Disclaimer is in chapter 1.
Harry sat uncomfortably beside Hermione, silently looking across at the two people who'd gotten him involved in this, whatever it was.
Xander Harris was a bit of an enigma to him. He knew that Hermione liked the Slytherin, much to Ron's irritation, and the guy seemed decent enough, but there was plenty weird about him just the same. He hung out with that girl who freaked everyone out, which in itself made Xander stand out a bit in Harry's mind. On the flip side, though, he stood by his friends. When Hermione had been petrified, Xander had been right there with He and Ron when they went down after it.
It hadn't been about the fame, or saving Ginny. It had simply been that Hermione was his friend. Harry had to have some respect for someone who thought like that.
Narcissa Malfoy, though, was a total dark horse. What was her game? She had to have one, Harry knew, even Xander admitted that. Harry just wasn't sure he understood it. All of this for a family that was mostly gone?
If it was her pureblood beliefs that drove her, as Xander had suggested, how could Harry trust her? Why would he? Blood purists had led the war that killed his parents after all.
None of it made any sense to him, and that was driving Harry more than a little crazy.
He was shaken from his thoughts when the woman he was watching draw her wand while looking at him.
"That should be far enough from the wards," Narcissa said, eyebrow raising when Potter yanked his wand free from his belt and pointed it at her. "Unless you don't want your suit fixed?"
"Oh." Harry blushed, lowering his wand. "Sorry."
"Think nothing of it," Narcissa said, waving her wand delicately. "With as many enemies as you have I can hardly blame you, particularly giving my family name."
"What spell is that?" Hermione blinked, eyeing Narcissa closely. "That's not a reparo."
"No, I won't' be using one either," Narcissa said, "That's more of a when all else fails sort of spell. Useful, but crude. What I'm doing now is isolating you and Mr. Potter from the Ministry Trace. It would hardly do to have them coming down on us, would it?"
"I didn't know you could do that," Hermione admitted.
Narcissa laughed derisively. "As if the likes my husband would permit the use of any sort of magics that could permanently track any wizard or witch in the country. Within weeks of the invention of the Trace there were countermeasures being bartered around the community. There we go. We're clear."
She then turned her attention to Harry's suit, delicately fixing the damage one piece at a time, using transfiguration magic instead of charms so that the repairs would be permanent. As she worked, Narcissa went on, "The Trace isn't especially accurate anyway, it's really only able to sense specific magics within the range of the person it's been cast on. Most of those are ignored as they generally match accidental magic too closely. It's useless in a magical home, since it can't tell the child's magic from an adult near them."
"What?" Hermione's eyes widened, her face echoing outrage. "That's discrimination!"
"Oh?" Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "You do realize that the laws pertaining to underage magic use are part of the Secrecy Statutes, don't you?"
"Well, yes, but so what?"
"How does Draco using magic in or around our home threaten the statutes in the slightest?" Narcissa asked dryly as she finished Harry's suit. "The statutes exist to protect us from exposure, not to protect you or those around you from carelessness."
"But... that's hardly fair." Hermione frowned, almost pouting.
"That is life, my dear." Narcissa said, leaning back as she slid her wand back under the folds of her dress.
Xander listened, only slightly interested. The rules in the states were a little different, and in Sunnydale even more so. Use of magic in magical areas was permissible for all wand owning ages, so someone living or visiting a magical compound, town, or reserve could use magic to their heart's content. In non-magical areas the use of magic was more heavily enforced, especially on minors.
For himself, however, the rules were different. Magical tracking in Sunnydale was almost nonexistent. The interference from the Hellmouth made it impossible to accurately track all but the largest and most blatant of magical use. Additionally, Sunnydale was considered a dangerous location, and as such the rules for wand use in 'public' were extremely slack in matters of self-defense.
When you added in the strange mind numbing effect of the Hellmouth similar, Xander had been told, to a Notice Me Not Charm, the ministry had decided to exempt the area entirely from the majority of regulations concerning magic use. Only the most blatant and public of spell use would be acted upon unless, of course, the spell use was for illegal purposes.
Still, he could understand both sides of the argument between Hermione and Mrs. Malfoy. It was hardly fair to non-magical born, to be sure, but then again they were the ones who were most likely to violate the statutes, either by accident or by carelessness. While the actual intent might be malicious, the fact was that non-magical born witches and wizards were simply in high risk positions and needed to be watched more closely to preserve the statutes.
Hermione sniffed, irritated, but couldn't think of an appropriate response that wouldn't sound childish. To her eye it was the height of discrimination, and yet even she had a hard time arguing that there would be no risk in one of her neighbors happening to walk by the family room window while she was casting a Leviosa or Accio. She sighed finally, and settled back.
"How long are we isolated from detection?"
A sly smile played along Narcissa's lips, "For the rest of the summer. The Trace will be reapplied when you arrive back at Hogwarts."
"Really?" Harry asked, eyes wide.
"Do be discrete, if you please." Narcissa asked, "and if you do get caught, remember, I had nothing to do with it."
Harry and Hermione nodded in unison as the Limo turned and they all looked out to see a large imposing building approaching.
"The Tower?" Xander asked, surprised.
Narcissa nodded curtly. "Meetings with the Steward of the Magical Realm are normally done here."
"Huh." Xander said in reply as the car slid to a stop. "Magical entrance?"
That earned him a glance of surprise from Narcissa and the other two as well.
"Indeed."
Xander nodded, then moved to get out as the driver held the door open for them. He casually led the group away from the main entrance to the side entrance he and the Addamses had used for Christmas a couple years earlier. Inside they were met by a man in a non-magical suit who greeted them formally, and guided them to the offices of the Steward.
The Steward was a short man, a little on the pudgy side, who looked more than a little surprised when he saw them.
"Ah... A Mrs. Malfoy and company?" He asked, uncertain.
"Indeed." Narcissa inclined her head.
"Very good," He said, smiling slowly but still a little perplexed, "May I compliment you on your muggle costumes? Quite fitting."
"Thank you, however I suppose it's to be expected. These three are muggle raised." Narcissa demurred slightly.
"Ah, yes, that explains it I suppose." The man smiled more genuinely. "I had wondered. You're magical raised, then Ma'am?"
Narcissa nodded.
"Your dress is quite exquisite," The Steward said with a warm smile, "Only slightly outdated by muggle standards, but that actually makes it look even higher class. Only the richest can afford quality of that level and choose to spend it on the elegance of the past."
That brought a confused frown to Narcissa's face as she tried to determine if she had been complimented, or slyly jabbed. She let it pass quickly, however, schooling her features to a neutral smile.
"Yes, well," The Steward turned to the younger ones of the group. "Now, this is about the title of Mage Knight, I believe?"
"It is indeed. Young Mister Potter is the last of his direct line," Narcissa replied, "And we believe he qualifies for his family title."
"We shall see." The Steward said, turning a page. After reading for a short time, almost eliciting a snort from Narcissa over the obvious act, he raised an eyebrow. "A Basilisk, quite a large one too. Impressive, lad. Do you affirm that you did indeed slay the beast, then?"
Harry jerked a little, then nodded. "Uh, yes sir. I had help though. Xander was there, and so was my best mate Ron, and Xander's friend, Wednesday."
"You'd have to be a bit thick to take on something like that alone, lad." The Steward chuckled slightly. "I won't hold having brains to get help against you."
Harry flushed, remembering that he hadn't exactly asked Xander or Wednesday to join him. Not to mention that the help he and Ron had gone for hadn't exactly been the most useful sort.
"Now, do we have a witness?"
Xander nodded, "I was there. Alexander Lavelle Harris."
The Steward nodded, scribbling a note. "And you affirm, under oath, that the statements made here are true?"
That brought Xander up short just as he started to answer in the affirmative. He leaned forward, "Can I see that first?"
"Of course."
Xander accepted the sheet, skimming it quickly, then nodded. "Yeah, this is all true I think. Harry, did you land a spell on that thing?"
Harry shook his head, "No. You did with that bone splitter on its tooth, but I was busy with the Hat until I got the sword."
Xander nodded, "Yeah. This is right."
"Very good." The Steward made a couple more notes. "I believe it was your Grandfather, Mr. Potter, who was the last Mage Knight of the Realm. Been quite some years that the post was unfilled."
"If you please, Sir," Harry held up a hand tentatively. "But I don't understand exactly. What is a Mage Knight? I mean, I can figure some of it, but I don't..."
"Don't know your family history, lad?" The man peered closely at him.
"I was raised by muggle relatives, Sir. I haven't been told anything about my family."
"Harrumph." The Steward sat back, face creased as he frowned. "Most unusual. To answer your question, Mr. Potter, The Mage Knight is a position of responsibility within Her Majesty's Realm. Officially, the position is as Her Majesty's final arbiter on magical affairs."
Hermione squeaked, blinking furiously.
That earned her a smile from the man, "However in truth there is little actual power in the position. The Magical world exists very much separate from the Realm in most things, and the only power left to the Royals are a few traditional elements backed by ancient covenants. This is one of those."
"So it doesn't mean anything?" Xander asked. He hadn't really understood it all, anyway, and was just as curious.
"In the muggle world it has some meaning," The Steward replied. "As a recognized Knight of the Realm, though a very, very, obscure one, the Mage Knight has certain rights, responsibilities, and privileges to his name. In the Magical realm, I believe that the legal rights established by Edward the Elder remain, however most of them have been superseded by magical law."
"So it's just a name?" Hermione asked.
"There's power in names, child." The man smiled slightly, "Certain magical covenants were established along with the position. As a Seneschal of the Magical Realm, the Mage Knight has certain rights and duties that cross realms, so to speak."
"Among other things," He continued, "The right to bear arms. This means little in the Magical realm, as I understand it, except that in your case, Mr. Potter, this also assumes that you have the right to USE your weapons. I believe that a Wizard considers their wand a weapon, among other things?"
Harry's eyes lit up.
He could use magic and the ministry couldn't stop him.
"Now," The Steward went on, "There are certain factors to consider before I recommend that this be pushed forward."
"Like what?" Harry asked, shutting down a little.
"There are duties to the crown involved, responsibilities that cannot be shirked." The Steward said firmly, staring evenly at Harry, "Understand this, Mr. Potter. This is not a game. This is an honor that few people in this nation are afforded."
"What sort of duties, Sir?" Harry asked, suddenly contemplative.
"The Mage Knight is responsible to the Queen for certain matters, Mr. Potter." Narcissa said quietly. "It's long been something of a... combined shame and honor of the Potter family in the Wizarding World."
"Shame?" Harry looked confused.
The Steward glared at Narcissa for a moment, then looked back to Harry. "It is an honor, Mr. Potter."
"Among muggles, it may be that clear cut." Narcissa said with a hint of a smile. "However among Wizards it's a mixed blessing. The position is one of influence, because it was negotiated under statutes devised by Merlin himself. That earns it a certain level of respect as well, however it is closely tied to the Muggle Government."
"So the purebloods think the Knights are traitors," Hermione filled in.
"Some, yes. The extremists like my husband," Narcissa replied. "Most of us see the title as much the same as that or Baron, or Lord, however. Those too were granted through the Crown, though with more autonomy as they are higher in rank."
"So I'd have to do what the Queen says if I accept?" Harry asked, wondering if he was supposed to accept it or turn it down.
"Not precisely," The Steward said, "Though the Crown may, in fact, call on you in a time of emergency. Unless a state of emergency has been declared, however, your time remains your own. Unless, of course, you should choose to also enlist in some other branch of her Majesty's government."
"Huh?" Harry blinked.
"He means that if you join the army or something you'd have to follow their rules as well as the Knighthood rules, Harry." Hermione explained.
"Oh. Well, that makes sense doesn't it?" Harry asked quizzically.
"Not everyone might agree." The Steward said with a smile. "Now, that is actually part of your muggle responsibilities. As the Queen's Arbiter in the Magical World, you are in fact responsible for judgment over those who appeal to the Queen for Justice."
"Which hasn't happened in over five centuries." Narcissa said dryly.
"Granted."
"Also, it behooves you to remember that as Regent of House Black, those duties will fall upon your shoulders as well."
"Mr. Potter will be Lord Black?"
"No, merely the Regent, unless my idiot cousin fails to continue the bloodline," Narcissa answered, lips curling slightly as she thought of Sirius. "If he knows what's good for him he'll find a good woman or five and get started. Otherwise, I'm going back to America and we'll be having words."
Xander and Harry exchanged puzzled glances at Mrs. Malfoy's 'or five' comment, but kept their silence.
"I see. Well, as Regent Black... Lord Black in all but name," The Steward said seriously, "You will have other duties to the Crown, officially."
Narcissa snorted, drying the ire of the man, "Duties that are hardly binding, and haven't been done in centuries or longer."
"Yet they remain on the books nonetheless." The man growled, piercing her with a glare that didn't faze the blond in the slightest.
"Laws that cannot be enforced are no laws at all." Narcissa countered calmly.
"Some people hold honor over power, Mrs. Malfoy." He snapped, deliberately dropping the title of 'Lady'.
"Honor is an affectation of the powerful, Mr. Prewitt." Narcissa replied in kind. "Anyone who tells you otherwise, is trying to keep you in your place, and make you do all the work for them."
The two glared at one another for a long moment, until Harry broke it up.
"Uh... I don't understand. Do I sign this, or not?" He asked plaintively.
Narcissa sighed, "While there are some small duties that the muggle crown can call on, the position does indeed command an elevated level of respect through most of the Wizarding World. Also, it has some magically bound rights and points of influence that all Clan Heads have to follow. So, my advice is yes... accept the position. It will be useful with most of the people you need to deal with."
"Most?" Harry frowned, "What about the rest?"
"Well, Mr. Potter," Narcissa said coldly, "I fully expect that you'll have to kill them."
"What?" Harry yelped, horrified.
"That group has already decided that you're their enemy, after all."
"Harry," Hermione nudged him gently, "She means that the ones who won't have some respect for the position are probably Death Eaters or deep on their side already."
"Oh." Harry blinked, still looking a little pale. "I don't really want to kill anyone."
"I expect that neither did your father, when he was your age." Narcissa sighed, "Time, and people, have a way of eliminating many of our choices."
"She's right about that, lad." Steward Prewitt said with a sigh.
Harry looked to Hermione for advice, just the glance being all it took to communicate the question he was asking.
"I don't know, Harry." Hermione said, biting her lip. "I don't know nearly enough about the magical world to say what effects it would have."
"What about the Muggle world?" Harry asked softly.
"It's an honor," She said, "You have a chance to serve the crown. I... I don't know what else I can say."
Harry nodded, then glanced at Xander.
"Don't look at me, man. I'm just the go between on this." Xander said with a shrug. "The whole Knight thing sounds cool to me, but you know I learned from Gomez Addams a couple years ago that it really is best to check the fine print. What did Sirius say about it when you talked?"
Harry sighed, "He said that my Dad was probably going to apply for it when the war was over, and my Granddad held the position. He thought it was probably a good idea."
"Well, that's three people giving you more or less the same advice." Xander said, "You've got the information too, so make a decision."
Harry nodded, mulling it over for a long moment, then he nodded to the Steward.
"Ok. I want to go ahead."
"Very Good. We'll set a date then."
"What? A date for what?"
"To meet with the Queen, Mr. Potter. Your oath of service must be given to the Crown."
Harry gulped.
"The Queen? The Queen?" Harry was panicking after they'd left the meeting. "I can't see the Queen! I'm only thirteen!"
"I fail to see what that has to do with anything," Narcissa said, rolling her eyes as they walked back to the limo.
"OhmygodHarry," Hermione rambled, "You're going to meet the Queen, that's incredible."
"It's insane is what it is!"
Xander didn't chime in with his thoughts as the four of them piled into the limo for the drive back to Surrey, he didn't really need to. He didn't have any real clue of just how important that sort of meeting was, though at a guess he was equating it to meeting the President or something. All things considered, he was glad it wasn't him. He wouldn't know what to say to someone like that.
Well, not without risking being shot anyway.
The drive back to Surrey was uneventful, but at Harry's place things were changed up just slightly as all four of them climbed out of the limo and walked up to the house.
"Ready, Mr. Potter?" Narcissa asked softly.
Harry swallowed, but nodded resolutely.
"Alohomora." She said flicking her wand discreetly at the door as she walked, not breaking stride as it popped open in time for her to walk through.
The others followed suit, Narcissa pocketing her wand even as Harry drew his.
"Get OUT!" Vernon reddened, "I will not stand for freaks in this house!"
"Then sit for it, Uncle." Harry said, hitting his uncle with a petrification curse that froze him in mid motion to climb out of his La-Z-Boy chair.
The chair cracked badly when the obese man's weight fell back into it, and Petunia gasped in shock.
"You..." She started, but was cut off.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia. I can use magic." Harry said determinedly. He didn't like playing the bully, didn't enjoy the terror in his uncle's eyes at the moment, but knew that this had to be done.
He couldn't move out, at least not yet. There was no secure place prepared, for one, not even any idea of a place they could begin securing. And Mrs. Malfoy had spoken to him quite frankly on the power of the wards at Privet Drive.
They were such that she didn't want to use magic against his family, was actually afraid to. She'd likewise warned Hermione and Xander to keep their wands in their pockets, as any harmful intent would likely trigger the wards in a potentially nasty way.
Harry, of course, was exempt from them. As were his family.
In that, lay the problem. He was unprotected from his Aunt and her frying pan, his cousin and his gang, and most of all his Uncle and everything that the bigger man could do.
"It stops now, Uncle Vernon." Harry said, forcing his voice to be calm. "I can use magic, and no one can stop me from doing so. Do you see any owls arriving?"
Vernon's eyes flickered wildly.
"Right now, I'm the only Wizard who can do this here." Harry said candidly. "My friends can't cast anything against you..."
That calculating look showed in Vernon's eyes, just as Mrs. Malfoy said it would, and Harry curled his lips in contempt.
"Don't even think about it, Uncle. If you kill me, or even cause me serious harm, the wards protecting you from them will fall. I'm the source of the magic keeping the 'freaks' from coming here in droves."
"And should you kill or harm the Regent of my family House," Narcissa said coldly, "It will be your last act on this Earth, I assure you MOST sincerely. Right now, those wards are the only thing keeping me from causing you pain such as only legends speak of. And do remember, while Sirius was framed for the crimes he was imprisoned for... most of the Black family were guilty as sin. And insignificant pests like you are among out favorite play toys."
"After all," She said airily. "No one misses someone like you when you vanish into thin air... like magic, one might say. Am I clear?"
The fear filled nods gave her answer.
"Very well. It is time to leave. We'll see you soon, Mr. Potter."
"Keep in touch, Harry." Xander waved, letting his jacket swing open as he turned, flashing his wand to the non magicals as he winked in their direction. "And get that suit pressed, I figure the Queen will expect you to look your best, right?"