Chapter 7
"Detention?"
"Yes, Dame Longbottom, Mister Flint will serve..."
"Detention?" she asked again.
Dumbledore sighed, aware that his decision was going to go over about as well as a lead balloon. "Mister Flint will serve two week detention with Professor Snape. His actions, horrendous though they were, were merely misplaced aggression over the unfortunate outcome of the game against his team."
"'Misplaced aggression?''' yelled a furious Gran. "Are you fucking kidding me? My grandson is lying up in the infirmary with a broken arm, a broken leg, a concussion, and several fractured ribs; and you're telling me that that was misplaced aggression?"
"Dame Longbottom, regardless of Harry's injuries..."
"Headmaster, I swear to Merlin that if you don't start addressing him as Lord Potter I will personally pull out every single one of you whiskers with muggle pliers!"
"Very well...regardless of Lord Potter's injuries, the punishment that I've handed out is appropriate given the circumstances. Mr. Flint must be allowed to atone for his sins, something that I find a few detentions will accomplish."
"Wow, you really are moron aren't you? And people wonder why our community is going to hell in a hand basket."
"Excuse me?" asked an offended Dumbledore.
"You and your penchant for forgiveness; it's just unbelievable what you will forgive. You had couple hundred witnesses up in the stands today and they all saw what was basically, an attempted murder. Harry was assaulted wholly with an intent to injure or worse, plain and simple. The depths of your incompetence are truly astounding. That you don't see that a sixteen year old wizard attacking an eleven year old wizard as nothing more than something that a few detention will forgive is frightening!"
"Now see here, Madam Longbottom, how I run my school and dispense punishment falls under my purview, no one else's."
"And that is where you are wrong, Headmaster. Do what you think you should. Assign that Slytherin bastard all the detention you want. Let his Head of House handle what passes for punishment. However, Director Bones is not as forgiving as you. She will see to it that Mister Flint receives the punishment he deserves, and not a slap on the wrist. As it is, as the Head of the School Board, I am going to be taking a poll of all students regarding the bullying that seems to be rampant in the school. When the punishment for attempted murder is nothing more than a few detentions, I am in fear what you would assign as punishment if Harry had actually died. Three weeks detention? Four? Maybe helping Mr. Filch clean the bathrooms? What? What punishment would you have given had that been the case?"
"I don't see how involving the DMLE will in any way help Mr. Flint..." started the Headmaster.
"And you know what? That is precisely what I'm talking about. You care more about he that perpetrated the assault than the victim! I've noticed the last few times I've been here, and I haven't been the only one. Chastising a student for killing a troll in self defense and disregarding that you almost lost four students that night? And I've heard how aggressive you were in meting out punishment against that student that beat that young muggleborn witch. What if she'd been raped, Headmaster? Shoveling shit with Madam Sprout in the greenhouse?"
"Headmaster, Madam Bones is at your door."
"Thank you, Armando, please send her right up."
"Ami, how is he?" asked Augusta with concern.
"He's fine. Sore and he looks like the Knight bus ran over him and then backed up, but he's fine. Poppy is taking good care of him. Susan is with him too, she won't leave his side." she said placing a hand on Dame Longbottoms arm.
"I'm going to go see him. I can't stand to be in the same room with that man." she whispered to Amelia.
"Don't worry; I've got it from here." Amelia said with a wink. She helped Augusta to her feet, and watched as the elderly woman exited the office.
"Headmaster, I want Mr. Flint in this office immediately." she said in a cold voice.
"I'm sorry Madam Bones, but I cannot do that. Mr. Flint has been punished by school standards, and cannot face any criminal charge for his actions here at school."
Amelia smiled in that predatory manner that had gained her a reputation of being a cold-hearted bitch, something she was actually pretty happy about. "Normally, that would be true Headmaster. However, as with Professor Snape, you've forgotten that Harry is also Lord Potter. Mr. Flint has assaulted a member of the aristocracy and will be held accountable for his actions. I do so love our traditions sometimes, don't you?"
Dumbledore was infuriated. How dare this woman undermine his authority within the school? "Now, now, Amelia," he said in his grandfatherly voice, "is there no way to see Mr. Flint cleared of these charges without resorting to a criminal trial?"
"That's what you want? No criminal charges brought against Mr. Flint? Anything else?"
"No, that should do, I should think. Allow Mr. Flint to remain at Hogwarts where appropriate punishment and a stern reprimand will be handed out." Amelia actually laughed in his face. The nerve of this woman!
"Oh, I'm sorry Headmaster, are you telling me that wasn't a joke?" asked Amelia as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Madam Bones, try to be serious here. I'm trying to reform a young man's life."
"No, Headmaster, you are not. Very well, since it obviously you that is not being serious, here are your only options. Either you hand Mr. Flint to me to face charges of assault and attempted murder or you expel him from Hogwarts and snap his wand."
"What?" roared Dumbledore.
"Was that not clear enough for you? I thought the options were pretty simple to understand." she said with an evil grin.
"You can't do that, I will not allow it. The punishment is too harsh."
"It's not, Albus, and once a very long time ago you probably would have agreed with me. But you've changed. You are no longer the benevolent Headmaster that everyone loved. You've become a joke and Hogwarts suffers because of it. Tell me how assaulting an eleven year old merits only a slap on the wrist." she retorted.
"As Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot I will make sure that this never makes it to trial."
"I'm sorry, Albus, but I believe you've forgotten that as Headmaster of the school you cannot oversee any trial in which Hogwarts is implicated. It would be a breach of the conflict of interest clause. You will have to recuse yourself."
"But...but...!" stuttered Dumbledore.
"I'll give you until tomorrow morning to decide. I will be back here after breakfast and I expect Mr. Flint to either have been expelled from the school or be wearing handcuffs. The choice is yours. Good night, Headmaster! Oh, and just in case you're thinking of doing something stupid, I'm leaving a couple of Aurors in Hogwarts."
Albus could only put his head in his hands in dejection.
ooOOooOOoo
"What has Poppy said?" asked Amelia of Augusta when she'd made it back up to the infirmary.
"He'll be fine. She was at his side in minutes after his fall. The injuries, while quite severe, are not in any way life threatening." Augusta paused, looking at the prone shape of her adopted grandson, who lay on unconscious on the bed. "We could've lost him, Ami. We could have lost him..."
"I know how scared and worried you are. But like you said, he's going to be okay. I've got the person who did this about to either be expelled or imprisoned. He will not get away with this, I promise you that! He looks so small, doesn't he?" asked Amelia.
"Aye, that he does. But he flew like no one I've ever seen before. It was an incredible display of talent on his part." she said with pride in her voice.
"Susan has been here the whole time?"
"She won't leave his side. She has been glued to him since he was brought up here. Poppy even tried to get her to leave; Sue only glared at her until Poppy relented. His new friend Hermione stopped by, as did Neville and Hannah before they went down to their common room to update everyone about Harry's condition. Pomona stopped by to check on his condition as well. She blames herself for this, because she allowed Harry to be on the team."
"Ridiculous. It's not her fault. No one could have predicted the game ending the way it did. We'll have to make sure she doesn't coddle him too much. And besides the 'accident', quidditch is good for him. Susan, sweetie, are you alright? Do you need something to drink or some food?"
Susan wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up at her aunt. "I'm okay, Auntie. I'm not going anywhere until Harry wakes up."
"I know, Sue, I know. Just do me a favor please? Head down to dinner and grab a quick bite to eat, Neville and Hannah are probably anxious for news. Please?"
"I'm. Not. Going. Anywhere." she said frostily, her eyes once again on the form of Harry.
"Come, Amelia, let her and Harry be. Here, have a seat. Sully?"
"Mistress?" asked the ancient elf.
"Some tea if you would, please Sully? And if you could also make a sandwich for Miss Bones."
Sully looked towards the bed upon which Harry rested. "Young Master Potter?"
"He'll be fine. I'll make sure to tell him you asked about him."
"I'll return in but a moment, Mistress."
Augusta sighed deeply and allowed herself to finally relax into the comfortable chair that she'd conjured. "I take it your meeting with Albus wasn't pleasant?"
"That man is so caught up in his own games that he simply can't recognize that he's been left behind. I'm beginning to think that's one of the reasons that he's been so keen on Harry. I think he sees him as a ticket back to the limelight. That somehow, latching on to the boy-who-lived will bring him back into prominence again." responded Amelia.
"I don't see why he would need to. Despite our opinions of the man, he's still widely regarded as the best Headmaster in Hogwarts history. That and he is still well thought of in the ICW and the Wizengamot. What need could he have for more accolades?"
"I don't know, Augie, but something is not right here. There hasn't been a major crime committed in Hogwarts in recent memory, and yet, all Harry had to do is show up and he's been in two life threatening situations in six months. There's definitely something there; I can feel it. Albus is still not telling us everything."
"Tea?" asked Augusta, noticing that Sully had returned. "Here, see if you can get Susan to eat this. She's not moved from that spot since we've arrived. Amelia, you should have heard her scream when she realized Harry had fallen; it was heart wrenching."
"We've got to find out more about this betrothal. I know Lily would never have allowed Jamie to set Harry up in one without a really good reason. I'm pleased beyond words at their betrothal, but I need an explanation as to why it was even created. Give me a minute; I'm going to try to get Susan to eat this." Amelia grabbed the sandwich and approached Susan.
"Sweetie, eat some of this will you, please?"Amelia asked with some concern in her voice. "Harry will freak out if he finds you passed out on the floor because you haven't taken care of yourself."
Teary eyed Susan took the proffered sandwich. "Thank you, Auntie. You're right, he probably would freak out."
"Come, stretch your legs a bit, or at the very least join Augusta and me and have a cup of tea."
"Okay, I guess I am kind of thirsty and these seats aren't really that comfortable after a few hours of sitting on them." Susan finally did manage to leave her Harry's side, but made sure that he was always within her eyesight.
"He's not come around at all, Auntie." said Susan with trembling lips.
"Madam Pomfrey said he was going to be alright. He's under a sleep potion that. She was afraid that he'd be in too much pain because of the skele-gro. He should be up and about sometime tomorrow."
"Earlier than that, Auntie. His pain is less now. Not nearly as much as when he got hit. He'll come out of it in the morning."
Augusta and Amelia both cocked an eyebrow at Susan's words, intrigued by what she'd said. The looks they gave each other were quite clear. They needed to find out more about whatever research or findings Lily Potter had regarding Susan and Harry. Undoubtedly they were close, but what did it all mean?
"Sue, honey, how do you know that?" wondered Amelia.
"I don't know, I guess I can just feel him, you know?" answered Susan distractedly.
ooOOooOOoo
Harry squinted at the bright light coming from the large windows before him; his eyes slowly adjusted to the sunny room and grabbed his glasses from the bedside table. He wasn't too surprised to be in the infirmary, given what had happened to him after the quidditch game.
"Harry, how are you feeling?" asked Madam Pomfrey, who'd noticed the boy awakening.
"Head is a little sore. My shoulder too, for that matter."
"Humph...just like your father. I should just designate this as the Potter Bed and be done with it. No reservations needed if you're a Potter. I was hoping you'd be a little bit more concerned about your own well being. Is it too much to ask for?"
"No, ma'am, it isn't. It was never my intention to pay you a visit, though. Can I ask what happened? How long have I been in here?"
"Not too long, Harry, the game was around this time yesterday. I was convinced you wouldn't wake up until this afternoon, though. Seems I didn't give you enough of the sleep potion. I'll have to up the dosage next time."
"Next time?" asked Harry with a grin.
"Well, you are your father's son after all. I expect I'll be seeing you sooner rather than later. As for what happened to you, I'll let Augusta, Amelia, or Miss Bones tell you. I was on the other side of the pitch and didn't have a good vantage point to see what happened. Here, be a dearie and take this please? It should help ease some of the pain."
"Oh, Harry, you're awake!" yelped Augusta as she ambled up to the side of his bed. She gently stroked his forehead and was overcome with emotion. "You gave us quite the scare there, Harry."
"I'm sorry about that, but it was never my intention to cause anyone any alarm. Did we win?"
"Seriously, you're here lying in the infirmary and all you can think to ask is whether you won that silly game or not?"
"Well, I was going to ask where Susan was, but as I can see her sleeping over there I didn't want to disturb her."
Augusta snorted, "Yes, well, Susan has been by your side since you were brought up here. I think that it was only because Amelia is here as well that she wasn't shooed from here by Poppy. Should I wake her?"
"Please? If she's going to yell at me I think I'd rather get it out of the way sooner rather than later. She may go easy on me since I'm injured and all."
"Ha! Good thinking there Harry. Hannah, Hermione and your brother were here earlier to see how you were doing. They said they'd be back right after classes." Augusta smiled down at Harry and placed a kiss on his cheek, and with a heavy sigh, ambled over to the sleeping form of the young witch that had been at her grandson's side all this time. "Susan, wake up dear."
"Madam Longbottom?"
"I believe your boyfriend is awake and asking for you." Susan's eyes widened and with the quickness of the young, leaped from her chair and ran to Harry's side.
Harry had no defense, whatsoever, for the incoming redhead that was running toward him at speed. She did slow down though, for which he was thankful. As much as he wanted a hug from her, pain and prudence hoped she wouldn't maul him.
"Harry." she whispered in his ear.
"I'm sorry I didn't follow your orders." he murmured.
"Orders?" she asked curiously.
"To not go up against Slytherin until fourth year." he replied.
"I suppose that in this instance I can forgive you. Cedric getting hurt sort of forced you into the game."
Harry sighed; he just couldn't keep the truth from her. "It wasn't like that. David was going to forfeit the game. I convinced him to put me in."
Susan stood; a flash of anger crossed her features. "You went in on purpose?"
"Yes."
She was trying her best to control her temper as she didn't want to go off on Harry. "Explain to me why you would do that. What possessed you to go up against Slytherin?"
"I knew I could handle it."
"And yet, you're in the infirmary." she retorted sarcastically.
Harry winced at the tone of her voice. He dropped his chin against his chest, "I'm sorry."
She could actually see Harry retreating into himself, his body seemed to become smaller and his already light skin seemed to pale even more at her reprimand. "Harry, look at me."
"Harry, please look at me." she asked in a soft voice.
With reluctance, he lifted his head and looked her in the eye. "You frightened me. Truly scared me, I thought that you'd died. For a minute there, I was sitting in the stands unable to move or breathe because I thought you left me."
"Sue..."
"No, let me finish. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me Harry. Being your friend means absolutely everything to me. Seeing you like that...seeing you like that made me feel empty inside. What happened in the game wasn't your fault. You didn't place yourself in danger, someone else put you in danger, and I hope that snake gets what's coming to him." She reached out her arms to him, and embraced him tenderly. She felt the warmth return to him, she felt his heart fill with happiness at her embrace.
"I can't promise to not be in danger. This school just seems to have danger all around it and for some reason its picked me as its target."
"Well, that's true isn't it? I'd be dead if you'd not placed yourself in danger on Halloween. Let's just try to be more aware."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Always." she replied.
"You kissed me. Why?"
She was thankful that her head was against his chest, as the blush she was currently wearing might make her hair seem blonde by comparison. "Because I wanted to; because I like you."
"I don't suppose you'd do that again, would you?"
She had him now! "I'm sorry Harry, but I only kiss my boyfriend."
"Oh, well...I guess I understand. It's okay if you don't want to be my girlfriend." he said.
"I never said I didn't want to be..." she started, pulling her head off of his chest and looking into his eyes. She shouldn't have been surprised by the lopsided grin he had. "Are you playing a joke on me?"
"Not a very good one. So, Susan Bones, I'd be thrilled and happy if you'd be my girlfriend. Would you, Sue, would you be my girlfriend?"
Susan's squeal of delight was off the charts. "Oh, yes, Harry. I'd love to be your girlfriend."
"Well, it's about bloody time if you ask me!" said Hannah who was laughing hysterically.
ooOOooOOoo
Walking to the Headmasters office this morning, Amelia was rather surprised to encounter Professor Snape. "Professor, joining me in the Headmaster's office this morning?"
"Indeed, Madam. I hope you don't mind the company?"
"Not at all; I did apologize to you for stunning you during the quidditch game, didn't I?"
"You did, which I must say, was rather unexpected. Most of the times I get stunned people tend to cheer, not apologize."
Amelia stopped and stared at Severus. "Was that a joke? I didn't think you were physically capable of doing that."
"It hurts, a lot, which is why I rarely do." he deadpanned. "Were you able to discover who it was that was actually trying to endanger Lord Potter?"
"No, nothing yet, but I would like to thank you for trying to save Harry. Given your reputation it's not something I thought I would ever see."
"True, I suppose. Madam Bones, I would ask you to investigate Professor Quirrell, he was the only other adult in the stands around me at the time that had a direct line of sight to Mr. Potter."
"Quirrell? He doesn't seem the type, does he?" she asked.
"No, he doesn't, however I believe his behavior is nothing more than an act. Obviously I can't prove it but..."
"I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, what do you think Mr. Flint's decision is going to be?"
"Expulsion would be the best bet. Given Lord Potters position in our world, Mr. Flint could see himself facing time in Azkaban, something I'm sure he'd rather not do. Snapping his wand is not much of a deterrent as his father could and would purchase him one at a later date that wasn't tracked by the Ministry."
"I hadn't thought of it quite that way. I suppose we'll just have to keep an eye on the little shit." she said thoughtfully.
"Amelia Bones to see the Headmaster." she said to the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office.
It was but a moment later that the gargoyle moved aside, allowing the two to ascend the steps that led to the grand office. An unhappy looking Dumbledore sat behind the massive desk, glasses perched on his nose and looking at the two newcomers who'd entered his office with a mystified expression.
"Severus, Madam Bones." he acknowledged with a bow of his head.
Ignoring the old git for the moment, Amelia went directly to the young man that sat with a sneer on his face in front of the headmaster's desk. He assumed the large man behind him was the boy's father. "Marcus Flint, what then is it to be? Imprisonment or expulsion?"
"Neither!" growled the elder Fling imperiously, "My boy accosted a half-blood; in the eyes of the law he's broken no laws!"
Amelia almost laughed in the man's face. "Mr. Flint, your 'boy' attacked the Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. Although technically correct, Lord Potter is above blood classification of the sort you're alluding to. I have it on good authority that if neither of the propositions is taken up by you that a blood feud will be initiated by the Houses of Potter, Longbottom, Bones, and Black, for the attempted murder of Lord Harry Potter."
"But you can't do that!" spluttered Flint the elder. The sneer had by this point vanished from the face of Flint the younger to be replaced by pale-faced fear.
It was then Amelia's turn to sneer at the foolish man and his son. "I'm not doing anything except presenting you with the options."
"Headmaster!" protested Mr. Flint.
"I'm sorry sir, but my hands are tied. Your son accosted an eleven year old boy. Unfortunately, my recommendations for punishment went unheeded. Madam Bones is correct; Marcus must choose one of the punishments."
"Severus, please, help us here?"
"Mr. Flint, there were hundreds of witnesses that day. Marcus, in a most un-Slytherin manner, did indeed attack Lord Potter. Slapping him on the wrist and sending him to his room without dinner was never going to be an option."
The man deflated, his bluster giving way to sorrow as the implications of what was about to happen to his son finally made it into his consciousness. "Expulsion."
"Dad? What the hell?" roared Marcus.
"Silence, Marcus, we will discuss this at home. Madam Bones, please inform Lord Potter that I send him my apologies for the behavior of my son." said the man.
"I will inform him, of course, but Regent Longbottom is who you should be concerned about Flint. She's the Regent of House Potter, and you know her reputation when it comes to someone messing with those she considers family. Headmaster, do your duty, please?"
"Marcus Flint, you are hereby expelled from Hogwarts for the endangerment of one of your schoolmates. Your wand, please Marcus?"
The young man had hate in his eyes, something noticed by all adult in the room. He reached for his wand, not the least bit surprised that that Bones bitch had drawn hers as well. "Here!" he said as he tossed the wand on the headmaster's desk. Albus picked it up and with a flick of his wrists, snapped it in two.
"All your belongings have been moved outside the wards of the school. You have ten minutes to vacate the property before the wards eject you rather forcefully." added the Headmaster.
"You've not heard the last of me." Marcus threatened. "Potter will regret today, you can count on that."
"Mr. Flint, is your son really that stupid that he would actually threaten Lord Potter in my presence? He does realize that I'm the head of the DMLE, doesn't he?" asked Amelia.
"Foolish boy!" spat Mr. Flint, cuffing his son in the head rather forcefully. "Out! Now!"
"Mr. Flint, if you wait for me in the corridor I will allow you access to the floo in my office." said Severus.
"So, Amelia, is that all? Did you accomplish what you needed to accomplish? Does condemning a young man to no education satisfy you and Madam Longbottom?" asked Albus acidly.
"Why yes, thank you for asking." she said with a wide smile.
"Headmaster?" interrupted one of the portraits.
"Yes, Everard?"
"You wished to know when Mr. Potter awoke..."
"Thank you, Everard. Keep me posted." responded Albus.
"Well, since that's been taken care of, I shall head down to the infirmary and visit my nephew. Good day gentlemen." she said bowing her head slightly.
"Nephew, Amelia? I didn't know you were related to Harr...Lord Potter."
"I'm not, Albus. However, I don't need to share blood with him to consider him family, do I?"
"Indeed. If you would convey to him my hopes for a speedy recovery, I would be most obliged."
"Of course, Albus. Oh, and by the way, I understand a muggle born witch was attacked a few weeks ago and that the perpetrator also only received detention as punishment. Is this true?" she asked.
"It is, but it was a minor thing, nothing compared to Mr. Flint's transgression. A small fight between Housemates that I've taken care of." responded Albus.
"I'm dissatisfied in the way punishment is meted out at this school, Headmaster, if all you're doing is handing out detentions for things like assault and attempted murder."
"Minerva and I hand out punishments as we see fit, Madam Bones," he replied frostily, "the DMLE cannot intervene in what is an internal school matter."
"I'm aware of that, Headmaster, but as a concerned parent I can bring up my concerns with the school board. Now, forgive me, but I have a young man that I am most anxious to get to." she bowed her head once again and departed the office.
"She's going to be trouble." murmured Albus.
"I will take my leave as well, Headmaster. I've classes to get to."
Albus sighed dramatically, "Severus is there something you're not saying?"
"Abandon your plans regarding Mr. Potter, Albus. As brilliant and cunning as you are, you're facing two witches that are your equal. Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom will eventually figure it all out. It may serve your purpose better to inform them about everything. The repercussions to you if you don't could, and probably will, be quite severe. Good day, Headmaster."
Albus watched the retreating form of his potions professor with mild annoyance. He was right, of course, but it was difficult for him to overcome decades of ingrained behavior. Maybe he could instead give them the truth selectively? They needn't know everything after all, would they? The smile once again returned to his face, convinced again that he was beyond brilliant.
ooOOooOOoo
"Still have a headache?" Susan asked.
"A bit, I suppose. How come I always get one after DADA?" he wondered.
"Should we go talk to Madam Pomfrey? It's been happening more frequently, after all. Maybe something that's lingering from the game where you almost died?"
"Susan..."
"No, Harry, you almost died. I'm not easily going to forget that."
"I know, I know. Should we head to lunch?"
"Can I ask you something, Harry?"
"You know you can. I've got no secrets from you, and if I do it's only because I've forgotten what they were and haven't told you yet." he said with a smile.
"I know, and thank you for that. You know I like you right? I mean, you know I care for you so much?" she asked.
He looked at her curiously as a wave of worry seemed to chill him. "I do know. And I feel the same for you. You know that, right?"
"I do." she said with a beaming smile.
"Then what is it?"
"Well, we've known each other since September, and in just these few months I find us growing really close. I don't know...I'm just wondering if that's weird or something?" she questioned.
"Do you not want to be this close, Susan?"
"NO! Wait, I mean yes. Yes, I do want to be this close. I can't think of anything that would be worse than losing you. I need you here, with me."
"And I can't see my life without you in it either. So there."
"Okay, now, knowing that neither of us wants to be separated from the other, do you think it's a little strange for us to be feeling this way? I mean, we're eleven, twelve in a couple of months."
"You know, I asked Neville about this a few weeks ago. He told me to talk to Gran because he had no answer for me. I think I have a guess though." said Harry.
"Oh, do you, because Hannah and I haven't even come up with that. She told me to talk to Auntie about this. Who knew Hannah and Neville could give good advice? So what's your guess then?"
"Magic." he said simply.
"What do you mean magic?" said Susan with a frown.
"It's just a feeling I get. It's, I don't know, inside me kind of deep down. You know I can feel my magic, it's what helps me with spellwork..."
"Which reminds me; you said you'd show me how to do that sometime."
"I did, and I will. In any case, when I can feel my magic, especially when you're close, magic kind of fills me up."
"It doesn't hurt or anything?"
"Not even a little bit. It's actually very...what's the word I'm looking for...calming. No, that's not right; maybe energizing? I don't know. Really it's just a feeling of completeness I feel when I'm with you."
"Huh..."
"What?"
"Well, I thought it just had to be me that was feeling that way. When you were lying there in that bed, I could actually...but no, that can't be."
"What is it, Sue?"
"It was almost like I could sense you. I could feel you there, and I knew you were okay. I could have closed my eyes and still known where you were. I knew you'd wake up sooner than Madam Pomfrey said you'd be awake. It's like you were talking to me, which is silly, because you were passed out."
"See, it's magic. We'll have to talk to Gran and Aunt Amelia sometime. Hopefully they can explain it to us and if they can't, we'll just go searching for the answer."
Harry caught the look of worry in Susan's face, that, and she also gripped his arm tighter. "I don't want anything to change, Harry."
"And we won't let it, will we." he said resolutely.
"You know it's cute when you do that thing with your face. It kind of scrunches up, your lips get real thin, and your eyes also glow."
"Cute? Cute? I'll have you know Bones that I am not cute, I am handsome."
"Oh really?"
"Well yes, of course I am, but then I'd have to be to have the most beautiful witch in Hogwarts as my girlfriend, right?" he said with a wide smile.
"Are you trying to make my face turn into a tomato? Whatever, I'm still going with cute." she said laughing and blushing.
Arm in arm, the couple strolled the venerated halls of Hogwarts, taking their time getting to dinner. It wasn't often that they had quiet times like this when it was just the two of them. Quiet as it could be though in a school fool of kids running around and trying to get to dinner on time.
Harry noticed Hermione at the Gryffindor table, a look of mild anger and annoyance on her face. "..the Headmaster said that was a restricted area. I will not help you. Get someone else to help you. Now, you'll excuse me, I am having lunch with my friends!"
"Hermione?" asked Harry with some concern.
"What? Oh, him, no it's nothing. He just wanted some help with something. Ridiculous!" she said in exasperation.
"What's ridiculous?" asked Hannah as she approached the group.
"Hey, let's grab lunch, she can tell us while we eat. I'm hungry." said Neville.
"You're always hungry." teased Hannah.
"Well, yeah, but...I am a growing boy and all." he smiled back at her.
"So," asked Harry as he served himself, "what's ridiculous?"
"You remember the speech Professor Dumbledore gave on sorting night, about the third floor corridor on the right?"
"Vaguely, something about a painful death; don't tell me they want you to go with them?"
"Yes, Harry, they do. They say I'm not being much of a Gryffindor because I refuse to put myself in danger. Anyway, I told them no. I'm under the impression that they think it's some sort of test or something."
"What kind of a test?" asked Neville from across the table.
"Test of courage or...I really don't know. Weasley seems convinced that he'd be the hero of Hogwarts and is dragging his friends along with him."
"Is Weasley the redhead over there that's scowling at us in a most unfriendly manner?" asked Susan.
"That's the one. Harry, be careful around him. He seems to think you and he are going to be best friends or something. He's going to try and convince you to join him on his quest." she said. Harry caught the look of fright on his friends face.
"Is he the one who hurt you, Hermione? Was it him and his friends?" Harry asked seriously. She looked at him with tears in her eyes, afraid at what his reaction would be. But finally, she nodded her head. Susan and Hannah both stood from their seats and moved to either side of her, offering comfort to the young witch who was fast becoming a close friend.
"Neville and my Harry won't let him touch you ever again. You know that, right? And you can be sure Hannah and I will be there with you too. No on treats one of us like that."
"Why are you guys so good to me?" she whimpered.
"Because you're our friend; because you're simply the brightest and most intelligent witch any of us know. Because you push us to be better and to excel at what we put our minds to; because you are kind and generous, and because you are simply our friend, Hermione Granger."
"Stop Susan or you're going to give her a big head!" said Neville.
"Neville..." warned Harry.
"You're right, Harry. I'm sorry Hermione, Susan is right. None of us would be doing as well in our classes if you weren't' around to help us." he said sincerely.
"Thank you guys, having friends really is something new for me. I have to get used to it is all."
"It's true for all of us, Hermione." said Harry. "Neville was raised without companions, Susan and Hannah only had each other, and me, well, coming to Hogwarts has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have all of you guys now." Harry looked to Susan and squeezed her hand gently. He gave her that sweet smile of his that simply melted her heart.
"Hey, you guys want to come down to the greenhouse with me? Professor Sprout asked for some help, I thought I'd lend her a hand." asked Neville.
"Sorry, transfiguration with the Slytherins, Yay!" complained Hermione.
"I'll go, Neville. If that's okay?" asked Hannah. Susan shot her a grin.
"C'mon Harry, let's take a walk. Lots of places in the castle we haven't seen yet."
"Shouldn't we go with Hannah and...ow!" squeaked Harry when Susan elbowed him.
"No, Harry, we're going for a walk." said Susan with a look of annoyance at Harry.
"Oh, okay, I guess we're taking a walk. See you guys for potions later?"
"You know it. Have fun exploring, see ya Hermione." said Hannah as she grabbed her things and followed Neville towards the greenhouses.
"What the hell was that for?" asked Harry as he tried to rub the pain away.
"Sorry! Really, I'm sorry. I just wanted Neville and Hannah to go together." she said. "Alone..."
"Alone?" asked Harry.
"Boys!" Hermione said in exasperation. "See you guys for dinner."
"What am I not understanding?"
"Hannah has a thing for Neville. I'm just trying to give her some time alone with him is all."
"Wait, she likes Neville?"
"You are a dense one sometimes, Lord Potter."
"Hey now..."
"Shall we go walk then? I really do fancy exploring a bit."
"As long as you keep your elbows to yourself, I will gladly accompany you."
Susan planted a chaste kiss on his lips, which made him smile like a fool. She stood and held out her hand, which he took. As he stood, he reached toward her face and pushed a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. The look of tenderness and love radiating from his expressive green eyes made her come to a conclusion, 'gods above, I love this boy.'
ooOOooOOoo
"Sweetie, where are we?"
"Sue, you've been in this castle as long as I have and we've been together everywhere together; I have no idea where we are. Are the stairs supposed to move like that? How do the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors get to their common rooms?"
"Uhm, I think this is the place that we weren't supposed to come to."
"That third corridor on the left or whatever?"
"On the right, but yeah; we might get in trouble if we stick around here, let's leave." she said as she clung to his arm.
"Hey there, you two..."
"Out and about in a restricted area..."
"Could see you both in a lot of trouble..."
"But since we're nice..."
"We'll help you get back to the great hall."
Harry moved Susan behind him, placing a hand on his wand as he did. "Who are you two?"
"I'm Fred..."
"He's George..."
"No, I'm George..."
"Whatever. One of us is George, the other is Fred. Weasley; and you are...?"
"Harry Potter and my girlfriend Susan Bones, nice to meet you both."
"Is he protecting her from us?" asked red one.
"Sure seems so." responded red two.
"Lord Potter, slayer of trolls..."
"Lady Bones, the beautiful damsel he saved from said troll..."
"An honor to meet you both." they said in unison and taking a deep bow.
"And you've nothing to fear from us. We just saw a couple of lost first years and thought we'd lend a hand. I don't think either of you are ready to face Fluffy yet."
"Fluffy? What's a Fluffy?" asked Susan.
"George, you're giving away the secrets." warned Fred.
"Oh, I think they can handle it. This is Harry Potter after all." responded George. "Fluffy is a huge three-headed dog that's guarding a trap door..."
"...that takes you to some Devil's Snare..."
"...which after you pass, gets you to some flying keys. We haven't gotten past that one yet." said George thoughtfully.
"Uh...thanks, but we've no intention of doing any of that." said Harry, to which Susan nodded her head vigorously.
"Shall we direct them to the great hall, brother?"
"'Twould be best, I should think. Make sure Filch isn't around, would you please brother."
"With certainty, brother." to which Fred/George pulled a tattered piece of parchment from his robes and opened it up.
"Now, this is a secret, little 'Puffs. Don't go telling anyone. I solemnly swear I am up to no good." intoned, well, one of them. The image that appeared on the parchment intrigued both Harry and Susan. Lines appeared that seemed to map the castle, along with moving dots with names above them.
"What is this?" asked Susan with wonder.
"Our secret weapon and an article of immense value to us at it is a link to our pranking past. The Marauder's map." he said reverently. Harry was drawn to the names that had appeared on the map.
"Messrs. Prongs, Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail welcome you to the Marauders map..." read Harry quietly.
"Our heroes." said George. "Master prankster back in the late '70's."
"Do you know who they are?" asked Harry intently.
Fred raised an eyebrow, interested as to Harry's obvious curiosity regarding the map. "Something you want to tell us there, Harrikins?"
"Not really, just curious. Would be nice to meet them, don't you think?"
Fred and George looked at Harry with raised eyebrows. "You've heard those names before, haven't you?" one of them asked.
"And why would you say that?"
"A bit obvious, given the look of longing on your face; it's okay if you don't want to tell us right now. Once you get to know us and trust us, maybe you'll let us in on it...?"
Harry eyed the two, wondering how trustworthy they were. "Tell you what, you prove to us that you're trustworthy and maybe I'll let you in on it, okay?"
"Deal! We hate secrets..."
"...Hate 'em!"
"But as you promised us answers, we'll make sure to earn your trust. Oh, look George, here comes the stairs. Alright you two, mount up. You'll know where you are when you get to the bottom."
"Thank you, guys."
"You're both very welcome." they said.
"Are you going to tell me what it was about the map that caught your interest?" asked Susan as they made their way down the steps.
"Let's wait until we're back in my room. Those two struck me as being particularly nosy."
"Yeah, they kind of did, didn't they? Even Auntie has heard of them. They play pranks on everyone and even, somehow, managed to prank Snape!"
"What did they do to him?" he asked curiously.
"Well, either they turned his hair pink for a week, or they gave him a perm. Don't know if it's true or not, though."
"Snape with a perm!" giggled Harry.
"Where've you two been?" asked a smiling Hannah. "Broom closet?"
"Hannah, stop, you know that's not where we were. We just got lost and managed to somehow end up in that corridor the Headmaster didn't want anyone to go to. Oh, and we met the Weasley twins." she said happily.
"And your hair isn't pink? How'd you manage that?" asked Neville
"They were curious about Harry. And before you ask, I don't know. Harry, you said you'd tell me." said Susan.
"C'mon, let's go to my room."
The girls and Neville followed Harry and upon entering his room took seats on the table they all used for studying. "Did I ever tell you guys about the conversation I had with the hat?"
"The Sorting hat, Sebastian?" asked Neville curiously. "I thought it odd at the time, but he did ask me to send Gran his regards.
"Same with me, although I just told him..." she stopped, pinking slightly.
"What?" asked Hannah.
"Nothing, really, I just wanted to make sure he put Harry in the same house with me is all."
Harry reached across the table and grabbed her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "He told me you asked him for that."
"He did?"
"Yup, said you promised to hurt him if I didn't get put with you." he said with a bright smile. "And I, for one, am glad he did."
"Oh, well, see...there you go!" she said smiling back at him.
"Okay, guys, seriously; you can stare at each other all googly eyed later." teased Hannah.
"Sorry about that." Harry said without a trace of guilt. "Anyhow, Sebastian told me that there were certain people I could trust and one person who I should not trust." he sighed.
"I'm guessing Dumbledore is who you shouldn't trust?" snorted Neville.
"Yes, 'don't trust Dumbledore'. But he said I should trust Bones, Longbottom, Moony, and Padfoot. Apparently my Mom and Sebastian spent a lot of time together. She'd been studying him for some reason, and I guess they talked a lot about a lot of different things. One of them was about who I could trust once I made it to Hogwarts. Two of you are sitting here with me today. I just need to find the other two."
"Who or what are Moony and Padfoot?" asked Susan.
"I don't know and neither did Sebastian. But earlier with the twins, do you remember the names of the people on the map?"
"Uhm, let's see, there was Prongs and then there was Wormtail, I remember that one because I thought it was gross." counted off Susan who then got a wide eye look, "also Moony and Padfoot!"
"Yup, that's why I asked the twins if they knew who they were. I want to find them."
"You said your mom gave this message to the hat to give to you?" wondered Neville.
"Yeah, I know, it sounds weird. But for some reason I trust him. He said Mom was brilliant and a very capable and powerful witch. I think she knew that something was going to happen to them, that something would happen to me. And so, she took steps to insure that I was properly cared for when they were gone."
"But you weren't Harry," said Hannah, "you were left with those dreadful people. I don't think that even as brilliant as she was your mother could have foreseen you ending up there."
"Dumbledore!" complained Neville. "He was the one that took you away from Sirius Black, my Gran, and even Aunt Amelia."
"Yeah, but why? What possible reason could he have for doing that to Harry? He's just the Headmaster of Hogwarts, not the head of the Child Services Division." Susan asked as she contemplated the horrors that her boyfriend had been through over his short life so far.
"Hey, it's almost dinner time. How about we head down to dinner and catch Hermione up on all this. She's brilliant, and she might see something that we haven't."
Neville's stomach growled again, alerting everyone that it was probably a good idea. "Quit looking at me like that, I'm hungry, growing boy here remember?"
ooOOooOOoo
Amelia sat in contemplative silence as she regarded the document before her. Held there, in her hands, was the parchment that had been signed by Susan and Harry's parents that had bound the two into a marriage contract. By her side sat an untouched glass of her brother's favorite whiskey. She had finally gathered up the courage to go into her brother's vault, though it took more strength than she thought she'd possessed. She was a bit impressed by the sight of the inside, not much gold was in there, as most of it had been transferred to the family vault, but it was the masses of paperwork that she'd found within. As a high ranking member of the Wizengamot, she wasn't at all surprised. For a relatively small government, they did manage to drown everyone in red tape and bureaucracy. What impressed her most though was the meticulous way he'd archived everything. Off to one side was the desk he'd used for so many years, an impressive mahogany monstrosity that she'd made fun of repeatedly. In her younger years, she'd delighted in hiding underneath it and frightening her brother. As she grew, the desk became a refuge of sorts; everyone in her home knew that she could be found there reading or studying. Resting on top, a bit dust-covered, a single file that read simply: Potter/Bones Contract. She picked it up and opened it, which caused an envelope to fall to the floor. Cursing her clumsiness, she knelt and picked it up and stuck it back in the folder. She spent little time in the place after finding what she'd been looking for as too many memories were coming back to her, memories of those happy times she'd spent in her brother's company. She quickly exited the bank and apparated back to Bones Manor.
"Mistress Bones is alright?" asked the house-elf that popped in to collect her robes.
"I'm fine, Rollie. I think I will be in my brother's office the remainder of the night before I head to bed."
"Of course, Mistress. But Mistress has not eaten. Rollie bring something to eat?"
"Thank you Rollie that would be nice. Nothing too heavy though. I have some studying to do."
"Yes, Mistress. I bring to Lord Bones' office." said Rollie as he popped away.
She settled in, drawing her legs beneath her as she tried to calm herself down from the emotions of the past few hours. It was the same, of course, as the copy that Ted had provided for her, but she'd needed to see the original to assure herself in some way that the contract was real. She hoped that when she did finally tell Susan that she'd forgive her from holding it back and not telling her about it from the beginning. The adage about redheads and their temper, in their family at least, most certainly was true. And Susan, although slow to anger, was like a gale force wind that tore at everything in its path. Amelia couldn't really hold it against her, she was exactly the same.
Amelia went over the contract one more time; more to make sure that not only was it real but that the copy she had was the same as the original. But it was exactly as Ted had said. No money was paid, no political alliances were made, no concessions of any kind. And this confused her. Both the Potter and Bones families had been politically powerful, both were exceedingly wealthy; she could see no gain for either family as far as this was concerned. What would be the point of agreeing to a marriage contract when neither family gained anything?
She absentmindedly played with the envelope that had her name written across it in her brothers less than stellar handwriting. As obsessive as he was with detail, it always amused her that he'd not taken the time to improve that aspect of himself.
Edgar Bones was the person she'd most looked up to in the world. Their father had passed away while she was only just starting Hogwarts. It had been Edgar that had raised her and made her understand her duties as a Bones. He was a giant of a big brother who in her eyes could do no wrong; he was protective of her and always made time for her despite the ten year difference in their age. She missed him terribly and was hopeful that she'd not disappointed him, especially where Susan was concerned.
She wiped the tears from her eyes and reached for the letter opener that had been one of the final gifts to Edgar from their father. Slicing open the envelope carefully, she took out the letter and began to read.
My Dearest Amelia,
If you're reading this, then you've finally gotten up the courage to go into my vault as Kaitlin and I are both gone. I understand if it took you some time to do so. Had it been you that had passed on it probably would have taken me many years to get up the courage to explore your vault as well.
More than likely you're sitting in my office, a glass of my whiskey by your side (drink it!) wondering what the hell was going on in my mind when I set Susan up in this contract. If Lily is still around, she'd be the one to talk to. However, I will explain as best as I can.
The first time Susan met Harry was a most extraordinary night. The babies were both in a little bit of pain, as teething had begun for them. Susan, for all the sweetness she usually showed, screamed and wailed like a banshee. And from what James said, Harry was no different. When they did finally settle down that night, we placed Susan in Harry's crib, hoping to get something to eat while the two napped. It was then that the most wondrous thing I've ever seen in my life occurred. Harry looked in wide-eyed confusion at the baby placed next to him, but a small smile appeared and he gently reached out a hand and grabbed hers. And Susan grabbed his and smiled back at Harry.
Jamie, Lils, Kaitlin, and I almost fainted when the golden hued glow started. Kaitlin was beside herself with worry scared that something terrible was happening to Susan. James was the same way, although he'd probably tell you I'm lying. I just stood there, moron that I am, gaping in astonishment.
Lily, however, was smiling from ear to ear. "It's a bond." she said simply. Of course, the three of us were looking at her uncomprehending. She bade us wait until she could do some research on the subject, but reassured all of us that nothing dangerous was happening, and that if she was correct then what was happening was a gift. After dinner, as we made ready to say our goodbyes, Kaitlin and Lily went into the bedroom to gather Susan and check on Harry. We were all shocked to notice that their pain from teething had stopped, that somehow their close proximity to each other had healed them of that terrible pain. And that wasn't even near the last piece of magic we saw from the two.
Lily continued her research and we, for the most part, accepted that she'd tell us everything when she was ready. But it still amazed us, seeing those two together. Now, most bouts of accidental magic usually take place when a child reached their third year and continues on until their ninth or tenth year. Susan, at nine months, levitated her bunny that had fallen out of her crib and she did it knowing full well what she was doing. Harry seemed stronger, going so far as to change Sirius' hair blue and pushing James out of their room when he'd come to collect him for his bath (he really hated baths!). As time went on, their magic seemed to change. It was as if magic herself wanted those two together. Take Susan out of the crib and it was more than likely that Harry would apparate to her or Susan would apparate back to him. Yes, you're not misreading, apparate!
When Lily finally was convinced about her findings, she begged James and me to set Harry and Susan up in this contract you now hold. James and I might have been purebloods, but we weren't really that fanatical about some of the more antiquated customs that are still prevalent. He and I wanted our children to grow up and find love on their own, like we had. Lily said, "They have found love on their own, and helped by Magic, that love will only grow." And hate it though I might have, I couldn't deny what was so plainly right in front of me. The happiness those two found in each other's company was astounding to see.
So there you go. James and I, with the approval of Lily and Kaitlin, drew up this contract that joined Harry to Susan. Having no male heirs at the time, my only stipulation was that they insured the continuation of the Bones line.
Lily, more than likely, has left her research somewhere you or Harry can find if the need arises. I'm sure it will be highly complicated to understand as Lily did nothing by half and she'd never use just one or two words to explain something when you could use twenty!
In the main though, Susan and Harry need to be together. Magic, if Lily is correct, will ensure that they are drawn to each other. Not only that, Magic will also ensure that they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities that they will face as a bonded couple. And no, they're not going to make you a grandmother before they turn eighteen! Their maturity will show itself in different ways. More than likely they will be very well spoken for ones so young, immensely loyal to each other, and driven to excel at anything that will make them able to help to keep the other safe. 'Old souls', I think Lily called it.
The time will come when Susan and Harry will marry, probably sooner than you'd like. Time does have a habit of going by too quickly. Protect them, nurture them, and educate them. They will need protection from those pureblood maggots, protection from the Ministry, and because of Harry probably protection from Dumbledore.
Family, Ami, it's all about family.
I'm hopeful that your life has not been hard, having to take care of Susan. I'm also hopeful that that scoundrel Sirius finally got his head out of his ass and asked you to marry him. He's good for you, and although I did have some reservation because of his apparent lack of maturity, he proved time and again how completely and utterly in love and devoted he was to you.
I know you miss me and that's okay, just don't forget to live. We'll be together again soon enough.
With love and affection,
Your Brother
Edgar
Tears streamed down her face and she did nothing to stop them. It was a release of sorts, letting go of some of the emotions that she'd stoppered so long ago. Her mind turned to Sirius, which restarted the anguish and tears. She owed him much more than she could put into words. 'I have been a coward for far too long' she thought. He'd stood with her through thick and thin. He'd been her anchor when Edgar and Kaitlin had been killed, and yet, at the first instance of him needing her help she'd abandoned him. She knew it was unlikely that they'd ever find love for each other again, but she would do all in her power to see him freed from Azkaban and returned to Harry. Pomona was right, that boy was going to be the death of her.
Thinking of Harry made her smile. He was much as Edgar had described he would be. Old in soul despite his youth and he carried himself more like a seventh year student than a first. And Susan had been the same, at least since getting with Harry. She was flighty and temperamental, but her entire demeanor had changed since that day they'd met Harry. She was serious in her studies, as evidenced by the glowing reports she was receiving from all her professors. She was devoted to her friends and had lost that gossiping tendency she'd had. But it was her committed relationship with Harry that sealed it for her in her mind. They joked and teased each other with an ease that would only have come from years of being together. The way Harry looked at Susan was not the way any eleven year old should look at someone. His eyes when he looked at her held hope, and salvation, and a love so deep that it made her sigh in envy at Susan sometimes. And Susan's eyes held Harry in the same regard; she looked at him with compassion, and with devotion, and also with deep seeded love. It was something to behold.
'Well, at least I won't be a grandmother soon!'
ooOOooOOoo
"Madam Bones! How can we help you today?" asked the awestruck guard.
"I have a writ here to remove a prisoner to stand trial today, Bobby."
"Of course, ma'am, who may I ask is the prisoner?"
"Sirius Black." she said coldly.
"That murdering bastard? Wait, hasn't he had a trial if he's already here?"
"Some sort of paperwork mix up from the previous administration, apparently. He's not been too much of a hassle for you guys?"
"Nah, he's a tame one. Not like his cousin at all. Likes chatting with the lads when they're on patrol and the Dementors don't seem to bother him too much, either."
"Really? I wonder how he managed that?"
"Don't rightly know, ma'am. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you down to his cell."
"Thank you, Bobby. And please, lead the way."
Amelia was nauseous, given the proximity of the Dementors. But no, that's wasn't why she felt that way. The nausea came from a feeling of betrayal. A betrayal that she'd perpetrated against someone she at one point in her life, loved more than anything.
"Is it alright if I have a few minutes with him, Bobby? Just want to make sure he's okay to stand trial and that his health isn't too shoddy."
"Call me when you need, ma'am. I'll be at my desk."
"Sirius?" she called out into the dark cell.
"Well, unexpected would be the first thing that comes to mind when I see you there standing before me."
"Ready to get out of here?" she asked.
"Ten years, Ami. I've been in here for ten years and only now do you come see me?"
She jerked back at the coldness of his voice. "I..."
"Save it. Just get me out of here so I can be with Harry."
"He's a good boy Sirius, Jamie and Lils would be proud of him."
"Of course they would, as am I. Ted has told me a lot about him already. I can't believe he made the quidditch team."
"He's a great flier and even helped his team beat Slytherin. It would have been a perfect day if not for the assault. He flew like..."
"Assault?" interjected Sirius.
"Oh, of course, you'd have no way to know. Harry caught the snitch and was making to land when one of the snake bastards attacked him. Broke a few bones and was in the infirmary for a couple of nights. Sirius, he's fine."
"And the bastard who did this to him? I'm assuming Dumbledore made him clean some toilets and gave him a couple of detentions?"
"Nope, I got the little shit expelled."
"Really and how'd you do that?"
"Threatened his father with a blood feud."
"Yeah, I suppose that would do it. So, what's the plan to get me out of here?"
"You'll see..." she said cryptically.
ooOOooOOoo
N/A
Hey ,guys, sorry for the delay. As I've heard other authors often complain, life does indeed get in the way. It was all good stuff though. My niece took first place in the state wrestling tournament, my nephew and his soccer team is smoking hot right now, clobbering one and all into submission.
The next chapter of fifth house, for those of you who are reading it, should be up in a couple of days. I'd been concentrating so hard on 'family' that I'd completely forgotten about it.
ROBst, if you ever read this, I don't know how you do it. I've tried your method, just sitting down and typing, and for the most part that seems to work for me too. I finish a chapter, put a few thoughts down on paper for the next, and just let the fingers do the typing. But as a story progresses, I find myself losing traction in the story I want to tell, so, I've decided to do it the other way and sketch out an outline of scenes I want to happen to guide myself down the path. It might take a little longer to get chapters up, but I seem to be much more satisfied with the finished work.
I do want to give a recommendation here, seeing as I can and all. There is an author, The black resurgence, who has one completed story and one in progress. The first, honor thy blood, AWESOME. It takes place during the third stage of the tri-wiz, ships Daphne/Harry and is so good I literally couldn't put it down. The second story, stepping back, is still in its early stages, but so far the story is nothing less than impressive. It's a go-back-in-time where Harry goes back to the Marauder era, seems like it will ship Harry/Bellatrix, and is so very good. There, two good stories for you guys to read. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.