Disclaimer:

Mrs. J.K., I must admit I like this story. I planned it to be a short one, but now I want to see for myself how far it can go. I still do this for free you know… Meh, it is the truth, even if you don't believe me.

Previous:

Harry, all dressed up, with two bouquets of roses, scared shitless, found himself in front of the gate of Bones Manor.

4 Courting or not?

Winky, the ever-eager matchmak… helper said: "Master, step closer to the gate. That be the head elf and the Lord of the House knows a visitor is coming. Master not be forgetting to compliment the Misses a lot."

Sneaky elf! That is pushing the poor lad deeper into the swamp! I hope Harry survives the day in one piece.

Harry swallowed, gathered his last bits of Griffindor courage, and stepped closer to the gate: "Thank you for helping me Winky."

"Master being happy with lots of babies is all that Winky wants." Whispered Winky to herself.

An old elf popped at the gate, and opened it: "Heir… Lord Potter, I am Benny, the head elf of House Bones. Mistress Bones be expecting you, take my hand if you want to move to the front door."

Without a clue, Harry took Benny's hand, a pop later he stood at the doorstep. Harry silently regretted not walking to the door to delay it a bit longer.

Madam Bones opened the door: "Welcome to Bones Manor Heir Potter, come in please."

In the entrance hall, Harry saw Susan and Hannah, all dressed up, with, he guessed should be Hannah's parents. An older girl in her twenties and a small boy are standing next to the couple, both enjoying Harry's discomfort.

Harry's mind froze up, completely forgetting what he read in How to Woo your Witch, he went like a C3PO to Susan and Hannah, gave the two bouquets to the girls, and stammered: "Hmm… Susan, Hannah… these are for you."

The older girl lost it and started giggling, only stopping it when her mother elbowed her. It woke Harry up though: "Oh! I am sorry for my bad manners, I am not exactly sure what to do."

Madam Bones did damage control: "No harm done Heir Potter, we will just assume you were dazzled by the sight of the girls. Let me introduce you to everyone. First, Lord Percival Abbot from the Ancient and Noble House of Abbot. His wife Lady Harriet Abbot nee Harper. Their daughter Heiress Peggy, and Heir Primary Damon. You are already familiar with Heiress Hannah and my niece Heiress Susan."

Boy! I am glad Harry visited the toilet before he left, or he would shit his pants with that introduction. It made him remember some of the stuff he read in the books though, he brushed the hands of the women and shook the male's hands the proper way.

"Thank you for having me Madam Bones, lately my status changed, it is Harry James Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter now."

Good move Padawan! Slap them down with your higher status, he even flashed the ring! But I think he did not realize it is a slap-down.

Madam Bones was surprised: "Oh? Congratulations are in order then, the Ministry and the Wizengamot are not yet notified, this must be done within a week by Gringotts. But enough of that, lunch is ready in the small dining hall. We discuss this later."

Susan and Hannah took each one of Harry's arms and seated him between them at the table. Secretly Harry was glad it wasn't a formal dinner, the lunch they served was high-ended enough already, following Winky's advice, he waited for the others to start eating so he knows what fork or spoon to use. He needs a book about table manners though, he is not a Ron Weasley, but then again nobody has those disgusting table manners, but it was obvious to the adults that Harry didn't have a clue. The way Harry handled small talk, or rather how he didn't handle small talk was another sign to the adults that something is amiss.

Xxxxx

When the adults took Harry to Madam Bones's office, Madam Bones started the discussion: "Somehow I think the reason to come here is not to court our girls, Lord Potter, am I right?"

Hmm? Straight to the point? I like her already. Harry felt like a load being lifted from his back, he was wondering how he could direct the talk away from Susan, now Madam Bones threw him a bone.

"You are right Madam Bones, and please, call me Harry. After the events at the Ministry, I discovered that the Headmaster did several crimes against me and my godfather Sirius Black. My main purpose is to get justice. It started from the day my parents got killed… no it started when Sibyl Trelawney did a prophecy at her job interview with Dumbledore.

From that day I became a pawn in that old man's game. He abused his positions to direct events the way he wanted them to happen. My parents will, I have a copy for you, which was sealed away by Dumbledore. In the Will, it is clearly explained that Peter Pettigrew was my parent's secret keeper, not Sirius Black.

It also said Dumbledore was the one casting the Fidelius. Sirius' stay in Askaban without a trial is the work of Dumbledore too. I want My Godfather's name cleared and that old man's reputation ruined."

That is my Padawan! What a speech! You know you can tell the impact of your words in the silence after you stopped. In my old life it sucked, most of the time they even didn't let me finish my speech.

About twenty seconds later Madam Bones came to her senses: "Albus Dumbledore did that? Do you have proof other than the will?"

"The will alone should be proof enough Madam Bones, but if you allow me to cast a spell on myself, I can give you another one."

After Madam Bones' nod, Harry showed his blocked Magic and the Blood Binding: "As you can see Madam Bones, Dumbledore bound my magic to 50%, the Blood Binding is feeding Bloodwards at my aunt's house, also the work of Dumbledore. The Goblins at Gringotts can testify all of my Mail was redirected away from me even theirs.

A friend showed me books that explained all the crimes Dumbledore committed to House Potter and Black. As I said I demand justice for both."

Lord Abbot commented: "You can't demand justice for House Black, Lord Potter, only the Lord and the Heir Primary have the right and obligation to demand it."

"My Godfather Sirius Black blood adopted me a few days after I was born, and made me his Heir. He explained in the letter, I will give you a copy, that it was to prevent his relatives from getting a knut from him in the case of his death."

Harry presented the Will and Sirius's letter to Madam Bones, after reading both, Madam Bones handed them to Lord Abbot. My Padawan is doing great so far, in a normal case it is enough to shove him off to Askaban, but with Voldy's return, the sheep need their shepherd.

"There is more Madam Bones, my friend urged me to come clean with all the things that happened to me, starting with the night Dumbledore dropped me on my aunt's doorstep with a letter in my basket. He did not even knock on the door. I know that because uncle Vernon used it to mock me, he said nobody wanted me, I quote: they dropped you on my doorstep like a piece of trash. Years I had to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs, do all the chores, cook their meals from five years old.

Then, when Hagrid escorted me to Diagon Alley, people wanted to shake my hand, I am a celebrity, their Hero, I sure didn't feel like a Hero at all."

Lady Abbot gasped: "You slept in a cupboard under a stair? Dumbledore claimed you were in a loving home and prepared for the future."

Well, Dumbledore did not lie about the preparation. Harry was guided on how to draw a copy from his memories, and did the show and tell of the life of Harry fucking Potter.

Xxxxx

Susan and Hannah were nervous wrecks, the talk with Harry lasted for hours, it was almost dinner time and there is still no sign of them coming out: "Sue? What is going on in there? This is supposed to be a courting contract, are they negotiating a marriage contract? That can't be! I even don't know if I like him that way. You had your snog, but he did not even hold my hand."

Susan sighed: "I think they are talking about what happened at the Ministry, Hannah. Harry is a key witness. Harry asked me if he could meet aunty in private."

Suspiciously Hannah looked at Susan's blush: "Wait for a second Miss Susan Bones, your boyfriend asked for a meeting with aunt Amelia to ask what? For courting you or for something else?"

Hannah could read Susan like an open book, she gasped: "Oh! You sneaky bitch! You took advantage of the situation to hook Harry Potter! Thank you Sue! Now we have to prevent him to get away from us, what is your plan?"

Relieved that Hannah is on her side, both girls discussed their strategy. Peggy Abbot overheard the girl's discussion and whispered to herself: "Why didn't they get sorted in Slytherin or Griffindor? Anyway, I have a lot of ammunition to tease them with."

Xxxxx

At Dinner, Susan and Hannah claimed their spots next to Harry again, the adults were silent, the memories they witnessed fresh in their minds. The Dursleys, the Troll, detention in the Forbidden Forest, Fluffy, and the other tasks ending with Quirrell, the Acromantula in the forest, petrified children, a freaking basilisk with something spooky from Voldemort, even catching his real name.

Malfoy and Dobby, year three with the Dementors, Sirius and Pettigrew in the shack, Remus doing his Wolfie act, and the time turner with the last Patronus act. It impressed them big time, chasing over a hundred Dementors away is almost impossible for an adult, a thirteen-year-old doing that with his magic blocked for 50%…

Year four with the Tournament… Dragon, lake and Maze, when they saw the discussion at the trophy, and what followed shook them to their bones, the interrogation of Crouch Junior angered Madam Bones, Dumbledore overstepped the laws by it, the same for Fudge and his dementors.

Harry squeezed a few order meetings in it too. Madam Bones noted her Aurors in that little vigilante band, it did not improve her mood though.

Year five did not spell a good future for Umbitch and the blood-quill. Well, Harry will do the rest of the show after dinner.

Peggy started her teasing: "So, Lord Potter, you and Susan? When did you start having feelings for her?"

Harry felt trapped, to escape he said: "I learned to know Susan better at the DA meetings, Hannah was there too."

Peggy dug deeper: "DA? Is that some kind of club?"

"Yes, a defense club, we formed it after we found out that Umbitch was preventing us to learn or practice spells. We got busted when we were practicing our Patronus, Susan and Hanna both have bears as Patronus."

Good diversion Padawan! Praising the girls and simultaneously avoiding Peggy's third-degree interrogation is a show of skill.

The Girls got peppered with questions on how and when they were taught, it saved Harry for twenty minutes and got him a busload of respect from the grown-ups when Susan praised her boyfriend into the high heavens.

"Aunt, Harry is the only reason we passed our Dada Owl, Umbridge was fuming when we could demonstrate all the spells and the Patronus for extra credit. She actually prevented us from learning spells. Even the Newt students learned from him."

Meanwhile, Hannah was looking at Peggy, she knew her sister was up to something, Peggy loved to tease her, and Hannah suspected that Peggy is having fun at her expense.

Peggy looked back at Hannah with an innocent smile: "Sooo, Harry, what attracted you to Susan?"

Don't say her Tits Padawan! That is a big turn-off! That Peggy is good at setting traps.

Harry looked sideways at Susan, glanced for a moment at her impressive bust and answered: "Her smile Miss Peggy, and the sparkle in her eyes. When she enters the room, all eyes are drawn to her, the dedication to practice her spells, and the way she guided her fellow Puffs from the lower years."

P...P...Padawan? That is a masterful save! He is actually quoting the book How to Woo your Witch! He is using the pointers to emphasize her good sides! It is working even, Peggy was speechless, Susan never blushed that red, and Hannah was relieved that they avoided the Avada to their plans.

Peggy recuperated: "Wow, I hope you will care for Hannah that way too someday."

Harry noticed Hannah freezing up, by now he recognized the teasing by Peggy, living in close range with the Weasleys taught him that much.

"Someday I will I suppose, Hannah is kind, pretty, and a good friend, it will not be that hard to care for her that way."

My Padawan! I am so proud! Although some credit goes to Winky, she did hand the How to Woo the Witch book to Harry. Hannah was astonished by Harry's answer. She turned to Harry and gave him a crushing hug, unaware that his arm is wedged between her boobs.

She whispered: "Thank you Harry."

Lord Abbot scraped his throat to let Hannah know he is still in the room. Embarrassed, Hannah got back in her chair. Peggy realized her teasing backfired, now they really are smitten by the boy.

Madam Bones sighed: "We have to address that issue later this evening, the revelations of Harry this afternoon will shake our community on its foundations. I fear we have to deal with two Dark Lords and am even not sure which is the worst."

Lady Harriet agreed: "I am having trouble too, Harry's life is a nightmare because of those two, I am surprised there were no more causalities. I know I am not letting this slide, they have to pay for those crimes. Harry, will you please provide copies of those memories, Amelia needs hers for evidence, we need them to show them to the Lords of our faction, even to those fools from Dumbledore's followers."

Ah, that will set things in motion, I bet it will be a bigger hit than those Boy-Who-Lived books.

Xxxxx

After dinner, Harry showed Umbridge preparing for the Crucio, the Ministry debacle, and Dumbledore's sob story with the prophecy.

Harry said at last: "My friend told me to show this memory, it is about Regulus Black and how and why he died. he thinks it is crucial to the fight."

After watching the memory of Kreacher telling the tale of Regulus and the Locket, they emerged from the Pensieve.

Lord Abbot commented: "Harry, that locket needs to be examined, I am not certain by whom, the curse breakers of Gringotts or the Unspeakables of the Ministry. For the moment I am leaning more toward the side of Gringotts. Is this the last of your tale?"

Madam Bones interrupted: "Not quite yet, Harry? Who is that friend you mentioned?"

Be brave Padawan! Search your own path, tell or not tell, there is no try… Nah, that doesn't work. Feel the Force? Meh, fuck it, either way is fine by me. I saw Harry make a decision.

"The morning after the Ministry attack I woke up with a letter in my hand. That letter said he cut the connection between Voldemort and me and gave me a book list to prove that Dumbledore is setting me up as a pawn or martyr in his game. The Room or Requirement provided the books, the letter taught me to make permanent copies, I copied them and studied the books.

Each morning I received a new letter with tips and explanations, it is as if he is watching my every move because he react and comment on things that happened the day before. The spells to reveal the blocks and how to dispel them, the book about Heirs and Auror procedures all came from the letter.

Meeting you here is suggested by him too. All I know is that he despises Voldemort and Dumbledore, and his advice helped me a lot. Visiting Gringotts, emancipating myself, and getting my Ring of House Potter, all came from the letters."

I am touched, speechless, the boy approved me and my actions! My Padawan! He called it even good advice! It is all from stuff I read in fanfiction, but he doesn't know that so I am a genius, a true Jedi! Worship me!… No that is the Sith way… fuck it, that works for me too. Where was I? Ah, Harry praising me.

Madam Bones asked: "Do you think he is possessing you as Voldemort did at the Ministry?"

Harry shrugged: "If he is, then he is very good at it, I can't feel a second presence in my mind, and as he said, the connection with Voldemort is gone, even my scar is fading away. He calls himself Obi-Wan Kenobi. My friend Hermione said it is a fake name from a muggle movie. For all I care he can call himself Merlin, he is helping me, that is what counts."

Hey! I am not changing my act from Star Wars to Merlin movies, that will confuse not only him but me too. Anyway, we set Madam Bones on the right track, and… what is he going to do with the Puff girls?

Lord Abbot summed it up: "Amelia, you are going to be busy the next couple of weeks, I am too with showing the Lords these memories, so is Harriet. Peggy has to guard the kids. That brings me to Susan and Hannah. Harry, you mentioned you read Duties of the Heir Primary so you know what this is about."

Harry nodded: "Chapter six for Susan and Hannah, chapter seven is about me. I like Susan sir and am starting to like Hannah that way too, I want to give Courting a try. You saw in my memories that I am new at this, but being a Lord of two Houses is forcing me to learn fast."

Lord Abbot asked: "Lord of two Houses Harry?"

"Yes sir, Sirius Black made me his Heir Primary, the previous Lord never disinherited him, so I expect to be Lord Black when the will is read."

Nice save Padawan, if you spilled the beans, the Goblins would not be happy, and an unhappy Goblin can hurt you where it counts, literary.

Lady Abbot commented: "I am for courting, but Harry, you are not familiar with our customs, and your youth was far from ideal, I want Peggy to chaperon your courtship the first months, she can bring you up to date with what is proper and what not. This is for your own protection too, a Lord of two of the oldest Houses can't afford social mishaps."

Poor Padawan, he got a babysitter, that will postpone the time for getting in Susan's knickers. Kissing and holding hands for two months and broom closets at Hogwarts… the RoR in Hogwarts! A four-poster bed, some ropes, and a whip… oops it is two against one, I better not mention ropes or whips or Harry will be on the receiving end of that whip. A fireplace and a big polar bear pelt… that can work, those bears are big so there is room for three… for fucks sake! I am not mentioning that! Not until I learned to disconnect from his senses. I forgot I am riding the Harry Potter train with no way to get off.

Harry nodded: "I can agree with that Lady Abbot, in a way I am glad there is someone to prevent me from making a fool of myself. What are the procedures for the courtship contract? But first, do Miss Susan and Miss Hannah even want to be courted by me? If they don't then I won't go through with it if you don't mind."

Madam Bones: "Benny? Can you ask Susan and Hannah to come in please? Just open the door, they are outside trying to listen.

Susan, Hannah, Lord Potter asked that you want to be courted by him. If not, now is the time to come clean."

Hannah smiled: "We already talked it over aunty, we want to be courted by Harry. His comment at the table convinced me, Susan was sold long ago, since the start of the DA sessions."

Lady Abbot commented: "This summer you will be chaperoned by Peggy, Lord Potter has put things in action that will keep us busy. This is non-negotiable. You can stay when we discuss the contract."

Lord Abbot grinned: "Yes let's start with the contracts, I always wanted to set one of those up. Remember ours, Harriet? There were so many restrictions on them it drove us crazy, we never got to… Harriet? I want to use that contract for my little girl!"

"Percival Abbot! Do you want your daughter to suffer as we did? All those restrictions?"

"But Harriet! It is different when you are the parents. I can't stand a boy having his way with my baby girl! She is too young!"

Madam Bones chuckled: "I remember you complaining about it Percival, everyone in Hufflepuff heard your complaints. We can use it as a template and scrap a lot of those restrictions you hated so much. Like keeping a space between them on the couch, or no body contact while dancing, do I need to go on?"

"Those are more appealing to me now, to be honest, I have to protect the virtue of my baby girl."

Now that dad is complicating it for my Padawan, isn't this just a contract for if he damages the goods, he has to buy them? A bun in the oven means a ring on the finger? I doubt Padawan can put his pecker in with Peggy watching every move… it might work if the sis is a peeping Tom… Tam? Tem? Tommett!

Xxxxx

Three hours later, Padawan left Bones Manor with a dazed mind. He could not believe what that blasted Abbot came up with. I admit, having a daughter of the dating age does something to a father. I think it is the pheromones that boys release in the air that is triggering the crazy side of the Daddy's. In the end, Susan and Hannah were negotiating for my Padawan. They shot the no body contact down first, the chaperon in between the couple was scrapped when Hannah pointed out that they had to find a second chaperone to enforce that, and she didn't want Peggy to steal her man.

When Lord Abbot began to nitpick about the number of flowers he has to bring for each visit the mother and aunt stopped him. Personally, I think he just enjoyed messing with my Padawan and his girlfriends.

The contract was signed and filed, a copy automatically went to Gringotts, where it is checked for conflicting contracts.

"Winky? Take me home please."

Xxxxx

Harry woke up with a new letter.

Young Padawan,

You made me proud, you carried yourself well yesterday, you got the respect you so deserved, and set the course for both Dark Lords' demise.

A warning though, your actions and words made both girls fall head over heels for you. I bet they are looking at some of those memories right now, escaping from an Acromantula colony, fighting a Troll, killing a basilisk single-handed, chasing hundreds of Dementors away with your Patronus, that is what legends are made of.

Take your time courting and learn the ways of the nobility. Like it or not, you are one of them now, better, you are two of them.

It is also time to put that power to use. Go over your accounts, check outstanding loans and obligations, I am certain Dumbledore drained your vault with some excuse, like for the upkeep of your relatives or for being your Magical Guardian.

More, go for House Black, family means a lot for old Houses, imagine the proud Bellatrix cast out from House Black, Bella No Name, it is a shame she will not like it at all. Check her marriage contract, Narcissa's too, if there is something wrong with it, you have the power to annul the marriage and demand all payments back.

Narcissa… you can cast her out for the single reason that she did nothing when she knew Lord Black was innocent in Askaban. She refused to give aid to her Lord. Malfoy poking Fudge to keep the kiss on sight can be viewed as line theft. As a proven Death Eater he knew Sirius was Lord Black and innocent at the time. If this comes before the Wizengamot they could lose everything.

I am certain House Black has loans and contracts due to them, and bet Malfoy is one of them, make them bleed if you chose so.

See if you have chares of the Daily Rubbish, the one who controls the Quill defines what is the truth and what is a lie as you have experienced that already.

Those are some of the sticks you can use to beat them up with.

A word for Winky, she is a devoted elf, although a bit obsessed with having babies to take care of. Be sure to thank her for providing the book How to Woo your Witch, that book helped you a lot yesterday and will in the future.

For your date on Saturday, make sure you have muggle money, Gringotts can provide those. Star-Wars movies, hint hint. Shopping is another idea, an expensive one though.

In case you want to get your pound of flesh from the Dursleys, notify the cops and tell them they use their cupboard to lock little children up. There is still enough evidence in to prove it. Even if nothing comes from it, it will ruin their precious reputation.

I urge you to train your elves to help defend their family. Remember Dobby blasting Malfoy? He could only do that because he was a free elf and already keen on defending the Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir.

For example, elves can't fight directly against wizards, but, they are allowed to gather firewood, if guests bring some, they can put them in the shed with the rest of the firewood or just put them in the fireplace. As long it is possible in their job description they can do it. And make certain you pass that method to the Bones and Abbots! The Courting contract will attract the wrong attention.

I can already tell you that Madam Bones is going to be attacked by Voldemort. She is powerful and cannot be bribed

On a personal level, Occlumency is a must-have, Snape and Dumbledore are experts at it. A bit of meditation each night will go a long way.

The most important advice I have for you so far: Have fun, find something interesting, and go for it. Sirius was a notorious prankster, explore his room, that way you get to know and remember him better, or a thousand other things.

May the Force be with you young Padawan, I am proud of you.

Obi-Wan Kenobi.

A good letter even if I say so myself… I am perfect. Oh shut up.