Dear readers, there are several moments in this chapter that are NSFW (not safe for work). Please take this under advisement as the rating will now be justified.
italics = dream
(more at the end)
Chapter 29
Harry tried to silently reassure his godfather that it would all work out. He met the gazes of his allies over the heads of the other members who seemed oblivious.
"Elphias Doge, Mr. Black... you spent twelve years in Azkaban and escaped two years ago." Dumbledore's man spoke up first. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Sirius sat up straight and looked directly at the man who'd spoken. "I do, however I'd prefer to -"
"Before we begin the trial, his representative should take their place at his side." Amelia Bones interrupted. "Has someone contacted the appropriate firm?"
Harry raised his hand. "Madam Bones, I took the liberty of asking my personal law wizards to be in the gallery today."
"Wonderful! What is their name?" She kept her grin concealed as she turned to face the gallery. "Please come forward if you are willing to represent Mr. Black."
"I am Birtha Shorten of Shorten Sweet solicitors of London." A woman said as she stood and motioned to the short man beside her. "This is my partner, Hiram Sweet. As it happens, we already represent Lord Black in addition to Lord Potter."
"How fortuitous..." A nearby member muttered, shaking his head. "Let's get on with it!"
"Yes." Fudge looked around, seeming mildly confused. "Shall we continue, Dumbledore?"
"Indeed, Minister." The Chief Warlock of the Wizengamut cleared his throat. "Madam Bones?"
"Lord Black, you are among the few inmates of Azkaban who have been discovered to have no trial transcripts in our file system." Amelia informed him. "That is a large count in your favor. Do you have any witnesses to speak for you?"
"Harry Potter. Ronald Weasley. Hermione Granger. Remus Lupin." Sirius listed.
"Also please note Cedric Diggory." Harry called out.
"Oh?" Dumbledore looked toward Harry as the members muttered to each other.
"My testimony will explain." Harry explained.
"Ronald Weasley and Cedric Diggory can be called from school if their parents agree, but as Hermione Granger is unavailable she has offered a written statement." Birtha Shorten informed the court. "Remus Lupin is in the gallery and we all know Lord Potter's whereabouts."
Harry winked at his godfather.
"Lord Potter, from this moment on, you will only be permitted to speak during your own testimony." Madam Bones publicly informed him. "Do you understand?"
Harry immediately nodded, fixing his expression into a stoic mask. "Yes, Madam. I apologize."
She nodded formally and called Remus down onto the floor. "Mr. Lupin, do you have information that proves Sirius Black's guilt or innocence?"
"I believe so." Remus stated with a nod. "I have recent memories of Peter Pettigrew, whom Mr. Black was accused of killing in the early morning hours of November first nineteen-eighty. I also have memories of my last conversation with the Potters who were bidding Mr. Black and myself goodnight after a gathering in September of that same year in which Sirius attempted to persuade them to choose a different secret-keeper for the Fidelus Charm. My last contribution is my personal knowledge of the man's character."
"Excellent." She replied, making a motion to someone off to the side. "The Steward of the Court will bring a pensieve and after we view the memories, we can move on to the character questions."
The Steward brought the pensieve into the courtroom and cast the appropriate spells to allow for projection onto the wall.
With the flick of a wand, Harry caught his first glimpse of life at the Potter's cottage in Godric's Hollow and had to reign in his emotions.
"I've been thinking about it and I think I'm a bad idea." Sirius sighed as James hugged Remus.
"I think you're confused, Siri. You aren't a bad idea..." Remus joked. "You just have bad ideas."
James was clearly listening to Sirius' words but in no way agreed with them. "Stop it, Siri, we're still set on you for our secret keeper. I don't want to change it unless you have reason to believe you can't keep the secret."
"It's not that, James." Sirius seemed troubled as he ran a hand through his hair. "Really. I can keep the secret safe and protect myself, especially if you consider Remus as a secondary protection. I just think I'm the obvious choice."
James appeared to consider this. "So you're saying that we should pick someone else... someone unexpected..."
"Someone like me?" Remus asked, unsure.
"I think he means someone like me." Peter came up behind them.
His voice grated on the young lord as Harry took in the man's younger appearance. His hair was the color of straw but it also seemed to have the same unfortunate texture. His skin had pock marks on his slightly chubby face and there were wiry whiskers randomly growing across his chin.
"Harry, no!" Lily's voice rang out in the background. "That doesn't go in your mouth, honey!"
"Look, all I meant is that I spend lots of time with you guys." Sirius smirked at his friends. "Peter has a job that doesn't give him time for fun and socializing and stuff. It could appear to anyone who doesn't know us that he's grown apart from our group."
Remus nodded in Peter's direction. "It has been a while since you joined us on guys night!"
"True." Peter sighed.
"I'm also Harry's godfather and I was your best man." Sirius clapped James on the back. "The list of reasons I could be your secret keeper goes on and on but they might not think about Peter."
"That's daddy's broom, Harry, not a toy!" Lily could be heard trying to get his attention for a moment but soon they all heard her laughingly calling for her husband to come see something.
"Coming, Lils!" James frowned at his best friends. "I'll have to speak with Lily. We'll let you know what we decide."
Harry blinked as the memory faded to black.
"Did the Potters contact you in the wake of this conversation?" She asked. "If so, why did you not come forward with your evidence and get Mr. Black set free?"
"I was away for the next several weeks, Madam Bones." Remus told her sadly. "I had employment at the time and was under wards that kept owls away. When I returned, nearly a week after the Potters' death, I was told that Sirius was incarcerated for killing Peter Pettigrew and betraying the location of the Potters' Godric's Hollow cottage. Of course I doubted it but with no proof, I couldn't do anything so I, then, inquired as to Harry's whereabouts and was informed that he'd been placed with Lily's sister for his safety and she was happy to have him."
"And who told you these things?" Madam Bones asked.
"Albus Dumbledore." Remus dutifully reported.
Harry hid his smile as every eye turned toward the Chief Warlock and the members chattered.
"Isn't it true, Mr. Lupin, that you weren't just away for business?" A man in the upper levels called out rudely. "You were at a werewolf enclave!"
"I was employed by the firm that developed the Wolfsbane potion, sir. I was at the enclave to make contact with interested parties." Remus told them.
"What does that have to do with anything, Flint?" Amelia asked as more muttering was heard.
"He's a werewolf." The man who looked to be Marcus Flint's father stood and pointed emphatically at Remus. "He wasn't just away on business and it is deception to hide that information."
"Mr. Flint, a werewolf is dangerous one night per month. Being a werewolf doesn't make a person untrustworthy." Lady Longbottom stood and faced the man. "Mr. Lupin never denied being a werewolf; he only spoke of the reason he was away and the wards he was under. As he was asked."
"Well, werewolves shouldn't be allowed to testify in court but if nobody else cares..." He grumbled. "Just saying."
"That kind of prejudice is far too widespread these days, Flint." Madam Bones shook her head at him. "Let's bring up the next memory."
"If I may, Madam Bones, I believe this memory needs a bit of an introduction... for context...?" Remus said, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "It is from the night I made contact with my old friends again... during Harry's third year... The night the kiss was ordered."
The flick of a wand treated Harry to the viewing of himself saving Pettigrew's life from an irate Sirius and Remus up to the point of Snape's interruption.
"Why wasn't this brought to the ministry's attention?" Amelia asked angrily as the projection ended.
"It was, Madam Bones, but it was soon after this point that..." Remus turned red. "Well, I hadn't taken my potion, you see, and it was the full moon. My transformation took place and, in the confusion, Peter escaped. Sirius distracted me and Severus Snape got the children to safety."
"Still, as long as there was a report, my aurors would've investigated." Amelia assured the members and the witness.
Harry raised his hand and waited for her to allow him to speak. "Ron Weasley was injured that night. They took us to the hospital wing and listened to our story but nobody believed three thirteen year olds enough to put things on hold."
Remus informed her sadly. "The minister called for the dementors and Sirius had no choice but to escape again."
"I object to this evidence!" Minister Fudge jumped up. "It has no bearing on the case and does nothing but make the ministry look incompetent."
"That's not enough grounds to strike it from the transcript, Minister." Dumbledore looked annoyed at having to overrule the objection.
"Lord Potter, do you have memories to add?" Madam Bones asked.
"I have a few, more recent memories of Pettigrew." Harry offered. "They show others in them as well."
"Other persons of interest?" Madam Bones inquired.
"Yes, Madam." Harry confirmed to the background noise of members chattering amongst themselves.
"Name them." She commanded softly.
"Barty Crouch Junior and Voldemort." Harry said loud and clear looking right at Minister Fudge.
She brought Harry forward to give the memories.
"Don't bother, Madam Bones." Dumbledore stood up, causing a slight disturbance as the members expressed their annoyance at the interruption. "They are dreams. He told me of them during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Dreams are inadmissible as they are fabrications of the mind and not true memories."
"They were visions." Harry asserted, glaring at the Chief Warlock.
"How can you be sure they were visions, Harry?" Dumbledore asked him gently. "They happened at night while you slept. Did they not?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore..." Harry said through gritted teeth. "I also have a very clear memory of you telling me they were visions."
"I'm sorry, Lord Potter, unless you are a registered seer, visions are not admissible. Nor are dreams admissible. If you have no true memory to offer, we will have to move on." Amelia ruled with the Chief Warlock.
"The other memory I offer is what happened after the third task of the tournament. Voldemort is shown along with Pettigrew who was the one to stun Cedric." Harry pulled the memory from his mind allowing it to end just after Cedric was stunned.
The members began muttering to themselves and each other.
Harry knew they'd won Sirius' freedom even without Ron or Hermione's testimonies. Any lies the papers had printed about Harry were refuted as well.
"We will follow through with the formalities of the character questions but your innocence of the original charges is clear." Madam Bones declared. "This obviously also clears you of the charge of escape from Azkaban."
Harry allowed a relieved smile to grace his lips as he listened to Remus vouch for Sirius. Next was Hermione's statement which corroborated Remus' memory and gave Sirius' character a boost... and then it was his turn.
Draco could tell the session had gone well by the way Harry practically floated into the Great Hall that night. He stood and walked over to meet him. "I'm guessing all went well?"
"Did it ever?! And just wait til you hear what happened afterward!" Harry smirked, holding out a hand. "Come to my suite? I'll ask the elves to cook for us?"
Draco smiled brightly as he took the proffered hand. "I'd love to. Just let me get my things."
Harry followed his betrothed and waited as he spoke to his friends. He picked up Draco's cloak and when Draco picked up his books Harry helped him put it on. "What happened while I was in London today?"
"Well, my mother wrote to me. I've got an idea for her Yule gift." Draco replied, walking calmly down the hallway.
Harry chuckled. "That sounds like a good story."
"I suppose it is but I want to hear yours. What happened at the Wizengamot?" Draco's excitement shone in his eyes.
"The Chief Warlock was shocked!" Harry grinned at the blond. "I knew the procedures and terminology well enough to get by. I was able to vote on some topics as well as get Sirius his trial which was also held today!"
"That's great!" Draco smiled. "It went just like you and Madam Bones planned?"
"Better! I was worried that we'd need to produce Wormtail which would cause your uncle a bit of inconvenience." Harry recounted the way Sirius was presented to the assembly. "The whole thing hinged on the lack of trial along with a couple of eyewitnesses who have seen Peter Pettigrew in the last few years. Remus and I gave testimonies and memories to prove his innocence."
"That's brilliant!" Draco laughed as they entered the suite and headed toward Harry's office, draping his cloak on the armchair as he passed. "Was he given compensation for the wrongful incarceration?"
"He sure was!" Harry crowed. "He was given a million galleons, a million muggle pounds and all rights to his title and properties. He was also approved as my proxy so I can concentrate on school ...and you."
"Me?" Draco looked up, startled.
"At the end of the session, Minister Fudge asked for your father and I to join him in his office but instead of leading us to his office, he brought us into the Department of Mysteries!" Harry smirked.
"Why would he bring you there and what does it have to do with me?" Draco asked in a whisper as his eyes widened.
"He brought us to the Hall of Prophecy, Draco, and there was a pile of crushed glass with a label bearing our names." Harry hinted.
"I think it must've been important and someone obviously didn't want us to know about it." Draco murmured thoughtfully. His disappointment was palpable."It was smashed while on the shelf so we weren't able to hear it. I wonder why anyone would smash someone else's prophecy?"
"Do you think...?" Harry began but then backtracked. "No. Never mind. It was a stupid thought. I think we should order dinner from the elves."
"No, please. What were you thinking?" Draco asked.
"I was wondering if it might've been the hat's prophecy..." Harry admitted.
Draco hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose it could be but I was kind of hoping it was something new."
"Hmmm..." Harry sighed and called Roody, remembering that Dobby had said Roody liked to cook. "We'd like dinner here in the suite."
"What would masters be liking?" Roody asked, eyes lighting up.
"Nothing too exotic." Harry replied. "Perhaps a chicken dish?"
"I'd like fish." Draco looked at the elf blandly.
"Roody be having the perfect recipes!" He said, popping off.
While they waited, Draco told Harry about the letter from his mother and how she'd mentioned a broken jewelry box that she'd apparently repaired too often because this time it stayed broken.
"I remember her throwing it at a wall when she was angry at my grandfather once." The blond chuckled. "She took a lot of her frustrations out on that box. I'll get her a new one."
"That's a great idea!" Harry grinned.
Roody popped in with two plates and set them down. "Herb crusted chicken for Master Harry and salmon en croute for Master Draco."
Harry took a bite and praised the elf. Draco smiled as he did the same. Roody left happy and came back with dessert a little later. A miniature treacle tart was placed in front of Harry and Draco was delighted with his chocolate mousse.
When they finished, Harry led Draco to the small sitting area in their bedroom suite where they sat on the couch and began to kiss. Harry felt himself harden as a tiny touch brought a moan to Draco's lips and had to take a deep breath when the blond kissed his neck. They had yet to talk about going further and Harry knew they should stop but didn't really want to.
He was saved from having to make the effort of self control by a knock at the door and they sprang apart. Hearts racing, Draco hurried into the bathroom while Harry composed himself before opening the door.
"Hermione!" Harry breathed in shock.
"Hi, Harry." Hermione said in a small voice. "I just - I wanted to thank you for the letter. It really helped me decide to come back."
"I'm glad." He pulled her into the room and over to the couch. "How are your parents? What did you find out at Gringott's? When did you get back?"
"My mum and dad are okay. Professor Mcgonagall just picked me up before the feast." His exuberant curiosity made her smile. "We're all seeing a mind healer about what happened." She cut off as Draco emerged from the bathroom.
"Harry, looks like you'll be busy for a while. I uhm - I'll just see you tomorrow." Draco murmured as he bit his lip and smirked awkwardly. "Hello, Granger. Welcome back."
"Oh, did I interrupt something?" Hermione fussed, looking back and forth between them. "I did, didn't I? Oh, I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine. Really, I need to get back." Draco assured her.
"Let me walk you out." Harry offered, standing up.
"Stay." Draco softly commanded. "It's alright. I understand."
"Alright, Draco." Harry sighed but accepted this. "Goodnight."
"Night." Draco replied, glancing at the door to the room he could be occupying before darting out the door.
"Well, that was interesting." She murmured, watching the interaction.
"You knew Draco and I were seeing each other." Harry said defensively.
"I didn't know it had gotten this far. Feelings are clearly involved. I wish I'd been around to see it develop." She sighed. "Anyway, the things Tonks found at my house weren't the only ones affecting me...us. There were blocks on some aspects of my mind and enhancements on others. It's so confusing!"
"Hermione..." Harry knew how she felt but in his case, anger had pushed the confusion directly into thoughts of revenge. He tried to think of a way to explain without giving too much away before asking for a secrecy oath but he couldn't. "I wish it weren't necessary but, before I tell you anything that happened after we left Hogwarts last June, I need you to make an oath that you'll keep what you learn from me today to yourself and only discuss it with me or my cousins."
She winced but nodded. "I understand, Harry."
After the oath was made, Harry told his friend about the events leading up to his birthday.
"Sirius and Remus were at Gringotts after my cleansing. They spoke to me and my parents about finding out they were affected by spells and potions." She started to cry. "I can't believe I spoke to you and Ron like I did on the train! I can't stand that I was so...! Oh, Harry!"
Harry sat silently watching her. He summoned a handkerchief from his bedroom and took hold of her hand. "It's been hard on all of us, Hermione... and he's been doing it for years... from what I can tell anyway."
"What kind of man does this to children?!" Hermione railed, suddenly more angry than upset.
"He's done worse." Harry said, barely holding back the rumble behind his anger. Frowning at the wall, he tried to figure out how to tell her about the horcruxes. "What would you say if I told you that he has stolen magic from powerful children?"
"What do you mean, Harry? How? How is it possible to steal magic?" She asked, taken aback by his attitude. "It's inside us, isn't it? I mean ...it builds up, gets used and then builds up again... right? I've heard magical exhaustion is a terrible thing."
"Have you ever heard the term 'horcrux', Hermione?" Harry asked, unsurprised when she shook her head. "I know someone... Dumbledore convinced him his magic was unstable and in order to 'stabilize' it, he needed to make horcruxes. A horcrux is an object that has been enchanted to hold magical power for the purposes of a spell or ritual. They can be light, dark, or neutral depending on the ritual used to make them."
She frowned. There was something about the explanation Harry had just given that made her think she'd heard of similar objects. She just couldn't put her finger on it.
"Horcruxes are made during sacrificial rituals. The larger the sacrifice, the darker the horcrux and the more power is removed from the maker..." Harry went on. "The more of them a person makes and doesn't use, the more it can affect that person's personality and other aspects of that person as well."
"It's a battery!" Hermione's eyes widened in shock as it all clicked. "Voldemort?"
"Yes, that's how he lost his sanity. Dumbles convinced him that making the horcruxes would 'cure' his unstable magic." Harry divulged. "He intended to use the horcruxes for his own spells and rituals so he didn't tell Tom that the process was harmful if they remained unused. After seven such rituals, he was insane and bloodthirsty and violent."
"Oh, Merlin!" Hermione gasped.
"When I destroyed the diary, he got some of his magic and sanity back. I want to give it all back. My revenge is building." Harry told her. "It started with freeing myself from the Dursleys and claiming my birthright. Sirius and Remus have been helping me along with all my distant cousins. The goblin scrolls discovered that Molly Weasley and her kids along with Luna and Zacharias... and even Tom Riddle are all distantly related to me."
"Is it true that your aunt and cousin Dudley are squibs?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yes." Harry nodded, keeping the Zebrawood Conservatory's secret to himself. "He lives in London and goes to school as a ward of my family."
"That's wonderful, Harry. I'm glad he's not bullying you anymore." Hermione smiled at him.
"I wish I could ask you to join us here, but only blood relatives are allowed to live in my suite, Hermione." Harry told her. "As it stands, curfew is coming so we'll have to talk more another time."
She sighed. "Ron's waiting for me anyway. I promised him a heart to heart like this one. I also promised Ginny I'd spend the afternoon with her tomorrow, so..."
"So, I guess this is goodnight." Harry said softly, standing up.
She nodded and moved toward the door. "I see two bedrooms..."
"One is mine... and the other is for my betrothed." Harry smirked at her wide eyed expression as he opened the door for her. "Uh, Hermione?"
She blinked up at him, curiously. "Hmmm?"
"I'd like to speak to my occlumency tutor about teaching you as well." Harry said gently. When she frowned, he reminded her of Snape's overview of the subject. "It would have to be a secret and it has to appear to Dumbledore and Umbrage as if I don't fully trust you yet."
"I understand, Harry. So, Umbrage... Ginny mentioned her." Hermione frowned at him as they reached the sitting room. "I've got a feeling I'm not going to like that one."
"I've got a bad feeling about her too." Harry confirmed with a nod. "I don't know much about her or where she stands but I don't think it wise to make assumptions."
She nodded.
"By the way..." Harry reached out and squeezed her hand. "Thank you for writing that statement for Sirius' trial. It was a big help."
She grinned and hugged him quickly before rushing out.
"Mmm... Harry!"
Harry blinked and looked around. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Draco was on the bed in his room with someone who looked like Harry and they were making out. Draco's shirt was wide open and the look-alike was trailing open mouthed kisses down his neck.
"Harry, can I taste you?" Draco whined.
The look-alike shivered in unison with Harry. "I'd love that, Draco, but I thought we were taking things slow?"
"I know but I...I want!" Draco pressed himself tightly to the look-alike's chest and suddenly Harry was in the bed with his betrothed - no look-alike in sight.
"Gods, Draco! Your skin is so soft and beautiful!" Harry murmured as he nibbled the blond's earlobe.
Draco moaned and moved his hips so their lower halves were rubbing firmly against each other.
Harry woke up with a gasp and breathlessly laughed to himself wondering if it was his dream he'd experienced or his future lover's. Either way he knew they would enjoy their time in the bedroom.
The month of October went pretty quickly after that. Harry happily sent Sirius vague instructions on his wishes regarding votes at the wizengamot but otherwise began concentrating on school and his relationships at Hogwarts. He began cultivating his new friendships with Blaise, Pansy, and Cedric as well as renewing his older friendships with his housemates.
Dean and Seamus weren't really interested in staying close with Harry so he moved on to Neville and Hermione who were both working with the expert herbologists who arrived mid month. He'd gotten lucky and found a few minutes they were all free for a chat.
"Neville, I seem to have been busy every time you wanted to talk about the plants. I feel the need to apologize." Harry sighed, shaking his head.
"You've got a lot going on, Harry." Neville chuckled. "I get it."
"So, tell me how it's going." Harry said encouragingly.
"Ok, so Professor Sprout put us in groups of four - one from each house. We're working in shifts and it's all so interesting, Harry!" Hermione gushed. "I almost can't believe we're working with such notable people! Experts in their field! Jessie Pugs has written papers in Herbology Today as well as giving horticultural advice in publications like Witch Weekly and Playing with Potions!"
"Yes, Fennel Nightshade has won awards for his work with semi- sentient plants and Sage Ironbark works specifically with conservation projects involving rare flowers." Neville was saying. "There are a few specimens that match the descriptions of extinct plants and flowers. For example, the Middlemist Royale and it's muggle cousin the Middlemist Red."
"That's not quite true, Neville. Remember that article I showed you about the Middlemist Red? It has two known specimens in the world right now besides ours." Hermione corrected him. "The sixth duke of Devonshire and a garden in New Zealand each have one."
"That's brilliant!" Harry grinned. "The Middlemist Royale sounds amazing. What's so special about it?"
"Well Middlemist Royale went extinct in the early eighteen hundreds so not much is really known specifically about it but it's a member of the Camellia genus." Neville told him. "What we know about Camellia is that the leaves are useful for certain tea blends while the crushed petals are used in the antidotes for love potions."
"The Royale is a gorgeous purple color which stands out from its cousin the red." Hermione stated matter of factly.
"Well, let me know if I can help with anything." Harry smiled. He was happy to see extinct plant species being brought back to life. "If there's any books you need or an expert herbologist you can think of that we haven't contacted yet, I'll be happy to see what I can do."
His friends shared a glance. "Actually, Harry..." Hermione started.
"No! Hermione, you know Professor Sprout wanted to talk to him about it personally!" Neville hissed.
"Yes, but she'll be all business and we're his friends." Hermione reasoned.
"What's going on?" Harry asked, paying more attention.
"Professor Sprout's special greenhouse is kind of running out of room." Hermione said softly, biting her lip. "She doesn't know if she'll be able to house all the plants at a safe distance from each other and continue doing the research as well as keep her seedlings."
"I'll think of something and approach her like it's my observation." Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I have actually been thinking of visiting the project anyway."
"Alright, Harry." Neville sighed. He didn't like that they'd told Harry his favorite professor's secret but he trusted Harry. "I'm supposed to meet Theo, Cho, and Cedric for our shift."
"See you later, Nev." Harry grinned as his friend walked back inside. "Who do you work with?"
"A fourth year and a couple of second years." Hermione laughed. "Professor Sprout asked the core group for recommendations in the younger years. There's a sweet little Ravenclaw boy that Cho suggested for the program. His name is Justin Appletree. My group's Hufflepuff is named Hunter Cross. The two became friends while we've been working together. Astoria Greengrass is our Slytherin. She's in Ginny's year."
"What do you all do?" Harry asked.
"The little ones mostly pull weeds or water the plants along with cleaning up the walkways." She answered. "Fourth and fifth year students are a bit more active. We look through the books that Madam Pince has set aside for the project in a special section of the library. Neville's group is the exception because he has a real talent for it and some of the older kids are in his group. The sixth and seventh year kids are working a lot more in depth with the experts."
"That sounds like you're both doing what you love, Hermione. I'm happy for you." Harry squeezed her hand just as Draco and his friends came into the courtyard. "If you don't mind, I think I need to talk to my boyfriend."
"Of course, Harry. I'll see you later." She smirked as she pulled a book out of her bag.
"Draco!" Harry called out as he rushed over. "I'm thinking of something but I don't know if it's a good idea or not. Do you have a few minutes?"
Draco tried not to let his pleasure show. Harry had sought him out for advice? This meant that Harry was taking their relationship very seriously. As a couple, they should seek each other's opinions or assistance before looking to others.
He smirked at Blaise who still seemed to doubt Harry's affections. "I think we have a little time."
"So, there's a tiny snag with the Hufflepuff plants project..." Harry frowned. "It needs a better name than that... but anyway... My knee jerk reaction is to throw money at it but I can quickly go broke if I do that. Would you have any idea how to set up a charity? Then we could do some kind of fund raising!"
"You've come to..." Draco smiled placidly, glancing at Pansy and Blaise. "Well, almost the right person, Harry."
"Ok, great. So who..." Harry sighed. "Your mum?"
Draco nodded. The pleasure he'd been trying to suppress came through in his eyes. "I'll write to her tonight."
"Thanks! I'll see you tonight at dinner!" Harry grinned at him and pecked his cheek before hurrying off.
"Interesting." Draco watched him go and turned to his friends. "Theo hasn't mentioned a snag of any kind."
"Granger or Longbottom? He does have an inner track with them and he was just sitting with Granger..." Blaise muttered, motioning toward the bushy haired Gryffindor, knowing Draco was making a point.
"Perhaps... His earlier deeds are bearing fruit, Blaise." Draco murmured pleasantly. "This is the man Fate has chosen for me and him seeking out my assistance shows that She has done a good job. I know you don't think he's good enough for me but, you have to admit, he is showing improvement."
"I'll start thinking of possible names. Can't leave it to the girl who came up with SPEW." Pansy cringed.
Blaise and Draco shared a disgusted look as Hermione looked up at them.
"Society for the Conservation of Old Flowers?" She frowned. "This definitely needs thought."
"Scof? Nice try. Besides, we're doing so much more than conserving them." Hermione glared at them. "We're studying them... and saving them. Some of them were thought extinct. It isn't just flowers either. There are all kinds of plants."
"I've got it!" Pansy squealed excitedly. "Society for the Study and Salvation of Ancient Plants."
Draco smiled at her. "I'll tell my mother her new charity already has a name."
Hermione huffed as she pushed her book into her bag and left.
"Harry had a vague idea and came to me for assistance in making it happen. I'm proud of him for many things, but this has impressed me." Draco said softly.
"Yes, yes. Fate has blessed you. Blah blah." Blaise joked. "Let's go. Dinner isn't far off and the Halloween Ball is tomorrow night."
Draco moaned as Harry kissed his throat tenderly. This was only his second sexual dream but in dreams he could let Harry go further than in person. In dreams, he could feel Harry's lips kissing him and Harry's tongue on his own. He felt their bodies press against each other and, in dreams, he could submit without feeling completely out of control.
"Mmm...Draco..." Harry moaned softly as he pushed Draco's shirt to the sides, exposing his pale chest.
"Oh!" Draco's eyes flew open as the brunet's tongue tentatively licked his nipple. "Harry?!"
"You know... You must know that I'd love to do this for real..." Harry murmured as he allowed his hand to graze his lover's hip. "I don't know which of us is dreaming but please know I'm eagerly anticipating it."
"Oh, Gods!" Draco whimpered as he fought to wake up.
"Draco, are you alright?" Blaise asked as he watched his friend breathe heavily.
The Malfoy heir buried his face in the pillow, frantically trying to calm himself. "I'm fine, Blaise! Go back to sleep!"
"What happened? Another nightmare?" Blaise asked.
"You really don't want to know! Go to sleep." Draco quickly closed the curtains and locked them. "How humiliating!"
"Oh, sex dream?" Blaise pushed.
"Oh gods, Blaise! Think about what you're saying! Sex dream with a part succubus!" Draco hissed.
"I'm going back to sleep now."
Draco could hear the laughter in his best friend's voice.
Draco glared at his betrothed.
He wasn't really upset at the brunet. He was more annoyed with himself because he hadn't known he was projecting his sexual dreams and he should've guessed that it could happen. Since he'd been drawn into Harry's dreams, it would only make sense for Harry to be drawn into his dreams but he'd thought that he'd have control of his own dreams. He should've taken into account that, as the dominant partner, Harry might be able to take an active role in them and he was mortified that this was how he'd told his mate he might be ready to move forward in their physical relationship.
"Draco?" Harry murmured as he came up close.
"I'm fine. Just a little embarrassed." Draco's blush was barely visible. "How many times did you see?"
"Just twice. I suspected what was going on during the first dream and the second was a little more intense." Harry smirked. "I really don't mind..."
"I'll just bet." Draco snorted. "My mother's response should arrive during breakfast. We can talk about ...this... later."
Harry tried but couldn't get rid of the smug grin he was wearing. He shouldn't be grinning today ...in fact, he wished he could take the day off from classes due to the date but he knew it wouldn't go over well if he tried. It was a Tuesday, after all, which meant Transfiguration, Divination and Charms. He sighed, knowing he couldn't skip those again, and began to eat. When he'd finished, Harry checked in with Draco and found that there hadn't been an owl from Mrs. Malfoy so they just went to class.
Professor Mcgonagall assigned her first partnered project and Draco was pretty excited about it. They would each have to conjure an inanimate object and then perform a switching spell with an object she would give them.
In Divination, Trelawney had them pairing up with a random person for a tarot card reading. The only exceptions were Blaise and Ron because the Slytherin distracted Trelawney until she'd paired up everyone but them. This amused Harry to no end but Ron barely noticed.
The three of them met Draco and Hermione by the Runes classroom so they could walk to lunch together but, when they arrived at the Great Hall, they found a surprise and had to split up.
Speaking with Professor Sprout beside the doors were a group of women who, for the most part, looked familiar to Harry. Draco's mother and Lady Longbottom were next to Birtha Shorten along with another woman whom Harry didn't know.
"Draco, who is that with your mum?" Harry asked quietly.
"Pansy's mother." Draco said softly. "Please be nice?"
"Of course." Harry frowned but cleared his throat and attempted to neaten himself up a bit before approaching the ladies.
"Hello, Mother. Mrs. Parkinson, how are you?" Draco smiled charmingly at the group. "I don't believe you've had the pleasure of meeting my boyfriend. Lord Harry James Potter, Earl of Inverness, please meet Mrs. Posey Parkinson; Pansy's mother."
"How do you do?" Harry said politely. "Draco, do you know Lady Longbottom?"
"I believe we were introduced when she was here a few weeks back." Draco grinned at her. "Neville's grandmother... isn't that right?"
"Yes!" Augusta nodded regally.
"This is Birtha Shorten, one of my lawyers." Harry graciously tipped his head in her direction. "To what do we owe the pleasure, ladies?"
"We have an appointment, Lord Potter. Did you forget?" Birtha smirked.
"I did." Harry sighed, feigning chagrin as he glanced at Mrs. Malfoy, knowing he hadn't had any such appointment.
"Draco told me about your venture with the plants you found in the Hufflepuff rooms, Harry, and how you set up a team to study them as well as bring any that were endangered back from extinction! So ambitious!" Narcissa smiled serenely at her future son-in-law. "When Posey invited me to lunch the other day, I couldn't help but mention it to her. Augusta overheard us talking in Diagon Alley this morning and... being that we all have a passion for our gardens, we decided to visit and see if we can help in any way."
"Oh, yes! Neville tells me there are some fascinating people working on this project along with a number of students!" Augusta's enthusiasm seemed to get the other ladies going.
"I've actually been meaning to visit the greenhouse, Professor." Harry asked, wide-eyed and eager. "Would you mind showing us?"
"We were just discussing a tour, Lord Potter." Professor Sprout seemed a bit flustered but absolutely willing.
"I can wait in your office, Lord Potter...unless you'd like me to tag along?" Birtha hinted.
This convinced Harry that Narcissa had enlisted her in helping to set up the charity. "Please, feel free."
Draco joined them as they set off for the greenhouses. He couldn't ignore the opportunity to watch his mother work her own sort of magic.
During the tour, she subtly pointed out some structural damage as well as the crowding that Harry's friends had mentioned the day before. She then asked Professor Sprout what she thought of the possibility of renovating the greenhouses and adding a new one, specifically for the Hufflepuff plants.
Professor Sprout was thrilled with the idea but told them honestly that the herbology department wasn't likely to have that kind of funding allocated anytime soon.
"Professor, I think you'll find that people who are passionate about a given subject and people who are passionate about their children's education will sometimes find common ground." Lady Longbottom smiled at her. "As I said, Neville is quite fascinated by herbology and with Harry's enthusiasm for the project as well? We want to set up a fundraising event."
"My husband is one of the school governors and..." Narcissa smiled brightly at Professor Sprout and continued. "I know Lucius and I usually support the potions department when it comes to deciding where funding goes, but this is where they get much of their plant based ingredients so I know he'll agree when I suggest a charity to fund this project."
"My daughter graduated several years ago and her favorite part of Hogwarts was herbology, Professor." Birtha grinned. "I think she'd be disappointed if I didn't offer my legal assistance in such a case. My law partner and I helped Lord Potter find the experts you're working with and I'd love the chance to get involved with this type of charity."
Professor Sprout was ecstatic. "This is so exciting!"
"I'll ask my Pansy for ideas on what to call the charity." Posey gushed. "She's so good at naming things! The event should be something lots of people and parents of the students will want to attend."
"Perhaps a ball?" Narcissa asked. "Or, what about a fair here on the grounds?"
"Muggleborn kids' parents wouldn't be able to attend." Harry reminded them. "Perhaps something at a muggle venue?"
As the tour ended the Hufflepuff Head of House left them at Harry's suite to discuss the details and they made themselves comfortable in the sitting room.
Harry smiled at his guests but Draco quickly complimented his mother. "Mum, that was absolutely masterful!"
"I know you told me to be discreet but sometimes things work out best when bombarded by the truth. That greenhouse needs work. Not just repairs." Narcissa hummed thoughtfully. "Are we set on the name of the charity? If we are, then we can set up a fundraising gala for new years or perhaps spring?"
"There's a name already?" Harry asked in shock.
"Pansy came up with it, but if you don't like it, we can keep thinking." Draco smirked, quickly explaining the way Hermione and Pansy struck up a conversation the day before. "Society for the Study and Salvation of Ancient Plants."
Harry chuckled. "I kind of like it, but I think Hufflepuff should be mentioned because it was her idea to place those plants under stasis charms. Any other options?"
"Society for the Conservation and Restoration of Endangered and Extinct Plants?" Lady Longbottom suggested. "Or perhaps Society for the Conservation, Analysis and Resurrection of Ancient Flora?"
"My first thought was something like Society for the Protection and Restoration of Magical Flora..." Posey suggested. "I suppose Pansy's idea covers that."
"I think Pansy's idea works best, but right now, ladies... I'm afraid Draco and I have class." Harry touched his betrothed's hand. "Please feel free to use my office to discuss this. Birtha, I'm happy to have you handle any legal issues."
"Excellent. Life is getting exciting with you as our client, Lord Potter." Birtha nodded, holding out a small scroll. "By the way, Lord Black sent a message with me."
Harry grinned and thanked her as he and Draco hurried to the Charms classroom.
"What's the message?" Draco murmured as they sat down just in time.
"He's coming here to be with me for the anniversary of my parents death." Harry suppressed a sad smile. "It'll be the first time I'll spend it with someone who loved them."
Draco nodded solemnly as Professor Flitwick entered the room to begin class.
The Middlemist Royale is a fictional magical version of the Middlemist Red which is a real plant that can be found on Google. As stated by Hermione, there are 2 in existence.
The charity's official name will be announced next chapter. These were just ideas.
So happy to see your comments! Keep them coming!
Lori