Chapter 11
Minister Ogden came to visit Hogwarts.
He had received a private report about the Headmaster's death. When he had been a member of the Wizengamot five years before, he had voted to send Dumbledore to Azkaban.
He considered the man a good friend, but no one should be above the law, no matter how powerful. A stint in Azkaban might have brought him down a peg or two as well.
Now the great man was gone, and Lord Ogden was left with only his portrait to consult.
He suspected Acturus of Dumbledore's death, but Amelia said that the boy had confessed, and was still in the office when she showed up. Minerva McGonagall being there the whole time, and never seeing Lord Black there lent weight to him being innocent.
But he would always, always want to blame Arcturus Black. He was quite sure that the man had something to do with his own grandchildrens' and grandchildrens-in-law's deaths. Sirius, followed by the LeStrange brothers, and then Bellatrix as well. All within months of each other.
Why he hadn't killed Harry Potter yet was a mystery. He, for one, was glad that Acturus had made very public Unbreakable Vows to never harm the boy.
But still.
Hadrian Potter-Black was in elegant white robes. He stood when the minister entered the room. The boy was not alone. A lovely blonde witch who held a beautiful toddler was sitting next to him, both similarly attired. Ares was a very lucky wizard, despite his unfortunate parentage.
The lady remained seated but offered her hand.
He kissed it and bowed to her, then exchanged bows with Heir Black.
The boy certainly had grace for one so young.
"I'm sorry to hear of the recent trouble here. I also heard that Albus violated the rules, and tried to see you about a non-school matter. He also held a very valuable item, an artifact of your house, and used a wand to levitate it. Your magic reacted and he was thrown out the window."
The fact that Albus's own magic may have helped the boy was ignored. Albus had made vows to people! One does not ignore honor vows, even if not sworn on magic.
Harry had natural tears in his eyes. "I truly did try to save him afterwards. I just couldn't get my magic to stop swirling and work!"
Persephone pulled him into a one-armed hug, and Cassiopia grabbed at him.
"I just wanted to let you know that a few senior judges met and went over everything. It has been decided to keep your name out of everything. It will be released that Dumbledore is dead. Considering his age, most will assume natural consequences." Minister Ogden informed them. "I will soon be announcing a national day of mourning for the great Leader of the Light."
Harry looked aghast at his robes. "I'm wearing this for Lucius Malfoy, my cousin's father! I won't wear white for that man! He wanted to make me into, into...something horrible!"
"That's alright Harry! Lucius would understand. I want you to wear normal student robes tomorrow, alright?" Persephone soothed. "This is such a nightmare for the boy, and it wasn't his fault!" She defended.
"We know. I wanted to come and let Heir Potter-Black know that anything he needs will be provided. I would be happy to pay for a mind-healer to come and visit. It would be more secure this way, more secret."
Harry thought about it. Goblins were bribable. They were honorable most of the time, but the money trail…
"Thank you minister. I accept your help. I, like my grandfather, firmly believe in your political platform. I look forward to being older, and being able to vote for you myself." Hadrian had put on his most sincere face.
"Why thank you my boy! Thank you! Splendid! I'll send my niece - she'll be most discreet I promise. Doesn't say anything to anyone about anything - and she's very busy, so I hear from her manager that she is very good."
"We appreciate your concern and help, Minister." Persephone said. "Do I need to bring Hadrian somewhere?"
"No, no! She'll come here. I'll send an owl with time and place."
"Deputy McGonagall had a curse-breaker up at the owlery. Apparently, it wasn't just Harry's mail here getting intercepted. There was a room full of old mail. The Hogwarts house-elves are giddy with happiness at all of the extra work. The owls should be fine soon." Persephone told them.
Cassiopia burbled something, clearly wanting to be part of the group, but going on 19 months, her vocabulary was limited.
"Yes, I was most distraught to hear about that. Again, I'm sorry about everything that happened. May I ask you a completely different question, Heir Black?" The minister had a small smile on his face.
"Of course Minister. And if you like, you may call me Hadrian, sir."
"Splendid, Hadrian, a pleasure. Are you planning on playing quidditch next year?"
"No sir. I love flying. When I'm older and out of school, I wouldn't mind owning a Pegasus or two. But my healer has counselled me against the sport. My head injury was nearly fatal, and if I receive another hard blow to the head anytime soon, well, it wouldn't be a good thing." The perfect excuse as it was true. No need to sound like an arrogant braggart. 'I'm a mage and you're not'.
He glanced at his aunt who had paled. The minister swallowed. This lovely young witch has just buried one son. Right. No need to talk about young men dying right now. It would be distressing to him to see her mourn even more.
Persephone looked down and brushed lint from impeccable alabaster robes. As a mother, she would normally start wearing regular clothes later in the month. Harry suspected that she would wear something else just for Dumbledore's funeral though. And they did have to go. House Black did not shy away from duties.
The minister stood. "My condolences on your loss."
In response, Harry stood and bowed. Persephone also stood setting Cassiopia down.
"Thank you for coming out and talking with us, Minister. I will appraise Lord Black of your words."
"When are he and Ares getting back?" The minister asked.
"I suspect tomorrow, or the day after at the latest. Should I ask them to see you, sir?"
"No, no, just idle curiosity. Well, I'll be off. Take care, young Hadrian. Drop me a note once in awhile, and let me know how you are doing. If you have any concerns, that sort of thing."
"Of course, Lord Ogden, I would be happy to write to you."
After bows and murmured goodbyes, they departed.
"What was that about, Auntie?" Harry queried.
"The minister thinks that your grandfather finally lost it, and killed Dumbledore in cold blood. Not that he could or would put him up on charges for doing so. Not without proof."
"But that's not what happened! And Grandfather would never!" 'It wouldn't have been so quick, and he wouldn't have been unconscious when hit with the death blow if Grandfather had done it.' the boy thought to himself, but it was a private thought to never be shared.
They had been walking and talking quietly together. They had reached the main doors.
Persephone leaned over, and kissed his forehead, and afterwards Harry kissed his cousin in farewell.
"Try not to worry about it. Cornflower Ogden is supposed to be the best mind healer in the country. I'm glad that he is going to use his influence to secure her services. Just be discreet, and write often, and eat your vegetables."
"But chips are technically a veggie..." Hadrian started, and they both shared a smile. "Give Grandfather and Ares my regards when they get back. And thank you for coming up. It was great to see you."
Harry left to go to his room and think. Persephone left feeling much lighter.
She didn't know what the men were up to, but someone had whispered something about tracking horcruxes, and she had stayed out of the way.
-00-00-00-
The next week was interesting. As Dumbledore would go away unexpectedly all the time, nothing was said about his absence. Since he himself had put the portraits in his office to sleep before his meeting with Harry Potter, only Ares, Professor McGonagall and Harry knew exactly what happened in the office, and none of them said anything after the initial questioning. Well, mostly.
Harry did break the secret and tell Professor Snape. But he had informed Amelia of it. The potion-master had to know.
One did not blindside their spies. It was like using the wrong fork at a formal meal. It just wasn't done.
It wasn't until the 25th that the Headmaster's death was announced, and that the funeral would be held at the quidditch pitch to allow room for all those who wanted to attend. The house-elves were busy with warming charms and such so no one froze in the cold.
Slytherins, the few who attended, wore student robes. Most of the Dumbledore supporters wore their normal formal robes in an array of colors. Only a few, and it was surprisingly Severus Snape included in the small group that actually mourned the man and wore the formal white robes.
Lord Black insisted that Hadrian attend as a future member of the Wizengamot.
There was a sudden surge in the crowd, and Harry felt himself caught in an unexpected embrace.
"Will if it isn't the Boy-Who-Lived! Let me console you on the loss of your great mentor." Blond hair obscured Harry's vision, but he knew by the smell of the cologne who it was.
"Mr. Lockhart! Thank you for your kind words of condolence." Harry said, returning the hug enthusiastically, while whispering a question. "Should I try to get a few tears going?"
"Wouldn't hurt. Together, we'll likely make the front page." The foppish man whispered back. He was dressed in purple and gold today, and looked every inch the story-book hero.
Harry had palmed a bit of balm just for this purpose and took a large wiff. Onion juice and other potent ingredients had been sacrificed for very realistic looking tears.
"He was a powerful wizard who will live on in history." Harry said sadly. Oh yes. And he would hire Gilderoy to write that history, one of a modern day kidnapper, a criminal in pink and orange swirl robes.
Ares came over and shook Gilderoy's hand after the photographers had finished up. The handsome blond left to go sit with the Dark Force Defense League or some such while Ares escorted Hadrian back to his family.
No one noticed Gilderoy looking at Narcissa like she was a sugary confection, and he a starving man. He knew this family well, but as a servant. Not that he had been treated poorly. Shame she was so newly widowed, it wouldn't do to pursue her too soon. No, he would need to wait a few months. Still he kept a watch on the lady.
The author hoped that she noticed just who he was sitting with, and how close to the podium he was - a very honored and exalted position for one born of magicals of limited means.
"The Minister promised a short program today. It will be respectful though. Then internment in Godric's Hollow." Lord Black told his family.
"Not Hogwarts?" Ares asked. He sipped a palmed potion, as his accent had slipped a bit. "Not Hogwarts grounds?" He asked again, sounding much more Aussie this time. Most of the time at home he just tried to sound like his wife. In public though, it was important to not slip up.
"The Board of Governors was insistent. He will be buried next to his sister and parents. Alberforth's wishes will be followed as the only surviving Dumbledore."
A surprisingly short memorial followed. Testimonials of the man would follow at the internment site, which students were not going to be going to. Harry wished his family farewell, exchanging hugs with all.
Acturus was becoming if not used to them, at least accepting of them. He blamed the muggleborn girl with her warm embraces for corrupting them all. Without malice, at least.
Gilderoy waited for his chance, and snuck in another hug with the Black heir.
It was important to be kept in the public eye, after all.
-00-00-00-
The next few days were odd for the group. Griselda Marchbanks had come to be Overseer of Hogwarts for a time.
That was when Hadrian made a political mistake. One that he had tried to avoid all year.
The group was once again ensconced in the library. Justin said how sad it was that Dumbledore had died. And now, if there were any problems in the wizarding world, they didn't have anyone to help them. Well, no one powerful, that was.
Now, to be fair, Harry had been through a lot, and was feeling very guilty about the man's death. That didn't help.
A magical wind swirled around them for a time before Harry got his magic back under control. He stood, and in far too loud a voice started a diatribe.
He called Dumbledore some very foul names, including some that were technically true, though Harry didn't know their meaning. He called the man thief, liar, and master manipulator.
And then he called him a secret dark lord!
Justin, like Hermione, didn't know the man. Only knew of his legend and what he had read in books. But he was a 'Puff, and loyal to the Leader of the Light who had defeated Grindlewald and put an end to the mass murder going on around the world.
Harry completely lost his temper. With magic swirling, and his eyes glowing, he stomped out of the library. Daphne ran to go with him, but he put up a hand and asked, rather demanded to be left alone.
Heir Potter-Black stormed away, leaving a speechless Justin behind. Daphne tried to explain that Harry had been put with his muggle relatives for a time, and hated the old wizard for it.
That didn't help the situation at all! It just made Justin feel that Harry was a racist!
The next day, after Harry calmed down, he tried to talk to Justin about the situation. But he didn't explain it well, and they wound up in another fight.
It wasn't pretty.
Heir Black decided to just drop the subject after Justin accused him of lying about Dumbledore stealing from him.
He knew the truth, and one day, the world would know. But he was just a child, and no one would believe him. Not yet.
Harry knew that eventually the truth would come out, even if he had to pay for it to do so.
-00-00-00-
For the moment, the Ministry had assigned two executive assistants to Deputy Headmistress McGonagall. She and Professor Snape were dividing the duties of office, while assigning the overview and audit of the accounts to Professor Flitwick. His nose had twitched in delight at that delegation. Professor Sprout offered to take the Headmaster's Detentions which Snape had declined. She instead was put in charge of meal planning with the elves, something that would have caused Severus to break down, and pull out a few death eater party tricks.
Professor Snape did have that in common with the Dark Lord. He had no patience for the squeaking creatures most days.
The biggest change was hiring four couples to be the new Heads of House for all four houses. It was against the charter to have a teaching professor have more than one role. Professor McGonagall was also trying to hire a Transfiguration teacher. She wanted to keep first, fifth, and seventh years, and let someone else take the others. Since she taught ICW standards, it would just a matter of time to find someone to mesh with.
With Dumbledore gone, they would finally be allowed to bring back enchanting, healing, battle magics, and alchemy as well. Professor McGonagall had a letter stating that House Black would fund said classes for a decade.
She had been most indignant about that - as if Hogwarts was poor! But she honestly didn't know what the Headmaster had done with their funds.
He was very secretive about it all.
Flitwick's audit would come as a shock to none in the House of Black.
-00-00-00-
Several months passed. Professor McGonagall stepped up to Headmistress, with Professor Snape as Deputy.
The audit showed a steady flow of funds sent to account labeled OOTP, which only Snape knew what it meant. There were funds from the Potter heir there too.
Apparently none of Hadrian's birthday and Christmas gifts delivered by post owl had ever gotten to the boy. They were all turned to gold, and all given to this fund. Not that he had suffered from the lack, but to a goblin, stealing from a child was as low as one could get.
Flitwick had been ready to hire a necromancer to resurrect Dumbledore just so that he could kill him in an honor duel.
What he did in secret to Dumbledore's portrait is not fit to print.
The Potter money was returned, with a letter of apology written by Professors Snape and McGonagall.
The return of the Hogwarts money to the school saw her coffers swell, and was put to use to improve the school.
Professor Snape was now only teaching a few of the very best NEWT students, with an American witch taking on everyone else.
Marian Belby, from the Belby branch of the family that had gone to the New World 200 years before, scowled at the lack of preparation labs, the lack of safety equipment, the lack of ventilation. However, gold solved many problems, and less than a week after she arrived, she had a newly cleaned and ventilated suite of classrooms on the second floor ready for teaching. One classroom had stainless steel tables and were used exclusively for ingredient prep. A different ventilated room was used for brewing. A third room, in a standard classroom setup was for lectures.
In less than a month, every single potion student sang her praises. Even the Slytherins who had previously been coddled and spoiled liked her teaching method.
Professor Snape had never been happier either.
The only hiccup was the Weasley twins. They had taken Professor Snape taking over detentions as a challenge. With Peeves, and secret help from Hadrian, they had tried more than once to get away with school-wide pranks.
The Valentine's Day prank where all the boys were pink, and all the girls were mint green was the kicker.
Harry again had reread the letter from Persephone about Valentine's Day and sent no notes, flowers, poems, or anything to anyone. Nothing anyone could take to the press. No gifts of affection at all. Nothing. Well, except one.
Slytherin and Gryffindor had some classes together. Harry managed to slip Hermione a pure white rose. His other gift was a shy smile. No one could misinterpret that.
Neither noticed the death glare that Daphne aimed at Hermione that day.
It was exactly the same prank that Remus had pulled on the rest of the Marauders on Valentine's.
When reading about it, Ares had laughed so hard he'd fallen off the couch and scared Cassiopia to tears. When he showed the baby the pictures, she soon joined in the laughter, so all was well.
The deputy headmaster was beyond livid.
Professor Snape had to punish someone. And while he suspected the Potter brat, he did nothing to him. He did, however, put the twins in detention for a week without proof of their guilt.
And what a week!
They had to collect the droppings of several magical creatures for some advanced potions. Without magic, and without the normal smell-cancelling spells that potions-masters used.
That stopped most of the pranks for the rest of the year. There were some fireworks planned for after final exams, but that was it.
Hadrian was disappointed, but he also didn't want to go up against a man who had protected him. So, he designed pranks, very secretly, and kept the ideas in a journal.
With the highest authority always in school, bullying, spell casting in the hallway, and other general bad behavior stopped.
Professors were being interviewed for the following year, some coming now to set up rooms, and prepare lessons. One professor was let go, and another one, the muggle studies professor was put on probation.
Harry recommended to Minister Ogden that muggleborn be allowed to assist if not teach that class. Harry was sent a small set of sugar quills as a thank you.
Dobby stole them from him before Harry could eat any. Probably on Persephone's orders.
Professor Trelawnly was heard loudly bawling that while indeed she had foreseen this was her last year teaching in the castle, she hoped that she was wrong.
Dumbledore's portrait did win one battle. Professor Trelawney was allowed to stay in the castle in her rooms for the rest of her life. She received no salary, but the rooms cost the students nothing, as there were many extra in the castle. So the only real cost was her meals, which were paid for by a kind-hearted Professor McGonagall. The woman had no living family, and did provide an extra adult for patrols and such.
Hogwarts glowed happily, and Fawkes was slowly growing past the bindings placed on him.
Even Peeves was on his best behavior.
Harry wondered if it was possible for life to be reasonably normal?
-00-00-00-
The school year finally ended. Hadrian had been expecting something bad to happen, but no one attacked him, other than a bit of verbal sniping, and it appeared that the curse-breakers had managed it. Professor Quimbly planned to be back next year.
Due to the mind healing that Harry had gone through, he was also feeling much better about life. He looked forward to going home.
What he didn't expect to see was the magical version of paparazzi waiting for them as the train arrived. Harry disappointedly asked Neville to take over escorting Hermione to her family. He slipped her the letter he'd prepared. They shared a quick hand-squeeze instead of a hug. Daphne was upset at Hadrian's quick farewell with no hug for her. That left Draco and Harry to walk on alone to the center of the circus. This was interrupting Harry's plans for Hermione!
There, with light bulbs flashing, were Lord Black, Ares, and Persephone trying to edge away from the fifth estate, while Gilderoy Lockhart ate up the attention.
"My friends. We are here to pick up the children from a grueling year at Hogwarts. Yes, a difficult year with Troll attacks, and students going crazy. The Headmaster and a professor dying. But there is joy in life as well. Today I announce my engagement. I send my apologies to all of the witches, and not a few wizards, who dreamt of one day wearing my ring. No, while I am sorrowful for the pain I cause, I myself am delirious with happiness. I've lost my heart, and the witch in question has said yes. Indeed, my friends, I am engaged to be married." He struck a gallant pose.
Harry and Draco just looked at each other. Well, peacocks did attract peahens. They knew this from Malfoy Manor's beautiful white birds.
"Who, Gilderoy? Who's the lucky witch?"
Just then, Regent Malfoy arrived, her perfect blond hair a little mussed, her lipstick a little smudged. She would never leave the house without being immaculate - what was going on?
"You stupid pompous man! Did you think that you would get away with it? Did you?"
Gilderoy stuttered a bit. "My darling, whatever is the matter? I was just announcing our betrothal!"
"Betrothal? To you! Did you even have Lord Black's permission? I imagine not! You fed me a love potion, you, you, you..."
Harry whispered to Draco. "Uh oh, he's in trouble. She just called him a you, you."
Draco tried to snuffle his laugh, and it came out a snort. While the boys were enjoying the show, they really weren't old enough to fully understand what Narcissa Malfoy née Black was saying.
"You rapist!" She snarled.
That did it. Both boys were poleaxed. Harry and Draco had been listening to some of the older boys talk. They weren't as innocent as they had been when they first started school. They both thought they knew what this meant.
"Gilderoy?" Harry asked in a small voice, turning to the man. They had worked on books together for years. Harry thought he was funny. Pompous and arrogant, sure, but he loved to laugh.
"Hadrian, you can't believe that I would hurt anyone. I, I can explain..." Gilderoy removed his hat. It was his tell. He was guilty! He had hurt Narcissa!
Hadrian looked to his family, the adults, while trying to keep his magic under control. Tears leaked from his eyes. How could he?! Harry was shaking, trying to breathe.
There were too many people here. Others could get hurt.
Persephone saw what was happening, and called for elves to take the boys home just in time. Harry was taken to a shale beach by Dobby, while Draco was taken to the house.
Water and rocks went everywhere as Harry's magic exploded out. Water rushed to fill in the 25 meter circumference crater. Within minutes, his upset was hidden from view.
Dobby just held him in a hug, calling him the most powerful mage that lived.
Ares was a powerful wizard, and his steel grey eyes held death there. A quick incarcerous, and the man was bound. He started to send his own patronus, but realized that would be a mistake. Instead, Ares asked Arcturs to message patronus to Amelia, and the former heir to House Black questioned his cousin.
"Narcissa, has this man hurt you?"
"He stole some kisses, nothing more. But he was planning on spending the night at Malfoy Manor and requested that Draco spend time at Potter Manor with you." She explained. "I was so happy about the engagement, that I went to run through the checks so that we could have a hand-fasting ceremony tonight."
Right, as keeper of the family morals, most witches would not willingly share a bed with someone that she was not betrothed, hand-fasted or married to.
"And you found out you had been potioned." Ares stated, more than asked.
"What is stupid, is that we had been dating! I told him we should wait until next January to become engaged, but he was so charming. He insisted he couldn't live without me. He had no reason to potion me! I had answered him honestly that I didn't love him a few weeks ago. How does that stop a marriage? Or stop us from trying to build something? Now it's all ruined!"
Ares put up a notice me not around the former Lady Malfoy. It wouldn't serve anyone to see her tears. Except gossipers and enemies. She would be protected from the scum. All of the scum around her.
Aurors finally arrived, and within minutes had arrested the man.
"Lord Black, please tell Harry I just wanted to get closer to him and his family. I didn't mean any harm."
"You've written your last Harry Potter adventure. I will be seeing a solicitor about this, you can be sure." Arcturus Black spat out. "You're done!"
"Please, please!"
"I knew that you were secretly courting Narsisca, and I waited for you to ask permission to do so. I thought you two just wanted to wait until her mourning year was done. I never expected this. If it had been more than kisses, then Ares here would be challenging you to an honor duel. That is if Hadrian allowed him to. He loves his cousin Narcissa. You'd best run if you ever see the boy. And the shame here is that I would have allowed you permission if you had just asked.
Gilderoy Lockhart's picture didn't make the papers just once during this latest fiasco. No, his declaration, his arrest, his trial, and his being led away to Azkaban all made the front page.
And Lord Black asked a favor of the Warden that had rescued Harry so long before.
The famous Gilderoy Lockhart's cell was papered with those pictures. His famous charming smile was nowhere to be seen in any of the photos that had been permanently stuck to the walls. No amount of ripping or pulling could get them down.
Lockhart had wanted to live in a fine manor, been seen as a fine husband and father without having to do the work to get it, was now the proud owner of a 10 x 6 foot cell, with a small cot, a frayed blanket, and a toilet in the corner.
He hung his head and wept.
-00-00-00-
It was easy for Harry to calm down when he found out that Narcissa hadn't been hurt or attacked. That someone that Harry liked could do such a thing shook his world.
How had Harry been so blind?
He figured that it was like followers of Dumbledore. There were still a lot of people out there that believed he was a really good person.
While reading the Daily Prophet, he read an article that really attacked the person who was the subject of the article. He didn't like the style, he didn't like the poison pen. But she was a top earner, and she might be useful.
"Grandfather Black, what do you think of hiring this Rita Skeeter person to investigate Dumbledore? Give her some of the diaries and things..." Hadrian stopped when he saw his liege lord's face.
"Skeeter is a nasty piece of work that I have tried to avoid for years." The man bit out.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I just thought..."
"I apologize, young Hadrian. You had no way of knowing. She's secretly a bug animagus. I discovered this many years ago. We came to an accord. She left me and mine alone, I left her to gossip about who she will. Your idea is not a bad one. I just dislike dealing with her." 'And I have so very many secrets I would rather she didn't find' went unsaid.
Potter Manor had anti-animagus wards, as did the main Black home.
Harry nodded, clearly thinking through the implications of such a potential ally.
"I think that she has more potential as an enemy than friend, sir. Again, I apologize."
Lord Black waved it off, and sent Hadrian off to the new greenhouse. Neville Longbottom was coming over tomorrow. How the Potter boy had done this was astounding. Amelia would be coming to tea, bringing some of Harry's yearmates with them. She must have sweet talked the ancient lady into allowing Nevilled to start socializing with his peers.
The only restriction was that there be no muggleborns invited. Apparently Neville had said one too many positive things about Hermione within the old bird's hearing. Regent Longbottom was one of those who would be quite happy if those people and squibs were drowned at birth.
The boy's birthdays were coming up. At age 12, they would be presented to the Wizengamot formally as heirs to their houses. The August first session would see six heirs recognized - a record that he hoped was never matched again, as it spoke of too much death for a supposedly long-lived people.
When Daphne came through, Harry smiled. He went over and kissed her hand, while she curtseyed regally. But it was when Hermione came through that he boggled. Surely not! But no, her escorts were the other two expected witches and Aunt Amelia.
"I put in a request to hook up the Granger's floo directly to Potter Manor." Amelia beamed. "Surprise!"
"Hermione! It's great to see you! But Neville is expected any time. Lord Black promised Dame Longbottom. He promised…" Harry's face went bright red. "Neville wasn't allowed to visit last summer. But Lord Black gave some presents…"
Heir Potter-Black had never been this tongue-tied! He really, really liked this girl. And he was trying to figure out how to send her home nicely.
Hermione reddened. "You weren't expecting me. You invited Daphne! And of course Hannah and Susan, but not me."
"Miss Granger, it is clear that miscommunication happened, and I seem to be a source of discontent for you. I am going home. I will visit my cousin later." Daphne disappeared through the flames before Hadrian could explain or apologize.
"But your parents are muggle! I couldn't just send the carriage there! All of our thestrals are at Hogwarts! And the only one with Pegasi to rent are the Bulstrodes, and we don't have anything set up. That would take time. And I can't send an elf to a muggle house! It's against the law unless they know the person and can make sure that they are alone, and you dislike all my elves, and oh, I'm not explaining this right at all! I would love to have you visit, but not today, alright? There's a really, really good reason. Good Reasons."
There. He said it straight out.
The girl had tears in her eyes. Without another word she turned back to the floo and went home.
Harry looked up at Madam Bones, who was looking very sad.
"I'm so sorry Hadrian! I knew that you and Hermione were friends, you've talked about her every letter. I'll go and try to make amends. It's my fault."
"Just give her a minute, please." Persephone advised. "Then we will both go. Please, make Neville welcome when he comes. Let him take cuttings of anything from the greenhouses. Oh dear, what a mess."
Susan and Hannah waited awkwardly with Harry in the floo room. No one said anything, and all were grateful when the fireplace disgorged their expected guest. He led them upstairs to his rooms.
Until he was fourteen, Harry would be living in the nursery wing, and treated as a child. While he had his own suite, he still chaffed a bit. He wasn't a baby anymore.
They had a quiet tea, and it took time, but Hannah reminded Harry that they had planned on working, right?
Hadrian was neglecting his guests, and this was the first time Neville had been allowed to come over! It was too bad that Grandfather Black and Ares were gone out hunting something.
"Professor Sprout is going to be so surprised to see our summer homework. We have plenty of space, ladies and gentleman, for anything we want to grow. We already have the first greenhouse that Persephone wanted installed. But there's plenty of room for one of our own. Here's the catalogs. I thought we might want to plan for a little while, do some research, have tea, and perhaps go for a fly?"
Neville locked eyes on the catalogs. Was that one for greenhouses? And Bentran's Bestiary and Seeds? They offered things for people doing the husbandry and gardening for potion masters! Then his brain focused on what Harry had said, and frowned.
Neville looked pained at that. "No offense, Harry, but I'm not much into flying." He slowly told the story of that day to them all, but of course the girls knew at least some.
Apparently, he had fallen off of one of the old school brooms in the Hufflepuff class that took place before Harry's gift of new brooms had been received. "My gran and Uncle Algie were very disappointed when I didn't die. They told me to keep up with the practice. Maybe I would."
"Your Gran is on the Board of Governors for the school, isn't she?" Susan asked gently, completely appalled.
Hadrian's magic flared, and he tamped it down. He would be relating this story to Lord Black when he returned.
Harry shook his head, and offering Neville support, they got down to work.
Susan and Hannah had grown up with Harry, so knew that he owned several businesses and could easily afford the greenhouse and seedling plants that they had ordered. The house-elves would put together the pre-fabricated building, and the group would be doing the planting themselves. Oh sure, there were students who cheated, and hired others to do their work for them, but Harry was a Hufflepuff at heart when it came to honesty and loyalty.
Hadrian wouldn't admit it to Ares, but he really liked gardening.
After ordering supplies, they went to the library. Seeing books caused Harry to twinge in guilt over Hermione's earlier upset. But they got down to work, and did the research of the theory. The most boring part for Hadrian, that was sure.
They even went for a fly later in the afternoon, very low and very slow. Neville actually smiled and enjoyed himself.
The house-elves watching over them approved.
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Cordelia Greengrass was waiting. "Did it work, my child?"
A hint whispered to the right person at the right time. No gold or anything suspicious. She would look like she was helping if anyone did a second take.
Lady Cordelia Greengrass was Slytherin to the core.
"Perfectly mother! She was crying and everything!" Daphne couldn't help gloating.
"Now, now. That is not seemly. Nothing could be proven, but if anyone saw your face right now…" Lady Greengrass chided.
The smile was gone instantly. "My apologies, my lady mother."
The woman looked at her closely. Then gave an approving nod.
"You left promptly. No one will suspect your hand in this. Hadrian must not become too close to that girl. She is just not appropriate for Lady Black at all. You do realize that he might take her as a consort, though."
"Yes, Mother. But I will not allow her to win." Daphne said.
"Of course not. If needs must, your father and I have a different idea. One that would lend Heir Black's own magic to the solution. But it is imperative that you know nothing about it. Do you trust me, my darling daughter?"
"With all my heart."
"Then nothing more be said."
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