Chapter 32:
I do not own Harry Potter
Author's Notes:
Reader discretion is advised for the first scene. Story has been rated M by the author for a reason.
It gets kind of real in this chapter, as you'll read. The purpose goes beyond just writing an 'evil' character. It is also to acknowledge and condemn a persisting problem in our society, affecting a lot of people across the world, whether men or women, and a respectful nod to the sacrifice these people make. Needless to say, you have my utmost respect. Keep fighting. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
|Malfoy Manor| Somewhere Around Stratford-Upon-Avon| A couple of days after the Wizengamot Session|
*WARNING*
The air in the opulent drawing room of Malfoy Manor was tense and suffocating. Narcissa Malfoy sat elegantly on a velvet armchair, an envelope held delicately in her hands. Lucius Malfoy, standing by the fireplace, still in a mood foul as ever sat in his throne-like armchair glaring at the fire with simmering anger, a glass of brandy in his hands and a half-empty bottle nearby.
Narcissa took a deep breath and mustered her courage. "Lucius, I've received an invitation to a soiree being hosted by Potter and his little bandwagon, as a member of the Black family," she said softly, making sure to add a strain of displeasure while taking Harry Potter's name, as if she tastes something unpleasant. "I believe attending this event could help us restore Draco's status, or even broker a truce between us, perhaps have that official investigation called off."
Lucius sneered, his eyes narrowing. "Don't be foolish, Narcissa," he spat, putting his glass aside. "This invitation is nothing but a ploy to humiliate me! They purposely sent it late, AFTER revealing to everyone I've been cast out!"
Narcissa's eyebrow raised ever so slightly at the fact that he failed to acknowledge that it was actually Draco's loss primarily, and not his. Lately she wondered if he remembered that distinction.
Narcissa's voice wavered slightly, but she held her ground. "But Lucius, if there's a chance to salvage something for Draco, shouldn't we at least consider it?" she implored.
Lucius's face twisted with rage. "Consider it?!" he shouted, his voice reverberating through the room. "Do you think attending a party hosted by our arch-rival will restore our lost power and influence? It's a mockery!"
"Please, Lucius, calm down. Let's think rationally," she pleaded. "Our actions have consequences, and Draco's future is at stake. We need to find a way to protect him."
Lucius's anger intensified. "Protect him? How can I protect him when everything I had planned for the future has been ruined?!" he seethed. "Draco losing his status as the heir of the Blacks has cost me political capital, allies, and future gold. My plans are in shambles!"
However, Narcissa remained insistent, "I understand that things have changed, Lucius, but Draco's well-being is still important. He has lost access to the wealth of Black family knowledge and some magical strength, as he had been claiming all this time. You forget the reason we had all that in the first place was him, oughtn't we place his benefit above our pride?"
"Pride?" spat Lucius, fury in his eyes. "You imbecile, do you not realize what we have lost?! I find valuable contacts wanting to desert me like a sinking ship, they'll need hefty bribes to keep intact. I've lost a leg in business negotiations, suddenly losing standing since I can't seduce them as pairing up with an Ancient house. Then there is the fact that everyone automatically has leverage over us, me being a possible willful fraud and all, remember? And now you, in your infinite wisdom want us to beg for mercy in front of those who humiliated me like this?!" he roared, thudding his hand against the coffee table.
"Imbecile, am I?" began a simmering Narcissa, strained by Draco's recent losses "Who then, in THEIR infinite wisdom decide it was worthwhile to cast an unforgivable at a 12 year-old, RIGHT OUTSIDE DUMBLEDORE'S BLOODY OFFICE! It is your mind-numbing stupidity that damned us even more than you already are, so perhaps the least you could do - "
Smack.
An irate Lucius leapt from his seat and slapped Narcissa, the force of the blow sending her crashing on to the floor.
"Quiet!" the inebriated Death Eater roared. A revolted Narcissa scrambled to her feet and attempted to draw her wand, only to be struck down again, as her wand fumbled out of her hand, and away from her grasp.
"You dare?" Lucius whispered, before raising his voice again "I am Lucius Malfoy, you wench!"
Narcissa smiled sweetly. Too sweetly for any one still rung from an assault. "And I am a daughter of House Black, a family with a legacy your tinpot ancestry could only dream to-"
A swift kick to the stomach followed her act of defiance. She tried to keep her voice down, but couldn't help but shriek in pain.
She hoped Draco wasn't in hearing range, hoping to protect her son from his animal of a father, who given his state would not hesitate to make Draco the misguided target of venting his frustration.
"You know, Muggles may be worth less than the dust on my rug, I have to say their methods of disciplining mouthy wives are quite effective" he exhaled heavily, crashing onto a nearby sofa.
*WARNING ENDS*
"Don't ever try to undermine my authority again, especially in front of Draco." he warned, the threat of more violence imminent in his tone, before chugging the rest of his drink. "Now be a dear and refill my glass, then get out my sight" he ordered, staring onto the long forgotten invitation with a lost look.
Narcissa took support of her armchair, and slowly rose to her feet. She sobbed as quietly as possible, not wanting to give the despicable man the pleasure of having broken her will. Doing as instructed, she slowly limped out of the room, clutching her abdomen and supporting herself against the wall as she walked through the familiar hallways of her home that seemed more alien than ever. Finding the first room she could, she locked it shut from inside and finally let the floodgates open, the many years of pent up unhappiness in a frigid and abusive relationship finally letting themselves out.
She wished she had someone from her family still alive who could support her. Had Arcturus Black still been amongst the living, Lucius would never have dared to as much as raise an eyebrow against her.
But the truth was, she was all alone in this world. Her parents were dead. The family she had on her mother's side, the Rosiers, were firmly in Lucius' pocket. The Blacks had nearly been all wiped out, her only family being a sister locked in prison for life, a falsely accused cousin formerly in the same jail on the run from the misguided law, and a sister whom she had been all too glad to cold shoulder and push away all these years, labelling her as a disgrace to the family for marrying a mudblood.
Truly alone in the world, and she had driven the final nail in the coffin herself, never bothering to support her sister's decision, going as far as to ask Lucius to try and murder him if he ever had the chance. She knew he was vile enough to do it. The same vileness he had turned against her over the years, if not as animalistically as today.
As she lay slumped against the wall, she decided it was time to try separating Draco from his father's grasp, lest he become the same man.
She would have to be careful, though. Slowly start working on a task she was beginning 14 years too late. Be mindful of risking spooking Draco or alerting Lucius. And perhaps consider Potter's deal again.
Draco might have to swallow his pride, but a sulky, angry Draco was still better than a dead one.
Present Day, At Grimmauld Place
Dear Ron,
Happy Christmas, mate! Hedwig brought me my 'Weasley' sweater, I'll have to thank Mrs. Weasley for it, I love it! Of course I've been following the league, who do you take me for? BTW, guess what - I've got a deck of the new Claudio Camenzind's Crazy Cards! Prepare to be annihilated! I'll be back in a few days, so make sure you and your brothers don't burn the castle down by then! Give Gred & Forge my best wishes too!
See you at New Year's,
Harry
Dear Hermione,
Wow, that's a lot of questions. Yeah, I'm really enjoying myself. Yes, I got your gift, yes, I love it! No, I haven't left my holiday homework for the last minute, I'm all done. Yes, plans for the ball are still on. Of course you're still invited. Yes, portkeys are amazing, we should use them more often. No, I don't know how to do the portkey spell (yet). No, I don't plan on hopping around the country with portkeys, although that is a very enticing idea. Yes, I know it's dangerous. Of coooourse I'm staying out of trouble, don't you know me? *winks*
Phew, I think that's all of them. How are your holidays going? Knowing you, you've probably learnt something new already, right? No, I haven't been there before. (Oh hey, I did miss a question). I'm having loads of fun, it's been really nice and relaxing, and yes that's despite my HILARIOUS prank on Malfoy. I know you have a LOT of questions, and I'm glad (relieved) that you've decided to wait till you can ask me in person.
Christmas was a quiet affair (except when Dora started a water fight and all of us nearly ended up with pneumonia), and honestly, it was exactly how I wanted it to be, although I could swear it lasted barely an hour, despite Andi's reassurances that we did indeed have an entire Christmas eve and a regular sized morning. Also, before I forget - Merry Christmas!
See you at the Soiree,
Harry
The green-eyed boy wrote another couple of letters, these to Tracey Davis and Neville Longbottom. He thanked the both of them for their gifts, while the Slytherin had sent him new set of Quidditch pads, the latter had opted for a rare magical plant from the Caribbean whose sap has excellent medicinal properties when turned into a potion, especially for 'fire-related injuries', as the blonde boy had put it. While for Tracey he'd bought an Arithmancy graph and tool set, to Neville he dutifully responded by packaging his own gift alongside a particularly spooky jack-in-the-box prank that was sure to haunt the wiseass Gryffindor's dreams for the next fortnight.
Finally, he wrote to Daphne Greengrass. He had started writing to her earlier but decided to save it for last, his thoughts being too muddled. It was proving surprisingly hard to write to her.
Dear Daphne,
Did 'Dear' seem too weird? Too friendly?
'We're friends, right?'
Friend,
'Ok that just sounds weird'
Dear Friend,
'Yeah that's not much better'
Gryffindor extraordinaire Harry Potter decided to play it safe. He'd just go with Daphne. Can't go wrong with that, right? It's her name, after all...
But what after that? Just going 'Merry Christmas, see you later' didn't seem like a very good idea. He didn't want to make it unnecessarily long, either. Anyways, what was the guarantee she was even going to bother reading it? This is a teenage-Slytherin-old money-princess after all, right?
But still, it'd be rude to have no expression whatsoever, especially after her making it up to him, and their fun outing at Hogsmeade before the holidays...
'Right, back to the old formula'
The 'old formula' as he'd christened it, was a relatively simple tactic - just wing it.
Daphne,
If someone had told me last Christmas this is how I would be spending my next, needless to say, I would have recommended them to see Pomfrey. 1993 has been a wild year, though I'm glad that it also marked the beginning of our friendship, something that will hopefully last for a long time. Though I suppose with all the politics we're stuck with each other whether we like it or not (not that I'm complaining).
I think it's safe to safe to say we've come a long way since that flash fight near Myrtle's bathroom. I think the biggest sign of that progress is how much I understand what was going through your head during that moment. I'll be honest, I didn't think you were going to try and apologize at all, especially in person. That was the first of many proofs that there was a lot more to you than I used to think. Your willingness to sacrifice all and any interests for your sister's life touched me deeply. Over time, as we began practicing together, I got to know how talented a witch you are (and a perceptive one too, figuring out my trick with Neville). I really enjoyed our trip to Hogsmeade, by the way. Not just because it was a breath of fresh air, but because I enjoyed your company, and I hope you enjoyed mine. Needless to say, we should do it again sometime!
I can't predict what'll happen between us next, but I sure am excited. I'm not much of a writer, so I'll end here before I start rambling too much.
Merry Christmas, and you soon!
Harry
'Alright, just send whatever you got.'
"Kreacher"
Crack!
The elderly elf materialized with a quiet pop. "Good Master calls Kreacher?" the house-elf asked with a bow
"I've got four packages - for Ron, Hermione, Neville and Daphne, in that order. Could you deliver to their houses? Normally I'd send Hedwig, but some of these are quite heavy, and the weather's pretty bad" he explained
"Kreacher can. One each to the red-haired indigent, the mud - muggleborn, the fat scion of Ancient House Longbottom, and the elder daughter of House Greengrass"
"Tha - you know what" the Gryffindor sighed "yeah, them.. thanks" he sent Kreacher on his way, before proceeding downstairs.
"Harry" acknowledged Andi "good you're here, I was about to call you... We're going to the Greengrass'" she announced
"Wot" blurted Harry, suddenly becoming conscious of the letter he'd just sent out
"I said get dressed, we're heading over to the Greengrass'" repeated Andromeda "Their tailor is doing a rush order for his daughters, so I thought you could get your custom-made as well"
"But I already have one!"
"Which you already wore to the Wizengamot, and none of the others fit the bill. Now come on, I have a meeting there anyways, so I told him to expect both us" she told him before sending him on his way back up
'We should do it again sometime' Harry facepalmed inwardly at that line. It was going to be one awkward meeting if Daphne had already read the letter, it was sounding like he'd asked her on a date!
'No no, this is good. I go over and in conversation I say it again, except I mention Tracey as well... yeah that'll clarify it! Merlin what if she thinks I'm trying to hit on her?!'
Him and Daphne were third-years, she'd probably get creeped out, or reject him. While both of those would be extremely humiliating, they would be nothing compared to one scary outcome - her thinking he's asking her out... and saying yes.
Attaboy. He'd accidentally end up with a girlfriend.
Concluding neither of the options were any good, he decided it was best to clarify that sentence.
'And in any case, we're not supposed to start dating until Year 4'
But did he want to start dating her then?
'Ok brain, stop. That's enough torturing myself for the day.'
The prospect of 'dating' made him feel embarrassed. Thankfully, none of the boys back at the dorm were around when he had that little brainwave, or else he would've never have heard the end of it.
Quickly dressing up in some clothes he'd bought in a recent spree at Malkin's he put on in a pair of blue jeans, woolen socks, white sneakers with a matching sweater and a black leather jacket. Joining Andi downstairs, he side-alonged with her to the Greengrass manor.
Crack!
"Harry, Andromeda, welcome," Benedict greeted them warmly, stepping forward to embrace Andromeda. "It's good to see you both."
Harry smiled and nodded at Benedict. "Nice to see you again, Ben. Andi tells me I'm in 'dire need' of a good dress robe, so thanks for having me"
Benedict chuckled. "None of that, Harry. It was no problem." He clapped Harry on the shoulder, leading him further into the room. "Come, there's someone I want you to meet."
Harry and Andromeda followed Benedict Greengrass through the opulent corridors of the Greengrass manor. After a small walk, they arrived at a grand door guarded by two imposing figures. Benedict nodded to them, and the doors swung open, revealing a room adorned with intricate tapestries and shelves lined with books. Standing in the center of the room was Anna Fawley, current Head of House Fawley.
"Ah, Harry, I'm sure you know who this is." He gestured toward Anna Fawley. "Anna, this is the young wizard who I'm sure needs no instruction, Harry Potter-Black." he added the last word with a faint tone of mischief.
Anna Fawley turned her attention to Harry, her eyes full of curiosity. "Ah, Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Harry felt a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness as he placed a kiss on Anna's knuckle. "The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Fawley. I've heard a lot about your political prowess."
Fawley was a prominent Neutral with whom they were negotiating a merger. Besides her own skill, she also carried a valuable 8 votes in her alliance. She was considered important enough to be amongst those told about Harry's heirship the day before it was made.
"Harry, if you could join Daphne and Astoria , we'll continue our discussions here.. they should be on the first room to the right on the next floor" he said with a warm smile.
Understanding his cue, Harry nodded and made his way to the designated room. He'd been asked to come here simply to remind Fawley what they stood to gain. Three members of her house, including her own son, the recently deceased in incarceration Darius Fawley, were convicted Death Eaters. It was a blow from which their house had never fully recovered. Association with the Boy-Who-Lived might just redeem their reputation.
They didn't start talking until he'd left. However, once they did, the clock ticked by quickly, as the two parties engaged in a spirited exchange of proposals and counteroffers, discussing the terms of the alliance. Discussions revolving around the allocation of resources, political influence, and strategic advantages took place, with each party making concessions and adjustments to find common ground, working towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
Finally, as the tension in the room reached its peak, Anna Fawley leaned forward, her gaze focused and determined. "Before we finalize our merger, I have one crucial condition," she declared, her voice holding a note of anticipation.
Benedict and Andromeda exchanged glances, bracing themselves for Anna's demand.
Anna's gaze fell upon Andromeda, her tone firm yet filled with anticipation. "I propose that House Fawley becomes a vassal house to House Potter," she stated, her eyes flickering towards Harry for a brief moment. "However, there is a condition tied to this arrangement."
A hush fell over the room as everyone's attention turned to Anna. The weight of her words hung in the air, and Benedict and Andromeda exchanged cautious glances.
Anna's voice carried a hint of expectation as she continued, "I will agree to this proposal only if Harry Potter agrees to marry my granddaughter, Gemma Fawley, thus solidifying the bond between our houses."
As Anna Fawley's demand hung in the air, Andromeda's eyes widened with surprise and her brows furrowed in disbelief. She exchanged a glance with Benedict, her expression quickly turning into one of respectful disapproval.
"Anna, I'm sorry but that's not something we can agree to," Andromeda replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. Benedict, though initially taken aback, found his voice and joined in the discussion. "Andromeda is right, Anna. We're seeking a political merger based on shared goals and values. Bringing marriage into the equation feels like an unnecessary complication."
Anna Fawley, however, remained resolute, her gaze steady as she met their objections. "House Fawley has its traditions and values, which we hold dear," she insisted. "This alliance would greatly benefit my granddaughter, Gemma, and strengthen our ties with the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter."
Andromeda contemplated the situation for a moment, her mind working swiftly to find a possible alternative. Finally, she spoke up. "Anna, instead of forcing a marriage, we can offer our support to one of your allies in the upcoming elections for the Oversight Committee for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It's a powerful committee that holds considerable influence over law enforcement operations, budgets, and disciplinary hearings, you know that. This way, we can ensure your interests are protected without resorting to such an arrangement."
Anna maintained a resolute expression, her gaze fixed on Benedict. "I appreciate the gesture, Andromeda, but I cannot waver on this condition," she said firmly. "The union between our houses, bound by marriage, is the key to solidifying the alliance we seek."
They were in a pickle. Anna Fawley and allies' inclusion would bring eight votes. With upcoming elections on the horizon, the merger held the potential to significantly bolster the chances of reelection for those already aligned with their bloc, as well as provide an opportunity for new runners to secure seats. This alliance had the power to strengthen their political standing, possibly even propelling their bloc of neutrals to secure a majority in the House, making it a pivotal move for their collective future.
At the same time, her demand was something they just couldn't agree too. Benedict, having seen his own children used as tools of enhancing House pride before, was repulsed by the selfish demand. Fawley wanted to fix her house's image, and saw marriage to the Boy-Who-Lived as their golden ticket. Andi, knew of the granddaughter, a pure-blood supremacist with whom Harry could never get along.
"I'm sorry, Lady Fawley, But House Potter must decline. As merited as young Gemma is, we don't think they will be a compatible match."
Anna Fawley's disappointment turned into a mix of anger and hurt. She looked at Andromeda and Benedict, her eyes narrowing with accusation. "So, you believe my granddaughter to be no different from her father, a Death Eater?" she questioned sharply, her voice filled with a mix of offense and pain.
"Anna, it is not a question of believing your granddaughter to be a Death Eater," Andi explained, her words carefully chosen. "We simply believe that her beliefs and values may not align with Harry's and could potentially create friction and unhappiness in a marriage."
Benedict added, his tone soothing. "Anna, we understand the importance of heritage and upbringing, but our primary concern is Harry's well-being and ensuring that any alliance is built on mutual respect and shared values," he said, his words carrying a sense of empathy.
"I can read between the lines, all right" answered Fawley "You're calling my granddaughter a bigot who's not good enough for your boy"
Anna stood up "House Fawley has been disrespected enough over the years, but no longer will we tolerate. Good day". With those parting words, the aged woman walked out. her agitation evident.
"So it's true, then" remarked Ben
"What is?" inquired Andi
Still looking towards the door, Greengrass answered "She's been pushing for a marriage with a light-side family for some time. If rumors are correct, you're the fourth house she's offered marriage to. No one's agreed because they know her granddaughter takes after her old man a little too much, something Anna's been blind to. Young Gemma may only be a seventh-year student, but it's clear she wants to marry Montague's eldest."
"Amazing how ignorant we can be to something so clear"
"Yep" sighed Ben "Apparently she met with Augusta Longbottom before-"
"Wait" interjected Andromeda "Didn't the younger Lestrange marry into the Montagues?"
"Yep" sighed Benedict again "You can understand why that meeting didn't sit well with Augusta, then. And knowing Augusta's... directness let's call it..."
"I can see why she got so offended" affirmed Andi
"Don't worry, give her some time to cool off, I'll talk to her again, probably send out letter"
"That would be best" nodded Andi "Once she finally clues in to the fact that nobody from a prominent light family is agreeing to her condition, she might come back to the negotiating table"
Meanwhile
"You know when people write letters, they generally don't plan on showing up five minutes later" laughed Tracey Davis, who had also joined the Greengrass' today.
"And when too many people have been telling you how nosy you are, they might have a point" joked Harry, exchanging greetings with Tracey, Astoria and Daphne "So the letter" he started as he shook the Slytherin's hands "Umm... you've...read it?" he asked clearing his throat
"Should I have?" she answered neutrally.
"No, no, nothing important" answered a Harry too panicked to have picked up on the wording; it didn't answer his question, just simply inquired she was supposed to have read it by now "... I just wished... ya know, the holidays and... thought I should let you know I enjoyed our Hogsmeade trip
"Did you now?" asked Tracey, her ears perked up
"Yeah Yeah" the Gryffindor affirmed somewhat absent-mindedly, his mind almost dogmatically fixed on one issue, which he was going to bring up "...Yeah, and I thought the both of you should know I would love to go again... ya know, together - all of us" he added the last part with an extra emphasis on 'all'. With that, he felt satisfied he'd clarified his words enough, thankful he got to do it sooner rather than... well any later.
"That sounds fun, if only not for this stupid Year 3 rule" complained Astoria, too young to have permission to go to Hogsmeade
Harry sighed dramatically "Kids these days, huh? No imagination. You know how often I'd been sneaking around the castle by the time it was Christmas break of Year 1?"
Astoria laughed as Daphne glared at the Gryffindor "Shenanigans that cost his house a hundred points? You really wish to risk Snape's wrath if he finds out you cost them the House Cup over "fun"?"
"You know" chuckled Harry, his neurotic outbreak long forgotten "I don't know what that miserable bat would be more angry about - that you cost them points, that it was because you were trying to have fun, or because you got the idea from ME!" he exclaimed as everyone roared with laughter
"You spoke with that arrogant brat Potter?" drawled Tracey in an impression of Snape
"But yes, your sister is right" acknowledged Harry "I did, in fact, get caught by McGonagall once... you know why that didn't happen again? Because I smartened up."
"So you stopped sneaking out?" questioned Astoria, tilting of the neck sideways
"No, I just started doing it better" deadpanned Harry, making the younger Slytherin laugh
""Better", huh?" repeated Daphne "And what "better" escapades have followed since?"
"Well," Harry said, "I once snuck into the Slytherin common room using polyjuice potion."
Daphne's eyes widened. "You did?" she asked. "How?"
"It wasn't easy," Harry admitted. "We fed Crabbe and Goyle a spiked muffin and-"
"What?! How did you poison Goyle's food?" asked Tracey
"Oh, that was the easy part" asserted the once again raven-haired boy "We just left a floating muffin in the corridor, and well..."
"Of course" remarked Daphne with a sigh
"Anyway, so Hermione did most of the brewing, but messed up while collecting her sample, so she turned into a cat"
As everyone laughed, Tracey's eyes lit up in recognition "I hear that rumor! That was real?!"
"It was!" affirmed Harry "Anyways, so Ron and I ended up going by ourselves-"
"Why Crabbe and Goyle?" Astoria asked suddenly
"We thought Malfoy was the heir of Slytherin and REALLY couldn't think of another way to confirm our guess" the green-eyed boy answered with a straight face
"That's... kind of brilliant?"
"I gue - wait a minute" Daphne said at once "how do we know you're not just making it up?"
"Ye of little faith" remarked Harry cheekily, as he took a deep breath, "Dark stone walls, view of the Lake from the windows, fireplace near the dormitory stairways" he ticked off on his fingers
"Reasonable guesses anyone could make" challenged Astoria, a little skeptical of the story, as impressed as she was
"Fair enough" replied Harry "How about this - "Cunning the art of being able to see the world through your enemy's eyes". Quote from Slytherin right above the fireplace. whose inanimate portrait can be found on the wall opposite the door. Another famous writing on the wall is this - "Cunning is what makes an intelligent man and a wise one". Also-"
"Ok we get it" relented Daphne, while her sister looked mightily impressed... and inspired if her fears were true "That's awesome, Harry. You're such a daredevil!" the younger Greengrass complimented
"And you'll be a grounded-by-mom devil if I hear you getting any ideas" warned Daphne. Astoria, ever the mature girl, stuck her tongue out in response "Booooring"
"Groooouunnded" the elder sister clapped back in the same sing-song voice
"Snooty"
"Jackanape"
"Du- ok I don't know what that means"
"Don't worry, Dora tries to take cheap exits too when she realizes she's about to lose an argument" chortled Harry
"That reminds me" started Daphne "Mrs. Tonks is meeting Fawley today, you think they'll get anything done?"
"They're pushing for her to join, preferably before the election" the Potter Head informed them "She's being difficult about something... has been for a while"
"It's probably about marrying you to her heiress" announced Tracey casually
...
...
"Umm, Tracey?!" exclaimed Harry as the brunette felt no need to add any further information
Looking at the baffled expression on the face of the boy possibly whose marriage was being discussed one floor down, she realized Harry might not have been privy to that bit of information. "Surely a betrothal isn't too surprising, oh come on Harry, don't be so naïve! You're what, thirteen? Lots of old houses have held talks with at least one house by then" shrugged Tracey
"And you're already Head of House, aren't you?" seconded Daphne "That only adds to how 'grown up' you're seen as"
"I- I know, but Fawley?!" he exclaimed "Everyone knows she's basically married to Montague already!"
Gemma Fawley and Graham Montague had been dating since Year 4, and both had been caught sneaking out of the other's dormitories several times. On two separate occasions, the incident had been reported to Snape, who took no further action rather than petty punishments and provide unspoken support.
"Anna doesn't, apparently" remarked Daphne
Knock Knock
A subtle knock was heard, signaling the arrival of the Greengrass' tailor.
"Well you can find more about your nuptial discussions from your proxy, Mr. Barrett is here, and father warned me not to talk about anything important in front of him" warned Daphne, and Harry was reminded of what Ragnok had said to him. There are spies everywhere.
Following a brief round of measurements and fabric choosing, Harry chatted animatedly with the three before leaving for Grimmauld place with a tense-looking Andi. He decided not to bring up the meeting with Fawley, having a good idea what might have been the holdup.
"So, what next?"
"Cavendish's" answered Andi "Preferably now" she added
"Alright" nodded Harry. The day wasn't over yet.
It was decided to gradually phase Harry into these kinds of meetings, to prepare him for the not-so-distant future. Given his newly revealed status as Heir of two Ancient families, it was now expected that he take the lead in situations, especially in his age group. Easy pickings like this one, or at least what they anticipated to be one, was a good place to start.
Changing into robes appropriate for the occasion, he flooed after Andi.
"So how can I help you, Lord Potter, Madam Tonks" asked Lord Piers Cavendish, Head of the Noble House of Cavendish
"Heir Potter, Lord Cavendish" corrected Harry "I'm not a Lord yet, just Head of House"
"My apologies" obliged the twenty-nine year old. "Heir Potter, how can I be of assistance, and please, call me Piers"
"I'm here on family business, Piers" informed the third-year "As both Heir Potter and Lord Black"
Their host constricted visibly. House Potter held... a rather 'persuasive' contract with House Cavendish, made in return of a secret financial bailout authorized by James Potter during one of his three years of lordship.
Cavendish sighed "After a period of 10 years from the date of the loan, a return with within 30 days of recalling of the debt or rights over our Duchy in The Midlands... that's what you're hear about, isn't it?"
"We are" affirmed Andi "And we also know you're in no position to find that kind of capital in 30 days, so let's not dwell on that"
"Madam To-"
"When a Head of House is present you must address them, and not their proxy Lord Cavendish" Andi reminded Piers. Protocol was one of her go-to weapons to gain an advantage in a social interaction.
"Of course, where are my manners" he mumbled apologetically "Lord Black, I understand it is your right, but the Duchy has been in my family for centuries and holds a great sentimental value to all who wear this family's crest. It-"
"-is also a source of great income." Harry interjected "After the Ministry decided against renewing your very lucrative contract for supplying floo powder, a symptom of the greater decline of your logistics business, it will contribute to an even greater percentage of income. This, over the recent failure of your mining venture out in the Pacific, combined with previous years under a spendthrift father means losing the Duchy is something you simply cannot afford."
"Lord Black, if I could have just a little more time-"
"You could take 300 days rather than 30 and you still wouldn't manage, Piers" reckoned Andromeda
Cavendish sighed again. "Is there any other compromise?"
"In fact, there is!" Andi answered jovially "Glad you asked!"
"Piers, I sympathize with you" confessed Harry "Your grandfather was a poor Head of House, and his daughter wasn't much better. By the time your mother finally clued in to that fact, the damage was already done. Given the hand you were dealt, you've done well. I respect that, and I'd be happy to make concessions, however-"
"There it is" jumped in Cavendish "The catch... lay it on me" he said defeatedly
Harry took over "Following my revelation as the Acting Lord Black and Heir Primary, House Warrington, one of Britain's 6 remaining 'Ancient' families has initiated a complete decoupling of our affairs, something well within their rights as per our agreement. We start negotiations in two days, and naturally want to go in with an ace up our sleeves"
"Which is where I come in" guessed the host
"Indeed" answered Andi "You are the presiding chairman of the Oversight Committee for the DMLE. A report will come to your desk, regarding the Warringtons' possible involvement in a narcotics cartel supplying to muggle Brits, a big no-no in our Comprehensive Secrecy Partnership with the muggles' government. You will sign it."
"In the event of the Oversight Committee taking cognizance of a breach of this level, the DMLE is obligated to act on our findings." continued Piers, piecing the puzzle together
"The DMLE Director is Amelia Bones, sister of Edgar Bones, killed in an attack by 'imperioused' Death Eater Marius Warrington" added Harry
"Who'll gladly take her shot at Warrington" picked up Andromeda from a well-rehearsed script "Given the regulations this breach comes under, revenues of the last 5 years of every impugned venture, private or public come under investigation of the DMLE, not to mention the strict surveillance on the ongoing operations."
"A vindictive Bones will pick apart everything, possibly even permanently damaging the business if a new player comes in..." Cavendish completed the story
"And we're hoping you'll announce your alignment to us in the Wizengamot"
That's all for now, see you all next time!