Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

So, here is the next chapter. Don't get too excited by the quick turnaround. I'm not sure when the next will be up but it will cover Harry's Faction Ball, possibly more I'm not sure yet.

Anyway, again, the support I have received for this story is frankly overwhelming and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

I'm Aware

Licking his lips, Harry glanced over his shoulder and gave Marvolo a brief nod before opening the white oak door. Quickly setting himself up, Harry lit the candles and steadied his breathing. He pushed thoughts of tomorrow from his mind, thoughts of the upcoming Ball, and Christmas and how the last time he spoke to Death, it hadn't been great.

The air turned cold and Harry sucked in a breath as he watched the darkness grow darker and merge together. It was the fourth time experiencing this and Harry wasn't sure if he'd ever grow fully accustomed to it.

"Child," the voice spoke in his mind. Death spoke gently, more of a whisper, a caress against his mind. Harry pictured a hand running through his hair, like a loving parent.

"Master," Harry replied.

"You continue to do so well, my Child."

"Thank you. Is there anything new you wish me to do?"

Death was silent, pulsing, and the back of Harry's neck prickled like Death was examining him. "Do not fear me, Child. I have told you. You were not chosen for meek servitude. My anger was not meant to frighten but to caution."

Harry nodded. He wasn't sure it would be so easy since he still dreamt of the terror of the screaming voices and paralyzation. "Of course, but it will take some time. Your warning was well noted."

"What has happened since we last spoke."

Harry was pretty certain that Death already knew what all had happened but took the olive branch of comfortable conversation. "Well, I Claimed Bellatrix. I almost got carried away though."

"The power of my Children is tempting, so I've been told by your ancestors. Having a grounding factor is critical. It is how I lost my Child Alcott. He had nothing to ground him and he lost himself. Most of my Children rely on their spouses for this."

"I don't have a spouse. And everyone else got their Inheritance at sixteen too, they didn't have spouses either."

"None of the others have had to Claim so many in my name within the first year of Inheritance either."

Harry groaned. Another first for him then, wonderful. "How am I supposed to ground myself?" Despite wanting to see his parents, Harry wasn't actually ready to die yet. And he didn't think being Claimed by Death for going against the path would be that pleasant.

For the strangest reason, Harry got the feeling that Death was sighing when the shadows turned grey momentarily. "Receiving documentation from your magical government does not dictate a spouse."

Harry had no idea what that meant and decided to move on and deal with that later. He hadn't lost control yet and Marvolo had helped him when he needed it. He'd worry about a grounding aspect or a spouse later.

"Sure, anyway, I should be Claiming Neville's parents in a couple of weeks and I'm still taking care of the Unworthy. Do I have to wait for Full Moons to contact the dead?"

"It is not necessary after the first time. However, moon cycles provide the strongest source. It is the week between Claiming and Calling that is most important."

Harry nodded, relieved he wouldn't have to make Neville wait a whole month before talking to his parents. He had checked the calendar and the students were let out of Hogwarts only two days before the next full moon and so wouldn't meet the one-week criteria. Not having to wait was beneficial.

"After the turn of the New Year, you must start learning my Runes and work on your partner's meddlesome elusive machinations."

Harry nodded that seemed reasonable. "I will." Plus, Harry didn't think he and Marvolo would properly breach that void between them without first talking about Marvolo's attempts to avoid Death. Though, Harry still wasn't sure if he wanted to bridge that gap that had formed. But the thought of learning the Necromancy Runes was exciting, he'd already planned to but having Death's permission was nice.

"Tell me of your other ventures, the ones you believe will benefit my path."

"Well, I'm working on that school. I actually have to convince people tomorrow to agree."

"I am aware. I am pleased you understood the importance of speaking with me despite other plans."

"I know my purpose, Master," Harry said, his head slightly bowed.

As much as it rankled him, Harry knew that without Death and without gaining his Inheritance his life would be vastly different. Hell, he and Marvolo would still be enemies if not for Death's Inheritance. He wouldn't even have a seat at the Wizengamot yet to start creating a school without Death. So as much as Harry wanted to just focus on tomorrow, he couldn't forget that he owed everything to Death first.

Death pulsed and the temperature warmed by the slightest of degrees and Harry sensed that Death was pleased.

"Is there anything else you require of me?"

"After the New Year, you must also make contact with the subjects under you."

"Subjects?"

"The creatures created in my name."

"You mean the Thestrals and Dementors?" Death pulsed and Harry took that as a yes. "Are vampires included in that category?"

"Loosely. They are Creatures of the Night not strictly Death, however, they should still adhere to your wishes. As will many of the other Dark Creatures who remember the times of my previous Children. I recommend speaking with them all."

Harry felt tired just thinking of all the meetings and coordination that would take and ran a hand through his hair. Luckily, he knew Marvolo was in correspondence with many Dark Creatures trying to gain alliances and so Harry felt safe in assuming he'd probably be able to tag along with Marvolo's meetings.

"I'll send messages out to them before the holidays and hopefully set something up shortly after."

"Enjoy your festivities, Child. I shall speak with you at the next moon cycle. Be well and continue my path."

"Of course, Master," Harry said as Death faded and the darkness dissipated.

Yawn splitting his jaw, Harry extinguished the candles and stumbled to his feet. He'd need a few hours of sleep at least if the Wizengamot in a few hours was to go well at all.

"Harry." A voice called to him and he felt a coldness on his shoulder shaking him. Blinking his eyes, his head pounding from the magical drain and the physical exhaustion of limited sleep, Harry looked to see Marvolo standing next to his bed. Sitting up suddenly at the sight, he immediately regretted that when his head grew a step closer to splitting open. "Drink these."

Marvolo thrust vials under his nose and through squinted eyes, Harry knocked them back. A Headache Remover, a Grand Pepper Up, a Wideye Potion, an Endurance Potion, and an Invigoration Potion. There was the chance of possible potion overdose but Snape had ensured that the ingredients in each potion wouldn't negatively affect the other potions and that it should be safe. Harry hoped so, he just needed to last through the meeting and then he could crash for days if he needed to.

"Come on, a quick shower and Mimsy has your robes ready and a small breakfast prepared."

Harry grunted and allowed Marvolo to push him from his bed and towards the bathroom. While in the shower, the potions started to take effect. It wasn't necessarily pleasant — his fingers tingled, his heart raced, and he felt unbelievably restless — but it was manageable. Still, Harry had the faintest trace of hope that this plan might actually work. Toweling off, he left the bathroom and stopped short when he saw Marvolo still in his room standing next to a tray holding a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of tea.

"Ah, um," Marvolo cleared his throat, his cheeks strangely flushed, "Apologies. I'll leave you to eat. I'll just, I'll be in my office."

Harry nodded in slight confusion as Marvolo's robes swept behind him in the man's rush to leave. Catching sight of the mirror hanging off his closet door, Harry grimaced as his face burned with the realization that he was only wearing a towel tied around his waist. Despite gaining some muscle from dueling and running every day and his years of Quidditch, he still wasn't much to look at even without his glasses. Especially now, out of the shower, his hair still dripping, he looked like a drowned rat. His Mark stood boldly on his chest against his dark skin and the bags under his eyes from the lack of sleep did him no favors either. Harry sighed, despite everything it seemed he was still the scrawny child his relatives shut away at every opportunity.

Throwing on his robes and scarfing down his oatmeal, Harry tried not to think of how Marvolo had probably left so quickly to stop from laughing at the sight of him, far too polite to do so in front of an ally. It didn't help that Marvolo was literal perfection and was so far out of Harry's league that it was ridiculous to even consider something past allies happening. Not that Harry wanted something past allies, because he didn't. Marvolo was unfairly attractive, Harry would admit that because it was hardly a secret, but that didn't mean anything. The thought of what Marvolo looked like in just a towel reared its head in the back of his mind and Harry shut that line of thought down hard. He would never stand a chance, so it was pointless entertaining any other thoughts. It's not like he needed anyone, anyway. He was perfectly fine on his own, preferred it even. The fact that it seemed that all of his friends were starting to date was great for them but he didn't need it. He'd had that kiss with Cho and it was terrible so he probably shouldn't bother trying again.

It was just all of the potions in his system, he told himself. He could feel the physical effects, so obviously they were messing with his head a bit too. That was the only reason why he was even thinking of Marvolo in any light outside of as an ally. That was all. Satisfied that he'd gathered his thoughts and wrestled them back under control, Harry left his room. According to the time he had thirty minutes before the Wizengamot started, Marvolo had definitely let him sleep later than they had originally planned.

Harry smiled at Marvolo when he arrived, determined to ignore the embarrassment of his room. He needed to focus now. Marvolo's pale cheeks reddened slightly when Harry entered and Harry wanted to run in humiliation.

"My apologies for disturbing you," Marvolo said.

Harry tugged at his hair and shrugged. "It's fine. Should have gotten dressed in the bathroom, you were probably wanting to cast the Glamour Charm and I ruined that plan."

Marvolo swallowed his eyes on the hand in Harry's hair. Great, he could hardly look at him now without wanting to laugh, Harry thought miserably. "Yes, exactly, the Charm," Marvolo said instead, his eyes went back to the papers on his desk, and the matter was dismissed. "I'll do that now then." Harry nodded even though Marvolo wasn't looking at him and he walked to the fireplace. Marvolo cast the charm swiftly and Harry could only assume it worked because he didn't feel any different.

"What are your plans?" he asked, running a hand through his hair again and unnecessarily tugging on his robes.

"I shall be visiting the werewolves briefly, today."

"Oh, will you be seeing Remus?"

"Most likely. I shall inform him of your inquiry of him."

Harry grinned. Letters really didn't do any justice and he wished he'd be seeing Remus for himself to determine that the man actually was as happy as his letters said.

"I look forward to hearing about your handling of the court later."

"I'll try to make sure it's worth your time."

"One thing I have become certain of, little lion, is that there is very little involving you that I would deem not worth my time."

Face burning once again, Harry turned to the fire before feeling something slip into his pocket. Harry glanced at Marvolo who now stood next to him. He smelled like spices and parchment and Harry took a deep breath before catching himself and cursing the potions messing with his head again. "An extra vial of Pepper Up should you feel you require it."

"Thanks." Marvolo just nodded and Harry stepped into the Floo.

Stumbling out of the Floo, Harry barely nodded to people as he tried to contain the intense vertigo he suffered. The numerous potions plus Floo were not a good combination, he decided. He sucked in several deep breaths and tried not to throw up on the Ministry Lobby floor.

"Are you well?"

Glancing up, Harry saw Tiberius who had just stepped out of a Floo of his own. He frowned at seeing Harry with his hands on his knees and flicked his wand before drawing closer. Harry didn't nod because one, it would be a lie, and two, he didn't think nodding would help the dizziness, and closing his eyes made his head swim worse.

"Just give me a second," Harry breathed. Surprisingly no one came up to them but Harry was fairly certain that was because Tiberius had cast a notice-me-not spell of some kind to give him space. Straightening and feeling moderately better, Harry breathed deeply once more. "Sorry, potions and Floo, not good."

Tiberius looked him over again with a frown. "I recall you mentioning having a late meeting last night. I trust things went smoothly."

Harry grimaced. "As smoothly as can be expected." The two began to walk and Harry felt the energy sweeping through him again. "Admittedly, I took a number of potions earlier to make sure I'd be awake now."

Tiberius just nodded at the admission. "I'll try to assist where I can."

Once again, Harry felt immensely grateful towards Lord Ogden. "How is your family?" He asked. Tiberius opened his mouth to respond but was cut off.

"Lord Potter." Stopping at the sound of his name, Harry glanced over his shoulder and saw the Minister scurrying closer. "Lord Potter, so good to see you. I saw your proposal was on the docket today. I am looking forward to your presentation."

"Thank you, Minister," Harry said. "Your support means a lot."

"Of course, of course," Fudge chuckled. "Lord Ogden," Fudge said with a slight dip of his head which Tiberius responded to in kind. Tiberius then commenced talking about his sister and his idiot of a grand-nephew and a hunting expedition he'd recently been on.

Harry appreciated not having to follow the conversation too closely because his head was swimming and he felt a little sick again. He really needed to sit down with a glass of water. He slumped a little against the lift wall as it brought them to the Wizengamot floor. Luckily, Fudge didn't seem to notice and Tiberius clapped him on the shoulder when the lift landed and helped push him through the door.

The crowd was bustling when they arrived. Considering there were only ten minutes until the session was set to start it wasn't surprising. Tiberius stood near him as Harry mingled with his allies and Faction members. A wave of energy coursed through him while listening to Seth chattering eagerly about his children and Harry had the strongest desire to start running in circles, arms wide, and laughing. Harry ran a hand through his hair, this was going to be a rough session.

Fudge called a warning for the session to begin soon and everyone moved to their seats. Harry collapsed in his chair and his leg began to bounce, an outlet for his building energy. Tiberius and Amelia took their seats in front of him and Amelia glanced at him over her shoulder and noted his leg.

"You seem lively today," she commented.

A deranged giggle slipped out and Harry clenched his teeth to contain it. "I may have taken a handful of potions to keep me awake," he admitted softly, leaning forward so no one else could hear but her and Tiberius.

"Just be careful, Harry," Tiberius cautioned and patted his knee before they turned to face the Minister and Dumbledore. Amelia nodded and faced forward as well.

Dumbledore shot off a few bangs from his wand and complete silence descended. "Welcome, Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot to our final session of the current year. There is quite a bit on our agenda, so let us begin swiftly."

And so began the first items of the agenda. Harry tried extremely hard to focus, mentally rehearsing the points he wanted to make. But his leg started to jump again and he desperately wanted to fidget in his seat. Usually, it was relatively comfortable but today it was horrendously stiff. A few times, Tiberius reached a hand back to subtly pat Harry's leg to draw him back to the present and to check himself once again. He was desperately thirsty too. It was a crime that they weren't presented with glasses of water or drinks of any kind when having to sit through the endless monotony of bureaucracy. But given the centuries of assassination attempts, much like during the trial, the members weren't allowed things to ingest. Harry groaned quietly, he felt like he would explode any second if he had to remain sitting just a second longer.

After much droning on and on, it was finally the matter of new business. Sadly, Harry wasn't the first or the second. His proposal was last. If he didn't know that Dumbledore had no control on the actual order of presentations, then Harry would be completely willing to blame the old man. He wanted to stand and scream at the top of his lungs and his head felt itchy. But finally, finally, it was Harry's turn.

"And now, a proposal regarding the education of our children," Dumbledore announced. "A collaborative effort it appears, led by our youngest member."

Harry jumped to his feet relieved at being able to stand again. The tingling at his fingers was getting worse and he ran a hand through his hair a few times to relieve the itching of his scalp. Taking deep breaths and trying not to race down the rows of seats, Harry reached the Platform and waited for the others to arrive. Tiberius reached him first, then Sylvia and Lord Nott. The three of them stood two steps behind him, making it obvious that they supported him but deferring the speaking to him. Avery had said that just them standing with him would be enough to sway some of the other members of the factions. All of their names were on the proposal drafted so that also lent to the obvious support.

Taking another deep breath, Harry clasped his hands together tightly and dipped his head towards each faction. He would just have to direct all of this building energy into his performance, hopefully, it would be enough of an outlet. He felt a hot wave wash over him and he swallowed hard at the heat building beneath his collar.

"Thank you for allowing me this opportunity, I know all of us are quite eager to return home and so I'll try to be as brief and persuasive as I can," he flashed a boyish grin and heard a few of the ladies chuckle. "As you can all see from the proposal in front of you, I desire to create a Magical Primary School set to open a year from January. This is a project that I am very passionate about and with the help of those standing behind me and others still in their seats, I hope to see it become reality. Now, to summarize the document before you, I believe that this will be incredibly beneficial to our society for two reasons," Harry said holding up two fingers and beginning to pace along the Platform. He needed to release the energy building in him somehow. He also had to remember to speak slowly, he couldn't rush his words. "The first is that it will help educate the next generation sooner, allowing them to cover even more when they reach Hogwarts. This will see to an even more advanced education curriculum, something I'm sure we can all agree can only be a good thing."

"Lord Potter-Black-Peverell, I feel that I must interrupt at this statement," Dumbledore said with a heavy sigh. Harry clenched his teeth and spun on his heel to directly face the old man. "As the current Headmaster, I feel as though this is a rather prominent attack against the institution I oversee."

"Not at all my intention, Headmaster, but well, I can't stop how you choose to interpret a chance to advance your curriculum," Harry said with a shrug.

"How is this not an attack, Lord Potter-Black-Peverell?" Dumbledore replied, his voice serene and grandfatherly. Harry half-expected the man to offer a lemon drop.

"Because it isn't," Harry snapped, before taking a breath. Think, before speaking, he cautioned himself. "The education at Hogwarts has been held to high esteem across the international wizarding community. As a recent student, I can agree that the curriculum is satisfactory. However, why must we content ourselves with being merely satisfactory?" He spun back to the Wizengamot with his arms thrown wide, his robes swirling around his feet; every eye on him with full attention. "Yes, Hogwarts has long proclaimed itself to be the premier of magical education, so does that mean we no longer strive for more? Why settle with a title that could easily be overcome by a more progressive school? I hear the Americans are constantly upping their curriculum." Breathe. Slow down. Don't rush. "There is always room for improvement and progress. Stagnation breeds complacency which leads to degradation. By allowing children to start learning simple theory earlier they get the chance to focus on actual spellcasting when they attend Hogwarts, which frees up a great deal of the first two years to focus on other things like new spells. It is hardly an attack, Headmaster, merely a desire for the next generation to succeed to even higher standards."

"We shouldn't force education down children's throats, they deserve to be children," someone from the Light Faction objected but Harry couldn't tell who.

"I completely agree," Harry said. He mentally winced because that had come out louder than necessary. "Children deserve to be children. However, does that mean you don't teach your children anything? Do you send them to Hogwarts unaware of basic spelling or numbers?"

"Of course not, I-"

"Exactly," Harry shouted, pointing his finger and completely interrupting whatever argument the Lord was going to make. He took a breath to try regaining some control. His heart was racing but the heatwave had passed now. "You still teach your children, that is what this school is for. The school will teach children reading, writing, math, basic magical theory. Everything that you yourselves would have taught your children but in a comprehensive structured format. It is not different at all, however, now each child will receive the same basic foundation of education. You would be perfectly within your rights to teach your child anything extra that you find important. However, during the first year of Hogwarts, all children would be on the same playing field. There would be no need for teachers to repeat things that some children already know but the rest don't. Equal playing field to start from so that the curriculum can advance and the next generation will have the chance to surpass us as they are meant to."

Harry took a few more deep breaths to keep his energy contained. He felt a little dizzy now. "Now, if I could continue with the presentation, Chief Warlock, or do you have another need to interrupt?"

Dumbledore gave a small nod, his smile thin and tight, and his eyes hard.

"Now, the second benefit for a Magical Primary School," he continued facing the Wizengamot and the guests, his practiced charming smile on full force. The Wizengamot actually voted but the guests and the reporters helped sway the public, so he thought it important to include them too. The added benefit of having more things to focus on and more space to move around to include them all helped his energy too. "This falls back on my original statement of an equal playing field in the broader sense of equality. This school will allow the muggle raised to be introduced into our society at a younger age. This will not only eliminate many cases of accidental magic since those children will no longer attend muggle schools or have increased exposure to muggles in general, but it will help not only them but their parents understand what is happening." There was a definite ringing in his ears now. Oh, how he wanted a glass of water. "As it is now, muggle-raised and muggle-borns have no knowledge of the magical world until their eleventh birthday. In the case of myself, my birthday is at the end of July. I had a single month to learn about and accept the fact that I was a wizard and that magic was real. I—"

"Lord Potter, Lord Potter, do you mean to say you had no knowledge of your magical lineage before your eleventh birthday?" a reporter shouted from the audience.

"Yes, that is what I'm saying," Harry said pleasantly to the audience.

"Lord Potter—" the reporter began again.

"Enough now," Dumbledore said firing another bang from his wand, "this is a Wizengamot session, there is no precedent for audience interruptions."

"Oh come now, Chief Warlock, you were perfectly content to interrupt me, you should extend the same courtesy for others," Harry admonished. "And what better time to establish a precedent than right now."

"The guests and reporters have no vote during Wizengamot sessions," Dumbledore chided.

"Neither do you. Are you suggesting that you also not get to speak during sessions?"

"Their attendance is a formality, an honor that can be revoked if they cause too much disturbance."

"So is yours," Harry said, a pleasant smile fixed on his face before turning back to face the audience, visually dismissing anything else Dumbledore might say. "However," he said to the guests, "as pleased as I would be to answer your questions, I have promised our esteemed Wizengamot members and yourselves that I would try to keep my presentation brief. I would be more than happy to sit and speak with you about how I had no knowledge about the magical world until a month before my First Year. And the creation of my school too of course," he added with a cheeky wink that garnered a few endeared chuckles.

"Introduction to the Wizarding World has always been the task of the child's magical guardian, Lord Potter," a member of the Dark Faction said.

"Yes, yes it is," Harry said with a fake smile in place and a pointed look at Dumbledore before looking back at the Wizengamot members. "However, this task seems to fall to the wayside for many children, myself included when their magical guardians find their plates far too full — holding three prominent positions in other careers, for example. And I think we can all agree that the safety of children should be the utmost concern for everyone. This school will allow for all of these matters to be dealt with far sooner. Questions answered and concerns alleviated four years before they originally would be. Now, an added benefit to my second point for inclusion and awareness of the magical world at a younger age will be to help muggle-raised understand the magical world. Many here in this esteemed Court have only ever been raised among magic and you understand the nuances of simple statements and gestures that muggle raised have no knowledge of. These misunderstandings can cause severe insult without intention."

Heart thumping as the adrenaline and energy coursed through his veins, he found it surprising that he wasn't vibrating with how jittery he felt. Harry took a few more steadying breaths before continuing on. His mouth felt like a desert and he craved water desperately. He tried not to pant as he fought against the way his heart raced and his pulse jumped. And by Merlin, his scalp felt like it was on fire.

"Now, as I said, I had two major benefits for this magical primary school. I'll reiterate, the first is an advanced education and increased chance of success for the next generations. The second is the inclusion of all magical children into the magical world at a younger age, alleviating many cases of magical exposure through accidental magic. All of these are things that I'm sure again, we can all agree is important for our society. Now, I will yield the floor to questions."

"I find myself concerned at your desire to have children rushing through their education," Dumbledore commented with a concerned frown.

"Personally, I find it concerning that the Headmaster of Hogwarts is fearful of children gaining an education," Harry countered sharply. "It is hardly rushing an education when they were already going to be learning that exact same thing, this way it is just more structured. And as a Professor, wouldn't you agree that some structure is necessary regarding a young child's education. Now, as I said, I yield for questions, not repeated statements."

Breathe Harry, he cautioned himself. Don't get too snappy. Breathe. He was definitely feeling dizzy now and a little lightheaded, he hoped his face wasn't red from the energy itching beneath his skin. His head itched something fierce to the point that his eyes felt watery but he couldn't keep running his hand through it because then he would appear nervous and he didn't want that. He could only hope the Glamour Marvolo cast would hide any oddness in his appearance.

"Where would this school be held?" a Lady from the Light Faction asked.

"I will be donating one of my own properties for this institution. Starting in the new year, Potter Manor will be renovated to fit the needs of the school. I believe this to be an endeavor that my parents would have wholeheartedly supported and I wish to honor them this way." He smiled sweetly and saw a few women soften their gazes and the furious clicking of cameras from the reporters.

"How will it be funded?" Lady Pyrites asked from her seat in the Dark Faction.

"This will be privately funded, I have no wish to introduce a tax for this, and I will also not charge tuition. Most of the funding will be from my own accounts and generous donations. Taking a leaf from the Hogwarts model, it will have a charter making outside materialistic influence impossible."

"If it's to be privately funded, why bother us with this presentation at all?" Lord Brown huffed from his seat.

"It will be privately funded," Harry agreed but didn't bother looking at the man. He was Lavender's uncle apparently and Ginny had told him that according to Lavender the man wasn't even well-liked within his own family. "However if the benefits are to succeed and the prospect of an integrated school is to flourish, a mandate for all student attendance will need to occur, something that can't happen without your generous support."

"What of the curriculum? You say you wish to use this to advance Hogwarts, but how will that happen?" another Light Lord asked.

"The curriculum is thoroughly detailed in the proposal before you. However, I will give a brief outline. The first year will be the basics of spelling, math, quill writing, this, of course, should hopefully fix the penmanship of most students," Harry said with a cheeky grin and wink that got a few laughs from the crowd "The second year will introduce basic spell theory and runes theory, as well as the importance of intent and pronunciation. The following years will continue to expound on theory to include specifics of Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions. By this time they will have a foundation for starting their First Year at Hogwarts."

"What of teachers? All current teachers are already at Hogwarts," another woman asked from the Light Faction.

"I'm so glad you asked that," Harry said pleasantly. "I actually have quite a few ideas in regards to the teachers. One of which would be to set up a Hogwarts Teacher Training Program. Again, as a recent student, and I'm sure our esteemed Chief Wizard and Headmaster will agree, there has been a bit of a staffing problem in recent years. A problem that I'm sure would be resolved if the new teachers actually went through a training program of at least a year to ensure that they are capable of teaching students and of sticking around for longer than a year. A way to affirm their dedication and their credibility. Again, two things I'm sure everyone here can agree are essential in a teacher. The other avenue for teachers I wish to pursue is—"

Dumbledore released another short series of bangs from his wand cutting off Harry's response. "As this is still the proposal presentation, I feel the need to keep this presentation to the necessary time limit. I see no need to allow a time extension not allotted to the other new business presenters."

"Of course, Chief Warlock, I have no desire for unfair treatment," he said but didn't look at Dumbledore as he spoke. He was a little irritated that he hadn't been able to mention Squibs as teachers, but maybe it was best to just address that one-on-one with people who had the desire to know. Probably best to not give potential fuel for the fire if he didn't need to. "Again, thank you esteemed colleagues for allowing me to present something that I am deeply passionate about. If you have additional questions, I will be happy to answer them to the fullest extent." Harry gave another bow and a charming smile to the Wizengamot and then turned to bow towards the audience as well. "And of course, that offer extends to our honored guests who also deserve to know the specifics of legislation that involves and affects them as well."

Sylvia, Lord Nott, and Tiberius gave their bows as well and returned to their seats. Once Harry was seated, he shot a cold smirk at Dumbledore who glared before turning back to the agenda.

There were two more things to discuss on the agenda but Harry didn't bother paying attention, he was feeling a little feverish now and was trying to discreetly pull at the collar of his robes and keep his breaths steady and not devolve into panting. He desperately needed water. His leg started shaking again and he pushed both hands down on his knee to keep it steady.

When the session was disbanded, Harry jumped to his feet and swayed. Tiberius placed a steadying hand under his arm to hide the sway and subtly helped him down to the floor. Once on the floor, Harry felt like everyone swarmed him. He felt a rush of gratitude towards his allies that had assisted him in the proposal's creation. They helped take some of the masses' attention and answered questions themselves so Harry wasn't left to the wolves.

His smile turned to full notched charm, Harry greeted everyone who approached him and he enthusiastically and — sometimes a bit loudly with overly exaggerated and probably unneeded hand gestures to hide his shaking hands — explained all his plans for the school. He spoke with the reporters too, eager to get his idea out into the press to sway the public. His face hurt with the force of his smile but he didn't let it slip. His scalp burned and now each of his limbs tingled instead of just his fingers. It was the worst case of pins and needles that he just couldn't shake. He saw Dumbledore out of the corner of his eye off the side, speaking with his own crowd, and smirked at the glare the old man sent at him.

"I would be so delighted for you to look over the construction plans, I know someone of your expertise would be greatly appreciated." … "I heard you have a granddaughter, I think this school would be a perfect opportunity for her to meet with other children her age." … "I think that children making friends before the influence of House placement will actually strengthen the Houses. The rivalry is becoming toxic, this will help rejuvenate it and focus it towards a healthy rivalry instead." ... "Yes, Lady Pyrites, I'm sure your niece would be a welcome addition to the staff. However, I'm not sure what her qualifications are — yes, of course, I'll meet with her to discuss her future role. Yes, thank you. I really should be going Lady Pyrites." ... "Sir, did you know that introducing the children to theory sooner it will allow them to pursue more specialized subjects even earlier, that means less on-the-job training once they reach the workforce."

An hour of charm and political savvy later and Harry felt the wave of exhaustion hit him harder than any other time. He stumbled this time. Already for the past twenty minutes, he'd been acting and responding on autopilot not actually hearing what he said over the intense ringing in his ears and the heat building from within.

"I do believe it is time that we must depart. As Lord Potter has said, he will be more than willing to answer your questions but I feel that his upcoming Ball will be an even better time for it," Amelia said as she stood next to him. Tiberius slipped his hand under Harry's elbow to keep him steady and the two of them began maneuvering Harry out of the courtroom and into the lift.

"Well done, Harry," Tiberius praised when the three of them were alone in the lift. Harry grunted and yawned.

"I believe that just this once it would be wise to reschedule our Faction lunch," Amelia said.

Harry winced at the reminder of the traditional after-session lunch. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"Don't worry, it isn't the first time it's been rescheduled," Amelia said kindly. "And we shall see each other soon for your Ball."

Harry groaned at the thought. Narcissa Malfoy had been hounding him for days about the details and he'd eventually just given her complete control over all of the decisions. His robes were supposed to be finished tomorrow and Harry didn't even want to think about the horror of dancing and more small talk.

The lift brought them to the lobby and the three of them moved towards the Floo. "You're becoming more adept at the political schmoozing," Tiberius commented lightly. "It was a marvel to watch that famed Potter Charm in action."

Chuckling, Harry ran a tired hand through his hair, soothing the burning itch momentarily, when they stopped in front of the numerous fireplaces. "Thanks. I appreciate all of your help today and in writing this legislation means a lot."

"Our pleasure. Now, are you sure you'll be safe Flooing home?" Amelia asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm looking forward to my bed though."

"Well, rest peacefully. We shall see you in a few days," Tiberius said and gently pushed Harry towards the fireplace.

Grabbing the provided Floo Powder and noticing his hand shaking, Harry hissed out his destination and disappeared in the swirling green flames, and stumbled out into Marvolo's office. His stomach revolted at the motion and unable to hold it in this time, he threw up all over the floor of Marvolo's office. It did little to relieve the nauseating feeling or the vertigo and Harry sucked in breaths between clenched teeth. A glass of water appeared in his vision and Harry took it and drained it without a thought.

Standing straight and still feeling a little green, Harry watched Marvolo vanish his mess and refill the glass again. Harry drained it once more. The office held Avery, Malfoy, Nott, and Yaxley who watched the exchange intently. Great, he'd just thrown up in front of all of them too.

"How are you feeling?" Marvolo hissed.

Harry just groaned. "Sorry about the mess. The potions and Floo don't mix well," he hissed back. He tried to fully straighten and swayed so greatly that Marvolo had to reach a hand out to steady him. "Marvolo," he moaned, his eyes shut and feeling nauseous again. Another glass was pushed into his hands and Harry drained the water without bothering to look at it.

Another wave of energy was building but the exhaustion didn't fade this time and the two sensations combatted each other within him. His mind raced and his heart beat faster but his body wouldn't cooperate, it felt heavy and sluggish. The mixed feelings made him a little delirious and another deranged giggle sprang forth.

"You shall remain here," Marvolo instructed without bothering to look at his followers before placing a gentle hand under Harry's arm, his other hand remaining on his back, and guiding him out of his office. "Any movement from your current positions will result in punishment."

They walked silently through the halls towards the wing that held their rooms. Harry leaned a bit heavier onto Marvolo's hand on his back. The coolness of his hand through the robes felt heavenly against Harry's feverish skin.

"Can you obliviate them?"

"Of course."

"Thanks. How was Remus?"

"He seemed well. I've not encountered him in the past, at least not properly. However, he seemed to be adjusting. He looks forward to seeing you."

"When?" Harry stumbled and felt Marvolo tighten his grip on the back of his robes to keep him from falling.

"During my Yule Ball. I told you I'd change the date. It will be the day after Christmas now. So all can attend."

"Thank you," Harry said softly.

"I saw your proposal in each of their memories," Marvolo said after a few moments of silence. "Just as impressive as I imagined."

Harry grinned dopily; he felt a bit drunk. Did that mean Marvolo had watched it four times? A round of bubbling laughter burst forth at the thought. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"How was it afterwards? My followers left shortly after and did not witness your after-session persuasions."

"Remarkably well I think," Harry admitted, forcing the words out through his hazy state. "I think I got a lot of people on board with the idea. Surprising given how terrible I felt with the potions."

"How did you manage it then?" Marvolo asked as they reached Harry's door.

"It's that Potter Charm," Harry said with a cocky smirk that he threw over his shoulder while struggling to open his door. "Makes me irresistible, you know."

"I'm aware," Marvolo muttered.

Another round of delirious giggles accompanied a cheeky wink before Harry shut the door. He then promptly passed out face first on his bed, his legs still dragging on the floor.