(a/n): Thanx for the reviews folks, great fun.

Ready for some payback? Amos doesn't know when to quit, but he hasn't really changed since Ch#3.

The 'state of siege' I see as a step below either a war or blood feud. And only that an actual Head of House can declare one. There's enough history with COS to have Justin be either really good or really bad to Harry. Throw in the jealousy and one feeds off the other.

While I've been harsh with Hermione here, I wonder about her in canon. It's possible she Obliviated her parents with their consent. And it seems to me that, from the movie, she went about it very delicately. Just editing herself.

I wonder in passing, how would Dumbledore have done against the four of them?

Why did Harry not get the memory from Jessica of the mysterious girl? In spite of his exposure to Amelia, he doesn't know everything she did. And besides, where's the fun in revealing her identity right away?

27 - Harry Potter Avenger ii

The group had limited success. They tracked down another werewolf made by Greyback. Lupin's 'sister' if you like. Remus did not. Nor did Tonks when the woman tried to seduce him. It took all of them to defeat her. Harry's knee delivered the death blow. It hadn't been deliberate, she fell and pulled him with her. His knee landed on her throat.

They watched her die. Whether from silver poisoning from Harry's knee, or suffocation resulting from a crushed larynx it wasn't pleasant to see.

"We're taking tomorrow off, maybe even another day or two." Sirius declared, after the battle. "We're near Glasgow. Cover up your scar, and we can get a couple rooms at a hotel."

Harry protested, but one look at the faint, and very premature, age lines in the corners of his eyes generated compliance. Not only had be been keeping up with the adults, but he'd been lending his magic to their apparation efforts. But, on day four he complained "We're not doing anything! What's worse! I'm bored!"

"It's only been a month, lad." Said Moody "You knew we were not going to succeed right away."

Sirius nodded in agreement "And we really haven't done too bad."

"Where next?" asked Harry.

Lupin replied "We've scouted here a bit."

"You mean snogged a bit." Sirius teased.

Tonks laughed "And maybe a bit more, dear cousin."

"On topic, people!" Harry snapped impatiently.

Sirius agreed "He's right we run the risk of getting lazy. Remus, didn't you and Peter hang out here? I think … Wait! … Do you smell that?" Without warning, or consideration of the muggle restaurant they were in, he transformed and sped off in pursuit.

"Harry! Obliviations!" Remus ordered as the adults took off.

The young wizard had little choice but to obey. "Oblivia Maxima!" he cast for multiple people. He tossed a £50 note on the table, far more than necessary but the first thing he pulled out, and ran. Luckily the chaos was easy to follow. There was a rapid series of apparations, and soon the magicals were well outside the city.

"Incarcerous!" Harry fired. One Death Eater had lagged behind, his magic exhausted by multiple apparation.

The others of his party stopped and hurried back, letting the others get away. They congratulated him "Nice job, lad. Well done kiddo!"

"Walden Macnair." said Harry "Remember me? I do, from Volemort's resurrection. Too bad Buckbeak got away, huh?"

Moody pushed him aside and said "No time for that, Potter. We need answers and we need them quick!"

"Not…crucio?" Harry asked, backing away.

A malicious smile appeared on the old Auror's face "It's war boy." He growled "And, besides, I don't need an Unforgiveable to get information. What's the most harmless spell you can think of?"

"A cleaning charm." He replied almost immediately, then changed his mind "Err… no… the first one we learned Wingardium Leviosa."

Moody laughed, it was not a kind one. He aimed and cast it at the tied prisoner. Who rose just above their heads and floated there "Got anything to tell me?"

"Drop dead Moody!" Macnair spat.

Moody assumed the pose of a professor and lectured "There is not a spell, jinx, hex that cannot be used to cause pain. Actually we learn this in the first month of Auror School. Oh! Sorry there Walden… speaking of drop … Finite!"

"Ooff!" the prisoner grunted as he hit the ground with a THUMP!

Harry cringed

"And that was seven feet." Moody continued. He repeated the spell and held him high again. Turning to Harry he said "Looks to be about eight, don't it? … Finite!"

And again, a thump. This time leaves …at least Harry decided that's what it was… crunched.

"We were graded on creativity, too." Moody offered. He pointed his wand at a rock perhaps the size of a human fist "Wingardium Leviosa." And it floated as he directed it until it was hovering directly above Macnair. It struck his ankle and he grunted, refusing to scream.

Tonks tugged on Harry's elbow and said "I think that's enough 'Advanced Education'. Come on, Harry." They were mostly out of hearing range two cracks and one thump later.

"The human body can only take so much." Moody approached them fifteen minutes later.

Harry swallowed a lump in his throat and asked "He's dead then?"

"Quite." Moody answered "He won't be lopping off any Hippogryff heads again."

Harry, rather abruptly, turned practical "Then you didn't learn anything?"

"I didn't say that, either. There's a cave about five miles southeast of here." He answered. The group apparated.

But their quarry was already in the process of evacuating. "Greetings, my son!" Fenrir Greyback called out tauntingly "I smell you young one!"

"My father was a good man!" Remus yelled back "You are NOT him!"

This time, the anguish in his eyes gave Harry no pleasure.

"Good boy!" the senior werewolf shouted back "Well if you're quite determined to fight me, come on then! We'll be in London! Not far from the Hogawarts Express! Surely your nose is up to the task!"

The pursuers heard the clear sound of four Apparation cracks.

"Stop!" ordered Moody "We need to think a second! Plan!"

Remus was sweating, he tugged on his collar. Some of his wolf traits were coming out. "Want Blood!" he growled

"Sweetheart, relax." Tonks said soothingly. She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled his shoulder. "That's just how he wants you to act."

Moody asked "Anyone know why they would be in Central London?"

The question was met with a round of negative responses. The only thing Harry had to offer was "Ron's wedding took place somewhere there. Since it was Granger's church. Then she probably lives … well… lived somewhere in there."

"That's too big an area." Moody decided "Let's not jump to conclusions. Lupin, with Central London as a target you think you can lock him down?"

Remus nodded, still too animalistic to speak clearly.

An hour later, they'd traced their opponents to a single house. "Hermione!" Remus half-snarled, pointing at it.

"She's in there?" Harry quiered, in disbelief.

Remus glared at him and shook his head "At school! Her scent, all around. She from here."

"Bloody hell!" Harry shouted. He pointed his wand at the ground and yelled "Reducto!" carving out a hole two feet across and five feet deep.

Sirius inhaled deeply and turned slightly animal as well, though he was fully in control "Wormtail is here, too!"

"I can't do this." Harry exhaled "No matter what I decided, it'd be wrong. Mad-Eye … you're the senior Auror. You make the … you're in charge now. I place all of us under your command."

Sirius patted him on the back "That, I think, is one of the most mature choices you've ever made, Harry. We still can't let them get away, can we Alastor?"

"Let's see how things develop." Mad-Eye said, noncomittally. He pressed his wand to his neck and spoke "You know we're out here!"

A voice returned "Moody …old friend… how are you, the leg? The eye?"

"You Rosiers are like weeds! Kill one and another sneaks through the cracks!" he countered "Which one are you?"

A booming laugh came back "Mum always said you were our best enemy! But you've run your course old man!"

"We have hostages!" a new voice declared. "Friends of Potter's!"

Harry copied Moody's actions "If you mean Grangers, you'd've done better with the Dursleys!"

"You put me in command!" Moody growled, slapping the wand away "Ministry policy forbids negotiation with hostage takers!" He set up anti-apparation and portkey wards.

A third voice threatened "Take that down or a Muggle dies!"

"We're prepared to be reasonable! Come out Harry! Let's talk it over!" this from Wormtail.

This time Moody nodded for him to reply "You must be kidding! Like I'd trust you Pettigrew!"

"Wizard's Oath, Potter!" Greyback called out "On my magic you have five minutes truce! No one will harm you! Argeed?"

They all looked at each other, Moody nodded "Almost an Unbreakable. Don't know what they're after. But we can trust it. Go ahead Potter. We agree!"

"We want to convince you of the seriousness of our position." Said Greyback as Harry stepped onto the large house's porch "Look in the window, Potter. Bella, you may indulge yourself."

Harry had heard of this particular witch. Most recently, he'd learned of her responsibility for the condition of Neville Longbottom's parents.

"Crucio! Crucio! Crucio!" she fired off, gleefully.

Despite his hate for the woman who'd half blinded him, or perhaps because of it for initially he liked her screams, Harry felt bile in his throat.

"It was a lovely Muggle scene Harry." Wormtail taunted him "Four of them sitting there enjoying a lovely afternoon tea. Now surely you don't want your little Mudblood upset. Do you? Just imagine how disappointed James and Lily would be."

Harry's face twisted in fury "Someday you'll get yours." He declared.

"All you have to do is drop your wards. We'll be gone and we'll leave these…things…behind." Greyback offered.

Harry glared up at the larger man "Not my decision. Mad-Eye's in charge. I know Lupin would love to take you down though."

"Amelia tasted gooooood." Greyback drawled out "Tender for a woman of her years. I wonder if the niece is just as good. Amelia's liver hinted of too much Firewhiskey. Does your little whore partake?"

Rage boiled up inside Harry, his knuckles cracked and bled, he was gripping his wand so tight. A moment later, he was shocked to see Greyback drawing his wand. And a fraction of a second after that, he was flying through the air. He landed behind the row of azaleas his group was using for cover. Jumped to his feet and charged.

"Cool off Potter!" Moody snapped "Aquamenti!"

The water soaked Harry. He threw up his hands to protect his face, and after a few seconds it stopped. "I'll kill the fucker!" he raged incoherently.

Ice cold water doused Harry again from Moody's wand "Enough dammit!"

"Stop it *glarbbbb*!" he fought blindly. But the water continued until he was completely exhausted.

By the time it was done, Moody's water ran half a mile down the road. "About time you came to your senses, Potter! Now! How could the werewolf attack you? He kept his word exactly! But he baited you to keep you within reach while his oath expired!"

"But! HE said!-" Harry yelled.

Another gush of water "Aquamenti! Don't matter what he said! I can guess, but IT – DOES – NOT – MATTER! Now give me facts!"

"Four Muggles in the house." He gasped for breath "Greyback, Pettigrew, Bellatrix Lestrange. One other I don't know. They tortured them while I was there. Show they were serious. We drop the wards, they leave the hostages."

Remus shook his head "Greyback would never give up such an advantage. Wormtail doesn't have any honor to keep."

"And cousin Bella is totally insane. The only one she obeys is her Master." Sirius added.

Moody nodded and touched his wand to his throat again "The Ministry does not negotiate with hostage takers! You have five minutes to surrender. I promise a fair trial!"

"Drop those wards in THREE minutes or one of these Muggles dies!" Greyback countered.

Moody took a few seconds to consider, then "Potter, Black, Tonks, you three blast the front of the house. Blow out the windows, walls, everything. Lupin left side, I'll take the right. You three charge as soon as the dust clears."

"Ten seconds left!" Greyback's voice boomed.

The announcement was followed instantly by Moody's "Now!"

The Granger home resembled earthquake ruins from the outside. Nor was the living room, where the main explosion occurred, much if any better.

When Harry entered, Remus Lupin and Fenrir Greyback were mostly werewolf-ish and clutching each other in a mutual death-hug. The one Mad-Eye knew as Rosier held his wand to Ian Granger's throat. Peter Pettigrew had a similar hold on Michelle Granger. Bellatrix was the only instant casualty. Apparently, some falling piece of house had instantly and cleanly beheaded her. The witch's body was slumped over a chair and her head laid several feet away.

"Wards are down!" yelled Rosier "Go Pettigrew! Potter, ever seen a deliberate splinching?"

Harry fired "Expelliarmus!" at the Death Eater, but it was too late. The effect was grisly. The Death Eater was gone, apparated clean away. With him, he took Ian Granger's hand and the bones of his forearm. The man screamed in agony, holding up his arm. Blood simply fell out, and the flesh flopped around in a grotesque version of someone waving an empty sleeve.

Peter Pettigrew simply failed to escape. His magic was not enough to apparate with his captive. And by the time he tried again, Sirius and Moody both thought to cast new anti-apparation wards. "Stop Sirius!" he ordered "So help me, I'll kill her!"

"Like you framed me for those others, Peter?" he demanded, marching forward. Sirius gave not the slightest indication of concern for Hermione's Mother "And she ruined Harry's eye. Kill her! I could care less! I just want you! Maybe later I'll kill her too."

Peter panicked and screamed, he shoved his captive into Sirius.

Not even slightly interested in Michelle Granger, Sirius just deflected the incoming woman and continued after Peter. The instant he tried turning into Wormtail, Harry's fist slammed down on the rat form's back, pinning him to the floor.

"Good job, Harry!" Sirius praised "Now give him to me so I can kill him!"

Harry shook his head "No! This time we'll get him to the Wizengamot."

The werewolves had each taken bites from the other. Remus was bleeding from his shoulder and Greyback had a neck wound. They simultaneously shoved, and broke apart. While they were snapping and growling at each other Mad-Eye struck "Avada Kedavra!"

While Harry was, once again, saving Wormtail's life the rat squirmed out from under his fist and sprinted away. Unfortunately for him, Tonks was there with a stunner. She hastily fashioned a small box from the rubble and dropped the rat in it "Isn't that the second time he got away from you." She snarled.

"Thanks Tonks." Godfather and Godson said, simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Lupin was turning on Mad-Eye. Who fired "Imperio!" in an attempt at control. It was nearly impossible. Sirius added his will to the struggle and Remus roared in protest, continuing to stomp forward.

"Remus, dear, it's over." Tonks said soothingly. She walked up slowly and finally stroked her lover's half changed cheek "You did it. Greyback is dead. Come on back to me now and we'll get that looked at. You'll be good as new in no time."

The wounds were even more severe looking when he returned to human form. A neck wound might usually be more serious. But looking at Lupin's shoulder you could see bone sticking out. His flesh had not just been stabbed, or cut, some was torn away. Then there were the dozens of scratches and bruises everywhere.

Alastor Moody was busy caring for the horribly wounded Ian Granger. Michelle was unconscious, but the head wound caused when Peter shoved her was not life threatening. With Moody tending to one, Tonks caring for Lupin, Sirius certainly had the skill to revive her; he just had no incentive to.

"Is this what winning feels like?" asked Harry.

Sirius sat next to him, he straddled a two-by-four that had crushed a secton of the couch Harry had flopped into. He put a hand on the boy's shoulder and asked "Dunno, what do you feel?"

"Well, I did what I set out to do." Harry answered with a lackluster shrug.

Sirius offered a weak smile "I'd think you'd be jumping for joy."

"We killed people, Sirius." He argued.

To which his Godfather shrugged "In this whole thing you didn't kill anyone."

"That's hippogriff shit!" Harry snapped. "Vernon … he had this show when I was little. Some Americans robbed a bank. One of them shot a teller. They were all found guilty. Even the bloke that drove the car they escaped in. He wasn't even inside when it happened."

Sirius actually approved of Harry's train of thought "So you see yourself as this bloke that drove the car?" he asked.

"No Sirius, I don't." the young wizard answered "I'm the bloke that planned the whole thing. That werewolf, yeah it was an accident I fell on her. Don't change the fact she's dead. And, if we didn't chase them, the Grangers wouldn't be hurt and their friends wouldn't be dead. Sirius, have you ever killed someone? I mean directly."

The man sighed "You know. Most kids your age, I wouldn't answer that question I'd tell them they're too young and I'm sorry you're not. Yeah, I did. During the first war against Voldemort. And I can remember every fight, their expression when that fatal spell hit them. Dementors really helped with that."

"Will you tell me about them?" asked Harry.

Sirius looked down, but nodded "Ask me again when this is all over. We'll share a bottle of Ogden's."

"We should get the injured … and dead … to St. Mungo's." Moody announced.

x

February, March, and now they were starting April. As Titular Head of House Potter, Ginny Weasley was in the strangest situation of any of her peers. Suddenly a tremendous gap existed between herself and her dormmates who mostly cared about boys, bra sizes and makeup. To be honest, that was an exaggeration, but that is how she felt sometimes. Ginny was, legally, an underage schoolgirl who could not spend a Sickle of her own considerable wealth without her Father's permission. Yet there were no restrictions on her access to the vastly larger resources of the House she had no blood or marriage claim to.

It was inevitable that Ginny and Luna Lovegood should be friends, they only lived a few miles apart in Ottery St. Catchpole. And the Ravenclaw was one of four people that helped her struggle through the complexities of what she had gotten herself into.

Neville Longbottom was the closest to Harry's situation PRIOR to Amelia's murder. Head of his Family, but not of age and unable to wield that authority. And of late, unfortunately, she had to consult them separately. Neville and Luna had a falling out in early March and hadnt spoken since, cause unknown to Ginny.

Susan Bones was the 'other woman' in Harry's life. Or rather, more accurately, that phrase better described Ginny herself. Susan refused to speak in suport of the Ministry when Headm … sorry Minister … Dumbledore sought to have her removed. Instead, producing the letter she'd found under her on that cold February morning, when she learned her Aunt was dead "An explanation! In Harry's own hand! More! Amelia herself endorsing it!"

Ginny, to the entire Wizengamot's surprise, and displeasure, spoke for herself "I do not require your approval of my position. I was lawfully appointed by Harry Potter, the blood heir. Until he returns House Potter requires someone to run its day to day affairs."

"You are sixteen, girl." Lucius Malfoy said coldly "And not remotely qualified."

Ginny gave him a look of disgust "I don't see you having the right to judge me. Read any good diaries lately?" And that's about how she staked her claim. Vultures were gathering, but had not yet acted. Ginny was getting worried and had met with her Father three times in the last week.

x

"We need to talk." both redheads said after that first Wizengamot meeting. They were seeking each other and naturally almost collided near a Hogwarts classroom.

Again, the same words came out after they secured it "Thank you for-" and, talking over each other "You first - No you-"

"Thank you, Sue." said Ginny, and held up a hand to stop the other girl "Harry told me the only way they can definitely strip me is by unanimous vote. What you said made sure it wasn't even close."

Delaying to make sure she was actually done, Susan finally said "Ginny, both ... what I mean is Harry appointed you to do this. So he trusts you, completely. Makes sense given the life-debt. Aunt Ami is the one who gave him the idea."

"I'm sorry." Ginny offered, quietly, gripping her hand firmly "You know ... back after First Year ... Dumbledore, he was kind and polite about everything. But, she... she actually talked to me. After - I just wanted to forget. Don't think I ever thanked her."

Susan returned the gesture "I guess I know as much about that as anyone who wasn't there can. But even Harry doesn't know what you went through. Thanks for telling me."

"Thank you for your Aunt." replied Ginny "Merlin! That sounds corny!"

At first, Susan laughed. Then she burst into tears. It wasn't the first time in those grief filled days immediately after Amelia's murder, nor would it be the last. She accepted the comfort Ginny offered. When she was done, Susan pushed away and, embarrassed, muttered "Thanks." wiping at her face.

"You're welcome." Ginny said solemnly. Then feeling the need for relief, commented "You know, does my ego alotta good. You being short and all."

Susan initially was stunned, then caught the mood, countering "At least I have boobs."

"Watermelons, you mean." Ginny declared looking her over mock-critically "You know, what else I thought ... how many wizards in this school would've paid a fistful of Galleons for a shot of us hugging.

Susan laughed for almost a solid minute. Through it she managed to get out one word "Harry!"

"Uh-uh." Ginny shook her head "I bet he'd pass out flat. Too bad I'm dating Dean. How'd he react if we both-"

Susan giggled "Please no! I was hoping to graduate with him!"

"I miss him." sighed Ginny "I know he's being all brave and noble."

Susan finished the thought "He just better not be doing it alone. He's just that type, though."

x

Her relationship with Dean Thomas was the latest casualty of her role "We haven't spent any time together in the last week." He complained, that very morning.

"I met with my Wizengamot proxy yesterday." She explained "And my Dad was here last night for almost two hours."

The black boy's eyes flashed dangerously "Yeah about Potter!" he said accusingly.

"About House Potter, yes." Ginny answered. "It's important."

Dean crossed his arms and fired back "More important than me, obviously."

"Don't say that. I have a lot of pressures. Exams, too. Quidditch." She countered.

He huffed at her "And we've got NEWTs. But I want to be with you!"

"Careful how you phrase that, Thomas." Ron said, setting aside his Defense textbook and giving the 'discussion' his undivided attention.

"Butt out, Ron! This is none of your business!" the black Gryffindor angrily growled at his roommate.

Heavily pregnant Hermione leaned toward Dean "He has a point. I am very much in favor of our family having less involvement with Harry Potter."

"Butt out Granger!" snapped Ginny, who only used her sister-in-law's maiden name when she was truly irate. She turned that hostility back on her boyfriend "And just what are you accusing me of?"

Dean hesitated, then his pride got in the way "You've been mooning after Potter for years! Now you're practically married to him!"

"You need to read a bit about Magical Law." She said, coldly "Instead of your stupid cartoons!" That was low, and Ginny knew it instantly. Wanted to take it back. Then all she saw was stars.

Dean had punched Ginny. Square in the mouth. He was the most talented new artist in the Wizarding World in decades. Destined to adorn Hogwarts' walls with portraits of important wizards and witches. And here his girlfriend was belittling him.

Ron, compliments of some accidental magic, flung himself off the couch with a battle cry and pounced on his roommate. Dean, by the time enough Gryffindors entered the fray, was battered and bloody. He had to be floated to the Hospital Wing. Ron went to the Headmistress' Office, and subsequently, home for a week.

x

This was the situation existing on the day of Harry Potter's return to Hogwarts. Filius Flitwick was just beginning his class when the door suddenly opened. This was, of course, highly irregular. And given his lengthy disappearance, the identity of the interruption and of his request. "Hello, sir, might I speak with the Regent Potter please?"

"You refer to Miss Weasley, I assume." The tiny professor replied, and waited.

Harry nodded "Yes sir."

"And might I inquire as to the reason for your need?" he asked.

Harry replied "With respect … sir … it relates to the reason for my departure. And Hogwarts rules allow students to be called out of class for family emergencies."

"Very well." The Charms Professor relented "But, I trust, a more detailed explanation will be forthcoming."

Ginny sat frozen in her seat until released by Flitwick. But, the instant of permission was like a spring under her. "Are you alright?" she demanded, fiercely hugging him.

"Professor, I plan to tell the entire school at lunch. Subject to My Lady's approval naturally." Harry answered through the curtain of red "However, she will hear my report first."

Ginny pulled him into the hall and they started walking. She immediately scolded him "Almost two months and no word! Harry! That's not fair!"

"Owls can be tracked Gin." He countered "Most times we moved around so much Apparating just wore me out."

She cut him off with a gesture and asked "WE? Who's we?"

"What's that?" he asked, a couple of fingers touched her cheek and gently turned her head.

She sighed "The really short version is that me and Dean are done. Oh… and sorry, Ron's at home right now. Suspended for fighting."

"Sorry." Said Harry, for lack of any other comment "And sorry he'll miss all the fun."

She gave a concerned look "Fun? I don't know what you've been through. But Harry, you do not look like you've had fun."

"No. You're right." He admitted, showing fatigue. "Here it is -"

x

Word spread like electricity through wire that Harry Potter had returned to Hogwarts. That he'd interrupted a Charms Class. Speculation ran wild, it was truly amazing how word left that Charms Class and reached the other side of the school while class was still in session.

"Not now, Sue." He said softly as his girlfriend approached "I am following a script."

As she took a spot near the rear of HufflePuff Table. Headmistress McGonagall spoke sternly "Mr. Potter, you have been Absent Without Permission for fifty-six and one-quarter days. You return and disrupt a class without seeking my permission, without even notifying me of your presence."

"Perhaps I can explain now … in front of everyone, Headmistress?" he requested "It would be easier than telling the story over and over."

She nodded "Granted."

"Professor, everyone, for the last two months I have been hunting the killers of my Head of House." He said "Amelia Bones, or Potter, when she acted for me …was murdered by a bunch of cowards working for a vile creature who has made it his life's objective to pick on me. Ever since Halloween 1981 this self-styled Lord Voldemort has targeted those I love. Pretty pathetic he failed to kill a baby who couldn't even walk!"

Harry's use of the feared name, followed by insults, sent shivers through the Great Hall. It even radiated up to the Head Table.

"Before my departure, I appointed Ginevra Weasley as Head of House Potter. This was to defend my House from those unscrupulous Houses who would loot it under the guise of 'The Common Good'" Harry's gaze wandered about, resting briefly at significant places.

Ginny stepped in front of him and said loudly "Harry, it has been my honor to hold your House in trust. We will install you as Head, later, in private. You may act in advance of that now." She took up a spot just behind and to his right.

"I wanted this. But not over the body of my Regent the Noble Amelia. But what's done is done." He said "For too long, House Potter languished. Allowed to coast along. Amelia started us down the right path, I intend to do more. Dobby!"

A House Elf popped in, rather a rare sight in the Great Hall despite all the work they did.

"You will record the following in the form of a letter addressed to the Minister of Magic at the end of which will be House Potter's announcement I intend to adress the Wizengamot." He declared.

Dobby bowed and answered "Yes, Earl Potter."

"House Potter calls out the Heads of House Bones and House Longbottom!" his voice echoed about.

The phrasing surprised many in that it seemed Harry was challenging them. And so Neville reacted when he was close enough "What's going on Harry?"

"Proper protocol, Duke Longbottom!" he whispered, a smile just added to the mystery "Surely the Dowager Longbottom has taught you that!"

Susan did "House Bones demands an explanation for this public display!"

"Countess Bones" Harry bowed to her formally "may I have your indulgence while I settle a possible dispute between my House and that of Longbottom?"

Susan looked rather put out offering a private silent reprove. Aloud, she said "I trust you will not try Our patience." She waved a hand in Neville's direction.

"House Potter seeks judgment from House Longbottom. As agent for House Potter I may, or may not, have intruded upon Longbottom affairs."

Neville knew the prescribed response "The forms must be obeyed. My Lord Potter, I cannot even make a recommendation to my Regent unless I know the nature of the alleged offense."

"As you will." Harry replied "In my effort to bring to justice the killer of my Head of House, my team was responsible for the slaying of Bellatrix Lestrange."

Neville's jaw went slack "You don't mean it!" he said, barely above a whisper.

"We have proof if you would care to examine it." Offered Harry.

The Longbottom heir nodded and gestured.

Harry snapped his fingers and in floated a largish wicker basket. Whispers abounded that he just displayed wandless magic. "A gift, then, My Lord Longbottom. Handle with caution."

"Little heavy" Neville noted, Harry's treatment of the package had been rather deceptive. He opened the lid and reacted with a mix of revulsion and pleasure. After composing himself, he said formally "While I cannot yet speak for my House, I shall send this to my Regent with my strongest endorsement. For myself, Harry, I feel great satisfaction in the death of my parents' torturer!" He lifted the head of Bellatrix Lestrange (nee Black) from the basket, held it high. Then extended it to arms length and spit on it.

Harry bowed lower than a 'bow to an equal' and replied "Then We eagerly await the Dowager's reply. Your positive recommendation is appreciated. I wish to now address the Countess Bones, with your permission."

Neville gave the same bow Harry had, backed away, and waved Susan forward

"You are looking well, Earl Potter." she said, giving a formal curtsy and offering her hand.

Harry took it and bowed, touching his forehead to it. Even this completely unsexual contact sent a thrill of excitement through him that was impossible to ignore. Speaking so the entire Hall could hear he said "Susan Amelia Bones, for a time one great lady ruled both our Houses. I, with some help, have found and slain her killer." And again, he snapped his fingers and another wicker basket appeared.

"I shall take your word for it, I think, My Lord Potter." She accepted the basket which was all but identical to the one presented to Neville, however made no effort to open it "The name of this vile individual?"

Harry replied "Fenrir Greyback, My Lady. I assure you, he died painfully. A member of my team is recovering from injuries suffered fighting him."

"A great tale, Mr. Potter, I am sure." Said Headmistress McGonagall from her throne at the Head Table.

Harry cut her off "No Ma'am it isn't. Not really. I just did what I had to. And there's more. As Bellatrix Lestrange was wife and consort to Rudolphus Lestrange, House Potter has no choice but to declare kanly on House Lestrange. And, equally, her maiden House Black. We know there are no Lestranges currently attending Hogwarts, nor Blacks."

"Not true Potter!" Draco Malfoy spoke up "I am Grandson of Cygnus III Black!"

In walked notorious Azkaban escapee, Sirius Black "Sit down and shut up you little twerp!" he first dismissed Draco, then addressed Harry "Kanly? The Blood Feud? A most serious step Earl Potter. How do you propose we reslove this matter? A duel to the death perhaps?"