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Chapter 17
"You can't do this Acturus! If she doesn't get out of there, she could be..."
"I know the risk ma'am. It's part of the job. I'll do it. I'd do it for free to rescue the boy-who-lived, but I'm used to this. I'll be fine." The older woman said. She didn't look like an auror, but someone who had seen the bitter side of life once too often. She was clearly a volunteer, and had the extra potions in hidden places no one would find. "I'll be fine. Nice of you to worry about me - let the security people worry about the boy's safety first.
They were meeting in Gringotts. For a bribe to the right goblins, Ragnok would allow a person to come in and take polyjuice after they went through the Theives' Downfall if they swore on their magic that they weren't there to rob anyone. Arcturus and Hadrian being named Goblin Friend was helping. That a young girl was involved had made the goblins ready to seize the Flint vaults, but who cared about a few knuts and sickles.
And the Black family weren't going to try to steal or rob from goblins. They had a bigger target. The woman was prepared for her role. It was Persephone who was livid about it, the only one who seemed to care that the volunteer might be in danger. Everyone else was focused on getting Hadrian back in one piece.
There were several things that the family had learned in the last few hours. a) Mad eye Moody had retired from the Ministry. b) Tiberius Flint had been fired from the DMLE. c)Neither one had any right to wear aurors robes and d) The Flints had demanded a hostage exchange. The girl for Hadrian. House Black had asked for an oath swearing that Heir Black was alive, and was being treated well, kept warm, safe, fed, comfortable. They got an oath stating he was alive and was being treated as a guest in their home. All they wanted was the Greengrass girl.
"Something more is going on here!" Persephone tried to reason with the men in her family. "This has to be a trap!"
"If it is a trap, then you need to be safe, and keep our son safe." Ares said, looking at her midriff before putting hiding a fourth wand on his person. "Him and our daughter."
The couple had known since All Hallow's Eve that that Persephone was with child again. They had also been trying to keep it quiet lest the family be targeted again. Persephone didn't like hiding the news from the boys, but knew that she was vulnerable when about. So they had kept it secret for now. The baby was due at Beltane, or a little later. Certainly before final exams at Hogwarts.
"I don't want to lose you, you idiot! You should be staying here! So should Arcturus! Let the solicitors take care of things!"
"They tried, my love. They failed. They've had days to win this. We paid the penalty. Now they want blood. And blood they shall have if Hadrian is not returned.
"At least wait for the Wizengamot!"
"That's not for another few hours. Persephone, desist your tirades against your husband, this is my decision. He made his to come with me. It does not become you to act so."
She pulled herself up as if slapped. She bowed her head to Acturus, and kissed Ares soundly.
"Bring my son home, love, bring you all home. Safe."
"With pleasure, my lady." Ares said, pulling his cloak and magic around them.
She waited for the group to be gone before wilting on the couch in a flood of tears. The real Daphne having given in to hers again upstairs in her room.
"There, there, my lady. 'Twill be alright." The human nanny Elsie comforted. Cassiopia climbed on the couch and cuddled into her upset mother.
"I hope so. I really hope so."
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Harry woke up in a teeth-chattering cold cell. He had been stripped down to his pants, and there was naught but a bit of straw on the ground. He had been about to be going to dinner when he was 'arrested'. He had no clue what time it was now. The cell was very very dark.
No water, no food could be found by crawling around, though his movements had scared something that scittered away.
Great, rats. Ever since capturing Peter Pettigrew, Harry had a thing about rats killing him in revenge. It was a stupid nightmare, but bad dreams didn't have to make sense to scare people.
The Flints weren't very smart though. They had taken the magic-suppressing cuffs off when he was put in the cell. The bars on the cell were ancient - magically resistant cold iron. Fine. He wasn't freeing himself anytime soon, but he had been able to make himself more comfortable.
He took clothes out of his bag from around his neck and put them on first. Now that he was warm, he could think more clearly.
Harry conjured a bed and blanket, conjured a mug of hot chocolate, and conjured a small meal. There were rules against conjuring food. Harry broke rules of magic all the time, so why not break them for breakfast? Or in this case, for a little dinner?
Harry pushed with his magic, but short of destroying the room, which could kill him in the process, he was there for the time being. He decided just to clean his teeth and hands, banish the bits of leftover food, and go to sleep.
When he awoke the second time, he felt much more coherent.
He conjured a small handlight, and cast a spell for the time. The sun would be rising in an hour, and the small window at the top of the cell might then provide a bit of light.
What to do, what to do?
Harry now understood why Lord Black allowed him to be kidnapped before the start of his first year. Sometimes it was best to see an enemy's plans, and try to unravel them in such a way that the enemy is trapped. And so, his family knew about this time too.
Mad-eye had clearly given his grandfather the heads-up on his newest mercenary job. That much was obvious, as Mad-eye had winked at him when he showed Harry the emergency release when taking off the magical suppressor cuffs.
He decided on some oatmeal for breakfast. He wasn't that hungry, but wanted to eat while he could. He conjured several bluebell lights as big as he could, filled with fire, then shrunk them to be the size of marbles and put them all over the cell.
Light did not improve his accommodations in the least.
He finished the small meal, cleaned up, and paced. One, two, three, four. Turn. And Harry wasn't fully grown. Potter Manor had dungeons that were nicer than this. Just in case he ever had to 'have a friend over'. Not that he would. He was too young to torture death eaters.
He didn't want to think about the trains he had planned for once he learned enchanting well. Not here, not now.
Hadrian was not a child! He was not afraid of the dark. Still, it was nice to be able to conjure up Hermione's blue bell flames. They kept him warm, and the light was nice.
He took a book out of his mokeskin bag that had been completely ignored by his enemies. Harry made a promise to himself to put an emergency tent and provisions in his bag at his next possible chance. He hovered one of the lights conveniently over the book, and tried to read.
He heard them coming long before they were there. He put the book and clothes back in the bag, banished nearly everything conjured, and shivered as he was once again nearly naked. He hid the lights for now under the straw, but depending on what was going on, Harry had set up a thank you gift for the Flints hosting him.
Tiberius Flint stood at the door, came in and hit Harry so fast and so hard he didn't have time to react.
"That's for stealing my brother's girl." He said, and was going to hit the boy again, when Moody stopped him.
"He has to be able to walk into Gringotts. Goblins won't like it if he bleeds on the marble." Moody waited until they were walking out to palm him a potion and mouthed 'sorry about that'.
That decided it. The balls of flame Harry conjured were unbreakable, and would likely last hundreds of years, unless given a verbal command.
"Daphne" Harry whispered, and the balls would break and the fire spread within a half hour of them leaving.
And the balls were shrunk down, and holding in a lot of flame.
Harry waited for Flint to go around a corner before he quaffed the draught.
'Thanks' Harry mouthed back. Calming, and stomach soother. He felt better.
His clothes and boots were waiting for him in a small loo that had no windows, and only one door in. At least he had privacy to take care of business, and there was a small toothbrush and soap, so he washed up a bit.
"We're going to Gringotts. Your family gets you back, we get the girl. No funny business, and remember, she's contracted. It's you who stole from us, Potter!"
Harry bit down, saying nothing. The cuffs going on actually helped keep him calm.
Otherwise, he might have destroyed whatever they called the Flint ancestral home.
Not that it was going to survive after this. No, Hadrian took a calming breath. He wasn't going to let anything turn him into a dark lord. That path led to madness and pain.
Just because three out of the last five mages had become dark lords didn't mean that Harry had to follow the trend. He could even out the scales - he could.
The portkey delivered them to a side entrance. Gold exchanged hands, and Harry was allowed to come in shackled. He glared at the two goblins, and memorized their crests. No one had said any words so far, but most people didn't know he could speak Goblin.
They were first to the meeting room. Harry was brought over to a chair. Flint wanted to tie him up, Mad-eye was for getting the girl and gold, and getting out.
Harry looked up at the two of them. Moody couldn't let Flint get a hold of Daphne, he just couldn't!
The next people into the room were Daphne's parents. Cyrus looked like he had aged 10 years, and Cordelia had been crying, Harry could tell.
"Oh, Hadrian! Flint, you are a monster! Breaking these two up like this! Given time, they could have something precious! And shackling Heir Potter-Black like this!"
What? Daphne wasn't his girlfriend. Sure, she was a friend and a girl. Harry didn't want to see Flint hurting her. But breaking them up? Where did that come from? He was 12! He wasn't even dating yet!
"Quiet woman!" That it was Cyrus who spoke to his lady like this surprised everyone in the room, but the doors opening again had drawn everyone's attention.
"Hadrian!" Ares swept across the room, eyeing his godson. His stormy grey eyes met with Flint, and promised slow death one day for this atrocity.
Lord Black came in next to a weeping and heavily veiled Daphne.
"No! You can't do this to my baby! I won't allow it!" Cordelia went forward, but Tiberius backhanded her hard across the face. Goblin steel was then drawn, from Lord Black's side of the room.
"Hitting a female! Shows how impotent you really are humon! Do so again at your peril!"
"I'll show this family how impotent I am! My brother won't mind." Flint bragged. "You girl, come here!"
"No!" Harry yelled, then pleaded with Mad-Eye.
"You were a Master Auror! How can you let this scum take my friend like this! My lawyers were supposed to fix this! Please! Daphne is my friend, Don't let her be hurt!" He was losing control of his magic, the pain in his wrists increased. His magic was being drained, and he had to bite his cheek to keep from screaming out.
Daphne turned to him, her eyes wide. And in that moment, Harry really looked. Her magic was all wrong. It was muted, swirled the wrong colors, and was old, so old.
"The law is the law Potter. Flint won this round. Let your cold night be the only penalty you suffer for this." Mad-eye clearly was trying to tell him to let the girl go. He touched his muggle-style wrist watch, reminding him.
Lowering his head, so others would think him defeated, Harry hid his confusion and pain. Flint's laugh of triumph hurt.
"Marcus is so going to enjoy himself today. Might have to pick up a few strengthening potions for him."
Cordelia screamed at that, and tried to launch herself at the wizard, but her husband held her back.
Harry's magic flared again, and again the pain increased, his magic drained.
A crying Daphne who-was-not-Daphne left with Flint. Mad-eye walked carefully behind him as back-up. Potter looked up just in time for him to see a sad nod, and they were gone.
Harry shuddered, suddenly so cold. What if, what if, what if.
Ares rushed over to Cordelia Greengrass, and half-carried her over to the uncomfortable couch in the meeting room. He pulled out the potions kit that his wife had provided, and gave her a calming draught.
"That wasn't Daphne, Lady Greengrass, but a talented actress who was willing to step in and help us. She has an emergency portkey and everything." Ares explained in a hurried whisper.
"But what if, but, but..."
"She understands the situation, and was willing to risk her life to save Daphne's. If she lives through this, she has a small cottage on a pond in Wales waiting on her. She will be taken care of for the rest of her life for this. That's how important this was to us." Ares elaborated.
Cordelia looked at him, Lord Black, and Hadrian.
Daphne's sister Astoria was betrothed to Draco. Which made Daphne family to the Blacks. They would do anything to protect family. But she was also one of Harry's best friends, and they would also do anything to protect their friends.
Hadrian looked at his Grandfather. Was he old enough to entertain guests in the dungeon? He was certainly willing to find out at that moment.
He took a deep breath.
"I wondered why you gave up so easily. How did you know? She walked like Daphne, looked like her." Lady Greengrass asked/demanded.
"I've known Daphne since I was little ma'am. I just knew." Hadrian didn't elaborate. He was feeling very sick. Portkeying on an nearly empty stomach, and being in suppression cuffs. Seeing what appeared to be his friend given to another family. If that had been Hermione... He shuddered again, struggling not to dry heave. The stomach soother and calming potion Moody gave him was wearing off.
The two bribed guards came in, and took off the magic suppressing cuffs just then. A shouting match in Goblin started between the guards on Lord Black's side, and the two in cahoots with Flint.
If Lady Greengrass had not been hit, they might have ignored the way a child was treated. But now, it was an issue.
Lord Black waited while the guards argued. Ares wanted to check on his godson who was watching the guards like a spectator at Wimbledon.
Of course, he was the only human in the room who had a clue at the score.
The shouting stopped when two other guards came in, followed by another goblin, who clearly wasn't a guard.
"What's going on in here!" Ragnok demanded. He eyed all of them. "Why are a child and lady hurt in here without being offered aid? We have healers - they may be more expensive than St Mungo's but the service should still be offered!"
This being said in English shut all of the goblins up, except for one of the ones near Lord Black who had nodded at him. He excused himself and returned in only a few minutes with a healer.
Her entrance led to a scurry of guards returning to their posts. Hadrian's eyes never left the last two. They clearly wanted to start something with the boy, and Harry wondered what he had ever done to them?
"Sons of your late account manager. Seems to think that you beheaded their father when you were 5." Ragnok explained without being asked.
"I see. So they get involved with getting me into Gringotts as a prisoner without consequence because their father was a criminal? Maybe Goblin arithmancy is different than wizard, but that doesn't add up to me."
Ragnok barked a laugh, and hit Harry very gently on the shoulder. The goblin equivalent of a hug, he supposed.
"It will be taken care of, my friend. Speaking of which, where is your friend, Heir Potter-Black?"
Harry bowed his head. "I don't know sir, but I hope that she is safe."
Ragnok looked at Ares and Acturus, Lord Black. He looked at Cyrus, who was on one side of the room being sick into a conjured bucket, and at Cordelia who was being attended to.
"Terrible day, terrible day. If anyone else were involved, I wouldn't be here. Do try to not be kidnapped so much, this is what, three times?"
"It's not like I asked him to, sir!" Hadrian defended, and then Hermione-huffed. "I don't plan these things!"
"No but trouble does seem to find you, doesn't it?" Ragnok asked.
"Maybe I can invent a fidelius charm against that." Hadrian responded, and had to endure another knock to the shoulder, harder this time, as the goblin roared with laughter.
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Persephone recovered quickly and remembered a problem. A huge problem.
She had a tea tray made, and sent an elf to fetch their guest.
Daphne came into the room, and curtseyed to her. As senior witch of the house, it was her due, but they were not normally this formal. She had known the girl for years. Knew things about her that she likely didn't know about herself.
"You don't hate Hermione. You were in competition with her. And if you had been patient, you might have won. But now? You and your mother have lost everything you hoped to gain."
"I don't know what you are talking about." The Greengrass girl said as she flipped her hair back.
Persephone would not betray her spies, or how she knew what she knew.
"Harry loves you, you know."
"No he doesn't. He rejected me." Tears formed in the girl's eyes.
"He's 12. Of course he did! He still wants to race Pegasi, and play with trains! He doesn't want the responsibility of a wife so young. And he has been taught to think things through. Too bad your parents didn't teach you that as well."
Daphne gave a very Hermione life huff.
"But your mother did this! She has put my husband in real danger! She has put Hadrian in real danger! She did this to try and force an arrangement!"
"No! She wouldn't! Flint?" Daphne began pacing, and thinking. "She did! That's what she did! How could she?"
"Because she wanted Hadrian for a son-in-law! She wanted the prestige that would bring your house! And now, because she tried to force it, Hadrian will NEVER agree to anything with them. You might have had a chance if you waited until you were older! But now?"
"Are you going to tell him?" Daphne asked in a small voice. "I didn't know! If you do, he'll never speak to me again!"
"I'll agree to keep my own counsel. But it is conditional."
"What do you want?"
"Hermione is a welcome guest in our home. She's one of the few that likes Harry for himself. She wasn't raised with a Boy-Who-Lived doll.
"You are going to be her friend. Be nice to her. She is going to be part of your life for a long time, so you can make yourself miserable by hating her. Or you can try and be nice, and be friends. You have more in common than you realize."
"But she won!"
"My dear girl. No one has won yet. This could blow over. If Harry doesn't find out about it now, he won't get stubborn over it later. Think! You are all still children."
"But he loves her! He bought her that cat! Gave her a rose at Valentine's!"
"Yes, he loves her. And will protect her from enemies. Don't be that enemy if you want to get frozen out forever."
"But I am promised to Neville now!" More tears.
"Yes you are. And if you are clever and cunning, you will look at yourself and Neville and see what a smart match it is. Much better than you and Hadrian. You love growing things. Neville would be a good person to have over the Greengrass potion imports. He knows things about plants that many adults never learn. And he is a kind soul. That is more important in a spouse than looks or wealth. Kindness is highly underrated."
"But I want Harry Potter!" Daphne whined, giving into her tears.
'You, and every other witch under 75. Some of them older.' Persephone thought to herself.
"I will not allow war under my roof. If you cannot agree to be kind to Hermione from now on, I'm telling Heir Black everything!"
"Fine! I'll be good. I'll really try to be her friend. But I'm not giving up on Harry!"
"As long as you stop plotting with your mother, the other condition of my silence, I won't say anything to either boy. But you would be wiser to look to Neville, and see the good in him."
Daphne just begged to be dismissed, and gave into yet more tears.
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Lord Black coming to Hogwarts was not unexpected after his Heir was taken. Headmistress McGonagall had been appalled at the abduction that happened right under her nose. She met Lord Black, Ares, and a bandaged Boy-Who-Lived at the gates.
Several Hogwarts house-elves popped in to apologize, and popped out when they saw company.
"Really!" The woman scoffed.
She curseyed regally to all three, her deputy giving in and bowing if shallowly to a man who looked far too similar to a boy that had tormented him for years.
"Harry!" The woman had been so worried, and enfolded the boy in a hug. "I'm so glad to see you alive and well, Mr. Potter."
"We need to talk to Neville, then get back to the Wizengamot session." Lord Black informed them.
"But the boy is hurt!" She argued, pointing to the bandages.
"At least I'm not squibbed ma'am. As may have been the intent." Hadrian said, eyes blazing.
The deputy kept eyeing Ares suspiciously.
"Did you know my cousin? He taught me everything about how to fight, how to walk elegantly. I used to be such a country clown." A very Aussie accent informed the scowling man.
"Unfortunately, I did know him. I did receive the gold cauldron as a gift from House Black. Most useful. Thank you."
"So you said in your note. Please, let the past be buried with my grandson. He paid for his crimes." Lord Black said.
"As you wish." Snape said, but eyed the man again.
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Neville being called from class was not a normal experience. The boy was so shy, and had never made trouble.
Now, his new Head of House asked to see him. Professor Snape had tried to talk to Hadrian alone, but Ares wouldn't allow it.
Neville bowed at their approach. The school officials tried to stay, but a glare from all three had them taking their leave.
Harry started to pace.
"This isn't right Ares! The whole thing stinks! It's a trap. And now, instead of me being caught, you're substituting my best friend! There has to be a better way!"
Harry couldn't wear his gauntletts right now, though he had them back and was holding them. Otherwise, magic would have destroyed the furniture on that side of the room.
Ares waved a hand motion, and Harry took a deep breath. Then another. He calmed, but it still wasn't fair.
"Neville. The House of Black is in a position to help an ally through a marriage agreement. The girl involved is known to you. Nothing be done until you are 30, the minimum age of marriage will be set at 21. The normal limit is 10 years. Open ended. You can walk away after you turn 21. Casual dating of others will not be forbidden. Did I forget anything important?"" Ares asked Lord Black.
"Yes. You forgot to tell him it's a trap!" Hadrian yelled.
"If it is a trap, then you were the target. They couldn't have known about Neville, could they?" Ares argued back. "He's not the target."
Harry looked at him. "Neville. You don't have to do this. I bet that there is a backup plan. Let Daphne go to Flint, no. That slimeball really would. Urgg!"
Neville looked at all of them. "If you are talking about a contract for Daphne, I am really not opposed. I was worried that no one would want me." All of this was said in a small voice.
"But do you like her? You know, as a girl?" Harry demanded.
Neville tilted his head then shook it. "But I could learn. At least I know her. And I like her. It's a better start than Gran had."
"A contract with you would save the girl. And I saw her face Hadrian. She was terrified! No one is that good an actress. Not even Solence." Ares claimed. "She didn't know."
"We'll have an official signing soon, and won't announce it until it is signed. We'll treat this as line-theft. Clearly they were trying to interfere with Hadrian's and Daphne's potential future." Lord Black stated firmly.
"If this will rescue Daphne from Flint, I would do it even if I couldn't get out of it later. He's horrible!" Neville declared. "Thank you for doing this for my cousin. I really do love her, I guess."
"Are you sure young man?" Lord Black looked at him.
"Yes sir. But I think that you should know that Daphne's not going to be happy. No witch would."
Ares and Lord Black looked at each other. 'Uncle Algie' had a lot to answer for. But this was not the time, and the man hadn't killed anyone. Just their dreams, and hopes, and confidence.
They had other cauldrons to attend right now before everything boiled over.
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Lord Greengrass had taken his wife home, and was waiting for Lord Black in his office in the Wizengamot. The emergency session was going to start soon.
He held his head. What a mess!
He blamed it on the alcohol. Ogden's Finest Firewhiskey had been part of the present in the gift basket when he had sat down to negotiate for Daphne. It wasn't supposed to be a concubinage! It was supposed to be for the younger son, for him to take the Greengrass name, learn a trade, and eventually take over the business until their children were old enough to!
It was supposed to be honorable!
His baby girl. So precious! A joy in pink and ribbons, blonde haired beautiful princess.
He must have had too much to drink.
He stood and went to the door. Lord Black was here with a new contract.
This time there would be no alcohol involved.
Cygnus looked to Harry, a boy he liked, but had garnered too much trouble in the past for his liking. He never wanted to allow either of his girls to become too closely involved in this boy. His lady wife though just had to take pity on the poor waif who needed friends.
That was long ago.
Resigned, he bent to read the contract and was surprised by the name on it.
Oh.
Lord Greengrass looked up again, scanned the three men. No one was smiling. This should have been a happy occasion.
Ares looked at the man, and asked one question, using one word after the paperwork was done.
"Why?"
Cygnus shook his head. "I thought I was doing the right thing for my house. I made a mistake. I drank too much, signed something I hadn't read well. I am far more sorry than I can say, and if this rescues Daphne from the Flint contract, I owe House Black a debt of honor."
The men nodded. Lord Greengrass wasn't the enemy here. He clearly was upset, and had taken this action as a lifeline that it was.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Daphne's father.
"You'd better be nice to Neville. He's a very good person. And he's rescuing your family."
"I swear on my magic." Lord Greengrass solemnly stated.
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The emergency Wizengamot session was fully attended. The press were swarming like vultures. Lord Black attended with his heir at his right hand.
The Potter and Black rings were on Harry's hand, and anyone looking would have seen a third family ring as well.
While Lord Black had had it awhile, it was a new acquisition for Hadrian. Given to him only this morning at Gringotts to wear, having been cleansed of a certain taint long ago. And a certain death-dealing curse. It was meant to send a message to those who knew how to read such things.
The Minister of Magic looked appalled to see Harry there. Lord Ogden saw the bandages on the boy's wrists. His burns were being treated with potion soaked into the cloth. Madam Pomprey was more than competent enough to take over his healing once he got back to school. Lord Ogden was clearly unhappy to see the Boy-Who-Lived there.
Tiberius Ogden lifted his wand and sent out a noise maker to get everyone's attention.
"With Hogwarts in school, and young Hadrian being only a second year, I did not think he was old enough to be here. However nice it is to see you, lad."
Hadrian was old enough now to see some of the tells that Grandfather had taught him. He was horrified to see Harry. He didn't want him here, and was ready to order his expulsion.
"Hadrian Potter-Black is here as is his right to be here. With claims of line-theft on the line." Lord Black intoned and stepped aside.
"We will hear Heir Potter's claim." Griselda Marchbanks, Chief Witch said. She nodded at the boy.
She liked him, and didn't hide her feelings.
"Madam Chief Witch, Minister, Assembled Wizengamot. A terrible crime has been committed, and a worse one will follow if nothing is done. My friend, Daphne Greengrass was forced into a concubine contract with Marcus Flint. She is only 12 years of age. In order to override the age requirement, it would take a majority vote of this body. The head of my house, Lord Black has attended every session. Our solicitors have scanned the meeting where this supposed vote took place. The documents issued were false.
"The Flint's intend to hurt me through my friend. I will not use my gold or my allies to use violence against them. I will not try and use my magic to force someone to act as I think they should. I will act as I should, and go through the Wizengamot for justice."
Harry paused as the assembly applauded his well thought out words.
"In place of a concubine contract, my family has offered a betrothal agreement to House Greengrass, for the eldest daughter of House Greengrass for one of the scions of our House. In place of a few measly galleons for 'comfort and blessing', our House offers a guaranteed home that is separate from any other witch that might later become part of his household, a very generous annual stipend, and a G10,000 galleons bride price. Furthermore..."
The swell of sound had Hadrian stopping, while the Chief Witch called for order.
"Well, those are the important things. Miss Greengrass will find honor and respect. I ask for immediate action. Will the Wizengamot hear my plea?"
There was much shouting. Such a bride price! Such a scandal - what was going on here? The Flints might have some gold, and an ancestral home, but they didn't have a seat on the Wizengamot.
Something was rotten here, to the core.
The Minister tried to take control. "Really Mr. Potter, this isn't something that the Wizengamot can just act on..."
Amelia Bones was reviewing Daphne's contract for the Flint family quickly. She had had a preliminary view earlier, but was double checking some figures.
"What do you mean he can't petition the Wizengamot? He's going to be sitting in one of those regal chairs here soon enough. His friend has been kidnapped through the use of a legal document that is only legal if it is valid. I concur with the Potter lawyers. This vote was never held, the family has no right to hold her." Amelia had her mirror out, and was sending squads.
The mirror sets were a Yule gift from Hadrian, and he was pleased to see them in use.
"No! We have to at least vote! Amelia Bones, you are out of order! I can have you fired for this!" Tiberius Ogden was raging.
Griselda Marchbanks banged her gavel. "Fine, we have a vote. All those in favor of acting immediately?"
The vote was nearly unanimous. Only a few of the very darkest houses voted against, and that was only because it involved Harry Potter.
There were some people that you just couldn't please.
"Now, can we please address this new convention hall idea? If we allow those muggleborns to build something like this, where will it end? Catering to purebloods is fine, but what's stopping them from holding balls there of their own?" Someone from the dark asked.
"We have already discussed this! The hall has been approved. Stop beating dead hippogriffs!"
The session was closed abruptly, and Heir Potter-Black was thanked for bringing this injustice to the proper authorities.
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The Auror squad that was sent was justifiably confused at what they found.
The floo to the Flint home didn't work, so the team tried to apparate close to where the wards ended. The wards were completely down.
The Flint ancestral home, built in 1651 and improved upon in fits and starts was nothing more than a smoldering pile of ashes.
There was no one there, and no one to save.
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Solence Brown was an average powered witch, with average beauty, and had lived a disadvantaged life. After making some very poor choices when she was younger, she tried magical theatre, and eked out a modest living.
She was known to take jobs as 'comfort' companions from time to time, but she prefered to make her living on stage.
Today was the first day that she felt as if she was in real danger in her life, and yet she felt like, for the first time in her life, she was doing something really worthwhile.
The Flint boy had threatened her terribly. Had she really been 12 years old, she would have been terrified, so that is how she acted.
When the floo to the house wouldn't work, the boy scowled, and decided that they should go to Hogsmeade, and walk up to the school. After all, she was supposed to be delivered to his brother.
This was when he made his first mistake. He thought that his brother wouldn't mind if he 'kissed' his brother's toy first, and decided to get a room at the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta took one look at a terrified little girl, and called for aurors. This started a shouting match between the pub witch and the wanna be auror, and the actress quietly drank more potion while Flint was otherwise distracted.
The aurors in question looked at the young witch, asked her if she shouldn't be in class, which she agreed to, and decided to escort the young lady to school. The young man was 'detained for questioning' by a very tall and angry looking auror.
Then, Tiberius Flint lost his temper. His wand hadn't been surrendered yet, and he started casting some very dark curses, seemingly at random. They struck the bar, the expensive alcohol behind the bar, the lights in the candelabras, and everywhere. He hit nothing that he aimed at which was very lucky for the aurors and patrons.
Then the aurors got serious, and put Flint down hard. Solence started crying again, not much needing acting skills - it was terrifying! More aurors came through the floo, and the lead auror received a message from Madam Bones.
"We're to bring you into the Ministry, Miss. You'll be alright. Madam Bones wants you protected from the Flints. Everything will be alright now."
Solence went over to Madam Rosmerta.
"Thank you Madam. For the gold he offered you, most people would have turned a blind eye. I won't forget your kindness."
"That's alright, miss. You come back when you're older. Bring your friends. Hogwarts students are always welcome here - anytime." She winked, letting her know that some students snuck out to buy butterbeer and sneak it back into the castle.
Where was a Madam Rosmerta for her when she was young? Well, at least Miss Greengrass was safe. Lord Black had several backup plans, that was certain. She didn't expect that he would keep his promise of use for a cottage for the rest of her life.
She was wrong. He did keep that promise. And provided for her. She would help him from time to time for as long as he lived, but he continued to provide for her.
And she only took the acting jobs she wanted from that time forth.
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The switchover happened at the ministry with Mad-eye's help. The press tried to get Harry and Daphne to pose for a few pictures, but Hadrain was adamant against it. After all, she was being offered to someone else, not him, as a betrothed. He didn't mention names yet.
Daphne already knew that, and had determined to be patient about it but hearing Harry's tone, her dreams of being with Harry for the rest of her life went up again in flames just like the Flint home.
Harry was never questioned about the burning down of the Flint home. Since it was an older home, and there was no sign of spell casting from the outside, it was assumed that the fire had gotten started inside and spread. The Flints called it bad luck. Others called it karma.
Not even the Flints blamed Potter!
The press asked Harry and Daphne all sorts of impertinent questions, but finally it was over, and they were escorted back to school. Neither would reveal Neville as her betrothed, but Hadrian did deny being in a contract with the girl.
Harry had all kinds of questions he wanted to ask. And pictured himself barbarding those people until they told the truth.
Why was Harry being attacked? Was any of this related to Dumbledore? Ogden had been a good friend of his. Did any of it have to do with Neville? Was someone angry that House Black had given Neville a home?
The one good thing that had come from it all was that Neville and Daphne were Lord Black would spend a fortune to get and keep her was a sure sign that she was approved of. She was sure that someone was going to be watching over all of them for a time.
Harry thought again how he would react if it had been Hermione so attacked.
The miscreants would all be in pieces, their homes would be cratored ruins, and he would leave none alive in the family to hurt his friend.
He really shouldn't read certain private journals. Harry knew that he would happily kill to keep Hermione safe. He just needed to keep that very, very private for the moment.
He wasn't a dark lord. He wasn't going to kill for pleasure. He really needed to get his wrists fully healed so he could wear his gauntlets properly. Get his magic under control.
It was good to be going back to Hogwarts. Harry couldn't wait to see Hermione.
He was in desperate need of one of her hugs!
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