AN: So sorry for the long wait. I just started back to school and haven't had the time to really write.
The time table: Right now we are at July 21st 1993. Harry's birthday will be the 31st which is when he will get his inheritance. The ball is one week later on the 7th of August. And school doesn't resume until September 1st. After Harry's birthday and definitely after school starts back there will be time skips greater than a couple hours. I'll try to use dates whenever there is a scene change or a time skip to minimize confusion.
End rant and on to the fic.
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Harry sighed as he lay in bed the morning of the twenty-first. He knew it would be a long day, with Blaise and Theo there all day for the 3 separate healing lessons. Harry was hoping for lots of overlap between magical and wizarding healing so they could drop one of those classes. The way things were going, he was having more lessons over the summer than he did during the school year. They were all practical and in the case of Goblin lessons fun, but they were still lessons.
After thinking on his choices so far over the summer Harry rolled out of bed and got dressed. Madame Longbottom was expecting him for breakfast and Harry wanted to be done eating before Theo, Blaise and the tutor arrived.
"Harry, do you recall me telling you about meeting my Wizengamont allies?" Augusta said when they were nearly done eating.
Harry nodded. "Yes ma'am."
"Well they will be coming for lunch today."
"That's fine. But we have a lesson at 1."
"I thought your lesson was this morning?" She asked looking at him confused
"We have non-magical healing this morning, magical healing at one and wizarding healing at five." Harry told her.
"There's a difference between magical and wizarding healing?"
"I don't know ma'am that's why I scheduled both." Harry replied. "If there is an overlap, I'll drop the one with the worse teacher."
Neville just smiled over his tea cup. Augusta gave Harry an approving nod at his planning and forethought. She was beginning to see Harry more as an equal than a young child. He's shown cleverness and was learning quickly.
Blaise and Theo arrived at 9:30, so they had a little while to chat before the lesson began at 10. Harry told them he would be coming by Zabini Manor on the 24th to pick up Theo before they traveled to Perciville Palace. The four also discussed shopping together. Harry was thinking of taking them all shopping at Piccadilly and maybe even hitting Harold's. The others agreed and they planned to go shopping after Harry's lunch 'date' with Ramona on Friday.
Their teacher for non-magical healing turned out to be a muggleborn that couldn't get a job in the wizarding world due to his gender and blood status. St. Mungo's, as Mathew told them, wanted half-blood or higher female applicants. That's why there are so few male healers. Wizards see it as woman's work. In the non-magical world Mathew is the head nurse of an ER in Leeds. He was going back to school to get his doctorate and these lessons would help pay his way back through school.
Augusta and the children all found the information fascinating, even if Augusta was saddened and more than a bit disgusted that such a smart young man had been lost back across the divide due to bigotry. Mathew taught them the beginnings of basic life support. Such as checking the pulse, blood pressure and temperature. He told them he would bring a plastic dummy to work with for his next lessons. All in all, he was a calm teacher that was very informative. Their hour with him passed quickly.
"From the look on your faces, I can tell this meeting will be interesting." Augusta said once Mathew was gone. Just from these lessons and the children's response, she doubted her good friend Griselda Marchbanks, head of the Education Department at the ministry and Governess of Wizarding Examinations Authority, would be pleased with what these kids had to say about Hogwarts. "Why don't you and Mr. Zabini stay and meet my friends? As an heir yourself Mr. Zabini it may behoove you to start making allies in the older generation."
Blaise nodded. "I would be honored. You are also correct. If I am going to make the Zabini house have as much power here in Britain as it is in Italy then I will need more contacts than mother's rather small group of friends."
Augusta nodded, while the boy was quiet and a bit cold, at least he was honest and that was more than she could say for most of the younger generations.
The four boys all headed out to Neville's greenhouse where he showed off his plants. Blaise was very interested in his hybrids. He enjoyed Herbology as well even if it wasn't his best class. Theo had little interest in growing plants, his only interest in Herbology was the potions and healing aspects. Though even he told Neville how lovely some of the flowers were.
Augusta called them all back in at 11:30 to greet their guests; Madame Griselda Marchbanks, Lord Sebastion and Lady Laine Ogden, Nobleman Bradley Brocklehurst, Lord Quintus Prewett, Madame Amelia Bones (with Susan in tow), Madame Lila Overhest, and Lord David and Lady Jane Macmillan. After shaking hands (or a kiss to the hand in the case of the ladies) Harry asked the first question. While those they were introduced to were still in shock over hearing his titles. They could hardly believe such a young man was a double lord and the heir to three very old and powerful houses.
"Lord Prewett, are you related to The Weasley family?" He asked
"Yes I am. Molly Weasley, who was born a Prewett is my great-niece." the very old man replied. "Rumor has it, you are very close to her youngest Ronald."
"We have been very close sir. He was one of my first friends but he is quite jealous and I am not sure how he will take my new status or friends." Harry replied.
Lady Macmillan gave a small clap. "Oh bravo, what a diplomatic answer my boy." She said in true happiness. She looked to be older than Augusta but all her wrinkles seemed to come from laughter. Her husband smiled indulgently at his dear wife.
"Boys, and Susan" Augusta said looking at them. "We are what most call the core neutrals. Our eight houses make up the majority of the old neutral families, and a little more than 20 percent of the Wizengamont's total votes." She explained. "There are three basic factions of the Wizengamont. The light who are liberal and wish to make sweeping changes, the dark who are conservative and wish for things to remain how they are, and us the neutrals who wish for some progress but not large changes all at once. Currently the dark has most of the votes at about half while the other 30 percent belong to the light families. This wouldn't be such an issue if so many of the dark families didn't believe in or support the Dark Lords ideals."
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment. "Hagrid mentioned Voldemort killing off families, many of your families. I suppose he was trying to sway the votes his way so he could take over easier."
"That was exactly his plan." Came from Madame Bones.
"But once you are able to vote, or you name a proxy, then the light and dark will each have 40percent of the votes." Lord Ogden said.
"But what if I don't vote light?" Harry replied
Madame Marchbanks smiled. "It doesn't matter how you vote dear it matters who your family is. The Potter's are light and as that is your father's family your 11 votes count as light votes."
"12 and 1/3." Augusta said. "Harry is also the head of the Belix and Blush families. But Harry, if you truly don't follow the light faction once you yourself, not a proxy, has been on the Wizengamont for a full year you can issue a change of affiliation. I or Serpens can explain in more detail once you are ready to take your seats."
The others nodded making understanding noises about the votes and Harry nodded at her explanation.
"So Lord Potter-Perciville what do you think of Muggle technology?" Lord Prewett asked.
"Well I think most of the non-magical advancements are great. Bound notebooks and sheet paper instead of rolls of parchment. Pens where the ink is contained so you don't have to worry about knocking over ink pots." That got a few chuckles and caused Neville to turn red. "Phones which are so much faster than owls, and you don't have to kneel like when using the floo. You can't see the other person but you can hear them clearly. I also think mobiles or walkie-talkies would be a great help to the Aurors, they let you keep in touch while on the go. Like a little floo you can keep in your pocket. Only there's no flame of course."
"Really?" Madame Bones said. "So one Auror can communicate with another while on patrol?"
"Yes ma'am the non-magical police... Auror have them on all their vests, and in their cars most now have cameras that record everything that happens so if someone gets hurt they have undeniable evidence. I think the policemen have to check in every hour or so to make sure everything is ok. They even act as tracking devices in case something happens."
Amelia jotted that idea down. She would bring it up with an Unspeakable. Such a device could save countless lives.
While Amelia was thinking and writing her ideas down, Madame Marchbanks spoke again. "What do you children think of Hogwarts?"
The other four made noncommittal gestures. "It's a good school but I have trouble believing it's the best." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Augusta asked even though she had been expecting such an answer.
"With teachers like Snape and Binns what can you expect? It may be better next year when we have our electives. But again there are only a few of those. In an elite non-magical school, Binns would be fired for not having current material. You've read his books there isn't a word about anything past 1900. And almost every other line is another Goblin war. As a friend to the Goblin nation, there is no way I can condone such things and I will not be attending his classes come fall. I don't care if McGonagall has me in detention the whole year.
"In Snape's class if you're not a Slytherin then you might as well not ask for help AND deduct at least 50 house points... per class. He docks points for breathing and one time he took 20 points from Neville for being a dunderhead." Harry told them passionately.
Neville nodded. "He takes points for everything. Then he breathes down my neck and makes me nervous so I can't get it right. Snape even took points from Harry in first year for not fixing my mistake. It was our very first class and he was 3 desks back. There's no way he could have saved my potion even if he knew what to do."
"Which I didn't, I'm pretty sure mine was moments from failing too." Harry added.
"Snape one time snapped at Su Li from Ravenclaw for accidentally slicing her finger. When he took points for that she started crying, which he took more points for and then when she fled the room in tears and embarrassment he took another 30 points." Susan told them.
Every adult looked shocked. They had no idea things were that bad. "Would you children be willing to submit memories of these incidents?" Madame Marchbanks asked her wrinkled cheeks red with fury even though her voice was even and kind.
"Yes ma'am." Harry said. "I'm sure every member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team would as well. That would give you memories from my two years, the twin's four, and the others have all been attending longer."
"I could owl my Hufflepuff prefects, I'm sure they would help as well. The things he does just doesn't sit right with us. Also I know for a fact Professor Sprout has submitted several complaints against him for unfair point deductions and detentions. As far as I know nothing has come of it. As for Binns, I would love to exorcise him myself. He's terrible. No class should be a glorified nap time. Even Hannah who has an O in there hates it."
"We can also ask Lisa and Terry to help and to contact other Ravenclaws." Blaise said. "It is unlikely you will find many Slytherins that will help you with Snape but we can't stand Binns either. Most see Snape as leveling the playing field since so many are against us."
"If Snape wasn't so unfair, polarizing the situation, then the field wouldn't be unleveled." Harry replied. "What other professor attacks one house or favors one house like he does?" Harry asked "McGonagall sure doesn't, and Sprout would go out of her way to help anyone. I don't see much of Flitwick outside of class so I have no clue what he would do. But in class he is always fair."
Blaise thought on that for a moment before nodding. He was right none of the other professors seemed to care what house you were in.
Madame Marchbanks nodded, eyes now bright with anger as well. "I'll get their names before I leave. But how can two poor teachers make you feel that way about the whole school?"
"Ma'am, first and second years only have seven classes. Two teachers make up more than a quarter of the staff we interact with. During my non-magical education, I had classes in math, literature, art, science, history, physical education, a language class and government. Now that's only eight classes, but I was taking them from age five till ten. Even then we took two or three electives each day. Those ranged from music, choir, wood working, animal science... that's all I can think of right now. But we also had a wide range of sports and after school activities.
"With all those options, Hogwarts looks boring in comparison. I would like to see other classes or electives added, like music art, politics... You know what hang on a moment. Dobby." Harry called trailing off on his rant.
The little elf popped in almost before Harry had his name fully out. The others looked at this strangely dressed little elf. "What can Dobby do for Master Harry Sir?" He said with a bow.
Harry smiled. "Have the Goblins made a copy of that schedule we found?"
"Dobby doesn't know. Does master want Dobby to find out?"
"Yes Dobby and if they have, bring one to me. I think these people need to see how far Hogwarts has fallen." Harry told him.
As the elf popped off Nobleman Brocklehurst spoke. "What do you mean how Hogwarts has fallen? It's one of the primer schools in Europe."
"It might have been." Neville said. "But it isn't now. Or if it is, I feel sorry for the rest of the world. Harry discovered the secrets of Slytherin's famous chamber. He took Theo and me down there. We found that things weren't as they seem, making Binns an even worse teacher. One of the things we discovered was a large class schedule that showed who taught what classes back during the founders era."
The room was shocked again. Even Susan was in awe, she was the only child not there or not yet told of this discovery. Blaise having been told that night by his enthusiastic best friend. They didn't have long to wait until Dobby popped back in with the rolled up schedule and a thin book.
"Thank you Dobby. Could you please hang that so they can all see it? And what's this?" Harry asked holding the book.
"Azrig be saying you want to looks at that when Dobby ask for the schedule." The elf told him.
Harry smiled he recalled how excited the goblin had been to be working with all those books and papers they found in the chamber. He opened the book once Dobby left looking over it while the adults looked at the schedule.
"I can't believe there were this many classes." Lady Ogden said looking over the calendar running her fingers lightly over the name Helga Hufflepuff.
"How do we know this is authentic?" Brocklehurst asked
"You take our word for it." Harry replied. "These things were untouched when we opened the doors, the heavy layers of dust can attest to that."
The others nodded but Brocklehurst didn't look pleased.
"Warding, healing, art and craftsmanship are all optional test that can be taken at the ministry. I don't know why they are no longer offered at Hogwarts." Marchbanks informed them. "There has been a lack of healers, potions masters and warders in these past few decades. I assume potions master is due to Mr. Snape." She told them unhappily
"I fear healers numbers are falling due to bigotry." Augusta said sadly.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asked looking at her.
"These children began taking some healing classes this morning and they started with muggle healing. The young man that came to teach them was kind, knowledgeable, and calm under pressure and knew what he was doing. But he works exclusively in the muggle world, not due to his preference but despite the fact that he passed his healing NEWTS with an O. St. Mungo's refused to apprentice him because he was a muggle born."
"Do what?" Lord Macmillan exclaimed. "How dare they send talent back across the divide? The healers we have now are near run to death trying to keep up with demand and they are turning away perfectly good candidates. I will be speaking the head of the hospital don't you worry. And he had better have a damn good excuse." The jovial man looked down right incensed.
To change the subject, Harry spoke. "This journal Dobby gave me is written by Salazar Slytherin himself. It details some of the things that happened around the school and some things that annoyed him about his classes and students. But Azrig marked this page.
It has been 19 days now and my colleges are still behaving like children. I never in all my days thought I would say this but Princess Rowena is a stubborn old cow. She and Godric have been fighting since that last day of term and I for one am glad to be leaving the castle for a few weeks I hope by the time my journey has ended so will their feud.
This childish bickering would not be such a bother if they were fussing over some great issue. Alas they are not. The two fight over whether or not to teach Lord and Ladies Studies to all students instead of just those that will one day hold a title. I find it hard to believe that Rowena and I disagree on the subject. Teaching all the students the responsibilities of a Lord or Lady will give them a greater respect for the Lords and Barons of the land. How Rowena doesn't see that I will never know.
Harry read out the passage. Then looked around the room. It was no shock that Salazar wrote so properly even in his private journal but what he said was a shock to them all. There was a long moment of silence and then Madame Marchbanks asked to see the journal.
"Go ahead it is a copy made of the original." Harry told her handing the book over. Once she had it she could see that the book was new not several centuries old showing that it was indeed a copy.
While many of the others were looking over the schedule Lady Ogden asked a question. "Earlier you mentioned being a friend of the goblin nation. How did that happen?"
Harry smiled at her. "I did. I'm not sure how it happened. I was just polite and courteous and they asked to be friends."
Neville made a small noise at Harry playing himself down, but he didn't say anything. People underestimating his friend may be beneficial in the future. Harry had no clue that the last goblin friend had been well over 200 years ago.
"Who would want to be the friend of a beast?" Nobleman Brocklehurst said with a sneer.
Harry stood from his seat appearing much larger than his 5'4" frame. "If I ever hear you call my friends and allies beasts again I will make it my mission to destroy you." He said in an icy voice, and even though he didn't raise his voice, everyone in the room was chilled by the tone. Power seemed to roll off him and you could even see wisps of it.
Blaise could understand Theo's reaction that first day. This was a wizard with great power, in all senses of the word. He would make a formidable enemy. Seeing as how Draco was still alive it made Blaise think most of their altercations were not Harry's idea. If he really wanted to hurt the ignorant blonde then Draco would suffer more than a couple detentions.
"Let's calm things down here." Augusta said. "I believe this has been a very informative meeting but the children have a lesson due to begin in 20 minutes." She said as a way of taking Harry's mind off his anger. "Bradley tends to speak before he thinks and I am sure would never continuously say such things in public." While trying to apologize for her friend, Augusta was also pinning him with a glare that could match Medusa's.
"He shouldn't ever think such a thing." Harry replied with a pout, all the anger and power having left him. "Goblins are not beasts. They are kind, smart people that only need to be given half a chance to show their true selves to others."
Neville chuckled. "They are not that much sunshine and roses Harry. From what I have seen so far they are strange and different than us but that isn't a bad thing. The goblins I have met, while gruff are also kind."
"We'll think on that." Lord Ogden told them. "But right now Laine and I are going to be late for lunch with her sister."
With that the group began to say their goodbyes. As they left and hands were shaken and kissed again, Harry offered each person a personal invitation to his public party on the 7th.
"Would you mind terribly if I stayed for this lesson?" Griselda asked handing the book back to Harry.
"Of course not and if Madame Bones doesn't mind, Susan is welcome to stay as well." He replied
"Why don't you stay too Amelia?" Augusta added. The other woman nodded in agreement.
After showing the rest of the guests out, Augusta rejoined the five children and two other adults in the dining room where all the other classes had been held. The table was a real asset in accounting. Now that Neville and Harry had gotten the hang of that class they were more likely to sit at opposite ends of the table and spread papers all around them while working. Augusta never said anything about it but there were a few tips Lokaxe gave the boys that she hadn't known, and had latter applied to her own investments.
It wasn't long after they had settled, the adults at one end and children at the other that the floo chine rang, signaling the arrival of their next tutor. Harry and Neville had pulled out paper and quills for each of the others to take notes with as they had waited.
Harry was the first to see the teacher and leapt from his seat. "Trilu!" He called hugging the goblin lady.
Trilu chuckled hugging the boy back. "Let me down childe before you break me in half." She scolded good-naturedly.
Harry released her and smiled. "You remember my friend Neville and my mate Theo." Both boys stood and kissed her hand. "This is Theo's best friend Blaise Zabini and our other friend Susan Bones." Susan curtsied and Blaise being the bright boy he is, copied Neville and Theo. "The ladies at the end are Neville's LitaSuuSuu Augusta and Susan's... CorSuu? Amelia." Harry introduced pausing before his use of the goblin term for aunt unsure if he had the right word. "And lastly this is Madame Marchbanks." All three inclined their heads in greeting, getting the same from Trilu in return.
"CorSuu is aunt. Though in a large family there would be inflections as to whether she was a maternal or paternal sibling or an aunt through marriage. But I'm sure Griphook will cover complex family relationships in your later lessons." Trilu explained. "For now it is good to see you again childe. And lovely to meet more of your friends. They are all so polite. It makes me wonder why there aren't more Goblin Friends." She straightened herself. "But onto the lesson. My name is Trilulok. You are welcome to call me that, Trilu or Madame Lok."
"Trilu, you're going to be our teacher?" Neville asked
"I am. I'm a trained healer and instructor in the nation and I volunteered to tutor you children. I'll be teaching you the basics of magical healing as well as how to recognize and respond to an injury that is out of your ability. I'll be sure to throw in some goblin tricks as well." She added with a wink. "If there are no farther questions let us begin."
Trilu conjured a lifelike golem. She showed them similar ways to check for life and injury to those shown that morning in the muggle class. But near the end of the hour she taught them a simple goblin diagnostic charm. The charm showed the golem as a magical construct. She used it on Harry to show he was in good health before allowing them to cast it on the dummy and one another.
The adults were all highly impressed. Augusta less than the other two having gotten use to this level of excellence from the other four tutors she'd met. Griselda didn't know what to think. She'd overseen the proctoring of classes for years and had yet to see students as comfortable as these five in the first lesson for any class and one as difficult as healing... she would be giving a lot more thought to the notion that Hogwarts was no longer the best school. Amelia was also at a loss for words but she knew she'd be approaching the goblins about hiring teachers from them to train her Aurors in triage.
Once the lesson was over Harry spoke up. "Madame Marchbanks, Madame Bones. I'm sure in the next few days you will be receiving invites to attend my birthday ball at Perciville Palace on the 7th of August. This is, according to my family, a kind of coming out and public claiming of my titles. I'd like to extend a personal invitation to you and your families. Also Susan you have become a good friend over our outings and if you would like, you are also welcome to attend my private party on the 31st of this month which is friends and family only." He told them formally.
"Thank you for the invitation and early warning." Griselda said. "I'm sure when the announcement of a new Lord Perciville hits the masses, there will be a run on all the robe makers in the country."
Amelia nodded in agreement. "Susan already told me of you inviting her to both parties and I see no reason to refuse either."
"I didn't know the second would be a ball though. I didn't even think about you being LORD Perciville. Hannah and I will have to get some fitting dresses." Susan replied. "I did have a question. Why did you call Theo your mate earlier? I know you two must be in some kind of contract, but that seems to be more than just a courting agreement." She asked embarrassed.
Theo looked at Harry to see what he would say. "It's your life you can tell people or continue to hide it." Harry told the other boy with a shrug. He didn't care if Theo shared how they were connected but could also understand the embarrassment of being forcibly bound like a slave.
Theo nodded and looked down but he reached up to the scarf he had covering the golden choker and pulled it away revealing the symbol to the room. He'd hide it so that no one would treat him any different and so that he wouldn't be reminded that even though Harry seemed to be a good person he was still all but owned by the other boy.
Susan gasped and even the other two ladies eyes widened. Susan stepped forward and hesitantly reached out to run her finger over the engraved symbol. "Oh my goddess." She exclaimed putting her hand to her mouth. "I couldn't even begin to imagine. Did you know?" She questioned.
Theo nodded. "Mother told me from a young age. She thought this would be better than chancing Father would marry me off to one of his allies." There was no need to say Death Eaters everyone in the room heard those words loud and clear. Amelia knew Nott was one but there was no proof and just like Malfoy the man threw coin at Fudge and got off without so much as a trial.
"Augusta?" Harry questioned taking eyes off Theo who was growing more and more embarrassed. "Do you mind if Trilu stays for tea and explains Theo's test results?" Harry thought it would be fascinating to hear what all the tests where. He recalled his own examination and wondered if she could get his results and go over them in more minute detail.
Said lady nodded in her agreement. Susan, Amelia and Griselda made their exits. Such a discussion was private and they had no interest. Well Amelia had interest but only as farther confirmation of the horrible man Lord Nott was, but she didn't want Susan to hear the possible things a Death Eater could do to their own children. Amelia had little doubt from the look of Harry that he had no idea what those tests were likely to reveal. And from his earlier display she really wasn't interested in seeing what he would do if the boy had been seriously harmed.
She was right. Harry had found a lot of comfort in the fact that the Dursley's were not in fact related to him. He'd also brushed to the back of his mind that they assumed he was kin and still treated him that way and the warnings of both Sirius and Angelina.
Once it was just the six of them, they retired to the sitting room for tea. Harry handed over the tests. Harry and Blaise were sitting on either side of Trilu on one couch so they could see the results. Harry had looked at Theo odd when he chose to sit in a chair on the other side of the room near Augusta, Neville taking a chair between the two groups.
"This first test is his general health. The results show that he is in good condition and is a bearer. It also shows he is both immature and a virgin." The boys all blushed at that. "This spell gives a read out of previous injuries." Trilu handed the pages to Harry.
Harry looked over them. It told the type of injury and an approximate date it occurred. Most were just a normal injuries like sprains, scrapes, bruises. Things you would expect to find in any child's records. There were a few odd injuries that Harry overlooked for the moment, but one particular one stood out like a red flag. "Trilu what is this nerve damage and why is there no date beside it?" He asked showing her the list.
Trilu looked over the injury then flipped threw the other papers. She let out a fierce sound that was more guttural than a growl. "This is leftover damage from exposure to the Cruciatus curse."
Augusta gasped but Harry was confused. "I... I don't know what that is."
"It's a torture curse." Neville growled out face twisted in rage. "It causes unimaginable pain that can drive the victim insane. My... my parents..." He trailed off his face falling and tears welling in his eyes.
Harry turned sharp eyes on Theo. "Who? Who did this to you?" He demanded. "And who slammed your hand hard enough to break 3 fingers? And this broken arm, dislocated shoulder which can only be the result of wrenching your arm behind your back far too hard." He said anger and volume rising as he spoke. The glass in the room started to quiver. "Tell me!" He shouted causing Theo to shy away.
"Harry!" Blaise shouted standing and grabbing the enraged boy. "You are scaring him." He glared at the powerful wizard, placing his larger frame between Harry and his best friend. "It was his father. Why do you think his mother... ANY mother would all but sell off their child? Nott is a psychopath. He joined the dark lord and enjoyed what they did to people. I wouldn't doubt it if the nutter was best friends with the Lestrange family. He's their brand of crazy!" He said panting by the end of his rant. Actually feeling better having said all the things he thought of Theo's father over the years. The Longbottom's eyes narrowed at the mention of the much hated name
Harry deflated. He looked down and ran a hand over his face. "I... I'm sorry Theo. I... I didn't mean to shout at you. I... I got so angry over you being hurt. I'm sorry." He repeated softly moving to retake his seat. "The Lestrange family are on a list of people that are enemies of the Black family. Along with Dumbledore and Voldemort." Harry told them recalling that fact. He looked at Theo to see fear and tears still shining in his wide blue eyes. "Don't worry I was never mad at you. I'll take care of your father. Trilu can you set up an appointment with your mate, and a good lawyer. I want to go after his bank account then his reputation. He won't be able to raise his fist or wand to you ever again Theo. That I promise." Harry swore a cold fire burning in his emerald eyes. His vicious Slytherin side coming out to play. "I know this isn't the time but I would like to know more about the Lestrange's and what happened to your parents."
"I'll tell you." Neville said through gritted teeth head still bowed. He trusted Harry but there was no way he could handle that kind of chat at this moment. Not with those unexpected reveals. He had no idea Theo had been mistreated. Sure he knew Lord Nott was a suspected Death Eater but he never imagined that ANYONE could do something so heinous to their own kid.
"Alright childe." Trilu said. "I'll get you the appointment and let Trilok know just why you need it. But you all need to calm yourselves. You won't do anyone any good all worked up. Take some time before your evening lesson." She said standing and hugging all four of the boys. Her calm, motherly nature helped settle the angry emotions still floating around the room. With a final farewell, she headed through the floo.
Not 5 minutes after she left, the final healing teacher arrived. This time it was a mediwitch in training. She was young, about 19 and a bit on the shy side. While the lesson passed without indecent they all silently agreed to drop her as a tutor. The lesson was almost exactly like Trilu's only the girl was much less effective and knowledgeable.
Having had a stressful afternoon, Theo and Blaise left just after the tutor. Harry understood and while Theo had been calm during the lesson Harry feared his outburst had cost him a lot of ground and trust. With a sigh Harry trudged up to bed not looking forward to a full day of lessons again tomorrow. He knew he needed them but after all that had happened today he really understood the phrase ignorance is bliss.
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AN: Yeah sorry they couldn't be all sunshine and roses. All relationships have their bumps and Harry's temper is one of theirs.
This chapter has been edited by my lovely beta dianemalfoy
