Chapter 16
Scars, Letters And Orders
Author's Note: In this chapter, Hermione mentions something about going to a New Year's Eve celebration the previous year. According to research, New Year's Eve celebrations in London didn't really begin until 2000. So this is completely fantasy.
Warning: Mentions of Sexual Situation Involving Underage Characters. Discussion of past child abuse.
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Early Morning
In the early morning hours of the last day of the year, Harry was laying awake in bed in his Private Quarters. Hermione was cuddled next to him, her head laying against his chest. They had started their morning with another session of passionate sex. Once again he had woken with his penis halfway down Hermione's throat. This had followed with Hermione straddling him and riding him again. The Neko seemed to love that position. Now they were laying together in post-coital bliss.
"Do you know what I was doing on this day a year ago, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"What?" Harry replied.
"Technically it would be a year ago tonight," Hermione said. "I was on edge of the Thames River, watching the fireworks bring in the New Year over Big Ben. It was the first time my parents had let me go to a public celebration that lasted well past midnight. Of course, we left to go home shortly after the fireworks ended. But I remember the awe I felt. The beauty of the fireworks. I remembered grinning like a fool, watching when my parents kissed, as is the tradition to bring in the New Year. I remembered the love I felt for them."
Hermione sighed, and her breath tickled Harry's chest.
"As I was watching them kiss, I wondered when it would be my time to do that," Hermione said, "And then I wondered who I would be kissing. And..."
"Yes?" Harry urged.
"Oh, it sounds so stupid," Hermione said.
"Nothing you ever say is stupid, Hermione," Harry said.
"I pictured kissing you at midnight to welcome in the New Year," Hermione said. "It was an odd thought back then. I don't know if I even fancied you a year ago. Well, that's probably a lie. I certainly felt something for you when you saved me from the troll. I can remember that now, owing to the Flushing Draught. I remember the moment you took my hand and led me from the bathroom, and never let my hand go until we made it back outside the Gryffindor Common Room. Maybe it was a fancy. But I still imagined kissing you. Nobody else. It was definitely you."
"What are you doing tonight at midnight?" Harry asked.
"Hmm?" Hermione replied.
"Maybe it won't be a kiss on the Thames River," Harry said, "But it will be a midnight kiss to welcome in the new year. Even if we end up asleep before then, I'll ask Sasha to wake us up close to midnight, and you'll get that kiss."
"Well, maybe we should practice for that kiss," Hermione said, grinning.
She turned her head toward his and kissed him on the lips. Harry grinned against her lips and returned the kiss. She backed away a few moments later, then moved her lips down to his chin, then to the top of his chest. Harry closed his eyes, wondering just how far her lips were going to go.
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry hummed in response.
"Where did you get this scar?" Hermione asked.
Harry's eyes shot open, and he looked downwards. Harry was looking at his chest. He winced, and cursed under his breath when he saw the scar on his chest, just above his left nipple.
"It wasn't there before," Hermione said.
"It was," Harry said, "My Metamorph talents covered it up when I changed back to myself when I woke up that day in my female form. It must have come back sometime overnight. And... it isn't the only one."
He sat up and let Hermione search his body. She gasped when she saw the multiple scars on his back.
"What happened to you, Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry laid back down on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling as the memories overwhelmed him.
"Harry," Hermione said, her voice wobbly, "Please tell me."
Harry looked back at Hermione, and found her yellow eyes full of tears.
"Are you sure you want to hear this?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded; her ears were flat and her tail was laying on the bed, not moving at all.
"I was four years old the first time," Harry said, "It was my birthday. Uncle Vernon decided I was old enough to start washing the dishes. One of the plates I was washing was really soapy, and slipped from my hand. It shattered on the floor. Vernon tossed me on the floor, and told me to pick up the pieces. I remember Petunia telling me to use my freaky abilities to repair her plate. I had no idea what she meant. The edges of the plate's broken shards were sharp. I cut my fingers and cried that I was bleeding. Vernon screamed at me, took off his belt and whipped my back with it... four times."
Harry chuckled.
"What in Merlin's bloody name is so funny about this?!" Hermione cried.
"Sorry," Harry said. "It's just... that might have been the only time Vernon ever acknowledged my birthday. Four whippings for my fourth birthday. One of those scars on my back is from the belt buckle scraping my back during one of those whippings."
"How can you laugh about something like that?" Hermione asked.
"Keeps me from crying," Harry said, shrugging.
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione cried, tears running down her nose.
Harry stroked a hand against her cheek, and rubbed the tears away.
"Please don't cry, Hermione," Harry said, "It will never happen again. I'm emancipated, remember? I don't ever have to see them again."
"But all these scars," Hermione said, "They're all –"
"Terrible memories," Harry said, "That's what they are. Memories I don't want to visit again. I'm going to do my best to make sure I can use my talents to cover these scars up permanently."
"Someone has to know about this, Harry!" Hermione said, "Professor McGonagall. Madam Pomfrey... oh, the Head of the DMLE will be here later today."
"You know," Harry said, "Isn't that enough?"
"Your relatives need to pay for this," Hermione said. "This is evidence of child abuse!"
"I just want to forget it," Harry said, "I want to put it behind me. How do I do that if I have to keep showing people the scars? If you want to help me, then help me forget."
"My parents raised me to report something like this," Hermione said, "Like they do if they discover something on the job."
"Do you really want to talk about your parents?" Harry asked, "Considering how they're treating you?"
Hermione sniffled and more tears ran down her face. Harry sighed and opened his arms. She cuddled back into his arms and sniffled again.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, "That was rather low of me."
"I love you, Harry," Hermione said. "I just want to help you."
"Just let me forget," Harry said, "That is how you can help me."
"Fine," Hermione muttered.
"Thank you," Harry said, "I love you, Hermione. I truly do. Thank you for loving me. I'm sure my parents loved me, but you're the first I can clearly remember saying those words."
"That's a tragedy, Harry," Hermione said. "It truly is. No child should have to experience what you did."
Harry sighed. Suddenly, he heard a soft cracking sound that he heard whenever a house-elf arrived. He was very happy there were curtains around his bed.
"Sasha?" Harry asked.
"I apologize if I woke you, sir," Sasha said.
"You didn't wake me," Harry said.
"Three letters came for you early this morning," Sasha said, "I have them here."
"Place them on my bedside table, please," Harry said.
"Done, sir," Sasha said, "Would you and Miss Granger like breakfast?"
Harry's eyes widened. Did the elf know Hermione was with him?
"We may not be in the Common Room for a while, Sasha," Harry said, "Perhaps a little later."
"Very well," Sasha said, "Madam McGonagall asks that you remain in your Quarters – or in Miss Tonks' Quarters if you wish to continue your lessons – until she comes by."
"She doesn't want us to greet the visitors?" Harry asked.
"She believes it would only lead to unnecessary problems," Sasha said, "She fears the Headmaster may do something harsh, especially if you are in his presence."
"Oh," Harry said, "Right. We'll be ready when Professor McGonagall comes."
"I'll inform Madam McGonagall," Sasha said.
"Thank you for bringing the post," Harry said, "From now on please leave it on the coffee table in the Common Room."
"Yes, sir," Sasha said, "I only brought the letters now, because Madam McGonagall said these were what you were waiting for."
Harry realized the letters were from his Betrothed's families.
"Thank you," Harry said, "That will be all. We'll call you for breakfast."
"Yes, sir," Sasha said.
She vanished with light pop. Hermione blew out her breath.
"That was so embarrassing," she said, "Do you think she'll tell Professor McGonagall I'm in here?"
"I think McGonagall figured you'd be in here, Hermione," Harry said.
"Yeah, but not to spend the night!" Hermione said.
"I don't think she'd be too surprised to find that out," Harry said, "We're not breaking rules, Hermione. Professor McGonagall likely knows exactly what is going on. She knows it is necessary."
"Oh... right," Hermione said. "Sorry. I'm guess I'm just worried about breaking rules."
"It's alright," Harry said, "You wouldn't be you if you weren't. Of course breaking the rules is what led you to being a Cat-Girl... ow!"
Hermione had poked one of his nipples with a clawed finger.
"I deserved that," Harry said, grinning, "What do you think Sasha meant by Dumbledore 'doing something harsh'?"
"Seeing the DMLE and Aurors might make Dumbledore panic," Hermione said, "If you're anywhere near him, he might – I don't know – kidnap you and flee the castle?"
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Worst possible scenario," Hermione said, "Actually, there's probably worse. But I'm sure that is what Professor McGonagall fears. Of course, then there is what Sasha didn't say, but I know Professor McGonagall fears too. The arrival of the DMLE might attract students. If I'm there -"
"They'll see your new... attributes," Harry finished.
"Yep," Hermione said, "Not yet ready for that, Harry."
"Me either," Harry said, then grinned, "Haven't yet researched hexes for those people who insult you."
"Oh, you!" Hermione said, chuckling, "Grab those letters, Harry. I'm curious what they say. They're all responses from the families of your Betrothed, right?"
"Probably," Harry said.
He reached through the curtains and grabbed the scrolls of parchment off the bedside table. He set two on his chest, and unrolled one of them, then began to read it:
To Lord Harry Potter, of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter,
Greetings. My name is Castor Greengrass, Lord of the Noble House of Greengrass. You might be familiar with my eldest daughter, Daphne, who is a fellow classmate of yours. She has not spoken much about you, but as she is in Slytherin House, and you are in Gryffindor House, I cannot fault either of you for the lack of conversation between my daughter and yourself.
During the early evening of the twenty-ninth (29) of December, I received a most curious letter from Gringotts London branch. The letter informed me that my daughter's Betrothal Contract – which she inherited from my late sister, who was Betrothed to your father, but tragically died before she could complete the contract – has become active. I hope you are not offended that I am wondering if this is some elaborate joke. After all, you are only twelve years old. I didn't expect that letter until you were sixteen or seventeen.
Am I correct to assume you have achieved Emancipation and have truly become Lord Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter? If so, then I apologize for believing it was a joke. If the Betrothal Contract is indeed active, please send a letter in reply to confirm this. If this is so, I look forward to meeting you next summer so that we may discuss the details of the Contract.
I suppose I should inform you that Daphne has planned to meet with you as soon as possible when she returns to Hogwarts. I know all about the old rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor, and I merely ask you to give my daughter a chance. Get to know her. She may surprise you.
I feel as if this will rekindle the wonderful relationship between our two Houses. Your father and grandfather were very dear friends of mine, and I miss them greatly. I look forward to meeting the new Lord Potter.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year,
Lord Castor Greengrass
Head of the Most Noble House of Greengrass
Harry smiled as he finished the letter. Daphne's father seemed like a very nice man. He couldn't fault the man for thinking his early Lordship may be a joke. And Lord Greengrass also understood the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor, and how this could affect him when it came to getting to know Daphne. But if Lord Greengrass said he should give Daphne a chance, then he would do just that.
Hermione looked at him curiously, and Harry handed the letter over to her. As she read that letter, Harry opened the next scroll and began to read it.
To Lord Harry Potter, of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter,
My name is Pacha Patil of the Minor House of Patil. I believe you are familiar with my twin daughters, Parvati and Padma. Parvati has spoken very highly of you. My wife, Ashanti, and I were friends with your dear parents, and even to this day, we are saddened by their loss. I have looked forward to the day I would be able to meet their son. Ashanti reminds me of the day we met you when you were but a babe. So long ago. I look forward to meeting the young man you are today.
Recently, we received post from Gringotts in London, informing us that the Betrothal Contract between yourself and Padma – which I agreed upon many years ago with your father, James – has become active. Congratulations on your early Lordship – I can only assume it is due to Emancipation.
When it nears the summer holidays, I will invite you to my home so that we may discuss the Contract I penned so long ago with your father. Perhaps, by then, you will get to know my darling Padma a little better, as well as deepen the bonds of friendship with Parvati. However, I must warn you. Parvati may be jealous that her sister is the one in the Contract, and not herself. This may cause complications. But I believe you can soar past these complications.
Once again, I look forward to meeting you.
May your New Year be excellent,
Pacha Patil
Minor House of Patil
Harry smiled as he finished the letter. Unlike Lord Greengrass, Padma and Parvati's father did not seem at all surprised that he had gained his Lordship. Pacha Patil surprised Harry.
For some reason, he had an image in his head that Padma's father was a cliché Indian father – a man who had a firm idea of what he expected of his daughters, and expected them to follow those ideas to the letter, whether it be careers, lifestyles, how they should behave around their future husband, and how many children they expected their daughters to have. But Pacha Patil didn't seem as if he did any of that.
He seemed like a great father, proud of his daughters, and eager to meet the young man who his daughter was promised to. Harry was looking forward to meeting the man.
Harry slightly grimaced at the warning that Parvati might be jealous of Padma's Betrothal to Harry. Harry vowed he would do everything he could to help make sure Parvati ended up happy for her sister. He just wasn't sure how to achieve that.
He handed the letter to Hermione's waiting hands. He then unrolled the final scroll, and began to read the letter.
Lord Harry Potter,
Salutations from France! My name is Pierre Delacour, of the House of Delacour, and French Ambassador to the British Ministry of Magic.
Thursday afternoon, to my surprise I received a letter from Gringotts London Branch. I hardly ever receive post from them, so I knew it had to be important. To my pleasant surprise, the letter was about an agreement I had all but forgotten about. Which is a big shame on my part, I must admit.
It feels like a lifetime ago when I sat down for a cup of English tea with your father: the late, but wonderful James Potter. I remember the day. Perhaps I can tell you all about it one day. It resulted in an agreement between myself and your father – an agreement in the form of a Betrothal Contract between yourself and my youngest daughter, Gabrielle, who is a few days younger than yourself.
Perhaps you have been told about Gabrielle, her sister, Fleur, and their mother – my dear wife, Appoline. The three brightest lights of my life are all Veela. I hope you do not take offense to that. Veela are a beautiful, fierce and loyal race. They are full of love. I must admit that I had my doubts about a Betrothal originally. I knew Gabrielle was a Veela. Veela will only ever have one mate. I asked myself – what if Gabrielle's Betrothed did not turn out to be her life-mate?
But I don't think I need to worry about that. The morning of the day I received the letter about the Contract, my daughter informed me she had dreamed of a young man, and she vividly described the young man she dreamed of. For a moment, I thought she described my old friend, James Potter. Now I know she described you. A dream that vivid can only mean one thing. You are, indeed, her life-mate. I hope that does not embarrass you.
I know you are currently at Hogwarts, and will be in term until summer holiday. Perhaps this summer we can work out an agreement where I can personally invite you to my lovely chateau here in France. We can discuss the Betrothal Contract and you can meet my family.
It would probably be a big understatement to say that Gabrielle is looking forward to meeting you, Lord Potter. She has vowed to master the English language by the time she meets you, so that she may have long discussions with you.
My family and I look forward to meeting you.
Wishing you all the happiness in the New Year,
Pierre Delacour
Head of House Delacour
French Ambassador – British Ministry of Magic
Once again, Harry smiled as he finished the letter. Mr. Delacour seemed like a very happy father, a man that Harry looked forward to meeting. So Gabrielle had apparently dreamed of him, and this meant he was her life-mate. Well, he supposed that was a good thing. He would hate it if he had to suffer being with him if someone else was her life-mate.
Gabrielle appeared eager to meet him too, wanting to learn a whole language in so few months – in addition to her education at Beauxbatons – just so she could speak to him! He hoped he lived up to her expectations of him.
Harry gave the letter to Hermione, and watched her as she read it.
"Hmm," Hermione said.
"Uh-oh," Harry said, "I don't like that sound."
"I'm familiar with Padma, Harry," Hermione said, "And of course I know Parvati. I wouldn't be surprised at all if she is jealous of her sister. I... am familiar with Daphne. She's never been mean to me like Pansy. She actually seemed pretty smart. But this girl, Gabrielle..."
"You know nothing about her," Harry said.
"No, I don't," Hermione said, "I know about Veela. They're literally sexual beings, Harry - more so than Nekos, in fact. If Gabrielle sees you as her life-mate, well, I suppose that is a good thing. But she's – well, she's going to be like me, when I'm behaving in heat, and not just for a few days a month. She'll probably crave sex with you."
"You're jealous, aren't you?" Harry asked.
"No... and yes," Hermione said, sighing.
"I'm not going to ignore you just because of these girls, Hermione," Harry said. "If you don't want me to be romantic with these girls until I'm married to them, I won't be. I'd be fine with that, because I have you. I never expected to find someone like you. I never dreamed I'd be doing what I did this morning and yesterday, at this age! And with an incredible, brilliant and beautiful girl."
"Harry," Hermione said, blushing.
"I'm serious," Harry said.
"I don't want you to ignore these girls," Hermione said, "If you want to be romantic with them before marriage, you can. As long as you come back to me."
"Will you be naked in my bed, waiting for me when I come back?" Harry asked.
"Harry!" Hermione laughed.
Harry grinned. "Is that a no?"
"Of course not," Hermione said, "But I thought I was more than that to you."
"So much more," Harry said. "You're my best friend, and my girlfriend. My mate."
Hermione smiled, and pecked Harry on the lips. She giggled when her stomach rumbled.
"I think it is time for breakfast," Harry said, grinning. "Then I'm going to write letters back to my Betrothed's parents."
"You also need to open your Hope Chest," Hermione said.
"Right," Harry said, nodding. "I completely forgot about that. Thanks."
The young couple proceeded to get dressed and headed out of the bedroom, ready to begin the last day of 1992. Both hoped it would end with Albus Dumbledore leaving Hogwarts for good.
Thursday, December 31st, 1992 – Morning
Amelia Bones was currently sitting in a Thestral-drawn carriage, with Aurors Alastor Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Three Unspeakables, including the Head of the Unspeakables, Algernon Croaker, were riding in an additional carriage behind them. Rubeus Hagrid was sitting on top of the front carriage, guiding the Thestrals, as they trotted toward Hogwarts Castle.
"Auror Shacklebolt, I want you to remain with Unspeakables Bode and Timmons," Amelia said, "And speak to Hagrid about his involvement in the original Chamber of Secrets incident, and find out if he has any involvement in this current incident. Find out if he knows what the monster is."
"Ask about his pet Acromantula," Moody said, "See what he says about that."
"After you finish with Hagrid," Amelia said, "Speak with Poppy Pomfrey. She'll likely be in the Hospital Wing. Find out what Albus Dumbledore did to her, whether it be Compulsion, Loyalty Potions, Obliviations, whatever. If you see Harry Potter, tell him to find Minerva. I want the privilege to interview Mr. Potter. If Bode and Timmons want to go off on their own to investigate the Chamber of Secrets, let them. They don't need to be a part of the investigation against Albus Dumbledore."
"Alright," Kingsley said.
"Alastor," Amelia continued, "You, Unspeakable Croaker, and I will meet with Minerva McGonagall, and find Albus Dumbledore."
"Aye," Moody said, "Here's a question for you. What should we do about Severus Snape? All three of us here knows he's a good-for-nothing Death Eater. Albus vouched for him for some reason. Albus won't be able to protect him anymore. We need to leap on him and find what Albus has on him -"
"Or has him doing," Kingsley added.
"Aye," Moody agreed. "Snape is a Potions Master. Albus won't brew his own illegal potions, so perhaps he had Snape do it for him. Loyalty Potions, and whatever else Albus needed."
Amelia nodded. "We'll speak to Snape as well. I am interested in what he has to say. Alright, we're here. You know your orders. Let's end this year with a bang."
Amelia stepped out of the carriage as it stopped at its destination, eager to begin the investigation.
