Summary: Wizarding World is mistrudful of muggles as ever, however, it needs more alliances, and although everyone is sceptical that muggles could be of any help, Dumbledore is convinced otherwise. That's why the children of various powerful people in politics/economy are comming to Hogwarts for a year, to unify both worlds against Voldemort and to create an understanding between them.

Chapter 1

Returning to Hogwarts

'Harry! How was your summer? Anything interesting happened by chance?' grinned Dean and leaned in, waiting for an answer.

Final year at Hogwarts. Time sure flies by, especially with a war going on. Who would have thought that his life would change so much since he received the acceptance letter when he was eleven? Now that seemed ages ago.

'Nothing special... The only interesting thing that came as a surprise was me becoming the Head Boy. That was truly unexpected because I wasn't elected to be the Prefect in my fifth year. I thought only Prefects could become Head Boys or Girls…'

If Harry was completely truthful with himself, he would have admitted that he had slightly twisted his words. Okay, maybe not slightly. What he said was almost an outright lie (with a bit of truth mixed in). His summer was special, but he didn't want that to become known, because it was interestingin a way, that most of the magical population wouldn't approve of (at least he believed that they wouldn't). The beginning of his holydays went the same way as always: living with the Dursleys, what a joy… But the moment he turned seventeen, he exited the house with all of his possessions packed and the rest of the summer was spent living in the Leaky Cauldron.

At the beginning of his sixth year Harry decided that he had had enough of Dumbledore's manipulations and everyone controlling his life. All throughout the year he had studied magic: he had read and memorized his schoolbooks (which, he freely admitted, was a difficult feat to pull out (he wasn't Hermione!), but he still managed to do it, though he suffered through a lot of sleepless nights), during History lessons Harry had read more interesting books on the said subject just to keep up, he even took the risk of reading the books on Dark Arts, because he wanted to know more about the Dark side and what all the commotion was actually about. The Room of Requirement helped him with finding some of the Parseltongue books and scripts and even more books on limited subjects such as Blood Magic, Rituals, Soul Magic and Light Magic. The last subject came as surprise, because before he was sure that everything that wasn't Dark was Light (simple, right?), however, he had discovered, that most of the spells they practiced at Hogwarts were neutral or very weak light. The only powerful light spell Harry knew was Patronus, so he energetically dug into all the information he could get his hands on.

Of course, only a year wasn't enough to learn everything but he knew the basics of Blood and Soul Magic, was adept at Rituals and quite advanced in Light Magic. Before even starting on these subjects he had to learn Runes and Arithmancy, and not just the basics. That took a few months of constant memorizing and revising. Even in his sleep he drew complicated equations and practiced Logr, Isa, Thurs and other runes. But he had managed (somehow) and was damn proud of himself because of that (how many people do you know who would actually sign up for this kind of torture (excluding Hermione, she was unique that way)?).

During the year Harry's appearance changed too. He got taller and now, instead of being a midget he was before, his height was slightly above average. His hair, with Hermione's recommendation, was lengthened and straightened with magic (it wouldn't be possible without it, given his Potter genes and all that) and now reached just bellow his shoulders (no, it didn't look girly, it looked totally cool!). His eyesight was corrected with the help of Madame Pomfrey (he didn't want to have a handicap in a battle… okay, so that was a lie. It was done because he was vain that way). All in all, his new looks made a lot of girls swoon and guys glance at him more frequently (though he didn't look girly, seriously, he didn't). At first it bothered him, but in time he learned to ignore them and school his features into a cold mask (or as cool as he could make it. At least he learned not to blush), it's not like he hadn't experienced the attention before, though previously it was of a different kind.

This summer, however, he paid a lot of visits to Gringotts because of the inheritance he had received. He had to deal with not only becoming the Lord Potter but also accepting the position of the Lord Black which, he had to admit, was very useful. Now he had access to Bellatrix's and Narcissa's vaults and received monthly statements about them. The only downside was paperwork, lots of it actually. He had to spare some time to finish signing and overlooking documents instead of learning the subjects that interested him (a thing that made him want to tear his hair out sometimes and he wouldn't try that only because he actually liked his hair now).

So he left out only a bit unsaid.

And yes, he was being sarcastic.

'You hadn't answered any of my letters!' complained Ron. Hermione, who was sitting beside the redhead, nodded, agreeing.

Harry spared them a glance.

'I had told you that I would be unavailable for the summer.'

'That's true, but we hadn't thought you couldn't even answer one letter,' mumbled Hermione looking a bit flustered. Personally, Harry thought she just didn't want to be wrong, ever.

'The wards around the house prevented mail in case it would be cursed or something. If you want to complain, please go to Dumbledore. Besides, I think, that he is going to make an announcement right now, so you better quit complaining about things I have no control over,' he stated (with a few bits of innocent lies added in) and nodded towards the Headmaster.

Hermione's face heated up; Ron just looked confused for a moment then turned his attention to Dumbledore, probably deciding to ponder about this later… or never. Harry sighted. He could feel himself drifting away from his friends, but he couldn't help it – they had to grow up. Maybe it was a bit hypocritical of him, when he was lying to their faces every time he opened his mouth, but it was because of good will, not 'cause he wanted to, honestly.

Dumbledore clapped his hands and Harry's attention turned to him.

'Dear students! I wish you an enjoyable and productive year. As you well know, the Dark Lord is back and we must stand together (talk about obvious). Because of that, this year the Ministry and Hogwarts decided to finally work together with muggles. On Halloween we will welcome a few muggle representatives with their children. They will spend the remaining year here. Please remember, that the war we are going to face concerns not only us, but muggle world as well. We need to work together. And now, enjoy the feast!' With those final words he sat down and clapped. Food magically appeared on the tables and conversations erupted all around the Hall.

'I can't believe it! This must be some kind of dream. Have any of you heard of this before?! To not only reveal our secret about magic, but also invite muggles here!' shouted a guy sitting a few seats away from Harry. He was probably a pureblood. Harry idly wondered why he wasn't in Slytherin. Then, being the Head Boy and overall a cool guy he was, Harry decided to calm things down around the table.

'Actually, there was one time that muggles were invited to Hogwarts because of the danger of a Dark Lord. I believe it was sometime around two hundreds years ago. But, as I recall, everything ended up with massive Obliviates on muggles because of the danger of magical exposure to the muggle world. This time I think they will be using Oaths to ensure that the secret will be kept,' Harry replied calmly for everyone to hear.

'How did you know about it? You obviously lie, because there's no way something like that had actually happened! I haven't read anywhere about it! And how do you know that the Oaths will be used?' suddenly cried Hermione rather loudly. Harry barely glanced at her; she just hated not knowing something and feeling useless. Now he regretted opening his mouth.

'I have already known about it. I am a Head Boy so I was informed about our visitors and decided to research the subject a bit. You know that I read different History books in class, and there was mentioned this case, so I knew where to start searching. And about the Oaths I found out from the Minister. This year I claimed two lordships and as I am the Boy Who Lived, everyone obviously wants to help me a bit,' Harry smirked, thinking about all the important officials who willingly threw themselves at his feet. He was sure that it would take a small push and they would be literally licking his boots the next time they saw him. Not that he wanted that.

Hermione pursed her lips and decided to ignore him. Ron though, as soon as he heard about Harry's lordships and fame, turned red with jealousy. Harry assumed, that the redhead thought he wouldn't use his fame and money at all and would walk in Dudley's hand-me-downs for the rest of his life. He scoffed at the thought.

As if.

'Will they attend their muggle classes? I am talking about muggle children, of course,' asked Ginny curiously, as if it wasn't obvious about whom she was talking. Sometimes Harry wondered why wizards were always so dense.

Harry nodded to her.

'They can't afford to miss almost a year of education. I think that Dumbledore will assign a few teams to show around Hogwarts, to and from their classes and so on. I and Daphne Greengrass will be responsible for teams' schedules, directing muggle adults and explaining everything, because we are Heads this year. I think adults won't be here all the time, since they are mostly various politics, businessmen and other important people. They have jobs to do,' he explained.

'But the kids will be here all the time, right?' Seamus asked.

'Yeah'

'What about their ages?' wondered Hermione, momentary forgetting their "fight".

'I'm not sure. I think there will be mostly teenagers our ages and maybe a few younger ones. Of course it's just a speculation. I haven't heard anything for sure. They want to hold it secret for now, I think,' and by "they" he meant the Professors.

Gryffindors around him cheered. Harry raised an eyebrow. What the hell are they so excited about?

Ginny must have noticed his expression because she suddenly cried right into his ear.

'Just think about it, Harry! If they are our ages we will be able to hang out together, go to Hogsmeade and have fun doing other things! I can't wait for it!'

'Ginny, I don't think they will be allowed to go anywhere outside Hogwarts and besides, they're muggles. I think most of them will be too uncomfortable with the fact that we can curse them if they say or do something we don't like,' Harry said. The girl looked at him with horror in her eyes and he tried to quickly reassure her before Gryffindors started shouting at him for even thinking such thoughts. 'Of course it doesn't mean that we will do that, well, maybe aside from Slytherins, but we are still able to do that. Don't forget, that muggles fear that kind of power, the power they don't really understand and are unable to use,' he experienced that himself because of his dear relatives.

'Maybe you are right,' Ginny reluctantly agreed. Everyone around them glumly nodded.

The first day back officially sucked.

- Visitors -

Next morning at six o'clock Harry was already up and ready to face the day. Ron was still sleeping as was Hermione and the better part of the castle, so he decided to take a walk and went outside. When he reached the lake, he sat near it, gazing at the calm waters.

'I'll miss Hogwarts' he thought sadly and his eyes closed for a moment. Harry felt serene and relaxed.

His final year at Hogwarts has finally started.

He sighted, it was time to do some paperwork. Harry moved his wand and did a silent summoning charm. After a few seconds his papers and quill were seen flying towards him. He gently caught them and started reading.

'I hate paperwork,' was the only thought in his mind for the next two hours.

- Visitors -

'Harry! Where have you been?' cried Hermione as soon as he came into the Great Hall for breakfast. He absentmindedly noted that sky seemed murky here and not at all beautiful like the real one outside.

'I have been doing some paperwork near the lake,' he shrugged. Ron, who was listening disinterestedly, suddenly turned red and squinted his eyes at Harry, but the dark haired teenager didn't mind that, already used to Ron's moods.

Hermione looked a bit put out, but didn't say anything (thank Merlin for small miracles!).

'Anyone knows who is going to be our new DADA professor?' asked Harry. Those who heard him shook their heads.

'It's strange, Dumbledore hasn't mentioned anything yesterday,' said Neville.

'Maybe they haven't found anyone, there's that curse on the position after all,' joked Ginny.

'I actually don't find it amusing,' protested Hermione, her voice was commanding. It felt like she lectured the poor redheaded girl and not just stating her opinion. 'We had many incompetent teachers on the subject throughout the years. And now, when it's our NEWTs year, there's a possibility of not having a teacher at all! That's outrageous! I think we should start DA just to be safe.'

'Hermione, I don't think you should decide that all on your own. Firstly, we don't know who is going to teach us and we definitely don't know whether the position is still unoccupied. Secondly, I won't have time for clubs and other ridiculous activities. I even quit Quidich, what makes you believe I will have free evenings? And finally, I think that even if we would get an incompetent professor, students can always practice and learn on their own. I don't see what makes you so flustered. It's not really our concern that Dumbledore is incompetent and can't even find a decent Professor,' Harry said looking at his friend with completely serious and sincere eyes.

'But, Harry …' she started again, but he completely tuned her out.

'Good luck with that, mate,' grinned Ron. Harry just rolled his eyes at him and smiled, when Hermione started reprimanding his best friend. The redhead had honestly deserved that. Commenting on Hermione's annoying lectures in her hearing vicinity was almost suicidal. He should have learned that already.

Harry stood up.

'Harry? Where are you going?' asked Ron, ignoring still ranting Hermione.

'Classes start in ten minutes, and my first one today is Potions. I don't want to be late,' Harry grimaced at the thought. Potions with Snape on the first day of school - what a joy.

Ron solemnly nodded.

'I am just glad, that I don't have Snape's classes now.'

'Ron! Honestly, when will you grow up? Come on, Harry, or we will be late,' huffed Hermione and grabbed Harry's hand, dragging him towards class. He just looked at Ron and playfully rolled his eyes again. Ron grinned at him, then turned back to his breakfast.

- Visitors –

The doors were slammed open and Snape strode in, his robes billowing behind him. Dramatic as ever. You would think that some students were already used to it but a few still jumped in their seats.

'I have no idea, how some of you are still in this class, given your abysmal abilities, but rest assured, if you blow up a potion even once, you will be thrown out without a second glance. This is no playground,' Snape sneered glaring at Harry during the better part of his speech. 'Now, we will start on a Beautifying Potion. It is not simple but with a lesser chance of explosion,' he glanced around the classroom and his gaze stopped on Hermione. 'I believe some of you will benefit from drinking this potion,' and with the last sneer he waved his wand at the blackboard and instructions appeared. Everyone scrambled from their seats to get the ingredients.

Harry glanced at clearly upset Hermione and gently petted her shoulder.

'Don't be upset, Snape wouldn't recognize a beauty if it jumped at him and began to choke him. I wonder why he hadn't used the potion on himself. Maybe it won't work on those, who are just too ugly and beyond salvation.'

Hermione grinned at him, visibly cheered up and nodded gratefully.

- Visitors -

A month passed quickly and Harry found himself enjoying the year so far, though he knew that the worst hasn't happened yet (what with the arrival of muggles). One morning a surprise came with an owl from Gringotts. It was a letter stating, that because he was of age for two months now (it was a requirement apparently), he had to attend the weekly gatherings of Lord Council (of which he hadn't heard before but apparently it was a big deal, since he held two seats now).

… A Lord isn't only the head of the family, he also has some political power in the Wizarding World. … However, some families lost the privilege to have their head of family be called Lord because the previous Lords of said families abused power or went against the Council in the past and were, therefore, expelled from it. Through the ages a lot of new families were let in but a lot were dismissed too. … Additionally, one could hold as many seats as he has titles (meaning, if one was a Lord of two houses, he could hold two seats and so on) but if he were to be dismissed, all families that 'belonged' to the Lord also lose their status, so it isn't widely practiced because of the risk.…

At least that's what he read in a History book later on. It was quite interesting, how the Wizarding World worked. And now he was truly a part of it.

The next meeting that he would have to attend would be held in two days and Harry decided to prepare as best as he possibly could. After he found out that Lord Council had mainly two functions, to suggest laws to the Wizengamot and to oversee their work, he fished for information about their recent doings but found nothing. It seemed that everything was kept under tight wraps. How intriguing.

After he told Ron and Hermione about his new responsibilities, Hermione started gushing about how it was so awesome and that he would have to tell her everything so that she could suggest laws and help him with some things (really… Harry rolled his eyes at that) and Ron turned silent. Harry recalled something about Weasley family once being a part of Lord Council and getting dismissed after their Lord's continuous 'traitorous' behavior (meaning, he revealed its secrets even after being reprimanded, and sympathized with muggles to the point where his family had them over for dinner and such things. In other words, Magical existence was not far from being revealed). Harry couldn't fault them for kicking out the Weasleys. The Weasley Lord was a fool. He couldn't control his family's actions and hadn't taken a more dominant position in its doings. He was a Lord only in name.

No matter… He could deal with Ron's moodiness later. He still had some things to do, like inform the Headmaster and the Head of House that as of now he will have to leave school every week on Fridays at 4 p.m to attend these meetings.

With that thought in mind Harry interrupted Hermione on her rant, to say where he was going and waved at Ron, who was still sulking.

His mind was occupied as he strode through the halls, so he hadn't reacted quickly enough when someone ran into him and knocked him down. A heavy body settled on top of his and he quickly found that he couldn't breathe. Harry's eyes settled on the face above.

'Malfoy!' he gaped, horrified.

'Potter!' an equally disturbed voice sounded as beautiful grey eyes snapped open after hearing his rival's cry.

'What the hell are you doing? Get off!' Harry tried to push off Malfoy with all of his strength, which wasn't all that much, especially when the boy above him was taller, stronger and, not to mention, heavier than him.

Malfoy smirked down at him.

'Scared? Do you think I will rape you, Scarhead? Don't worry, even if you are a lot prettier now, you're still not my type. I won't degrade myself with trying to pursue you, though you might be good for a quick fuck. What do you say, Pothead?' he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

'You can go fuck yourself if you're that desperate, Malfoy. Not getting enough? Maybe I should complain to Pansy that her boyfriend isn't quite as faithful as we all thought. Or better yet, I will just complain to your daddy that his son acts inappropriately towards his new colleague. As a fellow Lord he would do anything to stop your advances, no? Especially when this behavior could be used to kick him out off the Council. What do you say, hmm?' Harry asked sweetly, unable to resist the chance to irritate his rival. Like hell was he scared of the Ferret!

The blond paled slightly.

'You are a Lord? How is that possible?'

'You forget that Potters aren't at all like the Weasleys. I am a Lord of both, the Black and Potter, houses. In two days time I'll attend the Lord Council meeting. I hope it'll be fun," he winked at the gobsmacket blonde above him.

Malfoy slowly, very slowly, stood up and held his hand for Harry to take. Harry could see that his nemesis was still too shocked to talk. He took his hand and gracefully stood up.

'See you around, Malfoy. I'll send your regards to Malfoy Sr. when I meet him,' Harry waved his hand as he walked in the direction of Dumbledore's office, never once glancing behind to see Malfoy's expression. That would ruin the impression.

- Visitors -

'Lemon drops? Blood pops? Cockroach clusters? Sugar quill… Ice mice… Bloody hell!' just as Harry was on a verge of breakdown, the bloody Gargoyle finally slid open and let him in. Maybe the password really was "bloody hell"? One may never know when it concerns Albus Dumbledore with all of his frustrating titles and middle names. His mother probably couldn't decide what name to give her son and finally gave them all. Harry wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. The Headmaster just had to inherit his insanity from someone, because, surely, nothing could turn a perfectly normal person into that.

'Enter,' a voice was heard just as Harry was about to knock on the heavy door that guarded the Headmaster's office. The brunet sighted at Dumbledore's eccentrics and with a barely visible smile strode in.

The office hasn't changed at all throughout the years and Harry was glad. It gave him some comfort when facing the aged Headmaster who was unpredictable at times and downright mental at others. Harry could still remember the time when he was called to see him and was greeted with a sight of Dumbledore chasing after Fawkes, who was still in his baby form, the Burning Day having been the day before. Apparently Fawkes had stolen the last lemon drop that Dumbledore possessed and said man was trying to retrieve it from his sugar crazy bird.

If someone asked Harry, he would have said that both of them were crazy because not only Dumbledore was trying to catch the phoenix but Harry was actually invited to help him!

Harry shook his head to get rid of those insane memories. He had decided that trying to analyze the situation would only drive him crazy too.

'Oh, hello, Harry! How delightful of you to visit me. I haven't heard from you much this year, though I believe it's only because only one month has passed,' Dumbledore chuckled lightly and directed Harry to the seat opposite of him with his wrinkled hand.

'Yes, I believe it was a quiet month. However, I came here not to drink tea but to discuss something that recently came to mine attention. It concerns Potter and Black families' inheritances,' Harry started formally. Better to get used to it now or risk screwing up later.

Dumbledore turned serious.

'Elaborate, please.'

Harry nodded and continued.

'You see, Professor, it has already been two months since I became the Lord of these two houses, so I have been invited to the Lord Council. Apparently, I have to attend weekly meetings, so I came to inform you of this.'

Dumbledore slowly inclined his head and leaned forward, placing his hands on his desk.

'Harry, you do realize that the Lord Council's members are mostly from the Dark families. I believe it is unsafe for you to go there.'

Harry frowned.

'I can't be harmed while I am there. It's just not possible as long as I am the Lord. Not only do I, and other Lords, have to take Oaths not to harm each other directly or through other means, such as ordering other people to do that, while in these meetings but the location itself is protected by Blood wards. Surely you know that. It may be even safer than Hogwarts.'

'I still believe that you shouldn't go there, at least not alone. Maybe someone should accompany you.'

Harry frowned.

'That's not possible. The wards won't let any outsiders in. And you couldn't stop me from going to these meetings even if you were the Minister of Magic himself, Headmaster. I am of age and preventing a Lord from going there is punishable by law. You would be punished, Supreme Mugwump or not.'

Dumbledore sighted and looked at Harry through his half moon glasses. His concerned blue eyes dulled a bit with every word Harry said.

'I understand and I will let you go. It seems I don't have a choice in this matter,' he whispered, stroking his beard lightly.

Harry looked at the old Headmaster for a long time and finally nodded.

'I am glad you could see it my way, Professor. Now, if you would excuse me, I have things to do.'

And with those words he stood up and left, not once glancing back. That would be uncool.

Why was he suddenly so concerned with coolness, anyway?

- Visitors -