Author's Note: Well I certainly didn't expect this one to flow so nicely, what a pleasant surprise. BTW Cyber Hamster, the monstrositywhich runs my heart (i.e my creativity) has begun rebelling, demanding more and more sustenance. He is not longer satisfied with reviews! He demands sacrifices! In the end I managed to talk him down to just accepting reviews. But he's constantly threatening me that he'll go on strike. Greedy little bugger that he is...Anyways! My Betas are otherwise occupied at the moment. So please forgive any errors you encounter. Once this is all done I shall do a run through and clean things up as best I can. Anyway, enjoy the chapter, hail Hamster!
Chapter 25: They do what!?
Amelia Bones, it was seldom that she got to just be herself anymore, and not the Minister for Magic, she reflected as she sat at her table at home. It had taken more than a little wrangling, and great deal of effort retrofitting her home's security, to allow her to use it as the official Ministerial residence. But it was worth it in her reckoning. The other residence was far too extravagant for her tastes and costed a mint in upkeep alone.
She took a sip of tea and picked up the letter from Susan, she'd received it late last night but had been far to tide to deal with it. She flicked upon the envelope and unfolded the parchment.
The letter…made for interesting reading. Amelia had already been aware of Harry Potter's intent to start a Defence Against the Dark Arts study group, but in truth despite how much she liked Harry as a person. She found herself…hesitant to encourage Susan to spend more time around the boy.
Her concerns about her ward and daughter in all but blood running amok with a boy were minimal at best. Susan always had been cautious and level headed. No, more of her concerns came from how danger seemed to follow the boy around like a lost puppy.
However she could tell from the tone of the letter that Susan dearly wished to attend. And was of the firm belief that it should also provide some worthwhile education. It did allay Amelia's concerns somewhat that Tonks would be there assisting.
She sighed irritably. When it came right down to it for her, she had a hard time denying Susan things she was passionate about.
She pulled a roll of parchment from the drawer and started jotting out a note granting permission, along with a warning to be cautious. She paused however when she heard the pitter patter of little feet and looked up to see tipsy, the family elf, peering at her imploringly with her large tennis ball like eyes.
"Please Mistress, the paper be comin' today? Tipsy hoping it brings good news" the elf warbled as she took the paper from her gently.
"Thank you Tipsy." She said nodding her thanks and glanced at the headline. She almost gave herself whiplash doing a double take. She read it again to be certain she'd seen it right. Lord Potter in soul bond marriage with Hermione Jane Granger!
She couldn't help but shake her head, he just couldn't keep out of trouble could he? She considered that for a minute before shaking her head again and chuckling. "A soul bond eh? Well that'll keep things interesting for you Harry."
—-
Dumbledore was less sanguine about the matter than the Minister was. He sat back in his chair huffing a sigh and rubbing the bridge of his nose irritably.
He had hoped to avoid a situation like this. He'd encouraged Harry to befriend the Weasleys after all. It had seemed possible for a time that he would have ended up with young Ginny. He'd continued to hope even after Molly and Ronald's indiscretions that he might come to find love with the daughter of the Weasley family. It would have further cemented his loyalty to him and his mission.
He had of course been concerned for some time over the closeness between Harry and Hermione Granger. But had been optimistic that it would progress no farther. Simply put the girl was a complication in his plans.
She was despite her predilection towards trusting authority, always questioning things with that remarkable mind of hers, and was not truly loyal to anyone other than Harry himself.
He saw now that he should have intervened more directly in some way. Before it had come to this. Because now it was far too late.
A soul bond…In theory such a thing was an unexpected boon. After all he had long suspected Harry's selfless caring nature was his greatest strength. But it also meant that any attempts to disrupt his relationship with Hermione Granger were doomed to catastrophic failure. One interfered with such forces at their peril.
He straightened in his chair and steepled his fingers and breathed in a cleansing breath. Yes, he could manage, even with this hurdle. He would just need to adjust his plans accordingly. He made a note of it.
—-
In Belsize Park London, Emma Granger's reaction to the article in the paper, was perhaps somewhat predictably given the circumstances, to run about in a bit of a panic. After all it wasn't often that one learned completely by surprise that their nearly sixteen year old daughter was engaged to be married.
And if one did find out this kind of news, it generally also had the distinction of heralding the arrival of another, smaller, addition to the family.
Surprisingly Dan Granger's reaction upon reading the article his wife was brandishing at him was far more sedate and measured.
He wrapped his wife in a hug and took the time to talk her down into a relatively calm state of mind. Understandably this took a while. He reassured her that either there was some mistake, or there was a far more reasonable explanation.
He even poured her a cup of tea and got her settled at the kitchen table, before encouraging her to use the mirror to call Hermione for clarification in a couple hours. When the girl was more likely to be up and about.
He left his now significantly more composed wife in the kitchen and retired to the peace and quiet of his study. He then proceeded to calm his own nerves by seeing to some periodic weapon maintenance and checking his ammunition stockpile while whistling a cheery tune to himself.
—-
Harry started awake all at once when there was a rapid and panicked knocking at the door to his room. He got up with a groan and stumbled over to the door before pulling it open.
And met a Wide eyed Hermione coming the other way. He immediately recognized something was wrong. "Hermione, are you okay? What's wrong?"
Her mouth was opening and closing and she was uttering a sort of inarticulate but non the less stifled scream. "Aaaahhhhhahahhhahhhhhahhaaaahh!"
She jabbed a bundle he recognized as the morning paper towards him and he carefully took it from her. Having to gently pry her hands, which had the paper in an iron death grip from the pages. This took about ten minutes.
When he finally managed to pry his prize from his girlfriend's hands and smooth out the paper he took to reading it. His jaw dropped, and while he managed a more articulate response than she, his response, unlike hers, was unprintable.
—-
Chapel Hill Wizarding Penitentiary, was concealed beneath a decommissioned nuclear power plant. Now, one might ask what a wizarding prison was doing in such a place? The simple answer is that magic doesn't work so well in a place with such a high back ground radiation index.
Not that the prisons guards or prisoners were in any danger from that, not with regular potion intake to counteract the effects.
Molly Weasley. Prisoner 427-81 GC was sitting in her cell, sipping her morning tea, dressed in her not particularly stylish but very functional white jumpsuit. She gave quite the start when the screaming started. Yelling that ran the gambit between inarticulate, hysterical, deeply profane and highly disturbed was coming from her son's cells across the block.
On any other occasion she would be in a panic to figure out what was happing to her boy. However she had already read this morning's complimentary paper. And after having her own minor breakdown had accepted defeat and returned to her morning routines.
The yelling changed tone as the guards, apparently unable to calm an irate Ronald Weasley started using shock batons. She shook her head and tutted as she took another sip of her tea.
—-
"It's not so bad as it sounds Hermione" Luna assured Hermione as she slathered pudding on her bagel. They had decided it might be better to take breakfast up in the prefect's common room today.
Hermione's expression was equal parts offended and doubtful, so Luna continued after taking a large bite of the monstrosity she called breakfast. "Under wizarding law, you are now protected by the same laws that protect married couples in recognition of your soul bond." She explained nodding happily then taking another bite. "It is generally assumed to be an unassailable fact that a soul bonded couple will become married at some point." She shrugged. "So their betrothal is automatically announced as a matter of course. You will note that no date has been set. You and Harry have as much time as you want before arranging nuptials." She paused chewing. "Or not arranging them as unlikely as that case may be."
"Soooo….We're not married?" Hermione asked hopefully. Before shooting Harry an apologetic look, which he waved off good natured.
Luna shook her head. "Oh no, you most certainly are, in the sight of wizarding law that is. But not in the more traditional sense of a ceremony and living together and making babies…." Luna paused and considered them. "You two will make the most adorable babies." She decided happily.
Hermione sighed and planted her forehead in her hands across the table from the blonde. "This is so confusing!" She declared.
Luna considered the crumbs of what had been a bagel on her plate. "Did I just butter a bagel with pudding?" She asked sounding a bit vexed.
"Yes Luna, you did." Kara agreed.
She shrugged and proceeded to do just that again. "Well that was silly of me." She said happily. "In a way you could see yourselves as fortunate!" She decided after slathering more pudding on a new bagel.
"How so?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"Well for one thing soul bonded couples are permitted an extra marriage creating a triad should they wish." She noted.
"Why?" Asked Hermione sounding…well bamboozled, a term she hated with a passion.
"Why does the wizarding world do anything Hermione?" Luna asked happily. "Bloodlines!" She took another bite. "A soul bound couple may not have the bloodlines necessary to continue a lineage under certain circumstances. However a third partner can be introduced to ensure the inheritance of titles." She shrugged. "It's a hold over from before the accords."
Hermione sighed and thumped her head on the table once before looking back up at Luna who was watching her with interest. "And those would be?"
"Well you see if one soul bonded individual is of Pure Blood and the other is not. Prior to the accords any children would not inherit the family's noble statues. After, it was just assumed that a "noble soul" would only bind to another "noble soul." Thus negating that effect." Luna explained dreamily.
"Then why the need for plural marriages?" Hermione asked.
Luna gave her a chiding look. "Think about it. With two noble souls must by nature come two noble lines. Both noble lines need to be adequately replenished. More children means more heirs and a healthier lineage. Also…" She stopped herself and looked sheepish. "Well maybe I'll tell you about that later…"
Hermione gave the other girl a look. "Luna, what is it?"
"Well, you see Soul Bound individuals naturally become physically attracted to each other even if they weren't already as was the case with you and Harry." Luna explained reluctantly. "But even then some couples found they enjoyed…variety…"
Hermione shook her head. "You're telling me that it's mostly just so the couple can get around a bit?"
Luna cocked her head considering. "Well I wouldn't say "mostly" you underestimate how much Pure Bloods obsess about lineage. But to a certain degree yes, as it would allow them to fornicate without breaking marriage laws or the sanctity of the soul bond."
"Well we won't have to worry about that…" Harry assured Hermione. "I mean, I have no desire to cheat on Hermione, even if the rules allow it…"
Luna nodded smiling slightly. "Technically it wouldn't be cheating by wizarding law, but I understand your meaning." She agreed. Hermione was grateful for Harry's promise of devotion, it made her feel better. "However…" Luna began.
"What—" Hermione groaned.
"While it is true it is in no way required to follow such a tradition…" Luna began hesitantly.
"What is it Luna just tell us." Harry pleaded.
Luna sighed. "Hermione, Harry is the Heir of not one but three noble lines at this point in time…."She admitted.
"What!?" Harry was pretty sure Hermione's yelp had roused Snape in his dungeon. The man was probably already on his way up to complain…
Luna sighed extracting her fingers from her ears "He is the last descendant of Ignotus Peverell, is the last scion of House Potter and also the heir to Slytherin's legacy by rite of conquest." She explained. "While the wizarding world might ignore it if Harry were to let a minor house's line die off. They might indeed become very—" She hesitated. "Very concerned if any of the houses I mentioned were to do so." Luna said delicately.
Hermione's head once more thumped onto the table. "So, you're telling me Harry will need multiple wives?"
"Oh no."
"Then what—"
"He'll only need them if he wishes to avoid mass public outcry of the kind you two have never seen before, in this life at least." She allowed. "Because you would basically be allowing legendary lineages to die out in a society who's nobility is starting to stagnate."
Harry patted Hermione on the back weakly. "Can't I—Can't I just, I don't know, assign different children as heirs of different bloodlines?"
Luna bobbled her head non-committal. "To a limited extent yes."
"Meaning?"
"Think of it this way Harry. If you were allowed to simply designate the children of a union between you and Hermione you would have four bloodlines with identical family traits. What muggles refer to as genetics." She said happily. "You'd increase the inbreeding problem in wizarding Britain by a not insignificant factor consider Pure Bloods attitudes towards breeding." She shrugged. "Thus children of a specific union would only be able to inherit two family lines."
"But I thought you said Harry was heir to three lines, not four." Hermione protested.
Luna nodded. "Harry is heir of House Potter, House Peverell and House Slytherin. And you Hermione are the heir of the newest noble house of Granger. Congratulations." Luna cheered happily.
Hermione let out a very uncharacteristic curse. Luna continued oblivious to the foul language. "And that is just assuming Harry and you decide to secure all four blood lines. You may run into complications if marrying the heirs of other noble houses."
"How the bloody hell does the wizarding world function this way?" Harry asked.
Luna looked at him like he was crazy. "With difficulty, surely you've noticed?"
"Fuuuuuuuu—" Harry growled before brushing at his hair irritably. "Well the way I see it, we weather the disapproval and stay loyal to each other…" He looked to Hermione. "I'm not about to betray my soul mate." He said squeezing her hand.
Luna nodded cheerfully. "Let's just hope you don't have multiple soul mates then hmmm?" The was met with horrified stares, and Harry was fairly certain his brains were about to liquify in his skull.
Kara cleared her throat. "I don't think that'll be a problem…Harry's file in, well you know where only mentioned one…"
"Oh good, that will make things much simpler." Luna agreed eating another bagel atrocity.
Hermione and Harry sighed in mixed exasperation and relief. He patted her on the shoulder. "Hermione, I think you better contact your parents via mirror. Your parents have got to be in a panic."
She nodded. "Right…maybe after breakfast though?" She said looking hopefully at the slice of toast she'd thus far failed to touch.
—-
In another area of Gryffindor Tower Cormac Mclaggan, least liked individual in said tower, started to make a very un-kosher remark about Hermione. Soon after he was being air lifted out the dormitory window to the Hospital wing. He had dung bombs shoved into his sinuses and would need to have them removed asap. After he'd had his legs put on the right way again that was.
—-
Unfortunately after breakfast Harry had to head out for his latest OWL hopefully one of the last he'd need to take. So Hermione was forced to make the call to her parents alone. She made her way reluctantly to her room and pulled her mirror out of her trunk and set it to call her parents mirror.
It was picked up almost immediately. "Honey are you okay!?" Emma Granger asked in lieu of a greeting.
Hermione smiled a bit at that. "Yeah mum I'm fine, I figured you would be worried so I decided to call."
Emma threw her arms up as Dan entered the room behind her. "You can say that again, Honey what's going on?" Her mother asked.
"It's complicated…"
Her mother didn't seem comforted. "Like baby on the way complicated or…"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "No. Like Wizarding law complicated."
"So…you haven't been sleeping together?" Her mother asked hopefully.
She sighed in exasperation. "No, we haven't been having sex mum."
Her mother however was sharp enough to catch the difference. "But you have been sleeping in the same bed?"
She rubbed her forehead to ease the headache which was forming. "It's complicated, and I'm more than willing to explain but why don't you let me tell you about the last couple days first please?"
—-
It was her parents turn to rub their foreheads in frustration. "So, let me get this straight." He father asked. "You and Harry finally figured out you liked each other and kissed." He asked, "Good job on that by the way, it was getting painful to watch…But it also turns out you are soul mates, which it turns out is a real thing, so it also turns out that by wizarding law you're technically, if not actually, married or engaged."
"Yes." Hermione agreed.
Emma took up the thread. "So you're telling me that you and Harry figured out you like each other and have kissed, and have even shared a bed. But that it wasn't like that and was actually just to provide comfort to a friend who was hurting…"
"Yes."
"You Promise?" Emma asked.
Hermione sighed. "Yes mum, I promise…"
Then to her surprise and concern her mother started snickering. Her father rolled his eyes and sighed. "Uh oh, you know it's bad when your mum does that…"
Her mother wiped at a watering eye. "I'm sorry—I just think it's funny that Harry some how manages to end up in bed with three girls at once, one of whom is definitely his girlfriend and yet he was apparently totally oblivious to what it implied until someone pointed it out?"
Dan shook his head. "Dear Lord…" This would likely go on for hours he knew. It did.
—-
Harry and the others hung close to Luna as they made their way down to the DADA classroom the next day. Luna was skipping along in their midst, Harry had to admit she looked good in Gryffindor colours. Padma was trailing along behind with her sister and Harry noticed Daphne and Tracy standing outside the classroom. He had completed his OWL the previous day with no particular difficulties. It was however concerning how it seemed every other person in the school had something to say about his betrothal and yet Dumbledore the de facto "king of the castle" as it were had yet to say a word. It was unlike him, and Harry was bracing himself. The pair from Slytherins stepped forward as they arrived.
"Hello Harry, are things well with you?" Daphne asked.
He nodded, "Well enough. Just waiting for the other shoe to drop, you?"
She sniffed delicately. "Well enough I suppose, I—" She cut off.
Once again Professor James Miller came sprinting up from down the hall slightly disheveled. "Ah good, everyones here," He said looking pleased with himself. "But first let me welcome our two new classmates. Hello again Luna, Hello Padma." He said shaking their hands. "Now everyone in the classroom, and we'll see about getting started." He said leading them all in.
"Now then, first things first," He said as he marched to the head of the classroom. "As you can see I've put up blackout curtains." He said, "If everyone would stand at the front row, so you can all see, the things I've brought in for you today?" He said seriously.
The class all lined up at the front as instructed and he hauled a cage forward laboriously despite the wheels and dropped it where his desk usually sat. "Whooo, need to see about getting this thing greased up," He said smiling slightly. "Now then, in case you haven't guessed it between the question I asked a few classes ago and the blacked out windows. This…" He said throwing off the sheet. "Is a vampire,"
A woman, or what appeared to have been a woman at some point, prowled the floor of the cage her legs splayed wide for balance, and leaning on her knuckles. She was filthy and dressed only in rags. Most of the class recoiled at the sight of her. She snarled and revealed a pair of razor sharp fangs, and her eyes blazed an almost glowing red. "Now first Iw ant to say sorry for the delay, I had another lined up, but there was an er—accident. So we had to put this off until today." muttered Professor Miller. "What do you know about Vampires?" He asked carefully in a low monotone. Even still the creatures head turned to track him carefully.
Hermione hesitantly raised her hand "They're blood drinkers, technically undead, and immortal, or the next best thing, they're generally not like that though…What did you do to her?" She asked sounding concerned.
He smiled thinly. "I did nothing miss Granger, though your concern for her is admirable. She actually did this to herself." He said a note of sorrow in his voice. "This Vampire, unlike the ones living in the family's residing in the cities, is feral, which is to say her mind did not survive her transformation. And thus we are authorized to…well frankly, to kill her when were done with her." He noticed there faces. "I know, it's hard isn't it? She appears so alive, so human, but that spark that made her sentient is gone. She was once known by the name Melanie Case, an honour student at the local university." His eyes boring into each student in turn. "She is now a monster, no more, no less." Pausing at the concerned looks he was getting. "Do not worry, I will not be asking you to kill her. I will bear that burden myself." He murmured sadly. "She was found in a sewer outside Liverpool you know, been feeding mostly on rats until some city workers stumbled across her. She killed them, drained them dry." He sighed and turned to them. "What is the protocol for dispatching a Vampire?" he asked, striking for more certain ground.
He pointed to Daphne, who was resting one of her hands on her wand, "Take it's head with a cutting charm, or destroy it's heart with a blasting charm. If you can burn it, that works too." Daphne supplied low and tired sounding. Hearing a tragic story like Melanie's did that to people.
"Thank you miss Greengrass. Ten points to Slytherin. I understand, this is hard for a lot of you. Killing someone, even someone who's now lost, like her, is not something to discuss lightly." He assured them.
"How do Muggles do it?" Daphne asked. "The killing, I mean. Should they have to do it?"
"Similar tactics," James explained. "They take the head, usually with a blade, or a well placed shot from a high powered firearm. Destroy the heart. A Wooden stake works best. Fire? Yes, that too. Crossbows are the favoured weapon because they can fire wooden bolts and give you a bit more range." He noted. "They also use holy water, and drawing them into sunlight or onto holy ground." He explained. "But that's a discussion for a little later," He said and threw the sheet over the cage again. He pushed it into the shadows and pulled another cage out under the spotlight. "And what is this?" He asked, pulled the sheet, and there was a clatter behind Harry as Seamus tried to back up over the desk behind him, and possibly over the one behind that too.
"Banshee," Said everyone who had witnessed Seamus' bogart incarnation back in third year. The creature, a floating apparition vaguely similar to a woman, floating in zero gee, but dark and twisted.
James smiled. "Indeed this is the creature most often referred to as a Banshee, the original name was Bean Si, what are the qualities of a Banshee?" He asked.
He chose Luna for this answer, a good choice it turned out. "A Bean Si is like a guard dog for the Fae, they appear humanoid and therefore sentient, but they are no more intelligent than a wolf." She explained. "They are said to be able to kill with a scream, but this is not entirely accurate, they can stun with it, and fill their prey with dread but they do not kill with it, they do that by sucking the energy out of your mouth similar to the way a Dementor takes a soul." She said dreamily.
"Correct," James agreed. "Now how do you defeat one?" He asked and pointed to Seamus who had regained his composure and had raised a hand. "Holy ground, cold iron, or a banishing ritual." He said promptly.
James smiled and nodded. "Why not magic?" He asked.
Seamus shook his head. "Never use magic on true Fae. Fairies, Doxys, Pixies and such, it works okay on, but not on full blooded Fae. You only try magic on real Fae if you want to die." He said with certainty. "They resist most magic, and they can twist most of the rest easily." He murmured trying not to look at the Banshee, and James pulled a sheet over it.
James pushed the cage back, and pulled out one more. "Why?" He asked as he pulled the last sheet. This cages was different, it was primarily plexiglass from what Harry could tell with runes carved into its surface, the four corners of the box were shored up by thick cast iron girders. The being inside…Was something different altogether.
Tall and lean, and the way it stalked back and forth within it's cell was almost feline, but not. It was almost human but with more angular features. It's ears were pointed and it was garbed in clothing that appeared fashioned from leaves but which was actually metal and gems. It's hair was long, and silken, floating in a non existent breeze, but it's eyes were utterly alien, Glowing white orbs with a four spoked pupil each.
Luna padded forward and curtsied and the creature froze, turning towards her. After a pause the creature imitated the action. Luna spoke. "Because true Fae, are not from here." She said, staring dreamily into the creatures eyes as it blinked back at her.
James nodded. "Luna is correct, can you tell me Luna ,what this is and what one must never do in the presence of Fae?" He asked.
She nodded. "This is an Elf, I would guess a Lady of the Summer Courts, not like house elves, which would more correctly be referred to as brownies." She said tilting her head speculatively, again the creature imitated her. "As to things you must never do around a Fae? Never trust them, if you put them to your back, make sure something is between you and them, and then run." She said firmly.
"Can you continue?" The professor, asked and she nodded.
"The Fae, are not human, they must never be mistaken for us. Where even Goblins and Dwarves are possible to sympathize and empathize with, the Fae are not, they are utterly alien. They value things we have no words for, with a single known exception. Courtesy." She said solemnly. "They come from a place people have called faery land, or under hill. It is not like here, time has next to no meaning there, they are all of them, exceptionally dangerous…This is because while they are different from us they are unquestionably intelligent. They resist our magic because they are never fully here, and they are more fully there, where ever magic is as real and ever present as air, or water, or gravity." She said.
"Which is why I will point you all to the advice Luna has already given you, if you encounter one in the world at large, do not fight, run. Run as fast and as hard as you can. They are predators, and utterly without mercy. Run until you fall down from exhaustion, and then push to your feet, and run until your feet bleed." He instructed stoically. "This specimen, will be banished as soon as we are done for today, we will not even attempt to kill it, as to do so would be extraordinarily dangerous." He explained. "But for the sake of argument how does one kill a true Fae?" he asked and pointed to Luna.
"Cold Iron, some of the Darker Fae cannot stand prayers either, though the reason for this is unknown, but cold iron is your best hope, like a sword. Or a bullet." She said seriously.
The professor nodded. "If you can manage to penetrate it's shields that is, before it kills everything in the room." James agreed. "Fae are just as delicate as you or I once past their magic, actually in some ways more so, but their magic is so much more formidable than ours. You remember that which I told you of Mages? They were the only ones who could stand toe to toe with a Fae magically speak, and even then, they were loathe to do so. And no one is known to have managed the feat in their world." He said. "So why is this world not crawling with Fae? Why are we not dead, and they not the rulers?" He asked.
"Because they have no desire for lordship over a world as unchanging as Earth." Luna said, placing a hand against the glass, the creature mimicked it curiously. "That, and they do not breed but once every ten thousand years of our years." She said. "May I send her back under hill now?" She asked. "She is—lonely here…" She murmured.
James considered that, and Luna. "I will let you help me, if you would like, which method of banishment would you prefer?" He said deciding to go along with her on this.
"I would ask her to leave if you would lower the ward preventing a blink after I have done so. It hurts them less to leave on their own." She suggested. "If I get her to nod you know I have her agreement. She, like all true Fae cannot lie, and will avoid breaking a promise once given." She said dreamily then spoke haltingly in what Harry vaguely recognized as very broken welsh. "Mynd adref , nid yw y byd hwn yn perthyn i chi . Angel marwolaeth yn sefyll yn ein plith . Onid ydych yn gweld ? Mynd adref at eich perthynas agosaf ."
The elf studied her for a long moment, tilting it's head as it tried to parse her words, then nodded. Luna smiled. "Please professor?" She asked.
He hesitated before pushing a rune on one of the girders. The elf smiled beatifically, and then it was gone, as though it were never there. Thankfully it did not reappear in the classroom and start wreaking unholy terror and destruction. Harry noticed a single flower had replaced it in the cage. Luna wandered back to him and nestled against him shuddering, and Harry came to realize she had been terrified being close to the creature. He held her close to his side until the shaking stopped.
—-
A couple hours later, Harry wandered into Professor Babbling's office after another Ancient Runes class. They had spent the class practicing a spell for more fine and precise etching of runes into a template.
She looked up as he entered and smiled welcomingly. "Ah Mister Potter, good to see you. I hear congratulations are in order." She said pleasantly. "What may I help you with today?"
"Uh, I wanted to ask you about what we were talking about last time. About my family's specialty I mean." he clarified.
She nodded thoughtfully. "Of course, what can I tell you?"
"Well, I'm going to be getting a hold of the family tomes on the subject soon, or at least that's the hope." He admitted. "And I was wondering if you might have some ideas where I should start when I get them?"
She paused considering. "Well let me think. I suppose if I were you I'd start with the basics, check out if they had any tricks for etching and specialized mixtures and the like. From there check out the composition and array focusing, the verbiage of their particular runic language I suppose you'd call it." He nodded and took a note or two.
"I must say, I am exceedingly jealous that you get to learn the secrets of how the Potters construct wards. I mentioned I'd visited a Potter warded site once yes?" She shook her head ruefully. "Wonderful constructs, if sadly inactive for the most part."
Harry considered that. "Where was this site? I might check it out some time?"
"Oh I'm quite sure the owners would be glad to have you take a look at those wards one day. But I imagine they wouldn't be allowed. The Department of Mysteries is very careful who they let into their facility, I was only allowed in during one of their rare expert inspections. I only got to see a fraction of the place…"
Harry froze. "I'm sorry you're saying the Potters warded the Department of Mysteries?"
She nodded happily. "Yes, only the best in that department, or at least thats what they always say. They've had to make due without second best since your families…well you know." She said trailing off awkwardly.
He nodded un-offended, then considered. "Would you like to see the tomes?"
She gave a start. "Oh, I couldn't ask that of you Lord Potter, your families secrets belong to you, indeed they may be the source of your livelihood."
He shrugged, "And they may not be too, I don't know what I'll do with them to be honest. But you could improve your own crafting with them surely?"
She seemed reluctant. "It is generally considered a profound act of trust for a Noble family to allow an outsider even a glimpse of their work. And It would be robbing your descendants of their edge in that field…."
He thought on that. "Not if you don't teach it to anyone else." He corrected and she blinked surprise. "Tell you what you help me interpret what's in those tomes and you can read them to your hearts content, just don't go teaching anybody else unless I give permission. You can make some Potter quality rune work with your own twist and benefit from it, and in the end still leave my descendants secure."
She considered that. "I would…want to be in the form of a contract Lord Potter, that way I wouldn't be tempted to violate my promise…"
"I trust you, but if you need that to feel right in yourself I can get one drawn up at Gringotts tomorrow." He agreed.
"Thank you Lord Potter, this is an incredible opportunity." She gushed smiling. Flushed with anticipation.
"No problem, professor. Thank you for your help."
—-
Hermione was nervous. Not because of the study session for which she was preparing to take part in. Not directly at least. She was after all fairly competent in her own estimations when it came to Defence Against the Dark Arts.
No, she was nervous because she would be going swimming. With every other member of their study group.
On the positive side, she reflected, Wizarding swim wear, at least the kind permitted for wear at Hogwarts. Was fairly conservative by modern standards. So at least her one piece wouldn't draw unnecessary scrutiny.
Still, it would be the first time Harry would be seeing her in such an outfit. And there would be other girls present for her to be compared against…
Such as Daphne, who could give Fleur a run for her money in the figure department. Or Susan who had developed quite nicely, she was told, in the mammary department.
She Hermione, was she had to admit, feeling fairly self conscious just then. By her estimations she wasn't terribly attractive, not particularly skinny, or buxom or curvy. But she was able to comfort herself, at least a little, by reminding herself Harry had chosen her, not one of others. He was her boyfriend…
So she calmed herself down for the most part. Aside from a minor incident in which those present had to come together and insist Luna wear something despite her usual swimming habits. Now she was merely nervous as opposed to excessively anxious.
She did however feel the need to stop the others before they left the change room. "Um—one thing before we go out there please?" The others considered her curiously.
"I don't—know that Harry will be swimming, maybe he will maybe he won't. Or if he will be doing so without a shirt of some sort. But—"
"Worried, we'll be eyeballing your boy Granger?" Daphne asked slyly.
Hermione blanched. "Er no—at least not until you said that… But that's not what I mean…er, I suppose I'll just say this. Please do not stare? He's um—self conscious." Kara at least was already nodding comprehension even if the others merely seemed confused.
Eventually she go them to promise and they wandered out into the main chamber.
The guys are, predictably already waiting. Technically so was Tonks, but she was notable in that she wasn't in swimming clothes. Apparently she would be forgoing swimming today.
Harry was in fact wearing a swim shirt, which suggested he intended to get in the water too. He padded forward as they arrived. "Alright, here's the deal I want you each to swim…five laps, get out and then stretch. Then we'll see how we're doing." He considered them. "Er—maybe form a line and we'll get started?"
While the others formed a line as requested she padded over to Harry. The other's began choosing lanes to swim their laps in.
"Hey, you okay?" She asked tentatively.
He smiled ruefully at her. "I'm great, now that you're here."
She rolled her eyes smirking. "Yes, yes very charming Potter." She teased giving him a crooked grin. "But seriously. Are you okay?"
He nodded. "Yes."
Tonks stepped up beside them. "So, Harry—" She asked with a wicked grin. "What do you think of your girlfriend's new look?"
Harry never took his eyes off hers as he answered Tonks' question. "Magnificent as ever Hermione, I promise."
She blushed at his praise. "Thanks,"
They watched as Daphne performed a perfect dive into the pool and began a precise front crawl across the pool. Hermione sighed enviously, then yelped in surprise as Harry gently grabbed her lifting her chin so she was looking into his face, before lowering his face to hers and kissing her. "Hey," he murmured. "I'm not looking at anyone else, even her. Keep that in mind."
She smiled wanly, grateful for his reassurances, but still couldn't help a touch of envy when Daphne, water goddess apparently emerged from the pool and started stretching.
She shook that off and followed Harry to the pool. Taking a slot in the line and beginning her own laps. Harry performing his own in the lane right beside hers.
After they hauled themselves out of the water and finished their own stretches he considered those gathered. "I think that went fairly well," He allowed nodding his head approvingly. "None of you seem particularly winded, which is good. But I still think next time we'll bump up the number of laps." He nodded thoughtfully. "Now let's get changed back and well see about a lesson."
It was, despite the efforts of some of the girls, only a couple minutes later before they were all out on the training floor.
Harry was pacing looking them over. "Alright, I'm going to start us off with something basic I suppose. Just sort of getting a baseline on what you guys are capable of." he explained evenly. "I'll pair you off and then I want you each to practice expelliarmus."
He could clearly tell a couple were about to protest and raised his hand palms out to forestall them. "Like I said, I know it's basic, but it has actually saved my life before. So please just uh—trust me when I say it's useful."
He paired Ginny and Neville. Hermione to her eternal consternation found herself paired with Daphne while Luna was paired with Kara. Susan and Hannah were, as ever inseparable.
Astoria was paired with Ernie… "Padma you're with Fred, if you can figure out which one of them is him." He nodded to the other twins. "Parvati you're with George."
"Come on George," Parvati instructed grabbing him by the sleeve.
"How do you know I'm George? I could be Fred!" He protested.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm a twin too remember. You've got a different pattern of freckles. And besides Fred's prettier."
Hermione watched a protesting George get led away before turning her attention to Harry briefly, as he moved to stand beside Tonks.
Her attention was brought back to the immediate by Daphne calling to her. "You ready Granger?"
"Yes Daphne," She sighed. "I am."
—
Harry watched with interest as the others began practicing, and soon the air was filled with random spell fire and wands flying this way and that. He had to fight a nostalgic sigh.
Hermione and Daphne seemed to be managing just fine. Though there was a slight awkwardness whenever they paused to converse, clearly some work needed to be done there.
"Neville's a bit…inconsistant" Tonks noted dryly as Neville managed to somehow turn all Ginny's clothes fluorescent pink and stand her hair on end.
He nodded easily. "He's using his dad's wand." He explained and got a nod of understanding. "But he'll do well with Ginny, she's kind enough to—" He nodded as the pair stopped. "Yup see there, she's congratulating him each time he manages. Confidence is half the battle with Neville." He noted.
They continued watching in silence for a time. The Weasley Twins gave a reasonable accounting of themselves when they were not allowed to conspire for tom foolery. "George Weasley you get back here!" Bellowed Parvati after she picked herself back up after somehow getting flipped by a misfire. "And you, Fred get back to my sister!" She demanded. "I told your brother already I can tell the difference between the two of you. Your the pretty one, he's the ruggedly handsome one. Now get!"
The Patil Twins seemed to be managing them just fine. Susan and Hannah were working well together, and Astoria seemed to be managing against Ernie well enough.
Eventually he called a halt, then paused to wait for the wands to stop flying. He spent the next couple minutes demonstrating and explaining the little nuances he'd noted about the spell in question before starting them off again.
Sure enough, just like last time there were some improvements of note. He offered bits of advice and encouragement here and there while Tonks did the same.
Half an hour later he called a proper end to things. "Alright, it seems to me you've all got that down. Though if you guys get in some practice time here or there that'd be beneficial." he noted.
He paused considering, but was cut off by Fred. At least he assumed it was him. "Come on Harry, you said you'd show off for us." He yelled.
There was a general murmur of agreement. "Alright, alright!" Harry laughed in exasperation. What do you guys want to see from us today?"
The group generally milled about as they considered and deliberated. Eventually the call came, they wanted a duel.
He nodded. "Alright Tonks, you up for a quick spar?" He asked.
"You know it." She retorted.
They squared off and started circling each other as the mats cleared of bystanders and a shield curtain raised between them and the audience. "Same rules as always!" he called. "Nothing potentially lethal, nothing permanently damaging and nothing excessively humiliating."
She nodded, and they started.
The fight, such as it was, continued for about ten minutes. Each of them pushing the other back and forth across the mats. Neither able to get anything more than a small advantage over the other.
He knew perfectly well by now, that Tonks was in some way testing him. She got a bit tougher each time they fought. Thus far in all the times they had duelled they had yet to reach his limits.
He was, on occasion, tempted to test her in return. But he always decided against it.
Finally they called a halt Harry batting aside a trio of stunners.
There was silence for a bit before someone let out an oath. "Bloody hell Harry!" George breathed from beside his twin.
Harry smiled crookedly at them as he towelled off the sweat. "You guys satisfied for tonight?" He asked, and there were general nods of agreement.
"Then why don't I let you guys go for now?" He suggested. "See you…Monday I guess?"
The group scattered.
—-
Close to an hour later there was a tentative knock at Dumbledore's door. He looked up before a small smile of satisfaction quirked his lips. He composed himself and then called out. "Enter?"
Tonks poked her head in before the rest of her followed. He nodded seemingly absently. "Ah, Miss Tonks. So good to see you." He greeted.
"You did call for me Dumbledore." She pointed out.
He smiled benignly. "So I did." he agreed. "I wanted to ask you if young Harry has organized any of his study sessions yet." He asked, already knowing the answer. But this question was in many ways a test for you Nymphadora.
Tonks nodded easily. "Yeah, had the first earlier this evening."
He cocked his head in interest. "Indeed, and how did it go?" He asked.
She shrugged, looking as ever a tad uncomfortable in the Headmaster's office. "Pretty well I should think. They seem to love him."
He nodded sagely. "Yes, Harry does seem to inspire devotion in others…"
She waved that off irritably. "No, I mean they like his teaching style. Though they are fond enough of him as a person I suppose." She admitted.
"Ah, excellent. What was he teaching tonight, if you'll indulge my curiosity?" He asked interestedly, leaning forward on his elbows.
"Just some basics, he's got them improving their disarming spells."
He nodded. "A worthy tool in the right hands." he paused considering. "Tell me, do you think this study group will be effective going forward?"
She gave him a quizzical look. "I believe so, why?"
He smiled apologetically. "I am merely considering whether or not to provide further resources for Harry to use. If he is as capable as you indicate and believe, this study will benefit those being taught to a not insignificant degree. In that case, then facilitating that process is in everyone's best interest, would you not agree?"
She nodded thinking. "Harry's got some reasonable resources right now—then again I believe I heard him mentioning he might try asking some of the teachers to stop in once and a while to give pointers.
Dumbledore beamed happily. "I believe that would be a capital idea! Does he have any particular professor in mind?"
She nodded, "Flitwick I believe."
He nodded knowingly. "Ah yes, Filius is indeed a talent individual. We are most fortunate to have him on staff." he paused considering. Then nodded. "If he agrees to it, you have my permission to request his time and efforts as you see fit."
"I'm sure Harry will be grateful." Tonks allowed and he nodded.
"Tell me Tonks, you say Harry is well thought of by the students, and you seem rather fond of the boy yourself. Do you—feel this group is…as connected as they could be? I find that a spirit of camaraderie can work wonders in these kinds of organizations."
Tonks hesitated. "Well—Harry and the girls…Hermione, Kara and Luna that is, are pretty close already," She noted, getting an agreeing nod from the aged headmaster. "And I think the others could potentially be good friends too from what I've seen of them. If that's what you mean?"
He appeared to ponder, "Indeed, hmmm… I am merely considering how such a thing might be facilitated. After all, friendships can not be rushed…" He explained. "But—perhaps allowing them to spend more time together in someway…yes, that might be just the ticket…" he mused.
He stirred from his reverie and considered the pink haired young woman across from him. "Now, I have some other questions for you Tonks." He began "You have not been attending the Order meeting lately."
She frowned. "I've been fairly busy. It's not like it's relaxing work chasing after teenagers all day." She protested defensively. "And with this study group…"
He chuckled soothingly and raised his hands to stop her. "Ah, you misunderstand me. I was not accusing. Merely curious if there was anything you felt the Order should know…"
She considered, then shrugged. "Harry is concerned about this soul fragment thing. He's not making any progress on figuring it out though," She admitted. "and I'm sure he'd welcome any advice or information which might put his mind at ease."
Dumbledore nodded stoically. "Indeed, such things are a difficult topic to learn anything of aren't they?" He paused then nodded, reaching a decision. "What has he been able to find out? Perhaps I might follow leads he cannot?" he suggested hopefully.
Tonks watched him carefully. "He knows a bit about what cultures dabbled in studying souls. But that's about it." She finally admitted grudgingly.
He nodded. That was indeed all that remained on Horcruxes and similar within the school's library. He had made certain of it himself.
"I can of course see if any of my colleagues abroad have information if that would help?" He offered.
She nodded. "I will ask him."
"Thank you. I merely wish to ensure he is not to distressed by the matter." Dumbledore assured her. He paused watching her for a while. "Very well I had no further inquiries. Did you need anything tonight Tonks?"
She shook her head "No"
He nodded acceptance. "Very well, then I shall not further encroach upon your evening." She left a few moments later.
Dumbledore sat contemplating for a time. I wonder if the guest tower is still available…
A croak caught his attention and he looked up sharply.
How does that Raven keep getting in here? He cursed mentally, pushing to his feet.
—-
Author's Notes: Cyber Hamster demands Reviews, comments, subscriptions and such. He will devour them in sacrifice to his heathen gods! I really need to exorcize that little freak I think...