Chapter 93 – New Arrivals
It was hours before Albus Dumbledore learned of the explosions across London that Saturday morning.
The group that had traveled to London returned to Hogwarts unscathed and completely unaware of the close call they had all just had. Hermione had work to do with Mrs. Longbottom and excused herself to head to the room the older woman had adopted as her office while she was in residence at Hogwarts. Arthur wanted to share his experience with the photocopier with Molly, and Ron agreed to tag along, to check on his mother. Kingsley had work to do in his Ministry annex office, in preparation for the arrival of the foreign witches and wizards the next day.
"I have to return some of the Parseltongue documents to the warded cabinets in the Headmaster's office, Severus. Shall I meet you back in the dungeons later?" Harry asked.
"I'll join you, and see if Albus needs anything from me in anticipation of our guests' arrivals tomorrow." Harry smiled at Severus, glad for the company, and the two walked off companionably. It had been an interesting morning, even reasonably productive, if one accepted that there was value in having the large stack of muggle paper that Harry had shrunk and was carrying in a pocket.
Harry and Severus were welcomed warmly by the Headmaster when they arrived at his office.
"How was London, my boys? Quiet?" the older wizard asked.
"I've only been there a few times myself, sir, but Hermione seemed rather upset at how empty and quiet things were. She knew that area very well, and knew what it would normally be like on a Saturday morning. I saw her looking out the window at the street a couple of times, and she looked, I don't know, upset? Sad? Something was clearly wrong, in her eyes," Harry volunteered.
"We found a number of muggles in the Granger's offices, Albus. Harry and I moved them to lie on carpeted areas of the office; some were still slumped in chairs, or draped over some of the specialized furniture in the offices. I suspect that the Ministry focused on muggles out on the streets or in areas of public assembly, but we should be sure the Ministry is aware that there are many muggles in places they haven't and aren't likely to find."
"Ah, good point, Severus. I will mention this to Minister Bones when next we speak. I agree, there is not much we are going to be able to do to gather muggles from places like their homes and offices, but the Ministry can at least be aware of what's gone on. Were you able to make the copies you needed, Harry?"
Harry removed the stack of papers from his pocket and with a tap of his wand, unshrunk them. Albus took the pile from him and paged through, marveling at the exact replication of the strange words on the flimsy paper. Severus joined him as they inspected this product of muggle technology. "It was rather remarkable, Albus. Miss Granger just put the parchment in the machine, pushed a button, and seconds later, a copy of the parchment appeared. Most interesting."
Harry listened in as he returned the precious parchments to small cabinet, and smiled as the two older men continued to remark over technology that was so commonplace to any muggle.
"Headmaster, what is the protocol for the guests arriving tomorrow?" Harry asked, suddenly looking a bit ill at ease and nervous.
"They've all been asked to floo to your office, Harry. That allows us to maintain sufficient distance from the Ministry. With just one exception, you and Severus will be the ones to greet them as soon as they step through the fireplace. You can welcome them, introduce them to Severus as your bondmate. I'd recommend that you use the title of Lord rather than Professor, by the way. You can then introduce them to me, and please use my title as Headmaster, rather than any other title from the wizarding world. If you have something to say to someone and want to speak to them, that's fine, but there will be no pressure on you; you can just move them along to Severus or me." Harry seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at that news. "We'll have house elves standing by to escort each new arrival to his or her room, and get them settled. Most of them will be arriving just a bit before dinner, so I'll have the head table expanded to accommodate them in the Great Hall."
"And how will you be handling the exception, Albus? I assume that is Pharaoh Nitrocris?"
"Ah, yes, the young Pharaoh. We are going to offer her the choice of being sorted into a House here at Hogwarts and spending her time in the House to which she is sorted, or the chance to divide her time among all our Houses, spending a few days in each."
Albus smiled broadly when Harry nodded his agreement with the proposal. "That seems fair. I have to imagine it would be very interesting to see Hogwarts from the perspectives of the different Houses."
That comment earned Harry a very thoughtful look from Severus. Once again, the Gryffindor had surprised him. While Severus could not contemplate being in Hogwarts in any House except Slytherin, he realized that someone not so steeped in the values of the different Houses might find the experience very interesting. He was surprised that Harry felt that way, and nodded his approval at the young man.
"Harry, now that we've got all this paper for you, it's probably a good idea to get started on the translations. Albus, I will see you at lunch," Severus remarked, and he took the ream of paper from Albus to carry for Harry as they walked down to the dungeons.
It was not until late morning that an urgent owl arrived from the Ministry with news of the morning events in muggle London. Several Ministry teams working in public spaces had been attacked, and four Underground stations had been blown up. When teams of Aurors arrived to assess the damage and determine the cause, they found that the events were all caused by magic, although with just one exception, each incident was the work of the magic of only one wizard and not a joined power. It appeared that one of the larger explosions, that had taken down nearly an entire Underground line as it blew out the station at one end, had been the product of tandem casting, by no more than two wizards. By the time all the information was assembled and passed along to Albus, it was clear. Death Eaters were still out there, coming back and finding one another.
Albus activated the floo to have a conversation with Minister Bones about the distressing events of the day. He decided against mentioning the excursion he'd authorized that morning to muggle London; the last thing he wanted for Harry was Ministry restriction on his travel.
"Albus, we've discussed before my worry about security and safety caused by the welcoming foreign witches and wizards to Hogwarts tomorrow. These events just highlight how precarious everything is right now. Are you sure it is advisable to add the element of visitors from foreign countries at this time?"
"Amelia, they are arriving at Hogwarts on Harry's invitation, and not the Ministry's. I've spoken with Harry about the program and the risks to us and the guests at this time. He, Augusta Longbottom and I agreed that we need to do this, and we need to do it now. Augusta's program is a way to help others keep those in their countries safe from these very attacks. I will certainly brief Harry, Severus and Augusta on the events in London today, and would appreciate your letting me know if the Ministry learns of any similar incidents on other countries, but as you know, this is Harry's call."
The Minister recognized a losing cause when she saw one. "I know we cannot insist that you cancel the program, although I certainly urge reconsideration of the decision to hold it right now. Please, Albus, be careful."
Albus nodded at his old friend, and thanked her for her concern, as he ended their discussion.
Albus reflected that Severus had been adamant that many of the Death Eaters who had been at Lucius Malfoy's Manor after Voldemort drained their magic were horrified by what had been done to them, and very unlikely to be willing to accept the Dark Mark a second time. Of course, there were others out there, like Bellatrix Lestrange, who were so invested in Voldemort's vision that they'd sign up again in a heartbeat. It appeared that, at least for now, the Death Eaters who remained loyal to Voldemort would need time to coalesce into a group organized enough to do more than individual acts of violence at the same time.
The Ministry had sent out teams to repair the damage right away. Madam Bones shared that more than one Ministry worker commented on how easy it was to deal with things like this in the muggle world now that there was no need to hide their magic. Broad daylight? Middle of the city? No problem. Clean-up and reconstruction, using magic right out in the open, was fast and surprisingly simple. Most of the damage was quickly repaired, and the few individuals who had been harmed in the attacks were healed at St. Mungos.
Minister Bones had reported that the Ministry had already stepped up its security measures, sending at least one Auror out with any group of Ministry teams working to repair, restore or maintain the muggle world. She recalled a long and loud debate about whether it was necessary to set protective wards around the buildings where the muggles who had fallen asleep out of doors had been moved. Eventually, modest wards had been put in place around the schools, churches and shopping malls where many of the sleeping muggles had been moved, and the Ministry was now making arrangements to strengthen as many of those as possible against future attacks.
Unfortunately, the sense of security that some had begun to feel in this new world was shattered and not likely to be repaired any time soon.
After his conversation with the Minister, Albus reluctantly firecalled to the dungeons and asked if he might step through. He was surprised that no one was in the sitting room, although his call was answered in a few moments by Severus, arriving from the direction of his lab.
"I have some distressing news, I'm afraid. May I step through to speak to you and Harry?"
Severus nodded, and had called to Harry to join them by the time the Headmaster stepped out of the fireplace into their sitting room.
"I've had an owl from the Ministry just now and have spoken to Minister Bones. There were a series of attacks in muggle London this morning. Clearly the work of Death Eaters, although apparently working individually, in all but one case. I gather from the locations indicated that one of the streets that sustained significant damage is the one on which the Granger's dental office is located. It must have happened just moments after you left, if you were not aware of it."
Severus was surprised how calm Harry was about this development. Harry was predictably distressed that Death Eater activity had begun, but not overly concerned about his proximity to it on Saturday morning.
"Were there many injuries, Headmaster? Anyone killed?"
"No deaths that we know of, Harry. There were several Ministry workers injured, but everyone is fine now. The Ministry got right on the repair of the damage caused, and I gather the repairs are moving along quickly."
Harry took it very much in stride. "Thank you for letting us know, sir. I think we should tell the others; I'll see Hermione and Ron at lunch, and Severus, might you speak to Mr. Weasley? And Kingsley, too?"
Albus was surprised that neither Harry nor Severus mentioned the program or the guests arriving the next morning. "The Minister has again cautioned us about having foreign guests arriving so close in time to events such as these."
"We are offering that program to help others defend against attacks, like these and worse. Why on earth would we want to cancel now? If anything, these attacks highlight why it is so important for everyone to attend and learn" Harry protested. Albus smiled warmly at Harry, nodding his approval. For once, Severus had to agree with Albus. How on earth could the Ministry think that it made any sense to cancel a program on defensive magic because there were attacks going on, against which that magic could be deployed? He'd never understand politicians.
When Harry returned to the lab after lunch to resume work on his translations, he reported that his friends were not distressed at news of their close escape from violence in London that day. News of the attacks was just making its way through the castle, as a few owls had arrived already. Ron was always pleased to have an exciting story to share with his friends, as he craved the attention. The visit had been great even without the violence, but that added a dangerous veneer to the whole experience. Hermione seemed satisfied with the reports about the extent of the damage and its quick repair, although she did mention to Harry that they needed to work out a schedule to start casting the spells to dissolve the Dark Marks on a regular basis, in case Voldemort was starting to use those again.
For his part, Severus' conversations with the adults drew no more reaction. While Molly was concerned that her husband and son had been so close to such danger, Arthur was unlikely to stop talking about his experience with the photocopier any time soon. The attacks were distressing, but they happened after they'd left, so he felt no need to dwell on them. Kingsley had had close calls before in his line of work, and was always happier hearing of violent events that occurred after he'd left a place.
As the day progressed, Albus received a few owls and firecalls from those scheduled to arrive on Sunday, seeking confirmation that the session would still proceed or asking about security at Hogwarts. He repeated the message was that they were still expected the next day and there was no reason to be concerned for their safety.
That evening after dinner, Harry and Severus repaired to the lab, Harry to work on his translations, and Severus to start brewing some of the bases for the potions he wanted to test out from the Ventus notes. Severus had not had the time to go down to the greenhouses to secure some of the buds that had to be added, and while he was not an expert himself on magical roses, he'd gathered enough from his recollection of his mother's work and the precautions that he saw Neville take in dealing with them to know that he had to be very careful about the whole matter of harvesting buds, blooms and leaves from the nasty things. There was a common base for all the potions he expected to work on, so he used this evening to get several large jugs of that prepared for his use later. Harry was watching him with interest, clearly puzzled by the very basic brewing. "Severus, what are you brewing – that can't be a potion, can it?"
Severus smiled at the comment. "I'm impressed, Mr. Potter, that you recognize the process for the simple one it is. I'm just preparing the base that I'll be needing when I find the time to collect the various flower parts called for in the Ventus documents."
"Neville was telling me about the roses at lunch. Are you sure about them? They sound positively vicious."
"I'm trusting to your friend's research that the plants referenced in Ventus' work are now known by the names of the plants we secured. The fact that my mother's own work involved one of the plants he identified causes me to trust his conclusions, as I'd noticed parallels between the two research paths. I saw how careful Longbottom is around the plants, and I'll be asking for his help in harvesting what I need."
Harry seemed pleased by the comments about Neville. "I told you, he really does know his plants, Severus."
Tired of discussing one of his least favorite of Harry's friends, Severus brought the conversation to something he'd been thinking about all afternoon.
"We were moments removed from horrific explosions that rocked the building we were in this morning. Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt were not overly concerned about that, and you told me that your friends reacted in much the same way. None of you seem to be bothered by that at all. Is this a Gryffindor trait, Harry? "
Harry smiled at Severus. He was so glad that they'd gotten past most of the snark and bickering about the relative merits of Gryffindors versus Slytherins; when had that happened? "Why waste time and energy worrying about what did not happen, Severus? We were safe."
Severus wiped off the table top on which he'd just decanted the potion base, and wiped his hands one final time before vanishing the cloth that was now soaked, all the while keeping his eyes on Harry, who was silently watching him back. "It might be a while, once the program starts, until we have another quiet evening in our rooms, Harry. Can I suggest a relaxing bath?"
He did not have to ask twice. Harry set aside his papers and bounded into Severus, who had opened his arms to receive the young man in a hug. Working their magic together, Harry and Severus had a large tub filled with steaming, bubbling water in place in their bedroom in just moments, and just a few further moments saw them both contentedly immersed in the tub. Severus gently began working on the tension in Harry's shoulders, but learned from his prior experience to not overdo the relaxing massage lest his bondmate fall sound to sleep on him. This time, Harry did not fall asleep in the bath, and the massages were mutual and much more intimate than the last time.
Harry was not ready, perhaps, to experience the full measure of enjoyment that could be had in a bathtub built for two, but he was getting there.
X X X X X X X X X X
Harry was a bundle of nerves as the time for the arrival of his guests drew near on Sunday afternoon.
"What should I wear for this, Severus? I can't imagine my school robes are appropriate, but I'm not too sure what would be right," Harry asked as he scanned his wardrobe.
Severus joined Harry to admire the selection of clothes. He chose a simple but elegant outfit for the young man, something that was not too formal, but nothing that a schoolboy would wear. "You aren't exactly welcoming them to your own home, but I think the right effect would be something appropriate in that situation. Here, these will do very nicely."
Harry smiled in thanks, and took the items from Severus, who had already selected his own clothing, also rejecting his everyday teaching attire for something a bit more elegant, and quite a bit more costly.
Severus was very conscious of, and not entirely comfortable with, his role here. He has some (admittedly long-ago) experience standing as the host receiving guests. It was going to be very different standing behind the man who was the host welcoming his guests. Trying to still the butterflies he felt in his stomach, he told himself to get used to it. His role in Harry's life was going to give him lots of opportunities like this, so he'd best learn to deal with it. It seemed he'd been telling himself that for far too much of his life, and the thought threatened to give him a nasty headache. He focused his attention on the absolutely delectable young man now nearly dressed in a most attractive and close-fitting pair of breeches with an elegantly understated doublet and robe in deep colors that made his green eyes glow. Smiling as he finished the final touches on his own clothing, he conceded to himself that standing with such a creature as his bondmate was something he would gladly get used to, any time.
By the time the two reached the Headmaster's office, Severus' nerves were settled, but Harry's were on edge. Albus greeted them as they joined him and Professor McGonagall. "Welcome, my boys! Right on time! The young Pharaoh should be arriving in a few minutes, which is why I asked Professor McGonagall to join us. Since the young lady will be staying amid the student body here at Hogwarts, I thought our Deputy Headmistress should make her acquaintance, and escort her to meet the Head of the House in which she'll be staying."
Harry had been holding Severus' hand as they strolled up to the tower, but awkwardly released it in the presence of Professor McGonagall. Severus realized the reason for Harry's action, and empathized with him – the prissy old woman could make pretty much anyone feel awkward, for any number of reasons. However, Severus also believed that Harry needed his support at this moment, and he was not going to deny the young man that comfort. As they took their places in Harry's office by the fireplace, Severus put a protective (and possessive) hand on Harry's shoulder as he stood next to and slightly behind him.
Albus beamed at the two of them. The casualness with which Severus reached out to touch Harry, and the easing of the tightness around Harry's eyes as he relaxed into the touch, showed him that they were developing the relationship he believed the Marriage Stone intended for these two special wizards. For all the marital disasters attributed to the Marriage Stone over the ages, he was glad to see that this match had the potential to be one of its great successes.
A few minutes of nervous chatter followed as they awaited the green flames in the grate signaling an arrival through the floo. Finally, the green flames appeared, followed moments later by the stunningly beautiful Pharaoh Nitocris, and moments after that, by a man who bore just enough resemblance to the young woman to be a relative. The young woman composed herself immediately as she stepped out of the fireplace, but Harry caught the look of distress that momentarily crossed her face as she heard the woosh signaling the arrival of the gentleman. He recalled his conversation with her at the Calling, and figured he understood what was happening.
Taking a step forward and extending his hand to the Pharaoh, he welcomed her. "Pharaoh Nitocris, it's wonderful to see you again. I am so glad that you are able to join us for this program." Nitocris accepted the offered hand, and moved closer to kiss Harry on the cheek.
"I am so flattered that you remember me, Harry Potter. I was thrilled to receive your kind invitation, and am most excited to participate. I have been working toward the goals we discussed when we met at the Calling, but thought that taking a break from that work to learn the skills so generously shared by your Mrs. Longbottom would be the best thing for Egypt."
With a smile and a nod, Harry offered "Allow me to introduce my bondmate, Lord Severus Snape." Harry was enormously pleased to see a certain amount of jealously in Severus' face as he watched Harry interact with this very beautiful young woman, and then he was filled with an inner pride, and a jolt of jealousy of his own, when he noticed how Nitocris' eyes widened as she got a closer look at Severus. She extended her hand to Severus, who took it and bowed over it very formally.
"Pharaoh Nitocris, it is my pleasure to meet you. Harry has mentioned you to me, and was most pleased that you would be joining us."
She smiled warmly at the welcome she received, but her smile lost the warmth when she turned to the man who had followed her through the floo. "May I introduce my eldest uncle, Prince Aktenat, who felt it necessary to accompany me today. Uncle, this is Lord Potter, and his bondmate, Lord Snape." Handshakes were exchanged, while Aktenat eyed Harry and Severus with a look of distrust bordering on hostility.
Severus suspected that the uncle came along to make sure the appropriate arrangements were in place for his niece, although there was clearly something more to it than that. Might as well give Albus the opportunity to play his grandfather role, and Minerva the chance to shine as the invincible chaperone.
"Pharaoh Nitocris, Prince Aktenat, permit me to introduce you to the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore, and to our Deputy Headmistress and the Head of Gryffindor House, Minerva McGonagall." More handshakes ensued.
The Headmaster proceeded to regale them with one of his stories, this one of a trip he took as a young man, to Cairo, offering the young woman and her uncle his best grandfatherly smiles.
Minerva caught on to a likely reason for the uncle's appearance, and when Albus' story wore down, addressed herself to Nitocris. "My dear, we are delighted that you wished to experience Hogwarts from among our student population. We will gladly accommodate you in one of our dormitories, where you will room with the seventh year girls in whatever House you stay. We have a magical artifact, the Sorting Hat, which traditionally sorts new arrivals at Hogwarts into the House most suited to their personal strengths and values. We would be delighted to sort you into a House that would then be your home for these next two weeks, or we can arrange for you to spend a few days in each House, to experience Hogwarts from all our different perspectives."
Addressing herself then to the uncle, she added "Prince Aktenat, I can certainly appreciate that her family will want to be assured that a young woman will be well cared for and adequately chaperoned while here at Hogwarts. I assure you that Hogwarts offers a secure environment for any youngster. We have Heads of Houses available to provide guidance and leadership, and Prefects among the students to assure appropriate behavior."
The hostility ebbed a bit from the Prince's face, although he did not look very happy at leaving his niece behind at Hogwarts. Harry decided to intervene at that point. "I regret, Prince Aktenat, that we are not able to accommodate guests of those attending the program here at Hogwarts. If you feel you must remain close by, you might be able to procure lodgings in Hogsmeade, a short distance from the school, but for the two weeks of the program, Pharaoh Nitocris will be very involved in the coursework and not available to meet with you. She will be safe here, I assure you."
The young Pharaoh finally looked at ease when her uncle accepted Harry's assurances as to her safety and with a formal nod to all, threw floo powder into the grate and disappeared into the green flames. Harry looked at her with a question apparent on his face, and she offered a small nod in return. Severus barely restrained his glare at this unspoken communication between his bondmate and the stunning young woman.
"I met Pharaoh Nitocris at the Calling. She told me that, at her father's death, her uncles had stepped in to rule the country in her name, insisting that as a mere girl, she did not have the power to do so. She realized that she alone, and not any of them, was Called, and she told me at the Calling that things were going to be different once she returned to Egypt."
Nitocris nodded at Harry's story and continued it. "I did exactly that, Harry Potter. I have removed most of the men my uncles had appointed from the councils that advise the Pharaoh, and reduced the roles of the Princes in the governing of Egypt, as well. They have been trying to force me into a marriage with one of their sons, to wrest power back from me again. It has been infuriating to them that I have chosen not to follow their advice, and am asserting myself where I had been passive before. Uncle Aktenat had been particularly distressed when I received the invitation from Harry Potter to attend this program, and then when I announced my intention to attend. He always fancied himself to be the most powerful wizard in the family, after my father, and had refused to believe that I had met you, and had been Called. I suspect he was more than a bit upset that you remembered me and mentioned having spoken to me at the Calling. He has all but called me a liar for suggesting that such a thing had occurred."
Sensing that perhaps this young woman did not represent the threat to his relationship with Harry that he'd initially suspected, Severus asked "Will all be well in your absence from Egypt, Pharaoh?"
She nodded at Severus, her long black hair swinging across her shoulders as she did so. "Yes, Lord Snape, I have entrusted the day-to-day matters to a man who served my father well for years, and who I know will keep my uncles under control in my absence. He was the very first of my father's advisors they removed after my father's passing, so even they recognize his power."
Albus gestured for the group to leave Harry's office, and led them across the landing to his own office. "Come along, all. We can get our young Pharaoh settled into Hogwarts as we await the arrival of the others invited to the program."
He directed everyone to seats near the fireplace and a tea service appeared on the low table in front of the seats. Severus sat in a large armchair, and to his surprise but secret pleasure, Harry chose to perch on one of the armrests, with his hand resting on Severus' shoulder. The Pharaoh sat opposite, her posture regal. Severus got a good look at the young woman and had to admit – she was a beauty; everything he'd read about her was true. Aside from the obvious, she had startlingly bright green eyes, lighter even than Harry's.
"What can you tell me about the different Houses here at Hogwarts?" the young woman asked.
Albus responded. "We have four Houses here, emphasizing the traits of bravery, loyalty, cunning and intelligence."
She pondered those values. "Actually, sir, I would imagine that each of those traits or strengths is essential in every powerful wizard or witch." Looking at Harry, she asked, "And which House were you sorted into, Harry Potter?"
Harry smiled. "The Sorting Hat initially wanted to put me into Slytherin House, which is the house that emphasizes cunning, but I asked that it sort me into another House, and it sorted me into Gryffindor House, which values bravery. Professor McGonagall is the Head of my House. But my bondmate is Professor Snape, and he is the Head of Slytherin House."
Nitocris took that information in. "You can ask? Or tell it where you want to go?"
Harry quirked his eyebrow, a gesture that caused Albus to grin, as it looked so very much like a gesture he had always associated with Severus. "Well, I didn't know you weren't supposed to ask, so I did."
Albus chuckled at Harry's answer. "I suspect that since it was Harry Potter doing the asking, the Sorting Hat might have felt compelled to take his request more seriously than most."
"Did you, any of you, have any inkling of Harry Potter's true station in the wizarding world prior to this year?"
Severus frowned slightly. That was a valid, but very impertinent, question. Harry, of course, did not hesitate in offering up an answer in his usual self-effacing style.
"No idea whatsoever. Last year, a friend wanted to help me learn more about defensive magic and spells, and she did some research into the history of spells. She found some old spells, and taught them to me and another friend, although it turned out that only I could actually make them work. We assumed I had a bit more power than they did, and that's why things worked for me. It never occurred to me that being able to use a spell like the King's Voice or the King's Banishment was anything special or noteworthy. I had the chance to use the spells this year, and that seems to be how it got discovered."
Severus shook his head. Harry had shared that story before, but it seemed just as absurd with every telling. He thought back to the events in the Winter Lands; there were clues all over there. Harry moved the huge capstone with the Wingardium Leviosa spell, despite the fact that the spell had a weight limit far exceeded by the capstone. Harry bade the earth to hold the capstone fast. The Black Wyrms had bowed toward Harry as they departed. No one fully understood what was going on, but in retrospect, it certainly should have suggested something. He wasn't going to share this with this group. Later, when he and Harry were alone, he would bring it up.
Professor McGonagall had returned with the Sorting Hat, and Harry was amused at the look of disgust the Pharaoh had for the battered-looking thing. "We place this on your head, my dear, and it will tell us the House in which you belong."
"I'd be fascinated to know what the Hat determines about me, but I must confess, I'd be most excited to experience at least the two Houses with which Harry Potter and Lord Snape are affiliated. Could I be sorted, and still live in other Houses?"
Professor McGonagall looked pensive as she studied the young woman, and then she seemed to make up her mind about something. "It would not be proper for you to reside in a House to which you were not sorted. However, we might ask the Hat to assess you, but not divulge its decision and thus sort you until you are about to leave us. In the meantime, you can stay several nights in the various Houses. Headmaster, do you think the Sorting Hat would be willing to accommodate the Pharaoh in that manner?"
Albus was smiling at his deputy's clever approach to getting around the problem. Of course, if none of them were aware of the House into which Nitocris was sorted, allowing her to reside for a time in each house was not inappropriate at all. "If the Sorting Hat is willing to delay announcing its decision, I think that is a splendid idea."
"As it happens, I think it is a good idea myself," the Hat announced. It was placed on Nitocris' head, where it sat silently for a few moments, before announcing "I'm ready to go back on my shelf."
"That's it?" Nitocris asked.
Professor McGonagall returned the Sorting Hat to its shelf, and gestured to the young Pharaoh to follow her. "Come along, my dear. I think we'll start off by getting you settled into my House, Gryffindor. The friends that Harry mentioned to you are both in my House, and I'm sure they'll give you a wonderful introduction to Hogwarts."
X X X X X X X X X
Just a few moments later, it was time for Harry, Severus and Albus to return to the floo in Harry's office to begin welcoming the arriving foreign witches and wizards to whom he had extended invitations. For the most part, these arrivals moved along quickly. Harry had met a few of the witches and wizards at the Calling, but most were not known to him. He was startled to realize that most of the arrivals knew not only quite a bit about him, but just as much about Severus and Albus. His own notoriety was a sad fact of his life, but Severus seemed to have a profile just as high as his. In a funny way, it delighted Harry to see Severus fussed over as he was by people from all over. The man was remarkable in so many ways, and he had contributed a great deal to wizarding society with his potions work. He richly deserved recognition for all the things he'd done. It was no surprise at all that Albus was very well known to witches and wizards from around the world.
Harry dutifully introduced himself and Severus, and then passed each new arrival along to the Headmaster, who seemed to know everyone and had a personal welcome for all. Harry had noticed a number of house elves standing around the perimeter of the room, and as it became time for a new arrival to be escorted to their room, one would pop into view in front of the group.
Among the very last to arrive was one of several invitees from France, Henri Clovis. Severus bristled as the man stepped through the green flames, his hand tensing involuntarily on Harry's shoulder, causing the young man to become immediately concerned. Severus assumed that Henri was related in some way to Philip Clovis, the man who had thrown down the gauntlet to him at the Ministry, and he was taking no chances. Severus gently drew Harry back, and stepped in front of him.
Albus noticed the interplay between Severus and Harry and became alarmed. He had no idea what could be the problem; this man was a high-ranking member of the French equivalent of England's Auror corps, which nominated him to attend this program, and he was a distant relative of the French King, Louis XXIII. He surreptitiously moved his wand into his right hand, just in case.
"Monsieur Clovis, I believe I have already met a member of your family recently at the Ministry in London." There was not a hint of warmth in that greeting; the words practically had icicles dripping from them.
Albus now recalled that there was a man named Clovis from France who had a reputation as a dueler, and he understood. He'd never asked for the identities of the men who'd challenged Severus to duels at the Ministry, but now assumed that a relative of Clovis' was one of them. Cursing the oversight of not asking Severus to review the list of invitees, Albus stepped forward himself, lest tempers flare.
"Monsieur Clovis, have you met Lord Snape?"
"No, Monsieur Dumbledore. I believe Lord Snape has had the misfortune of meeting my younger brother, Philip. I have never met Lord Snape until today."
Albus did not relax; his wand remained in his hand, but he tried to diffuse the tension. "I apologize for any misunderstanding, Monsieur Clovis." To Severus, speaking more quietly, he added "Monsieur Clovis is a highly-regarded member of the French Auror organization, which asked that he be included in this class. He is not the man who challenged you at the Ministry, Severus." Directing himself back to Henri, he continued "You understand Lord Snape's apprehension, I'm sure. I know that there will be no challenges issued or dueling among our guests. I assume that we have your word, as a member of the House of Bourbon, that you will abide by the wishes of your host?" Not the warmest words of welcome, but it was better to get expectations clear at the outset.
For his part, this was not the first time that Henri had been met with less than open arms by someone who had encountered his younger brother. He was always surprised at the kind of persons with status in the wizarding world that Philip had managed to alienate, especially with Louis' constant scheming and input. He certainly extended some very ill-advised challenges, and it would seem that one such challenge was issued to Lord Snape.
"Of course, Messieurs Snape and Dumbledore. I mean no harm to anyone within the walls of Hogwarts! I give you my word as a gentleman that no one here has anything to fear from me." Turning then to Harry with a very formal bow, he said "Monsieur Potter, it is my privilege."
Harry only nodded, still concerned, given Severus alarm. A helpful house elf popped into view at that moment, and Henri Clovis was escorted out of the room.
"What was that all about?" Harry asked as soon as the guest was gone.
Severus was glaring at the Headmaster as he answered Harry. "Philip Clovis was the first wizard to throw down the gauntlet to me at the Ministry the day you attended the Wizengamot to sort things out there."
"Henri Clovis was proposed by the head of what the French Auror organization. He's one of their top investigators. I knew that a member of his family had a reputation as a dueler, of course, but had no idea that his brother had been one of those who assaulted you at the Ministry!" Harry looked horrified by that statement.
Albus still had his wand in his hand, and waved it in a complicated pattern while softly intoning a spell. Harry looked at Severus with a question on his face. When Albus was done, Severus explained "That was an intention spell. If Clovis takes any action against anyone at Hogwarts, the person at whose behest he is acting will suffer the same fate."
Albus smiled at Severus. "Well, I made it a bit stronger than that. If he or any other of our guests takes any action against anyone here, the fate he intended for his victim here will befall his sponsor, whether or not the one here actually suffers that fate. I truly expect no trouble, but it is better to be safe rather than sorry."
Harry was about to demand a bit more assurance than that when the flame in the grate turned green again, and in short order, Remus Lupin had stepped through, followed by Sirius Black. While Harry was clearly happy to see them both, and gave each a welcoming hug, a pall still hung in the air between Severus and Albus.
"What did we miss?" Sirius asked.
Severus took a breath and replied "Henri Clovis arrived just before you."
Sirius and Remus looked at each other and Sirius asked "Any relation to Philip?"
"Younger brother."
"No! Why on earth would any member of that family have been invited to something like this? He's filth!"
Albus tried to calm all of them. "He's one of the most highly-regarded French Aurors. I can't say that I would not have recommended that Harry invite him if I knew of his family, but no one would have been surprised, at least. I've cast spells to prevent any guest in the castle from doing anything to harm another for the two weeks he is here. He will cause no trouble."
The other three seemed placated by the Headmaster's assurances, but Harry was not so sure. This was definitely one of those things that did not make any sense to him.
Harry realized that he'd seen Remus' name on a list of expected guests for the program, but had not known Sirius would join him. "Sirius, I didn't know that you were coming. What are you doing these days?"
Sirius and Remus exchanged a look, while Albus' twinkle returned with a vengeance. While somewhat curious about what the dog was doing, Severus carefully maintained a look of boredom at the turn the conversation had taken. "Well, Pronglet, after spending some time at the Ministry, seeing what they were up to and what I might be able to do to help sort things out, Remus suggested that I might have greater impact if I took on a more formal role. I know, I know, not what anyone would expect of me, but I came to realize that's the only way I can make the kind of contribution that I want to make."
Taking a deep breath, and looking again Remus for support, he added "I've petitioned to become a Member of the International Confederation of Sorcerers."
Harry's face lit up. He had realized that everyone he met at the Calling could become a member of the International Confederation, although apparently only a few were interested. He was enormously proud of Sirius for doing this, and a large smile creased his face. "That's fantastic, Padfoot!" Thinking back on Remus' explanation of all this at the Weasley's on Christmas Eve, he realized that membership in the Confederation also meant that a wizard could claim a seat on the Wizengamot by Right of Magic. He added "Does this mean that you'll be joining Remus and taking a seat on the Wizengamot?"
Severus looked sharply at Harry. Yet again, the young man surprised him, remembering how that worked and appreciating the magnitude of the step that the most irresponsible of the Marauders was now taking.
Siruis nodded, as Albus beamed at him, and Remus looked on with pride.
X X X X X X X X X X
The presence of the large number of men and women at the Head Table in the Great Hall at dinner, many dressed in very exotic garb, caused quite a stir at dinner. That, however, paled by comparison to the commotion when Ron and Hermione arrived in the company of a dark-haired young woman with startling green eyes and wearing, atop the same kind of sweater that all the young women wore, a large gold Ankh. There could be no doubt that this was the legendarily beautiful Pharaoh of Egypt. Necks craned across all the tables as everyone tried to get a glimpse of her.
Nicotris had settled quickly into the assigned dormitory in Gryffindor tower, and Professor McGonagall then escorted her to the Common Room, where she found Hermione and made the introductions. "Hermione Granger, the person who taught Harry Potter the spells that showed us he was the king! I am so pleased to meet you!" she gushed. Hermione was flustered, not knowing anything about this young woman who clearly knew about her, but the two quickly discovered a number of common interests and conversation flowed easily. Nicotris was a very genuine and thoughtful young woman, and Hermione found she liked her.
There was a moment that Hermione felt very insecure, when Ron arrived in the Common Room and came over to meet the Pharaoh. He was practically drooling as he was introduced, but Nicotris was both charming and sufficiently distant to gently discourage any inappropriate hopes. It was not long before a large group had assembled to meet the newcomer and eventually the Gryffindor contingent arrived at the Great Hall for supper in full voice, attracting attention even before anyone noticed the beautiful new arrival in its midst.
When Harry arrived from the dungeons and went to take his usual seat between Hermione and Ron, Nicotris maneuvered herself between Hermione and Harry. A quick glance to the head table confirmed to Harry that Severus was watching all this like a hawk, and not a particularly happy hawk at that. He remembered all too clearly loud discussions about passes being thrown. While he really never wanted to have a repeat of that particular conversation, Harry did appreciate the small signs of jealously that he found in Severus every once in a while, as he did today.
As Nicotris joined in the chatter going on around him, Harry was happy to note that she made no gestures toward him, nor any effort to touch him to which Severus could object later. Harry had a half-smile on his face as he served himself food, thinking back on the look he'd seen on Severus' face earlier that afternoon when watching Harry greet Nicotris. He tried to look interested in the conversation going on around him, but his mind was replaying that scene over and over.
X X X X X X X X X X
Harry and Severus walked down to the dungeons after Sunday supper; they had been at the meal longer than usual because of all the conversation with the new arrivals. Several of the foreign witches and wizards who were seated at the Head Table sought out Severus to discuss his potions work. There was some interest in his lycanthropy cure and curiosity about his work on Ventus' material regarding vampires, although he suspected that the attention really derived from his status as Harry Potter's bondmate. He indulged the few who seemed to have genuine interest in his potions work, and was somewhat less cordial to the ones he suspected of looking to curry favor because of Harry. Down at the student tables, there had been significant shifting of seats and milling about near the Gryffindor table as everyone wanted a word with the young Pharaoh, including, Severus observed, Draco and several other Slytherins. She seemed as fascinated by the students as they were with her.
Severus suddenly felt Harry's shoulder bump into his arm, rather forcefully. "She's a very nice person, Severus. Everyone seemed to like her, even Hermione and the other girls. Sometimes when the girls are around someone as attractive as Nicotris, they can all get a little testy, but they all got along with her. The fellows were a bit weird at first, but like I said, she's nice. What did you think?"
Severus cast a side-long glance at Harry, not quite sure where the conversation was going. "She seems to be a very accomplished young woman." There – that was vague and noncommittal.
As the two nodded greetings to the portrait of Salazar and his snake and entered their rooms, Harry continued. "Do you know, I don't think she ever met as many young people as she's met today? She is an only child and her parents insisted she be schooled at home, so she was never around others her own age. Just a few cousins, and some servants. She was telling us about that at dinner."
Severus couldn't think of a rejoinder to that, although it did go a long way to explaining the surprising interest she had shown at dinner in some rather unremarkable witches and wizards. This was a brand new world to her. He wondered where all this talk about Nicotris was going. It suddenly dawned on him – Harry had experienced a rather isolated upbringing before he came to Hogwarts. Granted, he was sent to school and thus did meet others his own age, but in many ways, those cursed Dursleys saw to it that he was kept socially isolated. Was this parallel to his own situation bothering him? Or the reason he kept going on about the young woman?
"You were jealous of her, you know."
Apparently, Harry was not focused on the unfortunate parallels between the deficiencies in his own and the Pharaoh's upbringings. However, that was a statement that could not be left unchallenged.
"What nonsense are you spouting now, Harry!"
There was a small smile growing on Harry's face as he once again jostled Severus' arm with his shoulder. "I saw the look on your face when she arrived. When she kissed me in greeting, in particular. You were very annoyed about that, I could tell."
"Perhaps that Oculus Reparium Infinitas potion I gave you for Christmas was not correctly brewed and is beginning to fail you now. You saw no such thing!"
"Oh, I did, and that wasn't the only time while we were all together upstairs! You were really not happy." Harry was grinning now.
Severus did not want to yield on this point, although he did recall rather clearly the sharp pang of annoyance (NOT jealousy!) he'd felt seeing Harry interact with Nicotris. Then he remembered –
"Excuse me, Mr. Potter, but I think I caught an interesting look on your face when you presented me to Pharaoh Nicotris. I don't think you liked the look she gave me as we were introduced." Severus was grinning now, too.
Harry harrumphed at that observation. Truth was, he did indeed feel a wee bit jealous when he saw the admiring look bestowed on his bondmate. He didn't like it at all.
Harry's nudging Severus with his shoulder to make his point had left him right within Severus' arm's reach, and Severus felt this conversation had gone on long enough. He extended his arms around Harry's shoulders and turned the grinning young man to face him. In silence, the two looked at each other, still smiling, as they stood just inches apart.
"Actually, she was very interested to learn that our bonding was suggested by the Marriage Stone. While the Marriage Stone didn't work too well for Cleopatra, I gather it did well by some other members of Egyptian royalty over the centuries. How is it that such a legendary artifact came to be at Hogwarts, in the possession of the school's Headmaster?" That question was originally posed to him by Nicotris, but it was a really good question, so Harry adopted it.
As Severus considered an answer, he took Harry's face in his hands, and leant down to kiss him. After a brief, sweet kiss, he broke away. "I have no idea. Either how it got to Hogwarts, or into Albus' hands." Another kiss. "Given the history of the Stone, it might have been rescued from destruction by a victim of an unfortunate match, or it might have been in possession of a Founder, and placed here for safekeeping as an ancient artifact." Another kiss. "Or maybe Albus himself got hold of it at some time."
The next kiss was not one to be interrupted by additional theories as to how the Marriage Stone got to Hogwarts. It began softly and gently, but quickly moved on to a more urgent, pulse-quickening connection. The two stood in the center of the floor of their sitting room, holding fast to each other, mouths locked. As they stood there, Harry felt a tremendous swirl of emotions coursing through him. He loved holding and being held like this, and feeling Severus' body pressed hard against his, feeling the evidence of Severus' and his own arousal.
The emotions were still new to him, but they felt right. There was something different today, though. Harry felt an urge to assert himself, to claim Severus as HIS bondmate, off-limits to everyone else. It went beyond the flutter of what was probably jealousy he'd noticed when Nicotris cast her appraising glance at Severus earlier; he felt this deep in his bones, coursing through his blood, flashing in his magic. He noticed that Severus was gently guiding them to move toward the bedroom, and he allowed himself to be guided to the more private room. Once they passed the threshold, though, he began tugging at Severus' robes and buttons, barely resisting the temptation to wandlessly banish all their clothing. They could probably have gotten out of their clothes more quickly had either been willing to break the kiss, but even in the throes of a passionate kiss, they eventually managed.
Severus did not know what had come over Harry, but he was not going to break the mood. He always got concerned when Harry withdrew or grew sullen, and relished seeing the younger man take such an active role in the physical aspect of their relationship. He allowed Harry to lead them to the bed, and allowed himself to be pushed back onto it as Harry knelt straddling his hips and bent down to continue the kiss.
As Harry's hands moved over his body, Severus began to feel the tingle of Harry's magic stroking him, not just on the surface of his skin, but right through him, and he shuddered with pleasure. Every touch, everywhere on his body, carried a jolt of erotic pleasure. This was apparently a mutual experience, as Harry was writhing and moaning just as he was. When they came, they came together with a release that was not just physical but emotional, mental, total.
They rested side-by-side, hands intertwined, as they recovered their strength, neither having words to describe what had just occurred. Harry stirred first, sitting up on his knees as he looked down at Severus, who was silently cursing the strength of youth that Harry was recovered so quickly. Harry marveled at the amazing man who was his – and his alone. He was so incredibly handsome, and his body was beyond amazing. He'd absolutely loved touching Severus. They had groped and squeezed and stroked. He had never imagined that anything could give him as much pleasure he had just experienced.
Harry gently rolled Severus to lie on his stomach, and hopped over to straddle his legs. Severus was momentarily confused, but relaxed when he felt Harry's surprisingly strong fingers prodding and kneading the muscles in his shoulders and then across his back. There was a soothing warmth, not buzzing electricity, in the magic conveyed in these touches, at least while the massage focused on Severus' upper back. Harry was slowly working his way down Severus' torso, and as he began squeezing and prodding the muscles in Severus' butt, the magic changed. Or maybe the magic did not change, but the proximity of Harry's hands to Severus' prostate as he imparted his magic certainly changed Severus' reaction. The jolts of pleasure that went straight into his prostate had Severus bucking and groaning. In the back of his mind, a small place that managed not to be totally overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through his body, Severus wondered – for all his care and concern about not initiating penetrative sex until he was sure Harry wanted and was ready for it, was Harry about to resolve the matter for them in a very unexpected way?
Harry seemed unaware of Severus' inner dialog and continued his massage down Severus' legs, as the older man recovered from another, most unexpected release into the mattress.