Chapter 12—Whose plan to do what?

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Dumbledore sat in his office with a wicked smile on his face. He was formulating a new plan. Harry Potter was under a glamour charm and was most likely living in Knockturn alley. It was obvious that the goblins and Potter were the best of friends otherwise the front doors of Gringotts would never have been opened while the alley was under attack. Blackmail was the answer but how to manipulate it so it worked.

/Scene Break/

"Harry sorry to interrupt your training today for a private meeting with myself but we both have received letters from Dumbledore. I've read mine so do you want to take a moment and read yours as I'm sure they are heading to the same ends." Daphne did not look overly happy as she transferred her eyes from Ragnot to Harry.

"The manipulating old goat is trying to lure me back to Hogwarts. Says that he will get all the arrest warrants canceled and is offering Daphne and me teaching jobs. Says I'll be teaching grades one through four and Daphne is being offered job as apprentice to McGonagall. He's got Aurors on loan to take care of the upper grades and I'll only be brought in for those upper year classes in cases of emergency."

"So whats the bait on his invisible book?" Daphne grumbled.

Dumbledore requesting our assistance in destroying a dark object connected to me but Dumbledore says he doesn't know it exact located but it is definitely in Hogwarts. He says he can get his hands on another one but he will need our help to destroy the object."

"He's really going all out to blackmail you into what would be your sixth year at Hogwarts." Daphne hissed.

"Well Ragnot, what you think, he apparently knows about Riddle's soul pieces and is dangling at least one in front of our nose. So do you think it's worth me going back to Hogwarts with that jerk in charge?"

"I have no idea what his plan is but he is definitely manipulating and lying at the same time. Our contact at Hogwarts said he did indeed find a chunk of soul which he destroyed. I'm sure he will get the arrest warrants canceled but as for the dark piece at Hogwarts why don't you have Dobby bring it here. House elves are really good at finding things if you tell them exactly what they're looking for and Dobby will know how to protect himself."

"I think you're right it's not worth the risk, I'll…"

Hedwig flamed in, perched on the back of the chair, and gave a "chirp, chirp." (The elders said it's imperative that you accept the offer and return to Hogwarts).

"Is that were you been hiding out? And how did they find out about Dummies offer?"

"Chirp, chirp, chirp."

"I don't want any more of your smart ass beak chatter, I want answers and I mean now! And what do you mean they recommend that I stay there for the next two years at least? Why?

"Chirp!" (# *&!). Hedwig flashed away.

"Sorry about that Ragnot but apparently the powers that be have strongly recommended my presence at Hogwarts. I am sworn under a magical vow not to say what about 'The' who, what, and where."

"I understand Harry. Might I suggest that we write our letters now so we don't make any errors in what gets sent to Dumbledore? Besides you're the one who is going to persuade your bond mate why she needs to go back to Hogwarts." If I didn't know better I think I just saw a Goblin giggling.

"Grrr!" was Daphne's response, thankfully she did not kill the significant other and I finally got to finish the letter without curses or curse words.

/Scene Break/

"Harry I'm still not happy with arriving this early to catch the train to Hogwarts."

"Daphne quit being a grumpy wife. You got to spend some time at your parents and you get to see Tracy in just a little while. As I've explained before I'm not putting up with Molly Weasley's garbage on a platform full of people. Further we have no idea what the Ministry or Dumbledore might try to pull or are you interested in putting up with the news media. You know they're all going to be waiting on the platform for us."

"I'm sorry Harry, It's just that I'm not happy about going to Hogwarts and being the apprentice of that frump McGonagall."

"Happy about this I'm not, but you do know a little birdie told us that it is in our best interest."

"I'm not going against the advice of the phoenixes when they have the inside track to the powers upstairs but it doesn't make me happy. Do you think we could get Hedrick to squawk if we squeezed his scrawny neck a little bit?"

"While we don't know who those people upstairs are, I'm willing to listen to them or would you prefer listening to Snape's advice?" That sent Daphne into laughter until Hermione Granger opened the compartment door.

"I'm really sorry to bother but I heard laughter, when I saw it was you two, well I just have to ask you for a favor."

"Come on in and sit down. From the look on your face it is a sorrowful tale you have to tell." I wondered what Daphne saw that I couldn't.

"You remember the problems I had Ron Weasley just before the Yule ball? Well he's now sending me letters demanding that I become his girlfriend and provide sex or else. After last year's harassment and his letters this summer I will be asking to be resorted or I will withdraw from Hogwarts. The flavor I'm asking is to sit in this compartment until Hogwarts because I know Ron can't stand you two."

"Well don't be shy, pull up a seat, as you know it's a long ride to Hogwarts."

Apparently arriving early this year was the in thing as Luna Lovegood was dragged into our compartment by Tracy. Wendy popped in and after giving me a peck on the cheek sat next to Luna. The girls immediately started chatting away on things I'm sure males are not supposed to deal with. I pulled out the Hogwarts book of rules to continue my studying as a new Hogwarts professor.

My mind was more on a sour Professor McGonagall that had provided the rule book along with additional instructions when we were at Hogwarts last week for the teachers meeting. Professor McGonagall was not overly happy having to conduct the meeting. Daphne and I were happy to find Dumbledore was off doing something for the last week and would miss the meeting. After the meeting she reluctantly showed us our quarters and established a password. She grumbled off as it was clear she disapproved of our age as teachers and our being bedroom companions.

My attention was diverted back to the present and the sliding compartment door only to find that my appetite for the day was probably ruined. Hermione said that Ron Weasley would be attending Hogwarts but apparently Draco Malfoy had also been allowed to return. Daphne and I had missed quite a bit of news while we were on our little vacation but it also seem to apply to others as well.

"Greengrass you two-timing bitch, I've got a betrothal contract here in my hands all signed sealed and registered. You're coming with me right now and your little boyfriend Potty can't say a single word or he will end up in Azkaban.

"No Draco, I don't have a single word, I have two, 'Petrificus Totalus'. Nice try Draco but your cheap trick gets you a free trip to Azkaban. Daphne see if there is an empty compartment near by we have a deposit to make."

I laid out the stiff Draco Malfoy on the bench in the empty compartment. He would keep until Hogwarts. We left a locking charm on the compartment door and returned to our compartment.

We had just settled in…

"Won't you get in trouble for that?" Hermione asked.

"There are so many reasons to say no, but Harry won't get into trouble. Besides there is a betrothal contract between the two of us and we're also bonded. So if the DMLE doesn't toss Draco in jail there's a good possibility that magic will take a penalty for his trying to separate a bonded couple." Daphne was smiling as she explained.

Luna pointed out the window and squeaked, "Oh look! The Weasley's almost missed the train." Luna was correct as the whistle blew and the train started moving. The Weasley gaggle started a mad scramble to board the train.

/Scene Break/

"So Harry, what classes will you be taking this year. I'm taking all that Professor McGonagall will let me take."

"Well you see that's another reason I'm not going to get into trouble over Draco, you see…" we were again interrupted as the compartment door was slid forcibly open showing Ron Weasley.

"What you doing in here? You were told in the last letter that you are to join me in my compartment. So get your mudblood ass up and get moving."

"Ronald Weasley! I have told you no as to being your girlfriend and i will never be having sex with you…you pig."

'Petrificus Totalus' hit Ron Weasley dead in the chest. "Gee, I'm getting good at this spell. I'll be right back, I'll need to put the trash in the trash compartment." Putting Ron on the other bench across from Draco the compartment door was again resealed.

/Scene Break/

"Harry you're in luck! Look! The Ministry has got some Aurors and there is even a couple of DMLE representatives." Daphne was almost bouncing with happiness.

It definitely wasn't Ron and Draco's day. I unlocked and slid open their compartment door to find that the motion of the train had spilled both idiots onto the floor in a very compromising position. Their luck further deteriorated as Colin Creevey was there with his camera. Ignoring the camera flashes I levitated the two idiots off the train and handed them to the DMLE representatives.

The Welcoming Feast was basically the same as previous years with Professor McGonagall tapping her crystal goblet for attention. This year was without warnings of horrible death in forbidden corridors or tri-wizard tournament's. It was obvious that Dumbledore had a hand in the seating arrangements at the head table. While Daphne sat on my right I got Snape on my left. Oh the joys of Hogwarts.

A look and a slight shake of my head was enough for Daphne to join me in not eating. It wasn't long before Professor McGonagall leaned forward and asked, "Professor Potter are you not hungry?"

"I'm afraid my wife and I over did a picnic lunch and indeed we are not hungry."

As Professor McGonagall leaned back Dumbledore leaned forward, "Harry I wish for you join me in my office after the feast is completed."

"Of course headmaster we have no objections to discussing school matters whenever needed."

"Daphne leaned close and whispered, "You're not going up there alone."

"I had no doubt that you would join me." I whispered back. "We will have Dobby or Libby brings us something to eat when the dork is finish with us in his office."

We entered the headmaster's office and found Snape lurking off to the side. Dumbledore immediately dismissed Daphne, which she ignored, as I converted the single chair provided into a loveseat. No sooner than we had both sat in the loveseat when Daphne drew her wand and screamed, "If you ever try to enter my mind ever again I will personally make sure your baby making days are over with!"

Daphne then fired a stunner at Snape which he dodged. However the bookcase behind him exploded as I waive my left hand to encase him in magical ropes.

"So, headmaster, what did you wish to talk to me about?"

"Harry you must set aside your dislike for me and Professor Snape as we must work together to ensure that Voldemort is defeated. And please release Professor Snape"

"Voldemort is your problem and not school business. My attitude toward you is my business so long as it does not interfere with the schools' operation. So again I ask headmaster what school business did you wish to talk to me about."

"Harry my boy we must discuss the dark object that's resides here at Hogwarts. Unfortunately that object is one of the untold number the Dark Lord has made."

"That is an interesting theory headmaster, so what would you suggest we do about all this?"

Alas we cannot proceed without all the information. There is a prophecy that is also entwined with the dark objects which leads us to only one option."

After he quoted the prophecy and its ramification for Harry Potter, Daphne and I tried to maintain a straight face. "Most interesting information headmaster but we're afraid we're going to have to take some time to digest it all."

"Harry my boy; I'm afraid there is more information that you must have to make a rational decision.

"As we said we are going to have to take some time to digest all of this."

"You must know more about Tom's childhood. What made him become the man and dark wizard that he is now. During this time we can discuss how it is he came to have the power he constantly demonstrates. I have a penseive, it is a magical way of looking at someone else's stored memories. What I intend for us to do is to review Tom Riddle's history. We will begin tonight, and we can meet weekly so that you can learn more about him."

"No thanks, I will leave you with what I'm sure are spell binding memories. If there is nothing else headmaster you'll need to excuse us."

"Yes, I see, by the way would you happen to know what happened to Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy."

"They have been turned over to the DMLE for attempted sexual assault, with threats of violence against a person, oh, and attempted line theft."

Dumbledore immediately headed to the Ministry as Daphne and I headed to our living quarters. Snape appeared to be tied up at the moment so we did not annoy him any further.

/Scene Break/

The next morning at breakfast we had a bit more fun even though most of it was not of our doing. Using tongs to take bacon from the platter to my plate and then ladling scrambled eggs from the tureen to my filling plate I passed on the cauldron of baked beans. Using other set of tongs to snatch a couple of pieces of toast from another platter at the head table and just ladled some marmalade from the tub when the great doors of the hall opened admitting Dumbledore. His manner gave me the thought that his ushering in Ron and Draco at this time was intentional. Draco sneered as he walked by the head table as Ron raced to the Gryffindor table. As Ron was grabbing food with bare hands to seemingly stuff both in his mouth simultaneously, Hermione Granger rose from her seat.

Dumbledore had barely seated himself in his golden throne when Hermione approached. "Headmaster I am requesting resorting or private quarters or I'm afraid I must withdraw from Hogwarts."

"I'm afraid that I cannot permit such actions. Just return to your house table Miss Granger."

"Headmaster I will not remain in this school to be sexually harassed and to be threatened with rape from Ronald Weasley. Therefore…"

Interrupting her before she could withdraw. "Miss Granger are you willing to accept the protection of House Gryffindor by becoming a vassal of said house? The only requirement on your part will be to do your best in your schooling."

"I am well read in the area of being a vassal. I accept and thank you my Lord."

That's when I notice that my toast was not exactly were it was supposed to be, it had been some how moved. My playing with the tongs so as not to touch the food appeared to be unnecessary.

"Harry my boy you must be the heir to a lordship and be an adult to offer such gratitude's. I'm afraid that you are neither."

Daphne started mumbling on my right, "Merlin here comes the theatrics."

Well, thinking to myself, might as well use some of what I've learned from all those different libraries. Raising my arm straight up and in a bold voice, I shouted "Sword to me!"

Hopefully Dumbledore didn't have the sword stashed next to something valuable and/or breakable because seconds later the sword crashed through one of the windows in the hall and into my hand. I slammed the hilt forcibly onto the table causing resounding thud to echo across the hall.

"Mr. Dumbledore let this be sworn to all that this is the sword of Gryffindor and upon it I swear not only am I an adult but also Lord Gryffindor, so mote be it." I thought the flash of light was quite impressive especially since the crest of Gryffindor appeared on the sleeve of Hermione's robe.

"Let it also be known that crimes against me or mine shall be judged in my court where I am allowed to extract my idea of justice. Ms. Granger the elves will pack up your belongings and show you to our guest quarters after you have eaten."

"Harry my boy, are there any other surprises or ceremonies or can we continue with breakfast?" Dumbledore was not happy.

"Well since you have asked headmaster, Dobby!

POP…"You called Lord Gryffindor?"

"Yes Dobby, please scan Daphne and my food."

Dobby ran his hand over my plate and said in a loud voice, "There be the nasty potions in your food Lord Gryffindor."

Turning and handing the plates to Snape with a napkin between my hand and the plate. "If you would please, you're the expert in potions so could you inform me and the DMLE what nasty potions you find added to our food."

I offered my arm to Daphne and we headed out of the hall, after all we did have classes to teach. The sword now hung from my waist.