itself.
A softer side that was now a sleeping dragon tickled, thanks to Draco's archaic mindset and his Father's bigoted teachings.
Amelia, meanwhile, watched as Harry took in what she was saying, even though he didn't like it, as she explained, "If we brought him up on charges of assaulting Miss Potter, he would have one of his cohorts, presumably this disgusting thing who is as bad as he is, named Dolores Umbridge, ask why they were wasting time with a half-breed. Then, Lucius would paint a picture that said that she asked his son to assault her. He would have most-likely made some sort of contribution towards that end and, in the Wizengamot, Malfoy has many allies and fingers in many pies, as Muggles say, but you, Lord Potter…you are just one man."
"One man with the power and backing of many prominent Houses at my beck and call," Harry insisted, counting them off on his fingers, "Potter, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Black, Peverell! Malfoy cannot win this one, Madam."
"I'm sorry, but even a Master of the arts like you has his limits, Harry," Daphne sighed, moving to comfort her betrothed while Zharka was tending to Serena, though even the elder dark elf seemed reluctant to be too far from her kid-brother, especially with him as dark-minded as he was.
Even as Daphne held Harry in her embrace, she tried to do the same for him that he had done for her all those weeks ago – namely consoling him and helping him break through the darkness – as she continued, "You know that I'm right, but don't worry, because we won't let it happen again. Not everyone is as prejudiced as the Malfoys."
"Why?" asked Harry, looking past Daphne to Amelia once more, "I mean, I know some don't like others, especially those like Serena and Remus, but I don't get it: what made him do it?"
"There are some families," Amelia explained, shrugging ruefully while she kept her tone neutral and calm as she added, "Like Malfoy and his ilk who believe they're better than everyone else because they have what's known as pure-blood: anyone that isn't pure-blood isn't worth their time. So, if I had to guess, I'd say someone like you, Lord Potter, a son of a Muggle-born and a Pure-blood Wizard who has more authority than the Malfoys, is a threat to them. Then, add in Miss Serena's half-breed status while calling her a member of your family, even in name: it's just pouring oil on the fire."
"That's why they used to call people like me a Mudblood," Gabrielle added, though not before she looked to Remus as she asked, "But there's one thing I don't understand: what's the difference between a half-breed and a half-blood anyway?"
"A half-breed is someone with creature blood in their veins," Remus explained, catching Harry's eye as he said this, which warned him to watch what he said. "So, in Serena's case, she's half-dark-elf and, like in certain parts of the world, there are half-vampires, half-giants and others like them; to a pure-blood, half-breeds have very little say in the world and the same can be said for those of half-bred lines: like centaurs, werewolves and Veela. It's been that way for so long that the government allow themselves to be drawn in by pure-blood discrimination and propaganda."
"Both of which are ripe in the Wizengamot," Amelia explained, returning the attention of the conversation to Harry, who seemed to be calmer, but not much, as he nodded once while Amelia continued, "And people like Malfoy live for the times when that comes in handy: they spin the truth, no matter the situation, and make it sound like their own version of events. So, as sorry as I am to confess this to you, Lord Potter, there really is very little you can do: as I said, you are just one man."
'She says that like it's a bad thing,' thought Harry, clenching his fists even as he sighed deeply before he removed himself from Daphne's embrace.
Turning to Zharka, who seemed as ready to obey as ever, Harry moved to Serena before he asked, "Zharka, would you be so kind as to announce this evening's festivities over? I'll take Serena to our room and fix her up there."
"You sleep in the same room?" asked Gabrielle, looking to Serena, who was clearly older than Harry.
"Ever since I first met her," Harry explained, walking to Gabrielle before he added, "As you well know, there are reasons for everything I've done, Gabrielle: by the way, can you thank your parents for their attendance tonight? And, if you'd be so kind, would you mind offering them another invite for…say…Boxing Day? I'd keep my invite for tomorrow, but…with how I feel…"
"I understand," Gabrielle nodded, watching as Harry led Serena away from the ballroom, her eyes still filled with wonder and shock as to the way that the stoic Slytherin King acted with the half-breed.
She was also surprised to notice that Daphne hadn't said anything about Harry's closeness to Serena or his affectionate behaviour with her…
TDC
Out of the way of the others and safely back in his private chambers, Harry tapped into the Power and healed Serena's bruise before he fixed her dress and, conjuring a tissue, he wiped at her tear-streaked eyes, though not before the voice of the dark-elf addressed him with a quivering whimper as she sniffled, "I…I'm sorry…Harry; I…I failed you…as a sister."
"Now what possible reason would there be for you to think that?" asked Harry, helping Serena out of her repaired dress and into bed: she was older than him, this was true, but, as he'd told Gabrielle, they had been in the same room since his first night here.
Besides, he knew she needed his comfort now and what sort of brother, not to mention Lord, would he be if he couldn't give it to her?.
"Be…because I'm…I'm a half-breed…" Serena sniffed, though her sadness was slowly passing away with Harry's gentle touches on her hair and face, as well as his willingness to indulge a habit she'd been trying to kick because he had asked her to, namely sharing his bed. "There…there's nothing…you can do…to make this right. I also…I let him fool me…he didn't…didn't like me; I let…down…"
"Look at me."
As she had done many times before, Serena obliged instantly, though, when she did so, her eyes widened when she saw actual pity in the green-eyed glare of her little brother as he sat on her bed, remaining at her side while he spoke with her. "Now, I'm only going to say this once, Serena: you haven't let me down and you never will: after all, I suspect they're starting to realise it, but it's because of you that I learned to forgive those from my past and come out of the darkness. It's because of you, I manage to have fun with my friends and make the offer of betrothal to Daphne: it's even because of you, I've let myself look past her true name and see Gabrielle as the friend that she is. And you did all those things long before you were a Potter, so don't you dare think you've failed me, because you've actually made me a better person and, for that, I am, and always will be proud to call you my sister, if not my closest, dearest and bestest of best friends."
"But Malfoy…"
"You leave him to me," Harry smirked, his eyes now shining with a new sense of brightness and planning as he explained, "Slytherins, especially their Lord, are infamous for moving on plans of attack and not getting caught; why else would our emblem be a serpent? Rest assured, Serena, Draco Malfoy won't get away with this."
"But…didn't Amelia say that…you're just one man?" asked Serena, earning a nod from Harry as he ran a delicate hand through her hair.
"Yes," he replied, before he winked as he added, "But this one man has more than a few tricks and a silver tongue at his disposal, including another legacy that doesn't involve politics. And, if my memory serves me right, there are two people at Hogwarts that can help awaken that legacy."
"What legacy?"
Placing a gentle kiss on Serena's brow, Harry rose from the bed as he disrobed and climbed back into bed, using his shapeshifting power to return to the dirty-blonde-haired, amber-eyed pre-teen that he'd used at Hogwarts before he answered Serena, who cuddled into his side like a young girl.
And, as much as anyone else might be uncomfortable with it, Harry wasn't, not even as he told her his secret;
"They don't know I'm the Last of the Marauders…but they will!"
Chapter 13 and, uh oh, talk about tickling the sleeping dragon…or more like a sleeping nest of dragons, but what will Harry do about the legacy he's yet to awaken in order to avenge his sister?
More-importantly, what is he willing to do to avenge Serena?
Keep Reading to Find Out
Next Chapter: Happy New Year…well, you're half-right as the end of the holidays bring revelations for the Court that will change more than a few minds, including one that will set a scene for the future;
Please Read and Review
AN: Portrayals
Daniel Granger: Simon Baker
Emma Granger: Robin Tunney
Adrian Greengrass: John Barrowman
Elena Greengrass: Eve Myles
Astoria Greengrass: Chloe-Grace Moretz
Tracey Davis: Sophie Turner
Amelia Bones: Jodie Whittaker
Tabitha Diggory: Salma Hayek
Alicia Davis: Sally Hawkins
Rowan Davis: Hugh Bonneville
Amira Patil: Naomi Scott
Ajay Patil: Mena Massoud
Christina Zabini: Danai Gurira
Augusta Longbottom: Angela Lansbury