Snakes and ladders

Harry Potter and the strange Hufflepuff

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Harry's POV:

Harry brushed his teeth while planning his daily agenda. He would have to recruit more members to his court, especially some older ones, which would make the court harder to challenge. From his year he was rather interested in Daphne and Davies. Daphne was gray and easily capable of securing their position because of her family' political power. Davies seemed smart and more importantly loyal. She was well-connected despite her blood status and generally well-liked. The older years were more of a problem. Harry would probably have Blaise investigate the rumors and Theo research the most tactical choices.

Another thing on the agenda was meeting with Elowyn. He needed to know the situation in the other houses. Thirdly Harry wanted to plan his next move with his newfound power and gain more knowledge of this new position. Harry left the bathroom. Blaise and Theo had woken up during this time and the two were packing their bags. It was unusual for them to be awake that early, however Harry wouldn't complain.

"Greetings, Harry," Blaise said with a bright smile.

"Good to see the two of you up. Looking forward to any classes today?"

"I am rather delighted we have astronomy," Theo said.

"Astronomy? Seriously, Theo?" Blaise sound outraged. Harry would have to agree astronomy didn't seem like an interesting nor important topic. Upon reading the books for the class he had been even more disappointed with the subject. The muggles were far ahead on that. Frankly, Harry didn't see the point. He had, however, studied some more in the school library and began a notebook dedicated to the subject. A boring subject wouldn't stop him in getting the highest grades possible he had determined. Now that he didn't have to dumb himself down to get lower grades than Dudley, an impossible task, he wasn't planning on holding back.

"Astronomy is an important subject. The planetary positions at the time of a ritual may alter the results," Theo began. That fascinated Harry a little.

"Oh, how does the planetary positions alter a ritual?" Harry found himself surprisingly eager for an answer. If it really was as important as Theo claimed, he would have to check out some extra reading material.

"Like a ritual can either be stronger or weaker based on the planetary position. Like think of the bonding ritual performed at weddings. Imagine it's performed on a day where Venus is in the 7th house. The 7th house symbolizes relationships and marriage, while Venus is connected to harmony, love, happiness, and affection. Therefor the bond is stronger, and the ritual is greatly amplified. Imagine instead Saturn, the planet of death, is in the fourth house, the house of home, family, foundations, and children. Instead, the couple married with Saturn in 4th house will have cursed themselves and their union. One of them will often die young and they will have major problems with bearing children. That is an example of an important ritual astrology interferes with. You can in the ritual account for the planetary position and completely nullify their interference," Theo explained.

Harry found himself nodding. The subject would still never be his favorite but a trip to the library and more dedication was owed based on Theo' enthusiasm.

The three boys made their way to the great hall. The end of the Slytherin table was occupied by Avery and her court. The middle of the table was clear and ready for their taking. Harry sat with Theo and Blaise on each side. Only a couple of students were seated at their right due to the early hour. And the once occupying the table were seated far away. Therefor Harry had an opportunity to inform Theo and Blaise of his whish in scouting more court members for the underclassmen' court.

"As you may have already guessed I have been toying with the idea of adding members to the court. After careful consideration I propose we invite Heiress Greengrass and Tracey Davies. Both are powerful and skilled individuals, who can offer much to the court. In Daphne' case in form of connections and knowledge and in Miss Davies' case in pure proficiency and creativity. I will also propose we scout for more and older court members. We will likely be challenged either by older students with more experience with magic or by Heir Malfoy due to his family's political and social status within our house. If we shall hope of securing and retaining our current position as the underclassmen's court, we need to secure allies and court members. The information, protection, and status we would receive for having older members would hopefully discourage an outright attack at this point in time."

"I agree with you entirely, the fear of an attack is not unfounded. Gaining more members and status within our house seems like the best move to make. Greengrass and Davies could become worthy members as you have pointed out. As for older students I have many suggestions if you are open to them," Theo said while Blaise nodded along.

"Let me hear, Theo."

"I will suggest three older students. From what I have heard Linderina Crane could be an asset to the court. She is from a pureblood family, 4th year, and very ambitious. Her greatest skill is knowledge. She is the one every goes to for information. If you need to confirm a rumor, she is the one to ask. Crane has a way of investigating these things and she is not afraid of using it. If Crane is a court member she would be working for you. We would be well informed and have an influential Slytherin behind us," Theo advised.

"How likely is Crane to accept this position and what flaws does she have?"

This time Blaise answered, "For the first question Crane is as likely to join as to refuse. She would get a higher position and more influence, yet she would be supporting someone else, loose her impartiality and tie herself down. As for Crane's flaws it is simple. She might be capable of gathering information then it contains rumors and gossip, yet her grades are low, and her practical work should be less stellar."

Harry took a moment to process this information. He then shook his head.

"As good as influence and information is I expect my court to achieve academic goals and be accomplished with their magical skills. From the sounds of its Miss Crane won't be capable to meet those expectations and while I will nurture your skillsets, I need potential to work with. Influence comes and goes. Information would be valuable but not invaluable. She does not meet the recruitments to be a candidate to join my court," Harry said. Harry hoped Theo had better suggestions.

Theo looked down.

"My second suggestion is Lucian Bole. Although he is a half-blood, he has managed to gather respect of the majority of Slytherin. He is in his 4th year and a member of the Quidditch team, having the position as beater, and therefor commonly well-liked. He would be a gateway to most of the upper years' and the Quidditch team's respect. He is top of his year in Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Astronomy. He also has achieved the highest exam results in Magical Theory ever seen. He is overall second in his year, only behind Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff."

As I asked for Crane how likely is he to accept at this moment and what are his weaknesses?"

Blaise again beat Theo to it.

"Lucian Bole is very ambitions. He will do anything to accomplish his goals. He has a talent for toeing the line from what I have heard. In Quidditch he only technically follows the rules. He is always on the line. That has brought the wrath of Gryffindor and some Hufflepuffs upon him due to the poor sportsmanship. The Ravenclaws respect the brilliance it takes to follow through. He doesn't like to be bound to common things like rules. He has never been a part of any court and have refused multiple invitations. Bole is a free spirit. You would be admired for capturing him."

Harry found himself nodding along with Blaise' explanation. He could respect the boy from what he had heard. He sounded like a risky pick. While his academics were excellent, and he would be in touch with hi magic to achieve those results in Magical Theory he wasn't a safe choice considering his behavior.

"I want you to look into him joining the court, Theo. I need you to not only investigate him but also find the opportunities him joining would bring. I need to know everything; his friends, his enemies, and his thoughts on the court and me. Lucian Bole could be a promising candidate to join. You can approach him with an offer once the timing is right and I have finished writing it."

"It will be done, my Prince," Theo addressed Harry with his official title.

Theo nodded, the flash of pride in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by the two other boys. The boy seemed to gain confidence once one of his suggestions had been approved.

"Lastly, Warrington' younger brother Cassius Warrington, 3rd year, might be an option. He is top of his year and especially his scores in DADA and Transfiguration are impressive. He is a well-known figure in terms of house politics. Known for being respected and well-liked in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff too. That coupled with his athletic and imposing build and outstanding skill in defense would make him a good candidate to consider."

Blaise didn't need Harry to ask the questions again. "Cassius Warrington shares his brothers views on blood and politics. He will be difficult to sway to join a half-blood. His brother' defeat might give him a push to do so."

Harry thought about it for a second. He seemed like a good choice. Him swearing his loyalty to Harry would align the house of Warrington completely with the court and not make room to doubt about his older brother' loyalty to the court. The older Warrington might even be asked to offer him a spot. His opinions though would need to change. However, Harry considered himself as convincing enough to achieve the younger brother' loyalty. He thought back to being locked in the closet and sneaking some of Dudley's broken toys to play with. He recalled Dudley playing with an army of tin soldiers a lot while he just had one one-armed headless toy soldier. Having the full set was always more fun. That extended to siblings too. A lot more use of one than two.

"I will recruit Cassius Warrington myself; I might ask Dominic for insight though. And talking about my Dominic, Blaise, I want an eye on him. How is he taking his defeat? Will he serve me as well as promised or should I be concerned? I wouldn't want to teach him another lesson."

"As you please, my Prince."

Harry Potter and the strange Hufflepuff

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Daphne's POV:

Daphne Greengrass looked at the mirror. She found the sight, that greeted her, slightly disturbing. Her face was white as a ghost. Dark circles were prominent under her eyes. The worst thing was her eyes. Her eyes were wider, her eyes seemed empty. She flickered her wand over her face while uttering some cosmetic spell her mom had once shown her. She took a deep breath and watched her face settle back to her normal expression. Eyes wandered over her vanity table towards the clock. She dressed in silence occasionally meeting the eyes of one of the other girls.

Tracey looked excited and almost danced around. Daphne and Tracey had grown up together. Despite Tracey's blood status and her father, a muggle, the two girls shared most of their childhood with each other. Daphne always went to muggle-London to spent most of her day with Trace if they weren't to busy with school. Since Tracey's mother passed Daphne stayed with Trace most of the weekends. Sometimes it therefor slipped her mind that Trace had lived without magic since her mother's death. So, she found Hogwarts and magic more adventurous than the rest of them.

Pansy Parkinson was silent which was almost unheard of. She wasn't insulting some mudblood or ranting about how great the Parkinson line was. Instead, she was quietly packing her bag and adjusting her skirt a little. The reason possibly being that her usual fellow gossiper looked like she had a run in with a vampire.

Millicent Bulstrode had clearly not closed an eye the precious night. Bulstrode might not be a beauty, but Daphne had never seen her in this state. She understood that perfectly. The other girl's situation couldn't be worse. Her older sister had lost her position in the court and had been beaten and absolutely humiliated by an 11-year-old. The older sister would likely never recover from the backlash of the failed ambush. But she had formed connections prior to the backlash. She wouldn't be back in the court in the near future but an ally of hers could very well attain a spot.

The younger Bulstrode would find herself in a harder reality. Bulstrode didn't have the same number of allies, connections and respect as her sister had had time to build. Millicent had just started Hogwarts. The house of Bulstrode was a part of the sacred 28, however, Millicent Bulstrode wasn't a member of the main line. Her only close acquittances were Pansy Parkinson, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. She wasn't close to Draco either which left her in a bad position. Harry Potter had become the year leader as well as the Slytherin Prince and ruler of the underclassmen's court. With her sister targeting him the day before and her comments about blood purity that couldn't be good for her. Draco Malfoy was the leader of the opposition in their year since he was the most powerful student in their year, who wasn't in the court, since Zabini and Nott likely would join Harry. She would have a better position in the opposition under Draco, however, her sister's attempt at putting Harry in "his place" had elevated Harry's position and led Draco to lose his position as year leader. He would perhaps take it out on Bulstrode.

Daphne tied her braid together with a green and silver bow while still studying her reflection. She caught Tracey's gaze in the mirror and nodded at the other girl. The two started making their way out of the dorm and down the stairs. Bulstrode and Parkinson flanked the two of them while they walked through the door to the common room. The room looked eerily normal considering what had transpired the day before. She saw it again. Harry's body hitting the floor while he let out a scream. His body, unmoving, on the very same spot she walked over. The harshness in his eyes while commanding the older boy.

Daphne had to focus. Her hand seamlessly found Tracey's. They walked hand in hand without saying a word. Daphne was way to lost in her thoughts to initiate any form of small talk. The events of last night had led to fundamental changes. She couldn't even think what it had done to her position. She was both openly friendly with Draco and Harry. She had liked the younger boy and felt the two had bonded the day prior. Yet she had still not told him about the ambush. She had not tried to stop it. She had not interrupted the fight when Warrington threw the Cruciatus. She had led him down there was no pretending otherwise. Nott and Zabini would also be on thin ice. However, they knew him better. Malfoy would keep his distance considering how close she had gotten with Harry. He wouldn't trust her. Neither would Harry. She had lost her chances at that. Whatever happened she would have to repair the broken trust between her and one of them.

The girls walked into the great hall to be greeted with the sight of the new seating arrangements. Harry sat at the middle of the table with Nott and Zabini on each side. No one dared to sit close to the boy afraid of it being viewed the wrong way. The girls moved towards the right side of the court. Nott rose from his seat and walked up to the group of girls.

"Heiress Greengrass and Miss Davies, I would like to request the honor of your presence on behalf of the Prince of Slytherin. Would such a request be compliable?"

Daphne was ashamed to say that she was surprised. She had guessed Harry would like to talk to her at some point just not that early on. Trace was also invited to the conversation which she had failed to consider a possibility at all.

"Your request sounds reasonable. Tracey and I would be delighted to enjoy your company."

The two girls followed Nott leaving Parkinson and Bulstrode behind without hesitation. They seated themselves in front of Nott and Zabini. Leaving the spot directly in front of Harry free in a symbolic gesture.

"Daphne and Miss Davies, I am very pleased you abided by my request to have a talk with us. You are aware of the fact that I gained the title of the Prince of Slytherin yesterday. Theo and Blaise were both offered a position in the underclassmen's court last night. The court is far from filled. Many important positions need filling. Therefor I will make you an offer. If you reject this offer you will not be given an offer in my court ever again. I suggest you think carefully. Each envelope will contain my offer for you. There is not much room for negotiations I am afraid."

He pulled to envelopes out of a pocket. He offered each girl an envelope. The envelope was decorated with their names beautifully written. Daphne carefully broke the green seal and opened the envelope. Her hand removed the parchment from its container. Her eyes fixated on the words. The offer was simple. She could join the court and be an original court member now. The court offered her protection, possibilities to develop skills and an elevated position within the school. The requirements were clear. She would have to obey Harry. Not mindlessly but she would have to report anything of interest to him, and if he gave her an instruction, she should follow it. Daphne's head hurt. She would have to give up control and follow. Harry required her complete loyalty. There would be no going back even if the court was forced to step back. It was a huge promise. She looked Nott in the eyes he met her eyes. He gave the slightest hint at a nod. Her gaze flickered onto Harry, who was studying Tracey's reaction to the offer. She followed his eyes. A tear fell down her friend's cheek.

"I would like to thank you for the opportunity, my Prince. I accept it on the condition you won't forget what you promised me."

"Welcome to the underclassmen's court, Miss Davies."

"You can refer to me as Tracey, my Prince."

"Well, Tracey, I am ecstatic to follow your journey."

"I would like to accept the offer as well on condition you will never ask me to disclose private information about the house of Greengrass and other family secrets without reason."

"I will never order you to do so, but I will not promise to suggest you doing so." Daphne nodded.

"Welcome to the court of underclassmen, Daphne Greengrass. May our rule be long and glorious."