Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
This time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: The Blacks, Future-In-Laws and the Duel.
-oOo-
Chapter 5-oOo-
February 7, 1998Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry walked into the Great Hall with a knot of Slytherin. He had seen Daphne back to the common room last night, being rewarded with a ten-minute snogging session when he showed her his invisibility cloak and they avoided Draco and his bookends waiting in an unused classroom. Well, it wasn't that they snuck past them that earned him those happy moments, it was that Harry had cast a ward to keep them out of Slytherin for the night.
Harry had gone to bed an incredibly happy boy when Hermione had given him her own reward for taking such loving care of Daphne.
This morning he had gone down to pick up Daphne, Tracey, Astoria and two of Astoria's friends. He hadn't expected Blaise to join them, but he was escorting a pleased looking Tracey. Perhaps more than one betrothal had been broken or changed Tuesday night?
"Draco was livid with whomever locked him out of Slytherin," Astoria said with a big smile.
"I slept well last night knowing he wasn't in the house," Daphne added.
Astoria looked at her. "How did you know he wasn't in the house?"
Daphne gave her sister an exceedingly small smirk. "I have my ways."
Tracey giggled. "Do you think he will ever figure it out?"
"Probably not, but I'm sure I'll be blamed," Harry told them.
Inside the Great Hall, Hermione was sitting with Neville and the two Hufflepuffs that had been at his side all week. Daphne had mentioned that Susan would need a line continuance contracted marriage if she wanted to keep the Bones name alive. Neville still looked in a daze as Hannah kissed his cheek when they sat.
"Good morning," Hermione said, giving Daphne's leg a squeeze as they sat. The three of them wanted to explore this new relationship more but having the two girls kiss in the middle of most of the students was too much attention for them just yet.
"Good morning. Would you mind if we escort Astoria and her friends into Hogsmeade?" Daphne asked.
"Of course not," Hermione said. Harry had already agreed.
"So, I heard an interesting rumour yesterday," Hannah said as they all served themselves breakfast.
"And what is that?" Tracey enquired.
The fact that Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors and Slytherins were all sitting at the Hufflepuff table and being friendly with each other was already generating new rumours didn't distract Hannah from whatever juicy gossip she had. "I know you said that Daphne is now your betrothed, but Granger is carrying your baby?"
Harry spluttered hot tea all over the table. "Oh, gross," Susan complained. Hannah made a disgusting face. Hermione patted his back worriedly as he coughed up a lung.
Daphne rose an eyebrow to Hannah. "Who said that?"
"Parvati. She said that Hermione told her and Lavender how Harry took you both multiple times and that the only reason Harry hasn't dropped his mistress yet is because she's pregnant." Hannah had a huge smile on her face.
"Oh, Merlin. Do they really think that?" Neville questioned.
"I hear he's bigger than you, Nev," Susan insinuated with a lascivious smirk, then a wink to Harry. " Is that true?"
"What, do you they think boys just stand around trying to measure each other?" Astoria put to the group, obviously finding it absurd.
Neville flushed while Harry wouldn't look towards Astoria. "Well, Harry and I haven't," Neville said.
All the girls around them stopped for a second, looking to the two blushing boys. Harry wasn't about to say that Neville and him had found Dean and Seamus doing just that a month back. Blaise shrugged his shoulders. "It's not something we like to talk about," the dark skin boy said.
Neville and Harry turned to him with incredulous faces. Most of the girls looked between grossed out and curious. That was when Blaise started to chuckle. "You're right, Trace. They are all gullible."
One of Astoria's friends had a faraway look. "Don't ruin my fantasy. Do you shake your hips while comparing? Limp or stiff?"
"Slag," Astoria accused. Most laughed as they turned back to their food. Harry was just finishing his first egg when most around him tensed. He knew right away that it was either Malfoy or a teacher.
"Good morning, everyone. It is refreshing to see such a diverse group," the headmaster said over his shoulder.
Harry tried to keep his face passive. Even if it had been more than a year-and-a-half, Harry had not been able to forgive the headmaster for what he had done, especially since Harry was convinced Sirius would still be alive if Harry had known of the horcrux in him and the prophesy.
"We see no need to adhere to the old boundaries," Hermione pointed out from besides him. She sounded just as cold as she had for a while to the man.
"I can't agree with you more, Ms Granger. I am sorry to break up what appears to be a happy breakfast between friends, but I would talk with you, Harry," Dumbledore said.
Harry took in an angry breath. "It's Mr Potter, headmaster. Or if you wish to be more formal you can address me as Regent Potter or Regent Black."
His petulance to the aged man rose a few eyebrows that didn't really know him well yet.
"Yes, Mr Potter, if you would, I would like to have a conversation before you head into Hogsmeade with your group," the headmaster suggested.
"Is this related to school, headmaster?"
"I would like a private conversation," the man told him.
Harry shook his head. "Unless it is about school, headmaster, I don't have anything to say or want to hear anything you would say."
Harry missed the annoyed look on the man's face, especially when most eyes bounced between the two. Astoria took in a sharp breath.
"I think you should listen to me on this, Harry," the headmaster pressed.
Harry slammed a fork into the table, burying the prongs into the magically reinforced wood. Harry turned to look up at the man. "I really don't, headmaster. If you have something to say, you can say it before my betroths and my friends."
The headmaster's eyes grew a little wide. Those sitting with them weren't surprised by Harry's declaration. Many others had heard about Harry and Daphne suddenly being together. Apparently, the fact Harry was betrothed to both Hermione and Daphne hadn't gotten around... well except that Hermione was pregnant. He was sure Parvati and Lavender would not be pleased once Hermione got her hands on them later for spreading that rumour.
"This would be best to discuss in private," the headmaster tried one last time.
"Unless this a school matter, I am going to finish breakfast and then head into Hogsmeade," Harry said, turning back to his plate.
The headmaster let out a long breath. "Very well. I was going to tell you are forbidden from going into Hogsmeade today and didn't want to make a fuss."
Harry snorted. "Try to pull another one. You can't deny me because I am over seventeen or when I am going to be taking care of House matters," Harry replied, taking a new fork as his other was buried a good inch or more in the table.
"As your headmaster, I do have rights over when students can come and go, even if they are of age," Headmaster Dumbledore said in an imperious tone. "I would also like to talk about your betroths. You do know it is illegal to marry more than one witch, Mr Potter?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Not your concern. Are you ladies done?" Harry asked.
None of them had eaten more than half of what was on their plates or in their bowls. Daphne daintily patted her lips with her napkin while Hermione pushed all her hair over her shoulders. "The first coach doesn't leave for another hour. I would like to go back to Gryffindor tower for something I forgot."
Harry gave her an amused look, not sure if what she forgot was to curse Lavender and Parvati or something else.
Unsure what was really going on, most of the rest moved to get up.
"Harry, you can't duel Draco Malfoy today," Dumbledore said in more of a command.
Harry had been helping Daphne up. When the old man spoke, he turned to look at him. "Again, Headmaster, that is a House issue that you have no say in. Professor Flitwick has agreed to referee the dispute."
"You have to call this off. Mr Malfoy is the head of an old house. He can't be killed without repercussions," the headmaster said.
Harry gave the man an incredulous look. Couldn't the headmaster just keep out of other's business?
Daphne spoke up beside him. "My Regent Black has been challenged by another of the blood of Black for control of House Black. Both the challenged and challenger are of age. Laws around such a challenge do not allow you to interfere, Headmaster Dumbledore."
"You cannot duel on Hogwarts grounds or in Hogsmeade. There are laws and rules against that," Dumbledore countered.
"Good thing I'm not. Ladies," Harry said, holding an arm out for both of them. Hermione took his right hand while Daphne slid her hand into the crook of his left. The other nine students left with them.
"Arrogant prick," Harry mumbled. He pecked Daphne's cheek. "Thank you." He then pecked Hermione's.
"If I am to be heiress Black, my place is to stand next to my husband-to-be and defend our House," Daphne said with her nose up.
Tracey sniggered. "Merlin, she was stuck up before."
Daphne cast a glare over her shoulder, making a few of them laugh.
-oOo-
A little while later...Hogsmeade, Scotland
Harry just wanted to spend time with his two girls, but he knew that wouldn't be possible right now. They had enough time to run into Honeydukes, where he found out Daphne liked anything dark chocolate. He had to convince Hermione to take more than a few sugar quills and sneered at the chocolate frog cards with the new card: Harry Potter, Gilderoy Lockhart and Victor Krum.
When Astoria picked a few up, she responded to his disgusted look. "Just because you may not like how you look doesn't mean I don't still like chocolate frogs."
This made him laugh.
"I'll take the real thing over those," Hermione told him, kissing his cheek.
"Harry has filled out since that picture," Daphne added while looking to the card that was on the display.
"I say burn the lot," Harry ended it. He thought he had avoided all this after the Ministry cut out his part in destroying Voldemort.
About ten, Hermione, Daphne, Astoria and him headed towards the public Floo in the Three Broomsticks. He was sure Dumbledore would be even more put out when he found out they left Hogsmeade for a bit, but Harry didn't want to do this here. Not where others could overhear. The last he needed was someone like Skeeter getting hold of all this, though he suspected something might escape today. It did draw some eyes though when Harry and them stepped in. Daphne had insisted they were nice clothes and preferably wizarding robes with his House crests. One of the few things he had held close to his heart from Sirius was to always have a set of dress robes. You never knew when you might need them. Hermione had put all their nice robes in her beaded back, letting them don them before heading for the Floo.
"The address is Green Crest," Daphne told them. "Astoria, you go first. I'll go second. Hermione, you should follow and Harry you last. Father and mother are nice people, but they like things to be proper when talking about important stuff."
"Like a betrothal?" Harry questioned.
"Yes," Daphne told him. She looked a little nervous.
"Mother will love him. Dad may kiss his feet that we don't have to give our family to the Malfoys," Astoria stated with a cheeky grin.
"Father will not kiss his feet," Daphne chastised her sister, even if she secretly thought that might be a possibility. Her family had not wanted to give themselves to the Malfoys.
"He may. If Harry wants the set, I may not say no," Astoria winked at him. "Green Cross!"
Astoria disappeared before Daphne could do anything.
"You better not," Hermione warned him.
Daphne huffed. "She is becoming a little minx!"
Harry snorted. "I like her when she gets riled," he whispered to Hermione, indicating Daphne.
Daphne whirled on him. "Don't you start," she pointed a finger at him. "Be polite. Ignore the pain I call sister. Don't let my father kiss your feet."
Harry chuckled. "I thought she was just joking."
"She is. I think," Daphne said, sounding unsure as she picked up some Floo powder. "Green Cross."
Harry watched her disappear. "She wasn't serious, was she?"
Hermione shrugged. "I can't always tell. You did wash your feet today, right?"
Harry blinked owlishly. "You know that doesn't sound like a turn on, right?"
Hermione pecked his lips. "I hope not. The man must be at least twenty years older than us. Green Cross."
"You brat!" Harry got out as she stepped into the fire. With a huff he put a whole galleon in the tin. "Green Cross."
When he stepped out, Hermione was brushing off the cinders from her robes. The Potter Crest was over her left breast. Harry had claimed her protected by his House the summer he found out he was emancipated. Sirius had left him a letter telling him that Hermione would be better off that way and more doors would open for her. Now, she had technically earned the right to wear it over her right breast being betrothed to him, but he really wanted to propose to her after asking her parents... That thought had him sweat a little. He felt even more nervous to see Astoria between a woman that looked much like Daphne, just a few decades older, and a man. The woman was a beautiful blonde that was lighter of hair, like Astoria, but had the same dark blue eyes of the new girl in his life.
The man to the left of Astoria was taller than him, with wide shoulders and looked like someone that was relatively muscular for a man that must have been in his early fifties. His darker blonde hair was down to his shoulders and pulled back into a ponytail at the top of his head and hair covering his neck. There was something older fashioned in the feel of it.
The three, and the blonde that had stayed at his side, screamed old blood, old money and old fashion, especially in the highly polished English oak hall. Even so, the man had an easy smile on his face as he extended a hand while stepping forward to Harry. "Regent Potter-Black, it is an honour and pleasure to accept you to Green Cross."
Harry had expected some stuffy greeting that he would bollocks up. Instead, Harry found himself extending his hand and shaking Lord Greengrass' in a bemused manner, unsure if he was reacting the right way or not. "Thank you, Lord Greengrass. Daphne has told me that you and your wife would like to meet me today."
The man put another hand over his. It was a warming gesture that felt more like long lost family greeting each other than the man that Harry felt he was stealing his daughter from. "Meet you. Get to know you. Finalize the joining of you with our daughter. All things I am eager to talk about. We would like to get to know you better. Let's start with this charming young woman you brought with you."
Harry felt shocked. Daphne looked equally as shocked at her father's reaction. Harry was starting to worry the man really might try to kiss his feet. "Uhm, right. This is Hermione Granger. She is the Heiress-apparent Potter."
Lady Greengrass spoke this time. "Not the infamous Hermione Granger that got Head Girl this year and is always top of class?"
Daphne looked to be trying not to blush. "Yes, mother. This is Hermione Granger."
Hermione was looking between the two women as though unsure if it was good or not to be Hermione Granger. Lady Greengrass came forward to hug Hermione. "Daphne has talked about you for years. As you will be family in the near future, no standing on ceremony."
"Yes. Yes. No ceremony today," Lord Greengrass said. Harry tried not to look green as Astoria made a kissy face behind her father's back before silently laughing at him. "If we are going to all be family soon, please call me father or Grover."
"I will take nothing less than mother or Erica, from either of you. Come and join us in the family tearoom. Quillen will have tea and treats ready," Erica offered.
Harry cast a confused look to Daphne and Hermione. Daphne stepped in closer as she went to lead them into a room off the main entry. "If he asks you to remove your shoes, excuse yourself to the bathroom. Immediately."
"You don't really mean?" Harry asked concerned.
"I don't know, but I've only ever seen them get this way with a few of my relatives," she said in a worried tone.
"Brilliant," he said nervously.
Hermione quietly asked, "Should we leave now?"
"I would suggest the seats closest to the door," Astoria said in a hushed tone over her shoulder.
"Brilliant," Harry repeated in a defeated tone.
-oOo-
On the return to the Three Broomsticks...Astoria was laughing as Harry stepped out. "Merlin, Harry, I would think our parents worship the ground you live on."
Hermione smirked. "That was nothing of what I thought it would be."
"If I didn't know they were my parents, I thought they were polyjuiced," Daphne added, still looking a little shellshocked.
Harry wasn't sure what had just happened. "I'm just glad they didn't ask me to remove my shoes. They really hate the Malfoys, don't they?"
Both Astoria's and Daphne's faces darkened for a moment. "You have no clue," Astoria said. Harry had an inkling after talking with Daphne this week. "Though father did look disappointed you didn't want the set. Well, I must go. Now that I am a free agent, I have a certain Ravenclaw I would like to find."
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "And who is that?"
"I'll let you know if I want to take him home for Easter. Have fun with your boy and girl, dear sister," Astoria said happily. The girl really had been happy when Harry had emphatically told their parents he wasn't interested. Her mother had looked relieved, while her father had looked disappointed. The man was incredibly pleased that Harry was going to be his future son-in-law instead of the blonde ponce. Speaking of said ponce, Daphne frowned to see the boy coming down the stairs from an upstairs room. He looked upset, walking right past everyone without looking to leave the large bar room.
She didn't miss Hermione and him pass a look between them.
Harry let out a big breath. "Do you see Andi?"
"Over there," Hermione said.
"Andromeda Tonks?" Daphne asked, just to confirm.
"She's taken on the last name of Black-Tonks," Harry told her.
Daphne raised her eyebrow. "You and Hermione didn't tell me anything about this."
"Until you were officially my betrothed, it was a family secret. Only Hermione knew about it," Harry confessed to her.
"I thought her only your girlfriend," Daphne said.
"Harry extended the protection of House Potter to me soon after we found out he was emancipated," Hermione explained with a blush.
As they walked over to the woman, she reached out to hug Harry, then Hermione. "It's so good to see you, Andromeda," Hermione commented.
"It is good to see you too," Andromeda Black-Tonks said, holding Daphne's future sister-wife at arm's length. She then looked to Harry. "There is something different."
"There are many things that are different. It's why we wanted to talk with you," Harry told her.
Mrs Black-Tonks looked at them again before looking to Daphne. The two women sized each other up for a moment. "So, you are to be the new Lady Black?"
Daphne did a slight bow out of respect. "Daphne Greengrass, Mrs Black-Tonks. As my betrothed has said, there has been many changes this past week."
"Indeed. You can call me Andi or Andromeda then. Are you betrothed as well?" the woman asked Hermione and Harry.
"Uhm, sort of," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"We participated in the Rites of Brigit on Imbolc," Hermione said.
There was an immediate flash of understanding. "Ah. That explains the letters and why my sister requested to meet with us today."
Harry gave a nervous grin. "Well, that and the fact Draco has challenged me for the Regency of House Black."
Andromeda closed her eyes and let out a long breath. "And you accepted it?"
"He is threatening Daphne, her sister and Hermione," Harry said in explanation.
"Draco also gave a formal challenge. Harry would have to abdicate if he refused the challenge," Daphne added.
"Fool of a boy. I assume you will kill him?" Andromeda asked Harry when she opened her eyes.
Harry shrugged. "If I must. He's such a little shite he should just be left on a Muggle street without a wand."
Daphne snorted.
Hermione looked concerned. "I agree he needs to be taken down but killing should be a last resort. Are you thinking some place like Brighton or a hedgerow path?"
"Why Brighton," Daphne asked confused.
"No place like Diagon Alley or a wizard pub, as far as I know," Hermione replied. Daphne understood.
"Some of it might depend on what Narcissa says," Harry told them.
"Let's go up and talk with her," Andromeda said.
"Andi, you should know that Draco had the Black betrothal to Daphne and her sister. I dissolved the one for her sister," Harry said.
"And accepted the one for Daphne. I understand. Welcome to the family, Daphne. Hermione, you already were," the woman said with a smile.
Madam Rosmerta showed them up the stairs. In a small room, they found Narcissa Malfoy sitting at a table with three other chairs. The woman didn't get up to greet them. Harry made sure that she, Hermione and Andromeda were sitting before he conjured a chair. A carafe with a bottle of wine was in the centre of the table.
"I can ensure you that there is nothing poisonous in the wine. It's rather pleasant, actually," Lady Malfoy said.
Andromeda snorted as she reached for the wine. "You always did like your wine."
"Yes, well, mother didn't mind. I suspect it dulled the way father was," Narcissa replied. Andromeda nodded. "It is nice to see you again, Ms Greengrass."
"Lady Malfoy," Daphne greeted.
"Oh, please, if we are all going to be family at some point, call me Narcissa," Narcissa told her. "And you, Hermione. I hear that you are doing very well in school this year?"
Hermione gave a small smile. "Yes, Narcissa. I expect to do very well on my NEWTS in June."
Daphne found that interesting that Hermione was on first name basis with the woman.
Narcissa snorted. "I expect much better than my son. I have been finding he thinks rather highly of himself. He has told me that he has challenged you for the House of Black. Will you kill him?"
Daphne raised an eyebrow.
Harry shrugged. "Do you want me too?"
Narcissa took a large swig of her wine before responding. "He is my son. He is the last Malfoy. He is a fool, like his father. I would prefer to see my blood go on, but it doesn't have to be through Draco. I may not be able to keep our easy alliance in the Wizengamot if he does die though. Without Malfoy blood, I would lose the seat I hold right now."
"And if he is maimed?" Harry asked. Hermione frowned, but she could tell that this was needed.
"I would not complain if I were to remain Regent and we could work out other deals in the Wizengamot," she replied.
Andromeda shook her head. "This is why I married Ted."
"And why is that, Andi?" Narcissa asked.
"I love my daughter and wouldn't use her to get ahead," Andi asked.
Narcissa gave a sly grin. "Yes, you always were more like mother. Father and grandfather would not have balked if it kept the House of Black in the right hands. They wouldn't have even minded you marrying Ted if you had done it the proper way. Harry, I do need Draco capable of carrying on his bloodline."
Harry nodded. "He'll still have his pretty face and enough body parts to attract a wife."
Narcissa nodded to him before emptying her glass. "I would appreciate that. Is there other business you wanted today?"
"Harry has claimed both contracts, and dissolved the one with Astoria," Hermione replied.
Narcissa rose an eyebrow, looking between her and Hermione before looking as though she understood. "Are you for House Potter then?"
"I am," Hermione confirmed with a smile.
"Congratulations."
"Cissy, we do have something else. We want to push through the new laws on testing for competency for Ministry workers," Andromeda stated.
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "You know that will be a hard sell to my voting bloc."
"I have twenty-five votes. Four more and we will pass it anyways and it will bring your block more bad publicity," Andromeda said.
"You have to give me something in return, Andi," Narcissa replied.
Andromeda looked to Harry and Hermione. Hermione sighed. "I know over Christmas we talked about the Ministry releasing some of the Gringotts Accounts to those left of the Death Eater families."
Narcissa looked extremely interested now. The ministry had 'seized' eighty percent of all accounts, but they had been held by the Goblins, not releasing the funds. "We could do that. Maybe a five percent tax?" Andromeda suggested.
"Three," Narcissa countered.
"Four-point-five."
"Three."
"Four-point-two-five."
"Three."
"This isn't like when you were younger, Cissy. I won't give into you."
"Fine. Four percent," Narcissa gave in.
With a nod, the deal was sealed.
Daphne was interested in this dynamic. She had never seen Narcissa Malfoy so... personable.
"Harry, may I ask for a boon," Narcissa requested.
Harry looked to them before saying, "It depends. Usually, we work together with a deal."
"Yes, that is how we were raised, but this is something I can only ask the Regent or Lord Black," she said. Narcissa turned her gaze to Daphne. "I supposed the future-Lady Black would also have a say in this."
Daphne smiled. "What is this boon you request of our Regent?"
Narcissa gave her an appreciative smile. "You will make a proper Lady Black. I would ask if I were to have another child you recognize them as a child of the Blacks."
Andromeda perked up at this. "Are you, Cissy?"
"Not that I know of, but I have found a man that I would like to take as a consort," she said.
"When I beat Draco today, I am going to disown him," Harry told her.
"Acceptable. He was the fool to ask for this," she said. "I would be careful, Harry. Draco is terribly upset. He will not go easy, and I would not trust him to not use every dark spell he knows."
Her betrothed just nodded. Daphne felt a little tinge of fear, but Hermione looked extremely confident in their man.
"Will you be there, Narcissa," Hermione enquired.
The woman poured herself a good glass of wine. "I will have to. Please know I go under protest."
"He has challenged our head of House. Grandfather would do nothing less than kill him," Andromeda said.
"Times are different. I just ask he be able to continue the Malfoys when you are through with him," Narcissa said.
"I will do what is needed," Harry said. It was spoken like a true head of House. It didn't commit Harry to anything, but said he would execute Draco if needed, or wanted.
-oOo-
Close to 3 PM...Daphne had been pensive since they had left the Three Broomsticks. Harry nudged her. "You alright?"
"Yeah. How close are you to Andromeda and Narcissa?" she asked.
"Pretty close," Harry said. "As close as I am to anyone, besides Hermione. And now you."
Hermione answered her unasked question. "As part of Sirius will, he wanted Harry to take Andi back into the family and reach out to Narcissa about giving her a path to leave her husband. Andi helped Harry understand about his new responsibilities, the accounts, the Black family, how to find out about the Potters and gave him a place to sleep."
"Andi still says I can use the room," Harry told her.
Daphne nodded. "So, that is where you stay now?"
"Until I turned seventeen. I wasn't able to accept her back in until then, and by then Dobby had cleaned and remodelled the Black Townhouse in London. I've moved into there, but it gets rather lonely at times, and, well, it was where Sirius had been trapped for the last year or so of his life. I don't like it, but it's better than my relatives and I don't feel like I'm imposing on anyone there," Harry told her.
Hermione moved into hug Harry as they walked. He wrapped an arm around her. Daphne felt like she was missing something especially important here. "You aren't imposing, Harry. Andi is glad to have you around, as are my parents."
"I'm sure my parents would be over the moon to adopt you," Daphne said with a small smile. Astoria wasn't far off that they were overjoyed about Harry.
Harry laughed, putting an arm around Daphne's shoulder, a warmth he wasn't used too spreading over him. Daphne wrapped her arms around him as well.
Approaching the edge of town, it was obvious that a large crowd had gathered. Harry noticed a few Aurors, Dumbledore and a woman with a monocle. This was a larger affair than Harry had expected. As he approached, the woman moved to stop them. Two Aurors flanked them.
"Good day, Regent Black," she greeted him.
"Good afternoon, Madam Bones," Harry replied, letting go of his two girls. "Did I do something that needs Aurors?"
"As of yet, no, but I have been informed that you called a duel inside of Hogsmeade?" she said. Harry had worked with the woman a few times to deal with some issues when he took over the House of Black, primarily getting Sirius name cleared to prevent any challenges to his headship of the Blacks.
"Ah. Yes. That. Hermione, would you mind taking care of this while I get ready? I don't want to call a forfeit for being late," Harry told her.
Hermione pecked him. "Of course. Madam Bones, my betrothed has been formally challenged for the Regency of Black. Draco Malfoy has called on the blood rites. Harry has called for the duel to occur beyond the style," she said, indicating the old hitching post as the end of the cobbled street.
Daphne came with him. As the future-Lady Black, that was where she should be.
Harry walked out past the crowd. Draco was pacing about a hundred feet beyond the village. Crabbe and Goyle were standing near him. He was surprised to see Parkinson. She had been avoiding Draco for a while... now that he thought of it, she had been avoiding Draco since he had claimed the Greengrasses a summer back. Harry was wondering if she still might be interested in him now that he was a free agent.
Daphne stopped him before he could walk out into the centre of the field. He turned to her. She looked rather worried. "You have to win. I can't be with him."
Harry gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. "Hermione would be rather upset if I let you go."
Daphne gave a soft smile. "She would, wouldn't she?"
"Yep. Plus, I would like to see you both in my bed," he said a little cheekily, bringing a light blush to her face.
"You win this, and I'll do the same thing Hermione did with her mouth," Daphne whispered, causing a goofy grin to spread over Harry's face.
"Now that is something to fight for," he teased.
Daphne put her hands on his cheeks and pulled him down to kiss him.
"POTTER!" Draco bellowed, having finally seen Harry.
Daphne pulled back, an angry look on her face. "If you have to kill him, don't hesitate."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied, earning him an eye roll and another soft kiss.
"Leave my woman alone, Potter!" Draco yelled, pulling is wand.
Harry sighed. Hermione had just come over. "No damage to the town or the spectators, otherwise you are in the clear."
"Thanks, luv," he said, giving Hermione a short kiss. She wasn't having that, putting her hands to his cheeks and pulled him in for a longer one. Harry gave her a small grin, before becoming serious and then passing Daphne over to her.
Draco was snarling at him. "I'll have your mudblood too."
Harry stretched his head from side to side. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Where is your representative?"
Draco nodded over his shoulder. "Crabbe. Goyle is my second. Who do you have?"
"Andromeda Black-Tonks will be my representative. Neville?" Harry looked behind him. Neville stepped out of the crowd, leaving a worried Susan and Hannah behind. Dumbledore didn't look happy, but they were not on Hogwarts or Hogsmeade grounds, so he had no say here. It looked like Madam Bones was keeping the man from walking out into the field. "Longbottom is my second."
Malfoy scoffed.
Harry noticed Professor Flitwick standing off to the side, his wand moving in intricate patterns. Runes lit up around the field. The man was setting up a professional duelling ring.
Andi stepped up. "Heir Draco Malfoy, son of Lord Lucius Malfoy and Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, you have challenged the Regent Harry Black as a son of Black and for the blood of Black. Do you persist in your challenge?"
Crabbe looked a little nervous. Harry removed his cloak, letting it drop on the ground. He stretched, the dragonhide vest creaking under the strain. Hermione had insisted that he use it, even if he hadn't broken this one in yet. He had had to get a new one over Christmas, having grown out of the one Sirius had insisted he get before he died. A goblin made knife was in a sheath on his side and both his arms had wand holders. Harry thought it a little much, but Andi and Narcissa had ensured he knew how to use the knife and that he get a second wand. Harry had been formally trained in how to duel in the last year and a half. The Blacks were renowned for their duelling, with only the Potters and a few other families, like the Bones or Longbottoms, known to be equal or better duellists than the Blacks.
Draco, even through his anger, must have noticed the crest on the hilt of the knife because his eyes widened, and he paled a little.
Crabbe looked to Draco. After a long moment, Draco nodded. Crabbe, nowhere near the presence that Andromeda Black-Tonks was, said as loudly as he could, "Heir Draco Malfoy seeks to challenge the..." he looked back to Draco.
"Infidel," Draco said in annoyance.
"Heir Draco Malfoy seeks to challenge the infidel that has stolen his birth right as a son of Black to be the Regent of Black," Crabbe said.
Harry saw Narcissa grimace. Harry took in an angry breath. He had no illusions that Draco had coached Crabbe and meant the insult he had just made.
"Regent Harry Black shall recognize the challenge. He will call for reparation for the slight of the challenger. By not recognizing Regent Black as his Regent, Heir Malfoy shall lose any link and blood to be a son of Black," Andromeda stated.
Draco spat on the ground. "Potter is no Black. He's just the son of a mudblood whore and will be crushed under my heel."
Andromeda stiffened at the lack of protocol. With an imperious crocking of her brow, she said to Harry, "My Regent, the uncouth creatin has made his challenge clear. Do you accept or will you decline, claiming your right as Regent to disown the welp since he will not recognize you as the proper head of House?"
Harry snorted to see Draco blanche some. He was just starting to realize that in his angry and pettiness, he had just insulted the Head of the House of Black. By not recognizing Harry as the regent, he had just nullified his challenge. If Harry had not been named Regent, or had the House ring, he would have been fine. Holding up his hand, Harry let everyone clearly see the two rings. The platinum ring with a black opal and ravens around the stone was on his left middle finger. Next to it was the golden ring of a griffon trying to eat a large ruby.
"I, Regent Harry Black will allow the challenge, even if a son of Black will not recognize me as the Regent of Black. Heir Draco Malfoy, you fight for the regency and blood of Black. I fight to strip you of your blood and claim. Should you lose, I shall claim all that is due the House of Black," Harry said. Even though Andi had trained him in the Black's heritage, he hoped he got it right. A slight nod from Andi said it was good enough.
Crabbe turned to Draco. "Do you accept the Regent Blacks terms?"
"I'll take everything he has," Draco replied.
"Terms shall be until a neither can continue, be that by exhaustion, disarming, incapacitation or death. No Unforgivable shall be used. Should these terms be violated, it shall be a forfeit. Do you accept?" Andi asked.
Draco nodded. Crabbe replied, "Heir Malfoy accepts."
By now, Professor Flitwick had completed the ring of runes and came over. "Have all terms been accepted?"
"They have, Master Flitwick," Andi stated.
"Let's get this over with," Draco snapped.
Flitwick rose an eyebrow. Andi said, "I leave you as the officiator of this duel. My Regent Black shall abide by the rules stated."
"Very well. Seconds shall only be called should the duellist wish, otherwise this is a single contestant duel as required by House Ascension rules and laws. Do both duellists understand?" Flitwick said.
"I do," Harry clearly stated.
"I understand. Get ready to die, Potter," Malfoy said in a deadly tone. Something about the seventeen-year-old prat just didn't scare him like Voldemort, his old insane aunt or even his slippery father. The death grip Malfoy had on his wand had Harry already knowing that Draco was going to attack fast and hard. Harry wouldn't let him win.
"This is a standard ring, as agreed upon by both parties. All action is to remain in the ring. Apparition is allowed. No spells will be blocked inside the ring. Should you forfeit, you are to drop your wand," Flitwick said. "The rune barrier shall not drop until the duel is completed or forfeited. Duellists, take your spots."
Flitwick stepped to the edge of the glowing circle just inside the runes. Pointing his wand at the ring, a white dome formed over them, then turned transparent. Draco took up on the far side of the hundred-foot circle.
"Ready to die, Potter?" Draco called out.
Harry shrugged. "No one's managed it yet," he replied, not feeling as cocky as he sounded but knowing it would anger Draco.
"On the count of three," Professor Flitwick called out.
Harry bent his knees a little, his left foot forward, his wand at his midsection. Draco looked like he was just barely holding back.
"One."
Harry let out a breath, letting himself feel the magic around him.
"Two."
Harry felt the increase in magic from Draco. He flicked his wand before the first syllable of 'three' could be said. It was just like second year.
Harry side stepped to his left. Draco had aimed to the right. Harry's wand was already jabbing. Draco's cutting hex missed Harry. He was flourishing his wand for his next spell. Harry's piercing hex caused Draco to jump to the side, interrupting whatever he was going to do. Harry wasn't wasting time on being flamboyant. As he pulled his wand back, his magic pulled on the dirt behind Draco.
Draco, starting his spell again, didn't expect a foot high moving wave of dirt. He toppled over backwards, a sickly yellow spell shooting high. It caused the protective shield to illuminate as it hit.
Harry didn't stop moving. As his wand came to the top of its arc, he twirled it before jabbing it at Draco. Ropes shot out. He was trying to end this quickly and not hurt Draco too much out of respect for his mother. Narcissa Malfoy had been the wife of a bastard and had had to act as such. As much of a twat she could be at times, she cared for family and had treated Harry like family. Well, family for the Blacks. She had also treated Hermione well. That, more than anything, had won Harry to accepting her fully into the family and not throwing her out like he had wanted too. Her son, on the other hand, was all his father in his personality.
Draco fell over, rolled and shot up. The ropes just missed him. Harry was surprised to see the sickly yellow curse and a blasting hex come at him. He made a small circle with his wand and a semi-solid protego duo sprang into existence. The yellow spell bounced off his shield. He didn't have time to see what it did before the blasting hex ripped a hole in the ground. Parts of dirt and grass hit the shield. Harry had time to see the dirt dissolving. His eyes narrowed to realize the yellow spell had been some type of acid or dissolving spell.
He dropped his shield, swiping his wand across his body and then flicking it towards Draco. The dirt that was covered in the yellow ooze swept up into a pile and then banished it towards the blonde ponce.
As though realizing that he was at a disadvantage wearing his robes, Draco had been working to get them off. It saved him as he was able to throw it up before him. The robes absorbed the messy mass as Draco dove out of the way. From the ground, he shot a series of cutting, piercing and blasting hexes towards Harry.
Harry pulled up a huge chunk of the ground to absorb the spells while working his wand in a complex manner. "Terra Animatifors."
As Draco tried to pummel his dirt wall, Harry looked on satisfied as a section of the ground rose, forming into a crude earth golem. In the heat of battle, he didn't have time to make it look nice.
"Detain him," Harry yelled, putting up another shield as his wall looked ready to be blasted apart. His wand was moving again as the earth golem roared at Draco.
"Bloody fuck!" Draco cried out.
While his first creation was being blasted apart, three large snakes were now formed. Bind him, Harry ordered the snakes. He dropped his shield and pushed a huge amount of power into the pile that had been his dirt wall. Chunks flew away from Harry.
"Depulso maxima!" Draco yelled out. The blue arc of power shattered the dirt balls, making a wall of dirty mist. His golem shot away, crashing into the barrier. The barrier lit up again. His creation was missing an arm and had part of its side blasted away, but immediately started to get up.
Draco shot wildly into the cloud of dirt. Harry dove out of the way as yellow, purple and blue spells shot out of the dirt randomly. He recognized some as nasty cutting curses, more of the acid curses, a bone breaker and two he didn't recognize. Draco let out a scream of surprise.
"Emundationem venti!" Harry commanded. A wind shot out of his wand. It cleared the dust cloud by forcing it away into the barrier.
Draco was blasting at one of his snakes. Harry didn't wait, sending a few stunners towards Draco. The young man, panic in his eyes, turned on the spot. The loud crack told Harry that Draco was panicking. It was also evident as a piece of flesh fell to the ground. About the same time as part of the blonde's shoulder hit the ground, there was a resounding gong as he literally bounced off the barrier. Apparition was allowed in the barrier, but not to leave it.
Harry spun quickly to see Draco. For a split second he caught Draco spread eagle against the barrier as though he had been thrown into it. With a muffled cry his opponent crumbled to the ground. There was a hunk missing out of his right shoulder and blood was already soaking his shirt.
The golem saw Draco and charged towards him. It bellowed in rage at Draco. In a strangle cry of pain, Draco's wand came up. "Bombarda Maxima!"
Harry watched his creation be blasted into a million pieces. Draco moved to cover his head, a cry of pain coming from him as he moved his splinched shoulder. Harry flicked his wand, the white spell covering the distance in only a second. Draco's wand was ripped from his hand, sailing towards Harry's outstretched hand.
"NO!" Draco yelled.
Harry didn't hesitate, jabbing his wand. Ropes shot out. He followed up with two stunners. Draco screamed as the ropes forced his arm to move, then was quickly silenced. He rolled as the second stunner hit him.
When he was satisfied Draco wasn't going to move, Professor Flitwick declared, "Winner! Regent Harry Black!"
Harry stood tall as the barrier came down. There was cheering and calls. Hermione and Daphne were running towards him. It was only then that he realized there was a stinging on his cheek and arm. Looking down, he realized that he was either grazed with a piercing hex or a bit of the golem.
Hermione reached him first, her hands pulling his arm up. Daphne wasn't far behind her, her wand out and scanning him. "Where are you hurt?" Hermione demanded.
"Just a few scratches," Harry told her.
"Nothing dark," Daphne sighed.
Hermione jumped on him to hug him. "Don't scare me like that again," she whispered into his ear.
"I won't, luv. Daphne, come here," he said to the blonde girl that looked like she was being left out but wasn't trying to get between them. He was going to have find a way to get Daphne to really understand he wouldn't hold one of them over the other.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Out of instinct, Harry pushed Daphne away. Her eyes widened in fear. The green spell passed between them, missing Daphne by millimetres. Harry turned to the side. "Flamma flagelli!"
A thick whip of flames shot out. It just missed the green robes Healer that was on the ground. Draco screamed in agony as the whip caught his already hurt shoulder. Harry flicked his wand down, the burning magical rope cutting into Draco's skin like butter.
A second wand fell out of his hand just before his arm fell off his body.
Clutching the now cauterized stump, Draco squealed like a pig. Harry, angrier than he could ever remember being, stepped before Daphne, shoving a protesting Hermione behind him. "Draco Malfoy! I disown you from the House of Black! I claim you oath breaker for violating the peace there should be after a duel. I claim all properties, magics and moneys that have been bestowed on you from the Blacks!"
The screams of agony became ear piercing shrieks as any magical heritage he had from the Blacks were ripped from his body. Wispy silvery streaks leaked out of him before moving to Harry. After a moment, Draco collapsed into a heap on the ground.
Around them people were screaming. Someone was upwelling at the smell of the burnt flesh. Harry was making sure Draco wasn't going to get up.
Dumbledore and Madam Bones came over as the aurors and teachers were working to calm the crowd. Dumbledore had the 'I'm disappointed in you' look.
Harry didn't care, turning to Daphne, who was on the ground, looking shocked, he asked, "Are you alright?"
Daphne blinked, looking at him. "That was a killing curse."
Hermione moved to Daphne's side. "Are you alright," she asked her.
Daphne was looking very shaken. "He tied to kill you," she said to Harry.
Harry had to suppress his anger. Daphne needed someone to reassure her. Hermione wrapped her arm around Daphne's shoulders, which Daphne sank into. Harry knelt to Daphne. "He won't be doing that anymore."
Daphne looked at him with wide eyes. Hermione was used to the shite that happened around him. Daphne was still getting to understand what it was going to be like to involved with Harry Potter.
-oOo-
Next time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: The girls and Harry deal with the aftermath of the duel, learn to enjoy each other more and meet the Grangers.
END