Chapter 16

Harry stood at the window of his bedroom waiting for curfew to pass. An hour after sunset, he silently slipped the invisibility cloak over his head and double checked that he had everything. The map was in his shirt pocket and the tar-like potion was in a vial, at the ready. The antidote was in his trunk, safe and sound. His cousins were in their rooms, though they all knew the plan was in play.

It was time to test out his password.

He made his way through the corridors, narrowly missing an argument between Filch and Peeves as he went down a staircase. He smiled at the still life that guarded the kitchen before turning to face the portrait guarding Hufflepuff's common room.

"Gwaed a hud." Harry whispered. It meant 'blood and magic' in the welsh tongue. Since Helga Hufflepuff was the one to enchant the doors, he supposed it made sense.

The door opened as the girl in the portrait smiled at him. "Welcome, heir."

Harry stared for a moment before entering the common room. The fire was barely there but a little concentration with a bit of anger from Ernie's crime against Luna encouraged it to rekindle. He walked to the stairs and tried to determine which direction led to his destination.

Suddenly, a door opened and a boy he recognized as one of the new batch of first year students walked out, stumbling in the darkness.

Harry watched the youngster find his way to the bathroom. When he heard the sound of vomit, Harry knew a professor would be called so he hurriedly peeked into each room until he found the one with his target asleep in one of the beds. After scanning the room, Harry walked silently over to the trunk Ernie was facing and picked up the textbook lying on top. The inside of the front cover had his name printed there so Harry poured the potion on the corner of the trunk next to the boy's shoes, allowing some to cover the toe of both visible pairs as well as the side of Ernie's bag.

As he stood up one of the other residents rolled over forcing Harry to hold his breath until the barely awake boy closed the curtains around his bed and went back to sleep. Harry didn't like how close he'd come to getting caught and decided he'd best get going before it happened again. He replaced the stopper on the vial and hurried over to the door that was still slightly ajar. Slipping out into the hallway, Harry looked both ways and crept carefully back through the common room when suddenly the Fat Friar floated through the wall above him still talking.

"Yes, Mistress Sprout, the sick boy is in this bathroom here."

Harry backed up quickly pressing against the wall as Hufflepuff's head of house made her way to her student's side. Unexpectedly, his hand went past the tapestries to the wall itself. He waited for the ghost and the professor to leave the room before investigating.

Feeling along the wall he came to a doorknob and turned it. He glanced back to see if anyone was around to notice the fabric move but he was alone so he pushed the long forgotten door and felt it give way.

He ducked in, looking around at what appeared to be a cozy little study. The desk looked more like a crafting table than anything. There was a small bookcase against the wall and next to it was a door but Harry ignored that in favor of sitting on a tufted armchair in the corner facing the fireplace.

Once seated, he saw that there was a lovely landscape painting of a manor house hanging on the mantle. He stood up to look closer and the house seemed to be situated along a clifftop as seen from the sea. A small plaque to the side of the painting read 'Hearthstone Manor, Margate' and Harry instinctively knew it was the property he'd inherited in Kent.

The water in the painting crashed at the bottom of the cliffs and as it rolled away, an opening was barely visible. Before his eyes the painted rocks below the cave rose to form a wide path out toward him.

"Dobby?" He called and when the elf popped in he pulled his eyes away from the painting. "I own this property. You are my elf. Can you go there without me?"

"Has Master Harry been there?" Dobby asked, looking closely at the painting.

"Not yet. Does that matter?" The young lord asked. He felt terrible that he didn't know things as basic as that.

"Oh yes, Master Harry!" Dobby nodded emphatically. "Master must make physical and verbal claim before his elves may go there by themselves ...unless they is living there as caretakers."

Harry frowned, thinking hard. "Is it because the property is unplottable?"

He received another enthusiastic nod.

"If I remember correctly, there are two caretaker elves on this property." Harry told his little friend. "I don't know their names but the file should list them. I'll write to Korlag. Good night, Dobby."

"Would Master like Dobby to bring him back to the apartment?"

Harry chuckled. "I should've known you could do that. Sure, Dobby. Thanks"

Dobby took his hand and popped them back to Harry's apartment allowing him to get some sleep before his first day of classes.

/*/*/*/*/*

Ginny knocked insistently on his door the next morning. "Ron's here!"

"What? Why?" Harry asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Harry?" Ron rushed past Zack into Harry's room. Stopping abruptly, he looked around and blinked. "This...this is nice. Bit like the townhouse..."

"What's going on, Ron?" Harry sighed.

"Oh, the twins got Ernie with a mix of leaves and feathers when he got in the way of 'a fight between them' in the courtyard." He told them, using air quotes. "Mcgonagall bought it and only took five points from each of them with one detention."

"And Macmillan?" Harry inquired.

"Can't figure out why the feathers and leaves are stuck so well to his bag and shoes." Ron laughed and Ginny joined in with Luna smiling innocently.

"Zack, perhaps you have something to say?" Harry asked when the blond made a disgusted sound.

"Juvenile pranks are beneath you. You're an earl." Smith said loftily.

"We decided that the punishment should fit the crime, Zack... he stole Luna's shoes and socks. We covered his things with a tar-like substance and ambushed him with feathers." Harry pointed out. "If this had taken place in December... with snow on the ground...?" He left that thought hanging. "I absolutely would not have hesitated to publicly accuse him of endangering my cousin's health. I would have personally brought him before the heads of our houses which would've resulted in a month of detentions at best ... at worst, he could've been suspended for malicious conduct against a fellow student."

Zack pursed his lips but said nothing.

"I don't think you understand me very well, cousin." Harry sighed. "I may be an earl, but I only have this position because I lost my family at a young age. Therefore, I value them highly and desire to keep them safe and in good health."

The Hufflepuff nodded slowly.

"I seek justice for my parents' murder and deplore the bullying of the innocent." Harry went on as he cast a tempus charm. "I also seek a good education. If you'll excuse me, I don't wish to miss breakfast."

Zack backed away with a curt nod.

"Do let Ernie know that I might be able to help him remove the feathers..." Harry smirked. "Won't you?"

"I won't see him until dinner." The other boy objected.

"Oh. Well then...I guess he'll have to suffer until then." Harry told him with a careless shrug.

"Why, Harry? Why do you act the way you do? You're an Earl." Zack hurried to explain himself. "You have elves that can meet people or carry out your little plots for you! You can rub elbows with the high born. Why do you feel the need to act so low?"

"You just don't get it." Harry snorted derisively, shaking his head as he approached his cousin. "I was raised in a household where I was treated like a servant. I know how that feels and I would never treat house elves the way my relatives treated me."

Zack stared.

"I'm used to doing things for myself and I will continue to do what I can for myself." Harry said politely. "I choose who I wish to associate with carefully by asking myself if they're in it for the fame or money or if they really care about me...and I think you'll find that I don't really care about most people's opinions on my behavior. I'll do what I feel is right and ask very few people what they think."

Zack nodded nervously and hurried away.

"Now I've missed my window to enjoy breakfast." Harry growled in the direction his cousin had gone off in. "Dobby, can you get me some fruit or something?" Dobby appeared with a plate of fresh fruit from which Harry took an apple and suggested the rest be placed on the desk in the sitting room.

After dressing for the day, Harry hurried to Mcgonagall's office where she gave him his schedule and a short lecture on the importance of breakfast.

His classes were the usual ones. Potions, Transfigurations, and Defense Against the Dark Arts were all with Slytherin house. Astronomy and Herbology were with Hufflepuff while Charms and History of Magic were with Ravenclaw.

Divination might be helpful this year considering his dreams and the multiple prophecies, but Harry wasn't sure so he asked about private study for ancient runes and was told that not only would it conflict with his other courses but he would be two years behind his classmates. A touch disappointed, he at least had Hagrid's class to look forward to. Care of magical creatures was fun and interesting ... if a little on the dangerous side.

/*/*/*/*/*

Potions class didn't go quite the way he expected. Slughorn introduced himself and made sure they all had books and supplies before letting them know that they would all be assigned partners for the year.

"In an effort towards inter-house unity, I'll be assigning partners by skill level from Professor Snape's notes." The plump older man grinned widely at them. "Draco Malfoy, you'll be at the front right." Slughorn pointed. "Hermione Granger, please take a seat at the front left table?"

Goyle was seated with Hermione while Harry was placed with Draco and as the rest of the students were assigned their seats and partners, Harry smirked and winked at his classmate. "I think you'll find that I've much improved over the summer."

Draco frowned, looking skeptical but sat quietly as they began the discussion.

Harry asked and answered questions and was even able to pose a theory that Professor Slughorn called 'inspired'. This earned him several harsh glares from Hermione as well as his partner's interest and respect.

Later, they walked out of the classroom together which gave Draco the opportunity to ask Harry how this transformation happened.

"I'll tell you one day. I promise..." Harry grinned. "For now, let's just say I had to dig down deep to find my potential."

Remembering something he'd said on the train, Draco looked closer at him. "Does it have anything to do with Gringotts?"

Harry nodded sadly. "The roots of my family tree are ancient and Korlag helped me find them."

Draco hummed lightly to himself. "Perhaps they can help find other things. I need to write to my father. See you later, Lord Potter."

Harry chuckled and turned away to find Ron shaking his head and glaring. "Yes, Ron?"

The redhead crossed his arms. "Just wondering why you didn't go off with your new best friend...?"

"Don't be ridiculous. He's not taking your place, Ron." Harry reasoned. "A person can be friends with more than one other person. Please try to remember that I have a big job to do and I need support from as many places as I can get it. Now then, have you spoken with Hermione?"

"Yes. She told me that the only thing I needed to know about her summer was that her parents had reminded her that it was important to rely on authority figures to get information and assistance." Ron grimaced as he parroted their friend's words.

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting...I'd thought they were more free thinking than that." He silently resolved to have Remus call on them for a short conversation and perhaps a trip to the bank.

Harry walked idly with Ron to lunch and watched with amusement as Ernie walked into the great hall with more than just leaves and feathers attached to his bag and shoes. Bits of parchment had become glued to the mess as well as a strange round bean-bag.

Harry saw Ginny at the Ravenclaw table with Luna and decided to join them for the meal before going on to his next class which happened to be herbology and his last class of the day.

He took smug satisfaction as several more varieties of leaves became part of the mess on Ernie's belongings but that changed when one shoe became stuck to the other. Taking pity on his classmate, Harry asked the boy if he had another class that day and learned that he had a free period. "Come to my suite ...you'll feel better with some tea."

The walk to the apartment was arduous with only one shoe and as Ernie sat down, he sighed dejectedly causing Harry to roll his eyes while asking Ziva for a tea tray.

"Awfully inconvenient...isn't it? To have one's shoes be rendered unusable..." Harry asked, sitting down on the sofa as she poured.

"I suppose..." Ernie nodded slowly.

"Socks are hardly enough to walk the halls of a castle with and without either of them one could be most uncomfortable..." Harry looked at his guest. "Wouldn't you say?"

The light clicked on in Ernie's mind as he met Harry's gaze in shock.

Harry nodded with great satisfaction to silently confirm Ernie's realization. "Whether it happened to my cousin or someone else, it was a terrible thing to do."

Ernie nodded cautiously.

"After today, I think you've learned your lesson...yes?" Harry looked at him with one eyebrow raised in question.

The boy seemed resigned as he nodded again.

"I want you to understand that if this had happened in the winter...with snow on the ground ... you would suffer much worse consequences." Harry glared at him. "As it stands, I will give you the antidote on two conditions."

Ernie sagged in relief. "What?"

"You do not tell the professors that I had any part in it..." At Ernie's nod of acceptance, Harry went on. "You apologize and swear to never bully Luna again."

"Ok. I promise!"

Ernie seemed sincere so Harry decided to drop one more warning. He smirked as they heard the apartment door open. "Luna has quite a few new friends in addition to her three cousins... Did you know?"

Ernie bit his lip nervously. "Really?"

Luck seemed to be with Harry as Ginny and Luna walked past them holding hands. The boy's eyes widened as soon as they disappeared through the doorway.

Harry's smirk widened in response. "Do you know who her other cousins are?"

"I know about Zack but he never said a word if I did anything..." Ernie ducked his head.

"You can expect that to change...if I have anything to say about it." Harry grumbled allowing his emotions to give his voice a slight rumble of thunder. "I'll give you one hint as to her third cousin. Their hair is a strong family trait."

"Malfoy!" Ernie breathed.

"Very good." He nodded as he pulled out a vial of the antidote. "He knows and agreed to let me handle it...this time."

"Understood..." Ernie hesitated to take the vial.

"We know it wasn't just you...in case you planned to rat out your partner in crime for brownie points." Harry grinned as the other boy sagged again and finally accepted the antidote. "I think you'll recall Michael Corner's recent dung bomb incident?" A nod was all the response he received so he played his ace. "And I'm under the impression that Malfoy will be having words with Davies."

At these words, Ernie paled. "Zack...?"

"There are benefits to being related to me, Ernie, one of which is that certain parties allow me to handle such matters before stepping in." Harry snorted. "He got a lecture and had to apologize and return what he took."

"I suppose I should return her shoes." Ernie admitted as he set down his cup.

"No need." Harry waved him off. "An elf has already retrieved them."

"Then, I'll just speak with Loon...erm...Luna and go." He did so under Harry's watchful eye before running for the hills.

Suddenly, as the door closed behind the Hufflepuff, the fireplace spat and hissed.

"Harry?"

Harry knew that voice. "Dudley!"

"Yeah! Hi!" Dudley's face was suddenly as clear as his voice. "How was your first day of classes?"

"Not bad. I think I impressed my new potions professor." Harry grinned and made himself comfortable.

"Nice!" Harry heard his godfather's voice clearly through the connection. "Although, old Sluggy always was easily impressed."

"Hey, Padfoot! Is Moony there too?" He grinned at the fireplace.

"I'm here, kiddo." Remus called.

"I have news but first I want to hear about the decisions with Dudley's schooling." Harry told them.

"They've mostly assigned me to the physical defense classes but my teachers are going to let me learn a bit about all the different techniques because I showed that I have an interest and ...how did they put it?" Dudley disappeared for a moment and rustling papers could be heard as Sirius took his place. "Hang on; I wrote it down..."

"Molly was with him at the meeting." Sirius grinned at Harry. "She told us they said he had the ability to think on his feet."

"Yeah! That was it!" Dudley echoed.

Harry smirked. "Well, he has always been fairly creative."

"Aww c'mon, Harry!" Dudley protested guiltily.

Harry chuckled. "Alright, I'll stop. What else did they tell you about the classes you'll be taking?"

"I'll be learning about the history of magic and the current events of both worlds along with my defense training, Harry!" Dudley's voice became intensely passionate as he told his cousin all about his new school's curriculum. "There's divination as well, you know. Dreams, tarot cards, auras, and even chakras and feng shui are all big parts of our lessons here."

"That's great, Dudley." Harry grinned, truly pleased that his cousin was becoming more and more interested and passionate about the magical world and his place in it. "I want us to talk about dreams and prophecies and all that when I'm home for the holidays."

"I can't wait!" Dudley replied with a wide grin. "I'll pay really close attention!"

"Just do your best, Dudley, and I'm sure you'll learn more than me." Harry said kindly. "My divination professor is a joke."

"That's hardly complimentary, dear boy, and quite uncalled for."

Harry whirled around as soon as he heard the headmaster's voice. Thinking fast, he smiled, choosing to believe that Dumbledore only heard the last sentence. "Professor Dumbledore! What a surprise! If I'd known you were coming, I would've put off my floo-call."

"Nonsense, dear boy." The old man winked at him. "I just wanted to see how your first day went and how you're getting along with your newfound cousins. Minerva mentioned that a few of them have moved in here with you."

"Yes..." Harry admitted with a slight nod as he held up a finger. "Padfoot, I'll reflect on our conversation tonight and write this weekend. I have a guest."

"Alright, Harry. Be safe." Sirius answered and quickly cut the connection.

"Tea, sir?" Harry asked.

"Thank you, Harry, no." He sounded kindly but Harry heard a manipulative tone in the words so he kept his guard up. "I haven't seen you since July and wanted to be sure you were alright ...after the trauma of last year."

Harry smiled and flung his arms out to indicate his surroundings while avoiding the old man's eyes. "I'm doing great!"

Dumbledore seemed to sag as he took a seat on the sofa. "No dreams or nightmares?"

"Just the usual, I suppose." Harry snorted. "A fire-breathing dragon chasing after me...The merpeople chasing me with their tridents and grindylows trying to pull Ron and me apart... The maze..."

Dumbledore looked sympathetic. "And what about ...what happened after?"

Harry sighed. "Voldemort. My arm..."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes."

"Nothing new..." Harry replied honestly. "I see his young self watching Ginny die in my arms in the Chamber of Secrets but...sometimes he's there as he appears now in the same positions."

"You never told me about that one." Ginny said softly as she and Luna came in.

"It's just about dinner time, Harry." Luna came over and laid her hand on his shoulder.

"I hope you don't mind, sir. I'm awfully hungry." Harry gave Dumbledore a hesitant looking smile.

"Of course, my boy..." The old man sighed as he stood to leave. "Though you will let me know if that changes, won't you?"

"I promise." Harry nodded before turning to his cousins. "I need something from my room, girls. I'll only be a moment." When he returned to the sitting room with his communication mirror, the headmaster was gone. He put the mirror on the desk and spoke to the girls. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you but I found something last night in the Hufflepuff common room. Ginny, you tell the twins. I'll talk to Ron and Zack...family meeting. Tonight."

The girls nodded and then they all walked to the great hall together.

Harry passed behind Zack on his way to the Gryffindor table and tapped his shoulder with a quick word in his ear. "Meeting after dinner in the suite."

Zack nodded once and continued his conversation with his friends Ernie and Justin.

As he sat beside Ron, Harry murmured to his friend. "Something to talk about. Founders family stuff. Come to the suite after dinner. I'll make it fast so nobody's out past curfew."

"Fred and George?" Ron asked after swallowing his food.

"Ginny's going to tell them." Harry replied as he filled his plate.

With a curt nod, Ron went back to eating as if Harry hadn't spoken.

As he finished the last bit of his treacle tart, Harry saw Fred and George get up and leave. He and Ron left as soon as he promised to have Dobby bring a bowl of popcorn to the meeting. Luna and Ginny caught up with them in the hallway and soon enough they were back at the suite waiting for Zack, who burst into the apartment after the popcorn had been delivered.

"Alright, what's this all about?" Zack demanded as he dropped his bag at his feet.

"Watch your tone." Harry frowned at him. "I called this meeting because I found something interesting in the Hufflepuff common room last night and I think we need to talk about it."

"Pfft." Zack sneered and plopped down into a seat. "I've spent four years in and out of that common room. There's nothing special in there."

Harry smirked. "I suppose you think there isn't anything special about a hidden door that leads to a cozy little study with a crafting table and fireplace and a painting on the wall depicting a property I just inherited... hmm?"

"What are you talking about?" The other boy whispered. Zack's gobsmacked expression made Luna and Ron laugh.

"I was pressed against a wall after almost getting caught and my hand accidentally went past a tapestry to the stones. I was curious so I felt along and came across a doorknob which turned so I went in. I believe what I found is Helga Hufflepuff's personal study." Harry paused for effect and nodded as if his theory had been confirmed. "What's more, I believe all the common rooms will hold similar treasures."

"I want to see this so-called study." Zack glared at him.

"Alright." Harry smirked. "I'll take you there tomorrow night."

"Saturday." Zack grunted. "I've got class til dinner time all this week."

Harry nodded. "I'd like you guys to look in Gryffindor for something like that. Luna, you too in Ravenclaw."

"Oh, Harry..." Luna grinned, shaking her head. "No need to look at all! I found the door ages ago!"

"That's wonderful, Luna." Harry laughed. "Will you show me?"

"Of course, silly!" She giggled.

"That means there's definitely something in Gryffindor, mate. We'll look during our free period tomorrow." George promised with Fred nodding behind him. Even Ron looked excited by the idea of an adventure as they got up to leave.

Harry bid them goodnight and addressed Zack as soon as the girls disappeared into their room. "We need to have an understanding between us."

Zack looked at him, rolling his eyes apathetically. "Pshh. Whatever."

"We are distantly related by blood but I know better than to rely on that." Harry ground his teeth in frustration, thinking about his aunt and uncle. "All I ask is for common courtesy. I didn't have to include you in my life. I didn't have to open my home and wards to you. I certainly don't have to include you in the search for the founder's secrets... but I want to... for several reasons."

"And what might those be?" Zack smirked smugly.

"A big part of it is that you were raised in the wizarding world. That means you know loads more about it than I do. Most of my other cousins have this in common with you and while they're..." Harry mused. "Quite unique... you run in different circles."

"It's true." Zack nodded thoughtfully. "Many of the high born purebloods consider the Weasleys to be blood traitors and Luna's father went against tradition to take his wife's name which puts him in a lower position than the Malfoys."

"As an Earl and a student, I'll have a lot to do." Harry said softly. "But in addition to that, I still have to find a way to defend myself from Voldemort not to mention the foolish meddling of the headmaster of this school. I'll need all the help I can get. Part of that is a little support from my contacts in each house but I don't have many."

Zack frowned. He hadn't planned to play a large role in Harry's life and this seemed to be a bit of work if Dumbledore wasn't on their side. Perhaps it would only last until their school years were over... perhaps he could make it work for both of them... it was only fair after all. "Very well. What do you need from me?"

"To start with, I need friends in all houses. I'll need advice occasionally, be it on matters of state or something school related." Harry told him. "I may need your participation if I have to perform a ritual."

"Ritual magic is quite rare and complex. Do you really think that will be necessary?" Zack was understandably surprised. While not unheard of, rituals were only used in special cases.

Harry shrugged. "I just think you should know it's possible."

The Hufflepuff took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Alright. Keep me informed."

Harry nodded. "I'll keep you as informed as possible. A lot of things are 'need to know'."

"What?" Zack was mildly outraged.

"I have secrets, Zack." Harry sighed. "I can't take the chance that someone will persuade you to tell them or read your mind or something."

"Well, that's easy. I can make an oath and as for reading minds, legilimency can be blocked by occlumency." Zack informed him arrogantly. "I can learn...we should all learn it anyway."

Harry stared. "You can block people from your mind?"

Zack nodded.

"See?" Harry grinned suddenly, rushing over to the desk for the mirror. "You're already helping me. I'll get Remus to find us a tutor. I don't know if you remember but he's sort of my uncle."

"Yes. We spoke briefly on your birthday. I'd thought it was odd to have a former teacher attending such an event and asked him about it." Zack explained.

"I'll call him now and let you know what he says." Harry hurried down to his room, leaving Zack to stare after him.

Once safely in his room, Harry called out softly for his godfather and was rewarded with the man's face anxiously looking him over.

"Are you alright?" Sirius asked, frowning. "I was worried. Did he hear everything or just the last thing you said?"

"I'm fine." Harry replied in what he hoped was a comforting tone. "He didn't let on if he heard more than my last few words but there's some things I need to tell you all. Is Moony there? What about Dudley?"

"Dudley is in his room. We'll call him." Remus said, taking the mirror from Sirius. "What's up?"

"Zack told me about something interesting called occlumency and we'll need a tutor for it as soon as possible." Harry told him urgently.

"Us?" Remus asked.

"Me and all my cousins." Harry's eyes became haunted. "I can't tell them what I need to if I'm afraid someone will read their minds."

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "You're also, now, a member of the wizengamut. You'll be given sensitive information from time to time so no one will think anything of it."

"Great." Harry grinned. "Tell Dudley to ask his instructors about it as well. Next order of business is the situation with Hermione."

"Has she said something?" Sirius asked as he came back into view. "Dudley is asleep. I'll fill him in tomorrow."

Harry nodded. "She said some things to Ron about her summer holidays that don't really add up. There may be spells at play."

Remus hummed thoughtfully. "I'll see if the Grangers will meet with me. If not, I'll ask Korlag to invite them to the bank."

"That's what I was thinking." Harry nodded in thanks. "Oh! I almost forgot! The meeting with Mcgonagall on Saturday went well." He proceeded to tell them about the events of the weekend.

"So a few of your cousins are living with you, Ziva is going to be with you most of the time, and you've got a plan to explore the castle for the secrets of your ancestors." Sirius grinned through the mirror. "All in all, a productive couple of days."

Harry nodded. "I should even have time for some homework before bed, if I go now. Have a good night." He set the mirror down and hurried to give Zack the news.

Zack answered his door with a bathrobe on. "Yes?"

"Remus is on it. He'll find a good tutor for our purposes." Harry reported.

"Good because I'm working diligently on my end of the bargain." Zack said, backing up to allow Harry into the room. "You need friends in all houses, as you said. Well, Cedric is a little older than us but I think he'd be a good place to start with both the Hufflepuffs and the Ravenclaws. You've saved his life, so you've got a good conversation starter, and his girlfriend is in Ravenclaw. It's Slytherin you'll need an 'in' with that I don't have."

"Well, I wouldn't call us friends, but..." Harry followed his cousin in and sat on a chair. "I've got a bit of a truce with Malfoy..." Seeing a curious look on the other boy's face, Harry indulged it. "We're partners in Potions and Luna is related to us both... we felt it was best to come to an agreement."

"I see. Interesting...His father holds a seat on the Wizengamut, you know." Zack mentioned casually.

Harry nodded. "Yes, I've met him a time or two. This summer, I happened to speak with him at the Ministry."

"Impressive. I'd heard it takes weeks to get an appointment with him." Zack smirked.

"Oh. I just saw him in the hallway and said hello." Harry smirked back. "No wonder he seemed a little taken aback."

"The cheek!" Zack gave a shocked chuckle. "Imagine - ignoring proper procedure!"

Harry started to join in but then something hit him. "We might have a problem."

Zack frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't realize there was a procedure at all. I saw him and just thought I'd say hello." Harry said carefully. "If people make appointments to see him, are they trying to do the same to see me? If they are, I haven't received any notifications of it."

"This session will be your first." Zack's eyes widened. "The members don't really know where you stand on most issues because they're not in direct contact with you. Those of them that have school aged relatives don't know or care about the opinions of children."

"Ziva?" Harry called his elf and when she arrived he didn't hesitate to ask for the needed items. "Parchment, a quill and ink. Oh, and my seal as well, please."

"What are you going to do?" Zack asked.

"Arthur Weasley is family. He may not be on the wizengamut, but I'll ask him if he knows anything about the situation and go from there." Harry replied lightly as he signed the short letter. "See you in the morning."

On the way to his bedroom, Harry sent Hedwig off with his mail. That night's homework looked pretty easy - just a bit of reading for each class. It shouldn't take long and then he could let himself sleep.