Books in Series:

Book 1: A Girl Can Be More Important Than a Firebolt

Book 2: Light of the Heart

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A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

A/N: Thank you to my beta brummettjames007

-oOo-

Chapter 13

December 21, 1996

London, England

It was a quiet train ride back to London. Astoria had fallen asleep on Neville's shoulder shortly after the trolley had come. She was firmly held by Neville, her head on his chest as he leaned against the wall with his own head back and eyes closed. Hermione had mostly stayed cuddled up with Harry, his arm around her shoulder as they read. Lavender talked with Parvati while Ron watched the landscape slip passed outside the window, occasionally rereading the latest issue of Quidditch Monthly. Dean and Seamus were riding back with Daphne and Tracey.

"What are you doing New Year's Eve?" Ron asked as they approached London.

Harry looked out the window with Ron. "We've been invited to the Greengrasses for a real Masquerade. Astoria says its usually a good time."

Ron nodded. "And Professor Lupin and your cousin are getting married New Year's Day?"

"Yeah. If you are asking for us to come over, anytime between Boxing Day and the thirtieth."

"That would be good. Mum wants to see you again," Ron told him.

"Bill or Charlie going to be home this year?"

"Bill is transferring back this year. Some big job in Cornwall he's going to be working on for Gringotts. Dad said mum's all nervous that Bill is taking someone home for Christmas eve."

Harry chuckled. "I wish we could be there."

"Mum would always put out an extra setting or two if you want. Ms. Flint could come to," Ron told him.

Harry wanted to tell Ron how much he would prefer to be at the chaotic Burrow instead of the stuffy party it was going to be at Neville's. He had promised Neville though, and if Hermione and he were serious, it was better to go out and start making connections. Aunt Bel and Andi never liked this, but he hadn't realized they had been training him for this incase he decided to take up his heritage. He found that ironic with how much Aunt Bel hated all this society junk.

"I would love to, Ron, but we are already going to my Great Aunt's for Christmas eve, and we'll be at Aunt Andi's with Hermione and her parents on Christmas day."

Ron shrugged. "You change your mind, just show up."

"Sure."

A whistle drifted back to them as the train started to slow. They shared goodbyes as they got off before greeting the Greengrasses, Davises, Browns and down the list of their friends before they made it out of the station. Luckily, it was only Mr. Weasley when they said goodbye to Ron and Ginny, meaning it was a quick handshake, some simple congratulations and they were gone. If Mrs. Weasley had been there, he doubted Hermione and him would have escaped without a solid grilling.

After that, was the start of their busy Christmas Break. Tonight, he was going to go home with Hermione for dinner and then to Aunt Andi's. Tomorrow was the start of the Winter Solstice meeting and they had to be there by ten; the activities started at noon. The Grangers had agreed to Hermione going with him on the Knight Bus, making it far easier to get there, even if he did feel bruised from Hermione sliding into his side a few times as he tried to keep her from bumping around too much.

Rubbing his hip and side, he was happy for the violent purple bus to crack away.

"You going to be alright?" Hermione asked, kissing his cheek.

"Yeah. I'll ask Aunt Andi for some bruise cream when I get there later," he told her.

"Poor little Harry," she teased.

"You're not as light as you think you are," he griped.

She eyed him. "Are you saying I'm fat?"

There was a danger in her voice that he wasn't sure what to do with. "I think you're beautiful. I've also seen you without a shirt. Your stomach is almost as hard as mine now."

"Good answer," she said with a smirk. "Oh, and I am coming with you tonight."

"I thought you were staying here for the week?"

"I'll come back tomorrow night. Not really looking forward to not seeing you for a few days and we need to get ready early tomorrow."

Harry wasn't looking forward to that either. They hadn't spent a day apart in months. Plus, Aunt Andi didn't mind them sharing a room...

Walking into the house, Hermione called out, "We're home."

The smell of something delicious greeted them, as did her mum. "In here," her mum called back from the kitchen.

They put their bags inside the door and moved to the kitchen. A few pots were being tended on the stove. "Is that fresh ravioli?"

Jane hugged Hermione before turning to him. "You like squash, right?" she asked giving him a hug.

"I'll eat anything," he responded.

Dan joined them a few minutes later, coming up from the basement. "So good to see you, Princess." Hermione hugged her father as tight as she had her mother. Dan shook Harry's hand.

"Nice to see you, Dan."

"You too, Harry. Jane, how long before dinner is ready?"

"Just a few minutes," she informed him.

Dan nodded his head. "Come on down for a moment," Dan said to Harry.

"Dan, you can talk to him later."

"It will only be a moment, Jane," Harry told her.

Hermione gave them a questioning look, while Jane was far more discerning. Harry knew where Hermione got it from.

"It will only be a moment. Show your mum what you can do." Hermione's face brightened. She had waited years to show them her magic.

Harry followed Dan down the stairs to a small office with a desk, a few comfortable chairs and a dartboard. Dan motioned to a chair. Harry suddenly felt incredibly nervous. "What was so important in your last letter you wanted to talk to me right away?"

Harry reached into the pocket of his jacket. "I know what we talked about in October, but I wanted you to know I am serious and hoped you would bless this."

Dan looked at the box in his hand. "Do you plan to do this tonight?"

Harry let out a breath. "I want to do it on Christmas day when we are all together. All our family will be there."

Dan nodded before opening the box and whistling at the sight of what it contained. "How can you afford this? You said you had some money, but this looks reckless if you are going to marry my daughter in the next few years. You are both still very young."

"I wasn't entirely truthful when we talked in October," Harry confessed.

Dan looked at the ring again and then him. "How untruthful?"

"I didn't lie about anything I told you, but I have more money than what I may have led on."

Dan held his eyes with an intense gaze. "Was there anything else you were not totally truthful about? And how much more money?"

Solemnly Harry stated, "No, I didn't hold back on anything else. I would prefer for Hermione and only those that help to manage my accounts to know how much. I can say I doubt our grandchildren will have to work a day in their life."

Dan's eyes grew wide. The door to the stairs opened. "Dan, Harry, it's going to get cold," Jane called down.

"We'll be right up," Dan yelled back. The man looked at the ring again. "You treat her like the Princess she is. That is all we can ask."

Harry nodded and took the box back. "I will."

Dan clapped him on the shoulder as they turned to the stairs. "Guess I should start calling you son."

Harry smiled. "You can wait until we get married."

"Jane always wanted another child. No little ones until you are both done with school and whatever those Masteries you both want." Dan squeezed Harry's shoulder hard.

"I am not ready for kids yet," Harry told him. After they were done with all their schooling still sounded too soon. Though, an image of the girl with glasses, his eyes, and looking so much like Hermione flashed through his head. All four children were in his thoughts at times.

"Good. Now let's go enjoy my wife's cooking. She is very excited to have both of you here and to have Hermione home for a bit," Dan told him.

In the dining room, Jane had a salad, some squash filled ravioli in a nice cream sauce with shrimp over the top, and some wine. "If you two are old enough to be betrothed, we can have a toast or two tonight," Jane told him when he looked at the wine.

Hermione smiled. "I already showed mum the rings and explained them."

Dan looked at them, "What rings?"

Hermione held out her hand. "They are House rings, meaning I am Harry's betrothed."

Dan looked at him and Harry held his eyes.

"So, it sounds like you have a busy Holiday planned?" Jane inquired.

"Oh, yes. Tomorrow we will be at the Ministry of Magic. Christmas Eve we will be at Harry's cousin's for a Ball, then at the Greengrass's New Year's Eve for another Ball. New Year's Day is Remus and Dora's wedding. Ron wants us to visit. Harry and Neville have some special dinner planned for the twenty-eighth," Hermione ticked off the planned events.

"Ron and Lavender are going to join us, too," Harry told her.

"My daughter, the bookworm turned socialite," Jane chuckled. Hermione looked a little abashed.

"I take it Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are related to all this political business you have written about," Dan asked.

"I like to think it's for our friends," Harry spoke up. He took another ravioli. They were really good.

"It is that, but yes. The Greengrasses have been helping us, and we are good friends with their daughters," Hermione responded.

Harry jabbed a little hard at a piece of shrimp. "I am not going to put up with Great Aunt Augusta or Madam Bones trying to rope me into something."

Jane and Dan shared a look. "Hermione mentioned something was going on. The wizarding government works like a monarchy?"

"No, but there are those that have hereditary seats, and the Potters are among that group. Like I said, Harry is giving up that seat," Hermione answered.

"This still sounds so much like a monarchy, or something similar," Dan didn't sound as pleased.

"In a way. Jane, you mentioned in your last letter you wanted to have us join you for a play?" Harry asked.

Jane smiled. "If you aren't busy, we have two extra tickets to Les Miserable on the thirtieth. Hermione usually likes musicals like that. Thought it might be a nice Christmas present, princess."

Hermione smiled. "Brilliant! We would love to."

"I don't get a say?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"You just did, and I say we are going," Hermione challenged him.

Jane chuckled and Dan gave him a sympathetic look meant to pass between the males of the house. Harry leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Should be interesting."

It was a very pleasant few hours, and a disappointed Jane and Dan to watch Hermione leave them for the night, before they wound up on the steps of his aunt and uncle. "I am taking the apparition test over Easter," Hermione grumbled.

"At least you don't get bruised that way," Harry griped, exaggerating the pain he was in.

She eyed him. "I am not that big."

"You are perfect," he remarked.

A small smirk pulled at the side of her mouth. "You think you're so smooth at times, don't you, Harry James Potter?"

He looked innocent. "I don't know what you are talking about, luv."

She rolled her eyes and they walked into the house. It was close to ten and Harry wasn't surprised to find only Uncle Ted in the sitting room reading a book.

"Hello, Uncle Ted," he called out.

His uncle looked up from his book and nodded. "Was wondering when you would get in. You just missed Andi. She's in bed now. Evening, Hermione."

"Uncle Ted, it's good to see you," she greeted him.

They moved to sit on the couch across from the man as his uncle put used a bookmark to mark his place before setting his book on the table next to the chair. "How was your semester?"

"Not all the grades were posted before we left, but I was edging out Hermione this time," he said with some pride.

She leaned into him and he put his arm over her shoulder. "Don't get used to it. I'm sure once the Potions and Arithmancy grades are posted I'll be top again."

His uncle laughed. "I don't think I've seen a couple as competitive with each other as you two. How about everything else?"

Harry could tell Uncle Ted was talking about their part in the scandals. Hermione settled deeper into his side. "I'm glad to be out for a while," she told him.

"I'm sorry it was so rough for a while there. We had no idea Fudge and others would take it so hard," Uncle Ted apologized.

"It wasn't your fault," Harry responded.

"Andi and I did encourage you to go public."

"Uncle Ted, it wasn't your fault. Harry and I made the decision. If we are going to be in politics, it is probably better to get used to this," she sighed.

"Maybe." His uncle didn't look as convinced.

Harry looked at his uncle. "How much of the bribery scandal are you and our Aunts responsible for?"

His uncle gave a mischievous smile. "I only exercised your rights as your accounts manager to get the Daily Prophet to report truthfully."

"And Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi?"

His smile grew a little wider. "Bel and Andi may hate the world they grew up in, but they still have connections. You are their favorite nephew and new niece. One thing I have learned over the years is never to mess with their family."

Hermione sat up. "You mean all this is Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi?"

"I don't know all the details, but I think they were the push on the dominoes. Both your Aunts were Slytherin. They know how to move in the shadows when needed," Uncle Ted said knowingly.

"Merlin! I didn't think they had that many contacts. Aunt Bel hates all that more than I do," Harry stated.

"Bel has helped many witches and wizards over the years. You should know this, Harry. Many feel they owe her. You know Bel would never hold it over them like that, but a few pleasant luncheons, the right words, and then documents that were misfiled are found. It doesn't take much at times to change things."

Hermione's hands moved to fists. "We are trying to get rid of interactions like that! How is that not bribery or quid-pro-quo?!"

His uncle shook his head with a smile. "Hermione, Bel never asked them to do it. She never bribed or asked for anything in return for the safe haven she has provided. Most truly feel grateful to her and many are in positions that they did not do the right thing for fear of their jobs or family. To know that you two, and others, would finally back them, it is not surprising how many might grow a backbone. Bel never asked them to do anything."

Hermione was looking at their uncle. Her face looked concerned and he could tell she was thinking furiously.

"What of Aunt Andi?" Harry inquired.

"My bride is from the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. She may have been stripped of that name and blood, but there are those that still respect who she is, and who the new Scion and Heiress are."

"She used us!" Hermione started.

Uncle Ted held up his hands. "Hermione, you are still young and very idealistic. I very much want you to remain so, but there are times when favors need to be called in. I am sure at some point you will owe similar ones or have to ask for them. All she did was ask a few friends or old allies to look at the merit of the accusations before they voted to allow the DMLE to go after everyone. She never told them what way to vote and she never gave an indication, just to be objective. That is all."

Harry took her hand. He knew stuff like this would happen. It was impossible to grow up in his family and not learn this. Even Dora understood this, but like them was too idealistic. It was what made her a good Auror. Harry knew though, that she did use some of that training from time to time.

Hermione did not look pleased.

"Are you alright, Hermione?" He knew she didn't think this way.

"Is this what you meant by our Aunts probably having something to do with this?"

"I really didn't know what they would do, but I told you I had my suspicions. I don't see that they did anything we consider corruption," Harry stated.

"Hermione, do you disagree with the outcome?" Uncle Ted asked when she glared at Harry.

After a moment, she huffed. "No. Astoria, Daphne and even Lavender have been teaching me stuff like this. I don't like using or manipulating people."

"My dear, if you want to be a politician, you will need to do that at some point. You want people to follow and support your ideals. You are looking to improve the lives of many and overturn the lives of others. You will need to convince both sides this is a worthy cause if you don't want a rebellion to foment in the long term," Uncle Ted instructed her in a knowing voice.

"The trick is not to lose yourself in the process. Your betrothed is a good man to keep you grounded and honest. Some of the friends you have made already back you, as do some of their parents. Will you use the opportunity that Bel and Andi have given you to make a splash and launch the changes you both want?"

She looked at Uncle Ted. "I'm only seventeen and in Hogwarts. I don't have a vote yet. I don't have the contacts to do what Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi have done."

"Then I recommend you ask them to meet you for tea once or twice a week. So far, they have only taught you how to act the Lady. Ask them what it is to be a Lady. The tact and grace will come in time. The ways of the Wizengamot and Society are much more of what you need." Uncle Ted clapped his hands and stood up. "We all have a big day tomorrow; I suggest you go to bed soon. Andi made up the bed in Harry's room for you. Good night."

"Thanks, Uncle Ted. Good night," Harry said.

Hermione nodded and leaned back on the couch. Harry could see she was thinking.

"You want to talk?"

Hermione shook her head after a moment. "Why don't we get ready for bed? Can I sleep with you tonight?"

Harry smiled. "I was hoping you would," he told her.

She nodded her head and stood up, took her bag and headed towards the stairs. His eyes followed her behind. After a few steps, she turned. "Aren't you coming?"

He got up and chuckled. "I was wondering if you would notice?"

She reached out her hand to him, taking his when he caught up to her. "You are too important to me not to notice," she told him before moving in. He leaned his head down to kiss her.

A little while later, Harry held the blankets open for Hermione to crawl into bed. "Isn't that one of my old Quidditch shirts," he asked. It was big on her and went half-way down her calf.

"I may have stolen a few," she informed him.

He smirked. "I like it on you, Potter."

She smiled. "Potter. Hermione Potter. Mrs. Hermione Potter," she said out loud before pecking him and laying down. "Harry, when do you want to get married?"

Harry had thought about that a few times lately. He was only sixteen. Having her next to him, her head on his chest and hair tickling his nose was very nice. He also liked the way her body fit against his, her leg over his and her chest pressing into his side.

"I turn seventeen July thirty-first," he suggested.

"You would want our anniversary to be on your birthday?"

"Or just after," he told her.

She shifted to be on her arm and looked down at him. In the dark, he couldn't see her eyes, but he felt them. He felt her, felt her magic. "Can you wait until August?" she asked. He heard the sultry tone to her voice and his blood was already racing.

"I can try," he told her. She leaned down, meeting his lips.

Their hands were quickly roaming as they battled with their tongues and he sucked in a breath when she ran a hand over his shorts and up his shaft. "I didn't say we have to wait on everything," she whispered into his ear. He strained against his shorts in her hand.

"I've liked what we've tried so far," Harry replied before running a hand under the shirt she had on. She quivered as he traced up her firm stomach and cupped a breast.

He liked how she moaned, "There is more to try."

"I love you," he murmured as she started to kiss down his neck and moved to take his Quidditch shirt over her head.

"I love you too," she said as he found the spot at the base of her neck she liked, her hand starting to rub him. He sighed into her chest while kissing her bare skin before she lifted his shirt. Pushing him back, she trailed kisses down his chest.

He shivered as her mouth found other parts of him. "I am doing the same when you are done," he promised in a husky voice before taking in a sharp breath as she pulled her mouth off him.

He heard the smile in her voice. "You had better."

-oOo-

December 22, 1996

London, England

Harry's back was starting to hurt. The collar around his neck was tight. All he wanted to do was open just one button. One button would make things better, but he was sitting in the Wizengamot chambers on the second level of the Ministry. He was doing as he had been taught and he found he loathed all this pomp and pageantry.

Lord Burke was giving a pompous speech about the importance of the Peerage and how it was a right that could not be thrown away. Great Aunt Augusta had managed to find a different tact to try and keep the Potter Lordship intact by presenting legislation that would bind all Lordships in a way they could never be renounced.

Inside he was seething at her and the alliance around her. He had never seen her work with so many neutral and dark Houses to band around an issue. It had caused a rift in her usually unbreakable alliance though. He saw the dissatisfaction on the faces of Lords Greengrass and Davis. When the first vote on the issue was taken up ten minutes ago, more than half of what he knew to be the Longbottom alliance had voted it down. This caused the law to go through an amendment process to try and pass the vote.

Harry couldn't renounce his Lordship until they were done.

Hermione was sitting equally stiff. He could practically feel her anger.

As Lord Burke finished his speech, Lord Garrett asked for time.

Neville was sitting next to them in the lower audience section, with Astoria and Daphne on the other side of his cousin. Harry leaned over as a small discussion broke out on the floor.

"I think we are going to the Weasley's or staying home Christmas Eve," he whispered to his cousin.

"Can I join you?"

"I'm sure Mrs. Weasley won't say no. Astoria would be welcome. There is an extra room at my Aunts."

"As soon as we leave here, I'm packing a bag," Neville muttered. He looked just as upset at his Gran as Harry was.

Hermione tapped his leg and he sat up again. Lord Garett, a known blood supremacist, argued for the new law, even adding a clause requiring Scions or Heiresses to have potential line continuations mandatory and reducing the age of betrothal contracts to seven, and marriage age to fourteen.

"Disgusting," Hermione uttered.

He wanted to take her hand, but that wasn't proper protocol. They were Scion and Heiress Black.

Twenty-eight minutes later, the second vote, complete with amendments, was narrowly shot down, leaving an obviously upset great aunt and others. Madam Bones was the sitting Chief Warlock, she hit her gavel to call attention. Her own displeasure apparent

"This august body shall now take up the matter of the dissolution of the seat belonging to House Potter. Will the representative for House Potter please present themselves?"

Harry was to wait until called.

Aunt Bel got up from the Potter seat in the Wizengamot. She could sit in it, and speak if she wanted, but she could not vote for him because she was a 'house-less' witch. She walked up to the dais, which was near the black stone that marked the Peerage members. It was enchanted to recognize those of pure blood and free of any other loyalty. The current Wizengamot didn't use it anymore, but if a vote for a law was called, any one of the Peerage could challenge the law so long as it was presented by someone not of the Peerage or legally voted in by the Peerage.

It was why there were so few true Peerage seats. Over the centuries the most powerful Houses had trapped others into being vassal-Houses, leaving a very few truly in power. That had been diluted some, but that black stone represented the true power.

"Present yourself," Madam Bones ordered. Her face was blank, her eyes shrewd.

"Belvina Flint, representative and guardian to Harry Potter, the only heir of House Potter," his aunt stated very clearly in her red Wizengamot robes and looking as regal as any other member present.

"You have presented a petition to dissolve the Lordship granted to House Potter per the Ministry Charter and as granted by the Wizarding Council of 1524?"

"Yes, Chief Warlock."

"Are the vassal Houses of Greengrass, Goyle, Lovegood, Hoyle and Wintergreen present?" Madam Bones waited for four Lords and one Lady to stand. "Do you have any objections to this dissolution?"

A few around the hall seemed like they did, but if they spoke now, they could be admonished for the rest of the session. Meaning they would lose their vote for the day. With the current body down from fifty-eight seats to forty-four, that could be a significant loss of votes.

The Lovegoods and Hoyles stood from the spectator section where they were. Within the next ten minutes, Mr. Lovegood would be able to claim his seat as a pure blood.

No one voiced an objection.

Great Aunt Augusta looked right at him, her displeasure apparent.

"Will the last recognized heir please come forward."

Harry stood up, cast a quick glance at Hermione and walked past the wooden rail. He felt every eye in the room upon him. He didn't stop until he was before the black stone.

"Heir Potter, do you freely release all responsibility and privilege that has been bestowed on your House back to the Wizengamot?"

"I do, Chief Warlock." Harry said it as clearly as he could. It was as important for magic to recognize his words as it was those around him.

"Do you release all vassal houses, seeking no boon, recompense or binder?"

"I do, Chief Warlock."

Madam Bones took in a deep breath. She didn't seem happy, but it was not her place to disagree. "You are resolute in this decision and accept your renunciation?"

"I do, Chief Warlock."

"This is your last chance to reconsider," Madam Bones informed him.

Harry knew what to do. He took the goblin silver knife from his pocket and cut his palm. It stung, but he stood tall and confident as droplets of blood fell. "I, Harry James Potter, heir to the House of Potter, hereby release all my responsibilities, privileges, vassals and all other obligations I would have as being a Lord of this body."

The black stone glowed blue and he clenched his hand, not needing to feed it more blood. He felt the magic enchanted in the stone pull to him. Harry let it take that part from him that was the magic attached to the stone. More than eight-hundred years of tradition of the Lord Potter or his other relatives was removed. It didn't change his magic, but he felt the change that his House was no longer a leading member of wizarding society.

In its place, he felt something else surge up. It surprised him and he gasped. The power of another Lordship was filling the void. It wasn't the Black's magic. No. He knew that. It still felt a little off, more like Hermione's magic. This was different. It shook him. Quite literally, and the stone changed from blue to purple.

There was a stir and murmurs spread across the Wizengamot.

After a second, the stone went back to its nighttime black appearance.

"What was that?" a man in the front row asked, standing up and pointing to Harry.

There were other people standing now and talking. Harry looked to Aunt Bel, who was looking quizzically at him. Hand still bleeding, he wrapped it in a handkerchief.

Madame Bones banged her gavel until the room quieted. Harry turned to her when called. "What other Lordships do you hold?"

"Only that of the Blacks, and I cannot claim it until I am seventeen," Harry responded.

"Madam Bones, I would venture to guess that the Council Stone is recognizing Scion Black as the heir to another House of this August body," Lord Greengrass spoke up.

Harry looked at the man. Eyes suddenly widening, his head snapped around to look at Hermione. By the look on her face, she had come to the same conclusion, as impossible as it seemed. He held no other Houses by his magic, a fact confirmed by the goblins of Gringotts; which meant he could only be recognized as a representative of a House if Hermione was also of pure blood.