Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
A/N: My readers are AWESOME! If anyone would like to join me on Discord, go to my profile to get the invite for the Emerald Library.
-oOo-
Chapter 45
-oOo-
February 15, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
"You didn't," Cordie giggled as they walked towards the library. They had fobbed off their work for most of the weekend, so doing an hour or two in the library on a Sunday afternoon was their penance. Dani didn't really mind though. The Quidditch match against Gryffindor had been building for weeks, and she had been excited, but nervous, about it.
Her second round with Harry had marked her first loss, but her house didn't seem upset by it at all. Everyone knew Harry was the best, and his only loss this year had been to her, so they were even. Next year she would get him again.
"I did too. You should have seen how upset they were. Their hair was blue," Gwen said rather primly before a huge smile broke over her face.
Dani and Cordie giggled at her expression. "Franco is so annoying. I still can't believe you did that," Dani said.
"They didn't notice in the middle of everyone cheering. I just splashed the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes hair change on her and got out of there," Gwen said a little smugly.
Dani laughed while Cordie giggle.
They were about to leave the dungeons when three boys and a girl stepped out of an alcove. All three girls stopped laughing. Dani stepped before her friends, feeling apprehensive, but knowing what would happen if any of them laid a hand on her. She didn't like hiding behind Harry and Daphne, but she would use their protection when needed. "Let us pass, Pucey."
The fifth year had a blank face. "Did you hear a mudblood talking to me?"
"Not really. They wouldn't dare talk to a Pureblood," Frost answered.
Everwand shifted a little but didn't say anything. Dani recognized the last as a seventh-year girl she really didn't know.
"Danforth isn't a mudblood," Cordie said from behind her.
"And a blood traitor to. Should we quiet them?" Pucey asked. He pulled something out of his pocket. Dani pulled her wand. She knew she wasn't a match for the older students, but Harry had been helping them with Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Frost laughed. "You think we'll use magic and have the wards call the Headmistress?"
"Expelliarmus," the girl barked from the back. Dani had her wand ripped from her hand. The power of the spell sent her careening into her friends. All three landing on the floor in a pile.
"Ooops, I forgot. This little area seems to be forgotten in the wards," Pucey said with an evil grin. Dani felt a fear rip through her as she rolled over. Pucey was putting a pair of brass knuckles on his hands. Frost was doing the same.
"Pucey, you never said we would hurt them," Everwand spoke up, sounding afraid.
"The mudblood needs to learn her place and Potter needs to understand what will happen if he doesn't go along with our fathers," Frost said, pounding the brass knuckles into his gloved hand. Dani recognized it as his seeker gloves.
"M... my father will come after you," Cordie said, backing up.
Pucey's grin grew. "Oh, I doubt that once we are done. If they do anything, all they will find is bodies next time."
Everwand looked at them, looking ready to bolt.
Dani got up. "Harry won't let you get away with this," she told him, before taking a step back as Pucey took a large step forward.
Pucey took on an evil glint to his eye. "Oh, Potter won't be able to do much after today. Now, hold still or I'll really make it hurt. And if you tell anyone about who did this, I'm sure your little sister will be visited too..."
The boy stopped talking, his eyes going cross-eyed and his hands grabbing at his groin as he whimpered. Pucey's legs gave out. Dani had just kicked as hard as she could, and years of football had ensured she had a strong kick. No one went after Terry. "RUN!" Dani screamed.
"Incacerous!" the older girl snapped out. "Incacerous!"
"...going... to... kill her..." Pucey ground out as he rolled on the floor.
Dani yelled out as ropes wound about her. Falling to the floor, her head hit it hard. She saw stars, only coming about some when Frost forced her over. "You'll pay for that mudblood," the boy growled before she saw stars again as the brass knuckles hit her cheek.
-oOo-
Same day...
Hogsmeade, Scotland
Daphne was having a wonderful day. Harry had taken her to Honeydukes, a small flower-shop she hadn't known about and was now showing her into a private dining room in the Three Broomsticks. Holding the door open for her, she gave him a big smile. "Thank you," she told him.
"You're welcome. I hope you don't mind, but I was able to get Madam Rosmerta some of your favourites by asking Dobby to show her," he said.
Daphne moved to give him a sweet peck on his lips. "You spoil me so."
Harry pecked her back. "I love you so."
Daphne giggled. Since Yule, Harry had gotten a lot sappier when they were alone. She liked it. "Are you just trying to get into my knickers again?"
"Is it working?"
She pecked him again before moving to the seat at the table that had a red tablecloth on it. "Maybe. If you take me to the Room of Requirement later, I might let you know."
The silly smirk on his face as he held out her chair had the now familiar butterflies fill her insides. "I'll have to add that to your tour of today," he replied cheekily, kissing the top of her head before he sat next to her.
"So, even though you got me chocolates and flowers for Valentine's Day yesterday, you still organized this?"
Harry shrugged. "Yesterday we only got to have a quiet dinner in the kitchens. I thought doing this would be nice."
"It is," she assured him, taking his hands. She leaned over and kissed him. He started to deepen the kiss when his tongue begged for entry, and she let him. It was a breathless pair that pulled apart when a knock came at their door.
"Come in," Harry called, leaning his head against hers. They were in a private dining room, and she knew Madam Rosmerta was discrete when asked to be.
The door opened. "Sorry to interrupt what I am sure was a riveting conversation," the busty owner said with a sly smile. "The soup is ready for your first course."
"Thank you, Madam Rosmerta," Harry said, pulling back. She didn't let go of the hand that was nearest to her.
"You are welcome, dears. I see you haven't touched the butterbeers or sparkling cider yet. Would you like me to serve you?" the woman asked.
"I think we have it," Harry said. He suddenly stiffened. She felt it too, a warming of the silver ring that made her an Heiress of House Potter. She looked to him. Shock, then concern, then anger flashed across his face. She wasn't sure what it was, just that they were in danger... or someone in their house that had been given a similar ring... she came to the conclusion as Harry shot up.
"Dani!" Harry shouted.
-oOo-
A while later...
Hogwarts, Scotland
A Patronus had raced up to Hogwarts as soon as they knew something was happening. At a dead out run it would take them close to fifteen minutes to get to the school, longer if they took a carriage. Hopefully Headmistress McGonagall would let them into her Floo. Harry rushed them out to the fire in the main room, Madam Rosmerta following them in a flustered state.
It became worse when a barmaid came rushing out of the kitchens yelling that the cook was convulsing on the floor. It was about that time that one of the patrons at the bar slumped over, foam starting to come out their mouth and the bowl of soup they had been eating sloshing everywhere as their body started to flail.
Luckily some people recognized poisoning and the two had been saved by bezoars that Madam Rosmerta kept in an emergency kit.
Aurors, auntie and professors were soon all over the town and in the Three Broomsticks.
That had kept Harry from getting to the school for almost two hours. Now that he was here, he was sat in the chair next to Dani. She was covered in bruises, cuts and small knicks that were mostly healed. Her two best friends were in beds next to her.
Daphne was rubbing his back, looking just as worried.
"You don't think this was Pucey, do you?" Harry asked in a quiet tone.
"I don't know, Harry. If it was him, I'll destroy him and his family," Daphne replied.
"We both will," Harry agreed. "And the poison at the Three Broomsticks? It was in our soup too."
She leaned over, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Auntie will find who did that."
Harry took in a long breath. "Someone tried to kill you again, Daph. I thought we were free of all that. Once I find out who, there will be nothing left of them," Harry vowed.
"You won't be doing that without me," she told him.
The door to the infirmary opened. Harry turned to see Auntie Ami and two Aurors following her. Harry looked at her as she nodded to him, heading to the office first. Harry took in another deep breath to calm himself. He wanted to pull Daphne into his lap but resisted the urge as the Aurors watched them.
Daphne sat straight up, still on the arm of the chair.
It was a few minutes before Auntie Ami came out of the office. She motioned for the Aurors to stay back. Walking over to them, she quietly asked, "How are they?"
Harry's nostrils flared as he took in a sharp breath. "Sleeping. Whoever did this wanted to really hurt them. Do Gary and Reba know?"
Auntie sighed. "I'm going to head over when I leave here. I have six Aurors here looking for clues, but whomever did this has seemed to cover their tracks. Where they were found is masked as several wards converge in that spot and cancel each other. It also cancels out most spells to detect magic. Headmistress McGonagall didn't know there were nodes like that."
"Are there more?" Daphne enquired.
"I don't know. Gringotts is sending over some Curse Breakers and Ward Weavers to find out," she replied.
"I thought it was the goblins that helped to check the wards summer before last?" Harry said.
"The checked the primary and secondary ward stones and mapped where they ended on the grounds. No one thought to look deeper. It's very uncommon to have wards do this," she said.
Harry nodded. "I will have to ask them about this. I don't want anything like this to happen once the guild is started."
Dani shifted, whimpering a little before falling back into a dead sleep. Sleeping potions did wonders.
"Am I legally allowed to kill whoever did this for going after a member of the House of Potter?" Harry asked.
"She is also a member of the Greengrasses," Daphne told him.
Auntie frowned. "Only if you want to declare a blood feud. You know this, Harry."
"They hurt my family, auntie. They tried to poison Daphne and me. Getting rid of Voldemort and Dumbledore was supposed to stop all this. It's been almost two years," he told her. "I don't want to always look over my shoulder or see anyone I care for get hurt again."
Daphne leaned down again, wrapped her arms around his neck then kissed the top of his head. Harry reached up to put a hand over her forearm. His resolve to make sure this wouldn't happen anymore growing.
His auntie sighed, pulling up another chair. "I know over Christmas we went over some of what is happening in the Wizengamot. When you defeated You-Know-Who, I thought we would be in the clear. It broke their block and sent many to ground. There is a small resurgence happening. Those that used to support Malfoy and his alliance fear the changes. They have lost most of their power and are looking for ways to gain it back. You know that Daphne and you are at the centre of it."
He let out a long breath. "I know. I won't let them get away with this."
"Neither will I," Daphne told him, kissing the top of his head.
"Harry, don't do anything that will get you into trouble," Auntie Amelia warned.
"Define trouble? If I declare a blood feud it will be to the death of the House," he told her, finally looking away from Dani to look at the woman that had essentially become his mother. "I want them destroyed so that they can't do this again."
Her brown eyes looked into his. After a moment, she nodded. "I am unsure if I would advise that, just yet. There are others threatening feuds over what happened. Without proving you were wronged first, it could go bad for you. I'll do what I can, but this is an official DMLE investigation. I can't tell you anything that would not be House privilege or public knowledge."
He nodded. "You and Susan don't have to do anything that isn't legal."
"If Harry wants to put in for reparations, the Greengrasses will back him. I want to go see my father tomorrow. You are coming," Daphne told him. Harry didn't doubt Lord Greengrass would back a Blood Feud to gain a few houses. Harry would see them burn to prevent anything like the happening again. He wouldn't see Daphne or anyone else carrying on those Houses, but he may not have that choice if the Greengrasses were to start the feud.
Auntie sighed. "Let me do my investigation first. The DMLE should try and convict them. Then you can claim your reparations."
"If we find out, I won't wait to let Dani or anyone else get beat up again," Harry told her.
Daphne kissed the top of his head again, her arms tightening around his neck to show she agreed with him.
-oOo-
February 16, 1997
Rotherham, England
Stepping out of the Floo, Harry saw Daphne swirling her wand to siphon off any ashes that had gotten on her travel cloak or dress. Harry was a little envious of his betrothed. He still had a few more months before he could use his wand whenever he wanted. She turned to him, performing the same task. About the time she was done, Winchester came up. He was in the traditional dark green toga like tea cosy with the crest of the Greengrasses on his chest.
"Miss Daphne, Mr Harry, the master was not expecting you until later," the elf said.
"Where is my father? I need him," Daphne told the elf.
"He and Mistress Iliana are in the family tearoom," he told them, taking off towards the ground floor west wing.
When they were shown into the room, her mother got up to greet them, giving them both a hug. Being just family here they didn't need any formalities. "It is so nice to see you," her mother said. "Are Dani and the others alright?" Concern was evident in her voice.
"They will be. Nothing was broken, but it will take another day for all the bruising to go away, luckily Madam Pomfrey said there will be no scarring," she told her mother.
Harry was shaking her father's hand.
"I was very concerned. The Daily Prophet had a story all over the front page. The cook had been imperioused?" her father asked.
"I wasn't able to read the paper yet. We've already met with Neville and Madam Longbottom first this morning, and I was with Auntie and a few others last evening," Harry told him.
"Thank Merlin the cook and that poor man will recover, but the Prophet said it could be weeks," her mother said.
"That is part of why we are here. Father, I was able to get a sample of the soup and do a revealing potion on it last night," she said, reaching for a parchment that was in an inside pocket of her pocket. "I sent a letter to Auntie Amelia this morning about it."
Her father gave her a searching look, reaching out for the parchment. "What did you find?"
"Selma venom, acromantula venom and blue inglass flowers," she told him.
Her father cocked an eyebrow.
Her mother took in a sharp breath. "The acromantula venom is common enough, and from what I understand can be obtained in Brittan, but the blue inglass flowers? That would cause the poison to slow and draw out the death. I only know of two greenhouses in Brittan that grow it."
"Yes, us and the Longbottoms," her father said distractedly. "The selma venom is very hard to get and can only be imported. I don't remember selling any blue inglass flowers lately."
"We have not. The crop won't be ready to harvest until the next new moon and they need to be used within a month or two, even with stasis charms. The potions made from them have about the same lifespan. Have the Longbottoms sold any?" her mother asked.
"Four months ago to St. Mungo's. I asked Professor Slughorn about the poison before we left, and he said it would not be stable long. A few days. A few weeks with stasis charms," she told her parents.
Her father pursed his lips. "Iliana, what do you think?"
Her mother took the parchment. Her eyes scanned the parchment. "Night Death is a nasty potion," she commented. "I know I am not missing anything. I'll ask around if there is maybe a family growing it I don't know about," she said. "They are temperamental plants."
"I know I haven't imported any selma venom in a few years. I'll ask around my sources. What do you plan to do if we find out?" her father asked, looking towards Harry.
"Destroy anyone that is involved," Harry said. "Whomever did this threatened my family, tried to kill Daphne and I have a feeling the same people are involved with what happened to Dani and her friends."
Her father slowly nodded his head in approval. "And if we find out, do I tell Madam Bones, Regent Potter or Head Bones?"
"Head Bones," Harry said resolutely. "They will first feel the might of the courts, and then the boot of House Potter when I go after their vaults and seats."
"A blood feud?" her father asked.
Harry shook his head. "If need be. I am going to destroy them, Anders. I won't be claiming any victor rights. I don't want their houses. I just want them so low that they can't rise again. Would House Greengrass back me if I call for a vote of Censure and reparations for harm to an heir of my house?"
Her father's eyebrow rose. "Are you superseding Daphne as your future Lady?"
"No. Harry is going to claim Dani and Terry as heirs to his house," Daphne said. "Neville has agreed to give up his claim."
"And what of the Greengrasses? Once you and Daphne marry you hold the fate of both our houses?" her father asked.
"Astoria will retain her secondary heiress status. I won't take that away from her. I am considering making them heiresses to the Peverell's and Glamorgan's. They are close enough that they could claim those titles when they get older," he told them. "Either that, or I claim the Peverell's and give Dani the House of Potter."
She moved in to take his hand.
Her mother spoke first as her father thought about what he said. "I think you should retain the more prestigious House of Potter, Harry. Danielle might be more suited to the more ancient house of Glamorgon while Theresa may have some of your talent in creatures and would be better suited to the Peverells."
"What about your children?" her father asked. "Wouldn't you rather then take up the titles?"
"I would name them primary, only to be superseded by a third or fourth child," Harry replied. Daphne agreed with that, unsure how many children they might have.
Anders nodded his agreement. "The Greengrasses would claim any houses in a blood feud then, claiming your cousins as primary heirs."
Harry didn't look as pleased, but she knew he expected it. They had talked about it last night. After a moment, Harry nodded. He wanted to see those houses burn, and she didn't disagree with him.
"We have time to talk about that," Daphne put in. "Can you help us find where these ingredients came from. Like Harry, I won't have a threat to our house. We are the heirs to the Potter-Greengrasses, and I won't have that challenged."
Harry put a hand over hers. "I won't either."
There was a hint of pride in her father's eyes. He cleared his throat. "I will send off some owls today and get some meetings as soon as possible this week."
"I have a tea with Augusta, Phoenicia and Mary tomorrow. I'll ask them. I'm sure Augusta will already be asking if you talked to her this morning," Iliana said.
"Thank you," she said to her parents.
"You know you can always come to us," her father offered.
-oOo-
February 20, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
The eagle owl on the table glared at him. He knew it as his father's eagle owl. If the man could be reproachful through an owl, he was sure this one would manage.
For days now, he had been glared at by Potter and Greengrass and her ilk had managed to turn most of the house against him and his allies. The small group of third, fourth and fifth years were huddled together, conscious of the glares aimed at them. He seriously thought he would have more support from Slytherin House. Though, he knew he was being ostracized for suspicions to harming their seeker and darling of the Potter-Greengrass heirs, the more worrying issue was the letter being offered to him. His father never uses the Lord's seal to write to him.
The dozen people around him had all stopped talking and were looking at the owl.
Pucey took the letter. The owl moved suddenly and nipped his hand.
"Ruddy bird," he snapped out.
"What does your father say?" Robert asked. He looked like he had gotten little sleep.
To find out that Potter and Greengrass hadn't been poisoned, instead two people in the Three Broomsticks, and the way he overheard Zabini say that their alliance was out for blood, had him honestly worried for once. The small miracle was that Cameron Dove knew how to obliviate the girls.
"Give me a moment," he snapped back at Frost.
Opening the letter, his eyes soon went wide, and he looked up, scanning the hall. The two Aurors that had been placed her to look over the school were scanning the hall.
"What does he say?" Everwand asked.
"He says the DMLE has called him in for questioning and said he was asked permission for the Aurors to talk with me. He has denied it, but Lord Greengrass has put in a petition into the Department of Records looking for manifest lists for the past two months," he whispered to his friends. "Father thinks Potter and Greengrass are blaming us."
There was a dark look shared between some of them.
No one wanted to say anything about it in the Great Hall, where anyone could overhear.
"I think we need to talk to our fathers," Everwand said.
Pucey looked down the table to Cameron. She was the one that had told them about the few spots like that around the school and had helped them. She was upset about her uncle, who had been squibbed when Potter did whatever he did. There was no official word, but most in the Wizengamot knew that that event was related to when Potter was kidnapped a few years ago.
"I'll write to father," Pucey told them. His father had nothing to do with what a few of them had concocted the other week, but it would appear he would have to come clean. Since his father had now talked to the DMLE, it was safe to tell him. It was his father who had suggested that the Potter-Greengrass alliance had to be eliminated, so he thought he was just doing what his father wanted.
The fact it was what he wanted too, had much more to do with his interpretation of his father's words and actions…
-oOo-
February 21, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
Hermione was sitting in a hidden nook on the fifth floor. Blaise had loaned her a tome on what the Thatchers knew of wizarding genealogy and what lands and titles they had. It was a thick tome that seemed to have far more pages than it should. It was in her lap as a parchment and dictaquill floated next to her.
She was pleased that she could look at this while at Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall had told her there were several of these nooks around the castle that had been built for privacy when students needed to deal with house matters. Only those Hermione wanted to know she was here, or any professor, could find her.
"There is a spot in Wessex, east of Laverstock that once belonged to the Havenscrafts," she said, the dictaquill righting it down. "The note says there was a bog that no one ever went into. The Havenscrafts are descendants of Sagramore, one of the Knights of the Round Table and of the last known guard of Camelot. It could be a possible location."
Yes, this was a lot of the work that she had been doing with Croaker, but this time it was for family, not the man she thought wanted to change the Wizengamot. Oh, she still believed Croaker wanted change, but she was unsure it was the same change she wanted.
A small chime indicated someone approaching. She put a finger on where she was. Looking up, Blaise was walking up to her. She gave him a smile, but it fell when she saw a very serious look on his face. When he walked inside the wards, she immediately asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing yet, but I think Daphne is about to explode all over the blood supremacist still in Slytherin," he said, sitting on the wide bench opposite her.
She frowned. "Still no word on who?"
"Maybe. Daphne and Harry left right after lunch," he told her.
Hermione nodded. She felt left out of the loop. Harry had been doing that more and more. Though she knew he would be there for her if she ever needed, sometimes she was missing when it had just been them with Ron. They were all growing up and starting to do their own thing. Thinking about it, Hermione didn't regret her own thing, looking at the dark skin boy across from her.
"Where are Dani and her friends?"
"Tracey and Neville were going to sit with them in the library. Dani is still too afraid to go off on her own, even with the Aurors. They all are," Blaise told her.
"I don't blame them. I think I found something," she told him.
He raised an eyebrow in question. "Found what?"
"Another location for the goblins to check," she said.
"Really?" He got up and moved over to her. She shifted so that he could get behind her. She happily put her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.
"This tome has a bunch of land records. Given what Harry has given me from his journals, this place has some potential," she said, pointing to the passage.
He looked at it over her shoulder. After a moment, he grunted. "It could be."
"Do you think your mum will let me get into your library again? I know I saw a few books on other land holdings and some old battles that might give me more concrete evidence," she asked him.
Blaise held her tighter. "You know, if you need more access to my families vaults and library, there is a way to fix that without having to get permission from mother all the time."
She shifted to look up at his face. He was looking down at her. "What do you mean?"
"Just something I am thinking of. If we don't get dragged into the brewing fight tonight, would you like to go out for a nice dinner tomorrow?" he asked her.
She gave a little smile. "I really don't know if we should until we know what happened?"
"I was going to take you to a dinner with my mother at our manor. Nowhere we should be in danger," he told her.
She smiled. "Sounds like a date."
He kissed her forehead. "Good. Now, have you found anything else?"
She shook her head. "No, but I feel this book is far larger than I thought."
"It is. That links you to the other four books in that series. See down here," he said, pointing to a series of Roman numerals. "This indicates you are reading book two, page forty-three, and this is the year it was recorded. Seventeen-twenty-four."
"Oh. Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded.
Blaise shrugged, a small smirk on his face. "I was wondering how long it would be before you noticed."
"Berk," she groused.
He laughed. "I try. I really try."
She hit him playfully on his arm. "Are you going to keep teasing me, or did you have a reason to come find me?"
"Just to ask you out tomorrow night. I haven't seen you much this week. I also wanted out of the Slytherin Common room. There is real stress building there, and with all our friends out and about, I didn't want to keep getting glares from Pucey and some others."
She leaned back against him, shifting to get more comfortable. "Well, no stress here. Have you looked through this book?"
"I glanced at it once or twice. Like you said, it has good information on properties either owned or still in possession of many old families," he said.
She smiled when he kissed the top of her head. "I want to look through this some more and then we'll go let Neville and Tracey have some time alone."
"Sounds good," he said, a hand finding a button on her shirt. She didn't protest as he popped one open just above her belly button, drawing her robes a little more over her as his hand slipped into her shirt. Hermione found she craved his touch, even if it was a little distracting as she tried to read. She would distract him later...
-oOo-
February 22, 1997
West Country, England
Blaise was there to hold out his hand as she stepped out of the flames. She took it and gave him a smile as his wand cleaned them both off. He had turned seventeen less than a month ago and revelled in the fact he could do magic at any time he wanted now. Over Easter he would take his apparition test, and they wouldn't need to use the nauseating Floo if they didn't want to after that. Hermione was just happy she had taken her test over Christmas break but didn't trust herself to side-a-long anyone yet.
Bindy came to them from the formal parlour. "Hello, Master Blaise, Mistress Hermione," the small elf greeted them.
"Hello, Bindy," Hermione replied. "How are you today?"
As usual, the small elf looked a little flustered to be asked about herself. "Bindy is Bindy, Miss."
Blaise chuckled. "Told you. Hello, Bindy. Are the Grangers here yet?"
"They is being arriving about an hour ago. They is taking tea in the parlour," Bindy replied.
Still holding her hand, Blaise led them into the parlour. After a round of greetings and hugs, Hermione sat on a stiff, high-backed chair next to Blaise while her parents and Lady Zabini sat around the other side of the table.
"How is your winter semester?" her mother asked.
"It is going well. Harry is starting to do rings about Blaise and I in Runes, while Daphne is keeping up with me in Arithmancy," she said.
Blaise snorted. "The git is like some prodigy in Runes. Not to mention he still wipes the floor with all of us when we duel with him."
"Language," Lady Zabini admonished her son, though had a small smile.
Blaise ignored her. "I still have him in charms and Transfiguration," Hermione said proudly.
Her father laughed. "And Daphne?"
"Tied," she said. Hermione still put a large significance on her grades but didn't feel them quite as important anymore.
Her parents gave her amused looks. "And you, Blaise?" his mother asked.
"I am doing well mother. Nothing below an exceeds expectations," Blaise responded.
Lady Zabini nodded her head. "Good. I expect you to do no less. Now, I know you didn't just ask us to meet you just because you wanted to see me," the woman said, a small smirk to her lips. It reminded Hermione so much of Blaise when he was up to no good.
Blaise put his tea down.
"I can't just ask to have a nice dinner with my mother and the family of my intended?" he asked innocently.
His mother shook her head. "I have taught you better than to do something without meaning."
"I'm wounded," Blaise said. "I really do miss you and I know Hermione misses her parents when we are so far away from you."
Her mother looked amused as well. "Is he always this much of a flatterer?"
"When he wants something," his mother said with her own amusement.
"I see why my daughter fell for him," her father commented.
"Dad," she said warningly.
Which a big sigh, Blaise rolled his eyes. "Fine. I do desire something. Something I have been thinking about for a few months now. Hermione desires full access to our library and records."
Lady Zabini rose an eyebrow. "You know only family is allowed, and the Thatcher's vaults and library are blood bound."
Blaise nodded, moving his chair back. Hermione turned to look at him, for the first time noticing a box in his hands. Her eyes widened. Of all the ways she thought she might get her hands on more knowledge; she had not thought of this. Yes, she had thought of Blaise. She had thought of him more than ever since Yule. She also missed having him in her bed. Cuddling naked up to his warm body, enjoying how her white skin contrasted with his dark skin, and the way it felt to have her leg over his, had been something she had thought about more than enough since that night.
But even with those thoughts, she hadn't expected this. She thought they would be done with Hogwarts before he proposed... though, they were both seventeen now.
Blaise got onto a knee while her hand shook a little to see the way he was looking at her. "Hermione Jean Granger, when I first saw you, I never knew I would come to love you the way I do. From what we could all tell you were this bossy, bushy haired girl with huge front teeth," he said.
She gave him a bit of an annoyed look at the cheeky grin on his face, before he became serious again. "Then, I found out you have a huge heart, you love your friends and family very deeply, your beautiful, and sometimes I miss those large front teeth."
She laughed this time. "Will you just get to what you want to ask me," she demanded in a light tone.
Blaise looked rather nervous as he brought the box up. "I love you, Hermione, and would hope you would become the future Lady Thatcher?" he asked her. Opening the box, she saw a rather simple golden band with a large diamond set in the centre.
She blinked. "Not Lady Zabini?"
Blaise looked at her, as though not processing the question. It was his mother that answered. "Blaise is rather concerned the name of Zabini is cursed," she said solemnly. "He would not risk you and is going to take up the name of Thatcher at the Summer Solstice."
She felt her eyes brimming with emotion as he knelt before her, waiting for an answer. To know he cared for her that much, she felt herself melt for him more. "Well?" he asked after a moment.
She nodded, not sure she could say anything as she leaned down to hug him. "Yes," she managed to whisper into his ear.
Her mother clapped in excitement. "Great! So, when do you want to get married?"
Hermione sat up, laughing. "I want to get out of school first," she said, wiping a tear from her cheek as Blaise put the ring on her finger.
"Before we do that, we need to complete negotiations on the betrothal and bring it to the goblins to ratify," Lady Zabini said.
Blaise moved to get up and she pulled him to her, giving him a deep kiss.
"You know what we have asked," her father said.
She let go of Blaise and turned to her parents. "Have you already been talking behind my back?"
"Phoenicia and us have had a few discussions, but your fiancé has been very adamant you were to be involved, and Amelia should be involved too. She is the regent of your House until you turn twenty-one," her father said with a smile. She could see he approved of Blaise.
"Yes, I would like Amelia here. Lady Zabini…" she said.
The woman held up a hand, stopping Hermione. "Call me Phoenicia, Hermione. If you are going to be my daughter, I think we can be that familiar."
"Yes, Phoenicia. Now, what have you talked about?" she asked, going into her business mode. Blaise chuckled as he sat again. She reached out and took his hand in hers.
"We have talked about a few things," Blaise said.
She snapped her head to him. "You've been involved in this too?"
"I told mother I would not consider any negotiations until you said yes."
"What options?" she demanded.
"Like having the Thatchers rolled up into the Grangers," Phoenicia said. "You are a new house, but like I said, Blaise is very concerned that my father has cursed our branch of the family. If you were to absorb him into your House, that would break any family name or blood bound curse against the name of Zabini."
Her mother reached over to take the woman's hand. Hermione knew they had become friends, but not that close. "We know you are concerned as well, Phoenicia."
The woman nodded, looking to be keeping a firm grasp on her emotions.
Hermione knew Blaise was concerned, but not this much. She looked at him with soft eyes. "You really care for me that much?"
"I would do anything for you, Hermione," he said, taking her hand to his mouth and kissing the back of it.
All she wanted to do was find a place to snog him, then shag him until he begged her to stop. "I love you too," she said, leaning over to kiss him.
"We have other options, but your mother and I think that is the best one after talking with Amelia and Phoenicia," her father said.
"I want to research all this," she told them, turning back to the adults... well, she was an adult now too in the eyes of magic. She was also going to consider making Phoenicia her regent.
Many around the table chuckled. "Blaise was right. I have a few books for you if you want," Phoenicia said. "I'll have Bindy fetch them for you before you both leave. For now, Bindy, would you retrieve a good wine."
"Yes, mistress," the small house elf said, sounding pleased at the day's events.
-oOo-
March 8, 1997
Hogsmeade, Scotland
It wasn't a standard Hogsmeade weekend, nor was it usual for a first year to be walking down with them. Harry wouldn't leave Dani behind though. Her friends were being watched over by Tracy and Blaise, but this was an important meeting, according to aunties letter earlier this week.
Daphne, Astoria and Susan were talking just before them.
"What is Hogsmeade like?"
"It's a nice place. There is a good candy shop, Honeydukes, and a joke shop, Zonko's. Though, I hear that the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes are thinking of expanding up here soon," Harry told his cousin. "I'm not sure what Auntie Ami and Anders want, but I promise we'll take you before we head back up."
"Sounds good. Can you take my friends and I down over Easter?" she asked, looking livelier than she had in a few weeks. What had happened to them had all three girls more subdued. Harry was now convinced that Pucey and his lot had done it, but without proof, he couldn't act. He wished he knew how Andi was doing with the obliviations, but that was a patient-healer confidentiality thing.
Auntie and her parents would know, though.
As they walked into town, Dani was looking all around, more of her curious and normal personality showing. After knocking on a door to a private inn on the edge of town, Harry opened the door, letting the four girls in first. None of them felt comfortable in the Three Broomsticks right now. Daphne gave him a small smile and brushed his arm to see Dani smiling after he pointed out Zonko's and telling her she could try to get Tracey.
"Hello. Would you be Scion Potter-Greengrass?" an older gentleman questioned, walking into a wide and long entrance hall.
"Yes, sir. Is Lord Greengrass and Madame Bones here yet?" he asked.
"They are, young sir. If you would just come this way," the man offered, indicating them to go down the hall.
In a back room, the Greengrasses, Auntie and all the Danforths were present. Dani rushed into her mum's arms. Terry bounced over to him, giving him a hug. "Harry!" Terry exclaimed.
"Hey there, squirt," he said affectionately. The now eight-year-old girl had grown a lot.
"Are you coming over soon?" Terry asked.
"Maybe. I'm not sure if we are going home over Easter or not yet," he told her.
"Terry's been asking to go back to Diagon Alley. She wants an owl of her own," Gary said, reaching out a hand.
"How about over the summer? Auntie may have to get you a permit since you aren't eleven yet," Harry told her. "I'll send Hedwig to you more often."
"Terry is considered a vassal of House Potter, so she can get one at any time," Auntie pointed out.
Terry gave him a huge smile.
"If you would take a seat, we have some serious business to talk about today," Anders said. Harry shook his hand before sitting at the long table.
"What is going on?" Susan asked.
"Yes, your letter sounded rather dire," Daphne said to her parents.
"It is rather dire," Auntie said. "Andromeda has been able to get through some of the Obliviation on one of the girls. It confirms what my investigations are pointing towards."
Dani stiffened. Harry looked to her with a hard face. "Pucey?"
Auntie frowned. "I can't fully say until the DMLE files formal charges. There is a complication though."
"I am going to ruin them," Anders stated.
"What is it?" Daphne asked.
Auntie took out a parchment. "The Houses of Pucey, Everwand and Frost have declared a formal alliance. Pucey has approached the goblins, trying to figure out if you still hold the reigns of House Parkinson. The Puceys want to propose a marriage contract to Pansy. To add to it, they have put a petition to declare a blood feud against House Potter and Greengrass. They are claiming that both Houses have brought irreparable harm by causing several businesses, betrothals and alliances to be dissolved by your actions."
Harry huffed. Daphne beat him to responding. "Do they know that Harry still controls the Parkinsons?"
"No. That is still caught in a quagmire. Harry's actions to give them a path to regain their House has many guessing and the goblins saying nothing," Auntie said.
"Harry, they blame you for what happened to the Parkinsons, Malfoys and Notts," Anders said.
"Well, he is, isn't he?" Susan said.
"Amelia and Anders what are you talking about? You said you would explain everything," Reba said.
"And I will," Amelia assured them.
"Is it official? Are we in a blood feud?" Harry asked.
"Not yet, but I expect that House Potter and Greengrass will be within the week. They are seeking a ratification to make it legal and above reproach," Anders stated.
"They are looking to have this on record before they are accused," Iliana pointed out.
"It is on record for the vote, but it will not be on the record before the arrests are made. Lord Frost and Pucey are being charges today. They will have three days to turn themselves and their sons in for questioning once the Minister signs off on the warrant," Auntie Ami told them.
Harry took in a deep breath, sharing a look at Daphne. She gave him a little nod. "Auntie, I think we should tell Reba and Gary what I want to do," he said.
Auntie gave him a look for a moment, then nodded.
"What is going on?" Gary asked.
"Gary, you and your family have been officially recognized as Potters, and your girls have been given vassal rings as daughters of the House of Potter," Auntie began. "It puts them in line to claim the house should anything happen to Harry, Daphne and Neville."
"Yes, you said that would help protect them and allow them access that others may not in your world," Reba replied.
"It does. It gives them status equal to the highest Houses. It also means that they are now part of this, and can be targeted," Amelia said.
The two parents looked frightened. "You mean we will be attacked?"
"You shouldn't, being in the Muggle world, but we can't guarantee it," Harry picked up the conversation. "I don't want to ask you to pick up your lives, but I had already talked with Auntie. If you want, you can claim sanctuary and residence in Potter Green. Dobby and Macy will be there and will be able to get you around were you need."
"We have to leave home?" Dani asked.
Terry looked a little excited. "Oh, is that where you live?"
"It will be," Harry assured her. "I was going to wait until I turned seventeen this summer, splitting my time between there and Grace Hall, but if you want to move in, I have three rooms available to you, and you will have just about full access to anything you need."
Gary looked to his girls. Reba was regarding him. "Do you think we are in that much danger?"
Harry looked to auntie. She said, "I honestly don't know, but we are not allowed to put up wards around your residence. The Muggle area you live in is not registered as a magical domicile and isn't allowed to be unless you want to sell your house to Harry or until Dani is seventeen. I can't seek an exception on this with a new law the ICW passed during the last Equinox meet."
"What about the Grangers? Didn't you say they have wards?" Reba asked.
"Hermione is an heir to the House of Granger and turned seventeen in September and still claims their house as her home. She is allowed to have them," Amelia said.
Iliana spoke next. "Harry, have you mentioned your other plan yet?"
"I have not yet, but now might be a good time," Harry replied.
"What plan? I'm still concerned about my family. Will these people come after us," Gary demanded.
"Most likely, since they have already gone after your daughter," Anders said.
"What Anders is saying is that your daughters are part of House Potter. You are all related within a few generations. That will make them targets. You as well because Reba is technically a squib. We can put wards up around your House if Dani and Terry want to accept heir rights to two other Houses belonging to House Potter," Amelia explained.
"We don't have to move?" Dani asked.
"Heir rights? You mean like how Harry and the others are heirs?" Gary questioned.
"Yes. If you want, I am offering your daughters to become primary heirs, unless Daphne and I have a third or fourth child, then they would become secondary heirs. Dani would be eligible to take on the title and heiress rights of House Glamorgon. She is the elder child and that is offered the elder House. Terry could be heiress Peverell," Harry said. "I have asked auntie and the goblins to draft up the paperwork. It would allow them to become part of the Wizengamot when they turn twenty-one but would be required to give that up if the titles pass to one of our children when they turn twenty-one. Until then, Auntie, and then myself, will be their regent. I will make sure they have enough wealth from my inheritance to be properly setup."
Auntie and Anders nodded at him. Daphne took his hand.
Astoria smiled. "I get more sisters to torture," she commented.
Susan giggled.
"Cousins," her mother corrected. "And they were already going to be your cousins."
Astoria made a face as though she didn't care. "Cousins… sisters… I still get to torture them."
"Behave," Iliana lightly scolded, Dani giving Astoria a challenging look while Terry eeked.
Reba and Gary shared a look. "This is a lot to take in. Do we have some time to think about this?" Reba asked.
"You have time, but I wouldn't put off the decision to move, even if its temporary, more than a few days. Your address should be protected, but it wouldn't take much for others to find it," Amelia told them. "As for your daughters being claimed primary heirs, I would recommend you make that decision before June so it can be put in the notices at the Summer Solstice."
"And what about the Blood Feud," Harry asked. All he wanted to do was beat Pucey and his followers into the ground now he was certain.
"If any other incidents happen at Hogwarts, you are to declare honour rights. I will deal with any details of a duel," Anders told him.
"The Hogwarts charter says a blood feud has no rights on school grounds," Daphne said.
"Perhaps not, but I'm unsure he will care. They beat her up, Daphne," Harry hotly accused.
"And you know the rules," she replied. "We will find a way to destroy them, but if we are the aggressor on neutral ground then that could be cause for reparations or a duel that Pucey would be able to dictate. We will protect Dani, but we won't do anything to give them the upper hand."
"And if I see him in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer.
"If it is on a school sanctioned day, we will not be the aggressor," she told him, a glint in her eye saying she had something planned. Harry nodded after a moment, knowing Daphne would not let this go.
"What is an airess?" Terry asked.
Daphne turned to the little girl. "You would be like me, Astoria and Susan."
"You mean I could be as pretty as you?" Terry asked.
Daphne smiled while Susan and Astoria giggled. "Something like that. We'll help you understand," Daphne assured the younger girl.
"Madam Bulstrode has been talking about this. I don't know if I want to be an MP," she said with a frown.
"That is up to you. We'll make sure your parents have all the information they need," Amelia said.
"How about I go with you to Madam Bulstrode tomorrow and we can talk about it?" Susan offered.
Dani chewed her lip.
"I think that would be great, Susan," Reba said.
"I'll go too," Daphne offered.
After a few Dani nodded her head.
Harry was gnawing over the turn of events today. "Auntie, can I talk with you when this is done?"
She nodded her head. When everyone else except Daphne left, Harry leaned back in his chair. "Can I call a duel with Pucey? I want to kill the bloody dick."
"No. Daphne is right. You don't want to, not even if the blood feud is ratified while you are on Hogwarts grounds or on outings sanctioned by the school. Do not touch him," auntie said.
"I'm going to make his life a living hell in Slytherin," Daphne vowed.
"No, Daphne. Don't touch him or do anything. I feel even if the feud is ratified, they won't get the allowances for what happened with the Dark Alliance imploded or when Harry defeated You-Know-Who. They will be the aggressors without cause, meaning your restitutions could mean you take everything. "
"Call him Voldemort," Harry snapped. "They tried to kill Daphne and beat Dani and her friends."
"And you will not stoop to their level," auntie said in her commanding tone she usually reserved for work or the Wizengamot chamber. "If, and I mean if, Pucey or his friends start something at Hogwarts, use only the means you need to get away or restrain them. Get to a professor right away. If we are off school grounds and they start something, you have my permission to use any force necessary. Do you understand?"
Harry looked a little defiant and Daphne put a hand on his arm. "We will not hand them an incident that they can use against us in the Wizengamot," Daphne said. The way she tightened her hand on Harry's arm had him knowing she felt the same. "I promise they will pay, though."
Harry stewed for a moment.
"I need to talk with father. I'm sure he has ways he can go after their money," Daphne said.
"If they hurt Dani or anyone else, auntie, I won't hold back," Harry told her.
"The DMLE will be starting its prosecution soon. Like Anders said, if there is any major issue, contact him or me. Even if it happens on neutral ground, we have options if you hold your temper," auntie told him.
"I won't let them get hurt," Harry refused to budge.
"You'll get your chance, one way or another," auntie promised him. "Just don't start things when at Hogwarts. Changing subject, you are sure you want to offer your cousins those Houses?"
Daphne took his hand. "Yes. I know Daphne and I have talked with you about this and those title should pass to our children, but if Hermione finally gets her wish of changing the Wizengamot, the seats and titles won't matter in the future. If not, then we can set up two branches of the Potter-Greengrasses before we must demote my cousins," Harry said, reiterating the conversation he had had with Daphne a few nights ago when he mentioned this was what he wanted to do.
"And you are in full agreement?" auntie asked to Daphne.
"I am, Auntie Ami," Daphne said. She sighed after a moment. "If this really becomes a blood feud, father has already stated he will not release control of these houses when we win. I have a feeling that ours and Astoria's children will have a few choices. So will Terry and Dani. If that happens, we will clean up those houses."
Auntie looked at both of them for a moment. "I'll make sure the goblins have all the paperwork ready." Auntie then gave them a satisfied smile. "You two really are growing up. I didn't disagree with you before about seeing those other houses die off. I still don't disagree, but if this is the way you want to go, I will support you. I assume you will not push to have them banned from the Wizengamot then?"
"I want them censored, if we can. We can decide what to do afterwards," Harry said. "Anders will want to keep them, but if they are censored, they can only be revived when an heir is confirmed. I will not absorb them into my House. Besides, I need Anders to stay away from the goblins. Hermione thinks she found a possible location, and this would be a good bargaining chip to keep Anders out of that business. If he wants to pass any of them off to Astoria, both our Houses would have to agree."
Daphne snorted. "Who would have thought you could be so sly?"
Harry gave her a grin. "Well, I've had a good teacher."
Auntie rolled her eyes. "If you are going to get all cute with each other, I'm going to lunch."
Harry laughed. "Yes, auntie."
Daphne looked as happy as he was. "Would you join us for lunch?" Daphne asked.
"I would be happy too," auntie said. They moved to a dining room down the hall. Looking around, almost his whole family was here. Once the feud was ratified, he knew there would be a meeting of the alliance. Hermione and Neville would have to be at that meeting, the only two family members missing right now.