AN: Here is a brand new update, thank you for dealing with me. I know that I'm super far behind in updating, but there is another one coming soon! I promise. Please review.


June 24th – Daily Prophet

The Man-Who-Conquered claims his Noble titles

Jean Evans

Yesterday evening the young Duke of Black, Marquess of Potter held a celebration at Potter Manor for the Ancient and Noble Houses, signifying the House of Potter's return to the political arena. All of the Ancient and Nobles Houses, Bones, McMillian, Potter, and Malfoy, were in attendance, along with the Noble and Most Ancient Houses, Black and Longbottom, and the Noble House of Greengrass. The party was relatively small but Lord Potter managed to reveal a lot. During his opening speech Duke Black introduced his newly adopted sister Lady Hermione Potter. It comes as a surprise that a muggleborn has been adopted into a Noble and Ancient House, but those close friends of Duke Black are not surprised in the least. During his speech he apologized to Lord Draco for his behavior during their years at Hogwarts. It was also revealed that ex-Lady Malfoy is now Dowager Lady Black, although no details regarding this change, or Duke Black's comment that she saved his life were given. At the beginning of the evening there was some confusion regarding the presence of the House of Greengrass, but Lord Potter revealed that Lady Daphne is his intended. Altogether the party was a success as the Houses mingled and discussed alliances for the upcoming Wizengamot meeting. Duke Black later approached this reporter to create an edition of the Daily Prophet doing a tell all interview of the past few months and eventually a memoir describing his seven-year struggle with he-who-must-not-be-named.


June 28th- Daily Prophet Sunday Evening Edition

Exclusive with Duke Black

Jean Evans

Since the defeat of the self-styled terrorist Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter has added many titles to his already long one of the Boy-who-Lived. Not only has Man-Who-Conquered been added, but there are both of his Noble titles, Duke of Black and Marquess of Potter. Because all of these changes happened so quickly this reporter sat down to discuss things with Duke Black

DP: Welcome to the Daily Prophet Your Grace and thank you for giving up your valuable time for this interview.

HP: Thank you for having me here Miss Evans.

DP: To begin, why have you just received your familial title of Marquess of Potter?

HP: That is an excellent question. My parents will explicitly stated that I receive the title upon my fifteenth birthday as I would be the last remaining Potter. However, after the late Mr. Dumbledore realized I was prophesized to defeat Voldemort he submitted a false will. Because the headmaster was a powerful wizard, the charms he placed upon the parchment held up to the scrutiny of the goblins and the false will was enacted. Due to this meddling I grew up with a muggle family, had a terrible childhood and received the title directly before my eighteenth birthday.

DP: Wasn't this muggle family your relatives? Could you please elaborate on your 'terrible childhood'?

HP: My mother was a pureblood witch, although many believed her to be a muggleborn. During Grindewald's reign many of his followers took advantage of pureblood women who were considered blood traitors. My mother was the result of one of these interactions and her mother put her up for adoption in the muggle world so that she would be away from her father's terrible influence. Mrs. Petunia Dursley was the adopted sister of my mother, so therefore not my relative. As to my childhood, I was both physically and verbally abused and I will say no more.

DP: When did you make the decision to adopt the previous Miss Granger into the House of Potter?

HP: It was decided after I heard my parents will. Lady Hermione and I have always shared an extremely close friendship and although there were rumors we would end up romantically involved, our feelings towards each other were much more sibling based. I wanted to mark her as my official sister, giving her a family and the protection of the House of Potter.

DP: Regarding the title of the Duke of Black, when and how did this occur?

HP: The House of Black has a very complicated family tree. My godfather was Sirius Black, eldest son of Orion and Walburga Black. Sirius named me as his heir, although without my Black blood that wouldn't have been possible. My father was the only son of Charlus and Dorea Potter nee Black. Dorea was the youngest sister of Pollux Black, Sirius's grandfather. Due to the deaths and lack of sons in the House of Black only Lord Draco stood above me to inherit the title. However the only act of the previous Duke Black was to annul the marriage between the previous Lady Malfoy and Lord Malfoy, removing the legal right of Lord Draco to inherit since I have such a close connection to the House of Black. I should have received the title upon my seventeenth birthday, but due to the altercation with Voldemort I was unable to be reached by the goblins, but since I was alive the will couldn't be completely enacted.

DP: When did you learn of the marriage arrangement with Lady Daphne? You both attend Hogwarts, how well do you know each other?

HP: I learnt about it during the reading of my parents will so a very short time ago. It was also the first time that I met Lady Daphne; we've never crossed paths in Hogwarts. Although we got off to a bit of a rocky start, we are working on becoming friends.

DP: What is the situation regarding the new Dowager Lady Black?

HP: Well it's actually rather sad and sweet. My godfather always loved his cousin. They were several years apart, but she was the youngest of the female Black cousins so they were intended for each other. It would have tied the two branches of the House of Black together, but Cygnus Black, Dowager Lady Black's father, secretly arranged a pact with the House of Malfoy. However the final choice was Dowager Lady Black's and she obviously chose Lord Malfoy. My godfather always loved her and she came to love him as well. She was the only one to visit him in Azkaban and never gave up on him. If he had been cleared during his life he would have annulled her marriage and married her. Even though I had never met her, she knew of my relationship with my godfather, as he was the only father that I ever truly knew and he regarded me as his son. During the final battle, Voldemort thought he hit me with a spell but I just collapsed. Dowager Lady Black lied to Voldemort and was able to keep me alive. Based on all of these things I gave her the title she always should have had and named her Dowager Lady Black and she has truly become a mother figure to me.

DP: How does Lord Draco take this change?

HP: As his father and he have been taken into governmental custody since the event at my home it is difficult to say.

DP: Will all of these cases go through at the Wizengamot meeting on Tuesday?

HP: Of course, the meeting should answer a lot of questions.

DP: Well that's all we have time for, thank you so much Duke Black.


Harry sat in his private room behind the House of Black family seat. Hermione was next to him, holding his hand, trying to calm his anxiety before his first Wizengamot meeting. A slight knock on the door signified the arrival of Harry's allies, so the two stood. Neville Longbottom, Cyrus Greengrass, and Thomas Brown all entered the room. "Good morning Duke Longbottom, Lord Brown, Lord Greengrass. I'm glad you could join us. Sister please go and find mum."

Hermione curtsied to the three men. "Good morning to all of you, Your Grace" Hermione walked out of the room and the four men stood in silence for a moment.

"Gentlemen we have a plan for today and for the changes we want to see we must stick to it." Neville announced. "Our alliances will help us greatly. Keep to the plan; we all know what our roles are." Neville nodded at the other three men before leaving along with the Earl of Brown. Harry stared at Cyrus Greengrass knowing the man had something to say.

"Potter, Your grace, after the evening at your manor I haven't had a moment to speak with you. I must apologize again for my daughter's actions. She embarrassed the entire House of Greengrass and we are honored that you not only forgave her but let the knowledge stay between us. On acknowledgement of your noble spirit, in the tradition of the old ways, I would like to give you access to my daughter for 90 days."

Harry had been expecting such an offer, but the thought disturbed him. Although he did have experience, thanks to Sirius sneaking him to a brothel during Christmas his fifth year, he didn't want to push Daphne; it wouldn't exactly help their marriage. However he couldn't reject the offer completely either. He needed time. "Lord Greengrass your offer requires discussion, which we unfortunately don't have time for right now. I will send for you after the meeting." He nodded in dismissal and waited for the man to leave before running back to the armchair. "Mione," he called.

Hermione revealed herself, placing the invisibility cloak on the table. "I knew this was coming, but I don't like it."

"Either do I. Now you realize how important it is that you don't offend anyone." Hermione grimaced slightly, thinking of Crabbe or Nott with those allowances towards her. "Please invite Daphne here to tea at intermission. I want to speak with her before deciding."

"Of course Harry, that's very sweet of you. But go to your seat now the meeting is about to begin."

Harry walked out to and stood behind his seat and from his higher vantage point could see many empty seats and that many more women were present in the public seating area than usual. At the front of the room sat Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE, Kingsley Shacklebolt, acting Minister for Magic, Augusta Longbottom, Chief Warlock, and Percy Weasley, Scribe and Undersecretary to the Minister. The Chief Warlock called for order and said, "The first order of business is to recognize the new seat holders with us."

Neville stepped forward, "As Duke of Longbottom I claim the seat of the House of Longbottom." A golden glow surrounded him, signifying the acceptance and Neville sat down. Harry then claimed the seat for House of Black, followed by Susan claiming the seat for House of Bones and finally Harry claimed the seat for House of Potter.

"The second order of business is in regards to Minister for Magic." Harry stood, signifying his wish to speak. "Duke Black you have the floor."

"Thank you Chief Warlock. Members of the Wizengamot, I approach you as a concerned citizen. Although the terrorist Lord Voldemort is dead, many of his followers continue to threaten our world. The time of peace is not upon us yet, and we need a leader strong enough to pull us out of these trying and difficult times. I nominate Kingsley Shacklebolt for Minister. His history as an auror and his time as acting Minister for Magic show that he is the ideal man for the job." Kingsley accepted the nomination and in a move that surprised Harry no other nominations were announced and by unanimous decision Kingsley became Minister.

"Congratulations to our new Minister for Magic. Our next order of business is to discuss how the impending trials will proceed. Earl of Weasley, you have the floor."

Harry regarded the man who had taken him in so many times as a child with mixed emotions. Had the Weasleys cared about him or had they been planning to use Ginny against him all along? Harry took a deep breath to calm himself and turned towards Neville who nodded reassuringly. The Earl of Parkinson then stood to speak. "These prisoners, some of them are upstanding members of the Wizengamot. Why are they being treated like common criminals? Where is the humanity in all of this?"

Madam Bones stood up, outrage clear on her face. "Lord Parkinson, are you implying that our prisoners aren't being treated humanely? These men were arrested based upon evidence and in a legal way. They are being held under the Ministry in the holding cells, which are stark but intensely clean and humane. This is not up for discussion, we are trying to outline questioning tactics and punishments for any found guilty."

Neville stood before Parkinson could. "Madam Bones I'm sure that Lord Parkinson was simply misunderstood." He glared at the lesser lord. "The thing we must focus on is questioning. The only option we have is to use veritaserum on every person we bring into the room. No excuses will be allowed; we cannot let those who will use the excuse of the imperious to get off. Veritaserum will show what is true, allowing us to punish those who acted from their own free-will and exonerate those truly under the Imperius."

"I agree Your Grace," Harry said standing. "But we must also discuss what will become of those found guilty. We all know that Azkaban isn't as secure as we thought it in the past. I suggest a vote on using Nurmengard, or making corrective measures to Azkaban, for the prisoners. However, we must also put a punishment in place for those not sentenced to prison, such as heavy fines or service to the community."

After another half hour debate the Chief Warlock called for an intermission. Harry glanced at his friend to see Neville walking towards him. Together they made their way toward the box for the House of Black. Narcissa, Hermione, and Daphne were all sitting in in the box discussing the debates. "You did a great job at your first meeting boys," Narcissa said, hugging Harry and kissing Neville on the cheek. They both smiled at her and moved to hug Hermione before sitting down to tea.

"Can you please explain why I'm here Your Grace?" Daphne asked confusion obvious in her expression.

"I think you know why Lady Daphne."

The blonde blushed bright red, "My father offered me to you didn't he?"

Harry nodded. "I wanted to speak with you before giving any answer. Do you know the dowry required by the Malfoy's for Lady Astoria?"

"It is nearly the bride price paid by the House of Potter. But do you believe it will be necessary?"

"My ex-husband may be an awful man that did terrible things for the Dark Lord, but my son didn't. Draco was an arrogant, selfish boy but he never killed anyone, he was simply stupid and misguided." Narcissa said in a cold tone. She wasn't very fond of the Greengrass wench.

"Either way, Lord Draco will be acquitted but fined heavily, so he will need the dowry. I was going to suggest lowering the bride price but I wouldn't jeopardize Lady Astoria's happiness. Neville?" Harry turned to his friend, a hint of desperation in his voice.

"There's no way around it Harry. You'll have to accept."

Harry bowed his head, trying to think of a decent way to handle this. "Are you that…disgusted by me Your Grace?" Daphne's voice cracked, betraying a true note of insecurity.

Harry jerked his head up and saw her blue eyes shimmering. "Lady Daphne you have no idea how far that is from the truth. You are incredibly beautiful" Narcissa snorted, causing Harry to glare at her, "and I'm extremely proud to have you as my intended. I do not feel as if I know you well enough to claim you. Although I shall have to accept, I would be happier if you lived at Potter Manor for the summer, you can stay in the guest wing, until such time that we decide if we ever do, that you should move into the family wing. I want to get to know you and with you there it will be easier."

Daphne smiled at Harry. "I accept those conditions as I know my father will Duke Black."

Narcissa took her leave, allowing the four teens to relax and Harry told Daphne to keep things informal as they were all considered equals within his rooms. "Daphne tell us a little more about your time at Hogwarts as a Slytherin." Hermione prompted, moving to sit so she was closer to Neville.

"My first few years were amazing; being in Slytherin is truly like a family. The eldest prefects are like our parents and keep us in line; it's why you never see us fighting amongst ourselves. But when we got older boys began to notice me, and I developed my ice queen persona to keep them away. It was easier than having to constantly defend myself, as the old traditions are highly regarded in Slytherin, meaning that a girl has to be pure for her wedding but that the pureblood males may certainly try to get with her before she is married. When the Dark Lord made his return, Slytherin became a much darker place. Those with high ranking death eater parents became powerful in the house. Last year, to even survive we had to become hard, hence the version of me you had to deal with."

"The Carrows were awful," Neville said with a shudder. "Most of the Slytherins didn't participate and had to lay low to stay out of the way of the Carrow's wands."

"Exactly, we were all terrified and couldn't stand up to them as you did Your Grace. It made us feel awful. I was too scared and too weak to do anything." Tears started to well in her eyes and a few spilled over. Harry took her hand in comfort. "A few of the younger Slytherins were randomly attacked by the Carrows and that's when I realized I had to do something. I protected the second years as well as I could. But that brought the Carrows down on me." Daphne was crying in earnest now, and Harry didn't know what to do. He looked to Hermione who waved him closer to Daphne. Harry wrapped an arm around the blonde and she responded by moving onto his lap and putting her head on his shoulder. "I don't know how long they held me under the cruciatus but I still wake up with tremors." The other three nodded, having experienced it as well, Neville from the Carrows, Hermione from Bellatrix and Harry from Voldemort himself. Daphne sat and looked Harry straight in the eyes. "Thank you so much Your Grace for saving all of us."

Daphne continued crying and buried her face in Harry's shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her more tightly and rubbed her back gently. "It's ok now Daphne, you're safe with me I promise. You'll be at Potter Manor this summer and next year we'll…"

Harry was interrupted by an angry cough behind him. Not wanting to drop Daphne he tried to turn around slowly. Hermione had already jumped to her feet. "Excuse me, but I do not believe that my brother, the Duke of Black, or I invited you into your family sitting room. You will wait until such a time when the Duke of Black has time to see you."

"Now Hermione…" a familiar voice from behind him said.

"I don't believe I heard Lady Hermione Potter give you permission to be so informal with her." Neville interrupted, laying a hand on Herminie's shoulder and moving her slightly behind him. "Mr. Weasley it is a mistake to disrespect someone under the protection of three houses above your own."

"Bloody Hell." Ron exclaimed.

Harry stood and finally faced the intruder, his left hand holding Daphne's left, forcing her behind him, and his right ready to grab his wand. He saw Arthur, Fred, Ron and Ginny standing before him. "Please don't use that language in front of the Ladies." Harry said gently.

"We have been worried about you." Ginny said, trying to smile at him.

"I'm sorry that I've disappeared, this" Harry gestured at the room, "has all made my life very stressful." Daphne squeezed his hand gently "You must accept my apology, this is Lady Daphne Greengrass, my intended." Ginny frowned at the word, but seemed to hold back, "Lady Daphne this is Earl Weasley, Mr. George Weasley, Mr. Ron Weasley and Lady Ginny."

"That's actually what we wished to speak with you about Lord Potter." Harry quirked an eyebrow at both the ambiguity and the use of his lesser title. "I would like to give you a marriage contract for my daughter. You two had a relationship during your time together at Hogwarts, and she would make a good second wife for you."

Neville snorted from beside Harry. "As I'm pretty sure Duke Black broke things off with your daughter at Hogwarts, I don't see the point."

"Longbottom," Harry reprimanded rather harshly. Suddenly the bell overhead rang, signifying the return of the Wizengamot. "We'll have to discuss this later Lord Weasley."

"I'll leave this here for you to read over." The Weasleys all left the room.

Harry went to the door and taking out his wand he cast a spell to secure the door against anyone without Black blood before walking back out to the meeting without a word to anyone. Neville nodded to the girls before following Harry out. Daphne collapsed back onto the couch and Hermione quickly joined her. "Daphne are you alright?"

"I just feel so confused and overwhelmed. When we were talking earlier, I broke down and you were all so supportive and kind, even though you've been through much worse."

"It's not the amount we suffered that sets us apart, but the similar experience that brings us together. My brother gained a lot of respect for you, not only for standing up to the Carrows but for being able to tell him about it."

"I just can't believe that I cried so much and sat on his lap!" A red-faced Daphne explained.

Hermione laughed. "He obviously didn't mind Daphne. But there's something you need to understand about him. Harry is extremely protective and he now views you as his responsibility. It's best to not fight him when it comes to something he believes will keep you safe because he has some weird sixthsense about these things. But if you don't listen he will move the world to save you. Last year we were captured by snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. Bellatrix questioned me by use of the cruciatus while Ron and Harry were locked up in the dungeon. At first I could hear them both screaming, but then I could only hear Ron."

"That must have worried you terribly!"

"Quite the opposite. When Harry goes into his 'saving people mode' he becomes strategic. Being emotional wasn't going to help me as Ron's behavior demonstrated. Harry cut off his emotions about it, and kept only the goal of my rescue in mind. Obviously, it worked well."

"He remained in such a robotic state for so long?"

"Until after dinner, when everyone was safe. Then he could finally process everything and he broke down. He felt so bad for not being able to save me any sooner. So just be prepared."

Daphne nodded seriously. "I understand. I was raised in the pureblood world; I know it's a man's job to protect his family. But what is this ordeal with the House of Weasley? I know Duke Black dated Lady Ginny but Duke Longbottom said he broke it off with her. And they offered it as a contract to the Potter family?!"

"They were together for a short period, but Harry broke it off at the end of sixth year. But you know the history of our families; you can understand why Harry's so upset right now. They must think that you are to be Duchess Black, but I don't know what they're thinking or what Harry is thinking right now."

Daphne sighed, "Well it's not like I know him well enough to expect an answer. I'll find out eventually. I know I don't really have the right to ask you this, but you and Duke Longbottom, what's going on? I know he is in a contract with Lady Pansy but I'm sure that's going to end."

"Why do you think it's going to end?"

"Many of us found her in compromising positions with Lord Draco and others."

"Neville can't get her or her father to agree to the test."

"She'd have to before the wedding anyway and it'll be soon, most contracts are before the woman turns nineteen."

Hermione thought for a moment. "I don't know when the wedding would take place. But I'm only worried about Neville's happiness. He's an amazing friend, he always has been. But I don't really know how to deal with this new Neville. He changed so much the past year and I wasn't' there to be part of it, and I realized maybe I was hindering him. I only ever wanted to help but I held him back. "Tears welled in her eyes. "I know he saw a lot last year, but so did I. I don't regret anything I saw or did; it helped my brother defeat Voldemort! But it still haunts me. No matter how I feel, he's the Duke of Longbottom! I'm just muggleborn Hermione Granger."

"No you are not just anything! You are Lady Hermione Potter, and part of the reason Voldemort was defeated. You are the brightest witch of our age, and nothing you did at Hogwarts hindered me. Last year I finally tried to be worthy of you." Neville pulled Hermione off the couch and into his arms. He brushed her tears away and tilted her chin up so their eyes locked. "You are the woman I never thought I had a shot with. I love you," Neville leant down and Hermione pushed onto her toes, their lips meeting in the middle. Neville's hand cupped her face and her hands rested on his shoulders.

"What the bloody hell is going on here?!"