I don't own Harry Potter at all
A/N: this idea came from reading some other HP stories that had used the midnight duel as a basis for a story. Thought I'd try it myself. I changed several things from the canon to fit what I wanted to do.
It Started with a Midnight Duel
By: Sheltie
Annabelle Cromwell was minding her own business when she overheard a few first years talking. She got curious and inched closer. They, as young ones, were none the wiser. They had yet developed a sixth sense of eavesdropping.
"So, you challenged Potter to a wizard's duel at midnight in the trophy room only to have Filch try and nab Potter and Weasley for being out after curfew?" Theodore Nott asked.
"Yeah, though I wished that they've been caught though" Draco Malfoy said with disappointment.
Annabelle raised an eyebrow at this. She then shook her head.
Stupid idiot boy she thought. She knew what the Malfoy scion had done was totally idiotic. Then a thought rose in her head. Malfoy said he challenged Potter to a wizard's duel and didn't show. That meant Potter could possibly claim a portion of the Malfoy fortune for the faux pas. She needed to get to Potter and now.
/Scene Break/
Harry finally got away from Ron. It took some time since it seemed that the redhead didn't understand the concept of alone time. Sure, he had fun goofing off with Ron most of the time, but that was getting old and a bit tiresome to him. There was only so much of playing wizarding chess and losing and talking about Quidditch he could take. And by talking about Quidditch it was mostly listening to Ron go on and on about it since Harry wasn't knowledgeable in the sport being raised muggle. He also felt that he should actually do his homework and do it right without waiting for the last minute since that wasn't his kind of thing at all. He just did it to appease Ron since he's never had a friend before.
With some help from the Weasley twins, Ron's older brothers, he got that alone time he craved. The twins grabbed Ron and dragged him off saying they needed his expert opinion on some items they were crafting for a joke shop they planned on opening after they graduated. Ron of course struggled since he knew he was just being used as a guinea pig.
He was in the library since he knew that'd be the last place Ron would look for them since he knew the redhead avoided the place like it was a place full of lepers.
"Potter?"
Harry looked up to see a girl. She was older, maybe a fifth or sixth year. Harry wasn't totally sure; just knew she was older. She had long rich auburn locks that appeared to be naturally curly and hazel shaped eyes the color of dark mossy green. What Harry also noticed was she was wearing green and silver, which meant she was in Slytherin. Now Harry knew all about how everyone in Slytherin goes bad, but Harry didn't think at that was totally true. He decided to go the polite route since this Slytherin girl hadn't done anything to him. Not to mention she was older so she could hurt him if she wanted to.
"Yes, can I help you?" Harry asked politely.
"My name is Annabelle Cromwell, and there's something I'd like to talk to you about" Annabelle said in the same polite tone Harry had used.
Harry nodded and Annabelle took a look around.
"Not here" she said.
Harry nodded and packed up his things. He followed Annabelle deep into the library into the back where Harry was shocked to find private study rooms. Granted Harry hadn't done a bunch of exploring in the castle so far, but still it was amazing whenever he found something new.
"These rooms are for fifth and seventh years who want some private time to study for their exams" Annabelle said seeing Harry's expression.
The study rooms were quite sparse with a desk, a small table, two arm chairs and a small couch.
Annabelle settled into one of the chairs and Harry sat in the other one.
"I heard that Malfoy challenged you to a wizard's duel and didn't show" she said getting to business right a way.
"How do you know that?" Harry asked curiously.
"Malfoy's not a quiet one in our house. He brags constantly about his life. It's insufferable" Annabelle said with an annoyance in her tone.
"Oh, well, he did" Harry said.
"Excellent" Annabelle said grinning.
Harry looked confused.
"You see Potter, there are certain things that just aren't done in our society and one of them is not showing for a duel that they themselves have issued" Annabelle said. "It's really bad form and there are consequences for the one who made the duel and didn't show."
"So, I can do something?" Harry asked with a glimmer in his eyes.
Annabelle nodded.
"You can call Malfoy out, if he refuses then he must give up a portion of the Malfoy fortune for his cowardice" Annabelle said. "It's the only way he can save face for himself and his house. If he doesn't then he's disgraced his house and it'd show the true colors of the Malfoy family."
"Really?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes, though I'm sure he'll go to his daddy and whine and you'll be challenged by Malfoy's dad. If that happens then you should use the rule put in place that you want a champion to fight in your stead" Annabelle said.
"Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked with some suspicion.
"I hate Malfoy, all of them, well, the males. Mrs. Malfoy is alright. I want to see them get what they deserve" Annabelle said earnestly.
"And what's in it for you?" Harry asked as he eyed the older girl with curiosity.
"You're not as dumb as you act Potter" Annabelle said with a smirk.
Harry shrugged, "there's a lot people who think they know me, but they don't."
Annabelle nodded. Harry Potter was now a curiosity, a curiosity she wanted to unravel. But that was for another time, right now it was time to yank the Malfoys from their gilded perch. This was going to be fun.
"So, who should be my champion?" Harry asked.
"Professor Flitwick would be an option since he's a former duel champion though it's best if you have another if he doesn't want to" Annabelle said.
"But I don't know anyone" Harry said with a frown.
Annabelle frowned at this as she thought. Then it hit her.
"If Flitwick passes then you should have Danielle Stones. She's a dueling champion" she said.
"And she'd do this for me?" Harry asked.
"Yes, write her and she will" Annabelle said, "she's a vassal of the Potter house."
"A what?" Harry asked surprised.
Annabelle sighed. It appeared someone has kept Potter in the dark about their world. Something that she wasn't pleased with since the Potters are one of the oldest families there is and to have the last of them, the heir, ignorant of their duties and expectations was criminal to say the least. But she didn't feel daunted by the task. She actually looked forward to it since she saw Harry as someone she could help shape and mold. He could help her in her own ambitions and as a Slytherin this was like mana from heaven.
/Scene Break/
After some coaching by Annabelle Harry was ready. He got up and walked over to the Slytherin table. All eyes were on him. He ignored them, he was used to the stares.
"What do you want Potter?" Malfoy sneered.
"What I want Malfoy is to call you out. You challenged me to a wizard's duel at midnight, I was there, but you weren't" Harry said loudly and clearly.
Murmurs echoed through the hall hearing this. The ones who understood what Harry was saying looked at Malfoy with looks of disapproval no matter their house. This just wasn't done at all in their world.
"What are you talking about Potter?" Malfoy asked ignoring the stares as he put on a brave face.
"It's simple Malfoy, you challenged me to a wizard's duel and I accepted, but you never showed. So that gives me some of your fortune for your faux pas, but if you wish to get it back then we duel here and now" Harry said evenly keeping his eyes on Malfoy.
Malfoy tried not to sweat, but he couldn't help it. He felt not only all the eyes of his house on him, but the entire hall. Everyone who knew pureblood society looked at the Malfoy scion with looks of disappointment and scorn. He had broken one of the rules that purebloods like to live by. This showed that the Malfoys seemed to not care about the rules they themselves demanded all other purebloods live by. This also showed that the Malfoys were cowards too.
"So, what are you going to do?" Harry asked in a calm patient tone showing he was in control of the situation. Not something that came naturally for Harry, but Annabelle helped coach him so it sounded like it was something he always did.
Malfoy's mind was a jumble as he tried to think of a way out, but nothing was coming. As much as his mother tried to teach him the basic etiquette of being a pureblood, his father didn't seem to think that was necessary since they were Malfoys and he thought they were above all of that.
"I-I-I-I accept" Malfoy said in a squeaky voice.
Harry grinned at this.
/Scene Break/
Annabelle was watching the whole thing with bated breath. She wasn't sure how it would work out. If the little snot would accept the duel or go running to his father whining like the sissy she believed he was. That of course had her coach Harry on the two outcomes.
If the duel took place she was quite confident Harry could take Malfoy without much trouble. Heck, she even taught Harry a few spells that weren't lethal, but they'd be embarrassing for Malfoy if used against him. The spells were all legal too. They weren't in any books, but Annabelle didn't care since these spells could've been picked up other places. She also was using Harry's mythical status that he had at the moment since many still assumed Harry had more magical knowledge than he actually did.
The other was Lucius Malfoy, the head of the Malfoy house coming out and dueling or having one of his hired goons. And if that happened then Annabelle would have Harry use the rule about having a champion in his stead. This couldn't be questioned either since if it was then it'd go against tradition. And Lucius would continue to sully the Malfoy name.
She was relieved to see Malfoy accept and now was looking forward to the duel coming up.
/Scene Break/
A dueling platform was magically erected in the hall. Flitwick stood in as referee since he was the most qualified to do so. Dumbledore tried to stop it, but Harry shot him down.
"This is a wizard's duel sir, you can't interfere" Harry said.
Dumbledore still tried and got looks from other pureblood students and they weren't happy that he was trying to meddle in this affair. This was a personal matter, not something school related. Dumbledore had no say whatsoever. Thoughts of letters to parents about this were already being jotted out in their minds.
Malfoy was shaking like mad. He couldn't believe he was going to do this. He had never actually dueled anyone before. Sure, he mock dueled, but that wasn't the same. A part of him wished he had time to write to his father, but he was put into a spot that he couldn't get out of.
Professor Snape leaned in and tried to give Malfoy an edge. McGonagall seeing this decided to help Harry since she thought that was only fair. Harry appreciated the assistance though Annabelle had helped Harry learn a few new spells as she worked with him.
Soon it was time. Malfoy and Harry stood awaiting the signal. When Flitwick gave it, Malfoy started first firing off a leg-locker. Harry evaded and fired off a mild stinging hex at Malfoy. Malfoy didn't dodge, but put up a weak shield. He then fired off a hex to retaliate and Harry evaded it and fired off a jelly-leg. Malfoy once again used a shield charm.
Unlike Malfoy, Harry had learned to dodge when it came to attacks on his person. It was something he learned early on and helped him survive his childhood at the Dursleys. That also made Harry realize that Malfoy hadn't move from his spot since the duel started.
With his last spell it broke through Malfoy's pretty weak shield charm. Harry then fired off a spell that had Malfoy rise in the air hanging from his ankle. Malfoy cried out like a little girl as he flailed about in a vain attempt to get down. He was still holding his wand through this all which was in a way a miracle.
Everyone in the hall laughed at the sight of Malfoy's girlish screams and flailing. Harry then performed a few color changing spells making Malfoy's robes bright pink and his hair lime green.
"POTTER RELEASE MR. MALFOY THIS INSTANT!" Snape shouted with a bit of froth in his mouth.
"Sorry sir, but this is a duel, and I can't do that until Malfoy concedes" Harry said politely.
Snape was still frothing, but couldn't do a thing. Flitwick gave Snape a sharp look that told the potions teacher if he tried to intervene there'd be consequences.
"Do you give Malfoy?" Harry asked calmly as he gave Malfoy burgundy polka-dots.
"Not on your life Potter!" Malfoy shouted though he was red in the face thoroughly embarrassed.
Harry sighed and fired off a spell that made Malfoy pirouette in midair by his ankle.
"Fine, fine, fine, I give Potter, I give! Get me down!" Malfoy shouted as he felt his stomach churn and the urge to vomit was becoming quite evident.
"Winner, Harry Potter" Flitwick announced.
Harry canceled each spell making sure Malfoy didn't hit his head when he hit the ground. He wasn't mean and wasn't going cause any injury after the duel was over. That just wasn't him.
After getting off the platform he was swarmed by people congratulating him for his win and how brilliant it was. The Weasley twins were one of the loudest and proudest of Harry deeming him a true hero for how Harry had won. Even declaring it 'Being Pottered'.
Harry blushed at all the praise he was getting since he wasn't used to it. He did catch sight of Annabelle, who nodded to him.
Snape looked ready to tear into Harry, but was hindered by McGonagall who was playing shield for Harry. She'd be damned if she let the foul man harm Harry on her watch if she could help it.
/Scene Break/
"Congratulation Harry" Annabelle said.
"Thanks Annabelle" Harry said.
The two were in the same private study room they had their first talk as well as where she trained and coached him. It was the only place they could converse privately.
It had been a week since Harry beaten Malfoy and it was still the talk of the castle with people laughing and even imitating Malfoy's reactions. Malfoy couldn't show his face anywhere because of this. Not to mention he was being shunned by his house for not only his loss, but for not showing up at the first duel.
Harry had gotten half of the Malfoy fortune for his win and a letter from Gringotts signified it.
"Now I believe Malfoy has sent a letter to his daddy. I'm sure of it since I saw him scribbling away furiously on something that wasn't homework. So, Lucius will probably come here and challenge you to a duel. When that happens have Danielle ready" Annabelle said.
Harry nodded. He had made contact with Danielle anyways before that since he was curious about her. They had exchanged letters and Harry actually liked having someone else to talk to. Plus, he was sure his owl, Hedwig, enjoyed being active delivering Harry's mail instead of just coming to him every morning for a bit of bacon and a good rub. Though she still did since why'd she want to give up that routine.
"Now here's what to do when that happens" Annabelle said.
Harry leaned in listening keenly.
/Scene Break/
Not three days later and Lucius Malfoy made his appearance. He walked into the Great Hall like he owned the place. He sneered at Harry and challenged him to a wizard's duel to take back the portion of the Malfoy fortune that had been lost.
"Of course, I accept your challenge Mr. Malfoy" Harry said which made Lucius smirk knowing he could easily defeat Harry. "But I do have the right to ask for a champion to take my stead in a duel if I so choose to."
"What nonsense are you talking about boy" Lucius sneered.
"Really Mr. Malfoy, you're a pureblood yet you don't know your own rules" Harry said in almost the same kind of pureblood tone. "One might think you're above it all."
Malfoy glared at Harry, but said nothing, which told everyone more than enough. More letters will be going out to explain this event and its subtext.
"And who will your champion be, Potter?" Malfoy asked.
"That would be me, Mr. Malfoy" a new voice said.
Lucius turned and looked at the new arrival, "and who might you be?" he asked in contempt.
"My name is Danielle Stones. Dueling champion and I'm also a vassal of the Potter house" Danielle said with great pride.
Danielle had short ebony hair with silver pupils. She was wearing dueling robes that were custom made for her. Something a duel champ like her could afford of course.
Lucius paled slightly, but held his superior air since doing anything less would show weakness.
"Now sir, since we're both here and appear to be ready shall we do this duel now? I'm sure you're a busy man" Danielle said with some sarcasm in her tone.
"Oh, and if you lose Mr. Malfoy I take not only the rest of your fortune, but house Malfoy as well" Harry chipped in.
"And if you lose Potter?" Lucius asked.
"Why you get back what you lost and you'd get all of house Potter" Harry said.
This was a part of the plan Annabelle thought up. She wanted to totally and utterly ruin Malfoy.
There were murmurs since the Potters were rumored to be the richest family in Britain.
"I accept" Lucius said without hesitation thinking he could win even against a dueling champion.
"Great, professor Flitwick, if you'd be our referee for our match?" Harry asked.
"I'd be happy to Mr. Potter" Flitwick said then turned to Danielle and bowed his head respectfully, "Ms. Stones, it's good to see you again as well."
"It is good to see you too Master Flitwick" Danielle said bowing her head respectfully to the duel master.
The dueling platform was once again raised and Danielle and Lucius made their way up. Flitwick explained the rules which were different from the ones when Harry and Draco dueled mainly since these were adults. There'd be lethal spells used, but any dark spells and Unforgivables were forbidden. But other than that everything was the same.
When the duel started you could see the stark contrast instantly. Danielle was fluid in her movements as she dueled. She bobbed and weaved evading Lucius' hexes as she transfigured objects to block the ones she couldn't evade. Lucius wasn't any slouch by far, but you could tell he wasn't used to an actual duel like this. He was just sidestepping attacks and shielding others. He barely moved from his spot thinking moving from his spot would make him look weak for some reason.
Danielle was grinning as she was having fun. She always despised Malfoy and this was a chance to finally kick his ass and it was legal. She wouldn't get in any kind of trouble. This duel she'd relish since she wasn't sure when she'd get another chance. Though she kept a focus not to lose as a Potter vassal she wasn't going to let her lord down.
The duel ended as Danielle drew first blood with a nasty cutting hex. She fired several knowing Lucius couldn't stop them all. Lucius was able to shield against the first, but the second and third got through with one slicing his cheek and the other his leg.
/Scene Break/
"Well Harry you now have the entire Malfoy fortune" Annabelle said sounding please.
"Yeah, and that means what exactly?" Harry asked.
"This, come on in" Annabelle said.
The door opened to the study opened and Harry's eyes widened. Entering was Pansy Parkinson.
"Parkinson" he said a bit surprised.
"Potter" Pansy greeted neutrally.
"You see when you beat the Malfoys, well the younger, you got a hold of the betrothal contract to Pansy here" Annabelle said.
"Why didn't you say anything about that?" Harry asked a bit annoyed.
"I didn't know about the contract at all until Parkinson told me" Annabelle said as she glared at the younger snake, who shied away.
"Okay" Harry said nodding his head. Pleased he wasn't lied to. "So, this means that Parkinson's contract is now mine?"
"It does" Annabelle said, "though we aren't certain of there any contracts for the Potters. We need to find that out."
"And how do we do that?" Harry asked.
"Go to Gringotts and look at your parents' will then see if you have any contracts" Annabelle said.
"Okay" Harry said feeling for the first time in his life he was in control.
"Um, what about me?" Pansy asked.
"You Parkinson are now betrothed to Lord Potter-Malfoy. You will be by his side like any good pureblood girl" Annabelle said sternly.
Pansy nodded.
Harry was glad Annabelle had taught him so much about purebloods. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but thankfully someone was teaching him.
/Scene Break/
Harry went to Gringotts. He went there on a weekend and after a talk with professor McGonagall. He was allowed to since this was personal business of a lord and it was the weekend so it wouldn't hinder his learning. He did have to show he was on top of his homework. He was, he was doing much better now that he was listening to Annabelle. Annabelle went with him to advise him on what he needed.
In Gringotts he was shocked to how vast his family wealth was. Annabelle had told him that was big, but he didn't expect this. Not at all. Surprisingly there were no marriage contracts which kind of relieved Harry. He was still getting used to Pansy.
Back at Hogwarts Harry adjusted to his new lifestyle. He was Lord Potter-Malfoy, but acted no different. He got to know Pansy since he felt if he was going to marry her then he should at least get to know her some.
Ron was unhappy with this and made it known loudly, this of course rubbed Harry the wrong way. Pansy didn't do anything wrong except who she hung out with Malfoy.
"She's a Slytherin, she can't be trusted" Ron argued.
"And she's my betrothed, she can't hurt me" Harry said.
There were gasps hearing this.
"But" Ron began.
"Pansy is actually a nice girl if you get to know her Ron" Harry said.
Ron looked unhappy and stormed off.
/Scene Break/
"My Lord" Narcissa muttered as she knelt in front of Harry.
Harry felt uncomfortable at this and had her rise. He knew that with his new title of Malfoy that he had power over Narcissa. He wasn't married to her due some convoluted language in the marriage contract that meant she was still married to Lucius though only by name unless the contract is voided and that could only be done by her head of house.
"Narcissa, you are to run Malfoy holdings" he said.
"Yes, my lord" Narcissa said.
Annabelle stood next to Harry if he needed assistance. She was quite proud how much he had grown under her tutelage so far. She had a feeling Harry would never be like the pureblood lord she had hoped he'd be, but maybe she could mold him enough into one.
/Scene Break/
Halloween was upon Hogwarts and Harry needed some peace and quiet. So many new things have happened to him and he needed time to come to terms with it. He was happy with everything going on though. He finally had some control over his life and that wasn't something he's ever really had before.
"Harry?" Pansy asked.
"Yes Pansy" Harry said turning to his betroth.
"Are you alright?" Pansy asked.
"Fine. Just thinking" Harry said.
Pansy nodded.
She had gotten used to calling Harry by his first name and found out many interesting things about Harry that totally changed her view of him. He wasn't what has been said and written about at all. She didn't know Harry's real back story since he avoided conversing about that, but that her more curious. She'd slowly pry it out of him.
"She's a nightmare, no wonder no one can stand her" Ron barked loudly.
Harry felt someone bump into him and he saw a bobbing head of bushy brown hair. He frowned at this. He knew the girl was one Hermione Granger. She was building a reputation of being a know-it-all and stickler. Harry didn't have anything against her really. Sure, she was a bit annoying, but that comment by the redhead wasn't warranted.
"Apologize Ron" Harry said firmly.
"What, ya gotta be kidding me" Ron said shocked.
"No, I'm not. Apologize. That wasn't nice" Harry said.
"No way. She deserves it. You know what she did to me" Ron said.
"Yes. I was right by you" Harry said, "and what Hermione did was try to help you. Sure, she didn't do it right, but that doesn't mean you should be mean to her."
"You've changed since you became all high and mighty" Ron accused.
"This has nothing to do with me" Harry said firmly, "this about you hurting Hermione's feelings. Apologize."
"I won't" Ron said defiantly.
By now there was a small crowd watching this all. Many taking Harry's side. Most of them girls, they might've not witnessed the event, but all of them agreed that Ron was being a total jerk.
"Harry" Susan Bones called out.
"Yes Susan" Harry called back.
"I'll go check on Hermione" Susan said.
"Thanks Susan" Harry said gratefully.
Susan nodded and she headed off followed by her best friend Hannah Abbott.
/Scene Break/
Through the Halloween feast Harry sat having a very bad feeling at the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. He hadn't seen Hermione nor Susan or Hannah. Then Quirrell burst into the hall crying about a troll on the loose and Harry's terrible premonition came true. He barely heard the instructions being given as he rushed off to find the girls.
/Scene Break/
Susan and Hannah had finally gotten Hermione from out of the stall. That took a long time, but no Hufflepuff was averse to hard work. They kept talking to her, to help bolster her spirits. Hermione was about to head to the sink to wash her face when Harry came bursting in.
"Harry, what are you doing here this is the girl's bathroom?" Susan asked.
"No time. Troll in the castle" Harry said a bit breathless.
"A troll, really?" Hannah asked paling.
Harry nodded.
None of the girls had any reason to doubt Harry.
But before any of them could get moving a horrid smell met their nostrils then the sound of something heavy being dragged along with low thumping footsteps. The troll had arrived. The troll looked around not too sure who to go after since its small brain wasn't used to such complex situations.
Hannah's legs gave out as she crumpled to the floor. Susan tried to pull her best friend up and that's when Hermione began to scream. This got the troll's attention as it began to lumber over. Harry's brain clicked to high speed. He needed to do something to protect the girls. He began to fire any and all spells he knew which weren't many. Sure, Annabelle had taught him some spells, but none of them would be effective against a troll due to the troll's thick hide and the spells he knew just weren't powerful enough either.
The troll swung its club knocking down several stalls leaving a wide berth of debris. Hermione screamed again as she tried to hide. Susan had gotten Hannah to her feet, but she wasn't sure what to do. She was fumbling trying to get her wand from her pocket, but in her panic state she kept losing it.
When spells didn't work Harry looked for something else. He picked up pieces of debris and chucked it at the troll. Susan saw this and with Hannah's help assisted. Hermione was now cornered by her own doing since she was freaked out.
"We have to do something Harry" Susan called out though there was no need to raise her voice since the two were right be each other. Her heightened emotions fueling her.
"I got an idea" Harry said.
He didn't wait for Susan to ask what it was as he rushed forward and grabbed a hold of the troll's club as the troll was lifting it. Harry rode the club til he fell landing atop the troll's head. The troll seemed to notice something was new after its few neurons fired of. It shook its head in hopes to buck Harry off. Harry held on tight gripping the troll's ears. Harry's mind was desperately trying to think of something. In the troll's shaking and his flailing about his wand somehow got shoved up the troll's nose.
The troll howled in pain at the sudden intrusion of his nasal cavity.
"Eew" Susan commented with a look of disgust.
Hannah mirrored her best friend's reaction.
Something flashed in Harry's mind, something he remembered reading. The blasting hex. It was said to cause damage. Harry thought it might work. He pushing as much magic into the hex as possible. It did the trick as the hex broke through the thin membrane and into the troll's brain turning it into mush. The troll's body flinched then went slack swaying back and forth. Harry riding it til the troll fell back.
Harry closed his eyes preparing himself for the worse. When he opened his eyes he realized he wasn't crushed.
"Damnit Harry, what the hell" Annabelle cursed.
She had seen Harry run off was about to go after him since she just knew he was going to do something stupid. She's spent enough time with Harry to just kind of know. But she had trouble in all the chaos and was just able to escape as she and her fellow Slytherins made their way to their dorms that were in the dungeons. She got there as Harry fired off his blasting hex. She watched as Harry was headed to the floor. She pulled out her wand and got Harry off the troll before the dead creature hit the floor.
"Annabelle?" Harry asked.
"Yes, it's me. Merlin this is a mess" Annabelle said breathing hard. "Come on you lot, lets get going."
Susan and Hannah hauled off a shell-shocked Hermione and they all left and with time to spare. Moments later the teachers made their way to the bathroom after getting a report about the troll.
/Scene Break/
"What the heck is going on?" Susan asked, "how do you know Cromwell?"
"Oh, um, well" Harry muttered out not too sure how to explain the situation.
They were far enough away from the site to take a breather.
"I'm Lord Potter-Malfoy's adviser" Annabelle said.
"Oh, really" Susan said.
"Yes, heir Bones" Annabelle said.
Susan had a calculating expression on her face.
"So, Annabelle where are we going?" Harry asked.
"Hospital wing. I think this one needs calming draught" Annabelle said as she looked to the dazed Hermione.
Harry nodded.
/Scene Break/
News spread about the troll and it being found in the bathroom dead. No one knew who had killed the troll, but that didn't stop the speculation. It was agreed among those who knew to not say a thing. Harry really didn't want any more fame and the two Hufflepuffs agreed. Hermione just wanted to forget really. Annabelle though had some reservations since she thought this could be a great way to increase Harry's name. But she'd never go against Harry's wishes. Harry did tell Pansy about it afterwards after she promised to not tell anyone. She was shocked that Harry took out a mountain troll.
"A life debt?" Harry asked.
"Yes a life debt. I think it's most likely that it formed between at least you and Granger, maybe Bones and Abbott as well. Not sure" Annabelle said.
"Okay, so what's a life debt?" Harry asked.
"Annabelle, if I can?" Pansy offered.
Annabelle nodded.
Pansy had gotten more involved in teaching Harry about pureblood ways. This helped form a bond between Harry and Pansy that wasn't associated with the contract. Harry knew he had to marry Pansy because of it, but wanted to get to know her personally. This was a surprised to Pansy since personal feelings and such weren't the reason for contracts.
"A life debt is a form of bond that's created when you save a witch or wizard. There are some exceptions like you can't be the reason that the witch or wizard you saved was in trouble in the first place. Take what had happened for example. Weasley couldn't gain a life debt on Granger since he was the reason she was in troubler in the first place" Pansy explained.
"But Ron didn't know there was a troll" Harry said.
"No, but he was still the reason she was placed in danger" Pansy said.
Harry didn't fully understand it, but couldn't think of anything better.
"Okay" he said, "so what about Susan and Hannah?"
"That's where I'm not sure since you didn't really put them in danger, but you did save them" Annabelle said with a frown, "the only way to know is check the Hall of Records. It records everything from births, deaths, marriages and any bonds or contracts made."
"So we just check there" Harry said.
In the end Harry had Narcissa check the records since she could easily access them more so than Harry since he was in school and she could it a bit more discreetly as well. She sent a note back letting them know Harry had a life debt to Hermione, but not one to Susan or Hannah.
Harry told the two Hufflepuffs about it and both were in a way relieved.
"No offense Harry, you're nice and all, but I'm not sure my aunt would like that" Susan said.
"Your aunt?" Harry asked.
"She's the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement" Susan said.
"Then that's probably for the best" Harry said feeling a bit relieved as well.
