A/N: I have a day off because I'm feeling terrible, and this seems like a good way to spend at least part of a sick day, so let's take a ride…
I consider myself to be a semi-competent writer, but I feel like there are a few "holy grails" I haven't yet discovered. I am a computer engineer/developer by trade. So, while I of course strive for as much consistency as possible, I'm not perfect. Forgive my flaws. More after this chapter is done, as I suspect half of you will hate me. On that note, here's a secret about me: I only care what people think the bare minimum to be able to hold a job, etc. And this… this doesn't really fit that category, tbh. So I appreciate your readership, I appreciate your reviews, I appreciate if you enjoy the story, but ultimately, I paid nothing for your opinion, and you paid nothing to read this, so it just is what it is.
Aaaand, to respond to a guest review quickly - yes, Sakura. I find it rather amusing how upper class British folks tend to name their daughters after flowers. And, well, that *is* a flower. And also, if you want me to respond to your reviews, please log in!
Run away! Run away! Oh, wait. The other direction. Here we gooooooo….
That night, Harry had been shown to his room, and Lavender had gone to hers. Harry had been "read the riot act", gently, of course, about how he was being shown trust and respect and that they would appreciate the same respect in return. Lavender was told a little more bluntly that she had gone without being shagged for sixteen years and surely she could tolerate one night. She had pouted, but both of them were now sound asleep in their respective beds.
In another room in the manor, however, Charles and Sakura were sitting on a plush couch, looking through large windows out into the night. They had a view of the channel, but all they could see was the moon and the lights of Muggle ships as they floated through the Bristol Channel towards the docks at Avonmouth, or out to the ocean. It was actually a lot prettier than it sounded, and it was one of their favorite things to watch. There wasn't a whole lot to do in Minehead, but it was home.
Charles spoke first. "How did your chat with Lav-lav go?"
Sakura frowned. "I am satisfied with her choice. She explained to me her reasons. I don't think you want to hear them, honestly, but as a woman, I understand them. Suffice it to say, he won her heart, and for mostly the right reasons."
"It's not just because he -"
Sakura shook her head. "No, it's not. He treats her very well, Charlie. That's often enough to win any girl's heart, if the intentions behind it are pure. I'm… I'm actually more worried about our daughter for other reasons."
"Oh?"
Sakura sighed. "We don't know her anymore, Charlie. She's… changed."
"How so?"
Sakura looked out at a freighter chugging along in the distance. "I found out why she didn't come to us."
Charles waited for Sakura to continue speaking.
"She… she wanted him to. Frankly, I think she wanted anyone to. She considered the fact that it was against her will to be a positive - at least then she wouldn't have to feel ashamed of losing her virtue."
"She wanted to be raped?," he said, astonishment on his face. And a little disgust.
"No," Sakura said quickly. "But she was prepared to take advantage of the situation to 'find out what it was like'".
"What happened to our little girl who wanted to wait for marriage?"
"... Hogwarts happened."
"What do you mean?"
"They… don't treat her well there. Apparently most of the boys try to get into her knickers, and everyone's been spreading rumors about her. I guess most of the school thinks she's a slag. I guess she got tired of it, and decided to deal with things on her own terms."
"I… I don't know what to say."
"I know it's tradition. But I wish we'd never sent her there."
"I as well, my dear."
They watched the boats for a little while longer before retiring to bed.
The next morning Harry and Lavender both got up early. Lavender was dressed in a pink fuzzy onesie with feet that looked like a bunny, and Harry was only dressed in his boxers and an undershirt. He gave her a quick kiss and chuckled. "You're the cutest bunny ever," he said, making her blush.
"It's comfortable, okay?," she said defensively, and swatted his arm.
"Ow! Vicious bunny! Killer bunny! Run away! Run away!" He doubled over laughing but she just looked confused. "I'll explain later," he said. "Are you hungry"
Right then her stomach growled. "Of course I am. But here we dress for breakfast."
"I don't… really have anything nice"
She frowned. Come to think of it, his clothes were really ratty. She hadn't paid much attention because usually when she saw them, they were on their way off. "We'll make do," she said. Then her eyes lit up. "I can take you shopping!" She literally squeeeed. "Squeeeee!", she cried.
Harry got the look in his eyes that every man gets when his woman wants to take him shopping. But she was good at fashion, so he just hmphed and turned to go back to his room to dress.
"You don't want to?", she said, looking disappointed.
Harry looked at her. "I need to, and you're good with fashion. I guess we'll find out how much money I have to play with. But Lav… I don't think there is a man alive who truly looks forward to getting dragged to shopping with his woman."
"But why not?"
"I know you like fashion, Lav, but most men could care less. And the ones that don't usually, er, beat for the other team."
She huffed. "Well, I guess that's why I'm good at fashion then. No man can be perfect, I guess. But you're coming and I'm picking out clothes for you. You are, or will soon be, my betrothed and I will not have an unfashionable man on my arm, no matter how much I love him." She got a cutely fierce look on her face and stomped her foot.
Harry gazed at her piercingly. "You… love me?", he said quietly. "I know you said you could, but you do?"
She eeped, turned red, and ran back into her room, the door closing after her. He shrugged and went back into his. Some things would just have to happen on their own time.
After breakfast, which was a slightly awkward affair because what Lavender had said to him was still hanging in the air, and she pointedly refused to address it, Charles told both Harry and Lavender to get ready for a trip to Diagon Alley. Lavender's grandmother had already left for the morning, citing social engagements. Fifteen minutes later, they were on their way. The three of them walked into Gringotts and went up to the teller.
"I would like to see my account manager," he said, as he had been coached to by Charles.
"Key," the goblin said perfunctorily.
"I was never given it," he said. "I think the Weasleys have it."
The goblin grumbled, something about lazy children forgetting everything. He pointed to a slot. "Insert your finger and say your full name clearly." He did so, and felt a sharp jab on his finger. Fifteen seconds later his finger was released and a key fell out. He picked it up, noting that his finger was entirely healed. The goblin looked disappointed. "If you hadn't been who you said you were, you would be dead where you stand."
Harry shrugged and handed the key to the goblin, who inspected it. "All is in order. All previous keys are revoked. Through that door." He then turned back to his books, effectively dismissing them. They walked through the door and found themselves in a sparse waiting room. The severed heads of about thirty goblins decorated the wall, and about the same number of humans below the top row. It was a very macabre room. Otherwise, though, it looked like a bog-standard waiting room. There were even magazines - "Lowlights for Younglings," and "Paygirl".
Finally a short and uncharacteristically friendly - which is to say, a slightly less sullen - Goblin came to collect them. "Follow," he said, and left without preamble. They did.
Finally, after following a few twists and turns, they came to what appeared to be a very well appointed room. They were told to have a seat, and they were left alone. About two minutes later, a goblin walked in, dressed in a suit.
"Good morning," the goblin said in a perfect British accent.
Harry's mouth fell open.
"Ah, I see you are another of those that have no idea how the world works. We get a few of those each year, mostly muggleborns, though you seem a bit old to have been kept in the dark. Let me give you the speech. Gringotts is a business. You are our customers. Therefore, it is in our best interests to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while we transact business. If you transact in good faith, a comfortable environment serves many purposes. And if you do not, it serves to make us appear soft, even more so that you never see the sword as it plunges into you." He grinned ferally. "Of course, I do not know why your friends here, all of which are purebloods and have been loyal customers of ours for years, did not give you this information." He tsked and looked disappointed. "I suppose that's to be expected. Now, all that said, Mister Potter, we do have much to discuss."
Harry cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I have never received any kind of a statement from Gringotts, and I frankly have no idea what my holdings are. I was wondering if I could be provided a summary."
The unnamed goblin frowned. "Never received a statement? How irregular. I will need to look into that. Perhaps it is because you are the only member left of your family, and are not yet installed as head. Still, quite irregular. You will be provided with the documents you request when you leave here today. If there are withdrawals you are not expecting, please be aware that wizarding law allows your guardian to pay reasonable expenses for your upkeep. If you disagree with how they have been managing your finances, you will need to take that up with your government, as we have no control over your laws. They are authorized, and we have no choice but to comply."
Harry nodded. Something about the way the Goblin was speaking seemed a little… off. Like he was trying to tell Harry something.
"Now, Mr. Potter, we have been trying to get hold of you as well, because we are in a bit of a quandary. Your Godfather, Sirius Black, died a month or so ago."
"The murderer?," Sakura gasped.
"One and the same," the gobin said "However, there are some… irregularities. He did have a will, that was created about a year before he was put into Azkaban, right after Mr. Potter was born. We are, of course, the executors of his will. His will would be easily contested if he were a convicted criminal, and other parties have done just that. However, we have been attempting to get the documentation of his conviction from your government for quite some time, and have been entirely unsuccessful. It is fortuitous that Lord Brown is also here, and perhaps he could look into why we are having such a difficult time getting the proper documentation from your government?"
Charles nodded. "I'll have it looked into."
The goblin nodded. "If you can succeed where we have failed, you will have the gratefulness of the Goblin nation, and we will make sure you are compensated for your time and effort," the Goblin said. "The longer the will is not executed, the longer no one has access to its holdings, and that is not good for business." Charles nodded. The goblin then turned to Harry. I'll be frank, Mr. Potter. You are named as the sole beneficiary. There are a few others, but they are all dead or otherwise unable to collect on their inheritance. Much has changed since the will was written, but Mr. Black has not been able to alter it. It is likely that he was not aware that he would be the sole heir when he wrote it, as the Head of the Black house died between the time he wrote the will and the time that he died. Nonetheless, it is still binding."
Sakura gasped, and Charles looked a bit taken aback.
"You mean -"
"Yes," the goblin stated matter of factly. "All of it. The entire Black fortune and inheritance."
Sakura fainted. The goblin sighed and pressed a button on his desk, and a goblin medic came rushing in. "There will be no charge for the medic," the goblin said. "Such a reaction is understandable."
Sakura came to and sat on the chair, leaning against her husband for support. The medic nodded in the goblin's direction and bustled out.
"Why haven't you contacted Harry about this sooner?," Charles asked.
The goblin looked frustrated. "We've been trying. In fact, we've been a little peeved that he hasn't been responding."
Harry looked a little upset. "I never got your communication!"
The goblin frowned. "Even more irregular, but thank you for clearing that up. We will look into it. Is there any other business?"
"Does my… do I have any other vaults?"
"You do. Under normal circumstances you wouldn't be permitted access until your seventeenth birthday. However, you are the last of your line, so there are ways that you can gain access prematurely. You should talk with the proper humans at the ministry about that. We don't make the rules, we just enforce them, and make much money in doing so. Note that the only thing that your guardian can take for 'reasonable expenses' is money. Access to any physical properly in your vaults is not allowed. We have been denied access to your parents' wills, and thus have not been able to execute them. There is a copy in your vaults, so it may be in your best interest to get access as soon as possible. As the contents of vaults are not our property, we are by treaty unable to access them ourselves except in matters of dire emergency or for keeping inventory as contracted with customers. Is there anything else?"
Charles spoke up. "I think that will be everything. Mr. Potter will be back when we have taken care of all the formalities. Please do look into why he has not received any communications from Gringotts. It is, of course, quite an offence to block official communications to a peer of the realm, even if not yet installed, in such a manner."
The Goblin looked embarrassed. "So it is. It is possible, though unlikely, that the fault lies on our end. We will let you know what we find."
Charles nodded. "All we can ask. Come, family. That includes you, Mr. Potter."
Harry's eyes became inexplicably wet, and he followed the rest of his 'family' out. The goblin shook his head. There were so many cockups centered around that boy, and he thought he knew exactly who was ultimately to blame. Still, there was work to be done.
As they left Gringotts, after being given the portfolio that Harry was promised, Charles had only one thing to say.
"We need to see a barrister. As soon as possible. Something's rotten in Denmark."
That afternoon the four of them were seated around a small table, discussing what they were finding in Harry's account statements.
Harry sat back. "I don't know what this all means," he said, morosely. "This is a lot."
Lavender rubbed his back in small circles. "We'll figure it out," she said.
Charles rubbed his eyes. "Basically, Harry, you're pretty well to do but you're not insanely wealthy. You have a few bits of land here and there, but it doesn't look like there's anything useful on them. You have enough money to where you wouldn't have to work a day in your life if you didn't want to, but not enough so that you couldn't squander it all away if you really wanted. Basically, you're set up pretty well if you are careful. Now," he said, carefully, "The black estate is a different story. I wouldn't get your hopes up quite yet, as we don't know what's going on with those records, but assuming that the Ministry really cocked up, that is significant wealth. The Blacks are historically one of the most wealthy wizarding families in Britain. But…" he sighed, "they are also one of the most dark. It would take significant expense to undo that. But let's deal with what's in front of us, first."
Lavender was thinking. "Daddy, the Lord of two families can take two wives, right?"
Charles' eyes opened wide, and so did Harry's. Charles spoke first. "Lav-lav… what are you thinking?"
Lavender went quiet. "I'm… not sure yet."
Harry looked at her warningly. "Lav, you'd better not be thinking what I think you're thinking."
She wilted a little.
Harry sighed. "I think we need to have a talk. If you'll excuse me, Charles and Sakura?" He gently but firmly took her arm and led her onto the back porch. She followed uncharacteristically meekly.
Sakura looked at Charles questioningly, who shrugged. "This might not end well," he said sadly.
The two teens went out to the porch, and Harry pointed to a chair. "Sit."
She sat. He sat across from her.
"Hermione," was the only word he said. She nodded
"What makes you think I would ever take her as a wife, Lav?," he said somewhat accusingly. "I already told you how I feel about her. I love her, but not.. That way."
"You don't love me that way either, but you're willing to make a go of it with me. She loves you, Harry, and it destroyed her when I took you out from under her. I know it's your choice, but I feel guilty, Harry! I had no right to do that!"
"I gave you the right!", Harry said, a little heatedly.
She shook her head. "She loves you, Harry. It's not fair. None of this is fair. It's not fair to you, it's not fair to me, it's not fair to Hermione, it's not fair to my parents. You know I never questioned the curse, right? I could have contacted my parents, they would have been here in a half hour. Maybe they couldn't have done anything, but maybe they could have. We'll never know, now. I wanted to, Harry. And then I fell in love with you." She sniffled. "I'm so selfish. I never thought of anyone else. I didn't think of you, and I certainly didn't think of Hermione. Maybe what they say about me is right. Maybe I'm just a selfish slag who… who… doesn't deserve to be loved." She stood up, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm so sorry." She ran into the house and up the stairs, and there was the distant sound of a door closing.
Harry walked slowly back into the room, not understanding what just happened.
"What happened?," Charles asked, concerned, as Sakura got up and walked up the stairs without preamble.
Harry shrugged. "I… I really don't know. There's another girl…"
"Harry," Charles said warningly.
Harry sighed. "It's not like that!," he said in a raised voice. "Are you going to be like everyone else and not listen to me?"
Charles stood down "Speak, then," he said, in a more neutral tone. And Harry did. He told her the story of Hermione Granger, who he'd met in first year, had grown to become one of his closest friends, and appeared to have fallen in love with him but was too shy to tell him. He also told him how he loved her too but didn't think she would make a good mate. Charles, to his credit, did listen.
"So after you two got together, Lavender found out about Hermione, at the same time you did."
Harry nodded.
"And she feels guilty."
"That… seems to be the case."
"And she thinks that Hermione might make a good Lady Black."
"It would seem so."
Charles thought. "Obviously we have a bit to deal with with regards to my daughter's feelings of inferiority," he said sadly. "But she's not wrong. If you were to become Lord Black, taking a second wife is a perfectly legitimate option."
"But -"
"Remember what I told you, Harry. Sex is not as important as issue. Lavender could be the lady of two lines, but that would make things complicated as far as heirs go, unless you wanted to merge the two lines. There are reasons to do that, and reasons not to. Maybe she was right to bring it up so you could have some time to think about it.
"Harry, these things happen. Couples fight. Sometimes even over other people. If she loves you like she says, it will all turn out alright. And with regards to Hermione, my daughter has been raised as a good pureblood. Maybe we are a little more relaxed than most, but she understands what her duties are. If the circumstances allow, and you deem it best to take a second wife in order to continue the Black line, well, she will accept that. Miss Granger is a muggleborn, correct?"
Harry nodded.
"She would have the hardest time sharing, I think. There are many things to consider, which we would need to thoroughly discuss if the will is upheld."
"I really don't want to think about this right now!," Harry said, exasperatedly.
"You have time," he said. "The legal complications may be nothing and it may not even be a concern. Lavender will come around. Tell me, have you ever played horseshoes?"
Harry shook his head. Charles clapped him on the shoulder. "I'll teach you. Let's have some man time. You are a young man who needs a father, and, well, this will work out."
Harry's eyes were moist and they went out into the yard and set up the stakes.
Sakura opened the door to Lavender's room, and found her curled up in a ball on her bed, sobbing uncontrollably. She sat on the edge of the bed, and addressed the sobbing ball of girl.
"Lav-lav!", she said, and got no response. "What's gotten into you?!"
"I don't deserve him!," she cried, and buried her face in her pillow.
Sakura took on a stern tone. "Lavender!", she said, not bothering with the pet name. "If you want to be treated like an adult, then act like one!"
"But -"
"But nothing! Your soon to be betrothed is downstairs, and you just ran out on him. Obviously he thinks you deserve him, and you're not behaving like a proper young lady right now!"
"I'm not a proper young lady! That's the bloody point!"
Sakura sighed. "Your father and I had nothing whatsoever to do with your choice, but now that you've made it, you have managed to get yourself involved with the Lord of not one but possibly two very wealthy and prestigious families. Have we taught you nothing? Just because you chose, and we didn't choose for you, doesn't mean you are any less a young pureblood lady. We'll all be downstairs when you're ready to deal with… whatever this is… like an adult."
Lavender broke into a new fit of sobs, and Sakura left, softly closing the door behind her.
A half hour later, Harry and Charles were on the grounds playing horseshoes and talking about random stuff that wizarding men like to talk about. Lavender stood to the side, watching them, looking very much like a lost little girl. Her makeup appeared to be tearstained and hastily repaired, and clothing was a little rumpled. Charles noticed her, and nudged Harry.
"I think someone is ready to talk," he said.
Harry trudged over to her. She looked up at him. He had never seen such a raw expression on anyone's face. He took her hand and led her over to a bench overlooking the sea. They both sat down. Lavender sniffled.
"I don't understand what's going on," he said, without preamble.
She looked out to the sea. Harry could only see her in profile. He thought she was very beautiful, even with tearstained makeup.
"I… this wasn't how I imagined," she said quietly.
Harry didn't speak.
"Ever since I was a little girl, my parents always told me that I would find 'Mr. Right', and that we would settle down, and have lots of children. I loved that thought. I loved the idea of being courted by someone, having him sweep me off my feet, and living happily ever after like in all those fairy tales my parents used to tell me."
Harry continued being quiet. Lavender fidgeted with her hands in her lap, like she didn't know quite what to do with them.
"Well, you did sweep me off my feet. Quite literally, it seems, because it seems I can't keep my feet on the ground when you're bending me over a desk and I'm squealing like a pig." She blushed. "But you're someone else's Mr. Right. I… I had no right."
Harry sighed. "Why are you blaming yourself?"
She turned to look at him, her eyes fierce. "Weren't you listening, Harry? I did absolutely nothing to stop this! I could have said no, and taken whatever consequences there were. I could have at least called my parents and had them research whether or not it was real or not. I could have done a million things. Instead, I went into that room with you, willingly, let you disrobe me, and let you have my body."
"Willingly?"
She blushed, embarrassed. "When we walked into that room, Harry, I was ready for you. You made it so much easier by being so… you, but I was already committed to going through with it."
"You didn't seem too happy with the situation."
"A part of me wasn't. And a part of me was happy to finally just get it over with."
"Do you think that I'm going to think less of you because of this?"
"If you don't, you should", she said, fiercely. "I'm not worthy of you. Not nearly as much as Hermione is. At least… at least she had the decency to keep it to herself. Me, I just waltzed right into that room with you and let you have your way with me."
"So, what do you expect me to do?"
"Leave me?", she said in a small voice.
Harry sighed. He put his hand behind her head and gently but forcefully pulled her to him, and snogged her silly. She resisted at first, but about ten seconds in, she melted and put her arms around him. He put his arms around her too and they kissed for something like five minutes.
"Harry?," she said, when he finally let her come up for air. "What was -"
Harry looked at her, with a look in his eyes that she had come to know as hunger, but there was something else there too. A ferocity that took her aback.
"I'm not leaving you, Lavender. Not now, not ever. I am Not. Leaving. You." He touched her forehead with his. "Sure, how we met was… unusual. Does it give us a few more challenges? Yes. And me being who I am… well, things will never be normal. I've grown used to that, and you're just going to have to deal with it."
She started crying, and squeezed him tightly. "I don't deserve you," she said quietly. "I don't deserve you, but I thank whatever is good and holy for you."
"I love shagging you," he said quietly. "I love it when I make you scream, and I love those beautiful little noises you make when you forget your words. I love how you taste, how you smell, how you look… but do you think any of those things, apart or together, are enough for me to stay with you?" He rubbed her back. "I would never sign a betrothal contract for you because you were good at sex."
"Then why would you?"
"Because I want you, Lavender. We'll discuss the Black line in time. You may be right, that we need to add one more to our household. And you may well be correct that Hermione is the best choice. But you are the one I choose. Never, ever forget that."
"Why?", she asked, her voice small. "What do I offer you other than a good shag and an heir for your line?"
Harry sighed. "A family," he said softly.
"My daddy and mum? That's not -"
"No," he said "I like them and I am grateful for their guidance, but this isn't about them." He turned to Lavender. "My parents died when I was one. All of the adults in my life since then have been utterly worthless. My relatives hated me and abused me. My teachers never noticed. The Hogwarts faculty is competent but have deliberately fostered a 'survival of the fittest' environment. I don't really know what love is, because no one's ever taught me or showed me." He sighed. "But I know when you look at me there's something in your eyes, and it's something I've never had, and want and need desperately." He sighed. "I'm still learning what it is to love someone, and I'm still learning how to accept love from others. But I believe you when you say you fell for me, and I believe you when you say you fell for me. Considering I'm the boy-who-lived and a celebrity that people watch very carefully, that counts for a great deal with me."
She was quiet. "It really feels like it's been longer than it has, doesn't it?"
He nodded. "We've come a long way in a week. We have the rest of our lives. At least accept that we are where we are. I'm not perfect, and neither are you. But we chose each other anyway, for whatever reason. Maybe our reasons aren't perfect. That's okay. Let's keep finding more."
She hugged him fiercely. "Let's keep finding more. I like that." She smiled widely. "I really like that."
The sun was beginning to set. "I think we need to get back to school," he said softly.
She nodded, but did not let him go. He kissed her once again, a gentle, languid kiss, then grabbed her hand and gently pulled her up. "Let's go back to the house and say our goodbyes."
She nodded mutely, and they walked back to the house, hand in hand.
A few minutes later, they reentered the school, and almost ran over to "their" abandoned classroom. She practically threw her clothes off and he did the same, and then she put her blanket down. "Sit, she ordered, and he did.
She kneeled down and straddled him, her arms on his shoulders, wrapped her legs around him, and sank over him, her eyes never leaving his. "Right now," she gasped, "We're not going to have sex. We're going to make love." She clenched around him, and he gasped. "We are going to do this slowly… ahh… and sensually… oooh… and… and…"
Something about the look in his eyes was driving her crazy. "And here's to finding more reasons to be with each other," she said, her eyes half lidded, as the now familiar warmth began to make itself known in her belly.
He felt her chest rubbing softly against his. "Here's to that," he said quietly. Their eyes never left each others' as they feasted at the banquet of each others' bodies, her bouncing up and down on top of him, and him holding her hips and helping her move over him. He occasionally ran his fingers up and down her back, to her incredible delight. It wasn't quite as intense as some of their other sessions had been, but both of them thought that it was by far the most meaningful. This time she did not squeal. As she felt the explosion coming, she laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him. When her release did happen, It was with a gasp, and then a long, drawn out, ragged sigh, and though her hips were clenching, she just closed her eyes and let her body relax as the explosion abated and turned into a deep warmth that permeated her body. Harry still thought it was the most beautiful sound ever, as his senses were overwhelmed by her. He sighed as well, as he also experienced his release. She sighed softly and pulled herself tighter as she felt him release his pleasure. It was maybe one of the most… intimate… things he'd ever experienced.
After the pleasure had abated and they were basking in the warmth of their intimacy, she leaned her forehead against his, the sweat of their bodies mingling as her chest pressed against his. "It's never going to be the same again, is it, Harry?," she asked, and then kissed him.
He shook his head. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
They did not move from their position, Lavender's arms and legs wrapped tightly around him, and his fingers tracing delicious designs over her back and unhurriedly exploring her body. This, he thought he could get used to. In fact, he thought very much that he could get used to this. They stayed like that, not uttering a word, her soft breath against his ear, until it was nearly curfew. Even then, they only reluctantly got dressed and left the room.
The next morning at breakfast, Harry walked into the Great Hall. Lavender was already there, and she was seated next to Hermione, who looked a little uncomfortable and was slowly eating her breakfast. He sat on the other side of Lavender, and stole a piece of her bacon. She swatted his hand. "My bacon!", she said, pouting.
He chewed on the bacon, and pointed to the plate next to her. "Plenty of bacon for everyone!", he said.
"But you could have just taken from that plate!"
"I like your bacon better," he said, and took another bite. Lavender sighed, muttering something about boys and their girlfriends' bacon, and took another piece from the plate.
Hermione looked at their interplay and cast her eyes down.
"Hermione, do you want to go shopping?", Lavender asked abruptly.
"Is there something wrong with my clothes?", Hermione asked, a little miffed. She looked down at her uniform.
"No," Lavender said hastily. "I just thought… you might want to do some girl things together."
"I don't… I don't know how to do girl things. Ginny and Luna keep trying to take me out, and it never goes well. I'm.. not like them. I'm not like other girls."
"Ginny and Luna seem like great girls, but they don't know fashion. I'm a bit of an expert, if I do say so myself," she said and pompously brushed her fingernails on her robes. "You won't recognize yourself when I'm done with you."
Hermione sighed. "I don't have enough money for that. My parents are… well off, but not like in your circles."
Lavender giggled. "That's not a problem," she said, and cast a meaningful glance at Harry, who subtly nodded. "It's all taken care of."
Hermione turned to look at Lavender, and drove deep into her with her eyes, trying to find even an ounce of untrustworthiness or prevarication. Not finding any, she deflated. "Okay," she said. "I won't lie. I've often wondered what I would look like in a different wardrobe."
Lavender squeed. "Oh, Hermione, you'll just love it. We'll get you a new wardrobe and your hair done and your makeup done and your nails done…"
Hermione looked over at Harry with a "help me, what have I gotten myself into" look, but Harry just smiled at her. "Enjoy yourself, Hermione." He rather suspected Lavender was starting to soften her up in order to eventually suggest she become Lady Black, but he also figured she knew Hermione was the other important woman in his life, and she wanted to get to know her. Which he thought was quite spiffing of her, to be honest. Hermione sighed and poked at her food some more, but there seemed to be a light in her eyes that wasn't there previously, and Harry was quite happy to see it. Lavender was still gushing over all the things they'd do together. He smiled to himself. He'd never seen this side of Lavender, it was like she'd come alive. And he was, frankly, looking forward to seeing what Hermione would look like when Lavender was done with her.
If Lavender would ever be done with her. She had a project now...
Ron walked in, saw the three of them sitting together, grabbed some food, and sat at the other end of the table without saying a word. Harry sighed. They were going to have to have a talk.
Right then, the mail arrived, and Harry got a letter from Gringotts.
Mr. Potter,
As promised, we performed an internal investigation into the reason that your account statements were not sent. The first reason was that the address which was provided was your parents' old address, which is now defunct. As for why it was never updated, there was a combination of issues. Before you attended Hogwarts, you could not be found, so this explains our failure until the time of your going to Hogwarts. While regrettable, this was not our responsibility, as we didn't place the wards that prevented your location and they could not be circumvented.
However, after you began attending Hogwarts, you should have begun receiving your account statements. We have determined that, although there are wards on the school designed to prevent your receiving mail unless approved, the goblin responsible for sending these statements was bribed to not, shall we say, put too much effort into circumventing these wards.
Therefore, the offending goblin has been dispatched and a new head has been added to our waiting room. Along with a relatively small but sufficient amount of compensation that has been placed into your vault, we trust that we can 'call it square', as you humans like to say. Whilst we never turn down the opportunity to make money, we pride ourselves on our incorruptibility, and thus we apologize once again for our indiscretions.
Whilst for many reasons we are unable to tell you who bribed our former colleague, we can say that all three of the provided reasons have one person in common. We are sure that someone with such a fine Hogwarts education can connect the dots. After all, under your esteemed Headmaster for many years, the quality of education at Hogwarts has continued to be top notch. We will say that the person responsible will, under the terms of the treaty between our two nations, be sufficiently penalized. It is as illegal to bribe as to be bribed.
We trust that you have looked over your account statements, and understand each entry within, particularly those from the time period in which you did not have access to or control over your accounts. If not, we can recommend a barrister with whom we have worked if that is agreeable to you, or you can choose your own if you are so inclined.
Please continue to let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Harry showed this mail to Lavender, who recommended he forward it to her father, which he did very quickly. He did not notice the dirty look the Headmaster gave him when he saw the Gringotts owl.
Whilst Hermione was fretting over her impending torture session, er makeover, at the hands of Lavender, Charles Brown was running his own errands. Presently, he was to be found in the office of Amelia Bones, the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"Madame," he said by way of greeting. She waved at a seat, and he down down across from her.
"To what do I owe this honor, Lord Brown?"
"I seem to find myself in a bit of a quandary. You see, I was recently at Gringotts taking care of some urgent business, and the goblins asked me for a favor."
She leaned forward. Goblins never asked for a favor unless the matter was urgent indeed. Or preventing them from making money. "Go on."
"It seems that Sirius Black died sometime last month."
She nodded.
"They are trying to resolve the will. However, it seems that there are others contesting the will, as they believe it to be invalid, as he was sent to Azkaban after the will is written."
She nodded. "I…. I think I know where this is going, Lord Brown."
"Then let's get right to the point, as I know you are not a witch who likes to beat around the bush. They would like to receive the documents of his conviction so that they can move forward with executing the will, or not, as the case may be."
She sighed. "This is a problem, Lord Brown. There are no such documents. We keep getting asked for them by our liaisons to the goblins, and we keep telling them that they don't exist. But they don't believe us, and just ask again, in a different way. Frankly, it's annoying. Asking again and again isn't going to make them suddenly appear."
Charles looked surprised. "Madame Bones, let me get this straight. A man was imprisoned for years, in Azkaban, and was never convicted?"
She threw up her hands. "I have no idea, but that appears to be the case. It was before my time, regardless. I don't know what else to tell you, or the goblins."
Charles nodded. "Not your fault. You understand, of course, that I will need to take this before the Wizengamot. Even if Mr. Black is now dead, this was a serious miscarriage of justice."
She nodded. "I'd expect nothing less. Quite frankly, if it gets the goblins off our back so that we can get back to doing real work, I'd welcome the inquiry. Can you please let your goblin representative know - off the record, of course - that no such documents will be forthcoming? I sure would hate to see the Malfoys get the inheritance, but…"
A grin tugged at Charles' lips. "Madame Bones, I know who will be the inheritor. I can't yet tell you yet, but I promise you, it is not the Malfoys."
She smiled. "That is a load off, then."
"How did Mr. Black die?", he asked.
She lowered her head. "This one is embarrassing, Lord Brown. Some dementors got loose and went on a Kissing spree. There were quite a few casualties. Fortunately, most of them were captured Death Eaters, so… no one cared."
"That is unfortunate," he said softly. "I keep saying that Azkaban is an abomination that has outlived its useful life."
She sighed. "It is what it is. Unfortunately, we are responsible for this one. Once the heir is determined, we'll likely have to make a serious dent in our budget to make this one go away."
"What about the heirs of the others who were killed?"
"In a very macabre way, we were lucky in that regard. There were no heirs. The ministry probated their estates, and now, well, you know how it goes."
Charles nodded. Fudge and Malfoy probably saw their estates get just that much bigger.
She sighed. "On a lighter note, Lord Brown, do come visit more often. It has been far too long. How is your daughter?"
Charles smiled wider. "A handful. Seriously a handful. It seems that she has a mind of her own, and is not afraid to use it. There will be news on that front shortly as well."
"Has she found a suitor?," She asked curiously. "I wish my Susan would be a little more proactive on that front. She doesn't seem to realize that a big chest and freckles isn't enough to attract a good man." She shook her head. "Maybe your daughter and Susan should hang out more. Maybe Lavender would be a good example."
Charles then laughed, a full, throaty laugh. "Hold that thought, Amelia. Maybe you will think differently when the full story comes out." He chuckled. "I'm sorry I can't share right now. But I will invite you to the manor once it all comes out in the wash."
Amelia nodded. "I'll hold you to that, Lord Brown… Charles," she said. "Give your family my regards. It's been too long."
He nodded. "Too right, it has. We'll be in touch. Thanks for seeing me, Amelia." He walked out of the room, and Amelia grabbed a firewhiskey. It seemed that some things were about to hit the fan.
He stopped back at his manor, and wrote a letter to Gringotts.
To Harry Potter's Account Manager:
Per your request, I have inquired as to the documents for Sirius Black's conviction. It appears they do not exist. The delay has been caused by the liaisons refusing to believe this and continuing to request the documents, even though they do not exist. While I doubt you are concerned about this past the fact that it allows you to execute the will, I will certainly be following up with our government, as this is a serious breach of justice.
While I have no official standing in Mr. Potter's affairs, I do have this one request: please do not make a fuss of this. Since, as you said Mr. Potter is the sole inheritor, there is no reason to have a reading or any other ceremony. I am sure he would appreciate a simple handover of assets when the time is appropriate. I am sure you understand, as he likely does not, that once knowledge of this is widely known, he will have a rather large target on his back in our society. I would prefer to give him a little further education before he is thrown into that lion's den. You, of course, have every reason to confirm this with him, but at least offer him the option.
To be frank, we have all let him down in nearly every conceivable way. I am aware that the goblins do not raise children in the same way we do, but I do have every reason to believe you care for them every bit as much as do we. So, I implore you. Don't make this any more difficult on him than needs be.
Yours,
Lord Charles Brown
Within two hours, he received a letter back.
Lord Brown,
Thank you for the information. We will, of course, keep this conversation off the record, but this is the information we need in order to move forward with the execution of the will of Sirius Black. Of course, we appreciate your time and effort, and you will find a modest token of our appreciation added to your vault.
Whilst Mr. Potter is my customer, and thus I cannot divulge any details of our interactions without his permission, I will take your concerns into account. Our children are, indeed, our most precious asset, and it speaks well of you that you are so concerned about one that is not your own. My own advice in return: there will be only so long such news can be kept quiet. I suggest you begin said education very quickly. But I will do my part, in accordance with Mr. Potter's wishes.
Harry Potter's Account Manager
Lord Brown looked out his office window at the sea. It looked as if Harry's life was going to become significantly more complicated, and quickly. His goblin "friend" was correct. Harry was going to need to become his "project".
But first, he needed to pen a letter to Harry.
Harry,
I have just been to the ministry, and it looks as if you are going to become the next Lord Black. They could not find any evidence of Mr. Black being convicted, and absent that evidence, the will will likely be executed very quickly.
With such responsibility, I have been reminded that you have no education whatsoever on how to be a proper Lord in our society. Whilst many bygones have passed, your responsibility, both to my daughter and both of your estates, requires that you acquire as much training as possible, as quickly as possible. The news of your inheritance will not be held forever, and you must know how to comport yourself as the Lord of two great families. Please do come by next weekend, and we will begin said training. You may, of course, bring Lavender, as this is her home as well.
Do not count on the Black estate until it has been officially handed over, but as we discussed, this would be a very good time to consider whether you wish for Miss Granger to be added to your family. It is up to you whether or not you wish to broach the subject, but remember this: A secret, once told, is no longer a secret. Choose, but choose wisely. All that said, Lavender will invite Miss Granger as well. It would, in any case, be good to have a friend for Lavender while your training proceeds. I highly doubt that she has not already offered to give Miss Granger a makeover. Sakura will take the both of them wherever they want to go. While I feel for Miss Granger, sometimes sacrifices must be made.
All joking aside, do not fret too much. You are likely to become one of the wealthiest wizards in British wizarding society very shortly. But I have no doubt that you will never forget that you are still Harry, and that my daughter chose you for you, and not for your money or influence. All that said, also do not be worried if she enjoys your money and influence greatly, for that is how she has been raised. Our family is not nearly as wealthy as you will be, but we are not poor, and it has been our pleasure to provide her with the finer things in life. It will not affect her feelings for you, and she has also been raised to be appreciative of what she has.
Please write back as soon as possible so we can make preparations.
Yours,
Charles
A/N: Many things have happened, and many things will happen. I suspect I am going to get raked over the coals for killing off Sirius. Well, I don't care, but allow me to defend myself anyway. Sirius is a hard character to write and does not fit in my story. By sacrificing him as I did, it allowed me to set a whole bunch of things in motion that I could not have easily set in motion any other way. So it had to be done. He will be avenged, if it's any comfort.
In case you're wondering, Scabbers ran off after Voldemort was killed the first time and Sirius was tossed in the clink. He's probably in Hogsmeade eating some tasty scraps and looking up Rosmerta's skirt. He will not figure into this story. Since Voldy's gone, he's too much of a coward to ever do anything but stay a rat until he dies.
And if Rosmerta catches him, he just might.
But since he ran off, none of the events of PoA happened, and thus, Sirius stayed in Azkaban.
Will Hermione become Lady Black? Since I haven't actually gone there quite yet, I'm not going to say, but sure looks like it, doesn't it? If so, seducing her into that role will be very fun to write. No, Harry isn't currently in love with Hermione. But 1) for the purposes of making an heir, it doesn't matter, and we've already seen how Harry treats witches he feels responsible for, and 2) he's sixteen. That can change. EDIT: Yes, she will become Lady Black. Don't like, don't read further.
Now, if you want to berate me for any of the choices I've made in this story, feel free. It's your right. But it's my story, and my attitude is, if you don't like the story, write your own damn story. Then it can be anything you want it to be. I may even read it, though I prefer to write rather than read these days for that very reason. Now, if I've actually screwed something up, feel free to let me know. I would prefer to be perfect, but alas, I'm not.
One last thing. Even if Hermione gets added, that's it. This is NOT a Harem fic.