Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
This time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: Blood feud is declared on the Malfoys. Hermione and Daphne Marry Harry and Harry confronts Ron.
-oOo-
Chapter 11-oOo-
March 29, 1998Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry opened the letter from Ted. The initial hearing of the Weasley's complaint against him had been heard yesterday. He could tell that Daphne and Hermione were extremely interested in what was in it. It said about what he expected. Neville, Susan and Hannah looked interested, but were keeping their opinions to themselves at the moment.
"Well?" Daphne questioned.
Harry handed the letter to Hermione. "The Wizengamot thinks there is sufficient cause to send the Weasley's complaint to trial."
Daphne frowned.
"Bad luck, mate," Neville said.
Harry made a face. "It's shite."
"There is also a date for the cases against Fudge and Percy," Hermione said. "Ted is going for the throat."
"Good. I want them both to hang," Harry said.
"My mother will make sure they do," Daphne added.
Susan snorted. "I'm glad we're on your good side."
Daphne gave her a somewhat worrying grin. "As long as your betrothed doesn't bring mine back three sheets to the wind again, we'll be good."
Hannah gave Neville a glare. "Oh, he won't be doing that again anytime soon, will you?"
"No," Neville squeaked. Harry didn't miss that Hannah's hands looked to be in his lap under the table.
Harry winced. "Are all woman bloody mental?"
Daphne leaned over towards him. "Do you want to find out?"
The evil glint to her eye had him turning to Hermione. "When is Fudge and Percy getting their hearing?"
"Just after our case with Dumbledore is heard. Fudge is going straight to trial as the DMLE is prosecuting the case. We go to a hearing against Percy on the twenty-first of May," she said.
"I had hoped it would be sooner," Susan said. "Auntie is still livid with Fudge."
"As long as he goes away for a long time, I won't have to worry about a blood feud," Harry said.
"I don't want you duelling again," Daphne said in a softer tone.
"I'll do what I have to to protect you and Hermione," he told her.
"And I'll stand by his side," Neville declared.
"I suppose I have to let them have that one?" Hannah put to them.
"Better you do. Even the best man needs to be stupid at times," Hermione commented.
"OI!" Harry and Neville complained. "I'll let you know I'm stupid all the time."
Most of the girls laughed. Neville gave him an unimpressed look. Hermione patted his leg. "If you were that stupid, I never would have dated you."
"Well, I guess I have that going for me," he snarked with a smile.
-oOo-
April 3, 1998Hogwarts, Scotland
Dear Harry,
The hearing in Prague went the way expected. It was probably better you were not there.
I presented the evidence of the formal duel and Regent Malfoy's challenge. The results from the DMLE were validated and Regent Malfoy's complaint rejected. I have pressed for reparations as you requested and was granted three-thousand and fifty-four galleons for my time in the case.
After the hearing, Regent Malfoy approached me. After a few threats against you, your betroths and your house members, I issued him the official notice of Blood Feud through the Blacks. He did not look incredibly pleased. Very pale actually.
The proper paperwork was filed at the ICW with the memory of the threats. I will be notifying the DMLE today and your representative on the Wizengamot will ensure that the official reading will be done at the next legislative meeting, which should be next week.
After hearing the threats that Regent Malfoy made, I do agree with my wife. You should dispose of him if he decides to return to British soil. I say this because I have found that he has moved to a Malfoy property in Spain and has registered for Durmstrang. I think he will be taking an extra year in his education as he seems to be struggling with only one arm and an illness that had him looking rather poor. If I didn't know better, I would say he contracted Kneazel Fever recently.
Your Representative Black agrees with the extreme prejudice you should show to Regent Malfoy. She would also like to request an audience with you in the near future as she would like to discuss the marriage proposal that you have both received. She has ones she would like to consider and have the Regent Black's approval for the marriage.
If you have any other instructions, please contact me or your representatives.
Sincerely,
Solicitor Theodore Black-Tonks
Senior Member of House Black
Solicitor of Note for House Black and House Potter
-o-
Harry handed the letter to Daphne first. He knew Hermione would want to read it, but she wasn't the future-heiress of House Black. He thought keeping these two sides of himself separate would be difficult, but it was proving not to be. Both his girls were different enough, even if they did all enjoy sharing a bed.
"Are you going to let the ferret live if you see him again?" Daphne asked before handing the note to Hermione. They were in Hermione's head girl rooms as he didn't want to open this one in the great hall.
"I won't let him threaten you or anyone of my family," Harry told her, his voice harder than normal.
Daphne nodded. "Agreed. Now, who has approached Narcissa?"
Harry grinned. "Apparently Narcissa is still a huge catch. I have six that she has not rejected outright."
"And why haven't you shown them to us?" Hermione asked while reading the letter a second time.
Harry grinned. "I'm not married to either of you yet, and I was waiting for Narcissa to say if she was truly interested."
"Who?" Daphne demanded.
"Well, your Uncle Tiberius for one," Harry said.
Daphne blinked. "He's fifty-three and never wanted to be married," she replied.
Harry shrugged. "Well, he wants Narcissa. Then there is a count from Bavaria, Victor Krum's older brother who's like thirty and a cousin of Nott who I guess has been in Canada for the last twenty years but came back to challenge our classmate for the Lordship. I guess the guy has two daughters and his wife passed over a year ago. He wants a son badly and Narcissa is still able to bear children. The last one is one I don't like, but she likes his proposal. It's some Norwegian Lord who's in his late twenties. I think he just wants into the Black's power because his family is having issues back home."
"Hmmm," Daphne said.
"I assume you had Ted do research on them all?" Hermione questioned.
"Of course. Now that Narcissa is serious, I can get the folders," Harry told them, getting up to go to his room to get into his trunk.
"Please do. I would like to review them," Daphne said. He knew that her being the future heiress and lady would want some say in this, though he figured she would let Narcissa do whatever she wanted.
"You don't think Malfoy will do anything to act on the Blood Feud, do you?" Hermione asked.
"Not if he wants to live," Harry said. "If he stays out of the country and away from you, I won't bother him. The second he does anything, even threatens you again, I will destroy him."
His two girls agreed.
-oOo-
April 11, 1998Godric's Hollow, England
Hermione was nervous. She wasn't sure she should be, but this was different than finding out she was bonded to Harry a little over two months ago. Jesus! Was that only two months ago! She had been in love with him for years. She knew she had been. It had been breaking her heart to see Harry with Ginny. When he had shown up on her doorstep Christmas night, she had comforted him, then grabbed the chance as soon as she could. A week was enough time to get over a year long relationship, right?
Since then, her whole life had been turned upside down in a positive way.
Her hand rested on her stomach. Unlike Daphne, she wasn't really getting any of the negative side effects that her mother had warned her about. She wasn't getting sick. Foods didn't seem to disgust her. She found herself more randy, but that could just be that she found she liked having Harry inside her. The only real side effects she had seen so far was that her stomach didn't seem quiet as firm and her breasts were sore at times.
Poor Daphne, though, in the last two weeks had taken to the bathroom many mornings or throughout the day. Harry had been mostly staying at the Greengrasses over the break, and diligently held her hair up when she would let him. She had taken a profound dislike to treacle tart, anything with tomatoes in it and most forms of chicken.
As she thought about the young woman that would be her sister-wife tomorrow, Hermione felt the same warmth for the attractive blonde as she did for the black hair young man that she was marrying today.
As she thought about that, her stomach gurgled with nerves. "Are you alright?" Daphne asked as she sat in the chair next her. Susan and Hannah were fussing over her hair as her mother and Erica were making sure her veil and the tiara that Harry had retrieved from his vaults was perfect.
She gave Daphne a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"You look to be doing much better than Susan last weekend," Hannah said with a grin.
"I was not that bad," Susan whinged.
"I wasn't trying to keep you from upwelling onto your dress all morning or anything," Hannah said.
Daphne put a hand to her mouth. "Can we not talk about that?"
"Sorry, Daphne," Hannah said.
Hermione's stomach gurgled again. She didn't understand why she was so nervous. She knew Harry loved her. She knew Harry found her attractive, even with her scar and everything. It was like he didn't even see it. Though, the way Daphne had kissed along the scar the other night had it tingling.
"Are you alright?" she asked Daphne.
"I been able to keep everything down today and I would like to keep it that way. Don't worry about me though. You need to focus on Harry," Daphne told her.
"I don't think that will be much of a hardship," Susan said. "You look stunning, and he won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Hermione gave a small smile at her reflection.
"Are you ready for the tiara and veil?" her mum queried.
"I think I've done all I can, Emmaline," Hannah told her.
Hermione watched as the two older women brought the veil over and put it over the bun that Hannah and Susan had created. Her hair looked sleek and manageable today. She liked it, but Merlin, had it taken effort to tame her hair.
When the tiara was attached, her mother leaned down and put her cheek to hers. "You look beautiful, Hermione. Enjoy your day and don't worry about anything. We will make sure everything goes well."
"Thanks, mum."
"It's time to head downstairs. The carriage should be here shortly," Erica told them.
The inn they were staying in was one of the Muggle ones in town. She had decided she wanted to get married here. It was where Harry's parents had been married and where they were buried. If they couldn't see their son be married, then they could still be there. She knew Harry would have gotten married wherever she wanted too but had seen the way his eyes shown when she said she had been in contact with the vicar at the church.
Downstairs her father was waiting for them. His eyes looked a little watery to see his little girl all grown up. At nineteen, she wasn't a little girl anymore, but knew he still saw her that way at times. "You look radiant," he said to her in her white dress.
"Thanks, daddy," Hermione said, still showing there was still his little girl in her.
He smiled as she kissed his cheek.
"We'll see you at the church," her mum said.
Daphne stopped to kiss her cheek and then place a soft peck on her lips. "You look beautiful. Enjoy today."
Hermione pecked her back. "I will. I can't wait to see you in your dress tomorrow."
Daphne gave a coy smile before leaving with the others. It was only a short walk to the church.
Her father held out his arm. "Are you ready?"
She slipped her arm into his. "No, but Gryffindors charge ahead."
"I still don't fully get the whole house thing at your school," he said with an amused tone.
"I think it stereotypes people, myself," she commented.
The carriage was an open top. A little chilly for April, but she had always imagined something like this. The horse was a white stallion that stood proud and tall as the valet helped her step in. To give everyone time to get settled in the church, which could be seen just down the street, the driver took them around the town square. Looking at the old World Wars memorial, she was happy that Harry had Ted sue the ministry to get rid of that ridiculous statue of him and his parents. Harry didn't need to be reminded of what he lost, and the magical world should have never claimed such an important memorial for the gaudy statue that had replaced it. The men's name who fought and protected their country from Nazi's was more important in her mind. The wizards could erect a memorial in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley if they wanted.
At the church, her father helped her out and lowered her veil. "I'm glad you found such a good man and other life partner," he told her.
She was trying to keep her tears down. "Thank you, dad. I kind of like them too."
He shared a smile with her before they entered. Susan and Hannah were waiting by the door to the inside with Daphne standing waiting for her. She had wanted Daphne as her maid of honour. The three girls here were her only real girlfriends she had.
When the music started, she looked through the open doors, trying to get a good look at Harry. She couldn't really, even though the church wasn't that full. Her parents had wanted to invite her aunt and cousins, as well as some family friends and a few others. There were perhaps thirty people on the left of the church.
On Harry's side were all those he found important. Madam Longbottom without her vulture hat, Andi, Ted and Dora, Grover and Erica, the Abbots, Madam Bones and Narcissa. All could pass for muggles today, much to her relief, and would hopefully remain that way for the party afterwards.
Tomorrow there would be more, but for today it was the perfect sized wedding.
When her father finally tugged on her arm, she started the slow walk down the aisle. It was about halfway down when she was finally able to get a full look at her groom. The gurgling in her stomach turned to butterflies and a giddy nervousness. He stood tall, well as tall as he could since he was only a few inches taller than her and about the same height as Daphne. He may not be the tallest man, but he was handsome, and he was hers. Hers and Daphne's.
His green eyes were alight with power as she was led up to stand before him. Her father lifted her veil. She caught sight of the tears in his eyes and almost let her own fall.
"Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joining of these two young adults. Hermione Jean Granger and Harry James Potter present themselves before God and the Church of England to be joined in eternal matrimony," the vicar said to open the ceremony.
Hermione took Harry's hand, feeling their magic calling for each other. This might not be a magical ceremony, but she couldn't help but know this would be just as binding as any handfasting or bonding that could be done.
It seemed far too short before the vicar was asking Harry to give his vow.
"Hermione, I love you. I don't know how many times I could ever tell you and let you know how much I love you. I know I didn't really know what that meant for a long time, but you have been by my side since the first year at school always trying to show me. I can only wish you will still try to show me for the rest of our lives as I will always try to show you," Harry said. His green eyes were briming with emotion and she was having a challenging time controlling hers.
"I pledge from this day forward to tell you or show you ever day of our lives that I love you. I give you my heart and my life. I will always be at your side, through any challenge. I'll strive to find more clever ideas than getting us killed or worse."
She gave a small laugh, getting the reference. She doubted many would. Merlin, she had been such a stupid girl back then.
"I love you, Hermione Granger, and look forward to calling you Hermione Potter."
She was forced to wipe a tear from her eye to nod muss her makeup.
"Hermione, you can make your vows now," the vicar offered.
"You're a prat, you know," she said, earning laughs from around the church. Harry gave her a cheeky grin. "Harry James Potter, my husband from this day forward, I look forward to all the challenges you will give me and will meet them as best we can. I love you and want to spend the rest of my days with you, in some clever way, I suppose."
Harry grinned widely at her.
"I had this all planned out, you know."
"I figured," he said back.
She laughed again. "I love you, Harry. I know I can be intense and serious and mental at times, but you are always there for me, and I pledge to be there for you and your family. I pledge to love you. To show you how I feel and to be your wife, lover and confidant for the rest of our days."
She gave the vicar a nod.
"The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore, if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now," the vicar said. The vicar waited a long thirty seconds.
"Harry James Potter, will you take Hermione Jane Granger to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
"I will," Harry said with an emotion she rarely heard. He was confident but unsure at the same time. Her heart leapt at his pledge.
"Hermione Jane Granger, will you take Harry James Potter to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will. Until death we part and beyond," she said. Harry gave her a smile that melted her insides.
The vicar smiled at them as he indicated Neville to give Harry the ring.
Harry repeated after the vicar, "Hermione, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit." He placed the simple golden band on her finger. As he did, she felt her magic responding and accepting his pledge.
Daphne handed her the ring to put on Harry's finger. She would love this girl as well and felt the magic around her, but Harry would be the one to hold them together by magic.
Hermione repeated after the vicar as she put the ring on Harry's finger, "Harry, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
Harry's magic grabbed onto hers and she let it. They had already been bonded, but after today there would be no doubt. No one would be able to separate them, not that she would have allowed that anyways.
"In the presence of God, and before this congregation, Harry and Hermione have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife."
The vicar put their hands together. Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."
When the ceremony ended a few minutes later she was happy to pull Harry's face to hers and give him a deep kiss.
-oOo-
April 12, 1998Rotherham, England
Daphne smoothed out the front of her dress. Unlike Hermione's beautiful, lacy white dress with a wide satin skirt, she was in an incredibly attractive and flattering pale blue dress with shear arms and shoulders with small flowers embroidered on them. The skirt was made of tulle that had an ethereal quality to it. She was just hoping that Harry would have the same reaction to her as he had to Hermione yesterday.
When he had mouthed 'wow', her heart nearly burst at the way he looked at her, and the slight jealousy she felt.
Her father was watching her with an amused look. "You look wonderful, Daphne. You don't need to be so compulsive about it."
"I need to look perfect for Harry," she said as she waited for the ceremony to start.
He stepped forward, taking her hands to still them. "Look at me, Daphne."
She took in a deep breath and looked up.
"I may not know your groom as well as I would like to yet, but I can tell that Harry doesn't need you to be perfect. Yes, he can be a fine man and will be the Lord that your mother and I always wished for you to be with, but he is not going to be a man that will be looking for just a trophy wife. I can tell that," he said.
She took in another breath. "But what if he changes his mind?"
"I don't see him doing that. Harry comes off as a very honourable man. I can tell you that he has insisted your dowery only be him your control. You will be named as a full beneficiary and have equal decision over all Black assets and has already turned down being heir to House Greengrass. The second born of either you or Astoria will be able to carry on our name and you will be regent until they are of age should anything happen to your mother and eye. A man looking for a trophy wife or power would never pledge that," he said, the obvious pride of his soon-to-be son-in-law in his voice.
Daphne gave her father a smile. "I know. Harry has told me. I just worry that I won't be…" she said, trying to find the right words.
"You will have a sister in Lady Potter. I have seen nothing that says this young man values you or looks at you in any lesser way than his first wife. I don't think you will ever have to worry about that. I also don't think you will settle for that. You are a Slytherin, are you not, by beautiful daughter? You can find a way to ensure you have the relationship you want, if you don't already," he said. "You have already accomplished much by changing your fate and the fate of our family."
She gave a small smile. Her wish for Imbolc had worked out far better than anything she had expected. "I will not manipulate Harry or Hermione that way again. Neither of them would allow it and Harry would hate me for it."
"Then you already know one way of achieving your goals," he replied with a grin.
"I love you, father," she said, giving him a small hug. He returned it. Grover Greengrass didn't always show a lot of emotions, but he was going to be giving away his first born today and felt the significance of it.
"I love you, Daphne. Now, are you ready to go be with your young man?"
She straightened, took her flowers and nodded. "I am ready to be Lady Black."
"I am proud of you."
"Thank you, father."
As this was a traditional handfasting, her father walked her out into the gardens of her childhood home. It was a lovely day in spring with half the gardens already in full bloom and the trees budding and leaves starting to come out. She was thankful that the sun was out, which wasn't always the case this time of the year.
At the edge of the gardens was a gazebo and the lawns after that. Perhaps a hundred and fifty people were spread out around the gazebo. Harry and her marrying was a big deal in their world. She hoped Hermione wasn't bothered; her wedding seemed small compared to this.
Her eyes wandered over the garden and the people gathered before looking to the gazebo. She took in a deep breath to control her breathing. Harry was standing tall in impeccable black robes with the crest of the Blacks prominently on his left breast and a smaller patch of House Potter on his left sleeve. She could feel his green eyes on her, making her insides dance. It was the same intense look he had given Hermione. It made her feel like she was the only woman in his eyes for a moment.
Next to Harry, in a finely cut pale green witches robes with the House Potter crest on her left breast, was Hermione. The girl was looking at her in almost the same way Harry was. Any jealously she had felt, or inadequacies in this polyamorous relationship, melted away. She knew that Harry and Hermione cared for her for her and wouldn't ever shut her out.
When they stepped up to the gazebo, a golden-haired witch in her mid-years clearly said, "Magic has gathered us here today to witness and bless this union of two young people. The House of Greengrass presents its eldest daughter, Daphne Ophelia Greengrass, to join the House of Black. The Regent Harry James Black has consented to the union and will recognize both houses as standing on their own. Does the Lord Greengrass agree to this union?"
She kept her eyes on Harry's, which hadn't left her yet, as her father said, "I, Grover Reginald Greengrass, Lord of the House of Greengrass, consent to the union and to have both houses recognized as separate but joined as allies in this eternal union."
"I, Harry James Potter, Regent of the House of Black, Regent of the House of Potter, consent to this union and recognized all houses under my preview as separate, but joined as allies, in this eternal union," Harry said in a clear voice. She felt a pleasant shiver as magic accepted the agreement.
"Then, I would ask Lord Greengrass to present his daughter to the Regent Black," the bonder requested.
He took her hand and led her around him to stand before Harry. Harry gave her a quick grin before blanking his face. Only her years of training kept her aloof mask up. She swore if he made her laugh, she would make him suffer later. By the look in his eyes, she wasn't sure he wouldn't enjoy that.
"Regent Black, please take the hand of my daughter, Daphne Greengrass, first heiress of my house and child of my heart," her father said.
Daphne felt her eyes burn a little. She cast a quick look to her father. That wasn't the traditional line.
Harry gave a small bow before extending his hand. "I would be honoured, Lord Greengrass, to accept the child of your heart as the love of mine."
Her eyes felt even more watery. She could feel Harry meant that. Her father put her hand into his. "The honour is mine, Regent Black. I give you my daughter to be your wife and bonded by the ways of old and to the terms of the contract."
"I would accept your daughter without a contract, Lord Greengrass. I thank you for the honour."
Her father gave him a satisfied nod before stepping back. Daphne was having a challenging time keeping a smile from coming to her face.
"As both parties are agreed, all those gathered are to bear witness to a hand fasting. Per the old ways, the couple will have a year and a day to ask for recourse or forever be bound. Do you agree?" the bonder asked.
"I agree and will not be satisfied with only a year and a day. I will ask for the end of our days," Harry said.
Daphne almost couldn't speak. "I agree and will not be satisfied with only a year and a day. I will accept eternity, should my future husband ask."
The bonder smiled at them. She took out a cloth covered in runes embroidered with a silver thread. "This cloth is to symbolize the merging of your magic, your lives and your Houses. As the threads are woven together, so shall be your life. As the runes are empowered with your magic, so will be your line, children and love. As our blessings will serve to seal the magic, the threads and the bond, the cloth will be the eternal symbol of your union."
She wrapped the cloth around their hands. As she did, she felt the draw on her magic. It pulled on Harry's. Hermione's started to mix with them as hers and her father's magic worked as the binders of the ceremony.
"Lord Greengrass and Heiress Potter have agreed to be the witnesses before magic to bind and honour this union. If you would repeat after me?" the bonder said.
"De réir mar a ghlacann an draíocht leis an mbanna seo, beannaigh an draíocht an t-aontas. An aontas de chorp, anam, fola agus draíocht. Aontas a fheicfidh beannú an tsaoil fhada, leanaí agus dílseachta. Mar a dhéanfaidh draíocht, mar sin déanfaidh draíocht."
Hermione and her father repeated the old blessing. She felt the magic grow. It reached out for Harry. She felt the immense reserves in him swell up and start to caress her in a way that felt more intimate than when she lay with him.
"Now, Daphne and Harry, please repeat," the bonder said.
"Iarraim ar dhraíocht glacadh le m'iarratas chun páirt a ghlacadh i mo chorp, anam, fuil agus draíocht i gcónaí. Iarraim ar draíocht torthúlacht agus saol fada a bhronnadh orm chun ómós a thabhairt dom faoi cheangal. Iarraim ar dhraíocht glacadh leis an mbanna seo a nglacaim leis go saor. Mar a dhéanfaidh draíocht, mar sin déanfaidh draíocht."
She was honestly asking magic to bless and accept this union. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Harry and Hermione. She didn't want to possibility of facing Draco again. She wanted to be loved and knew she would be if magic accepted this.
Harry must have wanted the same. She felt her magic intertwine with Harry's, then a surge from something far deeper than either of them rise up to greet the union. She gasped at the feel. It was almost as strong as the night of Imbolc. Harry took in a sharp breath as Hermione looked to wobble slightly. Daphne's legs felt unsteady for a second, only Harry's strong grip keeping her up.
The surge could be felt all round them as people gasped or made other sounds of surprise.
Wide eyed, the bonder looked at them for a moment. It took her father clearing his throat to shake them all back to the present. The bonder shook her head for a moment. "The Earth Mother has given her blessing to this union. May we all prosper. For those that wish to give their own blessing, please raise your wands."
Everyone present rose their wands. Hermione was looking at them. Daphne caught the same lust in her eyes as Harry had and she was feeling. Having to wait for later tonight to feel him inside her was going to be torture.
A soft pink glow took up on the tip of each wand and then glided to the cloth. The runes all glowed a bright blue for a moment before fading. As they did, she felt her magic settle with Harry. She also felt the tendrils of the bond with Harry and Hermione. The three of them would be forever intertwined.
"May I present the Regent and Heiress Black of the Ancient House of Black. May their lives and union be fruitful, happy and blessed by magic.
Harry pulled her to him. Her lips searched for his as people clapped for them. A moment later, Hermione moved in to kiss her too.
-oOo-
April 15, 1998London, England
Harry stepped into the lobby of Gringotts. He was here for an unusual letter. Once inside, he walked over to a small desk that he only knew about because of Andi. The goblin was sitting there looking bored out of its mind. Only certain clientele came to this desk. It was clientele with accounts like Harry's.
The goblin caught sight of him. "Good day, Mister Potter-Black. Are you here as Regent Potter or Regent Black today?"
"Good morning, Sharpclaw. I am here as Mister Potter today," he said, holding up the letter with a Gringotts seal. He handed it over when the goblin held out his hand. The goblin looked at the letter.
"If you would, follow me," Sharpclaw said after holding the letter out for him to take back.
Harry followed the goblin through a side door and down a stairwell to a corridor with offices far smaller than the ones he was used too. Typically, he was taken up some stair to the larger offices on the first floor above ground. Most doors had normal names on the name plates, like they didn't belong to goblins. He frowned when he stopped before one that had Weasley on the door. Sharpclaw knocked. When the door opened, he was motioned inside. Sharpclaw hurried back towards the atrium while Harry peered into the room.
Bill was sitting on the edge of a desk that was sideways in the narrow office. The desk, a filing cabinet and small table were piled with parchments, scrolls and artefacts. "You can come in. It's just me and I don't bite."
Harry smirked. He hadn't seen Bill in years. "That's good to know. I have all my potions if you did."
Bill chuckled. "Between you and the twins…"
Harry stepped into the office. Bill extended his hand. Harry shook it, still unsure what this was about. "It's good to see you, Bill, but what is this about? I'm not exactly popular with your parents and Percy and you have never said which way you fall."
Bill frowned. "I'm sorry about by parents. I've tried to stay out of it. Not sure if you know or not, but I married Fleur, and they aren't exactly thrilled with that."
Harry nodded. "I still share letters with Gabrielle, so I know. I still don't get what this is about."
Bill sighed. "Harry, I don't know exactly what happened that night, but I know what you have been doing for Ron. The hospital told me when I asked about his bills. I haven't told my parents. They think it's a financial package from the ministry."
"Ah, I see," Harry said. "I'm not going to stop paying for his treatment now that he's awake, if that is what you are concerned about."
"I wasn't. I wanted to thank you. I also wanted to let you know that I'm moving back to England. Things have gone really wrong with my family and dad has agreed to step down as Head of House," Bill told him.
Harry frowned this time. "So, you are supporting the lawsuit?"
"No bloody way in hell. I've been able to get some out of Ron what happened that night. I don't know if he was in his right mind when it happened, but I think he pushed Hermione before him. The Healers think he was trying to do the opposite, but was probably confounded," Bill told him.
Harry let out a long breath. "I had hoped it was something like that, but I don't know if I can ever forgive him. That was just the end of a lengthy line of dick things to do as a friend."
Bill sighed. "I heard some of what went on. Percy really doesn't like you and didn't have very flattering stories when I asked. I think they were exaggerated. Are you really going to get him sent to Azkaban?"
"He tried to arrest my betrothed, wanted to submit her to testing and possible treatments without my permission, not to mention Daphne is pregnant. That was the first time. The second time he threatened my life and Hermione's, who's also pregnant. I hate the old pureblood laws, but I have lost too much of my family, Bill. I will not risk my unborn child or my betroths," Harry told him.
Bill closed his eyes and shook his head. "I never understood why he wasn't a Slytherin with his ambition and willingness to do whatever he had to get ahead."
"I don't know, it took a certain amount of balls to march into the great hall at lunch to try to arrest them right under McGonagall's and Dumbledore's noses," Harry commented.
Bill snorted. "Bloody moron. I'd disown him, but mum asked me not too when dad stepped down."
"I've told Ted and Andi to leave Fred, George and Ginny out of things. I'll tell them to leave you alone too. How does Charlie fall on all of this?" Harry asked.
"He tends to listen to mum and Percy. Percy was his shadow when younger and Charlie still tries to protect him. He doesn't hate you, but he's not particularly on your side," Bill replied.
"If he stays out of my way, I'll stay out of his," Harry told him.
"Fair enough," said Bill.
There was a moment of silence. "I don't feel like that is why you really asked me to come to your workplace."
Bill had a heavy sigh. "Ron wants to see you. Mum and dad don't want you too. I think you should. I know you may not like him much anymore, but he needs to talk with you."
Harry closed his eyes and pinched his nose. "I don't know if that is such a good idea. Hermione almost died. I understand Ron was confounded, but she still has the scar, Bill. She still has nightmares occasionally. I don't know if I can do that to her."
Bill shook his head. "I get it, Harry. I do. Fleur still has night terrors every once in a while from the Triwizard Tournament. You saving her sister was the only thing that kept her together for the rest of the tournament, and then she was tortured by Krum with the Cruciatus in the last task. I wouldn't ask this if I didn't think that you two should have a little talk."
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine. When?"
"Now," Bill told him. "Mum usually goes in the afternoon and dad only visits on the weekends."
Harry was really conflicted about this. For the last two years he had had times he hated his former friend. Hermione had almost died. If Dolohov hadn't been silenced, she probably would have. Even with that, he had always doubted. There had always been a small part of him that wouldn't believe that Ron would throw her in front of a curse like that. Now that he knew, he still wasn't sure he could ever forgive Ron, even if it wasn't his fault.
"Fine," Harry said.
Bill nodded his head and moved to open his door. The office was small enough that Harry had to press against the wall to let him pass. As they walked towards the lobby, Harry said, "You should talk to the Potter Accounts Manager, Ragnash. Vault 633 is in Ron's name and that is where the money for his treatment is coming from. When the goblins harvested the basilisk, I set up accounts for everyone affected or that helped me. I never wanted to give your parents control of it with how they felt. Vault 634 is in Ginny's name."
Bill looked surprised. "You mean that story is real?"
"Yeah. I have about half its skin in my vaults. Figure I can make a few sets of armour or other stuff out of it. If Ginny wants, she can have enough to make some gloves or boots. I figure she deserves it," Harry told him.
Bill's eyes just about popped out of his head. "Harry, that would normally cost close to ten-thousand galleons."
Harry shrugged. "I got a few million from the sale of it. I don't need the money."
"Bloody hell, Harry. Ron is a complete wanker," Bill said. "Ginny is too for letting you go."
Harry gave a dark chuckle as they entered the lobby. "I won't disagree about Ron. Ginny and I just didn't work together. She was too conflicted between me and your parents. I wouldn't split a family like that. Not for me. Besides, I like where I've ended now."
"Fuck, Harry. Noble too? Most of my family are complete morons," Bill said.
Harry chuckled again. "Again, not arguing."
Bill chuckled with him. "I'm glad I listened to Fleur and Gabrielle about you. By the way, Gabrielle is still totally infatuated with you."
"I love her, like a little sister, but that's all, Bill," he said.
"Good. I would hate to have to go after you for going after a twelve-year-old," Bill told him. "Don't get me wrong, she's going to look just as good as Fleur and their mother, but twelve, Harry."
Harry screwed up his face. "I'll pass, thanks."
Bill laughed and clapped his back. "Knew I liked you."
A short bit later they had apparated to St Mungo's and Harry was standing outside the door to the room Ron had been transferred too for his recovery. His hand rested on the door for a few minutes as Bill patiently leant against the wall. The older man didn't say a thing, just closed his eyes and crossed his arms.
It took a long few moments for Harry to build his courage. He still felt anger at Ron. It was illogical now that he knew the truth, but Harry had almost lost Hermione. He had almost been stupid enough to lose her for good if Ginny and him hadn't broken up at Christmas.
Harry turned the knob and opened the door. The room was a non-descript hospital room: three beds in white sheets and grey duvets folded at the bottom, curtains pushed against the wall, a few chairs. The only really distinctiveness was the table full of Chudley Cannon paraphernalia and a few other personal items on the bed furthest from door.
At the far end of the room, standing before a window, with a blanket wrapped around them, was a rather tall redhead. They didn't turn around. "Is that you, Bill?"
Harry swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. "Not unless I got a dragon tooth earing and red hair without knowing."
Ron slowly turned. In the bright light from the window, it took Harry a moment to make out the young man that was once like a brother to him. There were a few red scars across his face and neck. Ron had been lanky before, not thin like he was now. He hands loosely held the blanket on his shoulders. He could see a crisscross of scars on his hands. The tentacles of those brain things had done a number on him.
"Hey," Ron said, his voice a little shaky.
"Hey," Harry said, closing half the distance between them. "You look good."
Ron let out a long breath. "I look like…" he said, trailing off. He seemed to lose his focus before coming back. "I look like shite."
"Yeah, well, I thought that was a given," Harry replied.
Ron smiled. "Git."
"Pretty much," Harry agreed.
Ron's eyes lost focus again as he stared at Harry. His eyes shifted and Harry looked over his shoulder to see if Ron was focusing on something else. Nothing was there. When he looked back, Ron's hands started to shake. "I hear the Cannons won the cup this year. Did you go to any of their games?"
Harry felt confused. The last time the Cannons won the cup was over a hundred years ago. Bill had warned him Ron wasn't really there, but that was just odd. "Uhm, no. I didn't."
"Too bad," he said. A moment later, he focused again. "Uh, Harry, why are you here? I thought Bill said you would be coming next week?"
Harry was confused and didn't know how to really handle this. "Ah, no. Today was the day."
"Oh. My Healers say I forget things at times. Did you get the assignment done for Snape tomorrow? I can't believe we still have to go to that gits class. I can't wait until next year and we are NEWT students," Ron told him.
"Ah, yeah. I can let you borrow it later," Harry said.
"Thanks, mate," Ron said before falling back into a silence.
Harry wanted to get out here. It was going to be impossible to feel any type of animosity or hatred for him. Whatever had happened in the DOM had destroyed Ron. Bill would need the money in his vault. If Ron was like this after a month being awake, then he wasn't sure that he would ever recover.
"Listen, Ron, I need to get back to Hogwarts for Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon. Maybe I'll stop by again next week?" Harry suggested, not sure he meant it or not.
Ron's hands were still shaking. His eyes focused again. A frown came across his face. "Harry. Did I just lose myself again? The Healers said that might happen. I was hoping you would come. I wanted to apologize."
Harry shook his head. "There is nothing to apologize for. I should be the one apologizing. None of you should have come with me that night."
Ron gave him a look like he was barmy. "If you think we were going to let you go alone, then you are an idiot. I want to say sorry. I was trying to protect Hermione. I was hit with something… I'm sorry," he said, the voice drifting off at the end.
Harry now understood why Bill had said things like they 'thought' or 'what they could piece together'.
"You know, if I had moved my knight to E7, I could have beaten Seamus in three less turns," Ron said, his eyes staring off again.
Harry felt very shaken. Ron may have always been a little flighty, but this was simply wrong. "Yeah. Yeah. That is what you should have done."
"Thought so. When do you think they will finally make the trade for Krum? I'm sure he will want to see the Cannons win again next year. I mean , five years in a row. I can't wait to try out to be a keeper in a few years. Too bad the league requires you to be seventeen," Ron said.
"Uh, yeah. Too bad. Listen, I need to go. I'll see you later," Harry said.
"Bring some chocolate frogs next time? We can play…" Ron trailed off. His eyes focused once more. A huge smile spread across his face. "When did you get here, Harry?"
"A little bit ago. You already beat me in a game of chess," Harry said. "I have to go."
"Tell Hermione I need help with the herbology essay when you see her," Ron said.
"Sure."
In the hallway, Harry couldn't keep the spooked expression off his face. He put a hand to his mouth.
"I know. He's better than he was, but the Healers don't think he'll ever recover. Did he get to talk with you?" Bill asked. Harry could hear the sadness in his voice.
"Ah, yeah," Harry said distractedly. After a moment, he said, "I never meant for anyone to get hurt. I didn't even want Ron and the others to come. I should have stunned them and just gone."
Bill pushed off the wall and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, I don't blame you. I know my family. They would run into any danger they could. Ron was your friend. I know he said you were his best mate. He would never abandon you. A Weasley never does when it really matters."
Harry squeezed his hand over is lips. "Yeah, when it matters. Listen, I need to get back to Hogwarts. I still have class this afternoon."
Bill nodded. "Sure. I'm going to have the lawsuit dropped."
Harry nodded. "Sure."
Bill's worried eyes said more than Harry and him ever could. "Thank you, Harry. Ron is in there, but he still thinks it's the end of fifth year. When he's lucid, he asks about you and Hermione and the others. He worries that you all made it through that disaster."
"I'm sorry, Bill."
Bill's hand tightened on his shoulder. "It's alright, Harry. Terrible things happen at times. I'm just proud he was a Weasley. He stood with friends and family. If you can stop by from time to time, I'm hoping it will help."
Harry met Bill's eyes. It was the least he could do after what happened to Ron because of him. Ron had never meant to hurt Hermione. Harry believed that now. "Maybe."
Bill looked to understand. "If you can, I'll let the staff know you are on the approved list. If Hermione can come at some point, that might be good too."
Harry nodded. "Maybe."
Bill nodded. "I'm going to go in and visit him for a bit. I trust you can find your way out?"
"Sure."
Harry was still in his funk about that night when he walked back onto the grounds of Hogwarts. He didn't really pay much attention to anyone as he walked up to Gryffindor tower. The common room was relatively empty. Harry went down the stairs that only appeared when there was a head student. Hermione was sitting at the small table in the small sitting room along the window. Daphne and him had moved into the head girl rooms after the weddings.
He sat next to her.
"How did things go at Gringotts?"
"Uhm, fine," he said.
Hermoine stopped writing. Looking towards him, her brow furrowed. "You look like you saw a ghost."
Harry gave a sad smile. "Bill was the specialist that sent me the letter."
Her brow furrowed. "Bill Weasley?"
"Yeah."
"What did he want?" she asked, a slight hint of anger on her voice.
"He wanted to talk. He's Head of House now," Harry told her. He leaned back in the chair, tilting his head back and putting his palms over his eyes.
"What did he want? You look rather upset. Should Ted or Andi have been with you?" she questioned.
"He's dropping the lawsuit. I'm sure I'll hear something about that, but that's not the kicker."
"Then what is?" she pressed.
"I saw Ron," he told her, rubbing his palms into his eyes.
There was a long silence. "You saw him?"
Harry let out a long breath and sat back up. It took a few seconds for his eyes to focus. Hermione looked rather upset. "And what did the Weasel say?"
Harry took her hand. "Hermione, I'm still as upset as you about that night, but it's not what you think. At least, the Healers don't think so."
"Then how is it?" she asked through clenched teeth, her hand rubbing where her scar was over her shoulder.
"He was confounded. I think he thinks he was trying to save you; he just pushed you the wrong way," Harry said.
Hermione frowned. He could still see her anger. He let her work through whatever was going on in her head. When she spoke, she sounded close to tears. "I'm still not forgiving him."
"I'm not asking you too," he said.
She sniffed and he moved to hug her. She moved to sit in his lap, wrapping her arms around him. He held her as he buried his face into her shoulder. It was a little bit before she asked. "How is he?"
"Mental," he said. "And not in the good way. The brain things really messed with him. He thinks it's still the end of fifth year and keeps having delusions, like the Chudley Cannons being the best team in the league."
She sniffed as her head rested on her shoulder. "I don't know if I believe him or will be able to forgive him."
"He actually said he was sorry," Harry told her.
She stiffened. "He said those exact words?"
"Yeah," Harry replied.
She sighed. "I almost died."
"I know. It would have killed me if you died," Harry said.
She kissed his neck. "I'm not leaving you. I love you."
"I love you too," he said.
The door behind him opened. Daphne was laughing with Tracey. "Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt," Tracey said with a giggle.
Hermione sat up, wiping at the tears on her face. Both the other girls sobered. "Hermione, what's wrong?" Daphne was immediately worried for them.
Hermione sniffed again. "Nothing. I'll tell you later. We should go down to lunch soon."
"I'm not that hungry," Harry told her.
"I'll see you later," Tracey said.
"Yeah, Trace." Daphne came over to them as Tracey shut the door behind them. "Harry, you're crying too?"
Harry leaned into her when she wrapped her arms around his head. He found it comforting to have her hold him to her chest. "Are you going to tell me?"
Hermione fell against him again. "Harry saw Ron."
"Oh," Daphne said. She kissed him on the top of the head. Her voice was steely. "Do I need make him disappear?'
Harry chuckled and shook his head as best he could having it pressed into her chest. "No. It's not like that. I just need a little bit. I'm going to take my Firebolt out after Care of Magical Creatures."
Hermione snuggled her head into his shoulder. "I'm not ready for you to let me go."
"I will never let you go."
Daphne kissed them both on the top of their heads. When she went to pull away, Hermione grabbed her robes. "I need you too."
"I'll stay if you want."
Harry wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm never letting you go either."
These two girls were his family. Harry was never going to let his family go or lose any again.
-oOo-
Next time on A Mid-Winter's Eve: Dumbledore, Fudge and Percy start to get what they deserve, while our favourite polyamorous pair further their relationships.
-oOo-
As much I wish I spoke Gaelic, I do not. I hope using a translator is accurate enough. If not, I will gladly adjust if anyone does speak Gaelic.
De réir mar a ghlacann an draíocht leis an mbanna seo, beannaigh an draíocht an t-aontas. An aontas de chorp, anam, fola agus draíocht. Aontas a fheicfidh beannú an tsaoil fhada, leanaí agus dílseachta. Mar a dhéanfaidh draíocht, mar sin déanfaidh draíocht. = As magic accepts this bond, let magic bless the union. The union of body, soul, blood and magic. A union that will see the blessing of long life, children and fidelity. As magic will, so magic shall make.
Iarraim ar dhraíocht glacadh le m'iarratas chun páirt a ghlacadh i mo chorp, anam, fuil agus draíocht i gcónaí. Iarraim ar draíocht torthúlacht agus saol fada a bhronnadh orm chun ómós a thabhairt dom faoi cheangal. Iarraim ar dhraíocht glacadh leis an mbanna seo a nglacaim leis go saor. Mar a dhéanfaidh draíocht, mar sin déanfaidh draíocht.= I ask magic to accept my request to join in eternity my body, soul, blood and magic. I ask magic to grant me fertility and long life to honour by bonded. I ask magic to accept this bond I freely accept. As magic will, so magic shall make.