A Different Sort of Bond
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Author's Note: A million and one thanks to Oxnate for being the Beta reader for this chapter! Also many thanks to everyone who followed, favorited, or reviewed!
Second Author's Note: In this A.U. fic Amelia Bones is still alive and in charge of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Chapter 11
Harry woke up in the shower with Daphne again. He gave her a look, "Oh please just lug my sleeping body around with you whenever it's convenient. I don't mind waking up in strange places naked and wet."
She snorted, "If we'd stayed in bed any longer you'd have woken up naked and wet anyway but it would have been pee as well as all the things Bode had me smear on your skin. This is way you're safe from that and clean and I did all the work."
"So I should be thanking you then?" Harry smiled, "Thank you Daphne for all your help. So just for information purposes is this the start or end of the shower?"
"End," she replied. "I have good news and bad news for you, Potter. Good news is all the bedroom furniture is back in place, the funky designs are off the floor, and dinner is waiting for us in the outer room. Bad news is that Hermione had to take the box back so you'll have to be conjuring tampons for the next week." She kissed him, "I truly am sorry about all this Harry. You are experiencing all the downsides of being close to a woman before you get to enjoy all the good bits."
He kissed her back, "It's okay Daphne. It hasn't been all downside. It's been embarrassing sometimes but it's been more good than bad. I am glad it happened. How about you, though? You've gotten no more privacy than me. Are you wishing it never happened?"
She smiled, "I could do without losing the use of my right hand but overall I think I came out ahead. I have access to more power. I have learned the truth about what happened the last five years; and remember, Potter, knowledge is power. I have phoenix tears in me, making me the healthiest I've ever been. I now have a built in protection against the deadliest wizard in centuries. Lastly, I have a boyfriend who's kind, generous, handsome, rich, and powerful. I'm definitely scoring this as an overall win."
He grinned, "Glad to hear it. Let's go dry off and get the er, conjuring done then go eat."
She smiled back and shut off the water, "Certainly dear." Shortly thereafter they appeared in the suite's sitting room in white terrycloth bathrobes.
"Hi guys!" Harry said. "Glad you could join us for dinner Hermione."
She smiled, "I tried to bring Ron but he said he'd rather eat in the great hall because there's more food there."
Harry chuckled, "That sounds like Ron. Oh well, as long as he's happy."
Daphne had been watching her friend. After they sat she asked, "How did your medical checkup go Trace? Nothing too embarrassing I hope?"
Tracey turned red, "I, we, learned why Neville is stuck as me and that we'll be here in this room until May." She stopped there and looked at her temporary twin.
Neville was blushing too, "I've owled both my gran and Tracy's father. I expect howlers. I just hope neither shows up in person to yell."
Tracey hugged the now cringing boy, "I'll take all the blame if you like, dear."
Neville straightened up at that, "No. I can't let you take the blame. It's not anyone's fault." He sighed, "I just hope Gran sees that."
Harry and Daphne were both getting worried now. "What is it?" Daphne asked.
Neville sighed, "We're pregnant."
"What?" Harry said, shocked.
Tracey nodded, "That's why he hasn't switched back yet. He can't go back to being a he until after he gives birth to our baby." She blushed and sighed, "It's why you are never supposed to polyjuice as a pregnant woman. He has done the honorable thing and asked for my hand in marriage. I expect my father to accept. Since we're both in school we'll probably get married over the winter holidays." She looked Daphne in the eye, "Will you be my Maid of Honor, Daphne?"
Neville nodded, "Will you be my best man, Harry? You should be separated by then and able to stand on either side of us."
Harry and Daphne both nodded, "We will." They said it in unison.
Tracey turned to Hermione, "Will you be a bridesmaid Hermione? I'd like to have one from school and you'd be a much better choice than either Pansy or Millicent."
Hermione smiled, "I think you're damning me with faint praise but I accept."
Everyone got hugged by everyone until Harry's stomach started grumbling loudly, then they ate. After dinner Harry was trying to find a way to ask a question delicately when Neville let him off the hook.
"She wasn't pregnant before the accident Harry," he said. "Bode made that clear. I seem to caught some of your weird luck because we're both pregnant by me."
Harry could only stare amazed until Daphne slapped his chest, "Close your mouth Potter and stop staring."
"Yes, dear," Harry said and looked sheepish. "Sorry guys, I was just shocked."
"Imagine how we felt," Neville said.
After that the conversation wound down and they worked on homework until late then went off to bed.
Daphne got up the next morning and debated waking Harry before heading in to shower but then grinned and shook her head. It was too much fun doing it this way. She levitated him along behind her as she went about her morning routine and as usual he woke up in the shower.
"You're a little twisted you know that?" Harry said. He looked at the enchanted washcloth currently scrubbing him and sighed, "Could you please wake me before we leave the bed next time?"
She smiled, "Certainly dear. Are you hoping for morning sex? I mean there are ways around my little problem and they have the advantage of not needing contraceptive spells beforehand..." As she'd expected he turned bright red at that. "I'm sorry, I just love to see that look on your face. I'll try to be good but I can't promise anything."
Harry shook his head, "I'd threaten to spank you but I'm not sure I could manage that with us connected this and besides I've a feeling you might enjoy it instead." Ignoring her giggling he tried to look stern, "I will tell you not promise things you're unwilling to deliver or I might surprise you one morning." Unfortunately it was obvious to him from her laughter that she knew he was bluffing so he sighed again and just went with the flow.
As they were getting dressed Daphne reminded him it was a Hogsmeade weekend and she was planning on buying him new clothes. "I remember dear," Harry said. "Let's eat in the great hall today. I want to see if Draco's still at school and I'm sure he'll be at his table if he is."
"If only to show that he is still here," Daphne agreed. Once both their clothes met with her satisfaction they exited the room and she told Tracey they were going to eat in the great hall.
Tracey nodded and Neville said, "Maybe we'll see you there. I need some supplies and so does Trace."
When Harry and Daphne entered the great hall all conversation stopped briefly as everyone looked at them. Harry ignored the stares with the ease of long practice and checked the Slytherin table closely. He grinned when he saw no sign of Malfoy, Crabbe, or Goyle. After a whispered conversation with Daphne they headed over the Gryffindor table. Ron failed to notice them but Hermione did and slid over some to make room.
"Hi guys," Harry said as they sat down. Harry grabbed a plate and Daphne started loading it up for two. "How are you Ron? Been awhile since we've chatted, mate."
"Well, its been awhile since you left that room," Ron replied. "There's no one to play chess with or go flying with. I've been hanging with Seamus and Dean but it's not been the same."
"Sorry mate," Harry said. "But I could hardly stay in the boys dorm with Daphne now could I? As for the rest of the time, well its been pretty full yeah? The usual stuff I get into."
Ron smiled, "So you're the one who's responsible for the lack of Malfoy in the air? Good on you, mate! Now if you can just get separated we can win the Quidditch cup easy."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Is that all you think about Ronald?"
Ron blushed and looked her in the eye, "Not anymore."
Hermione blushed too, "Er, just so you know Harry, Ronald and I are dating. We're going into Hogsmeade today. Are you two coming along?"
Daphne nodded, "We are. I'm finally getting him so clothes that are fit to wear without being transfigured first. Would you like to meet for lunch? I think we'll be done by one p.m."
Hermione smiled, "Lunch would be lovely Daphne. Will the Traceys be there too?"
Harry opened his mouth to say something and felt Daphne step on one foot gently. Knowing that meant she wanted to handle the talking, he went back to his breakfast.
Daphne nodded, "Oh yes, both girls will be there. They need more school supplies if nothing else and I'm hoping they'll join us for lunch."
Hermione said, "Three Broomsticks?" She gave Harry a look saying she'd explain later. He nodded, familiar enough with her looks to interpret it.
Daphne agreed and only then turned to her breakfast. Finding Harry had cleaned the plate she stepped gently on his foot again and reloaded it. After breakfast the four separated into two couples briefly then met back together to walk down to Hogsmeade.
"So why are we calling them 'the two Traceys'," Harry asked.
"Because Neville doesn't want anyone to know he's temporarily female," Hermione explained. "We've been using that name to hide the fact that one of the girls who look like Tracey is him. Also now that the faculty know he won't be changing back anytime soon they've come up with an official cover story. It was announced this morning before you got to breakfast."
"What did they decide on?" Harry asked.
Hermione replied, "Officially Neville is recuperating at home and being tutored privately for this year. We were told that he might be back for the end of term tests but that it wasn't certain."
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry said. "Thank you as well Daphne for keeping me from saying the wrong thing back there."
"No problem Harry," she replied. "It's what a good girlfriend does. Updating your wardrobe is part of that too. You'll get some input on the new stuff but you cannot keep wearing such rags. Nor can you wear only things I've transfigured. It would look wrong if everything you wore was something from my imagination. We want you to look good but like yourself. Understand?"
"I think so," Harry said. "I'm just glad I don't have to do all this updating by myself. I'd make a hash of it for sure!"
Daphne kissed his cheek, "No worries, Potter. I'll be your guide to fashion and understanding high society. I may not like them any better than you but I know how to keep them from dismissing you out of hand and listen to what you have to say. You have tremendous potential influence, you just need to learn how to use it."
When they met Hermione and Ron for lunch Harry was wearing some of his new clothes, a Gryffindor red shirt with golden lions roaming across it and tight black denim pants with dragonhide boots.
"You look nice, Harry," Hermione said.
"I was hoping they had boots of basilisk hide," Daphne said. "But wherever he sold the hide of that thing it wasn't in Hogsmeade because the leatherworker didn't know of any place with it for sale."
Harry said, "Uh, I never sold it. Why? Is it extra valuable or something?"
"Honestly, Harry," Hermione said. "Of course it is!" She went on for a while about all the useful properties of Basilisk hide and about the number of things for which the rest of the beast can be used. She ended with, "I told you all this at the end of second year, weren't you listening?"
Harry blushed, "Sorry, Hermione, I must have forgot." Actually he wasn't really listening this time either but he wasn't going to say that.
He turned to Daphne, "Want to see a bloody great snake? It's been dead for most of four years so it probably stinks like billy-o but I bet there is still stuff we can harvest if we try."
She considered for a short while then said, "Sluggy will probably help us for a percentage. You have anything in mind for it? I mean if the hide is still intact it will probably make great armor but you can't be sure it will be after so long and I'd hate for you, or us, to find out the hard way if it isn't."
"I wasn't thinking of armor," Harry said. "I was thinking of showing you the scene of one of my purest victories. First year, Quirrell died and the stone was destroyed; third year, we saved Sirius but didn't prove his innocence; fourth year, I survived but didn't prevent Riddle's resurrection; and last year was a fiasco, we barely escaped alive. Second year, however, was pure success. I killed the monster, saved the innocent, and blocked Riddle from coming back."
"Well you should use it for something other than impressing me or fond nostalgia," Daphne said.
Harry thought for a bit while sipping a butterbeer. Eventually he smiled, "What does everyone think of this? The Sirius Black Memorial Trust. It will set up warded safe houses and provide free portkeys to anyone who swears a magical oath not to support Tom Riddle Jr. under whatever name he might call himself. They can use it anytime they feel threatened."
"That would cost a small fortune Harry," Hermione said. "And that's just to set up safe houses and get people there. Granted you have a fortune and not a small one but you don't know how much of the basilisk is still viable to sell. What about food and water and other supplies? You don't know how long this war will last. I mean I'm sure you'll win but even if you defeat Riddle tomorrow, you can't know how the death eaters will take it. You might just start a prolonged guerrilla war. Or they might buy their way out again and try to murder you." She shrugged, "I think you could do it but I don't think you should do it."
Ron shrugged, "My folks might. I suppose Harry could just buy them portkeys but they'd be more likely to take one from a foundation than Harry directly. But dad would want to go to work and you couldn't stop mum from checking on us. Anyone looking for them would find them anyway." He smiled, "Thanks mate on behalf of the family but it wouldn't help much."
"In that case," Harry said. "How about using it to go somewhere very, very, private and train until we can all kick lots of ass?" He paused then added, "After Daphne and I get separated, of course."
Hermione bit her lip pensively upon hearing that, "I wouldn't say no to that but I'm not sure my folks would agree. Are you sure you can hire people good enough to help us? And find a place safe enough? On that note we should make sure that they take an oath of secrecy that is airtight so that we know that anyone we hire will not talk about what we've learned or where we have learned it. If we got found early it would be a disaster and possibly a fatal one."
Daphne nodded, "True. Well that's down the road a bit so we can take our time creating an airtight plan. First though we have to see if old Sluggy will help."
"No," Harry said. "First we need to eat."
"Here, here!" Ron agreed.
The girls laughed but agreed and they ordered lunch. After lunch they ran into Ginny and Dean. Daphne asked if they wanted to come along when they visited the Chamber of Secrets. Dean looked curious but when Ginny said they didn't have time he didn't look upset at missing out.
Once out of earshot of the couple, Hermione asked, "Why did you offer? I doubt it's a pleasant memory for her."
Daphne raised a golden eyebrow, "Being rescued by Harry like something out of a storybook not a pleasant memory?" After seeing that nobody but Ron was buying her act she sighed. "Okay, I was hoping to see if she was really over Harry yet or not."
"It doesn't matter, Daphne," Harry said. "I am with you and I'm not going to leave you for anyone else."
She kissed his cheek, "Thank you, Harry. I'm sorry but I can't help feeling a little jealous over the girls in your life. I won't let it get too bad though, I promise."
Professor Slughorn was happy to assist them, "I'm not sure I'll fit down this pipe you describe young man but I admit I'd love the chance to get a look at the thing. Even after so long it must be an impressive sight! Lead the way my boy and I'll be right behind you."
On the way there, he gave them the names of former students of his whom he said would be very helpful in setting up their training. Hermione took down their names and made notes about what books to look in for information on the oaths. She was still writing when they reached Myrtle's bathroom.
"Myrtle was the first victim the previous time it got loose and her haunting has made this an even less likely place for others to search since then," Harry said. "I sort of hope she won't be there when we enter but if she is, be polite please."
Fortunately Myrtle was about her business elsewhere in the castle so they were able to enter the room without incident. "This is the sink that hides the passage," Harry said. "I'm going to say 'open' in Parseltongue now and it will reveal the tube we used last time."
When he'd done that he had a problem as the tube wasn't wide enough for him and Daphne together. "I hadn't thought of that. There are two more doors that only a parseltongue can open so I can't just send you ahead. Any ideas ladies?"
"Having tried asking for stairs Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Have you tried an enlarging spell?" Daphne asked.
"I haven't tried either," Harry admitted. He hissed out 'Stairs' in parseltongue but it didn't work. Then he tried 'ladder' and that worked. "Still a bit cramped for two so I'll try Daphne's idea as well." He pointed his wand at the opening and cast, "Dilatanda!". The opening doubled in width along with the ladder and he smiled, "Professor would you like to go first?"
"It was your adventure my boy, you should go first," Slughorn replied.
Harry nodded and looked at Daphne.
She nodded, "On three." They went down together followed by Ron, Hermione, and the Professor. Once at the bottom Daphne made a face, "Goddess, but it's disgusting down here. I'm going to move the bones to one side rather than vanish them as some of them are human bones and should be given a decent burial." She waved her wand and the bones all piled up neatly in a corner. Then she started cleaning while waiting for the others.
"My word," Slughorn said as he finished the climb. "That was the most work I've done in a dog's age." He fished a vial from an inner pocket and downed it in one gulp, "Ah, that's much better. Anyone else need a stamina potion?" When the others declined he smiled, "Ah youth! It's better than any magical potion." Once he got his wind back, and while Daphne was cleaning, Horace Slughorn sent a patronus messenger to Amelia Bones to let her know about the human skeletons.
"I didn't know you could make a patronus, sir," Hermione said.
Slughorn smiled, "It's much easier on the legs than walking up to the owlery each time you need to send someone a message."
He got a response before Daphne was finished cleaning. It said Amelia was sending two aurors to remove the remains and they'd be there after breakfast the next morning. Harry sent his own patronus messenger telling her they'd need a parseltongue to let them in and if they didn't have one he would be happy to meet them her aurors after breakfast in the great hall and escort them to the bones.
Official reporting taken care of and cleaning done, Harry faced a large circular door with an ouroboros symbol on it, "There is a large shed skin in the tunnel beyond this so be prepared. It scared me white when I first ran into it."
Ron snorted, "That's not how I remember it, Harry but it's still a good warning."
He opened it and led them through the tunnel to the next door.
"Too bad the shed skin is so decayed," Slughorn said. "It might be worth something by itself otherwise."
"Have you been down here since, Harry?" Daphne asked.
"No," he said. "I've been to talk to Myrtle a few times but never all the way down here."
"Maybe we should check the place out to see if there is anything there besides an ugly statue and a dead snake?" Daphne asked.
Harry blinked, "Maybe we should. Might not be today though. We have to come back tomorrow with the aurors and I doubt we can strip the basilisk of everything useful in one afternoon." He opened the last door and led the way into the chamber of secrets.