Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
I apologize for the disappearance. Things got kinda hectic, but they seem to be settling down now. So hopefully I can start posting as frequently as before. Anyway, enjoy. It has been a bit so this might be a bit rough getting back into the writing. But bear with me. Also, still open to possible businesses/charities our lovelies can start. Enjoy!
Chapter Thirteen
Harry was tense. It was like his entire body was coiled like a spring and he was ready to burst. His fingers twirled his fork aimlessly between his fingers as he stared at the breakfast spread before him. The rest of the table guests seemed just as anxious. The Weasleys and Hermione were coming in less than an hour and then Andromeda and Teddy were coming that afternoon. It was going to be an incredibly long day, and Harry was already trying to brace himself for how tiring it was going to be.
"Master! Master! You is in the paper, Master!" Lopsy cried scurrying into the room with the Daily Prophet in the her hands.
"Lopsy, thanks. But….it's more of a common occurrence," Harry sighed, glancing down at the little elf.
"But you is front page. You and Missus Astoria!" the little elf beamed up at him. Harry felt dread pooling in his stomach and out of the corner of his eye he saw everyone at the table straighten.
"What?" he gasped out, reaching for the paper. The elf gave it willingly and Harry turned it over to the front. And there it was. A picture of him with Astoria clutching at his arm in Diagon Alley as they disapparated. He remembered flashing lights yesterday, but his hopeful wishes of it just being a glare on his glasses had been in vain. The headline made him groan: "Chosen One Seeks Out Young Girls". The article was by none other than Rita Skeeter. Had that woman really not stopped yet?
"Harry Potter seems to have taken his famed seeker skills to the test as he sets his sights on younger women. Mr. Potter and upcoming Slytherin Sixth Year Astoria Greengrass were spotted yesterday afternoon at Diagon Alley. The pair seemed to be incredibly familiar with each other. One might suggest perhaps too familiar? Could it be our famous hero is on the market once again or has he been taken off by the young Greengrasses advances? Since his breakup with Miss Ginerva Weasley last summer and his reported on-off girlfriend of previous years War Heroine Miss Hermione Granger, could it be that the Chosen One is searching for his next conquest? His time away over the past year must have sparked a taste for younger women. And those of the Slytherin breed no less. Has our Saviour tired of that famed Gryffindor spirit? Or maybe, he has taken up with the former Dark Lord's desires in consorting with Slytherins in his search for power. Is Harry Potter on a quest to be the next Wizarding Lord and starting his regime over young Slytherins early? Or has he merely found his preferences in women run for the under age variety. Since the Battle of Hogwarts, Mr. Potter has only been seen at the funerals of his fallen comrades. Though rumor has it he is expected to attend the Ministerial Ceremony of Kingsley Shacklebolt on Monday. One has to wonder if Miss Greengrass will be accompanying him to the event. Not much is known about the youngest Greengrass, but her older sister was in Mr. Potter's year-"
Harry tossed the newspaper aside, not bothering to read further. He was disgusted. Elbows on the table, Harry dropped his head in his hands and gripped his hair in frustration. "What's the Prophet saying now?" Blaise asked hesitantly.
"Oh you know the usual," Harry scoffed. "Only now it's a new twist. Now they are implying that I've developed a taste for underage women and Astoria is merely my newest conquest. They are making it sound like I'm some perv. And dragging Ginny and Hermione into it as well. Fuck!"
Harry felt the movement beside him and saw Daphne picking up the paper with delicate hands. "Skeeter," she breathed with distaste. Astoria scooted closer to her sister and read over her shoulder and gasped.
"Please, it's not like anyone actually believes the rubbish that woman writes," Theo said, leaning back in his chair. His face didn't portray his easy dismissal though.
"You would think that were true," Harry muttered.
"You might have to come out about your rehabilitation plans sooner than you'd like, Potter," Tracey said quietly. "The press isn't going to let this just die down. The sooner you come out with the truth the sooner we can move on."
Harry knew she was right but he hadn't wanted to deal with the publicity this would bring. Especially not so soon. And he had enough on his plate to deal with today, and tomorrow meeting with Mrs. Malfoy and then the next dealing with Kingsley and the Ministerial Ceremony. "Yeah, you're right. I need to tell everyone what's happening. But how? When?" he groaned
"Let me take care of that," Tracey replied. "You have a lot on your plate the next few days."
"Yeah, and let's face it. You're shit with the press," Pansy chimed in. Cutting Tracey's kindness out with her dry comment.
"You sure you want to deal with this?" Harry asked, trying to to stop the hope rising.
"Sure. Can't be hard. Used to watch my dad schedule and plan this stuff all the time. It's just coordinating a press conference."
"And I'll help her too," Daphne offered.
"Great. Thanks. Now we just have to-"
"Get through a day with the Weasleys?" Draco chimed.
"They are really great people."
"Of course," Draco replied with a roll of his eyes and his hands held up.
Before Harry could retaliate, Lopsy was back in the room, elf ears flopping at the quickened pace. "Master! Master yous guests are here."
"Shit," Harry cursed, glancing at the dented gold watch on his wrist. "They're early. When are they ever early for anything?" Shooting up from his seat he made for the door but before he left he turned to face the Slytherins who were all in varying progresses of standing up. "Listen. All of you. Just...just…"
"Be on our best behaviour?" Astoria asked.
"Not be us?" Theo suggested.
"Make nice with the gingers?" Blaise proposed.
"Umm….yes?" Harry said uncertainly.
"Master! Yous guests!" Lopsy urged. Casting another glance back at the Slytherins Harry rushed to the front door. His heart was pounding. He wanted the Weasleys approval, he wanted them to accept what he was doing. He didn't want them to be intimidated by the size of his house or his new wealth. He shooed Jodkey away from opening the door, that wouldn't help matters at all. Gripping the expensive brass handle he took a deep breath. He could see five blurred figures through the heavy frosted glass window.
He smoothed a hand down his brand new dark blue jeans, tugged on his new emerald green button up but before he would allow himself to start fidgeting with his hair he swung the door open. Now or never.
"Oh Harry dear!" Mrs. Weasley cried happily gripping him in a tight hug. "It's so good to see you. It's so strange not having you about the house."
"I promise I'll swing by more often," Harry replied, absorbing the loving feeling that only Mrs. Weasleys' hugs could provide. When she finally stepped back Arthur Weasley had his hand out to him.
"Got a nice place here." There wasn't a hint of jealousy or envy in the man's tone. Only pride and love.
"Thanks. Still taking some time to get used to it. And you guys are welcome here at anytime."
"The snakes still there?" Ron asked, arms crossed and slouching next to his sister and mother.
"Yes."
"Then I'll pass."
"Ron-" Harry sighed but he didn't know what he wanted to say to his best friend. "Look, come on in. I'll show you around. We'll have lunch and if you want you can stay for when Andromeda brings Teddy this afternoon."
He ushered them all inside. "You sure you want to expose a child to the snakes at such a young age?" Ginny remarked as she stepped over the threshold.
Hermione walked in last but said nothing, her arms folded and her head tucked.
"Hey listen. Enough!" Harry finally snapped. The Weasleys turned to look at him. They all stood in the small entrance area with the huge ceiling. "No more of those comments. Look, I have rules in this house and the main one is dropping prejudices at the door. The residents here follow that rule and I expect my guests to as well. Comments like that are not welcome here. I'm trying to do something good here. I'm trying to give these people a second chance."
"They don't deserve a second chance!" Ginny hissed.
"Well I say they do. And this is my house. So get on the same page or get out," Harry demanded. He held Ginny's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. He could see the fire in her eyes that he drawn him to her in the first place. It reminded him of that night in the Common Room when they first kissed in front of everyone. But the fire was wrong. Before it had been pure and bright. Now it was tainted by the horrors of war.
"Can't believe you are siding with the Slytherins, Harry," Ron spat. Harry shifted his gaze and glared at Ron.
"I'm not siding with them or you. I'm siding with what is right."
"Come, come now. No more of this," Mrs. Weasley bustled into the tension between her children and Harry. "This is a good day and we are here to support Harry in his new endeavors."
Ron and Ginny backed down at the inclusion of their mother and Harry let out a breath. At least he had Molly and Arthur on his side. And he assumed Hermione but like she had been before he left, she was silent.
"Alright, then. Let's go," Harry said trying to muster the crumbling morning. He lead the group into the lobby with the colored chairs and saw all the Slytherins lounging in them. He stopped abruptly at the sight of them. He had assumed they would all go to their rooms and avoid his guests at all costs. But no. They were all sitting there as relaxed as they pleased. Had they heard him in the entrance way? He glanced at Daphne who gave a slight nod and he sighed. So they had heard him. He wasn't sure if he was glad or not. It might have helped them trust him more, he supposed.
"Oh great. You're all here. I guess proper introductions are in order."
"We know who they are," Ron huffed. He and Ginny glared at the eight Slytherins. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley shifted uncomfortably but tried to appear accepting. Hermione merely glanced at the eight without expression and hugged herself tighter. The Slytherins on their part simply sat there observing the newcomers with indifferent expressions.
"I said proper introductions. We aren't in school any longer and we aren't the same people we were. So. Allow me to introduce: Draco, Astoria, Blaise, Theo, Tracey, Pansy, Daphne, and Gregory. All of you, allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Weasley-"
"Oh it's just Arthur and Molly, Harry dear," Mrs. Weasley interrupted.
"Right, Molly, Arthur, Ginny, Ron and Hermione." The Slytherins had all nodded at their names but besides the awkward wave that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley attempted.
"Astoria, you're the one with Harry in the paper," Molly said with a weak smile.
Harry suppressed a groan. "And none of it was true, Mrs. Weasley. You know how the paper likes to twist things. Especially Skeeter."
"Yes, but they did have a photo. You two looked close," Ginny added coldly.
"We went shopping yesterday. It was decided that I needed a new wardrobe. So Pansy, Blaise and Astoria accompanied me to get a new wardrobe. Astoria is still underage and so wasn't able to apparate. Pansy and Blaise had just left when that picture was taken."
"Of course. Just coincidental timing. Nothing to get all worked up about. Told them just as much," Arthur interjected.
"Great, well this was fun," Draco drawled into the silence that had ensued. Picking some invisible lint off his sleeves, he stood with a grace that Harry would never managed. "But I think our best behaviour agreement will grow thin the longer Weasel and Weaslette keep trying to glare us into the ground, Potter. So do excuse us. But us snakes will be departing from your presence, so sorry to not stay for the tour." The rest of the Slytherins stood as well and dispersed towards their preferred areas.
"Don't worry Harry, we'll be back here for when Teddy and Andromeda arrive," Tracey assured him as she went outside. The lobby was suddenly incredibly empty as doors were shut and the Slytherins disappeared behind them.
"Right, well. The tour." Harry fumbled, trying to salvage the purpose of the visit. This day was going worse and worse. "So, this is the lobby I suppose you could call it. Do you want to start top to bottom or bottom to top?"
"Let's do top to bottom," Arthur suggested with false enthusiasm.
"Great. So upstairs we go." Harry led the group up to the third floor and the tension in his stomach kept mounting. He hated that he felt so tense around the people he used to consider his family. He still considered them family but things had shifted and changed so much.
"Right, so this is the Third Floor." He began, as they started walking. "So on this floor, we have Daphne, Astoria, Theo, we have an extra room and then there is my room. As well as entrances to the Owlery and the observatory. I've only actually been to the Owlery. And this is my room." Harry said walking in. He was glad that it was cleaned. He stood awkwardly to the side as his guests observed his room. He tried seeing it how they saw it and that just made his face heat. It was a grand room with a large bed and closet and bathroom. Everything about this room screamed wealth.
"Wow," Ginny muttered.
"Yeah. I even have a private library. Hermione you are welcome to this one and the one downstairs too anytime you like," Harry said. Hoping that the thought of books would bring his best friend out of her shell. The others all glanced hopefully at Hermione as well, but she gave no indication that she noticed. Instead she walked slowly towards the library and had a sharp intake of breath.
"You said you had another library downstairs?" the whispered question was almost missed but it sparked a flurry of hope to swell in Harry's chest.
"Yes. Yes, another one. Downstairs. It's a two story library, books everywhere. You can read them anytime you like. We can go there next if you want."
"No, it's fine. Finish your tour, Harry."
His hope depleted somewhat but she had spoken and she was showing an interest. That was better than earlier so it was progress.
"Alright, yeah sure. It'll be the last stop so you can spend as much time as you want there." Hermione merely nodded and Harry glanced at Ron and they both shared a hopeful look. At least they were still in agreement on somethings. "So moving on, next floor." The party moved wordlessly down the stairs to the next floor. "Here we have a Potions Lab, a Painting Room, a Nursery and then we have eight bedrooms. Draco, Pansy, Tracey, Gregory and Blaise all stay here." Harry walked towards them around the floor and opened the doors to the miscellaneous rooms. He was surprised to see Pansy seated in the painting room with an easel in front of her and a paintbrush in her hand. He quickly shut that door before letting the others see and make extra comments. He saw Draco in the Potions Lab, his sleeves rolled up and the dark tattooed stood out harshly against his pale skin. Harry noticed reddened lines on Draco's left arm but before he could look closer the blonde glanced up at the newcomers and quickly brought his left sleeve down.
"Potter."
"Draco, I was just showing them around. We'll leave you to your work." Harry saw Ginny about to make a remark and quickly dragged her and Ron back out through the door.
The Nursery was simple and big and Harry hoped that Teddy would be able to make good use of it during his visits. "Next floor." Harry said guiding them all down to the bottom floor. "This is the Kitchen," he gestured wide to the large kitchen and he saw Mrs. Weasley get rather giddy at the sight. "We have the formal dining room and the informal dining room on either side of the hall as well as an informal sitting room attached to the informal dining room. We've only used the informal dining room. And we have an entrance sitting room that seems to stuffy to actually be of use." He attempted a joke and a rough chuckle but it fell flat and they all knew it. "Anyway, I'll show you outside before I take you to the library."
He led them out to the back patio and let them soak in the beautiful sights of the pond and the flowers and the trees and the Greenhouse. He saw Tracey's reddish-blonde head bobbing about in the Greenhouse and wondered if she and Neville would get along with their appeared shared interest. He made a mental note to reach out to Neville. Harry felt that the shy and kind boy from his Hogwarts years would be someone who would be willing to give the Slytherins a second chance. But remembering the year that Neville had just suffered through, he wondered if that shy and kind boy was even still present.
"Right, so now we go to the library." Harry glanced at Hermione in hopes that the news would bring a spark to her eyes but her eyes were still blank. "So this way. Attached to the library is my office and then a den of sorts. I'm planning on converting that into a shared office space for the others."
"Why should they get their own office space? Their own rooms and freedom aren't enough?" Ron muttered.
Harry sighed at the doors to the library. "Ron, you know the deal for these guys. They need to come up with their own business or charity. And to do that, it helps to have an office of sorts. A place to come just for work. I want them to take this seriously and so I need to show them that I am serious about this. So yeah, they get an office space. Now please, I told you. Leave those comments at the door."
"Whatever," Ron muttered, crossing his arms.
Sighing, Harry shook his head and pushed open the library doors and walked into the large space. He stepped back to let the others in and kept his eyes on Hermione. He heard the others all take quick breaths at the impressive sight. But that didn't even compare to the spark he saw returning to Hermione's eyes. He could have almost smiled.
"Done with the tour or just starting?" Harry jumped slightly at the gentle voice and turned to see Daphne and Theo seated on some of the armchairs near the fire.
"Just finishing," he replied, with a glance at Hermione who was walking as though in a trance. Her bushy hair looked deflated but her eyes were regaining life.
"Did you enjoy the tour?" Daphne asked the Weasleys.
"What's it to you, Ice Queen?" Ginny spat, stalking over to the two on the couch. Harry furrowed his brows in confusion. Ice Queen? He hadn't heard the name before but seeing Daphne's eyes narrow and the blue in them turned cold.
"Merely a polite inquiry, Weaslette," Daphne sneered. Harry blinked.
"You know what politeness is right?" Theo asked, closing his book with tension in his shoulders and his jaw clenched.
"We aren't the ones who need a reminder," Ginny replied. "Or do you think that all of last year has just been forgotten?"
"Hey! Ok, enough," Harry called out standing between the two groups. "Enough of this. From all of you."
"Just give up, Harry. This lot won't ever change. The Ice Queen isn't capable of change," Ginny remarked coldly.
"You would be surprised at just what I am capable of," Daphne breathed, her tone sent shivers up Harry's spine.
"Stop," Harry ordered. "I don't know what the deal is between you two but it ends now. Whatever happened last year will only keep happening until stuff like this is put to rest." Daphne didn't drop her gaze and Ginny looked ready to pounce on her so taking Ginny as the highest threat, he gripped her arms and dragged her off to the far side of the library. "Ginny please."
"I can't do this, Harry," Ginny sighed, though she looked anything but sorry. She had stepped down from the offensive and was acting more like the Ginny he remembered so fondly. "I know you're doing what you think is right. And if you had suggested this before everything happened, I'd probably have agreed. But not anymore. I can't. I can't support them getting another chance. I can't support her living while he is dead."
"What the hell happened last year?" Harry urged.
Ginny looked up at him and smirked. "I'll tell you when you tell me." Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Look Harry, you are doing really well now and I'm happy for you. Honest. If anyone deserves a better life its you. But...I just can't do it right now. I can't."
"Ginny-"
"I have to go."
"But wait! What about Hermione? Look at her, this is the most alive I've seen her since the war," Harry whispered. Ginny glanced over her shoulder and saw their friend walking amongst the books, her fingers trailing the spines of the books, her eyes shining and for once she didn't walk like a ghost but someone lost in thought. Ginny sighed and her features softened.
"I know. Who knew her cure might just be books," the young woman snorted and turned back to face Harry. "I said I was leaving, I didn't say I was going to drag her out too. I think this might be the best place for her, as much as I hate to admit it. She actually supports your crazy ideas."
"Ginny…." Harry whispered. "At least stay for lunch?"
"Tempting, but no. If I stay any longer I'll do something that I won't regret but will make things harder on you. So no, I need to go. Besides, Ernie said he would meet me at the Leaky."
"Right, Ernie. So...you two...good?"
Harry hated that she had moved on and so quickly. Ernie was a good guy and he was glad she was happy. He knew he couldn't have expected her to wait but he had waited. Not that camping provided many chances for dates but he had waited.
Ginny looked at him with softened eyes. "Yes, we are good. You're a good man, Harry. But I think you're a little too good for me." She turned and walked towards her parents and brother. They had a whispered conference before they gave her a hug and watched her leave, but not before she cast another glance back at Daphne and scowled.
"Anyone up for lunch?" Harry asked weakly. Arthur and Molly gave him sympathetic smiles and Ron shrugged. "Great," Harry said clapping his hands together. Walking over to Hermione who was now reading the back of some thick tome covered in dust. "What do you say Hermione? Want to join us for lunch or should I ask the elves to send something over to you here?"
Hermione tore her brown eyes away from the book and looked up at him. "Thanks for the offer. But I think I'll stay here." She moved away from him walking as though she was tiptoeing across glass but her back poised for attack. She slipped into the couch next to Daphne and Theo and opened the book, not even sparing the two a glance.
"Would you two like to join us?" Harry asked Theo and Daphne. Theo was gazing at Hermione but Harry didn't sense anything malicious in his gaze, the man appeared more curious and intrigued. He spared a head shake no and Harry left him to glance at Daphne. He raised an eyebrow and she tossed a glance at the remaining Weasley's. Her lips twitched as she took in their fidgeting.
"Sure. I could do with some lunch," she replied and rose from her seat, placing her book on the side table. "That is of course if it is alright with your guests?" Harry saw her staring down the Weasley's with a cool gaze and sighed. She was taunting them in the most Slytherin way. Merlin, he hoped she wouldn't make him regret asking her to join them.
"Of course, the more the merrier," Arthur replied with a weak smile.
"So long as she sits far away from me," Ron muttered before stalking out, but not before glancing back at Hermione and frowning at Theo. "You sure, it's safe for 'Mione to be left here...alone?" Ron asked quietly to Harry as he walked by.
"Of course she is safe Ron."
"And even if I wasn't. I can assure you that I can take care of myself just fine," Hermione's response caused Ron to flush a bright red and he ducked his head walking out. Harry smirked and clapped his friend on the back as they left.
"At least she is acting like her old self," Ron sighed. And Harry just nodded. They both wanted the best for their friend and the fact that Ron hadn't stormed out with his sister comforted Harry more than he thought it would.
"Why didn't you leave with Ginny?" he asked quietly as the group walked to the informal dining room.
"I left you once before, mate. I won't do it again." Ron avoided his eyes as he spoke and his ears were turning pink. "I don't agree with this second chance scheme but I support you. I've never stopped and I won't stop now."
"Thanks, mate. Means a lot." Ron just grunted and stepped into the dining area followed by his parents.
"Charming friends, Harry, really," Daphne commented as she stopped beside him.
"Daphne, play nice," he muttered. "Please." She huffed a response and strode into the room, claiming her seat by his. "Kilky?" he called out as he took his seat at the head of the table. Ron sat on his other side that was usually left empty and his parents sat beside him.
"Yes, Master Harry." The tiny elf popped into the room and wrung its hands together, eager to be told instructions.
"Lunch, please, Kilky."
"Of course, Master. Kilky has been working specially hard, Master."
"I'm sure it will be great, Kilky." The elf nodded its head and bowed low before disappearing into the kitchen. Moments later the elf was back out with trays of sandwiches and bowls of soup." Harry actually felt his stomach growl at the smell of the food. He couldn't remember the last time his stomach had reacted in such away. It heartened him slightly.
The food was placed out and soon Kilky was back with a special sandwich and soup bowl for Daphne.
"Why does she get special food? To good to eat with the likes of us?" Ron sneered.
"Ron," Arthur admonished.
"As a matter of fact I happen to have certain dietary needs and Harry has been kind enough to alert his elves so that I can eat more than salad," Daphne replied stiffly.
"Oh," was the mumbled response.
The meal lapsed into silence. "So Harry told us that each of you must come up with a business idea. Any thoughts on yours?" Arthur asked jovially.
"I've had a few thoughts but no solid decisions just yet."
"I'm sure you'll come up with something. What are your thoughts, maybe we can help?" Molly suggested.
Harry glanced at Daphne in interest. He had to admit he did want to know what the Slytherins were planning on doing.
"Honestly, it is nothing concrete. I used to imagine I'd make a decent professor but that was a fantasy that couldn't be. But I've always like children."
"Children are lovely, aren't they?" Molly agreed, jumping on the shared interest. "Did you ever plan on having children?"
"At one time, yes. Now, I try not to think on it too much. I doubt it will become a reality anymore." Silence fell. Harry was bursting with more questions for her to elaborate but knew it wasn't the time. "Are you still working at the ministry, Mr. Weasley?"
"Arthur, please. And yes I am actually. Haven't gone it as frequently as before, it's still in repairs and the aurors are still sorting through those who were in support of him."
"Of course it must be tedious work."
"Bet you lot could help quicken it," Ron stated, glaring at Daphne from his spot directly opposite her.
"Ron," Harry warned.
"What it is true! This lot knew who actually worked for that maniac. They could help the investigations. You want them to help the world, make them help the aurors."
"Ron-"
"No, no, Harry, for once the Weasel had a good idea." Ron smirked and Harry tilted his head. "Yes, it would be the best plan to have those who knew the inner circle to help flush out those that are still out there. Brilliant really. Only, we weren't part of the inner circle. Our parents were. We didn't know what was happening half the time. We were just as clueless as everyone else. So yes, great idea. But fortunately we aren't the people to ask that of."
"Fortunately?" Ron scoffed.
"Yes, fortunately. Because otherwise that means we would have all suffered far more than we did being under his grasp. It was awful just being owned by him with him not caring much to do much to us unless he had some malicious plot at hand. But if we had actually been owned by him and in his inner circle the horrors would be enough for anyone to put a wand to their head." Ron had the decency to look down at his half eaten plate. Daphne stood up from the table. "If you'll excuse me. I find that I'm no longer hungry." Without waiting to be excused, she turned and left the room.
Harry sighed, pushing his soup away. "Well, that went well."