Harry awoke the next morning feeling more rested than he had in a long time. He stretched and slowly got out of the comfortable bed and into the large bathroom. He had not noticed the previous night how large the bathroom was nor how impressive the shower and bathtub were. The shower heads were incredible. Three in the ceiling, two on one wall and two more on another. The bathtub looked as if it could hold 10 people comfortably in it. Harry jumped in the shower, cleaning off days worth of build up off his body and then put on clean clothes. He realized that he needed new clothes and now he could afford it.
He made his way down to the kitchen where he found Frederick cooking up a storm with a few other house elves.
"Good morning sir," said Frederick when he noticed Harry walk in. "Coffee be readys for you at the breakfast bar."
"Thank you Frederick. How are things coming along?"
"Things be wonderful sir. Frederick has plenty of help. Breakfast be done soon."
Harry left to the breakfast bar where he found a pot of coffee sitting and waiting for him. In front of the pot was a small written sign that read "Master's Coffee. No Touch!". Harry laughed at it. At least Frederick wasn't as hyperactive as Dobby. He was shocked the Hermione had not mentioned anything about him having a house elf and how horrible it was. He guessed that the other girls and their parents explained everything to her.
He made his coffee and then grabbed a copy of the Daily Prophet. He sat down and looked over the news. It seemed to be the usual. Harry Potter was the chosen one. Fudge's job in jeopardy. Umbridge being investigated. Malfoy family in ruins.
"Good morning, Lord Potter-Black," said the man Harry recognized as Cyrus Greengrass as he walked into the room.
"Good morning, Lord Greengrass."
"Good. Now properness has been dealt with. Please call me Cyrus."
"As long as you call me Harry."
"Deal. Now that does not include proper business issues. In the Wizenagamot, we must use proper decorum, as we must when dealing with any family business, even among friends."
"So, the next time you call me Lord Potter-Black, that mean business mode?"
"Correct. I am glad you catch on quickly. Professor Dumbledore has asked me to assist you with Occlumency. My daughter informs me that they will also be educating you on family history, family magics, and how to act like a proper Lord."
"She and Susan both."
"And when are you going to look into this bond that you and the others share," asked Cyrus like it was just another normal question. Harry spit out his coffee and started to choke. Cyrus laughed as he waved his wand and the mess cleaned up. "Didn't think I knew about that did you?"
"I didn't think anyone else knew."
"Daphne has never been able to keep anything from me. I am who she goes to for advice all the time, unless it is about clothing or other female things that I have little to no desire to understand. That is when her mother steps in. Daphne brought it to my attention the first night she suspected it. I take it the girls did more research?"
"A lot more research. Then two of them confirmed it by kissing me."
"And why not the other two yet?"
"We got caught by Mrs. Bell and then I needed to process everything. Of course, then I went to sleep and had an interesting conversation."
"Ah. Fate visited you."
"How? How do you know all of this?"
"Harry, our families have been tied together in everything except marriage for ages. Business partners, best of friends, war bound friendships. We have been there together the entire time. As have the Blacks. Fate included me into this issue so that I can be what the other parents can't. The experienced mentor. Dumbledore will be able to educate you on many things, but his experiences and mine are very different. He will be preparing you to survive this war and the next. I will be working with you to survive politics and life."
"Did you know my parents?"
"I did. While James was set on becoming an Auror, which he was amazing at, I focused on business and taking over my father's apothecary. I expanded it to an apothecary store as well as import export business. Your mother was a regular patron at our shop seeing as she was always working on a new mastery. She was working on her Potions mastery when you were born. When I asked her why, her response was simply why not. We were at your parents' wedding. We met you when you were only four days old."
"How is it I am just now learning about all of this? Why was I sent to my horrible aunt and uncles house when people who knew my parents and me were out there?"
Cyrus could see that Harry was getting upset. This was understandable to Cyrus since he was getting updated from Dumbledore over the past week of Harry's former living conditions.
"There is a lot that I do not understand Harry. I cannot give you any explanation that will help how you are feeling. If taking you in after your parents' deaths had been an option, we would have taken it, I promise you that."
Harry was focusing on keeping himself calm. He was finding out that people had known him since he was born, but he was still sent to live with the Dursleys. Dumbledore explained the blood ward protection, but why couldn't he have been safe with anyone else?
"It's fine. That is something that I will need to talk with Dumbledore about. I'm sorry I snapped."
"Harry, it is understandable. I can't imagine I would be reacting any better than you are. It is a lot."
"Thanks for being understanding. Now I just have to get my entire life organized and making sense. I have to figure out when I am going to train, learn,…"
"Harry. First lesson. One day at a time. That is all you need to focus on. What is priority for you? What is priority for today?"
"I need clothes. Everything I have is too big and I finally can afford to get me some decent clothes."
"Then that is what you get accomplished today. We do need to work on a schedule to make sure we can assist you on meeting your other goals. There are some things we need to figure out like security."
"I was thinking going muggle shopping right now. I need regular clothes."
"Still need some sort of security. Let's get some food in us and speak with everyone to see what we can do. I can almost guarantee that the girls will want to go as well."
Harry and Cyrus continued to talk while the others slowly made their way downstairs. They all moved to the dining room where the house elves had setup a buffet. Harry grabbed his food and took his seat at the head of the table. Sitting close to him were Hermione, Susan, Katie, and Daphne. They all told Harry that they needed to talk. Harry had a feeling he knew what it was about. He told them to meet him in his office after breakfast. During breakfast, Cyrus brought up that Harry needed to get to muggle London to do some shopping. Mr. Granger and Cyrus agreed to go with him and the girls.
After breakfast, Harry made his way to his office and was followed by the four girls. He sat behind the desk as they sat in front of him.
"This just feels weird," he said as he looked at them like he was a boss looking at his subordinates. "Let me guess, you had weird dreams last night."
"I take it you did too," said Katie.
"Did you all meet Fate as well?"
They all nodded their heads in agreement.
"So, the five of us and I know of at least one other," said Harry. He looked over at Daphne. "Your dad was given the honor of being a mentor to me. This was decided by Fate."
"Fate visited him?"
"Yeah. And apparently, he knew all about what is happening with the four of us."
Daphne looked shocked. She had not expected her father to tell Harry what they talked about.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine, just next time let me know so that I am not blindsided and spit my coffee all over the place when he mentions it."
"Why does your dad know," asked Susan.
"I go to him for everything. He is a source of knowledge that I know will not judge me. I honestly didn't expect him to mention it to you Harry."
"I think the visit from Fate might have pushed him," said Harry. "What did Fate have to say to all of you?"
"That we all play a part in the upcoming conflict," said Susan. "And that we should not hide what is happening between all of us."
"We need to tell our parents soon," said Hermione. "Fate seems to think that waiting will make things worse."
"We need to support you, but also let you support us. Something about a people saving thing," said Daphne.
"Yeah. That is something we will have to get used to," said Susan.
"You have no idea. One thing he will need to do is not jump right into the chaos," said Hermione.
"Hey, me jumping into chaos has been very helpful to a lot of people," argued Harry.
"Yes it has, but having at least an theory of a plan might be helpful too," said Hermione.
"Ok, maybe," relented Harry. "What else did Fate say?"
"To not let you lose your way. To keep you focused but to also keep you happy," said Katie. "What did she say to you?"
Harry explained everything that he and Fate discussed, including what the Founder's Champion really meant. He explained how he was going to have more visits by Fate's siblings. He explained what he had learned from Dumbledore and how it had frustrated Death and Magic, at least how Fate described it."
"So, what is the first step," asked Katie.
"Well, according to Cyrus, I am to take it one day at time. That is why I need to go shopping. I need a full wardrobe. He also knew that you all would want to join us. After shopping, then we will come back and work on a schedule that focuses on magical training, education in family history and enjoying life."
"We think we need to tell our parents," said Susan. "We are worried that if we wait much longer that it will be harder to tell them."
"And how do we do that," asked Harry. "Seriously, how do we tell parents that the five teenagers all seem to be bound together by fate and magic?"
"We do it separately," said Hermione. "Except for me. Since Lord Greengrass already knows about us and since he can explain magic to my parents, I would like to have him with me."
"I think he would be agreeable to that," said Daphne. "Let me talk to him and my mother first, and then we can talk to your parents."
"I will be hiding in my bedroom where no one can come and attack me," said Harry.
"Scared of our parents," asked Susan.
"Yes. Absolutely," said Harry. "Once everything is calmed down, then we can start the rest of the day. It will give me time to assess how I am going to interact with your families."
"Well, you may need to figure that out quickly since my dad is going out with us today," said Hermione.
Harry's eyes grew large and fear was visible. He had already forgotten about that part of his outing today.
"It will be fine," said Hermione. "Mum will keep dad behaved. You will need to talk to them about everything though."
"Father will be there to help you Harry," said Daphne. "And Mrs. Bell already knows so that is one other person that knows about the issue. That is one less parent that will want to strangle you."
"That only leaves five other parents that will want to string me up and murder me."
"It won't be that bad," said Katie as she came around the desk and kissed Harry. Hermione came around and did the same. Next, Susan came and spun him around in his chair and kissed him. This was not expected but was not unwanted. Harry wrapped his arms around her as the others watched as the green flames surrounded the two teenagers. After a long and passionate kiss, the two broke it and the other girls were just smiling.
"So that is three down," said Hermione with a huge smile. "Daphne, you taking your turn yet?"
"No. Not yet," said Daphne. "However, you all do make it look like a very enjoyable experience. I think I will take my time on when I want to seal this bond."
"I won't pressure you into anything," said Harry.
"I know. That is one of your good traits. You do not force anyone into anything. You have people willing to jump through hoops for you and you don't even try to make them."
"Actually, he does the opposite. He tries to get them to not help him," said Hermione.
"And it never seems to work," said Harry. "This is not everyone's problem."
"And if we make it our problem," asked Susan.
"Why does everyone want to jump head first into this chaos with me," asked Harry.
"Because these issues that you face are not things that just affect you," said Daphne. "This war affects everyone. You are a rallying point. You are the person who gives people hope."
"It's dangerous," argued Harry.
"So is Quidditch," said Katie. "We are flying at high speed while trying to knock each other off of brooms at some extreme heights."
"That is different," Harry tried to argue.
"Not really," said Hermione. "That is just in a controlled environment, and with you in it, controlled is a very loose term."
"I am not going to win any arguments against any of you, am I?"
"Not unless you get better at it," said Daphne.
"Fine. I guess it is time to get this part over with," said Harry. "Let me escape to my room and get ready to leave. Tell me when I need to meet with the parents."
"We will do it one at a time," said Katie. "No sense in having everyone come at you all at once."
Harry smiled a sarcastic smile. The girls left the room and then Harry made his way to his bed room. He spent the time pacing back and forth, waiting for the first parent to come banging on his door. He was surprised at who his first guest was. Harry opened the door and was shocked that Madam Bones was standing in his doorway.
"Good morning Madam Bones."
"Good morning Lord Potter-Black."
"Would you like to come in?"
"No. I understand everything that has been happening to you has been chaotic and I simply want to express my condolences."
"Condolences?"
"Yes. I know how much of a handful Susan can be. I cannot imagine what it will be like with four young women tied to you."
"So you are not ready to murder me?"
"Harry, this is not something that you did. This is not some crazy plan you concocted. This is life daring you to fight against it."
"Actually, it's Fate. She seems to think that I need a lot of support and 4 soul mates is a good start."
"I'd normally question if you were joking, but since Susan also mentioned Fate, I take it there is something to that. I will do everything I can to help support all of you, but understand this. If you break Susan's heart, I will break you. I will break your bones over and over and over again."
She looked at Harry as fear filled his eyes. "Understood," was all that he said.
"Good. Good luck with the other families. I understand that The Greengrass's already have been informed and that Lord Greengrass will be assisting Ms. Granger in telling her parents."
"That is the one pair I am most terrified of. They do not come from this world. How do you explain to someone that magic decided that one guy should have four girlfriends?"
"More likely, eventually, four wives," said Amelia. "Cyrus is a good talker. He will be able to get it through to them. Well, I must get to work. I have assigned Tonks to your group as security detail along with Cyrus and Mr. Granger. Good day Lord Potter."
"Good day Madam Bones."
Amelia turned around and walked down the hall, passing Katie and her parents as they were approaching his room. Mrs. Bell looked happy, but Mr. Bell looked like he was ready to murder.
"Well shite," thought Harry as the family approached. He sat down in the chair in his room and waited for the explosion. But none came.
"Lord Potter-Black, can we have a moment of your time," asked Mr. Bell.
"Of course. Please come in," said Harry, trying to keep his voice calm and collected. He waved his wand and conjured three more chairs. "I understand Katie has explained everything to you."
"Aye she has. And just how do you think I should be reacting?"
"Honestly sir, I have no idea. It is something I am still trying to come to terms with. I don't know why I am always at the center of all these different events happening, but Fate seems to get a lot of joy watching me go through this. That is why she thought creating four soul bonds would be fun."
"Do you have any plan on how you would make this work," asked Mrs. Bell.
"Nope," replied Harry. "I have no clue. I am still working on figuring it all out and how to even date. This is a lot that I am still trying to cope with. The girls are all being patient with me because they know everything that is going on. They are not rushing me and I am not rushing them into anything. Right now, we are just learning more and then we will work on learning more about each other and getting closer."
"How close are you talking about," asked Mr. Bell with a growl in his voice.
"Not as close as you are thinking right now," interrupted Katie. "Dad, we are not even anywhere close to thinking about that. Nowhere close. Also, it would be hypocritical of you to suggest that it is not allowed as I know that you were active at this age."
Mr. Bell froze. He always knew that Katie was a brilliant woman, but her skills in arguing were not something he had experienced before.
"Dear, let's not try and intimidate Lord Potter-Black. Our daughter is intimidating enough, and if what we saw the other evening is any indication as to how powerful he is, intimidation would be useless at this point."
"Mr. Bell, I promise you that my intentions with your daughter are not malicious, nor scandalous. Right now I just want to get to know her better. I need to get to know all of them better. Other stuff that could happen later will not be rushed into."
Mr. Bell stood up and approached Harry. He extended his hand to the young lord. "At least I know she will be looked after and treated properly."
"That she will sir," said Harry, extending his hand, shaking Mr. Bell's. Then they heard yelling coming from down stairs.
"Well, I would guess that the Grangers have been informed," said Mrs. Bell "Maybe we should stay close for back up in case Mr. Granger wants to deal with Harry in a physical manner."
