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.

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Chapter 17

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December 31, 1996

Rotherham, England

Tonight they had accepted Prim to take them to the Grangers and then take them to Heather Fields Hall in Rotherham. Hermione didn't care for it, but tonight they had to act the proper members of society. It would be Hermione's official announcement of her proper inheritance, and the first formal affair where they would be announced as the Heirs Black.

Prim apparated them to a large side room that was elaborately decorated. Two other couples and a family of four were already making their way out as two more elves popped in with their Masters.

It was a proper masquerade, so everyone was done up to the nines and most were carrying masks on rods to cover their upper faces or holding ones that would be magically held to their faces. He was in fanciful white wizard robes with silver patterns and thread. Harry was pleased that they were supposed to be 'in costume', so they were much looser than the typical ones he would use for events like this. Harry had thought he would need more formal robes, but Astoria had told them this was a 'fancy fun time'. Meaning the more costume like the robes and gowns were, the better.

Hermione was beautiful, like always, in a gown that accentuated her trim upper body with a plunging neckline that hinted at was beneath and a wide skirt. He preferred her in the blue muggle dress she had on last night but seeing her in the white dress with silver threading in designs like his was appeasing as well. "I'm not ready for this," Hermione whispered to him, sounding very nervous.

"You will do great. Just stick with me or one of our friends," he told her. Neville, Tracey, Lavender and the Patil twins were going to be here. He also expected to see Susan and Hannah. Not to mention many others he didn't usually talk with.

She took his arm as he led her out. They entered a large hall with a huge staircase in the center of it. Across the hall was a set of large oak doors that had two wizards dressed as servants before them. People were mingling outside the doors as house elves walked around with trays of refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. They had been told the doors would open at eight but arrived a little early.

As they walked into the crowd, seeing a few friends and saying their hellos, Astoria was suddenly at their side. "Mother and father would like you to come with me," she told them.

"Where are we going?" Hermione asked.

"Just come on," Astoria pressed.

Harry gave Hermione a look that he had no clue, so they followed Astoria around the side of the staircase and past a golden rope chain that was meant to keep others out. She led them down a small hall and into a small room. Lord and Lady Greengrass and Daphne were in the room. The Lord and Lady were in deep blue robes and gown that had a fey feel to them. Daphne's was a nice emerald green with gold designs while Astoria's was snow white with silver.

"We are so glad you could make it," Lord Greengrass greeted them with a smile.

Harry bowed to him before taking the man's hand. "Thank you, Lord Greengrass. Lady Greengrass," he said, bowing to their Transfiguration Professor.

"Scion Black, and is it Heiress Black or Shirley-Black, as I have heard?" Lady Greengrass asked.

"It is Heiress Shirley-Black, Lady Greengrass."

"Would you mind us announcing you as such?" Lady Greengrass enquired.

Hermione took his hand. "That is alright. I know the two vassal-houses have been notified."

Lady Greengrass nodded. Lord Greengrass looked at her. "May I enquire who?"

"The Prewitts and the Orpingtons. I am actually related to the Orpingtons," Hermione told them.

Lord Greengrass eyes rose. "That will cause some issues, I assume. The Orpingtons claim they are a free pure blood house and claim three Vassal-houses, which is impossible if they are a vassal-house themselves. Are Clive, Tillie and Nerys on the invite list?"

Lady Greengrass frowned. "You know they are, Anders. Does this threaten the deal you have been working on?"

"That depends on their reaction. Would you mind if Iliana and myself escort you around for the introductions? It is tradition for heirs and heiress to be introduced by their Regent or parents, but I know that isn't really possible," Lord Greengrass put to them.

Harry frowned. He should have expected this but hadn't realized how formal an affair this was tonight. Hermione looked to him before responding, "If you would do such a kindness, the House of Shirley and Black would be grateful to you."

The man smiled. "I see my daughters have been training you well. Like the other night, I would prefer Anders and Iliana in private. What do you think, Iliana?"

"We are officially introducing Daphne tonight, now that she is seventeen. I think it appropriate we help her friends," Lady Greengrass replied. "If you would, we would ask you to join us as we greet the guests as they arrive."

"Are you sure you would like to endorse us so openly?" Harry enquired.

"Harry, I offered you months ago to be your guide into this world. Until last week, we were still your vassals. The alliance that led to that relationship is one I still care to foster. I also believe my daughters and Astoria's betrothed are firmly at your side," Lord Greengrass answered.

He looked to Astoria who couldn't keep the broad smile off her face. "We are still in negotiations, but Neville has asked," Astoria told them.

"Congratulations, Astoria," Harry said. Hermione didn't hesitate to move to their friend and hug her.

"We intent to announce it tonight," Lord Anders said to his younger daughter, who grabbed Hermione's hands so tight Astoria's hands turned white. Her eyes were huge.

"But you said you wanted the betrothal signed first," she said shocked.

Daphne rolled her eyes. "As if Madam Longbottom will reject the terms."

"Actually, Neville has rejected the terms and already proposed other ones," Lady Greengrass told her eldest.

Astoria suddenly looked concerned. "What do you mean he rejected the terms and proposed new ones?"

"We can sit and discuss them tomorrow, but your father and I fully endorse the new terms," her mother told her.

Now the poor girl looked fretful. "Are you sure? The Seer said-" Astoria suddenly clamped her mouth shut.

"Astoria, trust us. Would you not like your impending betrothal announced?" her mother asked gently.

"I really like Neville," Astoria replied.

Hermione took his hand again.

"It is settled then. Harry and Hermione, if you would accompany us," Anders said with a gesture towards a door.

Hermione let his hand go and took his arm instead. The door opened into a huge ballroom. A stage was set up opposite the doors. There were round tables along the sides with a few long tables along a wall with all sorts of refreshments. The floor was a polished marble with silver filigree tying the marble pieces together and making a huge Greengrass Crest in the center of the floor. The decorations were posh and screamed high society.

The effect was elegant and expensive.

The Greengrasses lined up next to the door and asked Harry and Hermione to line up after them. "Why isn't Neville doing this?" Hermione whispered.

"He has his Gran to introduce him and until they are officially betrothed it is seen as inappropriate," Harry whispered back.

"Graham, why don't you let the guests in," Anders said to a wizard just inside the doors.

"Yes, Lord Greengrass." The man snapped his feet together and the two men moved to the doors to open them.

The milling crowd outside slowly formed a line as couples or families were let in. "The Lord and Lady Wintergreen and Mr. Erick Wintergreen," the footman, Graham, called out to the empty room.

Harry had been to a few events like this growing up. He always found most to be self-important and over the top then. It seemed no different this time. Hermione pulled herself up and looked almost as regal as the Greengrass women.

A much older gentleman and woman came in, followed by a man who looked to be in his late twenties. Harry had not met them yet and as they made their way to Lady Greengrass, the man gave them an eye. "Lord Wintergreen, may I introduce Scion Black and Heiress Shirley-Black?" Iliana enquired.

The man bowed and Harry returned the compliment. "It is a pleasure, Scion Black. The Wintergreens owe you a great honor for releasing us from your vassalage."

"Lord Wintergreen, it was my honor," Harry replied. He knew the game and internally sighed. The man looked to be a windbag.

"And Heiress Shirley-Black, I would like to talk with you later about your heritage."

"I look forward to it, Lord Wintergreen."

The man and his wife moved on. Erick Wintergreen had a rather haughty expression on his face and tried to look down at them. "Mr. Wintergreen," Harry bowed. When the man didn't bow deep enough, Iliana commented, "Perhaps I missed an elevation in Peerage?"

The man caught her eye and then did the proper bow for his station. Harry didn't like the berk already.

After that, it was a steady stream of people. There were the Abbots, Edgecombe, McMillan, Brown (Lavender was without Ron tonight), Patils... When "Lord Lovegood and Heiress Lovegood," was called out, Harry was happy to see the blonde they had started to become friends with. Their new position was only two weeks old, but many turned to look at them. Like Harry and Hermione, he was sure these two would be popular tonight.

When Lady Greengrass passed them off to them, Luna looked him up and down before looking at Hermione. "He is quite attractive once cleaned up, Hermione. No nargles or wrackspurts. Very down to earth," the girl said in a voice that sounded like she was only half-there.

"Thank you, Heiress Lovegood," Hermione responded, sounding as though she was trying to keep a laugh in at Iliana's raised brow and the look on the woman behind her. "I will take that as your approval."

Luna gave her a smile. Harry bowed to Lord Lovegood before the man extended a hand. "It is very nice to finally meet you, Mr. Potter. Xenophilius Lovegood. I met your father a few times when younger and my father had a very high opinion of the Potters. I hope you accept our invitation to come see the Quibbler at some point."

"I would like that. Perhaps over Easter?" Harry offered.

"That would be splendid. We should move to let the next person by," the man said to Luna, guiding her away by the shoulders.

"I think tonight will be splendid. I will see you later, Hermione," Luna said over her shoulder. Harry was going to have to get to know the girl. He knew Hermione had spent some time with her, but Harry hadn't yet.

"What's a wrackspurt?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Later," Hermione told him.

Lord Burke was just as pleasant as he was at Slughorns party about two months back. There must have been close to two hundred people before the last ones to come through were the Longbottoms. Neville had a very passive and regal look to him, but it was impossible to miss how his eyes lit up to see Astoria. Great Aunt Augusta was with them. After greeting Lord and Lady Greengrass, Neville bowed to Daphne before extending an arm to Astoria, who fought to keep a small smile off her face but wasn't as successful. Harry had seen her do so when she wanted, but tonight wasn't really a stuffy affair, not once the initial speeches were done.

"Evening, Scion Black, Heiress Shirley-Black," Neville said, giving them a half bow while Astoria didn't let his arm go. Hermione grabbed his arm and the hard squeeze she gave him told him he was to cause no issues tonight. He still rolled his eyes a little. "Scion and Heiress Longbottom," Harry said. A few around them turned at his announcement. Astoria's smile came through this time before she schooled her face. Neville acknowledged him with a nod. Lady Greengrass and Madam Longbottom gave him a look as though upset with him. Technically it had not been announced yet, but it would in just a few minutes.

Lord Greengrass just shook his head while Daphne shrugged.

It was a procession through the crowd of almost two hundred people. The stage that would house a band in a little bit was setup for the Greengrasses. Harry went to step to the side of the stairs. Lord Greengrass gave him a raised brow. "I think the Scion Black belongs on the stage. I am sponsoring you."

"Yes, sir," Harry said, leading Hermione behind Matron Longbottom.

The crowd quieted as Lord Greengrass took center stage. "My beautiful wife and I would like to welcome you all to our annual New Year's Eve gala. This year it was decided to be a little more whimsical, and I see everyone has gotten into the spirit of the celebration and masquerade."

There was polite applause around the hall.

Lord Greengrass smiled. "I promise this will be a celebration. We have been able to get the acclaimed Celestina Warbeck to grace our stage in a little bit, and her music will be broadcast over the Wizarding Wireless network starting at nine o'clock."

There was more excited rumbling now. Even the stodgy members of high society could be roused.

"Before I would start this, there are a few announcements that would be a pleasure to present to you. Daphne, please come here." Daphne stepped up to her father, with her mother just behind her. "Lady Greengrass and myself are proud to present our daughter, Heiress Daphne Greengrass, to our friends and colleagues. Having just turned seventeen, Daphne has agreed to take up her position in our society. Iliana and myself could not be prouder."

There was applause. Daphne stood tall, some pride on her face. "Thank you, father."

He took her hand and kissed it. "It is my pride to see you as Heiress of our House."

After a moment, Daphne stepped back.

"Next, I would ask our younger daughter and Scion Longbottom to step forward."

Neville stepped up with Astoria on his arm. His great aunt stepped beside Lady Greengrass.

"With Madam Longbottoms permission, I would like to announce that the Greengrasses have accepted a betrothal between Astoria and Scion Neville Longbottom," the man said, and more clapping echoed around the hall. "They will not marry until they are both out of Hogwarts, but my wife and I are very pleased with this union. Madam Longbottom, would you like to add any words?"

"Thank you, Lord Greengrass. The House of Longbottom is very pleased and looks forward to accepting this fine young woman into our halls and family. This will bring two old families of Pureblood closer together and create a tie that will bond us in both blood and friendship," his great aunt said.

The applause, and talk, were even greater this time.

"I could not agree more, Madam Longbottom. The Greengrasses will always welcome any Longbottom and pledge our friendship and alliance to you. If you could, I am sure this young couple would appreciate any congratulations you may give tonight," Lord Greengrass requested. With a nod, everyone else stepped back.

Hermione grabbed his arm a little tighter. He had faith she would do well.

"For the last big announcement, I would ask the Scion and Heiress Black to step forward," the man indicated for them to join him at their side.

"The Greengrasses once pledged their fidelity and allegiance to a great house of our society. Recently, we have been released to chart our own course again with the dissolution of the Potter Lordship. As I am sure we were all caught unawares, this was a great ploy by a young man that will cause as many stirrings as his grandfather did," Lord Greengrass said.

There was a general stir of amusement.

"Scion Harry Potter, Scion of House Black, has agreed for the Greengrasses to act as his sponsor and ally when he formally requests his rights as Lord Black. This is out of loyalty to his House, and as a show of good faith between the Greengrasses and the Potters. Thus, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Scion Black, and his betrothed, Heiress Hermione Granger, Heiress of House Shirley and House Black."

This time, there was shock and surprise that passed through the hall.

Lord Greengrass smiled at them all. "Yes, after the last Wizengamot meet, Heiress Shirley-Black was able to find her ancestry. It has been close to three centuries since a Shirley joined those of us in the Peerage, and as such, the House of Greengrass has offered to sponsor the House of Shirley as well."

The talking didn't calm down as Lord Greengrass closed up the opening remarks and they were released. As they stepped down from the stage, Hermione leaned over to Daphne. "I didn't mean to steal any of your thunder."

Daphne gave her a small smile. "It was expected and now I expect to be inundated with potential suitors tonight. Having you and Harry being announced like this might give me a little breathing room."

"And what about us?" Astoria questioned as she joined them at the bottom of the stairs. Neville was looking pleased to have the slender brunette on his arm.

"That just means you are off the market now and neither of you will be pestered tonight," Daphne groused.

"If you need any saving or a dance, just give me a signal," Harry told her.

Daphne looked to Hermione, "And you are alright with this?"

Hermione smiled. "I have him almost any other time I want. You are our friend and I'll dance with you if you need."

Daphne gave her a discerning look. "I would think that only appropriate if you and your Scion wanted to court me."

Astoria chuckled to see their faces. "I don't think that is what they want."

Daphne looked almost disappointed. "I will call on you, Harry, if I need."

He inclined his head, hoping his embarrassment wasn't showing. "It will be my pleasure."

Their little bubble was popped as the hosts came over. "Daphne, your mother would like to introduce you to a few people before I take you out for a round," Lord Greengrass informed her.

"Yes, father," Daphne said, before walking off with Lady Greengrass.

Madam Longbottom moved to Neville's side. "Anders, if you do not mind, I would take Neville and Astoria. I am sure there are some that would like to meet the future Heiress Longbottom."

"Of course, Augusta. I would request a dance or two with my daughter later," Lord Greengrass said to Neville.

Neville was already straight backed and nodded. "It would be my pleasure, Lord Greengrass. I am sure Astoria would like that."

Said girl nodded her head in a demure fashion. "When you would ask, father."

He nodded and they walked off, leaving Lord Greengrass with them. "Are you ready for your big debut?"

"No," Hermione said nervously.

"You will do fine, luv. If you don't know, just nod and let Anders or myself handle it," Harry told her.

Lord Greengrass nodded. "I think I underestimated how well Belvina has trained you."

Harry kept his lip from curling. "I have been told we all must do things we find distasteful."

The man chuckled. "Don't let my wife hear you say that. She spent months every year planning this event and would be rather disappointed if her efforts were to be unappreciated, especially after such big announcements."

"Harry would never do that. Would you?" Hermione pressed.

"Never. If you would, Lord Greengrass, I do think the Scion Black and Heiress Shirley-Black need to be introduced," Harry said, standing tall and trying to be as regal as he could. Hermione straightened her posture and moved her arm, so her hand was in the crock of his elbow.

"I think you are right. Our first stop should be the Davises. They are our closest allies and business partners. After that, we will see who is available," Lord Greengrass told them.

The next hour or so was spent in a whirlwind. Anders introduced them to fifteen families. All of them were ones that were part of his great aunt's alliance or allies of the Greengrasses. There were the Davises, Zabinis, Browns, Changs, Brockelhursts, McDougals... Harry was having a hard time remembering the ones that didn't have children in Hogwarts.

When they finally sat, it was half-past ten. Hermione was watching those around them. Somewhere dancing. There was a table playing a drinking game and it was apparent the older men and woman were having a blast as they laughed. Others were resting like them, having some hors d'oeuvres or a quiet drink.

"Do you remember half of who we just talked to? Aunt Bel never paraded me around like that," Harry said before taking a large swig of the muggle beer that had been on the drink table. As it seemed that Harry, Astoria, Neville and maybe two or three others were below seventeen, many of the drink choices were alcoholic. Speaking of Neville and Astoria, he saw her with a huge smile as Neville and her danced around. Luna was spotted across the hall with Susan and Hannah. They would go over and say hi in a few.

"I am trying to catalog it all. This is all going to be important," she told him.

"I know. Can I just stay home and watch the kids?" he asked jokingly.

"You have to go to the first Solstice meet, after that, it's all mine," she said with a smirk.

"Bossy chit," he snarked and laughed when she hit him.

She sat back and put her feet up. "These stockings are wonderful, but these shoes are murder. Rub my feet and then take me dancing?"

"As my betrothed wants." Harry took her high heels off and rubbed her feet. "I probably need to adjust the runes. Your feet shouldn't bother you."

Hermione gave him a smirk. "I may just like you rubbing my feet."

"Keep that up and someone may get lucky tonight," Daphne said with a laugh when Hermione gave the girl a look.

"How is your night?" Hermione asked.

Daphne made an unimpressed face as she joined them. "About what I expected. I wish Dean could have made it."

Harry raised an eye. "You two had that good of a time at the Yule Ball?"

Daphne had a happy expression. "He was nice."

"He's also a scion of a house that could claim a seat on the Wizengamot," Harry pointed out.

Her expression wasn't as happy. "Only father will be concerned with that."

"Sorry, Daphne, I didn't mean anything bad by that," Harry told her.

Tracey came and knelt between them. "Hide me. Please!" she begged them.

They all looked at her. "You okay, Tracey?" Hermione asked.

"Father wants me to dance with that arse, Erick Wintergreen," she told them. "He's been talking with them all night. I am not going to marry that prick."

Daphne frowned. "Trace, you don't think?"

"Father has been hinting all week that he has received a few enquiries and mother was telling me all about the Wintergreens. He's eleven years older than I am. Eeeep," she squeaked out, ducking low as Harry caught the man looking their way before walking off.

Hermione gave him a look. "Should we go back to Sark?"

"Tracey, are you sure?" Daphne asked as Tracey peeked around Hermione's chair.

"You know he wants to move up and the Wintergreens have just gotten a Lordship. Father says he doesn't want to be with Longbottom and Bones anymore and what better way than to offer me in an alliance?" Tracey alleged in a hushed tone. She sounded afraid.

Harry looked around and found her father and mother sitting at a table with the Wintergreens. They were talking and had a parchment on the table. They would not be able to formalize anything here, but they could work up a framework. Merlin, he hated all those lessons, but he knew how this would work.

He gave a look to Daphne, who nodded. She could see it too.

"Bloody hell," he muttered. He ran a hand through his hair. He had been out with Aunt Bel a few times when she went to help someone. Leaning over to Hermione, he put his lips to her ear. "Why don't you go take Tracey to the bathroom. You can call Prim or Cork and they can take her to our house. Come back after that."

Hermione nodded. "Let me see what she wants," she whispered back before kissing his cheek. "Tracey, Daphne, can you come check my makeup?"

Daphne gave them an inscrutable look before nodding. "Come on, Trace. I know you have a whole kit in that handbag."

"You have your room upstairs..." Tracey started, not getting what they were saying as she kept her eyes on Wintergreen. Daphne gave a hard look to her friend, who wound up nodding. "Sure, Daph. Come on, Hermione. Buy the way, I love how that outfit looks on you."

Hermione gave her a nice smile as Harry slipped her high heels on again. "Thank you. I love how your hair is so curly tonight. It's cute."

Harry blinked, never having heard Hermione sound like that.

"Thank you. I have a few tips..." Tracey said to Hermione a little loudly.

When they moved away, Harry was left at the table.

-oOo-

Close to midnight...

Hermione had come back with Daphne not long ago. When he caught her eye, she just shook her head slightly, telling him not to say anything. Instead, he went to her side and pecked her. "It will be midnight soon," he told her.

"I want to be close to the stage. Daphne wanted us with Neville and Astoria," Hermione told him. Harry navigated them through the crowd to end up next to his cousin. Most of the others their age were there too. "Where have you been?" Astoria questioned.

"Daphne had to show me how to powder my nose," Hermione answered.

The look Astoria gave her had Harry knowing Astoria knew something was up, but discretely didn't say anything else. Neville looked between them too. "Should I know?"

Harry shook his head and that was it.

The band had left the stage and Anders was on it with Iliana and Daphne. "Thank you all for coming and the reason we all gathered here is about to be upon us. The first witching hour of the year will start in just a few minutes. I offer thanks for all the gifts we have received this year and wish many more on our family, friends and colleagues for the next year."

There was a general applause.

"Since this is the first year that my eldest is of age, I have invited her to set off the fireworks, so if you all would move out to the lawn," the man said, swirling his wand and the doors on the side of the stage. They all moved out and Astoria made sure they were next to her parents as Daphne took up on a stone platform. There were a few cords propped up on some wood poles.

With a flick of her wand, a golden set of numbers lit up next to her. They were counting down from seventy-three.

Hermione moved so that she was facing him. "I love you," she told him.

Harry smiled. "I love you too."

"We are getting married in August," she told him.

"August second," he confirmed.

"God, that is a long time to wait," she said.

"What brought this on?" Harry asked, not disagreeing with her.

"You and your aunt, you are some of the best people I know. I was so blind to not see it," she told him, putting her arms over his shoulders as the people started to count down from twenty.

"I was a coward for not talking with you," he said.

Astoria gripped Hermione. "Count down with us," she told them excitedly.

"Eight! Seven! Six!" they shouted with everyone else.

At one, Daphne swished her wand past the fuses. A stream of fire followed the motion and the fuses started to race away across the lawn. Hermione went onto her toes to kiss him as they all shouted zero. It was a few seconds before the first dull thud of a firework being launched into the air came to them. Harry was already fully involved with his betroths' dancing tongue in his mouth when the first silver firework went off.

Sometime later, when all the guests had left, Harry was sitting at a table with Daphne, Neville and Astoria. They had been asked to stay behind. Anders and Iliana came over to them. "Everyone else has left. I think you have some explaining to do since it sounds like one of my allies may accuse me of stealing their daughter tomorrow," Anders said, looking Harry straight in the eye.

"We didn't kidnap her. She asked for help and my aunt extended her an offer of refuge. If anyone else but you asks, I don't know what happened to her. I give you my word, Lord Greengrass, I did not mean to abuse the hospitality that you have shown me, and Ms. Davis is safe and in good hands. I would never do that to family," he said, indicating Neville and Astoria.

The man didn't quite look mollified.

"Harry, my husband is not accusing you of abusing our hospitality. We gladly claim our alliance with the Potters, but you must realize the optics here," Iliana told him.

"Mother, Lord Davis wanted to sign a betrothal between Tracey and that berk Wintergreen. I know even father and you would never do that to me, and I would not allow my friend too. I extended the protection of the Greengrasses to Tracey, and Harry offered transportation to a secret location," Daphne said.

"I assume Sark?" Anders asked.

"I cannot say that, sir," Harry said far more formally than he had been talking to the man earlier.

"Anders, I think it better you not know," Iliana told him.

"I am going to get changed and then go join Tracey for the night. I will be back at some point tomorrow," Daphne told her parents. Her mother reached out for her.

"May I come. I would like to know Tracey is well. She has been as much a daughter to us as my own daughters," her mother said.

Daphne looked to them. Hermione nodded her head. "I will call for Prim when you are ready."

Daphne gave her a grateful smile, and her mother and her left the hall. Anders regarded them. "Are you as troublesome as your cousin?" Anders asked Neville.

"I try not to be, sir, but Harry tends to drag me into things," Neville replied with an even face.

"Oi! I'm right here," Harry said, eliciting a giggle from Astoria. Hermione rolled her eyes as Neville replied, "That's why I'm being nice."

Harry scoffed and Astoria giggled more. A smile came to Anders face after a moment.

"If you excuse me, I have a feeling I will be getting a call early tomorrow. I really don't know what happened so I can only assume everyone made it home safely. I want you in bed within the hour," he finished by pointing at his daughter.

"Yes, father. I just want to say good night to Neville," she said, taking Neville's hand in hers.

"I'll go up and see if Daphne is ready," Hermione said.

"Nev and I will wait for you in the atrium," Harry told her, getting up. The three of them walked out, hearing Neville and Astoria whispering to each other before she kissed him.

"You are just as troublesome as your father and grandfather," Anders said without any real heat in his words.

Harry tried hard, but failed, to not give a cheeky smile. "I like to think I am more like my Aunt Bel and Andi."

The man snorted. "I think that is an apt comparison. Have a good night," the man said. Hermione was already rushing up the stairs and Harry was left to wait for everyone.