Disclaimer: I Don't Own Anything to Do With Harry Potter.
Contract and Bond
Chapter 1: First Days
Wednesday, July 31st, 1991
Diagon Alley
Harry
After finally making it through everyone in the Leaky Cauldron, Harry Potter finally got his first view of the Wizarding world. Hagrid pointed out some of the more important shops, but it felt like he needed a thousand eyes to see everything. The first place they needed to stop was apparently Gringott's Wizarding Bank to get some money from his account. It was strange to him that he had an account that he knew nothing about and was going to bring it up with Hagrid, but stopped short when he saw that the bankers were not who he expected. Apparently Goblins ran the bank and every teller he saw looked like they were ready to go to war instead of give him a withdrawal.
They stopped in front of one of the teller's that was looking down at the counter. Harry thought he looked like he wanted to be doing anything else. Harry said, "Excuse me, sir. I was told that I had money at this bank."
The Goblin looked up at the "sir" with what Harry thought was a surprised look and said, "Name?"
"Harry Potter." he said looking around making sure that nobody in the bank was going to rush him wanting to shake his hand like in the Leaky Cauldron.
The teller was wondering how this boy didn't know about his vaults, but decided that was for the higher ups to worry about. "Yes you have a vault here. Cart Operator Griphook will take you. Your escort will have to wait here."
"I 'ave a note 'ere from Albus Dumbledore to pick up you know what from vault you know which." said Hagrid.
The teller actually didn't know what the half giant was talking about and really didn't care. "Cart Operator Longnose will take you to the vault." He then went back to his important business of staring at the counter.
"Thank you Teller... I'm sorry I didn't get your name, sir." said Harry.
The Teller looked up. "I am Teller Knoblock. Have a good day, Mr. Potter."
"You have a good day as well, Teller Knoblock. Thank you." said Harry.
Harry and Hagrid left the teller counter and headed to the two Goblins waiting for them.
Griphook looked at the child coming up to him and knew something was not right. The child was sickly thin and had a belt that was in disrepair knotted together to hold his pants up and a shirt that was at least three sizes too big. He also held his arm as though it had not healed properly after a break. Already deciding on what to do he approached the boy and asked, "Do you have your key, Mr. Potter?"
"Uh..." Harry started.
"I 'ave that right 'ere." said Hagrid.
Griphook eyed Hagrid like he was the devil incarnate but thought it best to not say anything and just took the key.
"This way, Mr. Potter." Griphook let Longnose and the half giant go ahead of them and get a cart first, but led Harry through a secret passage to the Director's office. To anyone looking they would have seen Griphook and Harry get on a cart to go to the vault.
"Cart Operator Griphook, where are we going?" asked Harry.
"I'm taking you to see Director Ragnok. Your appearance and the fact that you didn't have your key on you have brought up some questions that need to be answered. There's also the fact that you weren't aware of the vaults you have here at the bank." said Griphook.
Harry decided to ignore the plural use of the word vault until later. "Director Ragnok runs the bank?" he asked.
"Yes. Here we are. Wait here a moment please." Harry noticed that the word please sounded foreign coming from the Goblin.
Griphook knocked three times on the door. It opened and he went in. After a few minutes Griphook reappeared and told him to come in with him. "Mr. Potter, this is Director Ragnok."
"Hello, Director Ragnok. You may call me Harry if you'd like." said Harry.
Ragnok laughed. Another thing Harry thought Goblins didn't do very often. "Just like your father and later on your mother when I met her. They didn't like being called Mr. or Mrs., If they had become Lord and Lady Potter I don't think they would've liked that either. You may call me Ragnok as well. Well Harry, let's get down to business. Cart Operator Griphook tells me that you didn't know anything about your vaults and that you didn't have your key but instead your escort was carrying it. Is this true?"
"Yes, Ragnok. I just last night found out about the Wizarding world and until then I knew nothing about being a Wizard, having any vaults or anything at all about the Wizarding world."
Ragnok was irate. He was there when the will of the Potter's was made since before his current station he was the account manager for the Potter's. In fact because of the ties they have the Potter's along with one other family were his only clients.
"Harry I have known your family for a long time and I have been and still am your families account manager and your family has been considered Goblin friends for many years. Your parents left a will about your care and I apologize for having to ask but are you happy in the care of your relatives, Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"
Harry looked down, but did not answer and Ragnok already knew the answer to several of the questions brought up by Griphook.
"Harry in the will your parents laid out you were supposed to be told everything about the Wizarding world on your seventh birthday to give you time to learn about our customs and the differences between our world and the Muggle world. Your aunt and uncle were given an annual payment for your care on the signed promise that this would be done and that you were to be raised like their own son. I'm sure based on what I see from you that this did not happen and your relatives are in breach of contract. I need you to tell me about your life with the Dursley's Harry."
Harry didn't want to, but once he started talking it all came out. Being called a freak, the beatings for incidents that couldn't possibly be his fault, but now knowing about magic actually were sort of, having to cook and clean for his relatives, but never receiving any kind of love or thanks from them, being told his parents were worthless drunks who deserved to die in that car crash and all the times he barely got to eat or was sent to the cupboard under the stairs without food for weeks.
It was after hearing about all this that Ragnok was ready to have the Dursley's heads decorate his wall, but the Ministry didn't allow that anymore. And sovereign nation or not he wouldn't be able to do what he wanted to do with them.
"Harry, as your parents before you and several of your past family you are considered a Goblin friend and Gringott's can offer you some options for..."
"What does that mean exactly, a Goblin friend? How can Gringott's help? Aren't you just a bank?" asked Harry.
"Yes officially according to the treaty with the Ministry the Goblin Nation is reduced to being the Wizarding world's bankers, but because of some fancy wording in the treaty on my father's part we are a sovereign nation and are separate from the Ministry with our own laws. Here I am called Director Ragnok by the Witches and Wizards, but my real title is King Ragnok the third, Leader of the Goblin Nation. We have a relationship in our capacity as the bank with the Ministry we can file any legal paperwork such as emancipation on the basis of contract violation on the part of the Dursley's."
Ragnok could see that Harry was going to jump on the chance to get away from the Dursley's and warned him that there were consequences to his becoming emancipated.
"Like what?" asked Harry
Bones Manor
Susan
Susan Bones was sitting in a lounge chair by the pool sunbathing with her best friend Hannah Abbott. The two of them had just finished an epic splash war in the pool and were just relaxing and enjoying their last summer before starting Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year. Susan was startled when a Ministry Owl landed beside her with a letter tied to its leg.
"Shouldn't you have delivered this to my aunt at the Ministry?" Susan asked.
Susan could've sworn the Owl looked at her like she was stupid before nipping at her hand.
"Oh it's for me." said Susan. Though she couldn't think of anything that would arrive for her since her Hogwarts letter had come last week. Her auntie was going to take her shopping tomorrow on her 11th birthday.
"Well take the letter and see what it says." said Hannah and the Owl obviously agreed with her by the look on its face.
Susan took the letter and the Owl immediately took off. She opened the envelope, took the letter out and started to read.
Dear Lady Susan Amelia Potter,
The Ministry would like to offer its congratulations on your marriage to Lord Harry James Potter. As of today you are hereby emancipated and considered an adult under magical law.
Hoping you are well,
Thomas Harding
Department of Records
Hannah watched as Susan turned very white and dropped the letter.
"What's wrong, Susan?" asked Hannah as she picked up the letter.
"I'm...no I can't be..." was all Susan got out.
Another Owl started to land as Hannah started to read the letter. She read it three times before saying "Son of a bitch!"
"Son of a bitch is right!" said Susan snatching the second letter from the Owl angrily.
Lady Susan Amelia Potter,
Congratulations.
With the emancipation of Lord Harry James Potter, the Marriage Contract signed by your parents, Edgar and Cassandra Bones and James and Lily Potter you are hereby married and are now considered an adult by magical law.
Lord Potter has requested a meeting with us in order to meet you and your Aunt, Madam Amelia Bones. This meeting will be at 10:00am tomorrow.
Thank you and Congratulations again.
Director Ragnok
Head of Gringott's Wizarding Bank
Amelia
Amelia Bones flooed in from work and was immediately approached by Susan and handed two letters.
"Auntie! What the Hell?! How am I married? Harry Potter? You never..." said Susan hysterically.
"Susan, calm down please. It looks like we'll find out tomorrow at 10:00am. Mipsy bring us some Chamomile Tea please." said Amelia.
"Why?" Susan asked.
"Why, what? You'll have to be more specific." said Amelia.
"Why didn't you tell me who I was betrothed to? You told me that I was contracted years ago but not to whom. Why was Harry emancipated? Where has he been all this time?" asked Susan.
"I don't have answers to all those questions and more that I'm sure you have. I was going to tell who you were betrothed to tomorrow, and the reason that I didn't tell you before was that I didn't want to have you worry about it while you were growing up. You already knew about the marriage contract and I thought that was enough to have you know at that time. I'm sure we'll learn the answers to your other questions tomorrow. Now why don't you go spend some time with Hannah since you know she'll be leaving on vacation with her parents and you won't get to see her again until you leave for Hogwarts." said Amelia.
Amelia then went and poured her a glass of Firewhiskey. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore was in his office sitting at his desk when Fawkes finally appeared with Hagrid. "Ah, Hagrid, how was your day in Diagon Alley?"
"It went fine, sir. Young 'arry got all 'is school supplies after stopping at Gringott's an' getting some money from 'is vault. It took 'im a bit of a long time to get 'is money because they got in the cart after us, but we got back a long time before 'arry came back into the lobby..." said Hagrid.
Dumbledore stopped listening at this point and used Legilemency on Hagrid to see what he suspected already since he knew of the secret passage to Director Ragnok's office. Even though Hagrid hadn't actually seen it Dumbledore could tell that was where Harry had went and came out of with his money bag before heading out with Hagrid to go shopping.
"...an' after shopping 'arry didn't want to go back to the Dursley's so I allowed 'im to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for the night, but told 'im 'e would have to talk to you about the issue with the Dursley's before 'e would be allowed to stay more than the night." said Hagrid.
Dumledore used Legilemency again and saw what happened when Hagrid retrieved Harry to get his school supplies. "I agree with Harry's reasoning for wanting to stay at the Leaky cauldron, but you should've sent for me and stayed the night there as well, Hagrid. What's done is done though and I will go and see Harry tomorrow morning. Have a good night, Hagrid."
Thursday, August 1st, 1991
The Leaky Cauldron
Harry
Harry's meeting with Ragnok was still in his head when he woke up the next morning. Having to tell the Goblin about all the mistreatment and abuse had not been the best moment of his life, but it had been worth it in the end with Harry now being emancipated and never having to go to back to the Dursley's ever again, even though it caused another big change in his life. He wouldn't refer to it as an issue or a problem because there really was nothing to be done for it and he'd rather embrace the idea and have the best relationship he could with Susan and give her the life she deserves. After all the marriage contract wasn't her fault and as for their parents he didn't know why they did a marriage contract.
After signing the papers to be emancipated he was returned to the lobby with a sack of galleons, sickles and knuts that Griphook had retrieved from him that he now knew didn't put a dent in his current holdings. He wasn't richer than God or anything like that or owned the bank or half of the United Kingdom, but he would never have to work a day of his life if he chose. Turns out it was good having the King of the Goblin Nation as your account manager. Even with the majority of the Potter funds frozen until he became of age, Ragnok had been able to invest money into some smaller businesses using the yearly stipend added to his trust fund account over the last ten years.
Once he was done with his shopping for school supplies Hagrid had wanted to take him back to the Dursley's, but Harry convinced him to let him rent a room at the Leaky Cauldron, because of the problems Hagrid probably caused for him with Dudley's tail. Hagrid agreed for the night, but told Harry that he would have to ask Dumbledore about anything longer than the night. Harry knew because of the talk with Ragnok that Dumbledore had been his magical guardian and while nothing illegal had been done by him Harry was wary about the man.
Harry finished getting ready and was headed down the stairs for a quick breakfast before his meeting with Ragnok, Susan and Madam Bones. He was just walking by the fireplace when he was hit by someone coming through it. He and the other person went crashing to the floor with him on top of them.
"What the hell...!?" "Damn it why were you...!?" they both started.
"Mmm mmm what do we have here Susan? You know that you are a married woman." Amelia said laughing at their awkward position as Susan had landed on her back and the boy was on top of her and his right hand was on her boob.
Like past Bones women Susan had started to develop early after her 10th birthday so there was something for him to be touching. "Will you please let go of my boob and get off of me?"
Harry removed his hand and quickly got up. "Uhm, I'm sorry I didn't mean to, but..."
Susan got up and brushed off the dust from her robes. "It's ok I'm sorry for tackling you, but why were you that close to the floo..." It was then that she noticed through his messy hair the lightning bolt scar on his forehead just above his left eyebrow. "You're Harry Potter."
Harry sighed. Great, another fan. Wait didn't the woman call the girl Susan? What a wonderful way to meet his wife for the first time. "Are you Susan Bones?"
Susan got a wicked smile on her face. "No."
"Oh. I'm sorry..." Harry started but Susan interrupted.
"As of yesterday apparently I'm the Lady Susan Potter."
"Susan, be nice. You don't have to show him how cheeky you can be in your first meeting." She extended her hand and shook his. Lord Potter I am Susan's aunt, Madam Amelia Bones, but you may call me Amelia."
"Call me Harry, Amelia. I'm just getting used to this Lord business and since we are family I don't think we need to have all these formalities." He then turned to Susan and looked her over. She was a little taller than him, but not by much though she had him beat on weight he thought. Not that she was fat, but with being malnourished and her being a healthy weight it was a no brainer. He thought she was very pretty and loved her red hair.
"Susan I'm sorry that my emancipation caused us to be married before we ever got a chance to meet, but I want you to know that I want us to get to know each other like normal and I know it's not required, but I want you to have the wedding you deserve whenever you are ready for one. Marriage contract aside I want to give you everything a real relationship would have before marriage." said Harry.
"Wow." both Susan and Amelia said but Amelia cleared her throat and looked away. 'If he was older and not married to her niece...' thought Amelia.
"Thank you, Harry, I'd like that very much. I've heard about women who were in marriage contracts and their marriages had no love in them and I know that I wouldn't want that to happen with us." said Susan.
Amelia looked at the time. They needed to get going. "Well if we're going to be on time we'd better head to Gringott's. I hope you had a good breakfast, Harry since this meeting will probably make lunch late."
"Erm, I was sort of on my way to get a quick bite when Susan crashed into me. I'll be good until lunch though."
"Are you sure?" Amelia asked and Harry nodded.
Harry extended his hand and said, "May I escort you to Gringott's, my Lady?"
Susan giggled and said, "Why yes you may, my Lord." She took his hand and there was a huge golden flash that got everyone's attention.
"What was that?" asked Harry and Susan together.
"We'll talk about that later. We don't want to be late for Ragnok." said Amelia.
Gringott's Bank
Ragnok greeted them as soon as they were led into his office. "Well it looks like the three of you found each other. How was your first meeting?"
Amelia started laughing as Harry and Susan blushed at remembering what happened just a little while ago. Seeing that they weren't going to answer Amelia told Ragnok what happened when Susan came out of the floo.
"Ragnok laughed. "I guess there are some things you have to teach Harry before a common magical activity gets him hurt."
"We'll get some of that done on the weekend." said Amelia.
"Alright, down to business. Harry, after you left yesterday I got a visit from the Black account manager and I was told that with your emancipation that you are now also the new Lord Black." said Ragnok.
"How is that possible? With Sirius Black having betrayed the Potter's and now in Azkaban House Black should've fallen apart as it is known that he didn't have any other heirs and he didn't name a successor before he died." said Amelia.
"Actually Sirius didn't betray my parent's." said Harry which surprised Amelia. "I was given the will of my parent's yesterday before I left and from what it says is that someone named Peter Pettigrew was their secret keeper and that he was the only one who could betray them to Voldemort." At that Susan jumped, but Harry kept going. "So the real betrayer of my parent's wasn't Sirius."
"Also the reason that Harry was made Lord Black was because shortly before his death Lord Arcturus Black went and saw Sirius in Azkaban and asked who he'd want to see as Lord Black since he couldn't have the title. He believed Sirius was innocent, but innocent or not once in Azkaban Sirius couldn't be Lord Black. Sirius said Harry and Arcturus couldn't dispute it because of Harry's great grandmother Dorea Potter nee Black." said Ragnok.
"We'll be talking more later about Sirius and I'd like to have a copy of that section of the will if I could." said Amelia
"I'll let you have my copy later today." said Harry and Susan whispered in his ear so he added, "Auntie." Susan giggled at the look on Amelia's face.
"Oh you'll get yours later little lady." said Amelia jokingly.
"You wouldn't dare lay a hand on the Lady Potter, Bones and Black." Susan joked back.
"We'll see missy." said Amelia.
"Is this how you two always are?" asked Harry.
"Yes." They both said and he looked to Ragnok.
"Don't look at me for help." said Ragnok laughing.
Harry folded his arms pouting forgetting that he was still holding Susan's hand and she was pulled into his shoulder. This time they stayed on their feet.
"If you wanted me closer all you had to do was ask Harry." said Susan.
Harry blushed again, but refused to say anything back. The rest of the meeting was about how the three vaults would be combined together and how while he was Lord of all three Houses he could just choose one of the names. It was decided that he would keep the Potter name. For the votes of the Wizengamot they would all be combined into the Potter vote and Amelia would be the proxy since he couldn't participate until he was out of school. Also Harry decided that he would move into Bones Manor as the Black properties were rumored to have some dark curses on them and Potter Manor was in need of repair after being empty for years.
The three of them thanked Ragnok for his time and were going to go to lunch, but Susan stopped Harry.
"Before we go I want to do something I've been wanting to all morning." She then leaned in and gave Harry a kiss. Harry froze at first but then returned the kiss. "We'll work on that." said Susan smiling.
Amelia mouthed for Susan to behave and they started heading to the lobby. While walking Harry was wondering what Susan had meant by we'll work on that. He was so caught in his thoughts that he almost ran into Amelia.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore. How are you today?" asked Amelia.
"I am doing fine Madam Bones. I see that you have been looking after Mr. Potter this morning. I was looking for him at The Leaky Cauldron. I can take him from here back to his relatives if you'd like to get done with your shopping today. If I remember correctly today is Susan's eleventh birthday and I'm sure she wants to get back home to have what I expect to be a wonderful birthday party." said Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry Professor, but Susan and Lord Potter are staying with me and will be returning to Bones Manor with me as Lord Potter doesn't have to stay with the Dursley's anymore." said Amelia.
Dumbledore didn't miss the emphasis on the word Lord, but that was impossible. As Harry's Magical Guardian he'd have to approve any kind of emancipation that would make Harry Lord Potter. Dumbledore reached for Harry and found out that was the wrong thing to do. "Now my boy…"
Harry recoiled from him and he found himself at wand point from Madam Bones and kicked in the shin by Susan.
"Be glad it wasn't your balls you old goat." said Susan.
"Now Susan that wasn't necessary, but do not try to touch Lord Potter again without his permission, Dumbledore. Look how he recoiled. Look at how underweight he is. You've worked around children all your life, don't you know the signs of abuse?" asked Amelia.
"I didn't know that Har… Lord Potter had been abused by his relatives. He was left in the care of his aunt and uncle under an agreement from James and Lily's will. Since Sirius was in prison I was made his Magical Guardian, but since the Dursley's were getting paid I assumed that they would follow the details of the contract so I didn't have anyone watching over him and I didn't visit because the Dursley's insisted no contact." He looked at Harry. "Did Director Ragnok help emancipate you because of a breach of the contract with the Dursley's?"
Harry nodded.
"You have my sincerest apologies Lord Potter. Why was it necessary for the DMLE to get involved Madam Bones? If I remember the law correctly the abuse you spoke of is not under our jurisdiction, but has to be investigated by Muggle law enforcement if there is to be any charges brought against them. The only thing the magical world can do is cut off their money and demand repayment and I'm sure Ragnok has already done that." said Dumbledore.
"Yes Director Ragnok has already started that process. Mine and Susan's involvement in this is personal and you will be made aware of it in a discussion we will have within a week's time." said Amelia.
A loud rumble stopped the rest of what she was going to say and she looked at Harry who once again was holding Susan's hand and looking down at the ground embarrassed. She laughed and said, "Right now though it would seem we have a hungry Lord who is in need of a large lunch. I will send an Owl with the date and time of our meeting. Have a good day Professor."
"Of course and you have a good day as well Madam Bones. You and Miss Bones as well, Lord Potter." said Dumbledore.
As they started to walk away Susan turned to Dumbledore and said, "That's Lady Potter thank you very much." And stuck her tongue out at him.
The Leaky Cauldron
While eating lunch Harry asked Amelia if she could tell them what that flash was when they touched.
"It means that you and Susan have a soul bond. It basically means that you are perfect for each other. I don't really know more than that. I'll have to look into it tomorrow when I'm at work." said Amelia
"Do you think it has something to do with why I don't want to let go of Susan's hand?" asked Harry.
"I don't know, Harry. Do you feel that way too, Susan?" asked Amelia.
"Yes." said Susan.
Diagon Alley
The first place they stopped was Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions since Susan would just get measured and the Robes would be delivered later today to Bones Manor. Amelia suggested that Harry get some regular clothes along with some formal robes and daily robes in addition to the school robes he got yesterday. Harry was glad that Madame Malkin still his measurements and that he didn't have to try on clothes and more clothes. Still Susan held up different colored shirts to see how they'd look on him. She mostly picked a lot of greens and dark blues. The next stops were to get all the school supplies for Susan and Amelia told Harry he should get some extra things from the Apothecary since the school listed only the basic things needed and it was better for him not to have to rely on the school cupboard in potions class. Along the way to get a trunk for Susan, Harry saw a shop that said Marvin's Magical Optometry. He asked Amelia about it and she said that it was a new procedure that made glasses not needed anymore. Most of the Pureblood Witches and Wizards wouldn't give the business a try, but she knew of several Half-Bloods and Muggleborns who had used the procedure and were happy with not having to wear glasses anymore. Harry wanted to try it but she reminded him that they had to get home soon to celebrate Susan's birthday and promised that they would come here on the next trip and he could get it done.
Next to Olivander's was a jewelry store and Harry asked Amelia how he could sneak in there and get something for Susan. Amelia pointed to the shop on the other side of Olivander's which was a joke shop and told him to say he was going in there while they got Susan's wand. Harry did and once they were inside went into the jewelry shop. It took him a little while to get the items he wanted as the shopkeeper kept suggesting interesting enchantments to go on the items so when he walked out Amelia and Susan were already waiting for him. Susan was smiling and had a look like the cat that ate the canary. Harry didn't say anything. He just took her hand and they headed back to The Leaky Cauldron to floo to Bones Manor.
Bones Manor
Amelia had Susan go first to show Harry how to use the floo powder. Harry was a little anxious seeing Susan walk into the fire, but was assured that as long as the flame was green she wouldn't be burned. Amelia also explained to him that as soon as he started slowing down he just needed to start moving his feet like he was walking and he'd exit fine.
Harry took the floo powder and threw it into the fire place, stepped in and said, "Bones Manor."
Harry was moving really fast and the different fireplace grates went by so fast. He started to slow down, but it wasn't by much and he didn't start moving his feet in time and came flying out of the fireplace. He saw that he was going to hit Susan so he wrapped his arms around her and rolled himself before landing on his back. It took a second to get the air back in his lungs, but the first thing he said was, "I guess we're even."
Susan giggled and gave him a small kiss on the lips. She jumped up when she heard Amelia yell, "Susan!"
Harry tried to explain. "Erm it wasn't... She wasn't at fault. I came flying out of the fireplace and I hit grabbed Susan and she kissed me after I said that we were even."
"Susan you had plenty of time to not be in front of the fireplace." said Amelia.
"Auntie you don't understand how fast he came out of the fireplace. I was a good 10 feet away and he came flying out of it so fast. It was a miracle that he grabbed me and rolled or I would've been hurt with him landing on me." said Susan.
"Ok Susan I'm sorry. I know you are married, but that's two times now I've seen you and Harry in compromising positions and I just hope that you won't take things in that direction too fast. You're still only 11." said Amelia.
"What do you mean by compromising position?" asked Harry.
Amelia held the bridge of her nose. "Harry has nobody ever given you the talk?"
"I've talked to several people before." said Harry wondering what she was talking about.
"I mean "the talk" Harry. You know about sex?" said Amelia.
Harry turned bright red. "Erm no. I mean I know what it is, but I've never had any talk or anything about it."
Amelia sighed. "That'll be for tomorrow. I don't want to ruin Susan's Birthday by having you be awkward around her. Ok since we had a late lunch we'll just have a small dinner so we still have room for cake and ice cream and then Susan can open her presents. Harry is your present for Susan wrapped or do you need to go wrap it now?"
"No. The man at the shop wrapped it for me." said Harry.
"Can't I have my presents now?" begged Susan.
"Let's eat first like we usually do." said Amelia.
It was when the kids headed to the dining room that Amelia noticed that Harry and Susan were holding hands again. She was beginning to worry about what was to come from the Soul Bond.
Dinner was just a turkey sandwich and some mushroom soup. For some fun Amelia transfigured a small figure of Harry and Susan and put it on top of the cake. She even told Susan to have Harry feed her a bite and when it was her turn to feed him she shoved the piece in his face. After laughing Amelia was nice and cleaned the mess off his face with her wand.
It was then time for presents. Susan ran upstairs and brought down the present Hannah had given her yesterday. She was going to open it in front of her, but Hannah said she should wait till today. She tore open the package and found a box with three other boxes in it that said The Star Wars Trilogy. Amelia had taken Susan to an old theater that was doing a re-showing of the first Star Wars movie and Susan had fallen in love with going to the movies, but Susan didn't know how she was supposed to watch these or what a VHS was so she put them down and decided to ask Hannah later.
From Amelia, Susan got some clothes, her favorite perfume, a magical makeup set that Amelia knew Susan had wanted for years and in a big box were two black boxes, one big and one small, which said RCA on them. The smaller of the two had a flap on the front of it.
"That's called a TV and a VCR. A Muggleborn Witch, Cassie McDonald figured out a way to make them work with magic instead of Muggle Electricity. The VCR hooks up to the TV and then you put the VHS tape in the VCR and watch the movie. We'll be able to watch at least the first one tonight." said Amelia and Susan squealed with excitement.
It was now time for Harry's present. Harry got up and gently pulled on Susan's hand so she would stand too. He let go of her hand and handed her a package. Susan opened it and found what she knew was going to be in there, a jewelry box. She opened it and saw a pair of emerald earrings and an emerald necklace. She thought they were beautiful and had tears in her eyes. She heard someone come behind her and looked back and saw Amelia standing behind her. She showed the box to Amelia, but for some reason she wasn't paying attention. Instead she was looking down past her. Susan turned back around and looked down and saw that Harry was down on a knee and holding another jewelry box that was smaller than the one she held. Absently she handed the box she was holding back to her aunt so she wouldn't drop it.
"Susan I know because of my getting emancipated I took everything away from you about how our life and relationship would've went. We should've become, friends, then boyfriend and girlfriend, then I would've given you the wedding you deserve. In the future we can still have a wedding. For now though I want to give you everything possible to make you happy and I want to ask if you will wear this wedding ring as a symbol of the love I want to have with you?" asked Harry.
Susan was openly crying now and held out her hand so Harry could put the ring on her finger. "Yes Harry. I will wear this ring and no matter what was lost our relationship will be and is how it would've ended up. Just a little sooner than expected."
Harry put the ring on her finger and stood up and gave her a small kiss. "I have a wedding band if you'd like to put it on me."
She nodded and he handed her the ring and she put the ring on his finger and gave him a small kiss.
She then turned to Amelia and hugged the crying witch.
"I hate to break this up, but if we're going to watch the movie we need to start it soon." said Amelia.
Harry had never seen a movie, but thought Star Wars was amazing and having Susan lean on his shoulder while they watched it made it even better.
"Well you two, I think it's time to head up to bed." said Amelia.
"I'll show Harry where my room is." said Susan.
"Harry's in the room next to yours, Susan." said Amelia.
"But…" started Susan.
"Susan, you are both still 11 years old. You're not sleeping in the same bed." said Amelia.
"We're not going to do anything." said Susan.
"It's not about trusting you, Susan, or Harry for that matter, but my decision is final." said Amelia.
"Fine. Come on, Harry. I'll show you to your room." said Susan.
"Goodnight, Amelia. I didn't mean to cause any trouble." said Harry.
"You didn't, Harry. Goodnight, both of you." said Amelia.
"Goodnight, Auntie." said Susan.
Amelia was laying in bed. It had been only 30 minutes since Susan and Harry went to bed. She knew she should go to sleep, but there was something bothering her about the bond. Her friend Croaker was always talking about things that she didn't care about or thought she'd never have any need of the information. She did remember that he said the initial flash of a bond is normally silver, but Susan and Harry's was gold. There was something else she thought was important, but couldn't remember. Something about consummating the bond.
All of a sudden there were two loud screams and Amelia grabbed her wand and ran out of the room. She checked Susan's room first and saw her thrashing about with gold sparks rolling along her body and out her fingertips. She went to Harry's room and saw that he was in the same exact condition.
She ran back into her room and threw floo powder in and stuck her head in the flames yelling Croaker. Once the call connected she said,
"Croaker I need you to get to Bones Manor immediately use Floo #2."
"Have you finally taken me up on my offer, Amelia?" asked Croaker.
"Croaker there's no time for this. There's something wrong with Susan." said Amelia.
"Step back." said Croaker.
Amelia got out of the fire and backed up and suddenly Croaker appeared in front of her in a flash of green flame.
"Don't ask. I'll tell you about it later." said Croaker.
Amelia showed him to Susan and immediately Croaker asked.
"Where is he?"
She didn't even have to ask how she knew there was another person and she took him to Harry's room. Croaker put a shield that Amelia had never seen before around Harry and carried him and placed him next to Susan. As soon as he removed the shield Susan and Harry curled up into each other and a golden dome spread around them.
"Don't try to touch it or cast magic toward it. The dome will protect itself and them. They'll be like that for 8 hours. Let's go talk." said Croaker.
They headed down to the sitting room and sat down.
"So your niece is bonded to Harry Potter? According to Teen Witch Weekly she's one lucky witch." said Croaker.
"Since when do you read Teen Witch Weekly?" asked Amelia.
"We all have our guilty pleasures." said Croaker. "Now I know I've told you the stories about what happens with soul bonds. Remember I tried to convince you we had one? Anyways, you know that they can't be separated until 72 hours after the bond is initiated longer if they don't consummate it right away." said Croaker.
"Can you remind me what the color of the flash is when the bond is initiated?" asked Amelia.
"Silver." said Croaker.
"What if it was gold?" asked Amelia.
"Was it gold?" asked Croaker.
"Yes. Now answer my question." said Amelia.
"Gold usually signifies the completion of the bond, which I'm pretty sure didn't happen because if Susan and Harry had sex in front of you they wouldn't be laying in there alive." said Croaker.
"Is there a way to see if their bond is completed?" asked Amelia.
"I can scan them, but it'll have to be in the morning when the dome is gone." said Croaker.
"I'll go get one of the other guest rooms ready for you." said Amelia.
"Are you sure we can't…" started Croaker.
"Don't finish that sentence." said Amelia.
Friday, August 2nd, 1991
In the morning they checked on Susan and Harry and the dome was still there.
"It should be down in about a minute." said Croaker.
The dome went down finally and they went over to Susan and Harry. Croaker pulled out his wand and was about to scan Harry when he saw a black gunk on Harry's forehead from where the scar was.
"No, he couldn't have." said Croaker not quite to himself.
"What?" asked Amelia.
He took a sample then cleaned up the mess and saw that the scar was healed completely and said,
"I'll tell you at work tomorrow since I don't think either of us are going in today."
He scanned Harry then Susan.
"Let's let them sleep a little longer and I'll explain the situation they have. I put a monitor spell on them so I'll know when they wake." said Croaker.
They went downstairs and he said,
"They have a partial complete bond."
"What does that mean?" asked Amelia.
"There are two options that they have to decide on. Either they consummate the bond or they will have to stay in contact for 8 hours a day until the bond either stabilizes on its own, which I've never seen or they decide they're ready to take that step." said Croaker.
"Will you stay for breakfast and help explain this to them?" asked Amelia.
"Staying the night, having breakfast, next thing you'll be asking me to move in." said Croaker.
"No I won't." said Amelia.
Susan and Harry started waking up finally and sat up quickly banging their heads together.
"Ow! Harry, what are you doing in my bed!? Auntie will kill you!" said Susan.
"I don't know. I don't remember coming in here." said Harry.
"You didn't come in here. I carried you." said Croaker.
"Why and who are you?" asked Harry.
"This is my friend, Croaker, Harry. He works in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry. He came because of a complication with your bond and he's going to explain it to you." said Amelia.
Croaker told them everything he told Amelia and as he thought they were nowhere near ready to consummate the bond so Amelia grudgingly had to accept that they were going to be sleeping in the same bed, but she made rules for them that as soon as possible she was going to be giving them both the talk, that the room was only for sleeping and in no way were they going to be in here other than bedtime and they were to change in the bathroom separately before and after sleeping. Croaker reminded them that it had to be 8 hours and they had to make sure that they remained in contact the whole time.
They all went down to breakfast and then Croaker said he had to go as he couldn't take the day off like Amelia could. They thanked him for his time and Amelia said she'd see him at work tomorrow. Amelia told Susan and Harry to get their showers done and be back down in the sitting room and that they were going to go ahead and get the talk over with. Both of them groaned as they went upstairs.
Amelia let them watch the last two Star Wars movies after giving them the talk. Harry wished he had a lightsaber for the next time Amelia ever wanted to have a talk like that again. While Susan and Harry didn't have to touch the whole time he still found himself wanting to hold her hand whenever they walked somewhere.
At bedtime that night Harry decided to leave his shirt off so they wouldn't lose skin contact. Susan was sitting at the end of the bed waiting for him to lay down. He went to place his shirt in the hamper and she gasped.
"Harry! What's on your back?" asked Susan.
"Uh…" started Harry.
Susan got up and ran downstairs.
"Auntie, come look at Harry!" said Susan.
Amelia followed her back up and to Susan and Harry's room.
"What's wrong, Harry?" asked Amelia.
"It's nothing." said Harry while looking down.
"He's got a bunch of scars on his back, Auntie. Who would do that?" asked Susan.
Amelia walked around the bed and looked closer. There were crisscross scratches, some that looked like they were made with a belt buckle and some that looked like someone had taken a fork to Harry.
"Harry I need to take a picture of your back please. Is that ok?" asked Amelia.
Harry nodded and Amelia went to her room quickly. She returned with a camera and took the pictures.
"Harry I'm not saying you need to do it right now, but you need to talk to someone about this. If I get someone here tomorrow will you talk to them? asked Amelia.
Harry nodded again.
"Ok. Goodnight Harry. Susan can you come with me for a minute?" asked Amelia.
When they were in the hall she said,
"Be there for him, but don't ask him any questions tonight. Ok?" asked Amelia.
"Ok. I love you Auntie." said Susan.
"I love you too, Susan." said Amelia.
Susan went back into the room and Harry was already laying down on his back with his eyes closed. She laid down and curled into him, gave him a kiss on the cheek and as she laid down her head on his chest she said,
"You'll never have anything like that happen again. I love you, Harry."
Harry wished with everything he was that he could say it back.
Saturday, August 3rd, 1991
Normally Amelia wouldn't have to work on a Saturday, but since she took Friday off she had no choice. She told Susan and Harry she loved them and that the Healer would be there in an hour to look over and talk to Harry. She gave permission for Susan to be in the room with Harry during the physical and when he was questioned as long as he gave permission.
The Healer flooed in and gave the note she was told to provide to Mipsy to be allowed access to the manor. Harry was Lord Bones and could've given permission, but had left Amelia in charge of the affairs for now.
"I've been told by Amelia to call you Harry. My name is Andromeda Tonks. You may call me Andi. I'm a certified Healer with mind healing as my focus, but I'll be giving you a full workup today." said Andi.
"How are you Andi? I thought Auntie would ask you to be the one to come. How's Tonks?" asked Susan.
"Nymphadora is doing fine, Susan." said Andi.
"Let's get this over with." said Harry.
Harry had agreed to having Susan up there, but he didn't like having his secrets all out in the open. Andi was trying to be nice and compassionate through the whole thing, but it was like being back in the moment when being asked about the amount of broken bones he'd had. His discomfort was getting worse and worse until she asked,
"How did you feel when you found out the Dursley's were paid to take care of you?"
"How did it feel? How the fuck do you think it felt!? I was their fucking slave! And I was supposed to be so grateful about it when I got to wear Dudley's clothes that were three sizes too big for me or get my glasses when the teacher called the Dursley's when I couldn't see the board! You asked about broken bones! That time I got my arm broken as payment for making them spend money on me! And again when Dudley broke the first pair! I hate these fucking things!" yelled Harry as he took off the glasses and threw them and shattered them on the wall. "And what is talking about it going to do!? Not a god damned thing! Is it going to make me ok with not getting an ounce of love from the pieces of shit!? Is it going to make me know what love is so I can tell…"
Harry couldn't be there anymore and took off running downstairs and out on the grounds.
"Harry!" yelled Susan.
The Ministry of Magic
Amelia got a visit from Croaker as soon as she got to her office.
"We have to go see Fudge now." said Croaker.
"What is it?" asked Amelia.
"It's Voldemort." said Croaker.
"What do you mean it's Voldemort?" asked Amelia.
"The black ooze from Harry is the remains of a soul piece or Horcrux. The magical signature on the ooze is Voldemort's and he most likely made more because according to the reading on it, it was a tiny piece which means it fractured off and attached to Harry because Voldemort's soul was already damaged." said Croaker.
Minister Fudge's Office
"Absolutely not! We will not be going public with this. Do you want to cause a mass panic?" asked Fudge.
"No, but we have to do something. If Voldemort comes back he will destroy everything we've built since he fell." said Amelia.
Fudge was thinking about his reelection and if he looked like he foresaw the return of Voldemort and was ready to send him to hell then he would win in a landslide.
"Fine you can have your funding and approval to monitor the ones that used the Imperius Defense at their trial and got let go. But you are not to harass or engage them unless you see something illegal done by them." said Fudge.
"And what of Sirius Black?" asked Amelia.
Fudge knew that this would be another mark on the good side for him seeing an innocent man from the previous administration released.
"Release him to the Ministry cells. He'll get his trial at Wednesday's Wizengamot session. Now I want both of your oaths that this stays out of the public." said Fudge.
Amelia was almost bouncing on her toes. Croaker hated having to use his real name and in an oath he had to.
"Come on Algie. You go first." said Amelia.
"You know the only time I want to see you that excited is…" started Croaker.
"Croaker do you need another sexual harassment meeting?" asked Fudge.
He glared at Amelia when she laughed.
"I, Algernon Augustus Longbottom, swear on my life and magic not to release information on Voldemort's possible return to the public. So mote it be." said Croaker.
"I, Amelia Susan Bones, swear on my life and magic not to release information on Voldemort's possible return to the public. So mote it be." said Amelia.
Bones Manor
Amelia was so glad to be home. She finally had the funds to bring the department to where it should've been years ago.
"Amelia, I'm glad you're here." said Andi coming into the sitting room.
"It's good to see you, but why are you still here?" asked Amelia.
"Harry ran off. Susan's with him, but he's refusing to come in and he won't talk to her." said Andi.
"Where is he?" asked Amelia.
Harry was in the garden sitting against a tree rocking back and forth with Susan holding onto him. He still wouldn't talk to her, but he allowed her to sit with him and hold him.
"It's ok, Harry I'm here. You're safe and I'm always here for you. I love you, Harry. Come back to me please." said Susan.
Susan kept whispering these phrases to Harry and that's how Andi and Amelia found them.
"Harry, I'm so sorry. You don't have to talk anymore today, but Andi said if you want she can remove the scars that are on your body. I have some news for you. Sirius Black will be getting his trial on Wednesday. In 4 days he'll be free and he can come stay with us. I can probably arrange it to where you can see him on Monday if you want. He's being moved to the Ministry tomorrow, but then we'll go see him and he can tell you some stories about your mum and dad. Would you like that?" asked Amelia.
Harry looked up and nodded. He then got up and walked over to a bed of flowers and picked one and took it over to Susan and handed it to her.
"I love you, too." said Harry.
He started walking back to the manor. Susan looked down at the flower with tears in her eyes.
It was a Lily.