The Contract

Chapter 98

Flipping the journals closed, Harry sighed in satisfaction. The three two-way journals all belonged to different people. Corvus, Rabastan and of course, Sirius. There was one from his friends Sheikh Abd al Alim and his family, so that made four two-way journals altogether but he only had three out at the moment. If he wanted to write to anyone else, he would need to do it the normal way. He was glad to have these journals, it was so much better than having to traipse all the way to the Owlery to send of mail. Not only that but this way was very secure, even if someone succeeded in getting into his trunk, and opening the book, they wouldn't be able to see anything.

They'd be naught but empty books.

Scooping the three books up, already dressed for the day, he slid Rabastan's into his backpack and the others into his trunk. He and Rabastan spoke numerous times a day, while Corvus always left it until the evening just after curfew and spoke for a while before Corvus told him to get some sleep.

Shouldering his bag, he mentally made sure he had everything he'd need, glancing at his pocket watch he winced. His friends were going to go nuts again, they really disliked him appearing late. It's like they had a compulsive need to know where he was at all times. They were still adjusting according to Rabastan, they hadn't been able to help him when he needed it most. That had affected them whether they knew it or not. That the protectiveness would calm as their hypervigilance eased as well.

Sniggering softly, he left the Dormitory, his own section of the room by far the most neat and tidy. That's not to say his room mates were untidy, but Harry was used to keeping his area clean, one because it had been one of Corvus' rules, to keep his room clean and it was now habit. He'd take keeping his room clean over being beaten and forced to clean up after the Dursley's any day.

Walking down the boy's staircase, voices began to echo up, until he could hear them. Wondering why anyone was still in the common room. Ravenclaws were not one for hanging around when it came to breakfast and classes. Not unless they returned quickly to grab a book.

"How did a stupid loony like you end up in Ravenclaw?!"

"Loony Luna!" chortled another.

"Or better yet Loony Lovegood!" sniggered one of them.

Harry slowed a frown on his features as he tried to figure out who the voices belonged to. He didn't spend an awful lot of time around the girls, and they were definitely girls' voices. So, figuring out who was doing it was not going to work. He could hear the thudding of books and stuff falling on the floor. Like someone was emptying out their bag, pursing his lips, this was the actual first act of bullying he'd seen at Hogwarts. Not that he'd been around overly much, twice he'd been absent from school for extended periods of time.

Peering around the boy's staircase, he noticed three girls, he at least recognized them right away. Cho Chang, who was holding a letter (Luna's exam results) in her hand, she was on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team as a seeker. She was from all intents and purposes quite popular. She was with her best friend Marietta Edgecombe and Sue Li.

On the floor at their feet, not even attempting to defend herself, utterly resigned to the bullying she was undergoing, a blonde girl he couldn't quite recall her name. He spent most of his time at the Slytherin table with his friends after all. He couldn't recall her being sorted, was she a first year? Either way she was much younger than Cho and the others. Cho herself was fifteen-years-old. Shaking his head in dismay as he watched her tear the girl's parchment to shreds, then proceeded to do the same to her books.

Fury roared through Harry, his mind going to him being in that very same position. Dudley and his gang bullying, beating and tearing his books to shreds when he was in primary school. Wand out he flicked it, repairing the books, uncaring that the half the book she was still holding caused the other half to lurch up and catch her in the nose causing Cho to cry out as the sickening crack of her nose cartilage breaking.

Crying out Cho clutched at her nose, tears forming in her eyes as she registered the pain, she was in.

The two girls with her jumped in fright, looking around for the source of the magic. Only to feel it, feel Harry's magic as it reacted to his seething fury. They couldn't help but gulp in fear and back away, heart pounding outrageously fast, they'd never felt such magic before in their lives.

"If I ever see you bullying anyone else, I'll make sure you regret it," Harry said coldly, green eyes glimmering with vengeance. Clenching and unclenching his hand around his wand, the urge to curse them to make them feel even a smidge of what that girl was feeling…what he had felt all those years ago.

He wasn't sure what his eyes were conveying, but the tip of his wand glowing ominously was the breaking point, and Marietta and Sue bolted from Ravenclaw common room as if the devil himself was on their heels.

Cho gaped at her friends leaving her behind, blood in her mouth and dripping down her chin. He glanced at Harry, eyes round with fear before she too fled. Leaving drops of blood on the floor as she scarpered.

Harry padded over, kneeling down, "Are you okay?" giving to the girl what nobody had given to him. Their defence.

"I'm fine," Luna said, bright blue eyes peering at Harry, "You're Harry Potter…" she said, there was no awe or glee on her face, it was stated so matter-of-factly.

"I am, I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage?" Harry said quietly. "Are you a first year?"

Luna shook her head, "My name is Luna Lovegood, I'm a third year," not surprised that Harry didn't remember her.

"Oh, why do you let them treat you that way?" Harry asked, if she was a third year, she should know enough spells to defend herself. Now that he knew, he realized that the Lovegood family was a wizarding one. She'd been raised in a wizarding house-hold, she should know more than just the Hogwarts curriculum. Holding out his hand, he helped her to her feet.

"It's better this way," Luna sighed, "It's over quickly if I don't retaliate, they would have gotten bored." It didn't stop it from hurting, but she was so used to it now. It wasn't wrong to want a friend, to have them stop bullying her. Her dad said if she didn't retaliate, they'd grow bored but so far it wasn't working.

"That doesn't really work, you know," Harry said quietly, subdued. "It just makes them want to do it more. They enjoy picking on those they perceive to be weaker than them." Flicking his wand again, he repaired all the damage done to Luna's belongings.

"Come on," Harry said, helping her put her belongings back into her bag, "We're going to professor Flitwick."

"That will just make it worse," Luna protested shaking her head, as she put her bag on her shoulder.

"Trust me, it won't," Harry said seriously, Flitwick took bullying very seriously, and Harry assumed – quite correctly – that their Professor himself had suffered bullying. He came down on the culprits very hard. "If Professor Flitwick can't put the fear of Merlin in them, then the Headmaster most certainly will." he reassured her.

Luckily for them both, his office was in the seventh-floor corridor, not far from the common room at all. He was already going to be late; he didn't want to be later still, should he have had to go farther.

With determination he knocked on the door, he loathed bullies, and refused to stand for it. Luna was so small compared to those girls, dainty, vulnerable, and he knew the mental ramifications could last way into adulthood and never let go.

"Come in!" the diminutive professor called out, his usual cheerful voice echoing through and out of the room. He had a reason to be happy, he had come first in the duelling contest, retaining his duelling championship for yet another year running.

That cheerfulness was wiped off his face, seeing the looks on his Ravenclaws faces. "What happened?" the wizard demanded to know; eyes filled with worry.

"I found three girls bullying her, they knocked her down, pushed her down, and threw her belongings around and ripped up her parchment and books." Harry said, barely pausing to breathe as he continued, "They were calling her names and it isn't the first time it's happened professor, she…she didn't retaliate…" breathing heavily, hands clenching into fists repeatedly, showcasing just how furious he was over it.

"Oh, dear," Filius said sitting back, "Why haven't you said anything about this, Heiress Lovegood? Is it a recent thing?" normally titles didn't come into it while at Hogwarts, but considering it was Heiress they were bullying the girls would find themselves in hot water when he informed her father. Not many were aware that Lord Lovegood had taken on his Lordship, but he had.

Luna looked at the floor, she really didn't want to be here…but she had to mentally acknowledge that her daddy's suggestion wasn't working all that well.

"The professors can't do anything to stop it if you don't tell them," Harry said, righteous indignation written across his face. He was nobody's hero; he didn't care much for many people. Unfortunately, he couldn't stand back and allow someone to be bullied. Not when it mirrored what happened to him. nobody had helped him, not even his teachers.

"Harry is quite right, Heiress Lovegood, now who has been harassing you?" Filius requested, shifting paper towards him, taking the case very seriously. He would most definitely be speaking to those girls and making sure they regretted their actions.

"Cho Chang, Sue Li and Marietta Edgecombe." Harry told their Head of House since Luna remained mute.

"Thank you, Harry, you may head to the Great Hall," Filius told Harry kindly but firmly. "I shall ensure Heiress Lovegood gets to her classes without any trouble. Opening up a tin of cupcakes that were dancing after being charmed causing Luna to giggle, and enabled her to relax and enjoy the show.

Harry nodded, "Thanks professor, my friends are going to be worried,"

"Indeed, they will," Filius agreed, watching the young man leave. A teenager he may be, but one could argue he'd never been a child or teenager. He'd grown up way too soon, but he had a confidence in him now, that had been absent in the previous years. Although, that anger would need to be monitored closely. It might just be left over feelings of inadequacy while dealing with the latest blow delivered to him. Or Luna's situation may have just hit too close to home. He didn't know much of anything regarding Harry's home life, except for the injuries that he'd seen in black and white writing. He did deduce that he'd likely been bullied to a great extent.

He couldn't do anything for Harry's past situation, but he could make it clear to all his students that it was unsuitable. He knew just how best to get through to those three students, and better yet, there was no Dumbledore to undermine him or his chosen punishments.

"Harry is quite correct, Heiress Lovegood, you cannot let it continue," Filius spoke, "Go on, choose one." Offering her up a cupcake to eat. It was early morning, but comfort food was a must if you weren't feeling well.

Harry attended classes as normal, but he wasn't blind to the looks he was receiving. Even his friends were, which put them decidedly on edge. It wasn't until lunch that it was brought up by Draco. He was slightly surprised that they had held off so long to be fair. It was just pure luck that they had classes with the Slytherin's all morning that day.

Although, it was unfortunate, that the rest of the classes were with Gryffindors.

"Alright, they've been looking at you like you've spontaneously turned into a Dementor all morning…what is going on?" the blonde asked dying of curiosity.

"I'm not sure actually…" Harry said perplexed, unaware of the effect that his magic had on those around him when he showed it. Being compared to a 'Dementor' might just actually be accurate when it came to what those three girls felt. "I saw them bullying a student, in the common room, it's why I was a little late, maybe they've already gotten a detention from Professor Flitwick?"

"All of them?" a doubtful look on his face, sharing a puzzled look with the rest of the Slytherins.

"No, just three of them, Chang, Edgecombe and Li," Harry told them, plating food and beginning to eat. "I warned them off and took Heiress Lovegood to Professor Flitwick."

"That's a risky move on Edgecombe's part, her parents work at the Ministry, it will be embarrassing when word gets out," Daphne declared, "Especially when they find out that it's an heiress they've bothered." And she'd make sure it got out. Chang, Edgecombe and Li all had Muggle blood in their veins, they weren't part of the old ways or old blood.

"That's putting it lightly, they might find themselves having difficulty keeping their jobs," Pansy declared sourly, she might not be part of their circle but it was an heiress they were bullying. "Without Dumbledore around…perhaps they will be punished."

"Please, Dumbledore only cared about getting the Gryffindors off," Draco said, refraining from snorting, that would be undignified. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs when given detention or punishment for wrongdoings, well they stuck.

"Speaking of which, the new trial will be held in December, just before Yule." Harry informed them, as he scooped up fruit and put it on his plate.

"Why would you be informed? Are you going to be called as a witness? Or did someone tell you?" Greg asked before anyone else could get a word in edgewise. They were all listening intently though, waiting to hear what he had to say.

"I will be," Harry nodded, "But I haven't received the official missive yet, I'll probably receive it tomorrow. My…betrothed let me know." It had literally only been decided at ten o'clock after an hour of deliberations, they'd been called in just after breakfast to make things easier for Headmaster Slytherin. Corvus had probably informed Rabastan who had informed him.

"At least it will be over by Yule I suppose," Draco conceded, "Do you think he'll get the death penalty?" eager and vindicative in equal measures.

"We can only hope," Harry muttered.

"It's nothing more than he deserves." Daphne said haughtily.

"It's not like they can give him a harsher sentence…and the fact he's still a danger to society from even behind bars…It's the only logical decision they can make." Pansy pointed out.

"Then let's just hope that everyone thinks of it as logically as you, Pansy," Harry declared, tipping his goblet up in a cheers sort of way. "I'll certainly help by dropping a few hints here and there and of course…being too scared to go out anywhere without an escort in case he gets to someone else." vulnerability bleeding into his voice, making himself sound like a scared child.

His friends stared at him, knowing him as well as they did…that it wasn't all feigned. There was part of Harry that was terrified. "Did you not consider being tutored?" Vincent asked quietly, slightly subdued. He was just a teenager himself; he didn't know how to make it better.

"He wouldn't let me," Harry shook his head, "I think…I think he would if it was really bad, but not unless there was no other option. He says as much as he loves having me around…I need to spread my wings and regain my independence. It would be best for me in the long run not to rely so heavily on everyone. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's what's best for me." Glancing around, he couldn't stay in his protective bubble at all times. "He's right of course, I'm glad to be back."

It was clear by the conversation that the 'He' Harry was talking about was Corvus in his instance. He was the Head of the family, he had the last say over everything that happened, even Harry until Rabastan and he married, even then, he'd still be expected to listen and obey Corvus as Head of the family, at least until Corvus handed the Lordship over.

"I for one, am glad you're back, it was all rather boring without you," Daphne teased him, with a grin.

"Oh, I almost forgot, you should get your invitations tomorrow to the conference," Harry said, "Well, the unofficial ones at any rate, he says it will take a week to have the real ones printed out and delivered. There's over two hundred invites being printed out."

"I'm not surprised, a quarter of them will be for vendors though," Draco said, excited, "I can't wait." School was rather boring when compared to their social events during the winter and summer months. It did make time go in rather quickly though, "You're attending the gatherings at Yule this year, aren't you?"

"I certainly won't be missing them!" Harry said, a possessive glimmer entering his eyes, no way in this world would he not attend Rabastan's re-enter into society. "Plus, I think I am at an age now where they won't just see a child…" he felt healthier than he had ever been in his life, and knew he was too, Millicent said as such.

"Mr. Potter," Severus came up to the Slytherin table, almost making them all jump, but it was their ingrained training that prevented such a display.

"Yes, Sir?" Harry angled his head so that he could see the Potions Master.

"These are the dates and times you will come to my office, is that understood?" Severus handed over the parchment detailing the times and dates for the remedial Potion classes. He was being well paid for it, Corvus did not skimp when it came to Harry's education clearly. He had also been suitably and subtly threatened, but luckily it wasn't required.

"Yes, Sir," Harry replied, "Thank you, Professor," it never hurt to be kind, even though he knew Corvus was paying him for his time. Paying him for a service that should have been taught to him upon his entrance to Hogwarts. No wonder he got pissed at the students…who had just been taught it and needing to go all over it again. He hadn't even had that opportunity. How many other Muggle raised students had been in the same boat over the years? He was genuinely lucky that the career he wanted didn't require a potions grade.

"The first one is tonight," Severus stated, before giving his students and Harry a nod, before turning swiftly, and returning to his spot at the head table.

"I guess I won't be joining you in the common room tonight," Harry said, staring at the dates and times. "At least it's not too long, an hour and a half every lesson twice a week."

"It's a shame we don't have anywhere to brew, we could have helped," Daphne said.

"Not really, it's one thing to know it, and another thing entirely to teach someone. It's second nature to you, I doubt you know the how's and whys in a way that could explain to me what I'm doing wrong." Harry admitted dryly, "I definitely need a professor or tutor to go over everything." Grimacing at the title 'remedial potions' it made him feel like the world's biggest dunce. He knew he wasn't though, at least at any other subject except potions.

"It's good though, next year we will be going through our OWLS so it's best to do it now than next year." Greg said, finishing up his food, his belly fit to bursting.

"It's true, OWLS are difficult, and they're important, my parents wouldn't be happy if I did anything other than my best." Draco said, a little nervous, "I hate trying to remember the dates of all those goblin rebellions." He did not want to disappoint his parents.

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses, why not get together as a group and study?" Harry suggested, "Not the library, since we'll need to talk so it will have to be one of the common rooms."

"Sounds good, we can work on our homework as well, maybe Fridays?" Vincent suggested, "I can make cards to help with the goblin rebellion dates?" he was surprisingly good with numbers, everyone at Hogwarts assumed he was dumb just as they did with Greg just because they didn't participate in class or talk around many people. They weren't exactly the most sociable of people and really only spoke when they felt they had something to say or were amongst trusted friends.

"That's brilliant, that's a good way to learn them properly!" Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Alright, come on, I don't want to be late for class." He had art next, and he absolutely loved it. He'd continued to hone his drawing and painting while he translated the books, the only thing that had really taken a back seat was music which they also took at Hogwarts so hopefully he could get better.

As always Harry was watched over at Hogwarts by a protective Dark Lord masquerading as a Headmaster, a very good one at that. Hogwarts had never been better in decades. A Potions Master and Charms and Duelling Master.

Corvus' cholesterol had shot down after the healers took control of all their eating habits, while Harry was in the hospital. They had tailored his diet to the best effect to get it down, and boy had they succeeded. He was still eating healthy though, the health scare had affected him more than he let anyone know.

Despite Harry returning to Hogwarts – how he missed his inquisitive presence – he still somehow ended up with three children at the table. Sirius Black it seemed, was over every single day since they returned from Africa. He didn't stay over, but he was beginning to think he should. "Did you sleep last night?" Giving Sirius a once over, his eyes were dark and sunken.

"Not much," Sirius managed to get out at least moderately politely. Grasping a cup of coffee and hugging it close until it was cool enough to drink. Not even awake enough to think of spelling it cooler. He'd gotten so used to Rodolphus' presence…even with the Patronus globe he couldn't sleep. His flat was so empty…devoid of life, it made him feel as if he was back to square one. He hated it. Hated the silence. Hated the loneliness. It's why he came here, and he was never lonely at the shop. "Looks like I wasn't the only one," he added, blinking blearily at Rabastan who staggered into the room.

"Sent off my dissertation at about five o'clock this morning," Rabastan's sleep rumbled voice told them, pride and smug satisfaction oozing from his sleepy form. He knew without a doubt he would pass with flying colours. It's amazing what you could get done when you weren't worried about someone…or joint to the hip. Made him realize his father was probably correct to send his betrothed to Hogwarts. Despite hating being away from him. Harry needed a chance to grow up, to gain his independence, make new friends and allies as he grows. He would be there at the end of it all and reap the rewards of his patience. It wasn't sexual, not in the slightest, and if someone put him under Veritaserum that would be the same exact answer. The closest thing he thought to anything remotely sexual was the fact he knew Harry was growing to grow up looking gorgeous. That delectable package? Was going to be all his.

"That's excellent, when do you expect to hear back?" Corvus asked, pride lacing his voice for his youngest son. He had a whole new appreciation for Runes, not just by listening to his son talk about them, but for the fact they had saved Harry when all hope was surely lost. Another reason to celebrate if he passed his Mastery, but considering how well put together it no doubt was, Carrow would be an idiot to deny him his Mastery.

"I have no idea, hopefully soon," Rabastan said, a little more alert.

"You'll pass," Rodolphus declared, he had seen how hard Rabastan was working on his dissertation. Especially now without anything else to keep his attention. Unlike him, who was getting worried about the lack of sleep Sirius was getting. If it didn't get better soon, he'd suggest Dreamless Sleep draught, which wasn't good long term, it was very addictive so he was loath to bring it up at all. "Eat." He put a plate of food towards Sirius, as his brother filled his own plate.

Sirius sighed, but grudgingly did begin to eat, he had no appetite whatsoever, at least until he put the first bite to his mouth. He didn't have a House-elf – Kreacher didn't count – and he hated cooking, well, to be more accurate he couldn't cook to save himself. He was grateful to the Lestrange's for letting him come.

"Have you found an accountant for the shop yet?" Corvus enquired, glancing at the time. He had ten minutes before he had to begin seeing to the animals with Graham for the day. He could leave the wizard to do it on his own, but he rather liked to keep active.

"I'm doing it for the moment," Rodolphus told his father, "They need one, the money coming in is astronomical, especially for a start up business. I'm adding Harry's suggestion to the list as well, it will bring in a lot of money. People are coming in all day after buying them in need of them being set up. Two galleons to set them up sounds more than enough."

"Not if they can't afford it," Sirius grumbled, they shouldn't have to pay to set up the mirrors. Even if it did annoy the hell out of him with his customers coming back after leaving so sure in the fact, they could get them set up. He never declared as such though, he helped them and sent them on their way. "At least some of them listen and let me set them up for them in the shop." Or Arthur.

"If you're as busy as it's been implied, perhaps you should get someone else to deal with it?" Corvus suggested, he was definitely fascinated with many of the products on display, which he was given for free, whether he'd use them or not. Which in and on itself was a surprise, he hadn't expected Sirius to become…attached as he had. Perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise, Sirius had attached himself like a koala to the Potters, then Lily and James, now them and Harry. It was becoming clear Sirius didn't do well alone, perhaps he couldn't cope.

"It is getting to that extent," Sirius agreed grumbling a little, "I've had a few people just turning and leaving because we're so busy." Trying to run a shop with only two available workers wasn't exactly going well.

Corvus nodded, "It's a shame Hogwarts is session, it would have been the perfect job for the summer holidays and give a student some spending money and responsibility."

"A temp job isn't exactly ideal," Sirius sighed, "I'll need someone full time, well, for now, at least. I've had the Daily Prophet boss approach and ask for a deal on the mirrors…I think it's going to become a thing to use the mirrors instead of the Floo." Genuinely surprised by that. He could have used the money back in the day, but the past didn't matter.

"It's much more preferable than to sticking your head through the Floo, the strain on the neck can be rather intolerable." Rodolphus said, he wasn't surprised the slightest by their popularity. "You'll find most companies coming to you now, they're not only preferable but portable. No more missed calls, clients or potential clients."

"You should get a case for them, make them more enticing for individuality." Rabastan suggested, "I'm going to make Harry one, for another betrothal gift. I'm thinking purple dragonhide, like a portfolio with a built-in stand." He didn't know where to start but he was determined to do it now that his Mastery was complete. Or as complete as he could make it, whether he passed or not remained to be seen.

Sirius gaped, "That…is a brilliant idea!" why hadn't he thought of that? Beginning to eat his food with more haste, he had to get everything written down right away. A Mirror call case! Amazing. The mirrors were unbreakable, and even if they weren't, they had Reparo charm. But it might not have a specific need but they would add personality to each person's desires.

Rodolphus gave his brother an exasperated look, he just had to mention that right, now didn't he? Merlin, Sirius wasn't going to sleep for a week until he got it perfect.

"Thank you for the breakfast, Corvus," Sirius said, giving the elder wizard a smile. "I have to go! I'll need to look into what materials will be best!"

"I'll see you this evening," Corvus replied, knowing without a doubt he would see him regardless of whether he personally welcomed him or not. Honestly, his son and Sirius Black were all but dating, without the sexual component. They were hardly away from each other. He wondered if they even realized this.

With that Rodolphus and Sirius were gone.

"When are they going to get a clue?" Rabastan asked resignedly, he'd expected it to happen while they were all recuperating in Africa. "They're getting on my nerves." The avoidance, the pouting, the pining it was ugh, disgusting.

Corvus just chuckled, given how impatient his son actually was, he was surprised Rodolphus hadn't broken yet and done something about it. "I bet it will be very soon."

"Oh, please ten galleons it goes on for months!" Rabastan said shaking his head. "If they don't get a clue soon, I'm going to do something about it."

"Playing cupid, are we?" Corvus teased his son, eyes gleaming brightly with delight.

By the end of the night, Rabastan was going to be ten galleons down.

This does not feel like a full chapter despite the fact it's over 5K how weird is that? I have the next scene in my mind, thanks to those who gave their suggestions :D it helped solidify what I want to happen unfortunately, I can't get that scene done, I've got to go get my Covid Jag and I'm not sure if I'll be able to write once I get back depending on any side effects so yeah I thought to get it posted now :) despite it not feeling like a full chapter a lot of information is in there for the continued chapters which I love :D hmm so many ways the trial for Dumbledore can go...longer sentence? Death? or is an escape on the horizon for the elderly wizard? R&R please even if its just 'I love the chapter' or a simple thank you for the chapter :) it makes my day to hear from you all and thank you so much for those who always do take care and as always stay safe x