Chapter 8 – Sharing the News
Harry groaned as the first rays of dawn filtered through the window to awaken him, turning his face away from the window. "The day's blessings to you, ghergo'ir" harmonized the lowaar cheerfully.
"Bright blessings to you as well. Have I ever mentioned that you lot are much too cheerful in the morning" he muttered as he tried to wake up. Melodic laughter like bells and chimes echoed in his mind.
After showering and dressing, Harry opened his trunk to get the Veela book he had been reading. "How am I ever going to read all six books, plus my class reading and the supplemental reading, plus Quidditch practice and take time for my elemental magic lessons when no one is looking? There just aren't enough hours in the day. I guess I can try to get along on four or five hours sleep for a while."
Ortinoth spoke somewhat guardedly to him. "Ghergo'ir…" Harry withdrew into his mind and looked at his lowaar curiously. "You are aware of the shared Clan memory and that we…" he motioned towards Ydraith, Azreth, Chardok and Treith "are here to advise and guide."
"Yes, Naflosola. Your wisdom and guidance is much appreciated."
Chardok snorted. "Just say it plainly, hofibavi isthasy."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What am I missing?"
Azreth met his eyes with the slight smirk that Harry had come to recognize as meaning that he had missed something elementary. "Why do you think Ortinoth would bring up the Clan memory and us in response to your concern regarding reading the additional books?"
Harry tried to think it through. "Because once I read the material, the information will be available to all Clan members, and you'll be able to evaluate it with me?" Azreth's continuing smirk let him know he hadn't found the right answer.
"Autgabin, you are not alone any longer. The Clan will always be available to encourage and support you." Harry nodded, still not finding the connection. Ortinoth again gestured towards himself and the others. "While you read at one speed, we read at another."
Emerald eyes blinked as his mind raced. "Um…just how fast do you read?"
Chimes rang in his mind again as the lowaar chuckled. "Just show us the page, and we will read it, ghergo'ir. The information will be available as if you had read it yourself."
"Well, why didn't you say so? Do you know how much reading I have for each class? This will make everything so much…." He paused as the lowaar all shook their heads. "No?"
"For your lessons, you need to be responsible for your texts. You selected each class with the understanding of what would be involved. However, this is additional reading, and we will assist to ensure you have sufficient sleep."
Harry nodded ruefully and acknowledged that was appropriate. "Thank you for your assistance isohon'iri." He took all six books out of his trunk and retreated to his bed. He flipped page by page through each book. By the end of the second book, he felt as if his brain was overflowing with information.
"Cordon off a section of your mind, ghergo'ir. We will release the information more slowly so that you can absorb it at your own rate." That proved easier said than done, but by the time they walked him through the process and he had flipped through all six books, his dorm mates were up, dressed and ready for breakfast.
Harry shook his head at seeing the same six howlers with the morning mail. Apparently Fudge, Umbridge and perhaps their followers were the only ones willing to send the bright red screaming messages. Ron, Hermione and Neville helped him collect the other letters. Harry looked at them quickly and opened only one immediately, nodding in satisfaction as he quickly perused the contents. He loaded the others into a specially sized pocket in his book bag and then took out a number of rolled parchments bound together as well as a small leather pouch. He shrunk the parchment until all of the scrolls fit in the pouch, which he laid by his plate.
He smiled as Hedwig flew into the room and landed on his chair, and then hopped to his shoulder. She nuzzled his ear and preened several strands of his hair. After several minutes of petting, she held out her leg, and Harry tied the leather pouch to it. She hooted once and launched herself into the air, her wings beating strongly until she exited the Great Hall.
"What's up, mate?" asked Ron.
"I just received confirmation from a mail service in Hogsmeade. Rather than sending Hedwig flying all over, I only need to send her to the service, and they will forward all my responses."
"Good idea, Harry" Hermione approved.
Neville look surprised. "Are you responding to each letter, Harry? That will take you weeks to write to write and respond to each person individually!"
Harry chuckled and took a quick swallow of pumpkin juice. "Actually, I wrote three form letters and then just duplicated them. Now I just fill in the recipient's name and address and I'm all done."
"Oh, that sounds smart" Neville agreed. "What type of form letters?"
"I divided my mail into support mail, hate mail and various personal or business propositions." He stopped and dug three blank letters out of his book bag. "Here, you can read them."
Lavender spoke up. "Would you mind if he read them out loud, Harry?" At Harry's agreement, Neville read them.
"Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me regarding my experiences with the Ministry. I understand that your opinion differs and respect your right to disagree. Sincerely, HP"
"That's for the hate mail? You are much more courteous than I would be" Lavender commented.
Hermione looked at the other witch. "Harry might be able to persuade someone to his side if he's civil, don't you think?"
"Oh, I didn't think of that" Lavender said softly. "What about responses to letters of support?"
Neville read "Thank you for your recent letter. Someone pointed out to me that silence can imply consent or approval, and therefore my honor wouldn't permit me to remain silent any longer regarding my experiences over the years. Your note of encouragement was sincerely appreciated on a difficult day.
With gratitude, Harry J. Potter"
Neville nodded appreciatively. "Very nice, Harry. What did you say the last one was for? Propositions?"
Harry grimaced as he chewed his eggs and swallowed before answering. "I get rather interesting personal propositions as well as proposals to go into business with various people. I wrote a short all-purpose letter to decline whatever the proposition was."
"Thank you for your recent letter. Although flattered, I must decline your proposition. Best wishes, Harry Potter"
"Concise without being offensive. So you just fill in the writer's name on any of them and send them off to the mailing service? That's not too bad, and then those people will receive a reply and be able to see that you respond civilly in spite of the provocation."
Harry grinned. "Everything except the howlers. I just burn those before they start screaming."
Harry stopped at his Head of House's office and knocked on the open door. The Transfiguration teacher raised her head. "Come in Mr. Potter. What may I do for you today?"
"Thank you, Professor." He gave her the bow appropriate for a respected senior. "Has the Headmaster shared the situation with Draco Malfoy?"
The witch returned the quill to its stand and gave the teen her full attention. "Yes, Mr. Potter. He discussed it with the staff this morning. I was going to speak with you this evening. What are your thoughts about 'the situation' as you described it?"
Harry allowed his impassive expression to drop enough to show dry amusement. "Let's just say it wasn't what I was expecting to happen this year, Professor. But then, my life never seems to follow my expectations."
The woman pursed her lips briefly. "You and Mr. Malfoy have never been the best of friends over the years."
Harry allowed himself a grin. "That's a bit of an understatement. We've loathed and despised one another for years. While I haven't accepted the bond, I am going to agree to the Headmaster's offer of family quarters to lessen Malfoy's physical discomfort. If that's not enough, we may sit at each other's table at meals or spend time in one another's Common room. Will that be a problem?"
He smiled at the woman's surprise. "You would be willing to sit at the Slytherin table or spend time in their Common room, Potter?"
"Malfoy was surprised as well. He expected to make all concessions, but basic courtesy demands I at least meet him part way."
"I must admit that I did not expect you to adapt to the situation with such equanimity. I'm not going to come across Mr. Malfoy bound, gagged and hexed somewhere, am I?"
Harry gave a rich velvety chuckle. "Not by my hand, Professor." He smiled and added "I was going to tell the rest of the House this evening after dinner and wanted to ask if you would like to attend?"
"Yes, I think I should just in case House rivalries start to get out of hand. Thank you, Mr. Potter. I will be there. I will also ensure the rest of the House will be there, barring those that have detentions."
"Thank you, Professor. If you will excuse me, I need to let the Headmaster know that Malfoy and I will accept his offer of shared quarters." He gave a slight bow to his Head of House and left, leaving the woman looking after him with a slightly curious expression.
Harry wrote a note to the Headmaster and asked Dobby to deliver it. It stated simply, "Headmaster, Mr. Malfoy and I have agreed to share quarters. Depending on whether the quarters are available immediately, we will announce it to our Houses this evening and move this Saturday. Please let us know. "
The first shared Slytherin – Gryffindor class after he agreed to share quarters with Malfoy was Potions. Harry was also curious about whether Professor Snape had already made a new potion to attempt to break the curse on the Headmaster, so was looking forward to it.
Ron and Hermione entered the Potions classroom while Harry stopped to answer a question from a fourth year student about Quidditch tryouts outside in the hall. Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini paused before they entered the room. The girl gave Harry an intense speculative inspection before saying curtly "Potter". Harry inclined his head politely. "Parkinson". She sniffed and entered the classroom. Harry looked at the tall dark-skinned boy and arched an eyebrow. "Zabini" he said with a nod. "Potter" the other acknowledged, looking at Harry through his long slanting brown eyes. He smiled as if amused and entered the classroom.
Harry finished providing Quidditch information to the younger student and entered the classroom. Two large bodies blocked his way. He looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Crabbe, Goyle". "Potter" they each said, then stepped aside. He hid his amusement and headed to this seat.
"Good morning Potter" Draco Malfoy said quietly.
"Morning Malfoy" he responded, nodding politely to the other teen. Harry felt warm approval from his lowaar for maintaining Clan courtesy and sent affection back to them. He began setting out his equipment as Snape entered and began talking the moment he set foot inside the room. The lecture continued unabated for twenty minutes, before he set the class to brewing. The time passed quickly, and Harry found no interference with his potion. Obviously, Malfoy had already spoken to his House or at least to his year mates.
After the class completed, Harry said quietly to Ron and Hermione "I'll be along shortly. I want to ask Professor Snape something." They nodded and headed out.
Harry walked to the front of the room as the Professor began examining the student's vials. Without looking at Harry he asked curtly "What is it Potter?"
"I beg your pardon, Professor. I wondered whether you have had the opportunity to brew the new potion for the Headmaster?"
"Considering the unicorn blood would have been ruined if I hadn't given up a night's sleep, of course I did" the Potions Master sneered. "And considering the source of those potions, twenty points from Gryffindor for violating school rules to visit the Forbidden Forest."
Harry tightened his jaw to avoid showing any reaction other than inclining his head in acknowledgement. With deliberate politeness he asked "Was there any noticeable reaction from the Headmaster, sir?"
The sallow face turned to Harry and for a moment the teen thought he would refuse to respond. Well, perhaps it was a confidential matter. To his surprise, the man spit out "He took it this morning and the curse was broken, Potter."
Harry smiled and sent joyous congratulations to Chardok, then inclined his head to the Potions Master. "Thank you sir." As he walked away, he heard in a low mutter "Twenty points to Gryffindor for finally showing some intelligence." Harry spun on his heel, not sure he had actually heard those words. Severus Snape gave points to Gryffindor? Not possible! Snape had an almost pained look on his face and his eyes dared Harry to say a word. Harry flashed the man a brilliant smile and bowed then hurried out of the class room and on to next class.
"Thank you, Charok. You're expertise with Potions has once again proven valuable beyond measure."
The black dragon smiled and bowed to his outdweller. "I am considering what can be done for the withered hand and arm. Without something special, it will be useless. I have some thoughts…it may require some consultation with other Clan members".
Harry looked up as his Head of House entered the Gryffindor common room. At his nod, she touched her wand to her throat and cast "Sonorous".
In a voice that resounded throughout all dormitory rooms, Professor McGonagall said "All students are asked to come to the Common room for a brief discussion. I repeat, all Gryffindors please report to the Common room. Thank you." She touched her throat again and cast "Quietus".
Students came spilling down the stairs and arranged themselves around the Common room, many standing or sitting on the floor when all chairs and sofas were filled. They quieted down when the older witch raised her hands. "Thank you. I asked everyone to come to a brief meeting to discuss something regarding one of our House members. I expect each of you to lend your support and encouragement during the coming months."
She looked at Harry and raised an eyebrow asking whether to continue or turn it over to him. He stood, indicating he was ready. "Mr. Potter, will you please continue?" Harry moved to the fireplace and was immediately flanked by Hermione, Ron and Neville. Curious faces looked at the four friends.
"Stand tall and proud, ghergo'ir. You are Juanth Darastrix" Ortinoth commented . Harry straightened his shoulders and looked calmly at his House mates. He was unaware of the image he presented as he stood in front of his House mates with elegant poise and calm assurance. "Some of you may or may not be aware of magical creatures known as Veela. In the past, it was considered a benefit to wizard families to have Veela blood in the lineage because of the boost to magic powers in the Veela descendents. Veelas are one of the species that have a single mate to whom they are faithful their entire lives."
He paused as many purebloods nodded their heads. Harry heard second year Andrew Kirke whisper to his Muggle-born friend "Being a Veela mate is quite an honor. Every boy hopes to be Chosen."
He smiled at the two whisperers. "It's funny you should say that, one of the students at the school is a half-Veela and has chosen me as his mate."
Romilda Vane threw her long dark hair over her shoulder. "Really Harry? We're not like Beaubaxton with a large Veela population. Wait…HIS mate?" Audible gasps were heard in the room.
Katie Bell muttered loud enough for most of the room to hear "Fair complexion, white-blonde hair..him? Malfoy?" She turned large eyes to Harry. "Harry, Draco Malfoy is a half-Veela?"
Harry chuckled at Katie. "I would give you five points if I could Katie. That was a fast identification. Yes, Draco Malfoy's parents are both half-Veela and their son is as well. He identified me as his True Mate. From what I've been able to discover, the Mate rejecting a Veela is pretty much a death sentence. I haven't rejected him, but neither have I accepted the bond. I'm going to take some time to see whether this is something I can do or not."
Seamus Finnigan spoke up. "But Harry, what about his family following You-Know-Who?" Several muttered agreements were heard.
Ron took a half-step forward and cleared his throat. "A Veela can't harm his or her Mate; the Mate's safety and happiness is critical to a Veela. That means that Malfoy's support will swing to Harry." He gave a mischievous smile and wink as well. "It also means that he won't be harassing Gryffindors because that would make Harry unhappy."
Lavender Brown giggled and half-raised her hand. "Harry? That's just…hot. You and Draco together? Oh my." She took her homework essay and fanned herself. Next to her, Parvati Patil nodded enthusiastically. "Really hot!"
Professor McGonagall snapped "Miss Brown! Miss Patil! Behave with appropriate decorum or leave the room." The two girls blushed. "Sorry Professor" said Lavender who then met her friend's eyes and both girls looked down and giggled.
Harry picked up the discussion lead again. "This situation impacts all of us in a couple of ways. Firstly, Malfoy needs to spend time with me. Spending too much time apart will make him sick. Having either of us in the other's dorm isn't the best idea, so Professor Dumbledore is giving us family quarters. However, we'll be eating most meals in the Hall and will still be spending time in our House common rooms. It's possible that you may see Malfoy at our table or in the common room on occasion. I'm not going to ask you to be friends with him, but I am going to ask that you be as civil to him as he is to you. And yes that means if he's an arse, you can be as well. But if he is polite, then please be civil in return."
Several faces turned towards their Head of House who nodded her agreement although her lips were compressed tightly.
"Secondly, I'm going to be taking some meals at the Slytherin table and spending time in their common room as well. What I want to stay within these walls is that many students follow Malfoy and this is an opportunity to help win some of the Slytherins to the Light. Not all of them believe in Voldemort's methods, but haven't had a reason to oppose him. This may be an opportunity and I'm taking it. Remember, if they make the choice to oppose Voldemort, it means they might to have to face their own family across a battlefield. When they've been raised to believe 'Family Before All Else', this would be a monumental sacrifice on their part."
Whispers could be heard in the room. Neville stepped forward. "Harry is right. 'Family Before All Else' has been drummed into most pureblood children from birth. To choose a route contrary to their parents requires as much courage and bravery as any Gryffindor has ever displayed."
While some of the House looked incredulous, other purebloods nodded in agreement with Neville's statement.
Harry motioned and drew his House mate's attention again. "If the Headmaster has quarters available, I'll probably move this weekend after the Quiddith try-outs." He looked around the room. "Are there any questions?"
Parvati cleared her throat. "Harry, I thought you liked girls?"
He chuckled, a warm and velvety sound that gave a few of the girls in the room a shiver of delight. "I do like girls. As I said, I haven't accepted or rejected the bond. You all know the rivalry Malfoy and I have had over the years. However, he did say that if all I could offer him was companionship, he would accept that."
Colin Creevy spoke up. "Harry, what kind of quarters would you two have? And may I take a couple pictures of you two together?"
Harry tried not to roll his eyes at the second question. "The Headmaster said it would be comparable to the Head Boy and Girl quarters. Two bedrooms, a shared bath and a common area. And do you really want to face an annoyed Draco Malfoy, Colin?" The younger boy gulped audibly and shook his head quickly.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward and swept the room with austere eyes. "I expect every member of this House to behave with appropriate decorum towards Mr. Malfoy. You will not make this situation harder for the two of them, but will demonstrate appropriate support and good manners. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Professor" came from most throats in the room. She gave a dry smile. "If Mr. Weasley can behave with restraint, I expect no less from the rest of this House." She nodded at the four at the fireplace and left the room ignoring Ron's delayed and muffled "Hey!"
ghergo'ir = young one
lowaar = indwellers
naflosola = grandfather
hofibavi isthasy = foolish brother
autgabin = grandson
isohon'iri = honored ones
