The Wizengamot Chambers were extravagant to put it mildly. The chamber's walls were made of gold with Ruby, Topaz, Emerald and Amethyst trim, representing the four Founders of Hogwarts. There were many gold and silver sconces that had many different color flames each representing a different time period of the Wizengamot over the past thousand years.
The chamber itself was slightly ovoid. On the western side were two very large rows of seats made of Obsidian. These seats were reserved for visitors and guests of seat holders. It also happened to be where family of people who would be heard during the sessions was seated.
There was enough seating for about two hundred people comfortably. There was a light green magical field that was only visible from the outside of the stands. There were various enchantments placed around the visitor stands as there have been several incidents involving curses cast and objects summoned. There also was a privacy charm cast that if activated blocked all sound from the rest of the chamber into the stands. It also would create a black mist that would block sight to the entire chamber. This was so that if the Minister or the Chief Warlock were requested to keep something private they would be able to do so.
Across from the visitor stands two smaller sets of seats. The smaller set, which was also the closest set to the entry to chamber were for the Non-Permanent Members, known as Resident Members, of which there were no more than twenty-five at any given time. They were elected to serve six year terms and then would have to be voted back in with a majority vote. Daniel Greengrass was sitting in this sections.
The Greengrass family has held a resident seat for over two hundred and fifty years. There were other people that Harry recognised as he walked slowly into the chambers. Minerva Mcgonagall and Amelia Bones who he recognised from the Daily Prophet, she was Susan Bones' Aunt. Harry also recognised Arjun Patil whom he had met a few days before the Yule Ball last year after he asked Parvti to the Ball.
Next to the Resident seats was a smaller and taller section of seats. These seats were for the Permanent members of the Court. There were twenty five seats in this section of which Harry recognised many people seated. Augusta Longbottom, Lucius Malfoy, Garrick Ollivander, and surprisingly Andromeda Tonks whom he had seen this past year when staying the Burrow.
The far wall of the room had a huge dias set up where The Minister sat and next to him his Undersecretary who was a shrewd looking woman with a pink flower pin on her black Wizengamot robes.
The other side of Fudge was an empty seat where the Chief Warlock would normally sit and lead proceedings. Albus Dumbledore was nowhere to be found. This was a bit upsetting to Harry as he had heard that Dumbledore was to help him with the trial.
Seated directly beneath the Chief Warlock's seat was a court scribe who was talking quietly to Fudge when Harry walked in.
In the center of the room was a small desk with two keyholes on it, along with a small stone indent which Harry couldn't figure out what it was used for.
As Harry walked over to the table the room began buzzing with noise, none of it Harry could make out and thus was a bit nervous. He moved and took a seat in the small wooden chair that was next the table and waited patiently to be addressed.
"Order… Order…" Fudge yelled as the scribe began flicking his quill to begin writing the transcript. "Silence!" Fudge finally yelled which brought everyone to order. "We are meeting today to discuss a troubling matter. Please boy state your full name for the record."
Harry stood up and moved closer to the table. "My name is Harry James Potter." He said clearly and without fear although his face told another story.
"And how old are you Mister Potter?" Minister Fudge asked sharply.
"I am fourteen Sir, turning fifteen end of July." His nervousness was apparent.
"And did you cast several Reducto and Stupify Hex's on the 22nd of June at approximately 11pm?"
"Yes Sir, but.." he was cut off by the Minister.
"Are you aware of the Law for Underage Magic?" Fudge asked with a small grin.
"Yes sir." Harry answered quickly and now a bit more angry.
"Are you also aware of the Statue of Secrecy?" Fudge asked a larger smile.
"Yes sir." Harry answered in defeat.
"Then you did in full knowledge, cast this magic in front of a muggle."
"Yes Sir, but.." again he was cut off.
Fudge turned towards the members of the Wizengamot, "There you have it. Mister Potter deliberately and with full knowledge of our rules and regulations break our most held law. The exposure of our world to the Muggles is the most paramount off issues."
"But Sir I was only defending myself and my best friend from Death Eaters." Harry spat out quickly when Fudge took a breath.
"Death Eaters?" asked Amelia Bones. "Is this true Mister Potter?"
"It is Amelia." Daniel Greengrass stood up and addressed the court. His Greengrass family crest shone brightly. "I was present that night and I myself fought with two later confirmed Death Eaters."
The court was then a buzz with people arguing and speaking over each other. "SILENCE!" came the ever familiar voice of Albus Dumbledore who had walked in during the chaos. "It seems you decided to start the proceedings without me Minister."
Fudge looked horrified, "I trust that you were able to get the memo of the change in time of the proceedings." He said hastily.
"I was Minister, except I received it during a meeting with your secretaries to discuss issues surrounding Hogwarts." He said while pressing his light blue robes down.
When Fudge was silent after Dumbledore's statement he continued, "Mister Potter let's start from the beginning. Why were you, a fourteen year old boy, fighting a Death Eater?"
Harry took a breath as everyone in the chamber took their seats, including Daniel Greengrass. "I would like to call a witness?" He turned towards Daniel as he said this.
Daniel nodded with a smile. "A witness?" asked Minister Fudge.
"I believe that is what the boy said, Minister." Dumbledore said while flashing a bright smile towards Harry.
"I would call Hermione Jean Granger." Harry said timidly. He and Daniel had talked the night prior about how things would likely go.
The double doors opened as a few murmurs spread around the room. Hermione walked into the room accompanied by her father.
A few members from the Permanent section yelled, "He's a Muggle." "He can't be in here." "Obliviate them both!"
Daniel made a note of the three members who stood up and yelled. They were Elders Nott, Crabbe and Goyle, all of whom had escaped conviction claiming they were Imperius Cursed during the first war.
"Silence!" called Dumbledore.
"What is the meaning of this Mister Potter." The shrewd looking woman next to Minister Fudge said in a high pitched voice.
Hermione stood tall next to Harry while her father took a seat in the visitor seats a few rows behind his daughter.
"This is my best friend and the reason for why I was forced to defend myself that night." He said smugly.
Dumbledore spoke up, "Madam Undersecretary I think it best if we follow procedure going forward." He directed towards the woman who was standing.
"Very well Chief Warlock. Please state your full name and age for the court please."
Hermione cleared her throat and looked towards Harry who smiled faintly which made her relax slightly, "My name is Hermione Jean Granger and I am fifteen."
Dolores Umbridge continued standing, "Why is it that you brought that man with you, he is a Muggle."
Hermione cringed, "He is my father Madam Undersecretary, both of my parents are Muggles."
"So you are Muggleborn?" Minister Fudge asked.
"Yes sir." Hermione said weakly.
"Very well." Dumbledore said bringing the whispers to an order. "Mister Potter you may continue."
Harry nodded at the Chief Warlock and then turned towards Hermione, "Members of the Wizengamot and Minster, Saturday June 22nd my house was attacked by a group of four men wearing black robes and gold masks. I was able to detect them before they entered my house because of a series of detection charms that I had cast the day I got back from Hogwarts." She took a deep breath. "I cast a Patronus a charm and sent a message to the only person I knew would be able to help me and my family without question, Harry Potter."
At that the entire crowd was in an uproar. Several of them yelling about Death Eaters return, others about how a fifteen year old was able to cast a Patronus Charm, while others were yelling how prosperous her claim was. Minister Fudge tried to calm down the crowd but they were too worked up. Dumbledore put his wand to his neck and yelled, "SILENCE!" His magically amplified voice carried throughout the entire chamber and everyone slowly took their seas without so much as a peep.
Dumbledore then gestured toward the two teens, "Please proceed." The slight twinkle in his eyes told Harry that he was doing a good job.
"I received said Patronus in my room and proceeded to tell Daniel Greengrass that my friend was in danger and needed help." He turned and nodded towards Daniel.
"Why would you tell Daniel Greengrass?" asked the Undersecretary.
"Because Madam Undersecretary, Aurora Greengrass is my Godmother." Harry stated clearly.
They had debated on trying to hide that fact from the Wizengamot but they ultimately figured that it was best to just come out with it. They would hopefully be able to use the Greengrass cloute to help resolve this and any other problems that arose.
Daniel stood up, "Madam Undersecretary," he turned towards the rest of his peers, "Members of the Wizengamot, when I found out that Harry's friend was in danger I did the only reasonable thing to do, I had my wife contact Albus Dumbledore as he is the Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Legal Magical Guardian of all muggleborns when they are attending Hogwarts. Then I took Harry and my eldest daughter Daphne Greengrass with me the Grangers house." He paused for a moment to let the story sink in.
"When we all got there the house was dark and there were several broken windows and the front door was slightly ajar. I heard the unmistakable sound of three muggle gunshots. At which point Harry ran into the house to find his friend. My daughter and I followed a few steps behind him. Once inside the house I was engaged by two men wearing black robes and gold masks. They began by using many Diffendo and Reducto curses as I walked through the door."
The room again began to get louder yet not quite out of control. "I will not burden the court with the details of the fight itself, however I will say that I incapacitated two of the assailants, Harry incapacitated one and Mr. Granger incapacitated the last one. Had it not been for Harry's impeckable dueling prowess I'm sure that we all would have died or been seriously injured." He smiled brilliantly at Harry.
With that the court was in a full uproar as most of the members were yelling at someone else. Even Daniel Greengrass was being forced to defend himself verbally as one of the other members of the Resident Seats had attacked him claiming he was lying.
After about ten minutes of yelling and both Dumbledore and Fudge trying to bring order back to the court everyone finally settled down. "I suggest a brief recess in order for cooler heads to prevail." Minister Fudge announced.
With that the scribe rested his quill and everyone stood up and began filling towards some of the many side doors that had just appeared.
Daniel quickly moved down to the floor and escorted Harry, Hermione and Nathaniel into one such unoccupied room.
The room was featureless except for the small square wooden table and the four chairs that were spread around it.
As they all entered the room Hermione gave Harry a forceful hug as she was trying to calm down her breathing. "You were so good in there Harry. I have no idea how you keep so calm."
Harry laughed at his friends words, "Calm!? You think I was calm? I guess i'm just better at hiding it…" He said now starting to hyperventilate.
Daniel knelt down and got eye to eye with Harry, "You were brilliant, I could not have done it better myself. Did you see the face on Fudge once Dumbledore walked in?"
Harry and Hermione both nodded while trying to will their breathing back to normal. "So what happens now?" Nathaniel asked.
Daniel stood up and addressed the very well dressed man, "Well now we hope that someone else will see reason." Daniel said worriedly. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't have two thoughts about someone else speaking up. However most people were worried to death about Voldemort's return. The Prophet had reported about the attack at the end of the Triwizard tournament however it did not have any specifics but those smart enough would be able to put two and two together.
Just then a light knock at the door caused Daniel to turn around and open. Xenophilius Lovegood was standing at the door wearing his Wizengamot robes, "Elder Greengrass." He said politely.
"Elder Lovegood." Daniel returned happily.
"May I come in?" He asked hesitantly.
"Yes of course." The Lovegood's and the Greengrass's were both Neutral families historically and thus were known by many to be allies. Also the fact that Pandora and Aurora were both very close friends throughout schooling and also were partners in spellcrafting research for many years.
Daniel turned towards the three others, "This is Xenophilius Lovegood, and this here is my godson Harry, his best friend Hermione and her father Nathaniel Granger." Daniel introduced politely.
"Pleasure to meet you sir." Hermione returned.
"Lovegood…?" Harry asked, "You're Luna's father." He said happily.
"Yes I am Mister Potter." The man said in a weird speaking pattern.
Harry walked over and extended a hand to the man, "Please just Harry."
The man took his hand and shook it exuberantly, "Yes yes. We have little time." he said turning towards Daniel, "I want to help if I can. I know my wife was one who was close with Lily but I know she would haunt me the rest of my life if I didn't step up."
Daniel laughed, "My wife would too. Thank you Elder Lovegood. I would hope that you would start a motion to have all charges dropped from Harry. I should be able to take care of the rest." Daniel turned towards Harry, "I would do it myself but I am forbidden as we are related according to the law."
Harry was a bit frustrated by all the legalise that was afoot however he trusted Daniel. "Fine."
With that there was a similar chime to before that let everyone know to return to their seats.
Daniel ushered the two teens back out and followed behind Nathaniel and Xenophilius.
As the court all took their seats Fudge stood up, "Order!" he said loudly. "Given to testimony given today I would…"
He was interrupted by Xenophilius Lovegood, "Minister Fudge, I move to strike all charges against the accused as clearly his actions were in self defense which is permitted under the Law for Reasonable Underage Magic and the Statue of Secrecy."
Augusta Longbottom stood up, "I second that motion." She said loudly and with a commanding presence.
Fudge's face dropped and he sat back down. Dumbledore stood, "All in favor of acquitting the accused of all charges?"
Many wands were raised into the air. The court clerk took a count and wrote it down on a parchment.
"All those against?" Dumbledore said coldly.
Only a few wands rose into the air, those notable were Lucius Malfoy, Minister Fudge and Dolores Umbridge and a handful of known ex-Death Eaters.
Minister Fudge waited for the votes to be tallied, "Acquitted of all charges."
Harry smiled briefly before regaining his composure and walking over to the Visitor stands to sit with Hermione and her Father.
Xenophilius Lovegood stood up, "Members of the Wizengamot I am troubled to say that if a certain Dark Wizard." There were some murmurs starting, "Or at least his followers are attacking muggles and muggleborns. This attack on the Grangers is the fifth in the last week on muggleborn Families."
With that statement the room erupted again into discourse with light families yelling at dark families and anyone else just trying to maintain the peace.
Fudge eventually was able to regain control of the court. "Elder Lovegood." He said with loathing, "What do you suggest?"
Xenophilius turned towards Daniel and smiled, "I would suggest to this humble body, that we allocate a few Auror's or even Auror's in training to help inform and protect the few muggleborn Families who's student currently are enrolled in Hogwarts."
Daniel rose, "I second that motion."
Augusta Longbottom and Amelia Bones also rose and raised their wands to support.
Dolores Umbridge looked smug and stood up, "Elder Lovegood, how do you propose we pay for such allotment of Auror's?"
The Lovegood's were not a very rich family or even considered wealthy. Most of their wealth was tied up in The Quibbler, which was an alternative newspaper to The Daily Prophet. They also had several large shares of some major companies, such as Nimbus Manufacturing and also Puddlemere United Quidditch Team. However moneywise they were a pretty poor family.
Daniel spoke up, "I am sure Undersecretary that this body would be able to come forth with enough donations for a short term assignment while the DMLE can assess the long term cost of protection and assistance of the few families that are being put in danger."
Dolores Umbridge was bested and knew it so instead of pushing the issue she decided to walk away before the Minister was forced to get involved. "Very Well, Madam Bones." She addressed the head of the DMLE, "How much do you expect a venture would cost for the duration of the upcoming school term?"
Amelia bones stood up and smiled, she had been trying to find a way to get Auror's on Hogwarts grounds for years. Albus Dumbledore had been blocking it for decades reasoning that Hogwarts is the safest place in all of Magical Britain. "I am not up to date on the current number of Muggleborn Families but last I checked it was around fifteen, not counting any new families this year. With that estimate and the resources that we at the DMLE have available I believe we can spare one Auror and their trainee to help educate and protect the Families and their kids for this coming year with only 800 Galleons."
Albus Dumbledore was not happy, he would now have to allow Auror's onto Hogwarts grounds, which would mean that he would have to be more careful about his comings and goings. There was a lot that he had to accomplish this year. He was however a bit happier that he was able to convince Daniel Greengrass and his wife to join his Order of the Phoenix. Which intern would mean that he would have free access to Harry Potter.
Albus was taken from his musings when Minister Fudge spoke, "Very well, All those in favor of Approving this measure to appoint two Auror's to Educate and protect the Muggleborn Families who currently have students enrolled in Hogwarts."
This vote was nowhere near as unanimous as the others. Several of the Neutral Families were skeptical and almost none of the Dark Families voted. However once the votes were tallied for either side. Lovegood's bill passed by two votes thanks to Minister Fudge himself.
Fudge realised that this bill was started because of Harry Potter's best friend is a Muggleborn and if he hoped to win the boy over to his side he had best cater a small bit to his wants. The boy was a disaster waiting to happen without proper supervision or mentorship. Beside he was still viewed by the public as a hero and with all the rumors of The Dark Lord's return, he needed to find a way to bolster public opinion.
"Madam Bones it is your responsibility to acquire the necessary funding for this, even though the Wizengamot has agreed to allocation of Resources. The cost will be passed onto the DMLE as it will also be the responsibility of the DMLE to oversee this venture."
Amelia smiled she knew she would have more than enough funding as a Member of the Order of the Phoenix and also a staunch supporter of Justice she would be able to get the Galleons easily. "Yes Minister and thank you Members of the Wizengamot. This bill is a step in the right direction to help those new witches and wizards integrate a little bit easier into our world."
Her message wasn't very well received by most of of the permanent members. Most of whom still felt that Muggleborns were not welcome in the magical world. Their belief in pureblood being the best and only way to pass down magical gene's had clouded their judgement and made most of them fanatical.
After about an hour or so of procedural measures and smaller bills the session ended. Harry, Hermione and Nathaniel walked out through the same doors they came in through and into the same sideroom that the Grangers waited in.
"That went well." Harry said as he took a seat at the small table. He rest his head sideways on the table.
"I think it did, however did you see that woman sitting next to the Minister?" Hermione asked curiously.
Harry sat up begrudgingly, "Yeah the one that looked like a toad?" Hermione snickered.
"Yeah, I think she has it in for you. She kept eyeing you the entire time, especially when Mr. Greengrass was talking." She had noted her actions quite carefully as she seemed to be the biggest opponent to her family getting protection.
"I guess… yeah… kinda." Harry said through several yawns. "Man I am tired."
Nathaniel chuckled, "Long day, boy? Back when I was in the Navy we'd have to go twice as long while carrying a fifty Kilo bag."
"Not now dad…" Hermione said slightly embarrassed.
Daniel walked in a few moments later, "How's everyone?" Even Daniel had a bit of tiredness to his voice.
"Fine dad…" Harry said in the same tired voice. "Can we go home…?"
Daniel smiled brightly at the second time being called dad in the same day, "Yeah, once more people leave we'll go." It was not past ten and they had all gotten up early that morning to start training.
Hermione walked over to Mr. Greengrass, "Sir, I just wanted to thank you for what you did today to help our family. You don't know us, but it means a great deal."
Daniel looked at the girl in front of him and she reminded her a lot of his daughter, "It is nothing at all. I've always been the kind of guy to want to help others, that's kinda why I joined the Aurors. The icing on the cake was that you and Harry are such good friends. I am just happy that I was able to help." He smiled at the young witch who beamed back at him.
"So how will this work Daniel?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Well I imagine that Madam Bones will appoint an Auror and their assistants to help oversee all the Muggleborn Families. They will visit them and their houses and likely set up a few basic wards around the house. Hopefully." Daniel said rolling his eyes. "They will be allowed at Hogwarts."
"Why would they be needed at Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione did you see what members voted against the bill? How many of the have kids at Hogwarts? How many of them are Ex-Death Eaters?" Hermione saw where he was going and nodded slowly. "So with so many baby Death Eaters at Hogwarts there is bound to be trouble."
"But Mr. Greengrass, Dumbledore's still there and he won't stand for anything like that…" Hermione couldn't even bring herself to believe it.
"Come on Hermione." Harry said with some distaste. "Dumbledore's hands are tied until Fudge admits that Voldemort is back." He sighed.
Nathaniel listened carefully as up until his house was attacked he was fairly ignorant to the magical world. Hermione of course would tell him a few things here and there but most of the stuff was too unbelievable.
Daniel breathed heavily, "We should be going, the crowd should have mostly left by now." As he opened the door to the hallway.
"Dad?" Harry asked which caused him to turn around. Harry looked up at him, "Thank you." Harry said while giving Daniel a hug. He was beside himself. Hermione and Nathaniel saw the elder Greengrass tearing up in the hallway.
"You welcome Harry. You are my son, and I'd do anything for my family. Just ask your mother." he and Harry both laughed and walked towards the elevator.
As they entered the elevator Harry pressed the button that said 4th floor. He got a interesting look from Daniel and a cleaver smile from Hermione. "Why do you want to go to The Department of Mysteries?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
Harry looked up at him with corner of his eye, "I'll tell you later, it'll only be a second."
Daniel eyed Harry carefully as the elevator pulled back and began its trip to the fourth floor. He also caught an interesting look from Hermione and knew that this was more than just an excited fourteen year old wanting to explore the Ministry of Magic.
The elevator chimed as it had once before and Harry and them stepped off. The foyer was the same black and white marble as the rest of the hallway except this time as the elevator door vanished four doors appeared along with three other hallways.
As Harry stood there he felt his scar burning and he instinctively reached for it. Only Hermione noticed and decided it was better to keep things to herself as Harry hadn't been directly forthcoming with his new father.
"Well?" Daniel asked as he was looking around and then finally noticed Harry in a bit of distress. "Harry what's wrong?"
"I'm fine, I'll tell you back at the house. I just need to get out of here now." He said in a bit of rushed tone.
Daniel turned around to where the door use to be and found that unlike other doors this one did not appeared once called. He looked around for a few moments and just when he was about to start to worry the doorway appeared in front of him. "This place is just bizarre." Daniel whispered to himself.
The four of them walked into the elevator without noticing a pair of eyes watching them from one of the hallways.
They arrived back at Greengrass Manor about ten minutes later. When Harry emerged through the Floo he was immediately tackled by Daphne.
"Hey, hey, I am alright." He said with a hint of shock in his voice."
Aurora stood a few feet away watching eager to find out about how the session went.
"You were gone for what felt like forever, why did it take so long?" She turned towards her father.
"Well…" Harry said trying to think, "They cleared me of all charges, not before having to admit that mom," he said gesturing to Aurora Greengrass, "is my new Godmother." He said with a bit of annoyance but then quickly flashed a smile to Aurora.
Aurora was smiling greatly, here was this boy, not a week after realising that she was his new family and had already accepted them.
Daphne hugged Harry harder which caused her to press her breasts firmly against his chest. Harry immediately started to feel a warmth radiating from his chest where Daphne was pressed against, and began to blush. Harry swore he heard the sound of Daphne crying however when he looked her in the eye, there was no sign of tears or crying.
Hermione step up, "Then Xenophilius Lovegood brought up a measure to help protect and educate all the muggleborns currently attending Hogwarts."
Aurora lead them all from the study into the dining room, "Xeno did that?" She eyed her husband, "That doesn't sound like something he'd do."
Daniel caught the look she sent him, "Yeah, we talked during a recess and he wants to help the Order, but he's never been good with spells. Besides I think he feels bad for sitting on the sidelines for so long without doing anything."
"Dad? Where is the DMLE going to get the money for Auror program?" Harry asked curiously.
Daniel smiled, "Harry, they already have it. There are many people like Mr. Lovegood who support the Order of the Phoenix but can't with their wands."
Hermione was excited, as much as she liked spending time with Harry and Greengrass's she wanted to go back home. "You mean we get to go back home?" Hermione asked hopefully to her father.
"Not right away." Daniel answered while her dad walked over to hug his daughter.
"Soon sweetheart, soon." Nathaniel said encouragingly.
Aurora was too overwhelmed by all the fuss that she was startled by the loud clock alerting them it was after midnight. "Oh dears its after midnight. Hup hup to bed all of you."
Daniel walked over to stand with his wife, "You heard your mother, off to bed with all of you." He reaffirmed after none of the teens moved towards the bedrooms.
"Yes mum." Daphne said slightly disappointed.
A bit later everyone was tucked safely into their rooms, and Harry and Daphne were both sitting on their respective beds having just gotten into their bedtime clothes.
"I think I know where that hallway I saw in my dreams is." Harry said after several moments of silence.
Daphne looked up as she had pulled out a book to read, "You did what?" She asked curiously.
"Yeah, I think I found out that hallway from my dream. We passed it on our way to the Wizengamot. It's in the Department of Mysteries." Harry said triumphantly.
"Department of Mysteries…" She said slowly. "I've never heard of it till now." Daphne said closing her book.
"Neither had Hermione when I asked her." Harry crawled under his sheets.
"What do you think your doing?" Daphne asked with a stern face.
"Going to bed…" Harry said worried like he had done something wrong.
"Not before say good night your not." She pouted then a slight blush crept up her face.
Harry smiled and slowly rolled out of bed and walked across the room over to Daphne's bed. "Good night Daph." He said with a warm smile. He leaned over a gave her a soft yet loving hug.
Daphne returned the hug happily as a bright smile crept across her face, "Good night Harry." She whispered into her ear.
Harry shivered at the sensation of her breath against his somewhat cold ears. The shiver went down his spine and exploded throughout his entire body.
Daphne noticed and giggled to herself. Harry pulled away and shook himself, "You are evil." He said playfully.
"I know." Daphne said as she pulled her blankets over her and rolled away to face the wall. Before she did she noticed a bulge in his sweats. She felt an enormous heat rush through her body. She had never seen a man's privates before; her mother had given her a brief talk two summers ago about boys and sex. Aurora was very brief about it saying that it was up to her to figure out what she and her partner would want to do. She of course was taught the Contraception Charm and told to ALWAYS cast it before.
Harry saw her pulled away and was slightly disappointed but knew that he shouldn't pry any further. He was always respectful towards everyone especially girls. Sirius had had a very brief talk about sex during the holidays last Christmas and even though Sirius was a trickster and very overt about his attempts to hit on other witches he was adamant about the fact it was their choice if they wanted to do anything.
Harry already knew that part as it was pretty common sense. He was already consciously aware that he didn't want to hurt or make anyone uncomfortable. He also was very new to the idea of dating and there being girls other than Hermione, who for some reason he was not attracted to. However he cared very deeply about her.
Harry moped over to his bed and climbed in and tried to will his erection to subside. He rolled onto his side and face away from Daphne, smiling.
The next two weeks were fairly routine as every other morning the four teens would wake up at 7am and run through the obstacle course and do some physical activity. It would normally last about two hours before they were released to their own devices for the rest of the day.
One afternoon Daphne walked into the Den where her mother was sitting a Knitting charm off to the side while she was testing patterns for a scarf she wanted to make Harry for the new year.
"Mum?" Daphne asked as she sat down across from her mother.
Aurora looked up, "Oh Daphne, I didn't see you come in. What is it dear?" She said with a smile.
"I have been thinking and Harry's birthday is a week from tomorrow and I'm fairly certain he's never had a Birthday Party in his life." she said somewhat gloomily.
"Oh dear!" Aurora exclaimed. "I almost forgot." She said as she canceled her Knitting Charm and stood up. She walked over to her small desk in the corner of the room and pulled out her planner.
It had almost all of the Greengrass plans that had already been scheduled along with any invite or suggested plan that was given to any member of the house. It was one of the Greengrass family secrets that had been passed down for years.
She opened it to July of 1995 and low and behold Saturday July 31st, Harry James Potter's Birthday. Written neatly in a gold and red Gryffindor colors.
"Well it's a good thing you said something." She turned to her daughter with refound ambition. "What did you have in mind?"
"I don't know." Daphne said honestly.
"Well dear you know him better than the rest of the family. I know he and dad have been getting closer and that he's finally feeling comfortable with being apart of this family, but…"
"I want it to be special." Daphne said emphatically.
"Special… Yeah…" Aurora said as she was flipping through of the events they had done in the past. Part of the magic of the planner was that you could tap on a previous event that was held at Greengrass Manor and it would show you floor plans, guest lists, decoration colors, food menu everything about the event.
"Normally I'd ask Hermione, but she's just as new to the magical world as Harry." Daphne said looking over her mother's shoulder. The event that her mother was looking at was her father's 10th year reunion for the Slytherin Quidditch team of his seventh year.
"Harry likes Quidditch right?" Aurora asked her daughter.
"I'd say he loves it more than anything really…" she said with a slight chuckle.
"Well then let's do that. We can see if some of his school friends want to come over for a big Quidditch game. I am sure your father would love it as well." She said with a big smile. She wanted to spoil Harry for his first birthday in the family. Especially if what Daphne said was true and he never got a real birthday party.
"Well…" Daphne said while kicking her feet, "Part of the problem is all of Harry's friends that I know are Gryffindors and I'm not sure I'm ready for all of Hogwarts to know we are dating yet…" she said with a bit of a blush.
"Oh!" Aurora exclaimed as she back away to get a good look at her daughter. "I... Well that does make things a bit more difficult. I mean I guess we could do it just Harry and his friends… I just figured that you'd want to play with them." She said somewhat disappointed but at the same time she knew where her daughters fears were coming from. It was one thing for the wizarding community to know that Harry was now living at the Greengrass house, it was another for them to know Daphne was dating Harry.
It was well known before Voldemort fell that he would use loved ones and family as a vice against certain persons of power in order to get them to do what he wanted. It was clear to Aurora that Daphne knew the risks and was willing to put them aside for this boy. It was a bit worrisome for Aurora but she knew better than to get between love. She had seen first hand what the power of love can do. Her best friends Love for her son had saved his life in a moment of desperation.
Aurora just nodded as she had started to tear up at the thought of Lily Potter, "Ok dear. We'll throw Harry a big Quidditch party. We need to send out invitations soon, so you need to work on a guest list."
Daphne had been a bit upset over not really getting to partake in his birthday celebration but knew that it would be better for him overall if she didn't. She would just have to make it up to him after the party. "For that we need Hermione's help." Daphne wiped her slightly running makeup and smiled warmly at her mother.
The next few days Daphne, Aurora and Hermione secretly tried to pry out of Harry all of the people that he considered his friends. By Wednesday of that same week they had created a list: Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Katie Bell, Fred and George Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Angelia Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and as per Hermione's request Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown. All in all 11 people, most of them being from Harry's year. Hermione and Daphne had argued slightly over inviting Ron but in the end Hermione was able to convince Daphne that Harry really wanted nothing to do with the boy after the incident at the end of last year.
Daphne and Aurora had planned a huge spread of food as they still were not able to figure out what kind of food Harry really liked. He had finally started eating properly a few days before they started planning the party. Even with the training sessions they were still doing in the mornings the boy would still eat about half what everyone else did.
When Daniel got wind of the plan he was very excited about the idea of hosting a Quidditch Game that he decided that he was going to Referee the game and went out and bought real Quidditch gear and even rented enough brooms so that everyone would be able to run a Nimbus 3001 instead of the school provided Clean Sweeps as a special treat.
Two days before the party Daphne found herself sitting in her room while Harry was out shopping with Daniel for some proper Wizengamot robes as it was likely that Harry would have to make future appearance especially after the way the Minister was positioning himself over the boy.
The Daily Prophet had been running several articles about how the Minister helped Harry get off from the charges of Underage Magic. That it was his cunning and cleverness that was able to swing enough votes to help him. In fact Daniel had received several letters asking for private meetings with Harry and the Minister. Daniel of course burned all the letters as soon as they arrived, he did however make sure to tell Harry every time one would come. The Greengrass family was built on trust and that they were stronger together than as individuals.
Astoria walked into the doorway with a perplexed look on her face, "Daph? What are you getting Harry for his birthday?"
Daphne looked up from the Ancient Runes homework she had started, "I am getting him an Ruby and Emerald Arm Guard, that records the twenty seconds before and after the catching of any Golden Snitch, that he can wear during his Quidditch games." She smiled brightly.
She had thought about it for a few weeks actually and she thought he would really love it. Emeralds were the Greengrass trademark. Their family owned the majority share in a large Trading Company that specialized in Emeralds. As a result that were the wizarding world's largest and most reliable source for high quality Emeralds.
She had spent a few weeks allowance on adding the Ruby's which she thought Harry would like, as they were both a Potter family tradition, she had looked it up in one of the books their library had on other Wizarding Families, and representing Gryffindor.
"Daphne!" Astoria accosted her sister. "You can't do that!"
"Why not?" She looked at her sister a bit confused.
"Because Emeralds are Slytherin. He won't be able to wear it during his games. He'll get made fun of by everyone." She said it like it was a very obvious thing.
Daphne's jaw slowly opened and as she tried to speak words were lost on her. Her brain was soaring at a mile a minutes. "I… I mean… He… Sure they…" She stammered through sentence after sentence never able to actually finish any of them.
Daphne quickly willed herself to regain her composure, "Leave." she said coldly and went to her desk for a piece of parchment.
Astoria sighed loudly and rolled her eyes, "Fine have it your way." She walked back out of the room and closed the door on her sister.
Daphne quickly wrote out a letter to Tracy essentially asking her what she should get Harry. As she finished quilling the letter she rolled it up into a small roll and walked over to Hedwig's perch.
"Hey girl can you do me a favor and take this to Tracy Davis? She's been here a few times and I need her help in getting Harry a good birthday present." She said hopefully. She and Hedwig had never really gotten along, she figured it was because of how protective Hedwig was of Harry.
Hedwig chirped sharply and nipped the air just above her fingers, then trilled softly. To which Daphne was relieved she had seen over the past few weeks that Hedwig would trill before she agreed to take a letter from Daphne. "Thanks." She said as she held the letter out to the white snow owl.
Hopefully Tracy would know what to do because her sister was right as much as the arm guard was a wonderful gift, Harry would not be able to wear it at least not while at school.
That night at dinner she was visibly worried and even Aurora and Daniel picked up on it. They both figured it was because the party was in two days and it would mean that she and Harry would have to hide the fact they were dating. Not to mention they were still hiding the fact that they were throwing him a surprise birthday party.
Daphne was nervous about the party and even more nervous about the fact that she still hadn't heard from Tracy. She didn't want to go to her parents just yet because this was just as much a test for Daphne as everything else she was going through in learning how to interact with Harry.
During dinner Hedwig flew through the opening in the roof was that installed for Owls to use so they could deliver mail at the table while not completely disturbing the mean. She flew straight over to Daphne and dropped of a letter. Daphne gave the white owl a piece of her fried chicken to which to bird devoured and hooted happily before flying off towards Harry and Daphne's room.
"What's the letter?" Daniel asked curious as to why Hedwig would deliver something this late.
"Oh I wanted to see if Tracy had found the sister book to that one on Runes she found a few weeks ago." Daphne lied. She felt a slight twinge in the back of her head. Her father had taught both her and Astoria basic Occlumency as part of Pureblood upbringing. She glared at her father slightly as she knew he was trying to probe her to see if she was lying.
"Did you finish the other book already?" Aurora asked unaware of the mental fight going on between Daphne and her husband.
Daphne struggled but eventually managed to turn away and look at her mother, "Yeah…" Daphne said in a stressed tone of voice. "The author apparently wrote another book on Arithmancy which is suppose to compliment her work with runes."
Harry finished chewing his piece of chicken, "I never saw why you and Hermione love Ancient Runes and Arithmancy so much. It's too much math and memorization." He said before taking another huge bite of chicken.
"Harry!" Hermione said while sending him a glare. "Arithmancy and Runes are the key ingredients to the creation of most new spells. You mother and Mrs. Greengrass were at the forefront of spell design before Voldemort came…" She finished carefully as to not upset Harry.
"It's ok Hermione." He said a bit annoyed but faking a smile. "You can talk about the day my parents were murdered."
The word hung at the table and Harry knew it before and after he said it. He and Aurora had talked a few time in the past week about her relationship with Lily Potter. Aurora was making progress in bonding with him but not as quickly or deeply as her daughter.
The somber atmosphere afterwards continued throughout the meal, which was a bit of relief for Daphne who had gotten the answer from Tracy.
After dinner Daphne politely excused herself from the table and rushed up to her room. She sat on her bed and read the letter from Tracy.
Daph,
I got your letter this morning and I was confused as to why you would make such a mistake. However I am your best friend so I guess I'll help you. If you still wanted to get Harry something Quidditch related you could get him some self cleaning goggles or a Nimbus Service Kit although those are both pretty lame gifts. You could also get him a Nyx Quick-Release Wand Holster. That would be a bit harder to acquire at last minute but you could. Hope this helps, you own me. I expect juicy stories when I get there on Saturday.
Tracy
Daphne was smiling, "Ok how do I convince dad to get it…" She said to herself as she pulled her leg up onto the bed.
Daphne was grateful that Tracy had decided to come over the day of the party as Daphne wouldn't be spending much time at all at the party itself as she didn't want it to be public yet that she and Harry were dating.
A little while later Harry walked into their now shared bedroom. Daphne smiled at him, "How are you doing?" Daphne posed.
Harry smiled brightly at her, "I am fine actually. A bit tired but otherwise fine. These training sessions must be working because I already feel much less tired than I did a week ago."
Daphne's face dropped a bit, "I'm glad." She tried to smile but she wasn't nearly as thrilled as he was. It would be one thing if they were able to train with magic, but since they all still had the Trace and can't use magic outside of school. Although she was feeling a bit more confident about her back. It had been two weeks since they started training and she hadn't had a single bit of back pain.
Harry yawned, "I think I am going to turn in early." He walked over to Daphne and gave her a quick kiss and a warm hug. "Sleep well Daphne."
She kissed him back, "Good night Harry." She watched as he went over to his bed and quickly took his shirt and jeans off and climbed into bed in his boxers. Daphne was still very attracted to his very fit body, he still could still gain about ten or fifteen pounds around the waist to be proportionate but that would come over time.
Over the last week or so Harry and Daphne had grown much more comfortable with each other and had gotten a pretty good feel for each other's moods and patterns.
Daphne sat at her desk for about an hour more before her mother walked by. She peeked her head in the room and mouthed to Daphne, "Is he asleep?"
Daphne nodded with a smile.
Aurora walked over to him and leaned over a kissed him softly on the forehead. She saw a subtle smile in the corners of his mouth and his shoulders relaxed slightly. She then walked over to her daughter. "Good night sweetie."
"Night mom." Daphne hugged her mother and as she walked out, changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed.
Friday passed ever too quickly for Daphne as her Father had to leave early in the morning to go into the Ministry. She was nervous now that she'd not be able to get Harry's gift. Her father told her that he would try but Nyx is a very persnickety company to shop at, as they have very few things stocked. They do all of their business as custom orders which usually take a few weeks. However Daphne couldn't afford to get Harry a custom wand holster.
Daphne went to sleep late after making sure Harry was asleep, she tried to stay awake hoping for good news however she too succumbed to sleep.