There is a Canon part that will be announced with **Canon** and end with ***End Canon*** for those that want to skip that part.

Chapter 19 A Starling Save

1st September 1993, Greengrass Manor, Wales

It was just after noon when Lord and Lady Greengrass hear a rushed tapping on the window in the kitchen. Lady Greengrass looked surprised while Lord Greengrass, a Slytherin, looks indifferent at the completely white owl that looks at him with a face that almost says 'What are you waiting for, I am in a hurry.'

Lady Isabel Elizabeth Greengrass immediately opens the window and the owl flies towards Lord Cyrus Alexander Greengrass. Cyrus opens the letter and reads:

Lord Greengrass,

I hereby let you know that a marriage contract between House Black and House Greengrass has been activated for your second daughter Astoria Elizabeth Greengrass and Heir Black meaning that your daughter in time will become Lady Black.

It is an old marriage contract that could be activated before for various reasons. Knowing some of my less than savoury relatives, I'm ashamed to share blood with them are considered family, would say that Draco Malfoy will be the Heir. However, I can assure you that he is not the Heir and never will be the betroth of your second daughter as is betroth Heir Black and Draco Malfoy is not Heir Black. He is further away from being Heir Black because of your daughter.

I can understand you will probably be more than anxious about your daughter's future, which is completely understandable. To ease your mind and make sure everyone is on the same page I invite you to have a meeting with me and a representative this Saturday, September 4th.

I can understand as I am of House Black you may hesitate but I as Lord Black assure you that you will be completely safe from me or my family as long as you don't attack any of House Black, and I mean anyone. I will also reveal my Heir which may shock you as I hear that he is friendly if not more with your oldest daughter, Daphne Isabel Greengrass.

The address is in the muggle world but it will be temporarily connected to the floo after a long time. The address will be under the letter including the time. If it is not possible please send a reply with the owl.

Lord Black

The floo address is The Raven Refuge, we will expect you at 01:30 PM for lunch.

Cyrus says "Well, I didn't expect this."

Isabel asks "What didn't you expect?"

Cyrus gives Isabel the letter to read. Isabel asks "Did you know about a marriage contract between House Black and House Greengrass?"

Cyrus shakes his head. "No, I did not also if a marriage contract gets activated the Goblins of Gringotts normally notify the House that doesn't know at that moment. I am not even sure if this is real or not just a ploy from Malfoy, especially as he will go for Daphne and not Astoria unless he is more Slytherin than I thought."

Isabel asks "What do you mean?"

Cyrus says "I think to get to Daphne Astoria is your best bet if you don't count Tracey."

Isabel is shocked especially as Cyrus is right. Daphne cares a lot about family, especially her little sister.

Isabel says "While you are right Cyrus, I think it is best that we first meet Lord Black before we assume the worst. I mean he says that Malfoy isn't his heir, he said his Heir is friendly with Daphne and while we talk about Astoria I mean he is probably not using Astoria to get to Daphne. Also, it significantly narrows down who it can be, but I can't think of any boy that Daphne is friendly with and certainly not who can also be Heir Black."

"Lord Black, also promised that he will not attack us. While it is not as good as an oath with the announcement Malfoy isn't his Heir I think we can safely say that he does speak the truth and even more as he probably lives in the muggle world as I never heard the name of the address before. Malfoy Senior wouldn't even touch the muggle world with a ten-foot wand. Or any of the Purebloods that cannot be trusted."

Cyrus says "I guess you are right."

Hedwig starts to hoot loudly like she says "Can I go or not, I have a place to be you know."

Isabel says "Thank you for the letter, you can go. If we need to send something we will send our own owl."

Hedwig starts to hoot more loudly.

Cyrus says "We can attend. We will not send anything else to your Master. You can go."

Hedwig looks at them for a second before she decides they speak the truth and immediately flies out of the window which incredible speed stuns even the Slytherin, Cyrus Greengrass.

It takes a moment before Cyrus recovers from this and says "Well, you don't see that every day."

Isabel and Cyrus decide to continue their day like nothing has happened while inside Cyrus starts to think what if there is still a way to adjust the marriage contract to Astoria's benefit or at least doesn't disadvantage Astoria or his House if the marriage contract is unbreakable and hopes it isn't like other marriage contracts House Black has used that were more slave contract than a marriage contract.

Cyrus doesn't care how much money he can get for Astoria as Astoria is worth to him more than all the Galleons on earth as is Daphne. He just hopes that all the points Isabel points out is that Lord Black isn't like Lord Arcturus Black who was a staunched believer in pureblood supremacy and ideology, while Lord Orion was a much lesser believer in pureblood supremacy and ideology. Sure he still believed that pureblood was the best and all but he didn't see the muggles as animals or the muggleborn abomination who stole magic or that half-bloods are far below the purebloods.

There is no way Sirius Black would have turned out the way he did although he did betray the Potters so maybe it was all a play and Orion was just like his father and Sirius like Orion. Cyrus remembers needing to console Isabel after the attack at the death of James and Lily almost demanding that Cyrus will do everything in his power even if it cost all his money and if needed bribe the whole wizengamot, something he never did to even one member, for them to get custody of Harry. Isabel told him he would do that or he would have a big problem also he knows from Isabel that Daphne and Harry always happily played together during the few playdates they had before James, Lily and Harry went into hiding.

Cyrus was still neutral, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't let a friend of his wife come over with her child even if they have chosen a side. Cyrus wouldn't deny his leanings in the war were to the light side and sometimes even decide to join the light side but his distaste of Dumbledore and the fear for his wife and daughter as it was before Astoria was born made him try to stay neutral which worked although barely.

Cyrus decides to follow Isabel's advice and meet Lord Black before making up his mind about House Black, the new Lord Black and the 'new' Heir. He will make ideas to make Astoria have as much freedom as possible, but that can be done in the coming days.

1st September 1993, Hogsmeade

Tonks used the floo to get to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. She did find Kingsley earlier but he seemed to be very busy and didn't want to be interrupted. Kingsley is normally a very nice man but one of the Trainees walked up to him before Tonks could and Kingsley yelled at the Trainee. She was sure if Kingsley had less willpower he would have cursed the Trainee into St. Mungo's.

At that moment she decide she could better go to the Tree Broomsticks after she grabbed her bag at home. She always had a bag ready if she needed to get on an assignment that would take her away from home for a certain amount of time like now although this time it was only a few days at a time she hopes. She likes being home with her mother despite her mother calling her by her name a lot and sometimes treating her as a child.

She hopes she can prolong her stay afterwards as it feels better being this close to Harry. She may not see him but she can feel him although she wonders why. She just hopes she can get even closer very soon for whatever reason. She doesn't care how to get closer as long as Harry will be alright. She wants nothing more than to be there for Harry if he needs her.

She goes to the Lead Auror to report that she is here. After she has done that she was guided by another Auror to the Auror encampment just mere feet from the border and gate of Hogwarts. After she has found a place to sleep she was told to wait until Senior Auror Shacklebolt arrives as he will set the schedule for the coming days until that time she is free to do what she wants.

It was almost 5 PM until Senior Auror Shacklebolt finally arrives. He was incredibly angry about why he was very late. He immediately starts to issue orders and almost half an hour later he starts with the schedule for the coming days until Sunday night. It seems that Tonks's last shift will be Friday night so she should be able to go home Saturday afternoon at the latest. However, before Kingsley could end his briefing he was interrupted by a younger Auror Tonks doesn't know. Kingsley seems to mutter something. Tonks knows something happened and she is sure the Dementors were the source or at least she hopes so and it isn't Sirius who did something stupid.

1st September 1993, Kitchen, Tonks House

It was evening and with Tonks on assignment and Harry back at Hogwarts only Andi and Sirius were in the kitchen talking a bit about what happened Sirius didn't know during his stay in Azkaban, about teaching Harry and the future plans especially the plan of the near future until they hear an owl at the window. Andi opens and the owl flies in. The owl drops the letter it has before leaving again. Andi and Sirius both see the Hogwarts seal at the back and almost fight over each other who can open it. Eventually, Andi wins when she pulled her wand and bounds Sirius to the chair.

Andi opens the letter and after a minute she drops the letter and put her hand before her mouth. Sirius knows that it is something bad to have his Slytherin cousin drop her mask like that.

Sirius asks "Andi, what is wrong?"

When Andi doesn't say anything Sirius says gently "Andi, talk to me. Andi? Andi? Andi? You start to worry me. Is something wrong with Harry? What is it?"

Andi slowly put her hand down on her mouth. It takes a couple of minutes before she can get her mask back in place. It takes a few more minutes before she says "Harry was attacked by Dementors on the Hogwarts Express."

Sirius tries to jump up but can't and says "Please tell me he is alright and please them me he isn't kissed."

Andi says "He is fine considering being attacked by Dementors. He wasn't kissed but the Dementor that attack him was closing in to give him the Dementor kiss. Fortunately, he and his friend choose the same compartment as Remus Lupin, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor who managed to drive the Dementor away."

Sirius says "Thank Merlin, Moony. You made James and Lily proud. You did something I couldn't do. I wonder where you were the last 12 years, but I am happy you didn't fail. I feel safer knowing you will be at Hogwarts together with Minnie, Filius and in a lesser way Pomona."

Before Sirius can get a mischievous smile Andi says "While this is bad it gets worse."

Sirius asks defeated "One of his friends or not girlfriends got kissed by the Dementor?"

Andi shakes her head and says "No, nobody got kissed. Thanks to Remus Lupin and yes I do remember he was one of your and James's best friends. Anyway, it gets worse Harry passed out and when he woke up he asks …. who the woman was he heard screaming."

Sirius looks shocked and opens his mouth but no words came out. After a few minutes Sirius asks "You don't thi….….. how could tha….. he was so yo… it can't b….."

Andi decides to say what Sirius tries to say "Yes, Professor McGonagall thinks Harry heard the moment You-Know-Who killed Lily."

Sirius stops struggling and says "Oh, by Merlin. It is indeed even worse than encountering a Dementor even if the Dementor caused the memory. Did he also see it?"

Andi says "I don't think so. Professor McGonagall doesn't mention it. Also, it seems Harry hasn't figured out he heard Lily. It would say hasn't figured it out, yet."

Sirius asks "Can Dora defend herself against Dementors?"

Andi says "I think she can at least conjure a shield, why?"

Sirius says "If the Dementors already attacked the train, I am sure that more attacks will happen even on the Hogwarts grounds. I am afraid for what can happen during Hogsmeade weekend."

Andi says "I would never suggest it, but wouldn't it be smarter to ask Harry to not go to Hogsmeade even though he can, just to be on the safe side and if he doesn't want to we send Professor McGonagall a letter where we revoke his permission to go to Hogsmeade. I know he may hate us but it will be for his own protection."

Sirius immediately shakes his head and says "No, I will not do that and even if you do that as Regent Potter as Lord Black I can still allow him to go as he is also my Heir. Despite the Dementors, he should have the ability to go to Hogsmeade. It was one of the many things James and Lily agreed on when they discussed things after it was known Lily was pregnant and close to Harry's birth as you Andi already told him he would be magical."

"I know we never had Dementors during our visits to Hogsmeade. We always had fun and I don't want to keep Harry from that not to mention that I don't want angry Bones witches after me. I think I prefer Lily giving me all her hexes and curses to me at the same time than facing angry Bones witches especially as Amelia raised Susan."

Sirius thinks 'I think Susan is just as scary as Amelia when she is mad. Susan only seems to be shy around Harry and probably will never want Harry mad at her meaning she will have no problem being mad if not worse at me if I refuse Harry from going to Hogsmeade.'

Andi thinks that Sirius may be right about Hogsmeade being for the students to have fun and Harry certainly deserves it but she thinks that Amelia and Susan Bones will understand to keep Harry safe although she can understand them being angry at Sirius as it is partially his fault. on the other hand. Sirius didn't deserve being in Azkaban so they probably take it easy on him if they prevent Harry from going. She almost immediately decided that they will not prevent Harry from going. She considers sending Harry a letter to be on his guard and watch out but he should know that without her reminding him.

Now she just needs to make sure Sirius doesn't do anything stupid which is only a matter of time. She hopes they can catch Pettigrew before Sirius does something stupid. If he is a free man when he does it he will probably not let him end up in Azkaban or worse.

Nothing is said for a few moments until Sirius adds "That is not to mention the Greengrass daughters. If they are as beautiful as Isabel Harry will be a lucky man although if they have Isabel's temper with Cyrus Slytherin's brain I do not envy him. I don't want them angry at me too and then I do not mention the other not-girlfriends like Hermione Granger who seems to be almost a copy of Lily on the inside which scares me the most. I don't know if Hermione already has feelings for Harry, but knowing Potters and especially James means if Harry is even slightly interested in her which will surely grow as they both mature Harry will get his girl although he probably needs 'to pay' first for having multiple wives before her even which may be the reason she is the most mad about."

"Lily said she would have been when being able to have multiple wives came up … well after she cursed James. She also said she wouldn't have joined James and his other wives if she wasn't the first as she don't want to be part of a harem and only as the first wife which meant she could deny any others. Even if she became the first wife later if she didn't join first she can't deny those who were before her, although she does have more say, than the other wives if she came the first or head wife, for those after her."

Andi says "I guess you are right, Sirius, I remember Lily's rantings. We will not revoke Harry's permission at this moment. I am happy Professor McGonagall kept her word or we wouldn't have known this. I am absolutely sure this will not be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. However, I think we must reconsider this if Harry is attacked again by the Dementors or if the Dementors seem to single out as he certainly has one of the worst memories in Hogwarts."

Sirius says "Yes, although there are others like the daughter of Selene Lovegood maybe even Neville Longbottom if he was present for his parent's torture or heard it."

Andi nods. She says "Yes, because of the war or personal tragedies there are many more with bad memories which may attract the Dementors."

Sirius stands up and says "I am going to bed. Harry is safe now and the talk about Dementors reminds me of Azkaban too much. I know it may be a little too soon to say I think the Greengrasses accept my proposal to floo in here on the 4th of September as Hedwig hasn't returned which means she is probably flying towards Hogwarts if she isn't at Hogwarts already. I guess inviting Amelia Saturday is a good idea."

Andi smiles "Of course, it is a good idea. Although I only mean for the talk with the Greengrasses and not for anything else like you probably do."

Sirius has a goofy smile on his face. Andi stuns him and says "Get that goofy of your face, Sirius."

Sirius says "Sorry, Andi" although she sees that he doesn't mean it.

She sighs and says "Just go to bed, Sirius, and rest before I forget the fact that you are in my care and my patient that I need to heal to the best of my abilities as I swore with a non-magical oath."

Sirius gives a mischievous smile before he goes upstairs. Andi decides that tomorrow she will go to Amelia if the Greengrasses haven't replied in the morning. She can send a letter but then Hedwig needs to come from Hogwarts which will tire her out and she obviously doesn't like being away from Harry. She can see that even if she can't understand Hedwig like Harry could.

2nd September 1993, Fourth Period, DADA Classroom, Third Floor, Hogwarts

All the third years walk in the Defence against the Dark Arts classroom. As they all had Charms they all arrive at the same time. They walk in and see that Professor Lupin stands by a heavily shaking wardrobe. All the desks are gone.

**Canon**

Professor Lupin says "Please, come in. I will keep it short, I am Professor Lupin and I am your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The wardrobe heavily shakes again.

Professor Lupin says "Intriguing, isn't it? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?"

You can almost hear the joy in Professor Lupin's voice like he has a smile on his face.

Harry knows it is a Boggart. He expected to have Hermione answer that question but it is Dean that answers first.

Dean says "That is a Boggart, that is."

Professor Lupin says "Very good, Mr. Thomas. Now can anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like?"

Hermione immediately says without raising her "No one knows, Sir. Boggart s are shapeshifters, they take the shape of whatever particular person fears the most. That makes it so…."

Professor Lupin interrupts Hermione and says "So terrifying, yes. I had an encounter with Boggart with three other people. The Boggart attempted to frighten two people at once and turned itself into a decapitated slug. One person was afraid of a flesh-eating slug and the other was afraid of a headless corpse. The decapitated slug was not frightening and we all laughed. The Boggart was hurt by the change and to change into two fears with the laughter it quickly fled."

While Professor Lupin says "Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart " the wardrobe shakes heavily.

Professor Lupin looks back before turning to the class and says "Let's practice it now."

Professor Lupin immediately continues "Without wands, please. After me Riddikulus."

The Whole class says "Riddikulus."

Professor Lupin says "Very good, a little louder and very clear. Listen ..Riddikulus."

The whole class again says "Riddikulus" much better this time.

Malfoy to the side says "This class is ridiculous" with his goons agreeing.

Professor Lupin doesn't notice as he doesn't respond and says "Very good, well so much for the easy part. See, the incantation isn't enough alone. What really finishes a Boggart is laughter. You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain."

"Uh, Neville, will you join me, please? Come on, don't be shy. Come on, Come on."

Neville walks slowly forward to the front of the class.

When Neville stands in front of Professor Lupin, Professor Lupin says "Good. Neville, what frightens you most of all?"

Neville mumbled something that nobody could hear and looked to the ground.

As the whole class is quiet they can hear Neville says "Professor Snape."

The whole class has a short laugh just like Professor Lupin before he says "Professor Snape, yeah, he frightens us all."

For only a second Professor Lupin has a grave look only three people notice. Harry notices as does Daphne as she wasn't look at Harry at the time as does, her best friend, Tracey.

Professor Lupin says "And I believe you live with your grandmother?"

Neville answers "Yes, but I don't want that Boggart to turn into her either."

The wardrobe shakes heavily and Professor Lupin turns around before facing the class again and says "No, it won't. I want you to picture her clothes.. only her clothes, very clearly in your mind."

Neville starts to say "She carries a red handbag…."

Professor Lupin gently interrupts him when he says "We don't need to hear, as long as you see it, we'll see it. Now when I open the wardrobe, here's what I want you to do. Imagine Professor Snape in your grandmother's clothes."

Neville looks shocked at Professor Lupin before Professor Lupin "Can you do that?"

Neville says unsure "Yes."

Professor Lupin draws his wand and says "Wand at the ready. One….. Two….. Three."

Professor Lupin non-verbally cast a charm that opens the door, not unlock it.

Snape walks out of the closet. Professor Lupin who has stepped behind Neville says "Think, Neville, Think."

Snape takes a couple of steps before Neville verbally cast "Riddikulus".

Neville's spell hit the Boggart Snape and the clothing changes into Neville's grandmother's clothes. The whole class laughs.

Professor Lupin says "Wonderful, Neville. Wonderful, incredible. Okay to the back Neville. Everybody form a line."

While Professor Lupin turns his back to the class to walk to the side of the room. Malfoy and his goons push the line that is forming forward probably hoping to get Professor Lupin in trouble somehow. The Boggart Snape seems to be confused and doesn't change into Professor Lupin's greatest fear as Professor Lupin doesn't seem to be afraid of him.

Professor Lupin says "Form a line" as hears too many footsteps, that are needed to form a line, in the class.

Professor Lupin says "I want everyone to picture the thing they fear the very most and turn it into something funny."

Professor Lupin starts the music and says "Next, Lavender."

***End Canon***

Lavender walks a few steps forward and Snape Boggart looks at her. The Boggart changes.

Professor Lupin says "Concentrate….. face your fears, be brave."

The Boggart is an old lady that if you look closely looks a bit like Lavender. The Boggart raises her left hand. Everybody sees that and wonders why Boggart shows that wicked smile.

Professor Lupin says "Wand at the ready, Lavender, want at the ready."

It seems to affect Lavender a bit as she just barely can cast Riddikulus with a shaking hand. The Boggart changes into a small monkey who starts climbing on the wardrobe and starts to jump up and down like an excited monkey until it loses balance and falls onto the floor face first.

Professor Lupin shouts "Yes, very good, very good. Marvellous, absolutely very, very enjoyable. Parvati, next."

Professor Lupin says after the laughing stopped and the Boggart was changing again "Show us what you see."

The Boggart changes into a big fat man with an obscured face. The Boggart says in an ice-cold voice "Well, it seems that you are my next after all at least you have the benefit of being two."

Parvati sees indeed her biggest fear, her fear of being married to some guy many times her age in India as one of his many wives. She doesn't care about being one of many wives but her biggest fear is being seen as nothing special just as one of his wives and that she has a twin sister is the only reason she was chosen, no love, no feelings just another one for an 'old' perverted man and being taken away from her land of birth to the land of her ancestors and heritage to never see her friends and parents again.

She cast Riddikulus which turns the Boggart into a pig who can't stand on its foot as it is too heavy and start rolling down on the floor like it is in a pile of mud, happily squealing.

Professor Lupin says "And next, Padma."

Padma looks at can't help but have a smile and wonders what the Boggart would change in as Parvati's biggest is also her biggest fear. Padma wonders if her biggest fear changed or if they would see the same. She can change it onto another fun animal like a warthog or something similar.

The Boggart changes into a big Royal Bengal Tiger who starts to growl at her. Padma knows why it is a Royal Bengal Tiger. It is seen as the national animal of India and while she loves India and her family has its roots there Padma hates many of the customs that are expected of them like being part of a harem from a male who is mostly many years older than they will not be the first wife as only the first and sometimes the second wife is near the male's age all the other wives are many years younger. Their father and mother aren't that traditional, but her grandparents are and have been trying to marry them off to a higher caste house as her House lost a lot of respect for moving to Britain after almost losing their caste. Padma hates India for both reasons while she loves her family, even her grandparents, the history, the culture and the nature.

Padma is afraid as it is her biggest fear, the tiger looks viciously at her like she is its prey but the meaning behind the tiger is what she completely fears. She points her wand and after a second of thinking she says "Riddikulus".

The spell turns the Boggart into a little kitten with a tiger hat. The tiger hat roars loudly as the tiger did. The kitten looks up and wants to roar. However, instead of a mighty roar a small squeaky little what you can't really call a roar comes out. The kitten falls forward trying to do the roar. You hear many of the students laugh with a few snickers. Some of the girls say "AH, how cute."

Some of those girls get a little mad at the boys who laughed at the small quiet kitten.

Professor Lupin says "Not really, what I would imagine but it did work. Next step, step up. Fay."

Fay Dunbar steps up, she is the fourth Gryffindor girl of Harry's year. While she is a Gryffindor most of the time she spends time with Hufflepuffs and works with them in class. It doesn't mean Fay is sorted in the wrong house or that she dislikes her dorm mates, but it seems she is childhood friends with Sally-Anne Perks who is a Hufflepuff. If you become friends with one of Hufflepuff you mostly be good friends with the dorm mates of your friend.

Fay moves to the front and the kitten looks up before it starts to change. Fay almost let her wand fall because the kitten looks so cute. She grabs her wand tightly when Boggart starts to change to her biggest fear.

The Boggart changes into a ghost that looks exactly like her. The ghost says "Why am I here? Do I not deserve to rest in peace."

Fay has a mad look on her face and immediately cast "Riddikulus."

The ghost change into a wooden puppet that does a funny dance until it looks like the strings are cut falling to the floor.

The whole class laughs. Professor Lupin does as he manages to say "Yes, very good, very good. Marvellous. Next, Susan."

Susan steps forward looking a bit insecure. Harry sees that and wants to show her his support but between him and Susan is Hannah. Harry doesn't want to show that he is more with Susan just friends at least not yet. He knows he should be happy that she is his betrothed and he is, he is just afraid of how Hermione as a muggleborn will react and what Malfoy may do to Susan when he isn't around. He can have Athena be with her all the time but that would definitely show there is something more between him and her.

The Boggart stands up and starts to change. It changes into a mature young man with an obscured face but can see two green glowing eyes. The voice is ice cold, like the man has never known love, doesn't know how it feels and can never show love or really care about someone else beside himself.

The person says "Do you really think I care about you? Why would I ever do that? You are nothing but I weak girl that I got but never wanted. Why do you think I wouldn't anyone to know, because I am ashamed of you. HAHAHA. Anyone would be more worthy than you as you are not worth anything although would any woman be worthy of me? Maybe many women I need to get worthy of me as then I would also not need you. You are nothing but a little trying to look mature. HAHAHA. I guess that also the only thing worthy is your body and then only barely."

It seems that is too much for Susan as she starts crying and runs out of the classroom. Every look at running out of the classroom. He hates himself as he knows that the Boggart take his form as the eyes are a death give away there is no one with those eyes except his mother. He wonders why the face is obscured. Harry notice some boys with a look on their faces that make Harry worry for Susan. He decides he has no other choice. He sisses lowly §Athena, I need you.§

Athena immediately put her head up from his shoulder where she was resting. She sisses §What does Master need?§

Harry sisses §I need you to follow, Susan, and protect her until I am there. Let no one get to her unless they wear the same colour as Susan does or is one of my friends.§

Athena nods and sis §Yes, Master, Athena will protect Master's mate.§

Harry sis §Her name is Susan.§

Athena sis §Yes, Master's mate, Susan. Athena will go immediately and protect Master's mate until Master arrives.§

Without waiting for an answer Athena slithers down his arm and leg immediately leaving the door that is still open. Harry thinks no one has seen her as Professor Lupin gathers the class's attention again while making sure Boggart doesn't attack anyone.

Professor Lupin knows that he should make sure that Susan is alright but he did notice Harry's snake going out of the room after Harry spoke with her. He is sure that Athena will not attack Susan and probably even protect her.

Hannah wants to run after her, but Professor Lupin gets her attention and tells her it is her turn. Hannah wants to end this quickly so she can find Susan, calm her down, and console her but also confront what this was as Hannah knows that this wasn't her worst fear. Susan told Hannah her worst fear during one of their sleepovers and again when Hannah saw the part about Boggarts before school and asked this morning for the chance they got a Boggart today what her worst fear was, Susan said losing her last family member her Aunt and losing her (Hannah) as her best friend. She even said it would be worse if she lost her aunt, Hannah, her mother and their dorm mates that was her absolute worst fear.

Hannah looks at the Boggart as it starts to change. It changes into a headless knight with its sword out and dangerously swinging around. It is the character she had read about when she was little and had quite a couple of nightmares from during the years. The myth said that every year the headless knight looks around to find his head and whenever he goes he takes children away to never be heard from again. It will go on as long as he didn't find his head.

Hannah was afraid but her desire to find Susan helps to push through her fear. She cast "Riddikulus."

The whole class see the horse turns smaller while the knight turns bigger. Eventually, the horse cannot carry the knight anymore and the horse falls to the ground with the legs spread. The whole class cannot suppress their laugh although Harry, Hannah, Hermione, Daphne and Lilian don't laugh as much as the others.

Professor Lupin says "Yes, very good. Marvellous, that is very enjoyable. Next, next."

After Hannah is Megan Jones. Megan steps forward and the Boggart start to change again. The Boggart turns into an enormous snake that looks like a giant King Cobra. Harry manages to keep his face a grim smile on his face. He can understand that some are afraid of a giant snake, especially after last year. Harry doesn't really know Megan but she seems nice. He decides that if there is a chance to become friendly with Megan and let her work through her fear with Athena he will.

Megan cast "Riddikulus."

The snake ready to strike turn into a jack-in-a-box who has already popped out. Professor Lupin says that it is great and asks the next one to step up. The next one is Harry.

He stands up and sees the clown looking down on him. Professor Lupin sees too late that it is Harry. The Boggart start to change. It changes into a Dementor.

Professor Lupin stands still in shock for a second. He suspected Voldemort to appear in his class. He is shocked that not Voldemort but a Dementor appear. Dementors are basically creatures of fear, Dementors are fear itself.

The Dementor advance on Harry. The Dementor start to do the same thing as on the train. Before Harry can cast Riddikulus he is already attacked meaning the fear is big. Right before the Dementor can touch Harry Professor Lupin springs in front of Harry. The Boggart immediately changes into what looks like a crystal ball that people use to see the future in Divination. Professor Lupin uses Riddikulus made in it look like a balloon that is deflating and flying around the classroom. Professor Lupin forces Boggart back into the wardrobe which immediately starts shaking again.

Professor Lupin turns to the class and says "Alright, well, sorry about that. Uhhhh. That's enough for today if you all like to collect your books at the back of the class. That's the end of the class. Thank you. Sorry if you didn't get your chance, I am sure before the year is out you will get a chance."

Hermione looks at Harry and Harry sees a bit white just like after the real Dementor attacked. She wants to make sure Harry is right but before she can ask or help Harry. like she almost feels compelled to do, Harry runs passed the class grabs his book and is the first one out of the door. Harry watch back before he leaves the classroom. He wants to look apologetic at Hermione. Hermione seems to see it and gives a small smile but she doesn't look happy at all.

Harry notices that Lilian who almost hides behind Daphne and Tracey doesn't look like herself. It looks like something very bad happened. It looks like she has a very rough night. Harry wants to help her, but his first concern is Susan now as she was in tears about him. He doesn't know if the others had seen it but he certainly has. It is lunch but Harry doesn't go to the Great Hall. He runs upstairs to the Gryffindor Common Room.

2nd September 1993, Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts

Harry enters the Common Room and sees some upper years studying and seemingly first years being nervous like he was in the first classes. The class ended earlier because of him but he doesn't care right now. He immediately runs upstairs to his dorm.

When he enters his dorm he throws the books on his bed before he immediately went to his trunk. He starts to move this around until he sees the boxes with the necklaces. He managed to pack his trunk in a way that they are hidden if you don't know what you are looking for or you ransack his trunk otherwise it would be hard to find the boxes. He is halfway through the boxes opening them to see which stone it is when he finds the box he was looking for. It is the box with a necklace that has the blood ruby. When he looks at the gemstone he is even more convinced it looks like Susan's crimson-red hair.

He pockets the box and leaves not caring about the books or the books he needed for the next couple of classes. He leaves the tower immediately. Harry suddenly sees a problem. He has no idea where Susan is. He can maybe call for Athena but he doesn't know if the fire will hurt Susan and he doesn't want Susan to be alone in her current state.

2nd September 1993, Hogwarts

He starts to run down to the same floor as the DADA classroom. Maybe he can find a clue about where she is. Hopefully, she is even on the same floor, but he doubts it. When he descends on the giant staircase he feels a pull getting stronger the lower he goes. He keeps descending until he is on the first floor. He feels he needs to stop going down. He leaves the giant staircase and starts walking down the corridors on the first staircase following the pull he feels.

When he reached a corridor he hears in his mind Athena sisses in his mind "Come quick, Master. Master's mate needs Master."

Harry starts to run to the pull. He reached a door to a classroom that is closed. He opens the door and sees Susan on the ground with her back against the wall. Athena is in front of her in an aggressive stance. Harry seems immediately why. Three boys are standing just a couple of feet away from Susan and Athena. Susan does look scared. She looks at the door opening and sees Harry which makes her calm down and think anything will be alright although one of the boys is a fifth-year.

2nd September 1993, Hogwarts

Susan has just run out of DADA class. The boggart was indeed her biggest fear, the fear that Harry will not want her anymore when he gets more wives. She is just Lady Bones while his other wives will be his Lady Potters. They are much more worthwhile for Harry as they can continue his House, she cannot. She can only continue House Bones if Harry gets her pregnant. She would love to bear his children, she wants a large family and Harry said he also wants but that doesn't make her fear disappear.

She wants to go to the Hufflepuff but they may question her and she just wants to be alone for now. She cannot enter her dorm as she isn't sick.

2nd September 1993, Unused Classroom, First floor, Hogwarts

She sees an empty classroom and decides to enter it. It isn't a mess when it isn't used. She looks around and when she thinks it will be fine for a while. She wants to close the door but before she can a snake slithers in. She wants to scream and curse it when she recognizes it as Harry's snake. Susan while still in tears gives a watery smile and it looks like Harry still looks after her despite her fear.

She takes a seat on a chair and just needs to calm down. She is startled when she feels something sliding up her arm from the chair. She looks as see it is Athena. She slithers around her arm just like she does with Harry and rests her head on Susan's shoulder.

Susan finds the feeling weird, but as it is Harry's snake she doesn't care. She is happy with Athena but be happier if it was Harry, but she understands he couldn't follow her although she doesn't know if she wanted him too to see her in her big moment of weakness. She wants to be strong not only for herself but also for Harry. If she shows weakness it can hurt House Bones but also House Potters power, reputation and respect as Harry, her Lord Bones is also Lord Potter when he reaches his majority and marry her beside his other wives, of course.

She finally starts to calm down when the door opens. She looks what turns into being shocked and scared. She hoped it would be Harry but they aren't. Three boys walk in and look at her with a malicious look. The three boys are Zacharias Smith, Terry Boot and Roger Davies.

She barely likes her fellow Hufflepuff Zacharias Smith. She barely knows Terry Boot but she certainly doesn't like Roger Davies. There are all purebloods and see them also outside of school mostly when the ministry or better said Wizengamot houses give a party like a Christmas party where all pureblood houses and Wizengamot half-blood Houses, high ministry officials and political or monetary strong (half-blood) Houses, even if they don't have a Wizengamot seat, are invited, not counting House Potter and House Black as their last Heir wasn't available.

Roger says "Well, well, well. If isn't little Susie Bones."

Roger looks at Zacharias and Terry and says "House Davies appreciate what House Smith and House Boot did. Now Susie, why don't you show me if you are worthy of anything? Start to service me and if you do a good job you may have a little bit worth."

Roger steps forward which makes Susan back away until she hits the wall. Athena immediately leaves her arm and starts to sis aggressively against the three boys trying her best to protect her Master's mate without changing to her normal form as a mature fully grown, who is almost a thousand-year-old, Basilisk.

Roger says "It isn't good to try to back away, Susie. Your body shows you are a slut and it is time you use your body to good use, it's only use."

Susan falls to the ground with unshed tears. She hopes someone would save her… that her future Lord Bones will save her….. that her Harry will save her.

Roger takes a step forward which makes Athena strike. However, Roger is just fast enough to take a step back.

His face turns from malicious into full-blown rage. He says "Cunt, remove the snake or else. I will…"

The door opens. Susan looks hopeful and she is relieved when Harry steps in. She immediately calms down. Harry's faces turn into anger as he looks at the boys. Harry starts to walk to them. When he is halfway in the classroom Roger says "Potter. Get out this does not concern you."

Harry says easily "I think it does, Davies. It is better if you get out, Susan clearly doesn't want you here and neither do I. If you one chance to go before I force you to go."

Roger laughs and says "You force me out. You are nothing but a third-year, I am a fifth-year. I can do things you only dream of. I can do things not a normal fifth year can do. So leave I will spare you. I have business with Susie, some things that don't concern you. Maybe in time, it will become a business where you need to pay if you want some time with her but I will let you know in advance as I can imagine I will have many customers."

Harry becomes furious but his Occlumency training manages to suppress a couple of signs that show he is furious however his face isn't one of them. They all see that Harry becomes furious. Harry feels his magic react to his emotions. Zacharias and Terry look afraid and scared. They try to distance themselves from Roger without getting closer to either Susan or Harry.

Harry starts to feel magic gather around both tattoos. He tries to suppress it. He succeeds with Athena's tattoo but not with Hedwig's tattoo. He feels a little pull barely noticeable from Athena's tattoo. He looks at Athena while the three boys think he looks at them. Athena has grown a little bit, has a green lightning bolt on her body and most importantly her normal two fangs have become a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth just like she has when she was the Basilisk before Harry slashed three fangs out with the fourth one in his arm.

The next second a white fire appears. The fire disappears when a big light appears that makes everyone need to avoid their eyes except Harry as the light appears above and slightly behind him. The light disappears with a big hoot revealing Hedwig with the black markings on her body. Harry stretched out his left arm and Hedwig immediately land on it. Harry did so as Hedwig asked in his mind just like Athena did to make him rush here.

Harry is ready to get his wand when he remembers Hermione's gift and the three knives he carries. With a single flick of his wrist he will have his wand in his hand and with his other hand if Hedwig changes her place he can have a knife in his hand. He even got a fourth weapon around his neck, the necklace with a blood-red diamond with the Basilisk sharpened fang.

Harry flicks his right wrist and he has his wand in his hand. He wants to curse them they make his girl scared. Harry notices he thinks about his girl but decides is not the time to think about it.

He feels that his magic is still not settling down. The magic makes the air blow around Harry revealing his famous scar.

Harry says "I suggest you go know before this gets out of hand."

With the amount of magic building up from Harry, it sounds more like a demand than a suggestion. Harry's magic is slowly starting to fill the room. Susan looks in awe at Harry because of his courage to demand three other students with one being a fifth year to do what he wants….. demands. She can't stop the feeling of never displeasing him and will do anything he asks her to do. She would do it even if she orders her to do anything and she really means anything save a few things.

Zacharias and Teddy back away which makes them see Athena with a mouth full of teeth. Athena and Hedwig, with her markings, look dangerous and together with Harry's magic it makes them wish to be anything but there. They even start to think to tell Roger wasn't the smartest idea, not even close although they didn't count on Harry to intervene.

If someone intervenes it would be Hannah but they could take care of her too just like Roger wants to do with Susan. Easily said it is to dominate her… to own her like she would be his property and to bear his children if she was worth anything even if it was only her body which was Roger's words. Zacharias and Terry both knew that Susan's body is what Roger is after and that through her body he wants to own her with or without her consent.

It takes barely a minute before even Roger starts to back away from Harry and Susan. He feels Harry's magic. Inside Harry's magic, he feels Harry's power, Harry's rage at mostly him, although Harry is also mad at Zacharias and Terry, and Harry's determination. All those feelings make Roger think twice about so much as just looking at Susan. Roger tries to get his wand to feel secure and try to push through Harry's magic.

Before Roger is even halfway to his wand Harry already has his wand in his hand. Harry almost growls as he says "I wouldn't move anymore if I was you, Davies. Remove your hand from going for your wand. Roger sees no other way than listen to Harry for at least the time being.

Harry says "Now go ."

Athena and Hedwig show aggressive behaviour to make them know that they should listen to their Master or they will make them listen to their Master and follow his order because that is what it is. Harry gives an order and they should follow it or else. Athena and Hedwig will make the boys listen to their Master's order before Harry needs to show he is very powerful.

Roger tries to sound courageous and says "Fine, we go but this isn't the end Potter. See you soon, Susie."

Harry's magic intensifies almost sending the three boys to the ground as Harry almost shouts "You will stay away from Susan. Especially you Smith as you are a Hufflepuff although I don't know how you can be. If you so much look at her wrong I will know and I will not forgive a second time."

Harry got a malicious look on his face when his eyes focus on Roger. Roger tries to stare him down but it doesn't work. Harry says "That means double for your Davies. If you come too close to Susan or say anything she doesn't like, you better hope she can calm me down before I take you down."

Roger says "Like you can do that."

Harry with his wand still in his hand says "I am more than happy to give you a demonstration. Don't worry I won't hurt you too much I think one week in the Hospital wing would make it nice and clear."

Roger lost all courage he had mustered. He looks at Zacharias and Terry before he says "Let's go."

Harry holds his wand on them until they leave the classroom. Harry used his wand to close the door. He doesn't know how to lock it but that isn't needed especially when Hedwig flies to a desk while Athena slithers closers to the door like they are guarding it.

When Harry sees that he put his wand back in the holster and slowly walks towards Susan. Harry is not knowing how to act toward Susan after what he just did or was planning to do if Roger didn't back down. He sits next to Susan, not too close to touch but not far away Susan couldn't touch him if she wanted to. Harry is a bit surprised when Susan immediately leans into him and gives him a hug that rivals Hermione's hug although Hermione's hug was still stronger although the feeling Hermione's hug gives is almost exactly the same as Susan's hug does.

It goes on for a couple of minutes until Susan looks up at Harry and says "Harry, I love you."

Susan gets in Harry's lap. She wants to snog him, however, seconds before their lips would touch. Harry pulls his head away. When he looks back he sees a sobbing Susan. Harry knows he messed up and says "Susan, look at me."

Susan shakes her head. Harry says gently "Susan, please look at me."

Susan wants to deny again but the feeling to never displease him is still inside her body. The first time it took all her willpower to not do so. She doesn't have enough willpower to refuse again.

She looks up and is surprised when she doesn't see a face of disgust at her. She sees that Harry is sorry but wonders why.

Harry says "Susan, believe when I want nothing more than to kiss you on the mouth and maybe even snog, but I don't want you to regret it. Our first real kiss or even snog should not be in a classroom, especially after what happened in DADA or with Smith, Boot and Davies."

Susan understands and says "Maybe you are right, but I didn't lie. I do love you, Harry."

Harry says the only truthful thing he can say "I feel something for you, Susan, and care about you. I don't know if it is love as I don't know how that feels, but it feels good so it must be something good… I think I love you too."

Susan still in his lap rests her head on his chest. She hopes that he does feel love for her. She is a bit distracted by how or why Harry doesn't know how love feels. She tries to lose those thoughts and just like being here with Harry. She doesn't notice that she falls asleep hearing his heartbeat and feels like everything will be alright as long as Harry is close to her.

It takes a couple of minutes before Harry notices that Susan is asleep although she still is tightly grabbing his robe. Harry is wondering if he should wake her as they still have class after lunch. Harry knows he should let her rest, but that means he needs to take her to Madam Pomfrey or Professor McGonagall. There is still a little bit of time before lunch start as Professor Lupin let them out early about the halfway mark maybe even earlier. Harry didn't cast Tempus as he was more worried about Susan.

Harry tries to silently cast Tempus which to his surprise works. He sees it is a little over 15 minutes before lunch starts and decides to let Susan sleep for another 15 minutes.

A little over 10 minutes later Susan starts to wake up. She looks around a bit confused until she remembered what happened which makes her grab onto Harry a bit tighter to believe she is safe. The suddenly tightened grip made Harry look at her and sees her look up at him. Harry smiles at her which makes her smile back.

Harry says "Susan, I think we need to get up. Lunch will be served in a few minutes. Also, we still have class after lunch."

Susan sighs deeply and says "I guess you are right."

Susan pushes herself up. Harry immediately stands up after her. Susan starts walking to the door. However, before she can reach Harry says "Wait, Susan. It may seem a bit weird but I have something for you."

Susan turns around with a smile and says "Really for me? My Birthday isn't even close."

Harry grabs the box out of his pocket and says "It isn't really for your Birthday or anything."

Susan asks "What is it for then?"

Harry shrugs and says "It isn't for something special or something. I got it thinking about you and it will probably help you in some way or another."

Harry opens the box. Susan sees the ruby gemstone and looks almost in a trance to the gemstone. She walks towards Harry still looking at the ruby. When she stands in front of Harry she looks up to Harry with a look full of happiness that he would give her something that beautiful and expensive looking. She wants to refuse but she can't bring herself to say those words.

Harry put the box on the closest desk and grabs the ruby. Susan sees the golden chain and knows it is a necklace. She immediately puts her hand gently on her neck like she wants to feel it is already there.

She asks "Is it really for me?"

Harry nods. He wants to be honest. He says "Yes, Susan it is for you. However, I will not lie and tell you I got other necklaces that are the same only with a different gemstone. Also, Hermione and Ginny already have a necklace similar to you although with a different gemstone. Hermione has an emerald and Ginny has a garnet."

Susan doesn't care although she is a bit surprised with Ginny. She knows that Hermione will be her sister-wife and will possibly become the head wife. She likes Hermione for as far as she knows Hermione and knows that it will be a matter of time before they will know each other better.

Harry continues "It has some protection, especially against mind magic, actually. It should also work against Legilimency, you know the ability to read minds, especially if they use force. In time, it can detect and help you protect against subtle attacks like Dumbledore and Snape does. That is why I also ask you to not look in their eyes especially as long as the necklace is still adjusting to your mind. Also, it should help your mind with remembering."

Susan says "I will not look in their eyes. Are you sure it will help with remembering?"

Harry says "I think so although I don't know if it will help with homework and tests. The lady who sold me said that it will help with recollection but it may take some time before you can recall when needed like in a dangerous situation. Also, I think I may only work on spells, charms and curses as much of the theory is not very useful in dangerous situations where you need to defend yourself or something."

Susan says "I guess you are right. Can you put it on me?"

Harry would have refused but as he already helped Hermione and Ginny he just says "Sure."

After Harry put the necklace on Susan gives him a big hug and kiss on his cheek.

She says "I feel much better and my mind seems to be clearer."

Harry says "Hermione said something along the same line. Anyway, I think we should go to the Great Hall for lunch."

Susan says "You are right, Harry. I will go first for now if you don't mind as you want to keep this hidden."

Harry immediately adds "For now, Susan. I think it will not take long before people find out and I won't mind that. It is just that I want to tell my friends on their own and as you said that having multiple wives is normal in the wizarding world especially in my situation so Neville probably knows and Ginny, who is become a better friend, may also know. I doubt if Ron does and I think he wouldn't like that, but the biggest problem is Hermione as a muggleborn."

Susan says "I understand. I will see you in our next class which should be Herbology in the sixth period. Do you want me to talk to Hermione or try to make her see?"

Harry doesn't know but slowly nods. Susan leaves with Hedwig and Athena follows her until she is safely out of the room. When the door closes Hedwig and Athena immediately go to Harry.

Let's end here for now. In the next chapter, we will see Hagrid's lesson, some people talking with each other and if the words allow it, the meeting with the Greengrasses.

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