Chapter 8 – Announcements
The following morning Harry woke first and laid in bed, just looking to either side of him. He was so incredibly lucky. When he had proposed to Ginny he thought she was perfect for him and all he needed. Now he had two more women. He adored Hermione and her adventuresome side had been a surprise. Luna he cared about deeply. He couldn't say he loved her, but he felt that may come in time. He still wasn't happy with the idea of a consort, but it was better than the alternative she faced. She looked relaxed and peaceful, better than she had in weeks. She was incredibly thin and needed to eat better. He and the others would see to that. He wasn't a man to put looks first, but she was really too thin for his tastes. His Ginny was muscular and firm with roundness in all the right places. His Mione was thinner, but softer and rounder in the hips with a delightful bum that he could watch forever. Well, Luna's health would improve with the stress of her situation eliminated. Still, her father had died only a short while ago. She had a lot of healing to do.
As Harry lay and contemplated, the next thing he had to think about was announcing the latest change in his personal life. If he had a choice, it would remain personal. Of course the media made that impossible. Not to mention that keeping secrets at Hogwarts was a joke. He supposed an announcement at breakfast would be needed. Especially since Luna's move to the prefects' wing would be well known soon. Then there was the issue of media. If he didn't say anything there was no telling what the Prophet would print. Perhaps he should draft a statement and send it to them. He'd have to word it carefully. Oh well, no time like the present. He was good and awake and thoughts of the press had wilted his morning arousal. Now the only problem was extracting himself. If he went to his right, he would disturb two of his women. Going to the left only disturbed one. Maybe if he was careful and stretched, he wouldn't disturb anyone. Harry tried to climb over Ginny, but his knee bumped her. He landed on the floor and she looked at him and smiled. He held a finger to his lips and gestured at the other side of the bed. Ginny looked over and smiled at the sight of Hermione spooned with Luna. She carefully rolled off the bed, found her robe and followed Harry to the prefect common room.
Ginny yawned. "What has you up so early Harry darling?"
"I have a lot on my mind. I think we'll need to make an announcement at breakfast this morning and I was thinking of drafting a statement to send to the Prophet. I thought I'd work on it now. Maybe you can help and we can let Hermione and Luna look at it when they wake up."
Ginny nodded, yawned again and grabbed her bag to get some parchment and a quill. She and Harry spent the next half hour carefully writing and wording a short statement that read:
Lord Harry James Black-Potter is pleased to announce his choice to take a consort by the name of Luna Lovegood, daughter of the late Xenophilius Lovegood. The lord and his two betrotheds, the future Ladies Potter and Black, have been friends with Miss Lovegood for several years and the decision was for the mutual benefit of all. Miss Lovegood already had an outstanding consort contract with a family with known Death Eater ties, and she was quite distraught to be tied to the family. Lord Black-Potter contacted the family and an agreement has been reached whereby he was able to purchase the contract and transfer the consort title for Miss Lovegood to himself. He and his ladies are pleased with the arrangement and he asks now that no further speculation be made, as he wishes to continue his life as privately as possible.
The statement was brief and to the point. Harry knew the last sentence was wishful thinking, but figured he might as well try. With the statement complete, he and Ginny realized it was time to get ready and went to check on the other two members of their family. When they reached the bedroom they found that Hermione had started to wake but was still mostly asleep. They both smiled as they saw that Hermione was subconsciously stroking Luna's hair. Harry hated to disturb them, but it was necessary and he crossed the room to lean over and give them each a brief kiss. They woke together and both looked at each other with a bit of surprise at their positioning, but then they smiled.
"Yes my darlings, you are both quite cute and lovely laying there, but unfortunately we have things to do."
Hermione nodded and stretched and soon both she and Luna were out of bed. Harry talked to them briefly and, once they were awake, presented the statement that he had drafted for the Prophet. Neither liked the idea of having to do it, but both agreed it was necessary and thought the wording was fine. They also agreed that Harry should make a statement at breakfast to the school. With that decided, they all began to get ready. Harry was dressed first, wearing his formal lord's robes over his uniform, and poked his head back in the bathroom.
"Ladies, since I am ready now, do you mind if I leave before you and go talk to McGonagall to prepare for the announcement? I'll meet you at the doors to the Great Hall."
"No, sounds good Harry."
Harry left the prefect's wing with a wave to Ernie who was smirking at him once again. He wasn't sure where McGonagall would be, but the staff room wasn't far and he decided to try there first. He knocked on the door and was shortly greeted by Professor Sprout who confirmed his guess had been correct. The headmistress welcomed Harry in and gestured to a chair.
"Good morning Mr. Potter. How is Miss Lovegood this morning? Did you get her settled?"
"She seems a bit better. She slept well. We now have to work on getting her to eat properly."
"Yes, I agree. Of course, decreasing her stress should help. Now, what can I do for you this morning?"
"Headmistress, my ladies and myself have been in discussion and I wish to make an announcement to the school this morning to explain about my contract with Luna. It's really not anyone's business, but this is Hogwarts. Also, we have drafted a statement that I will be sending to the Prophet."
"Well, that is wise. Best to get your own words out there before someone else fills them in for you. I agree you need to let the school know what is going on. I know the rumors have already started in Ravenclaw. I am sure that I don't need to tell you this, but be prepared for some unpleasant responses."
"Yes, I know. Truthfully, it's not exactly anything new for me."
"Indeed. Well, I will be on my way to breakfast in five minutes. The hall is usually full by a quarter past. I would suggest you and your ladies enter then and I will yield the floor to you."
"Thank you headmistress."
Harry left the staff room and realized he still had almost twenty minutes. He decided that he might as well get the statement to the Prophet sent off. He made his way to the owlery, secured the message to a fast owl and sent it on its way. With that done, he proceeded back to the Great Hall and waited for his ladies. They arrived a couple minutes later and he was glad to see that Luna was looking better. She was sad, but the despair had left her eyes. He briefly kissed each of them and then pulled Luna closer.
"Luna, how are you now that you've woken up a bit?"
"Alright Harry. Everything is a bit hard to believe. Almost like the humdingers have nested in my head, but I don't think so. Are you going to make an announcement?"
"Yes, everything is arranged with McGonagall. We'll walk in together and then I'll go forward and speak."
"You're wearing your formal robes."
"Yes. I expect some hostility and I plan on ensuring that everyone realizes I am not speaking as their fellow student, but as the lord to two houses. This is one of those times I need to use my status."
Luna nodded and then Ginny spoke.
"Harry love, have I told you how sexy you are when you go all lordly and powerful?"
They all chuckled and Harry pulled them in for one more group hug. He then arranged them carefully with his two ladies on each arm and then Luna to Hermione's right. With arms linked, the foursome made their entrance to the Great Hall. Harry led them to the Gryffindor table and gave each of them a hand as they sat. The usual buzz in the hall had changed and all eyes were on them now. With the ladies seated, Harry strode purposefully toward the staff table. When he reached the front, McGonagall nodded to him and Harry turned. Casting a sonorous charm, Harry's voice magnified and rang through the hall. He briefly stroked his signet and called on the magic imbued in his titles.
"If I may have your attention please…"
The hall quieted almost immediately and Harry continued.
"Good morning Hogwarts. I have an announcement to make. This morning I, Lord Harry James Black-Potter, lord of two houses, am pleased to announce that I have bought the consort contract of Luna Lovegood..."
Harry was unable to continue as a hiss descended around the hall. The Ravenclaw table was especially loud and two fourth years booed. Harry stroked his ring, took a deep breath and let his magic flow out in a wave. Papers on tables fluttered into the air and lights flickered throughout the hall.
"SILENCE! YOU DARE INTERRUPT A LORD OF THE BLOOD?"
Harry's body glowed with a faint bluish light and the entire hall was silent. The power he was emanating was palpable and a number of students cowered at the display.
"As I was saying. I bought Miss Lovegood's contract yesterday. The contract was owned by the Malfoy family as payment for a long standing debt. As you know, Lucius Malfoy is a convicted Death Eater and his wife and son had their titles stripped and are confined to their manor for a duration of five years. They have treated Miss Lovegood hostilely since the contract was put in place, causing her great distress. I consider her one of my closest friends and could not let this injustice stand. Antiquated laws prevent me from destroying her contract, but I was able to at least purchase it and free her from her bondage. I also have the unpleasant duty to inform you that Luna's father passed yesterday after a long illness. Now, I consider these matters to be private, but I also consider many of you to be my friends and felt that you deserved an explanation. I will answer no further questions on this matter. I also wish to emphasize that both of my betrotheds and my consort are under my protection. Any hostile or mean attitudes or insults toward them will be taken as insults upon myself and my houses, and I will defend them with all the powers that my titles allow."
Harry finished and strode back to his seat at the Gryffindor table. The hall remained silent for another minute and then the buzz gradually grew. He sat between Ginny and Luna and looked at all three of them.
"You did wonderful Harry. I must say, that display was impossibly sexy."
Dennis was sitting nearby and laughed at Hermione's comment. With the tension broken, Harry decided to focus on breakfast. Luna still seemed to be tentative with food, so Harry served her a spoonful of cheesy eggs, several slices of bacon and a scone. She looked a bit surprised, but said nothing.
"Luna, please eat. You have not been taking care of yourself and I'm worried about you."
Harry leaned closer and whispered so only Luna and Hermione next to her could hear.
"And I truthfully like a few less bones and more curves on my ladies."
Luna finally smiled and Hermione snorted her orange juice, shaking her head at Harry. His comment seemed to have the desired effect as Luna began to eat with more enthusiasm. She didn't quite finish it all, but Harry was happy to see her try. When breakfast finished, they allowed most of the hall to empty before they stood to leave. Harry looked over and saw McGonagall gesturing to them. They all made their way over to speak to the headmistress.
"Well, Lord Black-Potter that was an impressive display. I daresay that no one will be foolish enough to question your pronouncement. You are certainly growing into your role. Now, there is another matter I need to discuss with the four of you. I realize that you are all sharing a room in the prefects' wing, but I no longer believe that is sufficient. I know you are not formally bonded yet, but I am arranging a suite of married student's quarters for you. They are also more befitting of someone of Lord Black-Potter's status. After your first class, you all have a free period. I will have Winky waiting in your room to direct you to the new quarters."
"Thank you headmistress. I appreciate your support in these matters."
They continued on to class, ignoring the whispers in the hall. Once they reached their free period, they walked back to the prefects' wing together as they talked.
"Harry, I've been thinking. We should send letters to the Burrow and my parents as well."
"Oy, of course! First, the Weasleys. If Molly reads this in the Prophet before we tell her ourselves, then it won't matter how many titles I hold."
"And we can write the letter to my parents tonight. I'll take it to Hogsmeade tomorrow. The owl post there will send letters to the muggle post for us."
They reached their room and found Winky waiting, having packed all their things.
"Master Harry, Winky has been waiting and packed for you. Winky hopes this was alright."
"Yes, fine. Thanks Winky, but you didn't have to."
"Winky is happy to help the honorable young master and his ladies. Winky can now show you your apartment. Winky will bring your things after."
The four of them turned and followed the elf out of the prefects' suite and down several hallways. They thought they were heading back to Gryffindor tower when the elf stopped and turned to a tall picture featuring a pale young man in elaborate medieval dress. The man smiled and tipped his hat to them.
"My lord and ladies! A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Gladwin. I have been told to expect your arrival. The password for the week is 'Dionysus'."
"Thank you Gladwin."
The portrait swung aside and Winky led them into a modest, but comfortable sitting room with two leather couches, several chairs and a stone fireplace. The back of the room featured a trestle table that could easily seat eight. An archway in the back led to a small room with two desks and a set of bookshelves. Off the side of the living room, a beautifully carved mahogany door led to a large bedroom. Most of the bedroom was taken up with five large pieces of heavy furniture. Front and center was a massive bed that made Harry smile. It was bigger than any bed he had seen and would easily accommodate the four of them. The room also featured two side tables, two large wardrobes and a long dresser. The stone floor was warmed by a large Persian rug whose colors complemented the blue and gold that decorated the bed. A door to the side led into a large bathroom that included the usual necessities and also had a large shower that was separate from a tub that was sunk into the floor. It looked like a miniature version of the prefect's bath and they all grinned.
"Ooh, we are going to have some fun in here."
Everyone laughed at Ginny's comment and then turned to go back to the sitting room. Winky had left them and popped back in with some of their things. She made two more trips and was then done with their move. They all thanked her profusely and then the elf left. They still had time before their next class and Harry decided that he should draft the letter to the Weasleys. They made it brief, but not as concise as the statement for the Prophet, detailing the reasoning behind their decision and the fact that it was not made hastily. Harry knew that Molly would be upset, but there was nothing else to be done. They left with time to spare and went to the owlery to send the note off before then continuing on to class.
The rest of the day proceeded normally except for the intense whispers and constant stares, but they all decided to ignore those. By the time they arrived back in their apartment after dinner, they were ready to unpack and settle in. Once that was done, they spread out in the sitting room to work on their studies. Harry had his head in Ginny's lap and his feet in Luna's as he read his Charms assignment. After the long day, he was feeling wonderfully content.