It was a shock to Amelia when she learned who Harry Potter's legal magical guardian was. As Sirius Black had been killed only a few weeks earlier, there was no possible way for Amelia to talk with him about Susan and Harry's predicament. But Amelia was nothing if not tenacious.
She spent most of her morning trying to think of anyone who might be able to set up a meeting with the boy. Someone the boy trusted, and who help ease the boy's concerns over the situation.
And then, as if she'd been hit by a swollen hippogriff, the answer came to her. However, before she could act upon it, she was called to a meeting with the Minister of Magic. Amelia felt it was a waste of time. Fudge was flailing to put it mildly. After a year of his smear campaign against Potter and Dumbledore, only to have them proven right was too much for the public to take. There was to be an emergency session of the Wizengamot where Fudge's leadership was to be called into question. Amelia was going to be there, and she already had her mind made up. She also knew that Fudge was meeting with every person on the Wizengamot, hoping to sway there opinion. So far as she knew, it wasn't working.
Amelia sent a note to Fudge, apologizing for being unable to see him, but that she had a family emergency that needed to be taken care of at once. After sending off the letter, Amelia went to her fireplace, gathered a fistful of floo powder, and called out her destination.
She gracefully stepped out of the green flames into the circular office of Albus Dumbledore, who rose politely from his seat.
"Forgive me Madam Bones, but I was unaware that we had a meeting." Dumbledore smiled politely.
"Actually I'm the one who needs to apologize. First I should have asked to see you before just showing up unannounced. You may have been busy, but this is a rather urgent matter." Amelia said. Dumbledore nodded and motioned for the head of the DMLE a chair which she took gratefully. "Something's happened, and I'm afraid it involves Harry Potter."
Dumbledore's smile faltered a bit, his twinkling blue eyes glancing to the spindle legged table with all his whirring and smoking silver instruments. Amelia noticed, but chose not to remark. Instead she launched into her explanation.
"My niece Susan received an official letter upon her sixteenth birthday yesterday. I was quite confused by it, but I went to see our account manager at Gringott's and we went over everything. There is a betrothal contract between house Bones, and House Peverell, now known as Potter, and it's unbreakable."
Dumbledore now looked as if he'd just been slapped. He looked as if he were about to speak several times, but nothing came out. And then, to Amelia's great surprise, he began laughing.
"This is indeed quite the predicament." He chuckled.
"That's an understatement." Amelia replied, not seeing the humor.
"It is at that, but I do not think it is at all bad. in fact, this may be the answer I've been searching for."
"Excuse me?" Amelia asked no thoroughly confused.
"I'm afraid it would take a great deal of time to explain." Dumbledore said, trying to wave off Amelia's questioning look, but the head of the DMLE was not going to be brushed off like that.
"I'd say you'd better start explaining yourself." Amelia huffed. Her stern gaze was enough to make Dumbledore start chuckling, though the mirth never left his eyes. He took a few calming breaths and began explaining why he believed that Harry and Susan under a betrothal contract was not necessarily a bad thing.
How much do you know of what happened at the end of the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" He asked. Amelia looked puzzled, but thought of the question for a moment.
"I'm afraid I don't know much. The investigation was forcibly shut down before it really got started." Amelia grimaced.
"I was afraid of that." Dumbledore said with a bitter scowl. "But you are at least aware of the story?"
"Yes. Potter and Diggory were allegedly transported by portkey to a graveyard where You-Know-Who used Harry for some ritual and killed Diggory."
"Very close." Dumbledore said. "Lord Voldemort used a very ancient, and dark ritual to construct a body for himself using a bone from his father, flesh from a servant and blood from an enemy. For this, he chose Harry for two reasons. Harry is his most feared enemy, but Harry's blood contains a magical protection bestowed upon him by his mother when she sacrificed herself to save Harry. It his Harry's blood that will help defeat Lord Voldemort, I believe."
"I'm a little lost. How do you think that's going to happen?" Amelia asked.
"With love." Dumbledore smiled. "The sacrifice Harry's mother made invoked a very old magic. One that bestowed powerful protection on her son. While living Harry lives with his relatives, there is a blood ward erected that will keep those who wish Harry harm away. But more than that, by taking Harry's blood, Lord Voldemort has corrupted himself. The more that Harry feels love, and loves in return, the magic with grow in strength. It is my belief, especially after what I witnessed in the Ministry this past month, that if Harry were to be in love with someone, that magic would gain in strength and begin to decay Lord Voldemort from within. If Harry and Young Susan could find love with each other, it could help us defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all."
"What makes you think it would actually work?" Amelia asked at last.
"There is no precedent for this situation, and nearly everything I told you is nothing more than guesswork and hypothesis. But I am confidant that I am correct. Everything seems to point to this one singular answer. No matter what, Lord Voldemort is set on killing Harry. The final battle will be between Harry and Lord Voldemort. Any advantage Harry can get will be best for all of us."
"That's asking a lot of two teenagers who haven't even spoken to one another. You know there is no guarantee. They could literally hate each other."
"I find that unlikely at best." Dumbledore smiled. "Susan, from what I have observed is a very kind, generous, and open minded young woman. Harry is selfless, loyal, and honest. Yes, there is the possibility that they will not fall in love, but, I am sure that they can become close friends at the worst. However, Harry already has several friends that he cares deeply for. But in order for these magics to work, it must be the truest of loves."
"What if we explained all this to the both of them?"
"That would be ill advised. You can't force to people to find love, they have to find it on their own. As I explained, it must be pure, and it must come naturally. What I propose is that we get them together and allow them time outside of school to get acquainted without the pressures being in school will put on them."
"You mean set them up on a date?" Amelia couldn't help the smile that came when she spoke. The idea seemed ludicrous at this point.
"I was thinking something a bit longer. Are you aware that Harry wishes to become an Auror?"
Amelia had already been considering what she knew Dumbledore was suggesting. She listened to the headmaster's reasoning and hour later Amelia had come to a decision. However, given all she had learned, she knew that it was the best thing to do in this situation. In truth, if she hadn't thought it was a good idea, she never would have agreed, no matter how much Dumbledore tried to pull her strings. Besides, it meant she would get a chance to speak to the boy herself.
"When you are ready." Dumbledore said as the phoenix took flight from its perch and alighted upon Dumbledore's out stretched arm. Amelia went to the Headmaster's side and it took his hand. In a flash of bright fire, the two disappeared.
Vernon Dursley was beyond annoyed. He had planned to sit himself in front of the telly to watch the football game. He'd made himself a rather massive sandwich, and filled a punch bowl full of crisps which he'd sat next to his favorite chair. Petunia was busy with cleaning her kitchen, and Dudley was out with his friends, and the freak was upstairs, respectfully quiet for once. It was starting to be the perfect evening, and then some ignorant, disrespectful salesperson had to go a ruin it all by coming to call. Well, Vernon was going to give this unfortunate soul a good peace of his mind for bothering hard working decent folks on the day off. Sucking in a great gulp of air to ready himself, Vernon opened the door, and his mind went blank, and the only sound he could manage was a small pathetic squeak.
"Good evening, Mr. Dursley." Said the tall thin man with half moon spectacles and the obscenely long silver beard. The man was wearing flowing purple robes with bright silver stars sewn in. He was standing with a woman with dark graying hair, sharp eyes and a stern expression and black robes. " I am Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of young Harry's school. May we please come in? We have something to discuss with you."
The man then entered the Dursley home without an actual invitation, followed by the stern looking woman, who immediately began looking over everything with her sharp hawk like eyes.
"Vernon, who's at the - eeep!" Petunia Dursley stammered as she entered into the hallway from the kitchen. She stopped cold when she saw the two strangely attired people in her house.
"Ah, Petunia, it's very good to finally meet you in person. We have corresponded through the years, but it is so nice to see you in person at last." The man with the silver beard smiled, offering a friendly hand, which made Petunia back away with fright.
"Very well, perhaps this might be more comfortable if we all took a seat, but first, if you would be so kind as to ask Harry to join us, as this is about him." Dumbledore smiled.
Vernon suddenly regained his senses, and peered out the open door making sure none of the neighbors was watching before closing it quickly and turning on these intruders. Once again, his tirade died in his throat when he found the woman watching him with a calculating expression.
"He's not here." Petunia said firmly, or what she must have thought was firm. Her voice quivered badly. "Perhaps if you'd thought to call ahead of time like decent people, we might have been able to keep him nearby."
"I am afraid the situation did not allow for advanced notice." The man spoke evenly.
"As my wife has said, the boy is not here. Now I'll ask you to kindly leave before I call the authorities." Vernon said in a huff, his anger beginning to win over his fear.
"I'll have you know that I am the authorities." The woman said sharply as she turned to peer at Vernon, making the obese man cower under her stern gaze. "We also know that you are lying. Now, please fetch Harry..."
"Professor Dumbledore?"
Everyone turned to find a tall skinny boy with messy raven black hair and sad emerald green eyes watching them from the staircase.
Amelia frowned at Dumbledore, who seemed to be losing that mirthful twinkle in his eye as he gazed on Harry Potter. Amelia then took in the boy appearance more carefully. He was far too thin for a boy of his height and age. He had dark circles under his eyes which signaled that he'd not had a proper night's sleep in a while. His clothes were in a horrendous state. They looked three to four sizes too big for him, and also looked to be that of a child's, not a teenage boy.
"Would you be so kind as to join us Harry. We have a few very important things in which to discuss." Dumbledore asked kindly. Harry nodded and came the rest of the way down the stairs. Amelia noted the way Harry hurriedly got around his uncle, as if he were trying to keep his distance. Dumbledore followed Harry and Amelia motioned for Harry's aunt and uncle to enter the sitting room as well before following and taking a seat upon the sofa.
"Harry I had intended to come see you in a few days and take you to the Weasley's for the remainder of the summer, but events had occurred which facilitate and earlier departure."
"I'm leaving?" Harry asked, and Amelia noted the hopefulness in his voice.
"Yes." Dumbledore smiled. "But before that happens, we need to speak to you on a few rather important subjects. Firstly, Sinus' will reading was yesterday. I am sorry that you could not attend, but for safety reasons..."
"I understand." Harry said dejectedly, his eyes darkening.
"Sirius has left everything to you. You gain a substantial amount of gold. You also inherit all of Sirius' personal possessions, as well as three houses, including number 12 Grimmauld Place."
"You can keep using it for the Order." Harry said bitterly. "I don't want it."
"That is very kind of you." Dumbledore smiled. "But as of now, we have had to vacate the premises. We are unsure if you are even the rightful owner at this time."
"His Godfather's dead?" Vernon asked, a greedy spark in his beady little eyes. Everyone turned to stare at Vernon who coughed, tried to clear his throat, and then tried to sound more sympathetic. "He's dead?"
"Sadly, yes." Dumbledore said with a small nod, and narrowed eyes. He turned back to Harry and gave a grandfatherly smile. "As I was saying, we are unsure if you will even be able to take ownership. You see, Pure blood family tradition decrees that property is handed down through the generations to the next male in the family line, unless of course no male existed. As Sirius was the very last Black, the houses should be passed to the next male on the family tree. Many times enchantments were placed to prevent any from the rightful heir to take possession. In this case, the next person in line to take possession would be Bellatrix LeStrange."
"No!" Harry said vehemently.
"Our thoughts exactly." Dumbledore nodded. "Our situation is quite complicated. However, we do have a very simple test in which we can find out if you are the proper owner of the Black properties. You see, if you have indeed inherited the properties, you will have also inherited Kreacher."
"No…" Harry said, his shoulders sagging.
"I am aware of your feeling about Kreacher, however, I think you may find him useful." Dumbledore said.
"How do we find out if he belongs to me?"
"You only have to call for him" Madam Bones said, looking quite interested.
"Exactly." Dumbledore nodded.
Harry took a deep breath and then, clearly and loudly said "Kreacher?"
There was a silence. Harry began looking about as did his uncle and Aunt. The silence stretched out. Dumbledore sighed heavily.
"Well then. I suppose that means…"
CRACK!
There before them was a wretched looking beast that fell to it's thin knobbly knees and began pounding it's tiny fists onto the carpet, shrieking with distress.
"It seems I nearly spoke to soon." Dumbledore smiled. "But it is clear now that you are the rightful owner of all the Black properties. If I may make a suggestion, you should have Kreacher go to work at Hogwarts in the kitchens. There he will be unable to get into trouble with all the other elves to watch him. But you must order him to do so."
"Kreacher, I want you to go to Hogwarts and work in the kitchens." Harry said, sounding a bit relieved.
Kreacher got to his feet and scowled angrily at Harry. He looked murderous, but Harry was unfazed. He knew enough about house elves to know that Kreacher would be unable to do anything to him. With another loud crack, Kreacher disappeared.
"Now that we have that solved, there is another house elf that has been rather insistent that I ask you if you would consent to employ him. He says he is quite happy in his current position, but it is his fondest wish to be bound to your family."
"It's Dobby, isn't it, sir?" Harry smiled in spite of himself.
"It is indeed. And if I may offer a bit of advice, I think it would be wise of you to employ him, and place him as your head elf. He would then be able to keep his eyes on Kreacher and make sure that Kreacher stays in line. That would simply be one useful thing Dobby would be able to do for you."
Harry seemed to think it over for a moment before nodding. "I'll talk to him." Harry promised.
"Good." Dumbledore smiled. That just leaves one final item. Harry, this is Amelia Bones, she is the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"You were at my trial." Harry said.
"I was. Very good memory." Madam Bones smiled.
"It'll be a day that sticks with me the rest of my life." Harry admitted.
"I can imagine."
"What can I do for you?" Harry asked.
"Mr. Potter.. .Harry, yesterday was my niece's sixteenth birthday. It was supposed to be a very special day. As it turned out, it became an incredibly special day. You see, yesterday Susan became engaged to be married."
Harry looked to Dumbledore and then back to Amelia, clearly confused why this woman was telling him that Susan Bones was now engaged to be married.
"You see, there is a marriage contract that has existed between House Bones and House Peverell for a nearly a hundred years or so. Unfortunately, the specific parameters of the contract have never been fulfilled in order to activate it. That changed, and the contract is now in effect."
Harry simply stared at Amelia, waiting for her to continue. Amelia took a deep breath continued.
"Harry, the Peverell line died out over a hundred years ago. When that happened, the contract passed on to the next family connected to that line. The Potter family line."
Harry simply sat there silently as Amelia's words began to settle in his brain. When realization of what Amelia was saying hit him, Harry stood up straight and gaped.
"ME?" He shouted.
"HIM?" Vernon Dursley shouted, pointing at his nephew.
"He's not old enough to be married." Petunia shouted.
"We all should calm down." Dumbledore said, looking imploringly at Harry, who was still standing up, though he looked very wobbly on his feet.
"Is there a way out of it?" Harry pleaded, now turning to Dumbledore
"I'm afraid not." Amelia stated. "The contract is quite firm. But it allows you a couple of years before it needs to be fulfilled. It gives you the chance to get to know each other."
"I know this is upsetting to you Harry, but this may not be such a bad thing." Dumbledore tried.
"Are you mental?" Harry shouted, backing up. "How is being to forced to marry someone I barely know, much less have no feelings for one way or another a good thing? For either of us? What about what we want? What about who we might want to be with?"
Harry turned his back on them, going to the fireplace and taking a few moments to calm himself.
"Does she know? Does she know about what I have to do? Does she even know that just by talking to me she could wind up dead?" Harry asked his voice low and filled with pain.
"Miss Bones is as of yet unaware of the full situation, but I have explained things to Madam Bones."
"It's part of the reason I wish to extend an invitation for you to come stay with me for the rest of the summer." Amelia said.
Harry turned around again looking perplexed. "What?"
"The Headmaster did explain some things to me this afternoon, and I have come to the decision that it would be in yours and Susan's best interests if you were to stay with us for the summer. It would allow you both time to get to know one another before school without pressure. Also, I think you will find that staying with the head of magical law enforcement comes with certain advantages for someone in your unique situation. For instance, there is an expansive library on defensive magic that you would have access to, not to mention that I could secure a permit for the use of underage magic for the summer."
Harry looked suddenly as if he had been given an early birthday present. He gave a small smile and Amelia returned the gesture.
"What about the wards?" He asked suddenly, looking to Dumbledore, who frowned deeply as he gazed disapprovingly at Harry's aunt and uncle.
"I fear that even if you were to remain here for ten years, the wards would not strengthen. As it is, they are barely standing. When they fall, I have no doubt that Voldemort and his minions will descend on this house and burn it to the ground and kill all who reside within."
"What are you saying?" Vernon snapped. "Are you threatening us?"
"No, Mr. Dursley." Dumbledore sighed. "I am telling you that by your treatment of Harry all these years, you have inadvertently placed yourself in danger. I assume you are aware that our world is under threat of war by the terrorist who calls himself Voldemort?"
"He's going to come after us?" Petunia looked panicked.
"It is likely. He cares not about your feelings towards Harry. While I am sure that he would find you both willing allies in your hatred of Harry, he will kill you solely based on the fact that you harbored Harry all these years, and because you were not of magical blood." Dumbledore stated before turning to Petunia.
"I admit myself curious. Was it your petty jealousy of Lily's abilities or fear of her forgetting you altogether that made you such a bitter and spiteful person who would treat a child so poorly? The child of your only sister no less."
"You can't speak to my wife that way!" Vernon roared. "And I have had enough of this rubbish. If you're going to take him, then take him and good riddance. I've put up with this nonsense for far too long, and I wish it to be at and end at long less. Go. All of you, go. Get out of my house at once and never bother us again!"
"Very well." Dumbledore said as he rose to his feet. "Harry, I suggest that you go and collect your things. We shall be on our way as soon as you are ready."
Harry tore up the stairs and gathered his things. As he'd only been back at the Dursleys for two weeks, there wasn't much he had to pack. He was so intent on gathering every last bit of his belongings that he barely thought about anything else. And then, as he closed his trunk, and slipped on a jacket, it struck him that he was for all intents and purposes, engaged to be married. He wasn't sure exactly how he was supposed to feel. He of course knew who Susan Bones was. He had even spoken to her once or twice during the DA last year. Outside of that, he knew next to nothing about the girl. Harry had no idea how he was to be expected to marry a girl that he didn't know.
Then Harry began to wonder what could happen if he chose not to go through with it. He knew that magical contract could extract a heavy toll on those who tried to ignore them, or get out of their commitments. But what exactly were the consequences of not fulfilling a marriage contract?
Deciding he would ask when they were on their way, Harry took one last look around his bedroom, wondering if he would be forced to return there ever again.
Harry came down the stairs dragging his trunk while he struggled with Hedwig's cage, the snowy owl squeaked and hooted indignantly.
If you would allow me?" Dumbledore smiled as he tapped his wand on Harry's trunk, shrinking it to the size of a matchbox.
"Thank you sir." Harry said gratefully as he shoved his micro sized trunk into his pocket.
"I am afraid that your Aunt and Uncle do not wish to see you off." Dumbledore sighed, looking into the sitting room where Harry knew his relatives must be cowering.
"It's alright." Harry said flatly.
"Harry, when we leave here, the wards will come down for good. You will not be returning to your aunt and uncle's home unless it is your choice to do so."
"That is probably never going to happen." Harry muttered sourly. He then looked up to Dumbledore, the question on his lips.
"For the rest of the summer, you shall be staying with Madam Bones. You will be able to visit with your friends and get to know Miss Bones better."
Harry could only nod, as the magnitude of everything he'd learned that night was only beginning to set in. He was engaged to a young woman whom he barely knew. For some reason, he felt that Sirius was laughing at him somewhere.
"Well then, We shall be off." Dumbledore smiled as he opened the front door. He stepped out into the early evening with Harry and Amelia Bones at his side.
They walked down the little road for a few blocks before they came to the small walk that Harry usually used to get to the play park. Dumbledore stopped them, and then whistled softly. There was a flash, and Fawkes the phoenix appeared, singing softly. Harry suddenly felt much calmer upon hearing the magical bird's song.
"Fawkes will be taking us to Hogwarts. From there you will accompany Madam Bones to her home. Hold on to Fawkes' tail, please."
It was far better than traveling by floo, though not quite as nice as being on his own broom. Harry felt warmth that penetrated deep into his bones and eased his tired muscles. Tension he hadn't even realized he'd been feeling left him in the blink of an eye. He found himself standing in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts and he was suddenly filled with guilt. The last time he'd been in this room, he'd very nearly destroyed it.
"Sir." Harry started, looking truly pathetic. "I just.. .I wanted to tell you that..."
Dumbledore waved off Harry's apology. "There is no need, Harry. All is as they say, water under the bridge."
"Are you ready, Harry?" Amelia asked. Harry nodded, sparing one last glance to Dumbledore.
"Harry, if it should suit you, I would very much like to call on you later this summer."
"Alright." Harry said, not sure why the headmaster wanted to see him. Harry's mind was so jumbled as it was, He decided to file it away for later examination. Dumbledore simply smiled and bide them well.
Harry stepped into the floo with Madam Bones. An instant later, he was spilling onto the floor of the Bones' sitting room floor.
"I really hate floo travel." Harry grumbled.
"It takes years to master" Amelia smiled, slipping off her cloak. "I'll let you in on a secret. I end up on my butt quite a lot and I've been traveling by Floo most of my life. Personally I prefer apparition, but sometimes it isn't the best way to go. So, I think we should get you situated. Follow me."
Amelia led Harry up a set of stairs and down a hall. They passed by a room where Harry could hear music from a wireless, and two female voices.
"Hannah's spending some time here with us. During the day it'll be the three of you. Emy will make all your meals. A word of advice, stay out of the kitchen unless you want a nasty bruise. Emy is very protective of her kitchen. If you're hungry, just call for her, and she'll take care of it all."
Amelia opened the door to a small bedroom, though it was double the size of Harry's room at the Dursleys.
"You have your own bathroom through there, and there's desk so you can do your summer homework and write letters. We have a swimming pool outside, that I'm sure you'll enjoy."
"Thank you." Harry said softly, gazing out the window, as he set Hedwig's cage on the desk, and opened it, allowing his faithful friend to come out.
"If you'll give me your trunk, I'll reverse Dumbledore's spell so you can unpack. Harry complied, and Amelia set the trunk on the floor before she cancelled the spell, allowing the trunk to revert to it's normal size. Amelia watched as Harry slid his trunk to the foot of the double bed, and then sat down.
"Harry, may I ask you something personal?"
Harry looked up at the stern looking woman and nodded tentatively.
"I noticed that your clothes are rather ill fitting. Also, they aren't exactly what I would think a teenage boy would wear. That shirt looks like it should belong to a rather younger boy, what with the funny little duck on it."
Harry's face reddened, and he looked away at once. He didn't say anything, which only served to answer the question for the head of magical law enforcement.
"I see." Amelia said softly. "Harry, would you allow me to take you shopping for proper clothing tomorrow?"
Harry turned to look at the witch with a mix of embarrassment and intrigue. "You don't have to do that. You don't need to spend any money on me. I don't want to be a burden."
"From what I understand, you should have no trouble affording quite a few new wardrobes. The Black family vault alone held quite a bit of money. I only wish to take you, and offer my opinion on clothing you choose. I think a stop in Diagon Alley for new robes, and then a day in London for something more becoming of a young wizard would be appropriate. Also, we could stop into the Ministry and get you a permit to practice magic. We could make a day of it, and take the opportunity to get to know each other. That is, If you'd like."
"I would." Harry admitted honestly.
"Very good." Amelia smiled, clapping her hands. "For tonight then, why don't you settle in. I'll have Emy bring you some food, and in the morning, we'll head out for an adventure."
Harry nodded, and Amelia watched him for a moment longer before turning to go.
"Thank you, Madam Bones." Harry said softly. Amelia turned around and smiled again.
"When we're not in the Ministry, I'd prefer it if you would call me Amelia."
Harry smiled a little brighter and nodded. Amelia bid him good night and shut the door behind her. She stayed at the door for a moment, taking in everything she had seen and learned in regards to the famed Boy-Who-Lived that night. He was not the attention seeking ego maniac that some would have you believe. In fact, he seemed almost introverted. After taking a few calming breaths, she headed back down the hall, stopping at the room where the music was coming from.
"Come in." Susan called from within. Amelia opened the door, and shut it behind her as she entered. Hannah got up from the bed she used while she visited and turned the radio down as Amelia sat next on Hannah's bed.
"We have a guest with us as of tonight, and he will be with us until the end of summer."
Susan's eyes immediately widened. "You didn't really bring him here. Did you?"
"Yes, Harry will be staying with us." Amelia said, answering the question that she knew Susan was getting ready to ask. "He is here for a few reason, not the least of which is so that the two of you can spend time together. I'm going to ask you though not to bother him tonight. He's had kind of a rough night, due partly to me. Tomorrow I'll be taking him into London. When we get back, the four of us will have dinner together, and we'll see if we can't crack his shell a bit."
"Is he ok?" Hannah asked a bit of concern in her voice.
"He's not at all what I expected." Amelia admitted. "I think there's a lot about his life outside of school he's kept hidden, and after what I saw and heard today..."
Amelia noticed that Susan's expression softened as her eyes went towards the door. Amelia's niece was quite the caring and selfless individual. It was likely that if she explained about Harry's situation, Susan would make a concerted effort to help Harry. Amelia didn't want that at all. As Dumbledore had said, It had to be natural and of their own free will.
"You've both gotten quite a shock over the past two days. But at least now you're both on equal footing. Now it's up to you to make what you will of your situation." Amelia said. "I am going to head to bed. Try not to stay up to late."
With that Amelia kissed her niece on the forehead and left the two teen girls alone.
"What do you think she was talking about?" Hannah asked.
"I'm not sure." Susan admitted. "Do you know anything about Harry's life outside of Hogwarts?"
"Only that he lives with his aunt and uncle… I think. That's it." Hannah shrugged, sitting back on her bed.
"I think I heard that too." Susan agreed. "You don't think he was abused, do you?"
"If he had been, someone would have done something, right?" Hannah asked.
"Only if they knew about it." Susan said. "If no one checked on him, or he never said anything..."
"And that would be just like him, wouldn't it? Suffering in silence."
"What do you mean?" Susan asked.
"Did you see his left hand last year? Neville told me that Umbridge was making him use a blood quill. He's got scars that say 'I Must Not Tell Lies' on his left hand."
"That's illegal!"
"I know, but he wouldn't say anything, and he made Ron and Hermione swear not to say anything. He also got mad at Neville when he noticed. He hid it most of the year. I never noticed it until Neville told me in after the DA got broken up. I saw it during our Transfiguration written tests."
"How come you never said anything?" Susan balked.
"I didn't know if it was true or not. I mean come on. You've heard all the same rumors I have. How can we know which ones are true or not?" Hannah said. Susan had to nod at this.
"So, what should I do?" Susan sighed.
"What do you mean?" Hannah looked perplexed.
"How do I talk to him? I mean, no matter what, we're going to be married. I just... I don't know how I'm supposed to interact with him. I don't have any feelings about him one way or another, and yet, I'm going to wind up married to him. It really messes with you head."
"I'm sure of that. What I would suggest is to try and forget that part of it all together for now. Look at it as a chance to be around one of the most desirable boys in the whole school. We got to see a little of what he's like during the DA. He seemed pretty nice and he was always sweet to us."
"He was teaching us, I don't think he was all that interested in either of us romantically. Besides, he had a thing for Cho Chang, remember?" Susan reminded her friend.
"Whatever. Look, don't try and rush anything. At this point, all you're doing is trying to be his friend. That's it. It's like your Aunt said. You're spending time together, getting to know each other. No pressure. I will even try and make myself scarce for a few hours each day so you two can just be on your own."
"You don't have to do that." Susan said, but Hannah waved it off.
"Just promise to spare no details when you shag him rotten." Hannah smiled evilly.
"Oh gods, you're so wicked!" Susan broke into giggles as Hannah caught the pillow her best friend hurled at her.