Hermione no longer saw Harry on a daily basis, but he was so ubiquitous that it almost felt as if she did. How is it possible that people aren't tired of him? she wondered. And yet they didn't seem to be, based on how often everyone asked her about him.
Unlike Lee and George, Hermione was seldom asked, 'What's Harry Potter really like?' Instead, she got more intrusive questions, like, 'What do you think of his current girlfriend?' or 'Why did you never fancy him?' And most recently, 'Do you think he'll keep his celibacy vow?'
When she was first asked whether he'd keep his vow, the morning after the broadcast, she said yes. 'When he sets his mind to something, he's very determined. Keeping the vow won't be easy, but I'll be shocked if he breaks it.'
But as the week progressed, she grew less confident. Not because of anything Harry did, but because she didn't yet trust him to behave without her keeping an eye on him. She knew this was unjust, but a small part of her believed his radical shift in behaviour was somehow connected to their spending less time together. Never mind that I see him as often now as I did last year at Hogwarts, back when he was still well-behaved. And he's never been predictable, even when I nagged him on a daily basis.
It was embarrassing to recall how bossy she'd been back in school, and she still caught herself acting that way. Ryan didn't seem to mind or even notice; with a mum like Lucinda he was used to strong women. In fact, he contradicted Hermione whenever she described herself as bossy.
'You're more clear-headed than most people, and you probably always have been,' he argued, 'so naturally you want to give advice. Anyone who calls you bossy is just being sexist.'
'Ryan, there was nothing clear-headed about constantly hounding Ron and Harry about their homework, or trying to trick house-elves into accepting clothes. It was bossy and controlling, full stop.'
'Harry might have been expelled if he hadn't done his homework!'
'That's true of the Umbridge year, but that wasn't the only year I hounded him. And my hounding that year may have backfired—he might have been less vulnerable to mind attacks if I hadn't forced him to revise so much for his O.W.L.s. Which, by the way, he didn't end up needing.'
'You didn't know that at the time. And thanks to your pressure, he might have learnt a crucial charm that saved his life, and yours.'
She softened. 'You may be right, actually. I had to push him to teach Defence that year, and if I hadn't we probably wouldn't have survived the Ministry battle.'
'See! Stop doubting yourself!'
Smirking, she said, 'Are you aware of the irony?'
'Maybe. But tell me about it.'
'You keep contradicting me when I say I'm too bossy. Which, if you think about it, boils down to your saying, "Why can't you understand that you're always right?"'
'It is ironic,' said Ryan. 'But this is my favourite kind of argument, since I nearly always win.'
They occasionally disagreed about Harry. Ryan was no longer sensitive about how close she and Harry were, ever since she told him Harry was like her twin brother. But Hermione was more prone to excuse Harry's excesses than Ryan was, even when they both found them comical.
'You have to admit that glowing at the end of the match was a bit much,' he said.
'He was celebrating! I loved it, and my cousins did too. Not to mention all the fans.'
'Of course they loved it, and why shouldn't they have—he flew brilliantly. I just want you to admit it was over the top.'
'It was, but I still approve. You have no idea how put down he was for so long.'
'Yes, I do. I met his aunt and uncle, same as you did, and I remember how the Prophet used to slander him. All I'm saying is that he's inviting a backlash when he acts like that.'
'You may be right, but it hasn't happened yet.'
'No, and who knows, maybe it won't,' said Ryan. 'And at least he's dodging the suggestions he fly for England.'
'You don't think he should?'
'Honestly, no—the team would be all about him. That's how the Cannons are now, which suits me, but I doubt the other national players would like it. Flying for England is normally the pinnacle of fame for a Quidditch player, but Harry would grab all the attention.'
'He doesn't do it on purpose!'
'I know, and he always shares the credit. But he's impressively comfortable in the spotlight.'
'Is that a problem?' she asked.
'Not for the Cannons, since we're all team players. Because that mightn't be true of the national team.'
'If they're not team players, maybe they shouldn't play for England,' scowled Hermione.
'It's a problem sometimes. Naturally the organisers want the best players, and Harry probably is the best Seeker. But everyone needs to be able to work together, even though they're normally rivals.'
'That wouldn't be a problem for Harry,' she said. 'There's only one Seeker.'
'True, except the reserve. And they often select Beaters from the same team, like Bagman and Tuttle. But they always mix up the Chasers.'
'Do you think you might be chosen?' she asked hopefully.
'Tuttle mentioned it as a possibility. They almost never take Cannons, for fear of the "curse," but no one believes in that any longer.'
'Would you want to play for England?'
'I would,' he admitted. 'I always miss Quidditch during the off-season. The Cannons still practise several times a week, but it's much less rigorous than the rest of the year.'
'I hope Harry won't be at loose ends,' said Hermione.
'He might be. Although he has plenty of other distractions, like the Wizengamot and his modelling career.'
'You should be the underwear model,' she said admiringly.
'No, thanks. I only give private showings.'
They'd taken her cousins flying after the match on Saturday. 'This is amazing!' said Jenny. 'Why didn't you like it for so long?'
'I never had a good teacher before Ryan,' said Hermione, not wanting to discuss how she'd changed after that conversation with Luna months earlier.
'No, I remember how you used to be,' said Albert. 'You didn't even like funfair rides.'
'I didn't mind the rides, but I hated the screaming. Why did all the other kids need to shriek?'
'That's part of the fun,' said Jenny. 'Where else can you scream at top volume without being told to pipe down?'
'I never wanted to scream at top volume. And believe me, I had plenty of opportunities at school.'
'Right, your deathtrap school,' said Albert. 'It's a good thing you didn't die, or else we'd have assumed you'd overdosed.'
'Although you'd have lived on in our memories and been trotted out as a cautionary tale,' said Jenny. 'Don't hold that book too close, dear, or you might end up like Mummy's dead cousin Hermione.'
'This is why you can never erase our memories,' said Albert. 'Because otherwise we'll concoct something worse.'
'Why are you antagonising our all-powerful cousin?' asked Jenny. 'She could turn you into a capybara.'
'Yes!' cried Albert. 'But turn me into something cool, like a dragon.'
'A dragon's too complicated,' said Hermione. 'How about a ferret?'
'No, it has to be something dignified, like a stag, or a centaur.'
'I could make you half-horse, but you wouldn't be a real centaur.'
Jenny stared at her. 'Did you just say "real centaur?"'
'Er, yes. They exist. So do leprechauns, goblins, and mermaids. Merpeople, rather.'
'Have you been to Narnia?' asked Albert.
'No, and it's probably not real. But I wouldn't rule it out.'
After consulting with Ryan, Hermione transfigured Albert into something resembling a centaur. 'You made him buff!' said Jenny, laughing.
'That's what centaurs look like,' said Hermione. 'Even the old ones.'
Jenny rifled through her handbag for a mirror. 'Albert, you have to see this, if only to inspire you to go to the gym.'
'Can you take a picture?' he asked.
'No!' said Ryan and Hermione at once. 'Don't make me Obliviate you,' she added.
'Fine,' said Albert, testing his four legs. 'Jenny, you should try this too, although I don't want to see you topless.'
Jenny opted to become a cat, and she spent the next quarter hour prowling around. But her adventure ended when she climbed up a tree and couldn't get down; she mewed in frustration until Hermione levitated her to the ground and cancelled the transfiguration.
'That was great until the end,' said Jenny. 'Albert, you have to try it next time.'
'There won't be a next time,' said Hermione. 'I really shouldn't do this at all. Strictly speaking, transfiguring Muggles is illegal.'
'But this is consensual!' said Albert, who was fully human again. 'And you owe us, after skipping so many family events.'
'She was fighting a war,' said Jenny. 'Stop hassling her.'
The next night, Hermione spent an hour with Lucinda practising Occlumency. 'You're improving, but you crumble too quickly,' said Lucinda.
'I know, and it's frustrating. I keep meaning to resist, but there's something so relaxing about letting my thoughts flow. It might be different if you were an adversary, but you aren't.'
'I'm flattered. Not least because mothers and daughters-in-law don't always get on well, although I did with Walter's parents.'
Hermione blushed, and Lucinda said, 'Don't let me pressure you, of course. Obviously you and Ryan haven't been dating long, but I've never seen him this happy.'
'He's made me happy too. And you and Walter already feel like family, not least because you're healing my relations. Did you receive the note from my grandmum?'
'Yes, and I'm pleased she's feeling so much better.'
'She hasn't even finished the potion yet, and her knee is back to normal. But she knows she needs to finish it.'
Lucinda looked slightly guilty. 'I'm not certain she needs to finish it, actually, but I want to be sure we root out the underlying problem. Is she able to gag it down all right?'
'Yes, and she rewards herself with chocolate afterwards. So I think she'll be a little disappointed when it runs out.' Hermione took a deep breath and said, 'But back to Occlumency. How do I keep from dropping my barriers?'
'Good question. I wonder if I've been too easy on you.'
'Too easy? Are you proposing attacking me harder?'
'Yes. I've tried not to be too intrusive, not least because you're sleeping with my son. But maybe you'll defend yourself more against a harder attack. Do you trust me to try? I won't tell a soul what I see.'
Her most guarded memories sprang to mind, and she wondered how she'd feel about Lucinda seeing them. She already knows about the Horcruxes, thought Hermione. She also knows I Obliviated my parents, and that Ron dumped me. And I doubt she'd be shocked by how bossy I am. A mental picture of Errol Reddington arose, and she wondered whether Lucinda would notice her former bully's resemblance to Ryan.
'Yes, I trust you,' she said. Lucinda sat up, and Hermione noted yet again how commanding she looked. She could have been an Army general if she'd wanted, she thought, preparing for Lucinda's attack.
'Legilimens,' said Lucinda, and Hermione felt her prod. But unlike the previous attempts, which only sought emotions and impressions, this attack went straight for Hermione's memories. A twelve-year-old girl, sobbing in the toilet at Hogwarts, with Ron's words replaying in her mind: 'It's no wonder no one can stand her. She's a nightmare, honestly.' She was overcome with shame and willed the memory forwards, to the arrival of the troll. Terror when she heard the door being locked from the outside, then cowering against the wall as the troll approached.
Hermione tried to resist Lucinda's attack, but reliving the memory made her too vulnerable. Ron and Harry entered the room again, and she was ashamed of her helplessness as they fought the troll. But when Harry leapt and fastened his arms around the troll's neck, his courage kindled her own. Her Occlumency shields returned, and she expelled Lucinda from her mind.
Lucinda broke her gaze and they both took a deep breath. 'Hermione, I'm so sorry you had to experience that,' she said gently.
'The troll attack, or your Legilimency just now?'
'Both. But mainly the troll attack. Was that your first year at Hogwarts?'
Hermione nodded. 'Could you see me, or just the others?'
'I saw you in the mirror, briefly, but it was mostly the others. Good lord, Harry was so small.' After a pause, she said, 'Well done, by the way. How did you resist me?'
'It was when Harry jumped onto the troll's back. It was an insane act of courage—typical Harry—and it was contagious somehow. My shields arose almost automatically after that.'
'Interesting. Do you think you could summon Harry to reinforce your shields, even when the memory doesn't include him? Not that you aren't brave enough on your own, but sometimes it's easier to externalise it.'
'I can try,' she said uncertainly. 'Will you go after a memory without Harry?'
'Yes, if that's all right.'
Hermione assented, and Lucinda launched a new attack. The memory that arose was from primary school, when a trio of boys ambushed her in the corridor. 'I love you, Hermione,' said Errol, and his friends made kissing noises. 'Didn't you like my valentine? I picked it out just for you. Although I almost made one myself, since the shop did have one that said, "To an ugly, unpopular swot."'
She couldn't stop Lucinda from seeing the memory, and Harry was nowhere to be found. One of her female classmates—a pretty, petite girl named Beth—arrived and said, 'What's the use of having brains if you can't tell no one likes you? You'd think a look in the mirror would do the job, but I suppose your front teeth take up the entire view.'
Errol and the other boys started laughing. 'Maybe you need a funhouse mirror that shrinks your teeth, so you can see the rest of yourself,' said Errol. 'But then there'd be nothing but hair.'
'She tries to hide it in a braid,' said Beth, 'but it's as thick as an arm, and all frizzy on top. If I were you I'd just shave it off and wear a wig.'
Hermione tried evoking Harry and his courage, but he was nowhere to be found. He's probably at his own school, being tormented by Dudley, she thought, and suddenly she was looking at his old cupboard. Petunia and Vernon Dursley were there, and she started scolding them. 'He was an orphan! You were his only relations and you put him in a cupboard!'
In an instant her shields rose, and Lucinda was again blocked from her mind. For a moment Lucinda was silent and only looked at her. 'You and Harry are closely linked,' she said.
'We are. Like reunited twins, I think.'
Lucinda didn't reply. 'It's interesting that your courage worked this time, rather than his.'
'It did eventually, but I was paralysed during my school memory.'
'That's understandable. Kids are absolute monsters. So are adults, for that matter, but bullies are the worst. Thank heaven Ryan never bullied anyone. Although your memory was unsettling—that middle boy looked rather like him.'
'He did,' said Hermione, still embarrassed by what Lucinda saw. 'Ryan actually reminded me of him when we first met.'
'Not his behaviour, I hope!'
'No, just his appearance. But it took a little getting used to.'
Lucinda was silent for a moment. 'There's nothing worse than seeing a child suffer. One's own, in particular, but really any child. At the same time, those experiences help form the adult, who mightn't be so extraordinary without them.'
'There must be ways to build character that aren't so gruelling,' said Hermione. 'If not, I fear for my future children.'
'Having children is terrifying, and there are no guarantees. Walter and I always felt lucky to have a son who was strong, clever, and kind. Other parents used to tell us how he'd defended their child against bullies, or helped them with their flying, or some such. But we never realised how vulnerable he was.' She looked Hermione in the eye. 'You know what happened, right?'
Hermione nodded. 'Yes, he told me early in our relationship.'
'It was years before he told us, poor thing. I'll never forgive myself for not realising what happened, particularly when he wanted to change schools. Walter couldn't have known—I don't think he'd even heard of Love Potions—but I should have realised it was a risk.'
'You mustn't blame yourself,' said Hermione. 'It was unthinkable.'
'I should have at least noticed something was wrong. I thought he was just whinging.'
'He doesn't blame you. I'm sure if you'd known you'd have done whatever he needed.'
'I'd have cursed the witch myself, or her parents,' said Lucinda. 'Ryan never told me her name, for just that reason.'
Recalling Lucinda's fiery response to 'Mothers Against Harry Potter,' Hermione thought Ryan was right. 'I should probably thank you for predisposing him towards strong women. I don't think I've managed to shock him once, even when I sent a Howler during our first date.'
After a sheepish retelling of the Howler story, they resumed the Occlumency lesson, and Hermione slowly learnt to access her courage. 'It'll take practice,' said Lucinda. 'But your courage will come naturally over time—heaven knows you have enough of it.'
The next day at work Hermione was barraged with questions about Harry, as always. Mondays and Wednesdays were particularly loaded, as well as any morning he appeared in the gossip column. 'Did he keep his celibacy vow over the weekend?' people asked repeatedly.
'As far as I know, but I haven't seen him since after the match.'
'Anything could have happened since then,' was the usual reply. 'This is Harry Potter we're talking about.'
She was to see him that night for their Light Arts lesson, and she desperately hoped he wouldn't have a new girlfriend. But instead she was greeted by an unfamiliar house-elf. 'Good evening, Miss Hermione. Lodie will alert Master.'
'I'm right here,' called Harry, running into the kitchen. 'Thank you, Lodie. That will be all.'
Hermione was aghast. 'You have a new house-elf? Where's Kreacher?'
'Er, upstairs,' said Harry, embarrassed. 'With the others.'
'The others!'
Lodie was still watching them, and Hermione suddenly realised who she resembled. 'Are you related to Dobby?'
'Yes, Miss Hermione. Dobby was Lodie's father.'
Hermione momentarily forgot her anger and got down on one knee. 'Dobby saved my life. I'm so sorry he's no longer with us. Please accept my condolences.'
Lodie curtseyed and said, 'Lodie is proud of Papa Dobby and misses him.'
'He was a wonderfully brave elf—I tell everyone about him.'
'Yes, Miss Hermione,' said Lodie, beaming.
Hoping the elf was as independent as her father, she said, 'Would you call me Hermione instead?'
Lodie froze, but her large eyes turned to Harry. 'Call her whatever she likes,' he said.
'Yes ... Hermione,' said Lodie uncertainly.
Crack! 'Bad Lodie!' cried Kreacher, appearing suddenly. 'Lodie must not address wizards that way.'
'I gave her my permission, and so did Hermione,' said Harry.
Kreacher looked torn. 'Master is an unusual wizard,' he frowned.
'He lets you call him Master,' muttered Hermione.
'One thing at a time,' said Harry. 'Kreacher, if Hermione wants Lodie to call her by her given name, Lodie may do so.' Kreacher scowled, and Harry added. 'No punishments.'
'How will Kreacher train Lodie without punishments?' said Kreacher in frustration.
'We discussed this already. If Lodie needs punishment, you'll refer her to me.'
Kreacher sighed. 'Yes, Master. Does Miss Hermione require anything?' He emphasised the word 'Miss.'
'No, Kreacher. Thank you,' said Hermione.
Lodie resumed preparing dinner, and Kreacher disappeared with a particularly loud crack. Harry and Hermione walked to the sitting room and took their usual seats.
'It's been a busy couple of days,' he said.
'I can see that. Just how many new slaves do you own?'
'Four, and they're not slaves. I offered to free all of them, but they refused.'
'Fantastic! One for each floor of the house! Or will you need one exclusively for your wardrobe?'
'Hermione, could you stop insulting me for a minute?'
She sighed. 'You're right, and I'm sorry. What happened exactly?'
Harry explained how Molly Weasley had frightened Kreacher into binding his descendants to House Black. 'Kreacher's married!' exclaimed Hermione.
'Yes, but he and his wife don't get on. He'd rather she stay in France.'
'This just gets worse and worse! He was forced to marry someone he didn't like?'
'Apparently. And yes, I know it's awful, and I'll try to do better myself.'
'Yes, with your new staff,' she drawled. 'Do they all wear tea towels?'
'They do, although that wasn't my idea. And I'm only keeping Lodie, to help Kreacher. I've already owled my cousins to see if they want household help. I was hoping to introduce everyone this afternoon, but practice went late and I didn't have time. So we'll do it tomorrow—Merlin knows when.'
Hermione's anger gave way to sympathy. 'I'm sorry. You never asked to be Head of House. If it were up to you, you'd just be a Seeker.'
'If only,' said Harry. 'But I shouldn't complain. My life is fine. Brilliant, actually. Just incredibly busy.'
'Er, just how busy?'
'My vow is intact, if that's what you're getting at.'
'Well done! People keep asking me, you know.'
'I won't break it,' he said firmly. 'I'm more than halfway through, and believe me, I've withstood some challenges.'
'Do I want to know?'
'That all depends. Do you want advance warning about my next scandal, or would you prefer the surprise?'
'Oh dear,' said Hermione. 'What now?'
'It has to do with my new endorsement. The North American distribution partner also makes women's underwear, and they're merging the two brands. Which means I'll appear in an advert with a female model.'
'Not a wizarding photograph, I hope!'
'Not a chance. Anyway, yesterday was the casting session.' Hermione clamped her mouth shut in an attempt not to laugh, and Harry said, 'Yes, during a celibacy vow. Twenty witches, all wearing lingerie.'
'You poor thing!' she said, laughing. 'I'm sorry, it's just too funny.'
'It is, but the good news is they cast Sophie, and they'll take the photos next Sunday, just before my vow ends.'
'And you really liked her, didn't you?'
'I did. If we lived in the same city I'd want to be with her, no question.'
'At least you have someone lined up. Should I spread the word, so witches stop targeting you?'
'I have no idea,' he said, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. 'Oh, and I learnt there's another prophecy.'
He was about to say more when a new house-elf appeared. 'Master, dinner is served,' said a younger version of Kreacher.
'Thank you, Maclou,' said Harry, leading Hermione to the dining room. 'Kreacher won't let me eat in the kitchen right now—he doesn't want the new elves learning bad habits.'
'You shouldn't let him boss you around like that,' said Hermione automatically, and Harry started laughing.
'Please tell me you're aware of the irony.'
'I am,' said Hermione. 'Clearly I act on instinct when it comes to injustice.'
'Don't stop,' he said. 'At this rate I could turn into a monster, and I need someone to prevent it.'
'I can't see you abusing house-elves,' she admitted. 'But I do worry about your meteoric rise in status.' They reached the dining room, and Hermione gasped.
It was a veritable fairyland of suspended flowers and twinkling lights. Hermione moved through the room slowly, as if in a dream, and closer inspection revealed that many of the flowers were illusory. 'Oh, Harry! This is beautiful!' Addressing the elves, she said, 'You've done a wonderful job.'
'Thank you, Miss Hermione,' chorused the new elves, except for Lodie who omitted the 'Miss.' The other elves glared at her before looking expectantly at Harry.
'This is magnificent,' he said. 'I've always heard how beautiful Beauxbatons is, and now I believe it. If you've made Grimmauld Place look like this, I can scarcely imagine what you do with a French castle.'
He and Hermione sat down, and the elves served the first course, French onion soup. 'I had food like this in France,' said Hermione reverently.
'I'm sorry, we got distracted,' said Harry. 'You were concerned about my meteoric rise in status.'
'Well played, Potter. Clearly I have a weak spot when it comes to flowers and French cuisine.'
'It's Potter-Black. And so do I.'
They ate in silence until she said, 'What was that about a prophecy?'
'Right, I've become friends with one of the portraits—she's been helping me keep my vow—and she remembered a prophecy delivered by Ophelia Black in 1840 or so.' He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and read, 'The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black will choose the scion of a lesser branch. Son of purity, son of sacrifice, his manhood will be of world renown. House Black will be reborn, greater than before.'
Astonished, Hermione asked to see the text. 'Son of sacrifice! That has to be your mum. And purity is your father.' She started sniggering. 'And your manhood ... that can only mean one thing.'
'My smoking ruin of a reputation?'
'All right, two things.' She looked at him, eager to see his reaction. 'I was thinking of your adverts.'
Harry turned beet red. 'Oh my god, you're right. It's literally referring to my manhood.'
'Soon to be of "world renown,"' said Hermione, smirking. 'This is classic. Please tell me you'll share it on the radio.'
'I will not. People already think I'm an egomaniac—I don't need to share a prophecy that says how my world-renowned manhood and I will restore House Black to its former glory. Which makes me nervous, by the way.'
Hermione read the prophecy again. 'It doesn't say "former glory." It says "reborn," and "greater than before."'
'So you think that's a good thing? I was afraid it might mean another thousand years of evil extravagance.'
'I can see why you'd think that, but that wasn't how I heard it. I think it's about reinventing the Blacks as a Light family. After all, there's no Light equivalent to the Malfoys, Rosiers, or Yaxleys.' She refrained from mentioning the Traverses.
'But do you really think I should try to build up the Blacks like that? What's to prevent them from turning Dark in a couple of generations?'
'I don't know. But maybe Davina would.'
'What, some kind of Light ritual to ensure my descendants aren't evil? I doubt that exists.'
'No, I'm sure it doesn't. But you have an incredible opportunity to change the landscape. You've done it already, by getting everyone excited about Light magic.'
'But there's bound to be a backlash,' he said, frowning.
'True. But Light and Dark magic aren't equal. Love and interconnectedness are ultimately stronger than hatred and division.' Hermione's hair began sparking as she spoke, and Harry automatically started to glow.
'Blast! That's my first accidental glow in days!' he blurted, but his expression was kind.
'Then maybe we should just enjoy it,' said Hermione, and they savoured the meal in silence.
When the elves brought out pudding, she thanked them again for the beautiful decor. 'Will it look like this from now on?'
Maclou shook his head sadly. 'No, Miss Hermione. This was the work of four elves, but Master is finding us new homes. Lodie cannot do it alone.'
'Not even with Kreacher?'
'No, it is Beauxbatons magic. But Maclou, Flauby, and Plouche will always serve House Black. Master need only call.'
'Maybe for your parties?' said Hermione, looking at Harry.
'We'll see,' he replied, and the elves disappeared. 'You're a bad influence, Granger.'
'What? How so?'
'You're suggesting I show off to all my guests with elaborate house-elf magic.'
'No, I'm not. It's just an example of how the new, improved House Black can inspire people.' She looked up at the floating flowers and twinkling lights. 'I defy anyone not to fall in love in a room like this. In fact, may I invite Ryan to come see it, before Davina arrives?'
'Yes, of course. And I'll fetch Banthora.'
They reunited a few minutes later, and Harry introduced Hermione and Ryan to the severe-looking portrait. 'This is Banthora Black,' he said. 'She's been incredibly helpful this last week. Banthora, this is Hermione Granger and Ryan Bellamy.'
'I don't recognise those surnames,' said Banthora, curious rather than scornful.
'You wouldn't,' said Hermione. 'I'm Muggle-born, and Ryan's father is a Muggle. But his mum's a Spoonwocket.'
'A respectable family.' Her eyes took in the flowers, and she said, 'Harry, may I see more of this room?'
'Yes, that's the other reason I brought you down.' He held the portrait in front of him and showed her around.
'Splendid,' she murmured, and her face relaxed. 'Like an enchanted garden! I could look at it for hours.'
Ryan admired the room as well, and he and Hermione stole a kiss while Harry and Banthora were facing the other way. 'Will I see you later?' asked Ryan.
'Yes, around nine. But stay and have pudding—I'm sure there's enough.'
After they ate, Hermione said goodbye to Ryan at the fireplace, where Davina arrived a few minutes later.
'Harry, I was in Diagon Alley today, and I saw three separate timers counting down your vow,' she said. 'Never in a hundred years would I have imagined the Light Arts becoming so well known.'
Hermione frowned. 'Strictly speaking, most people are just interested because of the sex, not the Light magic.'
'It doesn't matter,' said Davina. 'The two ideas are linked in the unconscious, and that's where they'll grow.'
'But won't they associate Light magic with abstinence?' asked Hermione.
'I made a point of saying it wasn't required,' said Harry.
'Yes, and you saved me a lot of trouble,' said Davina. 'I'd have been bombarded with cancellations if you hadn't.'
After showing Davina the dining room and introducing her to Banthora, they went up to the library. She asked Harry about his vow and was pleased he'd kept it.
'I hardly experience involuntary glowing at all anymore. Not once during the match, except on purpose at the end. But I glowed during dinner tonight, when Hermione's hair started sparking.'
'Your resonance is strong,' said Davina. 'That will be useful when we start casting.'
Hermione's eyes widened. 'Casting? When? What will we start with?'
'I won't know for certain until you're ready, but I'm leaning towards purification spells, which clear Dark magic from a space or object.'
'I thought the house was clear,' said Harry. 'Kreacher and Bill Weasley worked at it for months, off and on.'
'Yes, the house is mostly clear, I think. But Dark magic accumulates on its own wherever negative thoughts occur, which is everywhere. So you'll start by clearing found objects, and then work on some of your own possessions. There's also a practice of keeping a journal, or writing a few paragraphs about a painful memory or strong emotions, and then purifying that.'
'What does that accomplish?' asked Hermione.
'Several things. One is that it removes a tiny amount of the darkness in the world. Just a bit, but still worth the effort. More importantly, it helps remove that darkness from our own minds. Again, just a bit, but it adds up,' said Davina. 'Ultimately we could use it to clear cursed items, if you have any.'
'Actually, yes,' said Harry. 'There are some cursed chalices in the Black family vault.'
'Perfect!' said Davina. 'Those will be fun.'
Harry's expression turned grave, and Hermione knew what he was thinking. 'Could you use Light magic to destroy a Horcrux?' he asked.
Davina sighed. 'I've given that some thought, ever since you told me about them. And honestly, I don't know. Horcruxes are hideously Dark, and they have strong protections.'
'That's just it,' said Harry. 'They fight back when you try to destroy them, and you'd need more than Occlumency to resist a Horcrux that's fighting for its life. Dumbledore couldn't do it,' he added, referring to how the headmaster was compelled to put on the cursed ring.
'Exactly. It might be possible, but I wouldn't count on it.' She looked at them a moment and asked, 'Would you like to try casting now? You're not quite ready yet, but with me here it should be fine.'
Hermione felt a surge of excitement, and she knew her hair was sparking again. 'I'd love to! Harry, what about you?'
Harry wasn't glowing, but his expression suggested he was experiencing strong Light magic. 'Whatever makes you happy,' he said tenderly, and Hermione flushed with gratitude. 'Should I glow?' he asked Davina.
'It doesn't matter, as long as you're able to direct Light energy through your wand.'
'I'm not sure whether I can do that,' said Hermione, frowning.
'That's fine,' said Davina. 'This is an early attempt, and Harry can be the caster.'
Hermione tried to conceal her disappointment, but Harry saw it. 'I'm sorry, Hermione—we're stuck with my middling magical strength. Can I make it up to you somehow?'
'This is Light magic, remember?' said Davina. 'It's all about intent, and it hardly matters who's holding the wand.'
'I wasn't worried about Harry's strength,' said Hermione. 'He's living proof that the potion from the Grimoire doesn't measure everything. I'm mainly disappointed because I like being in control. But it's probably good for me not to be, at least occasionally.'
Davina rose and examined the bookshelves. 'Harry, might we sacrifice one of your books tonight? Nothing rare.'
'Be my guest. I assume you're looking for harmful intent?'
'Yes, and I've found it,' she said, pulling a book from the shelf. 'This one's in wide circulation, sad to say, so there's no harm in destroying it. Of course it's tempting to destroy them all, but then only Dark wizards would have them, which would be even worse.'
She placed the book on the table. 'Palatable Poisons,' said Hermione, reading the title. 'And you're familiar with it?'
'I'm afraid so,' said Davina. 'It's in every Dark-leaning household. Harry, never eat strange food before an important Wizengamot vote.'
'Are you saying someone would try to kill me?'
'Not necessarily, but they might make you or your proxy sick enough to go home.'
Hermione rolled her eyes. 'Who would be daft enough to accept food from an adversary right before a vote?'
'Ron,' said Harry. 'And most of my teammates.'
'You're right—I've never seen Ryan turn down food.'
Davina explained the spell they were about to cast. 'You'll generate Light magic, either individually or in response to each other. Next you'll use the resonance effect to strengthen the magic. I could give you instructions, but it should come naturally. At some point you'll feel it stabilise, and then Harry will perform the charm.' She taught him the wand movements and incantation, which were simple enough.
Hermione's sparks had stopped, and she wasn't able to restart them at will. 'Harry, I need a light,' she joked, and he immediately started glowing. His eyes locked onto hers, and a deep well of affection opened within her. My brother, she thought. My long-lost twin, even though we look nothing alike.
They were silent, and she resisted the urge to look away from Harry's intense gaze. This is how he does it, she thought. No wonder Snape stayed loyal to Lily all those years. In her peripheral vision she noticed how well his robes fit, with the collar in perfect contact with his neck. But his hair is still a fright, she thought, and her fingers longed for Ryan's soft, straight hair.
Harry's sudden smile told her she'd begun sparking. When do they announce the Most-Charming-Smile Award? she wondered. Harry would probably win, but she thought Ryan deserved it as well. But he'd be mortified by the attention, whereas Harry would lap it up.
She recalled how he'd been neglected and was overwhelmed with compassion for the Boy Who Was Abused. Of course he wants attention, she thought, and why shouldn't he? She longed to go back in time and comfort him, to intervene somehow when Dumbledore left him on the Dursleys' front step. But she couldn't, so instead she poured out love. For every lonely moment. Every time he hid from Dudley, or went to bed hungry. Love flowed into her, through her, and out towards the boy she remembered. And not just the abused child, but to the unwilling Triwizard Champion, the teen who lost his godfather, and the young man who walked alone into the forest to die.
'It's time,' said Davina. 'Harry, let the magic flow through your wand arm as you cast the charm.'
He looked away from Hermione, but she still felt connected to him. Pointing his wand, he said, 'Purificatio,' and the book was bathed in white light. There was a popping noise, and the pages fluffed open.
'Have a look,' said Davina, showing it to them. Hermione opened it and saw that it was largely blank.
She flipped through the pages. 'There's still a dedication, in memory of the author's parents,' said Hermione. 'And general instructions for setting up a home laboratory. But the middle is entirely blank, until the appendix, which has advice for making healing potions less revolting. I wonder if Lucinda has seen it.'
'So all the content with harmful intent is gone?' asked Harry.
'It is,' said Davina. 'Well done.'
Harry appeared lost in thought. 'That's how I removed Draco's Dark Mark,' he mused. 'I destroyed the harmful intent.' He nodded as he spoke, as if to agree with his own assessment.
'Don't try it on anyone else,' Davina warned. 'It probably only worked because of the wand transfer. If you'd cast it directly, you might have killed him.'
Hermione looked hungrily at the bookcases. 'What other books we can purify?'
Davina chuckled and said, 'Not right now. Your Light magic just deepened, I suspect, and it's better not to overdo it. Perhaps we should talk theory for a bit. I assume you have questions,' she said, with a pointed look at Hermione.
'Actually, I do,' said Harry. 'Is there any way to predispose my future offspring towards the Light Arts? As head of House Black I'm expected to restore the family fortune, but I don't want to create an evil dynasty. How do I prevent that?'
'You can't. No more than the Blacks could prevent you from becoming Head of House, or my father could prevent me from going astray.' Harry's face fell, and Davina said, 'But this is a good thing. You must have at least one Dark ancestor, if you're related to the Blacks. What if they'd performed a ritual to limit your free will?'
'Sweet Merlin, you're right. But how do I keep my kids or grandkids from rebelling and embracing the Dark Arts?'
'Again, you can't. However, you're in a unique position to shift the balance between Dark and Light magic. The most important thing you can do is to promote the Light Arts in your lifetime, just as you're doing. That's still no guarantee that House Black won't revert to form, but maybe some other house will realign—to say nothing of wizards in general.'
'Maybe you'll convert House Malfoy,' smirked Hermione.
'Not bloody likely, although I'm drinking with Draco tomorrow after the broadcast.'
Hermione stared at him. 'Why?'
'On Tuesdays and Fridays he blames Voldemort for all his problems, as opposed to me or Lucius. I thought I'd keep him company, maybe join in.'
'That sounds almost fun,' she admitted. 'Who else will be there?'
'Just the two of us, but I could probably swing you an invitation.'
'At Malfoy Manor? No, thanks.'
'Right—didn't think so.'
She looked at Davina and asked, 'Is there a way for Harry to purify any of his memories relating to Voldemort tomorrow night? Or will he just be whinging?'
'Honestly, it'll probably just be whinging,' said Davina. 'And Harry, I don't recommend actively nurturing your resentment, or pouring fuel on it. But commiserating with a former enemy is a good way to establish common ground, and even win him over. Which, in the case of Draco Malfoy, could have far-reaching effects.'
'Are you implying he would actually join Harry's side?' exclaimed Hermione.
'Not possible,' said Harry. 'He resents the hell out of me. Furthermore, I don't have a side, unless you mean the Light Arts.'
'That's exactly what I mean,' said Davina. 'Stranger things have happened.'
Hermione was nodding. 'She's got a point. He can't practise Dark magic for nearly a year. You should teach him to cast a Patronus—if Umbridge could do it, surely he can.'
Harry tilted his head in consideration. 'He'll see through whatever I suggest—he's convinced I'm trying to recruit him. But he'd probably be willing to learn the Patronus Charm, if only to prove it doesn't require any talent.'
As the lesson continued, Davina gave them tailored advice for handling their accidental magic. 'I'm less worried about yours, Hermione, since you can hide it so easily. And Harry, I'm thrilled by how well your vow is working.'
'It hasn't been easy,' he said, and he told her about his afternoon with twenty lingerie models.
'That's wonderful! Absolutely perfect timing!'
'Are you taking the piss?' he blurted. 'Er, the mickey,' he added feebly.
Davina laughed. 'No, I'm not. The power of keeping your vow, when no one would have blamed you for just postponing it–'
'I could have postponed it?' he cried. 'Now you tell me!'
'You'd have had to start over, and you'd be at a disadvantage. Breaking a vow sets a bad precedent. It's not insurmountable, certainly, but you're better off setting a simple goal and achieving it.'
'Not that simple,' said Hermione.
'True,' said Davina. 'But, Harry, what you did was tremendous, and I'm not surprised it's having huge effects. Yesterday afternoon you chose your vow over guaranteed sex—it wasn't abstract anymore, and that made all the difference. I know it was difficult, but you're really getting your money's worth.'
'Six more days,' said Harry. 'And thanks.'
After the lesson, they stopped in the dining room on their way to the reception hall. 'Davina, help me convince Harry to decorate the house like this for his next party,' said Hermione.
'No, it's showing off,' said Harry. 'No one else has five house-elves.'
'The heads of old families do,' said Davina. 'And the flowers are lovely—I've never seen anything like it. One of your guests may well experience Light magic for the first time.'
'Bugger, now I have to do it. Thanks a lot, Granger.'
'Relax, it's perfect,' said Davina. 'The Light Arts have a reputation for being austere, or even ascetic—probably because of celibacy vows and the like. But you're proving the opposite. I can't exaggerate the effect it might have on magical society, and beyond.'
'I'm glad to put my debauchery to good use,' he said dryly. 'Let me know what other vices I can redeem somehow.'
Hermione returned to Ryan's flat, and the first thing she did was run her fingers through his hair. 'How does it all grow in the same direction?' she marvelled. 'And it's so soft.'
'Are you implying you don't have the world's most fantastic hair?' he asked, wrapping a curl around his finger.
'My hair's chaotic! The only reason it behaves is because of evil Grimoire magic. They probably experimented on captive Muggles to work out the charm. Whereas your hair is soft, like a bunny.'
'That's not the most macho comparison,' said Ryan. 'Lad mags don't have articles about achieving bunny-soft hair.'
'What do they know?' scoffed Hermione. 'I know what I like, and it's a perfectly brilliant wizard named Ryan Bellamy with bunny-soft hair.'
He asked how her lesson went, and she showed him the book they'd purified. 'I thought your mum might find tips for making her healing potions taste better.'
He turned the pages in amazement. 'You did this, with a single charm?'
'Not alone. Harry and I pooled our Light magic, and he held the wand.' She refrained from describing his intense gaze, not wanting to give Ryan the wrong impression.
'You really bring out the best in him,' he said affectionately.
'And you bring out the best in me,' she replied, embracing him. Her Light magic didn't have quite the same effect as Harry's, where libido was concerned, but proximity to Ryan was more than sufficient.
