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Beta: gallandro83

Chapter 8 Confrontations

"That was fun!" said Harry happily. He started his dinner with enthusiasm that he had from the morning and in fact since Monday.

"I heard you made quite a ruckus this morning. You had your students blindfold wandering the halls?" Remus served himself a slab of steak and gravy.

"They were blindfolded but not blind." Was all he said. Harry still grinned thinking back to the few people who Susan had to heal for running into various things when his students got too tired to keep the spells up for more than 5 minutes. Harry was pleased by the fact many of them could keep pace with him. Unfortunately no one was able to catch up completely. Susan walked to the table from the faculty entrance and smiled at Harry.

"Everyone is taken care off. But they all seemed pleased with today's class." Susan grinned over to Remus who wanted to ask a few questions. Susan looked back to her boyfriend, "James, the usual tonight?" Harry smiled and nodded.

Remus just sighed and mumbled something about being out of the loop. Harry laughed and said, "It's ok. We just spend the evenings together." Harry looked at him then to Fluer. Remus just nodded in understanding and continued to eat his dinner.

Harry looked at the students below staff and saw Alice look apprehensive. Harry remembered that he hadn't told Susan about the letter. He promised that he would tell her tonight. Harry finished his meal and waved to Susan. Harry looked around to his class before leaving.

"Okay it can get really boring when there is no classes in the evening." Harry walked passed several students oblivious to their attempts to make him notice them. It was another hour of wandering around the school before he decided to visit Susan in the infirmary.

Harry walked into the wing. "How are you James?"

"Fine, I see you don't have any patients again." He looked at the beds and smiled at a memory. "How busy do you get here anyway?"

Susan smiled, "Not that busy until Quidditch practice days or Quidditch matches." Harry grinned and Susan took his arm and led them into her office.

"Susan, I am not going to be here tomorrow." Susan looked up surprised he would need to go somewhere.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Alice got a letter this morning from her Aunt. So she has to visit her tomorrow." Susan leaned against Harry.

"How is Alice taking it?" Harry looked down at her and smiled slightly. "Better than I hoped. But I am still worried about her."

Susan dragged him to the couch and they sat there and talked for a few minutes before a knock came at the door. Harry stood up to open it. He had a good idea who it was without using his magic. "Come on in."

Susan looked from the couch and got up immediately. "Hello Alice."

Alice managed a weak "Hello Susan." Harry placed his hand on the girls shoulder and she felt a little better.

"Nervous about tomorrow?" She nodded mutely. "Sit down and join us, we were just talking." Alice nodded again feeling a little better. Alice sat in between them. It slowly became habit for the three of them to sit in this arrangement. Alice just looked depressed as Susan and Harry talked to each other with her to join in for a comment. Alice looked more depressed about tomorrow and leaned against Harry. Harry looked from her to Susan then back again. He placed a hand on her head and the young girl felt better.

-o-

Harry had spoken to Albus early in the morning on where Harry was taking Alice. Harry had known little about Alice's actual home other than the glimpse he saw when he entered her mind. Albus had told him that the house was far from any wizarding or muggle city. And the only way to get to the residence was by floo. Anti-apparation wards were placed around the residence and only a few knew exactly where it was. Harry was not liking the information the head master was giving him.

"So there is no way to get there but by floo. There is no one who really knows the location to the residence. And an antisocial pureblood loving woman has been assaulting Alice since her parents died." Put that way, Albus felt a little depressed at Alice's situation as well. "I'll talk to the old bat civilly. I hope." Harry still had the mental image of Alice crying in the hospital wing. He left Albus's office with the image still in his mind. Breakfast was already over and the student body were all in class. Harry met Alice at the entrance to Hogwarts. She changed into her regular robes as she was not going to be at the school for the day. "You ready for this?" Alice looked down at the ground. The truth was she has been feeling sick. The impending visit to her aunt made her nauseous ever since she received the letter.

"No." She said honestly. "But I can do it." Harry patted her back and started down the steps to a carriage that was waiting for them. They arrived at Hogs End and flooed to 'Niete Manor'.

Harry cast a quick cleaning charm and both Alice and himself when a house elf appeared. "I see you brought a guest I'll inform the mistress." The house elf bowed and disappeared with a pop.

Alice looked around and shivered when she saw entrance to the parlor from her memories. Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed. She smiled appreciatively.

"Alice you think I can hex your Aunt?" He said dead pan. Alice looked up at him unsure if he was serious or not. She giggled and cleared her throat. They exited the floo room and entered the parlor.

"You're a teacher remember?" Harry looked crestfallen. Alice gave another slight giggle then said, "If you feel like you must hex her, promise you will come to visit me during summer break." She grinned.

"It's a promise"

Harry felt a women walking down the stairs. He let Alice go and stood behind her. Alice saw her aunt and took a deep breath. The old woman must have been older than Minerva. She looked at her niece disapprovingly. "You look like you were with too many mudbloods. Come over here and lets get this done quickly. Then you can take a proper bath. I have several unwelcome guest waiting for me upstairs and I don't want to leave them alone in the house for too long."

She waddled to a table with Harry and Alice closely behind. She found what she was looking for and pulled out three scrolls from a old bag. "Your mother had placed a clause in your inheritance that after your twelfth birthday you would actually inherit the whole inheritance before becoming of age. I have made sure that it went through, but your damnable cousins found a loop hole and are trying to get the inheritance to be rewritten to them."

She handed Alice the second scroll. Alice was as well versed in the parchments as her Aunt was and quickly found what she was looking for. "Arg, Justine had a baby named Alice?"

"Yes, those Gringott fools don't care to know the difference and were paid off quickly to change the inheritance contract. I was informed of it immediately and changed it back and went strait to the damnable spawn who is in charge of the bank and nailed him to the wall until he made sure it would never happen again." She spat. Harry took a half step back as the wad almost hit his foot. He looked at the old woman and tried not to snarl at her.

"So what do you expect Miss Niete to do if the problem has already been resolved.?" Asked Harry steadily.

Nan turned around to him and squinted. "Who are you to dare speak to me you filth. You can't possible be from anywhere important. Too low nose, fading eyes, unkempt hair. No I don't think I have seen your family. No doubt your muggle born." She glared at him with as much hatred as Draco had directed at him in school.

Harry stepped forward not the least bit intimidated. "I am your nieces teacher, and she has been placed in my care for the duration of this visit."

The old woman just snorted. "I doubt you could do much." She said dismissively. The aunt turned to Alice and said, "You better watch out for yourself girl. This lout will probably dump you as soon as trouble appears."

Alice gave a very aunt like snort and continued to read the papers. "Professor, I need to read and sign these papers before the end of today. This won't take as long as I thought." She said with a slight smile.

Aunt Nan snarled at the exchange. "You permit yourself to talk to such low trash. You stupid girl! Have I taught you nothing?" She raised her hand towards Alice who flinched. Harry quickly conjured a fake wand and stopped her with a petrifaction spell then slammed her against the wall on the far side of the room.

Harry was done being civil.

Professor Dursley walked over to Alice's aunt. Madame Niete could see him at the edge of her vision. The professor said quietly, "You would do well to remember Madame Niete, that while Alice is in my care, I am entrusted for her welfare and safety. That includes from people like you." Harry started walking towards Alice when he unfroze her. The woman got up quickly and drew her wand.

Alice ignored the exchange. She was rereading the paper work and called out with a slight smile. "Don't hurt her to much professor, I still have to live with her." Madame Niete threw a reducto curse towards the Professor's back. It was absorbed into a shield that he had erected moments before.

Harry smiled. He continued to walk towards Alice and waved his wand over his shoulder. Nan's wand hand froze in mid arch while performing another hex. "I told you that you will not interfere with Miss Niete. We will be here no longer than the times she needs and be on our way. If you have a problem, file a complaint with Albus, or the Board. I am sure attacking your niece will look well in public." The old woman scowled but put away her wand.

Harry looked up at the ceiling startled. Harry, Alice and Nan all heard the banishing curse from above them. Harry saw the high ceiling crumble down. The professor didn't have time to run over to Alice. He raised his hands, one towards each Niete. He hated the old woman but didn't want her dead even if Alice did. Debris was fast approaching each lady and Harry saw the golden dome wrap around Alice before he looked to Madame Niete. He didn't make in enough time for her. Three large slabs of stone had already crushed her when the dome encircled her body. Harry cast several spells on himself after a large piece of stone hit him in the shoulder. He was able to see the rest of the ceiling fall on him and he pushed it all away. Harry looked up in time to see the rest of the house fall on top of him.

The dust settled for a few seconds before he blew a large circle of debris away from him. He looked around and saw Alice was still safe in her dome.

"She is alive. Ignore the man. Kill the girl." Harry looked around and saw three forms in heavy cloaks with deep hoods. They circled around him and two of cloaked wizards pointed at Alice "Avada Kedavra." Harry ran but knew he could not get to Alice in time.

He dropped all pretenses. Harry raise both his hands and screamed. A blue solid beam hit the first killing curse and pushed it out of the way missing Alice. He raise his hand at the dome protecting Alice and a stone slab rose out of the ground blocking the second killing curse that was aimed for Alice's back.

The three forms looked startled then charged after him. He cleared another killing curse directed at him. Harry countered with a stunning curse. Whoever they were, Harry wanted them alive. Harry saw one of them make for Alice again. He conjured another stone wall to block the curse the attacker launched. Professor Dursley fired off an burning curse towards Alice's latest attacker. The attackers joined together in their attack against Harry.

Harry tried to see their faces but couldn't. "Who are you?" he said steadily. He was not out of breath, but the three attacking him were. They simply moved to one side and started attacking him alternately. Harry blocked each attack with one hand and released several stunning cursed at them. They all barely missed. These people knew how to duel well enough to know how to move in combat. Harry began to study them. They don't fight how death eaters fight. Harry countered another burning curse with a flood deluge spell. The tallest attacker was pinned under the water weight against a large stone slab that resemble what was left of a wall. Death eaters were never this organized. Harry managed to spin and just narrowly missed being grazed by a cutting curse. And these guys are not nearly as ruthless. He noted. Several times they could have made a attempt to kill him and would naturally turn back to try and kill Alice. They fight like the Orders' old teams fought He suddenly realized. The thought disturbed him. He was the first one to assign and train the teams in a fashion similar to Aurors special operation teams. He dodged another curse and the three attackers regrouped. Harry summoned debris from behind them and he nailed two before the third dodge. Definitely the leader. He glared at the standing figure and realized it was a woman. Harry raised both hands and fired several curses rapidly to the standing assassin. The robed attacker dodged them and banished stone slabs from the house towards Harry. Harry cast a shield and the stones shattered against it. The two other attackers recovered and joined in the assault against the professor who made sure that he was always between the three robed assassins and Alice.

Between dodging curses he looked as saw Alice shaking in her dome. He smiled to her reassuringly. She saw it but was too rattled to make any response. A well time curse aimed at the ground near Harry's feet made him stumble. The three cloaked attackers turned from him to kill Alice. All three shouted the killing curse. Harry conjured several concrete slabs to form a box around her. "You are not harming her!" Harry cupped his hands and pushed his hands into the ground. The cube sank into the earth leaving no trace of Alice. The three attackers saw that their chance was gone and disapparated.

Harry canceled the spell he left on himself from the collapsing house, then raised and swept the stone box into nonexistence. Harry ran to his student. "Alice are you alright?" He knelt down to see her face. She was crying and still in shock. "Alice look at me." She didn't move. She simply huddled there on the ground. Harry hugged her a moment before he stretched out his arm. Harry felt the sudden weight of his airborne summon. "Phor go to Hermione and tell her to send Aurors to the Niete Estate. The apparation wards are down." The silver bird disappeared before it looked ready to take off. "Alice look at me." He ordered more firmly. Harry held her until she stopped shaking. Alice looked at him before hugging him. When she was able to look around she noticed her Aunt wasn't screaming.

Alice looked over to her Aunt who was under blocks of stone. "Is she dead?" She said almost relieved and happy.

Harry wished that the old bat was alive just so Alice wouldn't feel so vindicated. "She is dead. I guess you don't have to worry about her anymore." Just then several Aurors wearing silver and black badges apparated to the grounds and were shocked that there was no more mansion.

"What happened here?" Ordered a woman. Harry recognized the voice and repressed a smile.

"There has been an attack on the house hold. I am assuming it was the guest Madame Niete had above us. After the attack, they apparated away." Harry let go of Alice who looked evenly at her aunt. Harry stood back up and was rubbing his neck. He grimaced realizing that those stones that nailed him was the only damage he took.

The woman looked over to the girl and saw her looking at her aunt. "Will she be alright?" She asked uncertain if she should try and consol the girl. Alice just stood over Nan's body staring at it strangely.

Harry nodded grimly. "I think the unresolved issues between them were resolved when the attack occurred." Harry turned over to Alice.

Alice took a deep breath and turned to the head Auror. "Hello, I am Alice Niete. The owner of the Niete Estate." Alice let all the emotion drain from her and she looked up at the brown haired Auror. Brown hair? Thought Harry with a repressed grin.

"I am pleased to meet you Miss Niete. My name is Nymphadora Tonks, Head of the Dark Wizard Corp." Tonks waved for her Aurors to look around the area and look for other people who might have been caught up in the attack. "Is there anyone you know who would do this Miss Niete?"

Alice snorted. "Anyone of my relatives who could inherit the family fortune. There are a few partners in several businesses that might try. Nan had just made that impossible with those papers I just signed. And my Aunt said she had several unwelcome guests upstairs. She only uses the wording when my cousins come around to sniff for money." Alice sighed, "I am just surprised they would attack now of all times, Summer would have be easier. Why bring me out of school. That's assuming the papers are real and not a draw tactic."

Tonks looked at the girl sadly. She turned to the adult who was with her and asked. "And you are?" Harry had already decided what he was planning to do now. Alice had no one that could protect her with some one willing to hire an assassin. He changed back to normal in front of the half dozen Aurors.

Harry was still sore and was rubbing his neck when he said, "I am Harry Potter." He looked strait at her. "Its good to see you again Tonks."

Tonks smiled. "Its not the best situation to meet, but that has never really been the case has it?" Harry nodded and they both looked down to Alice. "Are you alright, we can send you to St. Mungo's to get looked over." said Tonks formally.

Alice shook her head. "I am fine, Harry did a good job making sure nothing even went near me." Tonks nodded. She saw the circle in the middle of the room where there was not even dust on the floor.

"Excuse me Harry." Hermione was suddenly behind them. Her own green and blue robes were raised slightly to not allow dust to touch them. The Aurors began to spread out and look around the area. One Auror was over looking the papers Alice just signed. Gringott papers were indestructible. Harry turned his attention back to Hermione. "I need to talk to you and Miss Niete."

They looked at each other before Hermione offered a ball point pen portkey to her office. The three grabbed it and felt the familiar tug behind the navel. They landed softly in Hermione's office and she waved for them to sit down.

She sighed, then looked to Alice. "I would like to send my condolences about your Aunt Alice."

"Please don't Minister. She was not worth it." Alice said with no emotion. Hermione looked startled and looked to Harry. He shook his head for her not to push the issue. She nodded then made to continue.

Harry interrupted quickly. "There was three people after Alice. It was a clear assassination attempt against Alice." Harry thought about how quiet two of the attackers were. They just took orders. "I think that two of them might have been under the Imperius curse."

Hermione nodded. The minister pulled out a file paper and looked at it again. She thought something was off when spoke to the goblins this morning. She decided to speak of the information she had already received about the reason why Alice was at the estate. "The Gringotts staff had no recollection of Madame Niete visiting them. It is my guess that someone implanted the memories into her."

Alice didn't look surprised, just tired. "So someone did all this to kill me?"

Hermione looked at the girl sadly, "Unfortunately yes. I did take a look at the paper work for your inheritance. There is a clause of no interference so you are the sole heir. Which may complicate things for both you and who ever wanted to kill you."

Alice nodded. "So what am I supposed to do? I don't have any family to live with. And now I don't have a home to go to either."

"Normally I would search for a relative of yours to live with, but I found that people in those situations often come across hard times." She looked at Harry when she said this and Harry smiled. "So I believe that we will have to look for a volunteer. There are many people other than your family who would be able to house you for several months a year until you graduate. Harry here can tell you three months in a house during vacation isn't bad until you get your own home." She sounded hopeful about selling the idea to the girl. She was inexperienced with dealing with this kind of situation.

"Hermione?" Hermione turned to Harry. It was nice seeing him in her office again. The last time they talked was when he had met Ron again three weeks ago. "I believe I can adopt her. I have a steady job, my own place, and I can say that I would be the best protection she can have." Alice looked up startled at the possibility.

Hermione looked at him and smiled. "I think that can work. It is up to Miss Niete actually. What do you think?" Alice just gawked at the two of them. "I'll take that as a yes?" Alice nodded numbly. "I'll get the work done for you. The press will be talking about Alice for a while. Should we make them avoid talking about you?"

Harry shook his head. "No I want whoever tried to kill Alice to know Harry Potter is her guardian."

Alice's face split into and she hugged her dad. Hermione leaned back in her chair relieved. She was unsure who would take responsibility for her. Not many people would want to adopt a child who has an assassin after her.

The Minister worked through all the paper work for adoption quickly. As the adoption papers were cleared, Tonks walked into the Minister's office. "Sorry to interrupt but we found something Miss Niete should see." Hermione waved for her to come in and Harry, Alice, Hermione and Tonks looked at the parchment that Alice had signed just before the attack. "The document was enchanted to look like something else. And with Gringotts impervious charms on all their documents, it would have easily survived the attack had it gone successfully."

Alice seethed with anger. "Someone had me sign agreement to breaking off my parents will."

Tonks looked to Hermione who said quickly. "With this paper signed, Alice's inheritance can be directly challenged."

Harry looked at the three of them. "Tonks give me the paper." He said seriously. All three girls looked up suddenly. His voice seemed very deep. Tonks gave the contracts over to Harry. Harry looked at them and felt the charms that made sure they were really Gringott papers. They were. He smiled at that. If they were truly changed to look like another form, then he had a chance to fix this. He looked over to the minister and said, "Hermione will you please accompany me to Gringotts I need to pull a few favors and you need to be witness. Tonks, can you look after Alice?" Tonks gave an immediate yes. Harry smiled inwardly. If he wanted make presence known that he Alice's guardian…

Harry concentrated on the idea of protection. A great silver wolf with black streaks across the length of its fur stepped around from behind Harry. Alice and Tonks almost screamed when they saw it. It was as tall as Harry's shoulder. "No offense Tonks but I want to remind who ever is watching, who's protection Alice is under." He smiled at Alice when she walked up to the wolf. Harry stopped for a moment to think of his time working on the Orders' team one, "Come to think of it, you never met Argent have you Tonks?" Tonks didn't hear him.

The wolf looked amused, "This is the girl?" he nudged against Alice. The wolf's head was still taller than her. "She is smaller than I thought."

Alice almost fell backwards in surprise. Harry shared a grin with Hermione before he said, "Alice, meet Argent. Agent, Alice."

Argent moved his massive muzzle around the room. "Hello Hermione, I heard you have done well for yourself."

"As can be expected Argent." She looked over to Tonks who was just gaping. "Tonks, this will be your partner for a bit." Tonks recovered and walked up to the wolf. She held out her palm as if he was a puppy.

Argent nudged her palm. Chuckling silently at her gesture. "She will do. A lot nicer than the last one you had me work with."

"Good, lets go Hermione. Diagon Alley."

They both quickly apparated.

Alice looked over to her two guards. "So what do we do now?" Tonks looked lost as well.

Argent knew exactly what he wanted to do. "We go parade you around with me in tow. Harry wanted us to make it clear who's protection Alice is under. I expect seeing me will make it clear." He nudged for Tonks to open the door to let them out.

"Ok, Ok. I am moving already. You don't have to knock me down."

Alice looked around and saw similar reactions to Argent that she and Tonks had. They walked down several floors and finally entered a private waiting room.

"Is that good enough?" Asked Tonks slightly amused now. Argent let out a throaty laugh and nodded. The three sat down and Tonks asked cheerfully, "So who wants to play exploding snap?"

Argent let out another amused chuckle. "Oh yes, you will do."

-o-

As soon as Harry arrived, people stopped what they were doing. Harry sighed and looked over to Hermione who apparated right next to him. "Lets get this over with." Harry cast a pressure circle around the two as they walked towards Gringotts. People who tried to mob Harry were pressed gently pressed away. Hermione smiled and said, "I really need to learn that."

"Its not that hard." Harry gripped the papers in his hands. "Gringotts contracts are enforced by the ministry still right?"

Hermione smiled and nodded. "I think I know where you are going with this. I'll take your lead. Just remember that I still have to work with the goblins when we are done."

"I'll try and keep my temper in check. That good enough?"

The two passed reporters who were already trying to ask questions. "No, but I can't ask for more."

They entered Gringotts and the Gates closed behind them. Every customer who saw the Minister and Harry Potter stand side by side got out of the way. A goblin looked steadily at the two. "May I help you."

Harry handed the Goblin the paper. When he took it, his face instantly changed. Harry leaned closer so only the goblin could hear. "I need to know how a contract made by Gringotts was changed after creation without Gringotts being notified. My daughter had an assassination attempt made on her as soon as she signed this." The goblin nodded seriously.

"Follow me." Harry and Hermione followed him up several floors. The goblin swiftly opened the doors to a room where a dozen Goblins were talking at a table.

"What is the meaning of this intrusi-" He didn't finish. He looked to the Minister and nodded for them to step forward.

Harry walked forward. "I have here a parchment that was made by Gringotts. It was spelled to be a different parchment at its signing. Shortly afterwards, the signer had an attempt made on her life. Even though it failed, the parchment changed to its original form." Harry placed the parchments on the table for the goblins to see. There was quick mutterings between them.

"These are serious charges you are pressing Mr. Potter. You know well that only a goblin with a high ranking in the bank can change these papers. We are no doubt concerned about this, however we are bound to not investigate as it is policy for transactions to be done in privacy." The head goblin started.

"I am well aware of the situation. I have asked the Minister to accompany to advise on the situation, and she suggested that I have an inquiry performed by the Confederation of Goblins."

"Are you sure you are willing to finance such charges against a goblin?" The fortune required to fund an inquiry was enormous for anyone.

"If this goblin can help identify who tried to kill my daughter then I'll pay any amount." He said loudly. There was a ring of his voice when a few goblins looked shocked at this.

"Very well, I'll see to it that the Confederacy is notified. You will have the results of the Inquiry in a few days. May you have good luck with this venture." He said sincerely.

Harry thanked the table for listening and left.

Hermione followed closely. "I am impressed Harry, they didn't even try to bargain over the fee to charge you to send a request for the Confederacy."

Harry smiled wearily. "I don't know if it was because of you or saying it was about my daughter, but they seemed impressed either way." The goblin who escorted them back to ground level bade them good day and left. Harry unsealed the entrance doors. The people who were found waiting to leave looked at him surprised he came back down so fast. Talking to goblins was usually a time consuming sport.

Harry and Hermione left Gringotts and were swamped again with reporters. Harry cast another spell to press them away. Hermione gave Harry a playful grin at the antics the Press were giving about being pushed away. She then pulled out another portkey and let him touch it before she activated it.

-o-

"So, Harry has more than one of you he can make?" Alice placed down another card.

Argent squinted at the cards he had on the floor. "Yes, but I don't know if its make or summon, but he likes to feel we are already with him, so he calls us summonings." Argent pawed a card and it promptly exploded. "I really am horrible at this game." His fur was covered with soot.

Tonks and Alice laughed.

Harry and Hermione opened the door and looked relieved. "Hello, Argent I wish you could have said where you were going." Said Harry a little irritated.

"Tonks was leading. Like I ever been to the Ministry before." he growled.

Tonks smiled and said, "We were protecting, besides why would I tell anyone where we were going?"

Harry sighed and conceded the point. "Alright. Alice, I have started a goblin investigation on who worked with the contract. Hopefully it will lead us to who wanted to kill off both of you." Alice nodded still slightly shaken from the fact someone wanted to kill her.

Hermione spoke up and looked at the young girl. "I also took the liberty to freeze all Niete assets and contracts that are pending. No one can ask for forms dealing with the Niete-Catton fortune. And I will be notified personally if someone does." Alice mumbled a thank you.

"Argent thank you for the help."

The wolf laughed easily. "Its nice to get out for a while. I could use more time running around though."

Harry smiled apologetically. "You will get a chance soon. I am teaching a class on the subject."

Tonks and Alice nearly snapped their necks to look at Harry. "What?" They shouted in unison. Argent laughed again as he faded away.

Harry smiled and waved for Alice to come along. Harry said good bye to Tonks and Hermione. "I'll visit again soon, I promise. Tonks you still owe me a beer, a real one."

Tonks laughed then said, "Damn, I was hoping I would never have to pay for that."

Harry led Alice down the stairs and immediately let out a groan. Reporters were literally pressed against the glass doors. "You think you are going to alright with the questions they are going to ask?"

Alice took a deep breath, "I can do this, I will probably have to do more of it now that I am the last true blooded Niete left. Just drag me out of there if I breakdown or something." Her voice shook for a moment but Harry nodded.

Harry and Alice walked outside the steps of the Ministry and were instantly mobbed by the press. The first question that Harry and Alice heard was "Are you still single?" He turned to Alice who smiled impishly at the predicament. Harry had to hold an informal address for the damn press now and he was not happy with it.

He pushed the press back several paces then addressed them. "I'll take a few questions now." They press could not get past an invisible line and finally stopped trying and people started shouting questions. Harry raised his hands, "I'll take only one question at a time." He said patiently.

Finally he chose a reporter and he asked, "Does this mean you have returned?"

Harry sighed, he was hoping for several questions about Alice, but no such luck. "No, it doesn't. I have a debt to pay for Alice and her Family. That is why I am here."

"So its true that you adopted Alice Niete as your daughter?"

Harry gave a curt "Yes."

Many reporters buzzed at this and then the settled down for another reporter to ask a question. "Alice Niete, Is it true that there was an assassination attempt on you and your Aunt?"

Alice stepped forward and said with great calm. "Yes, my Aunt, Madame Nan Niete was killed in the attack and unfortunately she was the only one who knew the identity of the people who had attacked."

"Mr. Potter are you not a little young to feel qualified to adopt anyone?" Harry simply looked at the woman who asked and it shut her up.

"Mr. Potter! How did you become indebted to the Niete family."

"My parents were saved by them during a death eater attack shortly after I was born." He said steadily. Alice looked up at him. Harry groaned to himself that he had forgotten to ask her if she remembered her parents at all. He only knew of the attack because Albus told him earlier that morning when he wanted information about the Niete family. "I think we will end the questions here. Good day." Harry walked passed the press with Alice following closely behind them. The front desk pushed a book on a tray to them. Harry and Alice grabbed it at the same time and port keyed back to Hogwarts. When they arrived, Harry immediately change to Professor Dursley.

They walked to Dumbledores Office and headed up to him. He was in his seat patiently waiting. "I see that there were indeed problems with trip. Are you well Alice?"

Alice took a seat. She felt very tired from the busy morning. "I am fine I think." She said in a small voice.

"I decided to adopt her with the lack of decent relatives with whom she could live with." Albus felt the barb but shrugged it off. He knew Harry no longer felt that grudge. Harry was just upset.

"I am glad to hear that. I suspect I'll find out the rest from the evening edition of the Prophet tonight. You two should head to the infirmary to be looked over. I am sure Miss Bones is worried about both of you. Hermione sent her an owl along with mine about the situation." Harry nodded and sighed.

When they finally left the headmasters office, Alice turned up to him. "What's wrong?"

"Just remembering every single time I went on a mission in my seventh year. Susan would have a panic attack until she knew I came back safely. I hope she is alright now." They walked into the hospital wing and were relieved to see Susan just pacing back and forth. "Susan."

She turned around and shouted, "Thank God!" She wrapped her arms around both Alice and Harry. "I was worried to death! Sit on this bed I'll look both you over." She pushed them down and went to get her wand which she left in her office.

Alice laughed feeling much better knowing Susan was worried. "So did my parents really save your parents?" She felt put out if that was the reason he adopted her.

"Yes, but I didn't know about that until I spoke to Albus, although Moody had said something along those lines a long time ago. Sorry if it seemed I was keeping things from you. I didn't mean to." Alice nodded looking somewhat relieved.

Harry messed up her hair fondly. Susan returned and checked them up and gave them a bell of health. "Susan did you hear anything besides the attack?" asked Harry.

"No, but I was worried if you two were alright, I mean I know you were, Hermione told me you were with her, well not with her but stan-" Harry grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. She hugged back. "It was just like back in school." She cried silently.

Harry just held her and Alice went and hugged them both. Harry let go after a few minutes and said, "Susan, I would like to introduce you to my daughter." Susan looked up confused. Harry gestured to Alice.

"I was adopted." She said happily. Susan looked at her before she hugged the young girl tightly. Alice hugged back. Harry led the two girls to Susan's office. "So.. I can call you dad openly now right? Well private er- you know." She said flustered.

Harry laughed. "If you want to kiddo." Susan felt much better when they all sat on the couch and watched the fire. She listened to both of them happily.

"So.. Since my fortune is frozen, do I get an allowance?" She grinned at her father.

"No, but you do get more than one birthday present." Harry remembered then, "When is your birthday?"

Alice said, "Damn, er, oops?" She said helplessly. Harry wanted to look stern but couldn't help but laugh. "I forgot to tell you, it is October 9."

"Perfect a Sunday. Me and Susan will take you somewhere nice. Teachers privilege and all." Susan grinned and placed her arm around Alice to touch Harry.

Alice saw it with interest before she said, "So when is Susan going to be my mom?"

Both Harry and Susan turned beat red. Alice just laughed loudly. The adults joined in shortly afterwards. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the same fashion. Jokes then serious talks to give them a break. But all three of them were happy with the new life they planned start.

-o-

The evening meal was quite until several owls delivered a late edition evening paper. Several students huddled around the papers at each table. A few students asked how Alice knew Harry Potter. Several students in Alice's dorm were crying. They were worried about the girl who they had miss treated the majority of the month. Then many students went quiet when they didn't see Alice Niete present for the dinner. After some quite chatter many students resumed their meals. Pam looked to the Slytherin table and Owen nodded. Twenty-two students stood up at once and left in the middle of their meals. A few teachers and students watched them go sympathetically.

Once outside the hall several voices said "Sight", a few said "Sensation." "Of course, they are with Miss Bones." Pam said half disgusted, half relieved. There were a few chuckles at this and the group headed for the Infirmary.

Harry was silently eating his meal when he looked up and towards the entrance to the hospital wing. Harry looked to Alice and said, "Uh-oh here comes the class onslaught."

Alice gasped, she had not even spoken to anyone yet. She got up and ran out the door. Harry smiled to Susan and they both followed.

Alice ran towards the large infirmary doors to see Pam open the door and come in. Alice quickly jump at her friend. "I am sorry, I didn't see you guys yet." She was crying but was glad to see that so many people went to see her.

Pam and Owen hugged her tightly. The rest of the class gave a few hugs, a few guys gave her a nod. Harry walked out with Susan. "Have any of you finished eating?" There were a few flinches at realizing that dinner would be over soon and they didn't really eat much. Harry laughed and placed a hand on Alice. "Take them down to the class room, I'll see what I can do about food."

He winked at the class and they all smiled. A few students shouted party now relieved that Alice was alright. When they headed off Harry turned to Susan. "To bad Dobby isn't around any more. I am sure he would have put up a great party."

Susan smiled sadly. "I am sure he would have. Ogg!" The portly house elf appeared in front of Susan. She smiled wickedly and said, "There is going to be a party thrown in a few minutes in James class room. Make it a party Dobby would have been proud of." The house elf gave a genuine smile then popped off.

"He knew Dobby?"

Susan took Harry's arm. "Every house elf knows who Dobby is now. I guess you didn't know, but after he finally died, many house elves would take up his spirit to do things if their masters asked them too to honor him."

Harry smiled at that. Dobby became Harry's house elf at the beginning of Harry's seventh year. Albus thought it wise that Harry had an aid with so many activates Harry ran. Harry grinned at the memory that Dobby had actually trained and fought against Harry using his own wandless magic.

Dobby often followed Harry to fight against Death Eaters. Harry looked over to Susan and felt grateful for Dobby. He had let himself take the force of an Avada Kedavra for Susan when she came to relay a message to him during a fight with several Death eaters. Dobby didn't' die from the curse as it was made specifically for humans, but he lived a dead life, sitting in a chair until his body finally died. Many house elves were so moved that he had severed his master so faithfully that they honored him when called upon to act as Dobby would if he was alive.

Harry and Susan walked slowly and finally reached the party in the class room. The students cheered, then shouted in one voice, "Congratulations Professor! You are a daddy!"

Harry and Susan turned deep red and the students laughed. Alice ran up to Harry and hugged him.

-o-

Mathew was busy eating when the paper was passed down to the first years. "Finally!" exclaimed Mathew. He had heard the news from all the shouting but he wanted to see the moving pictures himself. He read the article and smiled when he saw the Prophets picture of a solemn girl who was only a year older than himself look up at Harry Potter. Mathew grinned and said carelessly. "Its about time he gets someone to keep him company during the summers." Several first years stopped what they were doing and looked over to him. Mathew's eyes went wide. Oops.

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Well another chapter up and going. I am soo happy that finals will be done by the end of this week. . Waaay too much stress if you ask me.

Gallandro83: I already explained to Gallandro, but to those who don't know, I write a few chapters ahead and hadn't had the time I usually need these past few weeks to be keeping ahead. One of the big advantages to writing ahead is that if I get an idea I can implant it early in chapters that I haven't sent out yet. Quite a few details in the story came about this way and I am pleased with how it is working out. Well, if I were to keep the original updating pace I would have run out of chapters to post and would have to write really fast to get back to where I wanted to be ahead of.

Heaven's Reaper: Thanks for the review, the next few chapters are close mix of drama action and humor. Hopefully I will be able to pull that off well.

zero-skillz: Yes super Harry is fun to write, I hope this chapter wasn't too much of a shock for you or Alice.

atlantis-rob: While this chapter is a big step in Harry and Alice's relationship, it will still have its set backs. Harry having parenting instincts being a big one. But those two will work damn hard to figure it all out.

Stryder: I hope you didn't' suffer too much in waiting for this. Still plan on the weekly format. If you haven't already, read my response to Gallandro's review. Its all my effort to make this the best story I have ever written.

Ravenway: Thank you for the reviews. I like the self assertive Alice moment. She unfortunately does not get many of them. Hopefully the events of this chapter were not too jarring for everyone. But you can't forget why Harry was at the school in the first place. This is just another trail for Alice to overcome.

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Preview chapter 9 requisite condition

"Harry? You know who he is?" She didn't say who Harry was, only that she might now what he was talking about.

"Professor Dursley was my neighbor." Alice just stood there staring at him. "What?"

"Wow, you knew Professor Potter as a neighbor?" Mathew nodded. He began to smile and started laughing. "What's so funny?" asked Alice.

"Besides the fact that I live next to the most powerful wizard in the world and all he did was complain about weeds in his daffodils? I don't know."