Harry Potter and the Delightful Dilemma
By: Sheltie
I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter 6
Halloween was fast approaching and Harry's girls decided to do something special for Harry. Since he had never honored his parents on this night in past years they thought they should start this year. So instead of attending the Halloween feast with everyone they planned a nice meal, just them. Besides it has been a while since they all had dinner together in private since entering Hogwarts. Harry was pleased and happy that his girls did this for him. He knew that they deserved something in return, but he had no idea what to do.
He thought about it then he smiled. He had a plan.
/Scene Break/
The girls were all enjoying a day of relaxing though it took a few to get Hermione to relax. The girl loved to study.
"Where's Harry?" Parvati asked.
This made the rest of the girls realize they haven't seen Harry since this morning.
"I don't know, did he say where he was going?" Susan asked with a bit of worry.
"No, I just saw him smile and then leave" Penny said frowning.
"I hope he is alright" Padma said, who was worried.
"I'm sure he's just fine" Luna said with a smile.
"Knowing Harry, he is up to something" Hermione said frowning.
Everyone decided to agree with Hermione on this since she still did know Harry the best even if the rest of the girls have cotton up with her.
/Scene Break/
Harry was deep within his family vaults with a seven-compartment trunk like Moody had and gathering up all the jewelry he could see. He would let his ladies decided what they wanted since he knew they'd mix and match them. So once he got what he thought was enough he thanked the goblin and headed back to the castle with a grin on his face.
When he got back and entered his quarters he found all eyes on him. He gulped since he knew he was in trouble. He had faced a three-headed dog, a dragon, hundreds of Dementors, a basilisk, and Voldemort a few times. But he was deeply scared at the looks he was getting from his girls.
"And where have you been Harry James Potter?" Hermione asked sternly.
Harry gulped again.
"Uh, how are you all doing this fine morning?" he asked avoiding Hermione's question.
"We were fine until we noticed you were missing. We looked everywhere and even looked on the map and you weren't anywhere. So where were you?" Daphne asked fixing Harry with her patent icy look.
"I was out doing some errands" Harry answered sounding more calm than he felt.
"Oh, and what errands were those?" Susan asked slightly glaring at Harry.
Harry sighed. He knew there was probably one way out of this and it was in his pocket.
So much for the surprise I had planned he thought. But when it came to your life then you needed to pull out every trick you had to survive. So with some of that quick Potter thinking he created a plan of action hoping it would work.
"I was going to save this for later, but you forced my hand" he said as he pulled out the shrunken trunk and enlarged it.
This got all of the girls curious to what was in the trunk. Their anger was forgotten for the moment.
"I went to the Potter vaults and did some digging and, well, here I'll just show you" Harry said.
He opened the trunk and revealed amass of jewelry.
Gasps were heard at the sight.
"Oh my" Parvati said.
"Harry, this is too much" Fleur said.
"Nothing is too much for you all" Harry said sincerely.
Soon all the girls were looking through the jewelry and Harry revealed that there was more in the other six compartments. He then moved quickly away before he was trampled by the horde. He smiled as he watched his girls admire each piece. The looks on their faces were of awe, shock, and happiness. He wished he had a camera.
Soon after the girls selected pieces for themselves even though they'd trade back and forth all of pieces. They chatted animatedly about what clothes they had that could go with certain pieces. It was Penny that moved in to thank Harry first. She kissed him on the lips in thanks that was followed by Susan, Daphne, Luna, Parvati, Padma, Fleur, and then finally Hermione.
"Am I forgiven?" Harry asked Hermione.
"You are, but next time please tell us" Hermione said.
Harry nodded knowing he had saved himself this time and next time he might not be so lucky.
/Scene Break/
Daphne Greengrass came from an old pureblood family. Though the family was pureblood they didn't subscribe to the pureblood propaganda that other pureblood families did. Heck, some of their business were in the muggle world since they made a good amount of money on it. They even married muggle-borns and half-bloods. The Greengrass family had stayed neutral throughout the last two wars even though they were approached by both sides. They didn't see the appeal in fighting since it didn't do good for business if there wasn't anyone to run it.
Daphne entered Hogwarts like any first year. But she quickly learned to put on a mask of coolness when she was placed in Slytherin. She knew that a lot of her house was related to a Death Eater in some shape or form. So she kept her head down and never made any waves. She was approached many times since she was very attractive even at her young age. She repelled them all and was soon named the Ice Queen of Slytherin.
Daphne had kept an eye on Harry Potter since she knew that the Potters were quite wealthy. But she didn't see that in Harry. She saw nervousness and a wanting to fit in. But she also saw strength too. She saw the first glimpse when Harry declined Malfoy's offer of friendship. This intrigued her. But it wasn't easy reading Harry since she was a Slytherin and Harry was a Gryffindor. The two houses had a bitter rivalry, which seemed to have escalated with Harry and Malfoy. Though every time they butted heads Malfoy always lost.
But she kept watching and saw that Harry never acted like any pureblood she had ever seen. He was unassuming and a friendly person. She had heard the rumors of Harry's fight for the stone in the end of her first year. She wrote it off as Hogwarts gossip, but she knew there had to be a grain of truth somewhere.
The years passed and Daphne caught more glimpses of what Harry was really like and she liked what she saw. He was a nice person and never one to jump to conclusions on people unlike his redheaded friend. She didn't understand why Harry hung around the bottomless stomach. He was unmannered and crude. She did like Hermione and thought she brought a balance to Harry's life.
In fourth year she believed that Harry didn't enter his name in the goblet. She of course was one of the very few in her house to believe that. She watched each of the tasks hoping Harry would make it out alive. She was in awe of Harry's flying. She had seen Harry fly before in Quidditch matches, but those paled in comparison. She was terrified when Harry was hit the dragon's tail.
The next task she thought was annoying and wondered what idiot thought up this task. I mean, you're sitting in the middle of winter freezing your butt off. Plus, you don't even know what is going on. You're sitting there freezing and waiting not knowing what the hell was going on. She was happy when Harry emerged, but was confused by who his hostage was. Who ever picked Weasley as Harry's hostage didn't see who was Harry's true support and had stuck by him always. And besides, for Hermione to be Krum's hostage. They barely knew one another so how could she be who he'd miss the most.
She wasn't sure what happened in the last task since again she was in the stands clueless to what was going on like the rest. And what happened in the aftermath was confusing too. She heard that Harry had come back with the body of Cedric Diggory. She knew that Harry was too honorable to have done anything to harm Cedric. So what did happen? Like the rest of the school they heard of Voldemort's return as the honored Cedric. She believed that Voldemort had returned. She just knew it.
During the summer she got a letter from Hermione, which shocked her immensely since they never conversed with one another except a few words during Runes and Arithmancy, which they shared. She decided to go and see what Hermione wanted and when Hermione proposed the idea she was all for it. She wanted to do something to help Harry and she'd be the first of her family to ever take a stand in something. The Greengrass name would be known for something other than fence sitting.
Harry took Daphne to a lovely Italian restaurant and Daphne liked the red and white-checkered tablecloth.
"I hope you like Italian" Harry said.
"I do Harry" Daphne said with a smile.
Soon a basket of breadsticks arrived as well as their menus. They looked through the menus and chatted to one another then they ordered. They continued chatting as authentic Italian music played in the background.
"This is a nice place Harry" Daphne said.
"It is, I like it" Harry said.
Daphne nodded.
Soon the food came and they shared their meals with one another. The night was nice and light since they wanted to not think about what was going on in school.
"Harry?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah Daph" Harry said.
"Can this be our place?" Daphne asked.
Harry smiled.
"Of course Daph" he said.
Daphne smiled at Harry and leaned forward and kissed him. Harry returned the kiss.
/Scene Break/
Ginny was upset at what had happened with Harry and decided she had to be more aggressive. She started working on a love potion that she knew would get her Harry. She had sneaked the books in thanks to her mother, who slipped them in.
/Scene Break/
Ron was very angry at what had happened in the Great Hall. He wasn't going to take that lying down. No, he was going to do something about it. He just needed a plan. But first he needed to find something to eat.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore didn't know what to do since he knew that Harry held a lot of power now. He couldn't do his usual maneuvers like he used since now Harry has taken his title as lord. Not to mention he no longer had a base too. Hogwarts was watching him closely. He could feel it. And that meant he couldn't do anything rash. He sighed as he wondered what to do.
/Scene Break/
Umbridge was now planning. She was going to take down the Potter brat. She was going to show the brat that the Ministry doesn't bow to anyone and that he should be bowing to the Ministry. Of course she was doing this on her own since Fudge was still huddling in the corner scared. She had to clean up this mess like she had before.
/Scene Break/
Harry sighed as he relaxed in the Gryffindor common room. He hadn't done this since this whole year began and even though he liked his private quarters with his girls. He missed his old house and the common room. So here he relaxed. Not many of the Gryffindors were in so it helped give him so peace.
"Harry?"
Harry opened his eyes to see Neville Longbottom looking at him.
"Neville, what's going on mate?" Harry asked.
"I need you to do something for me" Neville said.
"Anything Nev, I'll do anything to help you. You know that" Harry said.
"Uh right, first we need some witnesses" Neville said.
Harry was confused as to what was going on. But he went along with Neville and they gathered up some Gryffindors that were around. They all looked curious as to what was going on. Neville got on one knee his right fist over his heart.
"I Neville Francis Longbottom pledge my allegiance, my life and magic, to Lord Harry James Potter forever or til my lord releases me or death takes me" Neville said formally.
Harry was shocked, but he felt something in his family ring and the words came to him like they were natural to him.
"I Lord Harry James Potter accept your allegiance. Arise now Neville Francis Longbottom, Lord Potter's champion" Harry said.
A flash of light signaled the binding of this ceremony.
Neville rose and smiled at his friend and now lord.
"What is my first order my lord?" he asked.
"First call me Harry, Nev. I'm not used to this lord business even now. And I wish you to stay here and be my eyes and ears in the house of lions" Harry said.
Neville nodded.
"It will be done Harry" he said.
Harry clapped his hand on Neville's shoulder. Before Harry left he made sure he had a nice talk with the rest of the Gryffindors who witnessed Neville's pledge. Harry wanted them to keep quiet since he wanted this to be a surprise. The Gryffindors agreed to be silent.
/Scene Break/
When Harry got back to his quarters he told his girls what had happened and there was a mixture of shock and confusion on their faces.
"I don't get it, why's this so big?" Penny asked.
"It's big since no lord of any stature in the wizarding world has had a champion in ages. They were quite big during the many wars we had since the champion was a bodyguard for his lord and the lord's family. But now there aren't many who wish to pledge themselves like that anymore" Susan said.
"So is this a good thing?" Hermione asked.
"It's a great thing. Neville has just made himself Harry's right hand. Neville is virtually untouchable to the law since only his lord can punish him" Daphne said happily.
"Okay, so what can we do with this?" Parvati asked.
"Nothing for now. I have Neville as our spy inside Gryffindor since we have two Weasleys that need to be kept under watch" Harry said.
The girls nodded.
/Scene Break/
Neville took his new role as Harry's champion seriously. He watched the others in his house. Mainly the two Weasleys. He knew that they were both planning something. He didn't know what, but he knew it would be bad for his lord. He could watch Ron better since they shared a dorm. Ginny would be difficult since he couldn't get up to the girl's dorms. He needed help. But who could trust in the Lion's den?
/Scene Break/
Umbridge waddled her way into the Great Hall one morning with a smug smile on her toad like face.
"Professor Toa- I mean, Umbridge. You've returned, we were quite worried about you" Harry said.
Harry was going to call Umbridge a toad, but stopped by a hard nudge from Hermione, which made him change gears. The rest of the girls hid their giggles at this.
"I'm here on official Ministry business" Umbridge said pompously.
"Oh, and what business is that?" Harry asked.
"I'm here to take in a creature that is posing as a witch" Umbridge said.
"Oh, and who'd that be?" Harry asked.
"That creature there. The Veela" Umbridge said pointing at Fleur.
Harry's eyes narrowed and would've gone for his wand, but Penny, who was on his other side where his wand was grabbed his wrist to stop him.
"No Harry, you can't hex her" she hissed.
Harry growled.
"I assure you Umbridge that miss Fleur Delacour is no creature, but a witch to the highest degree" he said glaring at the toad.
"Hem-hem. Yes well, according to a new law passed by the Wizengamot. All Creatures are to be register with the Ministry at the Department of Regulation of Magical Creatures. Their wands are to confiscated since creatures are not allowed a wand of any kind and then placed in housing suited for their kind" Umbridge said smirking wide.
All the girls now were glaring at the toad and wanted to hex her. She dared to attack one of their sisters. They wouldn't let this stand. They hoped Harry left a trace of her so they could have their fun.
"That's quite nice Umbridge, but Fleur has protection" Harry said now with an odd glint in his eye.
His girls were confused since Harry was now very calm. Hermione saw the glint and was afraid of what it meant. Harry usually had that glint whenever he did a dangerous dive in Quidditch or was planning some kind of mischief.
"Not even the protection of you Potter can save her" Umbridge said.
"Oh, I know that, but Fleur here has diplomatic immunity. You see, her father is very high in the French Ministry. I'm sure he and the French government would be very displeased if the British Ministry classified his eldest daughter as a creature. It could be a political nightmare of epic scale" Harry said smirking.
Umbridge paled slightly then regained her bluster.
"You lie" she said.
"Do you dare to even try. I mean, this could cause the end of all who signed that law and the one who proposed it" Harry said now grinning.
Umbridge was sweating profusely now as she didn't expect this at all. She had no plan of what to do.
"Oh, and Umbridge, you're service is no longer required as DADA professor. We've had terminated your position and have hired a new teacher" Harry said smirking now. He had hired a DADA teacher right away since they needed to keep the class going since it was a required class.
McGonagall had seen that smirk many times over the marauders' years and it still brought fear to her heart and made another gray hair appear on her head at just the sight. That smirk was just like his father's when he had a prank in mind and ready to execute.
"You have no right. The Minister himself placed me in that position and you can't do anything about it" Umbridge said.
"On the contrary, I have every right since I am the founders' heir. Especially since Hogwarts never accepted you as teacher in the first place. So you see, you were never a Hogwarts teacher to begin with since Hogwarts never accepted you" Harry said.
"I will not be talked to like that. I am undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and demand respect!" Umbridge shouted, which made her chins wobble.
"Don't care since that has no power here in Hogwarts. You can be the queen of England and still have no power here" Harry said.
"I will not be told what to do by some demented glory seeking brat that doesn't know when to listen to his betters!" Umbridge shouted again making her chins wobble. She had pulled her wand out.
Two spells hit Umbridge before she could utter a spell. She fell to the ground stunned and bound. All eyes turned to find that the spells came from one Neville Longbottom. He had his wand out still trained on the toad.
"Mr. Longbottom" McGonagall said standing up.
"It's alright professor, Neville was just doing what a champion of Lord Potter does" Harry said.
This caused quite a stir since most of the school didn't know of Neville's pledge to Harry.
"Very well Lord Potter" McGonagall said.
Dumbledore was not sure how to take this news. He now had more to deal with and he still hadn't a clue how to deal with what he had on his plate already.
As for Ginny and Ron, they were confused since their mother never taught them any of this in their lessons at home. Ginny however decided she had to be more careful around Neville since he could tell Harry. As for Ron, he was just plain confused and didn't know what was going on. He knew that he had to grab Hermione and that was all on his mind. He didn't think Neville would be a problem since Neville showed anything of being a competent wizard. And Ron had an over exaggerated image of himself.
"Hogwarts, please drop this trash a the end of the ward line. Oh, and you don't have to be gentle at all" Harry said.
Umbridge disappeared from the hall.
"Well, think it is time for classes" Harry said.
End of Chapter
A/N: okay that's the end of this one. Sorry I didn't do anything on Snape, Ron, or Ginny. I had to get to Umbridge since it had been bugging me for a while. I hope I did a good job and don't worry I haven't finished with her either. She is about to feel the wrath of Harry and then some. Thanks for reading and please review.