Minerva entered Gryffindor Tower then made her way to the first year boy's dorm room. She entered and the sight before her broke her heart. Harry was lying on his bed staring sadly at the ceiling with a bit of parchment on his chest. She slowly approached Harry and said in a soft comforting voice.
"Are you alright Harry? Do you want to talk about it?"
Harry sat up but said nothing. He handed Minerva the letter and she sat down on the edge of his bed to read. After finishing she said, "It does sound quite formal doesn't it? Harry I think someone may have played a trick on you."
"Why would someone do that? I haven't done anything to anybody. If you're right, it wasn't very funny," Harry responded feeling both sad and angry.
"I agree with you. Some people think that playing tricks on others is amusing but they forget that it can be hurtful as well. I want you to write Luna another letter and explain what happened; I'll make certain she receives it. I will PERSONALLY look into this matter so it never happens again," Minerva said strongly.
"Thank you. I'll do that now; I'm still not very hungry."
"I understand but I want to see you at dinner tonight understand," Minerva replied.
"I understand, thanks again Aunt Min," Harry said giving his aunt a hug. Minerva returned to gesture then left to handle this unpleasant matter.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Minerva was walking towards the Great Hall when she was distracted by Hedwig barking to get her attention. Minerva walked over to the Snowy Owl, who was perched on a nearby window sill. She spoke.
"I was going to look for you later but it seems you knew that. You are a clever one aren't you?"
Hedwig barked her acknowledgment. Minerva continued.
"May I scan you for any tampering; it won't hurt a bit."
Hedwig barked her agreement excitedly giving Minerva the impression that something was definitely wrong. Minerva drew her wand then cast a scanning charm upon Hedwig and was appalled by what she discovered. She conjured some parchment and a quill with ink then attached the letter to Hedwig's leg. She said to Hedwig.
"Please take this letter to Eyelops, they can help you. I placed a tracker on this letter in case you are diverted again. If my suspicions are correct, he has gone too far this time."
Hedwig barked her anger then gave Minerva an affectionate nip on her finger then left to complete her task. Minerva then continued on her way, mumbling some very unladylike curses under her breath with her Scottish ire rapidly approaching full boil.
She entered the Great Hall then took her seat at the Head's Table. She wasn't very hungry herself but tried to eat anyway. Her anger was starting to overwhelm her when a friendly voice distracted her.
"Are you alright Minerva? You seem upset."
"I am Filius and thank you for your concern. One of my students was upset and I went to comfort him. Apparently, someone placed a Diversion Charm on his owl and pranked him with a false letter. I wrote a letter and instructed the owl to go to Eyelops for treatment; I didn't have the skills to remove the charm without hurting her. I also put a tracker on her to find out who is responsible," Minerva said in a huff.
"Perhaps it was the Weasley twins. You know how much like the Marauders they are," Filius responded.
"Perhaps but the charm is very advanced and I doubt they could cast it properly. Tampering with a wizard's familiar is bad enough but tampering with a Lord's familiar is criminal. Lord Potter may want to prosecute the assailant," Minerva spat with a heavy accent.
Filius agreed and the two chatted about more pleasant things; Filius wanted her autograph as well which caused her to smile weakly. This conversation did not go unnoticed by the headmaster. He finished his meal then excused himself from the others. Minerva noticed this and smiled evilly to herself, got you this time Albus. No one messes with MY child.
Albus walked quickly to an abandoned classroom then commanded the wards to release the owl. He breathed a heavy sigh the returned to his office. Once inside he thought with a heavy heart, why wouldn't Minerva tell me about this first? She knows she can trust me. I was only trying to protect young Harry from later heartbreak by ending his friendship with that Lovegood girl. How does he know THOSE people in the first place? Why has Minerva told him about his Lordship, there will be plenty of time for that later? He is already using his position against his classmates. This must be stopped but how do I do this? The only way is to sever the relationship between Minerva and Harry but how do I do that without removing her completely. If it wasn't for Lucius, this would not have happened.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Later that day, Harry was feeling better but not much. He gave his letter to Minerva but was told someone tampered with Hedwig and she was being cared for. The rest of the day and throughout dinner, Harry's mood was somber. None of his friends could shake him out of his apparent funk. It was only when he heard the sounds of Hedwig's arrival that he perked up. She delivered a letter to Minerva then flew over to her human; she could feel his distress. Their reunion was the highlight of Harry's day as he spent several minutes caring for his feathered companion. He was distracted by someone saying.
"How could you get so upset over an owl? I mean she's just an owl, you could just get another one if you needed to."
"She's not just an owl Ron, she's my familiar. Professor McGonagall told me that I felt the pull of my familiar when we went shopping for my school stuff. Besides she's not my owl, I'm her human," Harry responded.
"Are you mental or something? How can an owl own a human?" Ron asked curtly.
"She doesn't own me anymore than I own her. That's just the way it is."
"I've never heard of being pulled towards your familiar before. Is that common?' Hermione asked inquisitively.
"It's not uncommon but it's not an everyday thing either. Some witches and wizards go their whole lives without a familiar; some like Harry find them early on in life. She really does have you well trained doesn't she Harry?" Susan teased watching Harry hand feed some steak to Hedwig.
Harry just shrugged his shoulders and continued to care for his friend. Neville said.
"I wonder when you became her human Harry."
"I think it was about five minutes after we met," Harry said jokingly.
Hedwig barked something causing those around her to laugh. Hermione teased.
"I think she said it was less time than that."
"You're probably right. I'm just relieved she's okay. I can't believe someone would try to hurt her, then again Malfoy doesn't like her because she kicked his . . ."
"Harry." Hermione stopped him from finishing.
"Exactly, she kicked his hairy . . ." Harry tried to joke but one glare from Hermione stopped him causing everyone around to laugh at his predicament.
Hedwig hopped over to Hermione to say hello. She was most pleased by the way she handled her human. Hedwig then hopped over to Susan as she was a most acceptable human as well. Dinner ended and Hedwig flew off to the owlery for some well deserved rest. Harry and his friends went their separate ways and prepared for the next day.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The rest of the week went by without much incident. The Astronomy Class was at midnight and was exhausting because most of the students weren't used to being awake that late.
Thursday brought Harry great joy, as it was his first Transfiguration class. As he entered the classroom, he spotted a very familiar tabby cat sitting on the teacher's desk. He wanted to say hello but that would ruin the surprise. Neville asked.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing; nothing at all. I'm just anxious to get started," Harry said grinning.
Hermione just shook her head and pulled out her supplies to take notes. The bell rang and class began; everyone was wondering where the professor was until the tabby cat leapt from the desk then transformed into Professor McGonagall who started to speak.
"Good morning class and welcome to your first Transfiguration class. Transfiguration is one of the most difficult branches of magic you will learn here. I expect you all to work hard and take this course seriously. Any foolishness and you will be asked to leave and not return. Do I make myself clear?" She said in a stern professional tone then continued.
"Transfiguration is the art of changing one thing into another; like so," She drew her wand then transfigured a potted plant into a dog, then waved her wand again and it changed into a chair; another wave and it became a broadsword then lastly she returned it to its original form. She continued her introduction.
"It will take much time and effort before any of you can perform transformations of this type. I warn you now; attempting advanced transfiguration without learning the proper basics can be dangerous. Are there any questions before we begin?"
Harry tentatively raised his hand; when he was called upon he asked, "When you say you can change one thing into another does that include air?"
There were some snickers from the other students but the most vocal was Draco Malfoy who said, "You must have air between your ears Potter; air is nothing." This earned Draco many laughs at Harry expense. Minerva was not amused and responded harshly before Harry could retaliate.
"That is quite enough Mr. Malfoy; five point from Slytherin for your outburst. The answer to your question Mr. Potter is yes. Transfiguring the air is called Conjuration. You will learn that IF you earn the right to take my NEWT level class. However, today we will be transfiguring a matchstick into a needle. Can anyone tell me why we start with this?"
Hermione raised her hand and answered, "A matchstick and needle have the same general shape and size."
"Excellent five points to Gryffindor. The key to Transfiguration is to visualize the item you wish it to change into. The wand movements and precise pronunciation of the incantation is also important. I will demonstrate," Minerva said.
She demonstrated the wand movements and incantation to the class and all the students practiced them diligently. She assigned the class to read the theory behind this spell as she took her place upon her desk in her cat form. As the students were reading, Ron and Seamus entered the classroom out of breath. Ron said.
"I'm glad McGonagall isn't here yet; she'd go spare if she knew we were late."
At that moment the cat became the professor once again and Ron said, "That was bloody brilliant."
"Thank you for that assessment Mr. Weasley. Perhaps I should transfigure you into a pocket watch so you will be on time," Minerva scolded.
"We got lost professor," Seamus answered.
"Then perhaps a map. Take your seats and read the theory on changing a matchstick into a needle in the first chapter," Minerva responded. She mused, there is always one student that is late the first day every year.
Ron and Seamus found and empty set of desks and set to their task. Once the reading was complete the students set to their assignments. Harry took his time and practiced his wand movements and incantation fiercely; he wanted to do well in this class. When he felt he was ready he pointed his wand and did everything correctly then; nothing happened. He tried again with the same results. He tried several times but could not get even the slightest reaction. He quickly became frustrated then he remembered Minerva's words about visualization.
Harry closed his eyes; using the meditation techniques he learned long ago, and pictured a needle in his mind. He pictured the sleek metal shaft; the sharp pointed tip and the oval eye hole. Once he had the picture clearly in his mind he made another attempt and had perfect success. However, Hermione completed her transformation moments earlier. Minerva was watching the class while they worked and their success was quickly rewarded. She said.
"Well done, both of you. Five point each to Gryffindor. Continue to practice."
Harry and Hermione were both pleased with their accomplishment and continued to practice. Harry noticed Neville having difficulties and said.
"Neville relax, here take this needle and just study it for a bit. When you get a clear picture in your head then try again."
"Thanks Harry," Neville said quietly. He studied the needle for a few minutes and in this time he relaxed a bit. When he felt he was ready he tried again. His matchstick was now needle shaped but still made of wood. Minerva observed this and said in an encouraging voice.
"A good effort Mr. Longbottom, keep practicing. You'll get it. I saw that Mr. Potter, five points to Gryffindor for helping a fellow student," She said with a small smile.
Harry blushed at her praise, he still wasn't use to such things. The class ended and homework was assigned; Harry and Hermione were the only one's that made a complete transformation while others came close like Neville. In the hallway, Harry was approached by Dean Thomas who said.
"Harry why didn't you say something to Malfoy when he insulted you?"
"I was going to but Professor McGonagall stopped me, then I realized it just wasn't worth it. Why should I lose house points for acting like him," Harry answered.
"But Harry, everyone knows McGonagall is your guardian. It was in the papers ages ago. I'll bet she'd let you get away with anything," Ron said.
"You think so. Tell me something, what would you get away with if your mum was our Head of House?" Harry defended.
"Oi, I don't even want to think about that," Ron responded.
"Exactly. I wouldn't want to put her in that position anyway. She could get sacked because I was stupid. Its almost lunchtime, lets go," Harry said.
Ron wasn't about to argue with the promise of food so the group of Gryffindors headed towards the Great Hall for lunch. While enjoying their midday meal, Susan came by to visit and said.
"Hey Harry I met a couple of people that would like to join our study group. Can I bring them along?"
"I don't mind, we were going to meet in the library after History. What do you have next?" Harry said.
"History as well. I'll go tell them to meet us there later. See ya," Susan said happily and bounced away.
Harry just shook his head at his lively friend and returned to his meal.
History of Magic was taught by Professor Binns. Unfortunately, he was a ghost and had a voice that could put an insomniac into a coma in minutes. Harry tried desperately to stay awake but to no avail; he did manage to last through most of the class. Hermione was the only one who not only stayed conscious but took diligent notes as well. Homework was assigned and the class ended with most of the students trying to clear the sleep from their eyes.
The study group decided to head to the library, Ron, Seamus and Dean decided not to join them so they returned to their dorms to relax before dinner. While everyone was setting up their supplies, Susan arrived with her friend Hannah and two new faces. Susan introduced the new people to Harry.
"Harry these are Ted Nott and Tracey Davis; Ted and Tracey this is Harry Potter."
"Nice to meet you both," Harry said politely shaking each of their hands.
He introduced Hermione and Neville and they all greeted each other just as polite. Once the pleasantries were completed they all set to their work. Ted and Tracey felt a bit uneasy being around the three Gryffindors and Harry noticed their discomfort so he decided to break the ice as it were. He asked.
"Have either of you ever been to Raven's Cove?"
"Oh yes, it's a wonderful place. There are so many museums and historical landmarks to see; not to mention the shopping," Tracey said happily.
"Yes, I was in a chess tournament there this past summer; I made it to the quarter finals. They have the best lasagna at Leanzas," Ted replied.
"What is Raven's Cove?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Its one of the lesser known magical communities. Hogsmeade is the largest but it's just too commercialized. Raven's Cove is more of your basic small town. Lots of shops, restaurants and museums and the like," Ted replied.
"And the people are really friendly. Most of the shops are specialty boutiques that sell things that you can't find in Diagon Alley. The restaurants are the best, if you like seafood you have to try Ugly Joe's pub," Tracey added.
"I never considered there would be other places to shop and eat. What else can you tell me?" Hermione inquired.
"Diagon Alley is like a muggle shopping plaza. It's centrally located and has everything you need for the most part. The thing it lacks is variety; besides all of the major shops there have the contract for Hogwarts. Ollivanders isn't the only wand shop around, it is the most well known though," Tracey said.
"I remember Luna telling me that there are loads of stores spread out all over England. She and her mum like to shop around. I could ask her to make a list for you if you want," Harry said.
"I'd like that, thank you. What else can you tell me? Are there any books about different communities in Europe?" Hermione said. She was truly engrossed in this conversation.
"I've been to Badger's Point a few times with my aunt. It's really nice, not as big as Raven's Cove but nice. They have the most incredible sunsets over the ocean," Susan said in a dreamy tone.
The conversation continued as everyone completed their homework. Ted and Tracey felt more relaxed by dinner time. They admitted that because of their house; they felt they would be shunned. They were both more than surprised that not only were they accepted but made some new friends in the process.
That evening, just before curfew, Harry visited Minerva in her office. She said.
"You did very well in class today. How was History?"
"It was boring actually. Why is there a ghost teaching here? I mean how does he grade our homework or tests? He can't even touch anything," Harry asked.
"I wish I could give you a proper answer but I can not. Did anything else happen today?" Minerva said.
"Ted Nott and Tracey Davis joined our study group; they're nice," Harry said with an odd look on his face.
"What's the matter Harry? You look confused."
"I just can't understand the idea of having a ghost on the payroll. I'm just being silly, I'm sorry. I better head back to the tower. Goodnight Aunt Min," Harry said giving Minerva a warm hug. This was the best part of both their days.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Later that evening, Minerva answered a knock on her stateroom door. She ushered her friend Ana inside and she said.
"Minerva I checked the pendant readings and a compulsion charm was cast on Harry. The time indicated he was in History class. What is going on?"
"I don't know but that would explain his strange behavior. He asked me why Binns was on the payroll here when he can't even touch anything to grade them. The problem was I couldn't answer him. I wonder; Ana please scan me for any charms," Minerva said in a concerned tone.
"He wouldn't but better safe than sorry," Ana said. She cast a general scanning charm on Minerva and was not pleased. She said.
"There's a mild compulsion charm on you. I removed it but you had best scan me as well to be certain."
Minerva agreed and found the same charm on her friend. She removed the charm then Ana said.
"Why on earth would we have these charms on us? What does this have to do with Binns?"
"Binns has been here since I was a student; he was a ghost then. If he is on the payroll then where does the money go? Now I understand; I couldn't answer this question earlier but after you removed the charm everything is clearer," Minerva stated.
"If Albus is embezzling from the school then we've finally got him. He handles the payroll personally," Ana exclaimed.
"I'll make some discrete inquiries to find out if this is true or not. If Albus has been padding his coffers then he's finished and Snape as well," Minerva said venomously.
"When does Harry have potions?"
"Tomorrow morning with the Slytherins. I never understood why Albus insists on pairing our houses together like that. He has refused to mix the classes evenly, that alone would help build house unity," Minerva said.
"It's for the greater good," Ana spat.
"Indeed. You go and speak with Pamona and I'll speak with Poppy. I want to know how far this charm has spread," Minerva said.
Ana agreed and the two sisters left to speak with their friends. Their upcoming meeting will be most intriguing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Friday morning and Harry as well as all Gryffindor were nervous. Today was their fist potions class with Professor Snape. They have all been warned in advance about his behavior towards their house and were told not to incite his wrath. Then again anything other than his own house angers the man. They all ate their breakfast, feeling like it was their last meal, then headed to the dungeons and their fate.
Draco Malfoy and company were in high spirits as they were on their turf with their Head of House in command. Draco taunted Harry and his friends but Harry remarkable held his tongue. Ron, however, did not as he was angrily yelling at Malfoy. Before things could escalate, Professor Snape arrived and promptly took ten points from Gryffindor for Ron's unruly behavior and they haven't even entered the classroom yet.
Snape began his usual opening dissertation on his preferred art then began scanning the room for potential victims. He had been under scrutiny for some time and it made his task more difficult. He had to find actual reasons to take points from Gryffindor as the points logs were reviewed regularly by his superior Minerva. He spotted his prey and sneered. He said in a superior tone.
"Mr. Potter, our new celebrity. Tell me what would you get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"A sleeping potion called the Draught of the Living Death, sir," Harry replied.
Snape sneered as he was not impressed. He thought, Minerva must have had him overly prepared for my class. No matter there are others. He scanned the classroom and settled on.
"Weasley. Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
"I don't know, sir," Ron replied.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for not being prepared for class. Mr. Malfoy answer the question," Snape said in a triumphant tone.
"It's a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons, sir," Malfoy stated proudly.
"Correct. Ten point to Slytherin," Snape said as he scanned for his next point loser.
"Longbottom. What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
"Nothing sir, they're the same plant. It's also called aconite, sir," Neville answered with a shaky voice.
Snape was not impressed as he continued his instructions. They were instructed to make a simple potion to cure boils and were put into pairs. Harry was paired with Ron and they set to their task. Harry prepared the ingredients and Ron added them with Harry's instructions, he didn't want to lose any more points. Things were going well until Harry noticed what Neville was about to do. He whispered.
"Neville take your cauldron off the fire and let it cool a few minutes before adding the porcupine quills."
Neville smiled and nodded his thanks then Snape said.
"Potter, ten points from Gryffindor for not paying attention to your own work," He said with a smirk.
Harry bit his tongue then returned to his work. The class ended without incident as Ron and Harry bottled their finished potion. It was the right color but a little thin. They handed their potion in to Snape who looked at it and smirked. The potion vial slipped out of his hands and fell to the floor where it bounced. Harry picked up the vial then replaced it on Snape's desk. Snape was seething inside and sent a strong Legilimancy probe at Harry. When he encountered nothing but fog his angry grew and dismissed them gritting his teeth. They cleaned their cauldron and gathered their things and left the classroom quickly. Once outside, Ron said.
"I thought Fred and George were joking about Snape; he's worse than I thought. I wonder why our vial didn't break."
"I heard rumors that he liked to drop vials so I learn about a charm to prevent it from breaking," Harry said.
"Where did you learn that? What is it called?" Ron asked.
"I have this book series called 1003 Useful Charms and it had this one called the Unbreakable Charm. It's not that hard to do and right useful," Harry exclaimed.
"Wicked. I bet he wasn't expecting that," Ron said.
"Hey Harry, thanks for your help. Sorry you got in trouble though," Neville said.
"No worries Neville. If he's like this all the time; how can anyone learn anything?" Harry asked.
"I don't know but it's going to be a long year," Ron said.
"Don't you mean five, we have to take potions with him at least until we take our OWLs," Hermione said.
"Who asked you anyway?" Ron spat.
"That wasn't very nice of you and she's right. We do have to take potions for five years at least," Harry defended.
"She didn't have to remind me though. We have about an hour before lunch, want to play chess?" Ron said.
"Not right now, thanks. I want to get my stuff organized to do homework after lunch," Harry said.
"But it's not due for ages and it's Friday. You need to relax and quit being so uptight," Ron said.
"We have plans for this weekend. We were going to look for an empty classroom for our study group and explore the castle a bit. You're welcome to come along if you want," Harry stated.
"I'll think about it," Ron replied.
The rest of the journey to Gryffindor tower was uneventful as the group chatted about other unrelated matters. Once reaching their destination, the boys went to their dorm where Harry opened his trunk and retrieved several books for his potions essay. Hermione entered a few minutes later and helped Harry sort through his collection. She browsed his collection on the train and was most impressed but didn't have the time to memorize every title; she would take care of that oversight soon. She returned the books she borrowed earlier and Harry gave her a strange look. He asked.
"You couldn't have read all of these so quickly. I told you there was no rush."
"I learned how to speed read a few years ago. I have over ninety percent recall as well," Hermione stated proudly.
"Was that hard to learn?"
"Not really. My mum bought me a book that explains how with different techniques. I could ask her to send it here if you're interested. It does, however, take a lot of practice," Hermione stated.
"That would be great, thank you. I have thousands of books in my library at home. I was wondering how I could read them all," Harry stated without thinking.
"Th . . .Thousands?" Hermione stuttered.
"Yeah, I inherited a fairly large library; this bunch is just a small portion. Maybe you could visit some time next summer and I'll show you," Harry said.
"That would be great thank you."
"What are friends for?" Harry said.
Hermione blushed fiercely at his declaration of their friendship. She knew they got along well but hearing it stated aloud warmed her heart. She composed herself promptly and assisted her now official friend in gathering a few more books for their homework. They finished their task then headed to the common room to relax until they left for lunch. They took their book bags with them so they wouldn't have to return.
After lunch, Harry and company went to the library to complete their assignments. As they all worked, Ted remarked.
"Harry where did you get this book? It's one of the best potions books around. I doubt they have a copy here."
"From my personal library. My . . .um . . . Guardian suggested I bring it along. Is it really that good?' Harry said.
"My mum uses this same book in her work as a potions brewer for St Mungos. It's professional quality," Ted exclaimed.
Hermione's eyes went wide but Harry just shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. The rest of the time was spent chatting about their weekend plans of exploration.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Later that night, Minerva and friends left the castle and headed to Hogsmeade. They entered the Three Broomsticks where they were met by the proprietor Rosemerta. She allowed them to use her personal Floo connection to reach their destination. Upon arrival, Minerva wasted no time and said.
"Good evening sisters. We have a bit of a situation on our hands. All of us at Hogwarts were charmed with a mild Compulsion to not question Binns' presence there."
"What is the old man up to this time?" Dolores asked.
"We think he may be embezzling from the payroll. Binns doesn't need money because he is a ghost. Amelia could you look into this."
"I'll make some inquiries; the money has to go somewhere. Have you completed your investigation Tonks?" Amelia said.
"Yes ma'am. Since the inception of the Head Boy and Girl position, there has never been a Head Girl that wasn't a prefect. There has been a few Head Boys that weren't prefects or even Quidditch Captains but not many. The strange thing was that all of them occurred during some sort of conflict. Weather it was a Goblin War or some Dark Lord uprising; they were all from influential families. I have a list of them here," Nymphadora said as she handed her list to Minerva.
"Well done Tonks. Your next assignment is to buy a supply of Chocolate Frogs on your Hogsmeade visit. Harry was nearly charmed by Albus' card when he received it. Take the funds from our account and buy a large supply," Minerva stated.
"You don't think the old coot would charm his own card would you?" Cassandra asked.
"That is what we aim to discover. He did interfere with Harry's letter to Luna. How is she by the way?" Minerva asked.
"She's better now that she got Harry's letter. She was heartbroken; she thought he had forgotten her," Cassandra said.
"You should have seen Harry when he thought she didn't want to be friends anymore. I never thought his animosity towards you would last this long," Minerva said.
"He lost all control over Harry when the article came out. He never did like answering the hard questions," Rita stated.
"He's been obsessed with Harry since that night but never bothered to check on him. I believe in second chances as much as the next but he takes it to the extreme," Minerva spat.
"How is Harry doing? Is he adjusting?" Septima asked.
"He is doing well. He is helpful in class and made some new friends; even two Slytherins. Hermione Granger is someone I am very interested in. Her raw intellect and passion for learning is astounding not to mention her loyalty to Harry," Minerva said.
"Hannah Abbot seems to be a good candidate as well. She and Susan get along famously and she works hard and is very helpful as well," Pomona said.
"Are there any other likely candidates?" Dolores asked.
"A few but we will have to wait and see. I dislike having to recruit them so young but Albus has a strong foothold on many students. He's the main reason our numbers are so low," Minerva said.
"Since this Hermione Granger is so interesting and is connected to Harry are you going to approach her parents for a betrothal agreement. You are his guardian," Dolores asked.
"I have considered it but Harry has three already and I suspect he will be receiving more offers soon," Minerva said somberly.
"There hasn't been a harem in our world for over three hundred years. Sorry for speaking out of turn," Tonks said.
"Nonsense Tonks, you're one of us now. I'm impressed that you know your history so well. Five points to Hufflepuff," Pomona said.
"Did you know that the wives of the last harem were all sisters and it was a time of great peace and prosperity?" Cassandra asked.
"I didn't know that. Is that what you're planning for Harry?" Tonks asked.
"We'll wait and see. We still have to deal with the Weasley girl first," Minerva said flatly.
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Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter.
A/N: Tonks is one year younger than in cannon; she left Hogwarts just before Harry started. I've never read any stories that addressed Binns before. He's still on the payroll; I've read too many stories that had Dumbledore stealing from Harry. I took the scenes with Minerva and Snape in class directly from PS but tweaked them a bit.