Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
-oOo-
Chapter 16
09 Jun 2024
-oOo-
December 23, 1996
San Diego, California, MACUSA.
"DAPHNE!" Astoria excitedly exclaimed to see her sister just outside the transportation hub. She didn't care about propriety to see her sister after what had happened in the last five months.
"Tori, you don't have to… oomph," her sister ended, taking a few stumbling steps back as she bowled into her sister.
Astoria hugged her hard. "You complete prat, running like that!" she scolded.
Daphne laughed, hugging her back. "I'm sorry. I had too."
She felt tears biting at her eyes. Stepping back, she looked at her sister. She had cut her hair, so that it was shoulder length now. It had lightened some to be more of a cornhusk blonde than a golden blonde. She was surprised to see that her normally pale sister was actually tanned. "You look good," she told Daphne.
Daphne grinned. "Thanks. Harry likes to make sure we get out and the beaches are wonderful here. We don't even need to worry about snow."
"Beauxbatons isn't as bad as Scotland, but it's still in the mountains," she said.
"Hello, Misses Potter," Susan said from behind them.
"Susie, I'm so glad to see you!" Daphne exclaimed, letting her hands go to rush off to their cousin.
Next to her, the messy, black hair of Potter was looking just as unruly as normal as he stood tall to shake their father's hand.
"Lord Greengrass, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," he said. Wanting to hear what Susan and Daphne were saying, as well as Potter with her parents, she was torn for a moment before drifting towards her father.
"It's not Lord Greengrass anymore, Mister Potter. Please call me Grover or father," he said. The two of them were grasping each other's hands in death grips. Neither were giving an inch.
"Yes, sir. Please, call me Harry. I hope the old Black properties in France are what you needed?" Potter queried.
"They have been proving more than adequate. I expect we will turn a profit for the winter quarter. The gnomes gave you my last proposal?" her father asked.
"Yes. Daphne and I looked it over and talked with our account manager. I'm sure we can provide the funding for the expansion," Potter replied. They didn't break the handshake until her mother cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry. We can talk business later. Let me introduce my wife. This is Tabitha Greengrass. Tabitha, Mister Harry Potter," her father said rather formally.
Her mother stepped up to Potter, eyeing him up and down. Harry stood tall, meeting her gaze. She had to hand it to him that he didn't balk under either of her parents. After a moment, she extended her hand. Potter took it, leaned over and kissed the back of it.
Her mother gave a small smile. "I always knew that Potters were as cultured as they were brave. I see you do your family proud."
Potter gave a sad smile. "I can only assume I do by what others tell me. Personally, I know very little about my family."
"Yes, Daphne has mentioned that in her letters. I hope that we can find a way to remedy this. The Potters had a long, illustrious reputation," her mother said.
"I look forward to it."
Astoria stepped forward, hoping to have her moment.
Her father saw her motion. "And this is my younger daughter. Astoria, let me introduce you to your brother-in-law," her father said.
Harry nodded to her. "Daphne has said a lot about you."
She rose an eyebrow. "And what exactly has she said?" she asked, extending her hand to him, still unsure if she wanted to punch him for stealing her sister or hug him for rescuing her.
He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "All good things, I assure you," he said with a silly little smirk. Her eyes narrowed.
"Like?" she pressed, still on the fence.
Harry cast a quick glance to her parents, who were looking at them curiously. "Are you sure you would like me to repeat such things in public?"
Her face turned bright red, probably because Daphne had told him all about the young German man that had started to court her. There were things in those letters that only her and Susan were supposed to know. She balled her fist, ready to punch him when he laughed. She wished she was old enough to use magic without getting into trouble. "Daphne has just told me about how annoying her little sister is and that she has missed you."
Astoria was hipped bumped. She turned an accusatory eye to see Daphne grinning at her. "What? Do you think I would tell him about Herr Gustave Bergenheim? Though, Susan says he is rather nice looking."
Astoria's eyes started to burn holes through her sister.
"Who is Herr Bergenheim? Not the heir to the Bergenheim of Stuttgart and the Ehrhoff Library?" her father asked, sounding rather intrigued.
Susan looked to be stifling a giggle as she swore eternal vengeance on her sister, who looked to be enjoying herself. "Mother, I'm so happy to see you," Daphne said, gliding past her to hug their mother. "You look wonderful. I can't wait to meet my next sibling."
Susan stepped up next to her. "I think this round goes to Daphne," she whispered.
Potter looked ready to laugh. She glared at him too. "I'll get her back," she swore.
"Well, you have the next week to do so," Harry said.
She hated that glint in his eye already, and the fact he had corrupted her sister. Though, a small part of her noticed how happy and free Daphne was and knew this young man was responsible. She would kill… yet.
"If you want, we have a taxi reserved for us for the day. We can take you to your hotel, then out for dinner, or to our flat," Harry offered after Daphne hugged their father.
Susan leaned in close to her. "Merlin, Potter has gotten fit. How do I find one like that?"
Susan was right. He wasn't the tallest boy, but he had filled out and the tan he had looked nice on him. Not to mention the way his muscles moved under the Muggle style shirt with a collar and the way it stretched out the sleeves when he moved to put an arm around Daphne.
Astoria huffed.
Susan was just as fit looking as Daphne and Harry, with a bigger bust than her sister. She hadn't given up on her training after the Dark Lord had fallen and was even more determined to be an Auror now than a few months ago. The workout and training were doing her well and Astoria knew she was getting as many looks as Gabrielle, who was slightly taller than Susan with a slightly narrower waist and same bust size. She felt a little of the odd duckling in their friend group, not realizing she was just as stunning, and more evenly proportioned than the other two girls.
"You can have just about anyone you want. Just leave Gustave alone," she warned.
Susan grinned. "I've looked at most of our classmates. None of them can keep up with me. If Daph didn't have Potter, I might see if he could."
Astoria grinned. "Are you sure you want to go against Daph like that? I understand they had to get out of some interesting situations to get here, not to mention she's been trained by Potter."
Susan eyed the couple as they led them to a yellow taxicab. "We are sure he doesn't have any cousins?"
"Not that I know of," she replied.
"Pity," Susan disappointedly groused.
"Are you two coming?" Daphne enquired as her father levitated their luggage into the boot.
The taxi was like the old ministry cars that her father had told them about. The seats expanded to give them all enough room to sit comfortably. The driver went through the other autos with ease. She didn't fully understand Muggle ways or traffic, so didn't understand that getting across town to the beach in less than five minutes was a magical miracle. All the while Daphne and Potter talked with her parents and Susan. For once, she sat back, trying to figure out how to get back at her sister because she knew her parents would be hounding her about Gustave as soon as they could.
At fifteen, she was perfectly allowed to consider young men for courtship, and her mother had unequivocally told her and Susan they could choose who they wanted. And it wasn't like snogging was any declaration that she would get engaged or betrothed. Though, that session before they had left, she had let his hands wander more than she probably should have… she had to push that out of her mind, or she may start to feel the tingling again that would get her all excited.
When the taxi stopped, she was surprised to be in front of a large building. The ocean was across the road while she looked up at a ten-story tall glass and stone building that was unlike anything she had seen before.
"You will need to be careful. No magic around here, but once we get to the top floor, you are free to do what you want. A first-gen couple started this place and its where most wizards stay when they visit," Harry told them before they got out of the car.
Ten minutes later, she was let into a large suite that was almost more elegant and posher than Beauxbatons. Her father took one look at the room and said, "Harry, I think this is a little extravagant for you to pay for all this."
Potter shrugged. "I have the money and Daphne wanted to spend Christmas with her family. Our flat is too small, so we rented this place for the week. Daphne and I have taken one of the smaller rooms and left the master suite for you and Tabitha," he said. "Astoria, you and Susan will have to share a room. Hope you don't mind?"
Susan leaned over as her sister and her husband led her parents on a tour of the sweet. "Merlin, I need a man like him."
Astoria just nodded. She was sure this wasn't cheap. However Daphne had gotten this lucky, she hoped she had the same luck.
After putting her stuff into the room she was sharing with Susan, Daphne came into the room. She hugged Susan again, and then her. "I'm glad you could come. I have missed you," she told them, taking her and Susan's hands into one of her own.
"We've missed you, but bloody hell, Daph, what did you sacrifice to Morgana to get Potter?" Susan asked.
Daphne beamed at them. "I was his friend when he really needed one."
Susan's brow rose. "It had to be more than that."
Daphne grinned. "Well, I asked him to help me pass my OWLs in DADA. Then we became friends."
She eyed her. "And the fact father was going to sell you had nothing to do with this?"
Daphne's expression darkened a little. "It had everything to do with why I left, but nothing to do with why I love Harry. And please call him Harry. He prefers that."
"Sure, Daph," Susan said. "So, how dressed up do we need to get for dinner?"
Daphne smiled broadly. "That's why I'm here, but you won't be wearing any witches' robes or dresses."
"What do you mean?" Astoria asked a little dubiously.
Daphne pulled them out of the room and towards the one she was sharing with Harry. "We are going to a very exclusive no-Maj restaurant. You need proper dresses tonight and I have ones you both should look wonderful in."
"We can't go no-Maj… what does that even mean?" she questioned.
"The MACUSA doesn't use the term Muggle. They say no-Maj or normals. You should do that too. Many get offended by that term, if they know what it is. Now, are you wearing bras or corsets?" Daphne questioned.
Her eyes widened. "Daph, you can't just ask that," she said, her cheeks taking on a little colour as she was dragged into the room.
"Oh, stop being such a prude," Susan said with a giggle. "I hate corsets but that is most of the fashion in France."
"I thought so. I have a few strapless bras you will want to try for the night or go without. The dresses I have won't work well otherwise," she told them. After the door closed, Daphne flicked her wand out of a holster on her arm that had been disillusioned. She flicked it again and three dresses floated up from the bed.
Her mouth gaped open. "You can't do underage magic," she hissed.
Daphne grinned. "Laws are different in the MACUSA and I'm a married woman. I am emancipated by my husband. Now, which one do you like? Or I have a few others I haven't taken out of their bags yet."
She shook her head before looking at the dresses. Susan had already stepped forward, her eyes wide to look as marvellous dark blue dress that would go well with her hair. It would also highlight her waist and bust in a way that already had Astoria blushing again.
Daphne smirked. "You can keep them too."
"Merlin, Daph, this is gorgeous," Susan breathlessly stated.
Her eyes had fallen on a light blue number that had her fantasizing about Gustave and the way he would look at her in it. Daphne gently nudged her. "I have a selection of under things that will go much better than what you are probably wearing now, and I'll help you get into it."
"This is what Muggles wear?" she asked in a whisper, stepping up to the dress.
"No-Maj, Tori. Wait until you see the swimming costumes. I swear Harry's eyes were going to drop out of his head the first time I wore one," she said, a small amount of colour coming to her sister's cheeks.
Susan giggled. "I feel there is a rather lurid story behind that."
Daphne playfully hit Susan's arm. "What Harry and I do behind closed doors is our business."
"You can't just leave it like that," Susan whinged.
Daphne flushed more. "We didn't even make it to the beach that first day. Which was probably good, because I was already bright red from embarrassment."
Astoria turned to look at Daphne. "And why would you be so embarrassed and why didn't you make it to the beach?"
Susan rolled her eyes. "Because she was shagged senseless, can't you tell?"
"Susie!" Daphne exclaimed, but by the look on her face Astoria knew that Susan was right. She had to hear about this…
When they walked out of the room almost two hours later, she stifled a giggled to see her father's eyes about to bulge out of his head to see the three of them dressed better than Astoria could ever remember being. Her mother gave an approving nod after a moment of shock. Harry looked at Daphne like he wanted to take her back to their room and undress her right then. Daphne had a confident smirk on her face as she sauntered over to him.
Susan looked ready to coo at the way they obviously loved each other.
She had to admit, Harry looked absolutely scrumptious in the Muggle suit he was wearing. Even father looked rather nice in his while mother was radiant in the yellow dress that tactfully wrapped around her growing bump.
The taxi was waiting for them when they got to the curb. She was blushing because of the stares they had gotten from a group of boys when they walked through the lobby. Susan looked a little smug, turning back to look at them as the taxi pulled away.
"They were cute," Susan commented.
"They were," she conceded.
"Just be careful," her mother told them.
"I will, Aunt Tabitha," Susan replied.
The restaurant was genuinely nice. The maître-d pulled out their chairs and made sure they were seated before the server came over. They were being given their drinks when her father asked, "I know you are enrolled in a local school. Is it as nice as Hogwarts or Beauxbatons?"
He was actually asking if it was as prestigious.
Daphne put down the pop she was drinking. "It's one of the best in the country. Reginald Pacific Academy is ranked number five."
"Why wouldn't you go to the first ranked school? Your OWLs were top marks," he questioned.
"Harry and I looked at them. We were accepted to all seven of the top schools in the MACUSA but found RPA to be the best for what we wanted," she replied.
"And what do you want?" her mother questioned.
"Well, I want to be a healer, and RPA is the only one of the major schools to offer a track that also focuses on the First Nation shamanism," she said.
Her father scrunched his brow. "That is hedge magic. Why would you want to know anything like that?"
Daphne looked a little fierce as she replied, "Because that hedge magic saved my husband."
Her mother put a comforting hand on her father's arm. "Grover, perhaps we should gather more information about this before jumping to conclusions. Daphne, what do you mean it saved Harry?"
"That is not something we will talk about here, but know without it, we would not be here to talk about it," Daphne snapped. This was obviously a sensitive topic. Harry took her hand. She noticed that Daphne squeezed it tight.
"And what are you studying, Harry?" Susan asked, obviously seeing the tense situation and trying to get around it.
Harry gave her a thankful smile. "Not fully sure yet, but I've been able to get into an ancient magics class and the history they teach here is really fascinating. Did you know that the goblins actually won the last four rebellions in Europe and that is why they are the only wizarding bank in half of Europe and why the gnomes were pushed out of those countries?"
Her father looked a little scandalized. "The goblins have never won a rebellion against wizards."
Harry gave her father a level look. "You will excuse me, Grover, but I find the MACUSA's history to be more faithful to the truth than the propaganda the ministry and Hogwarts peddled through Professor Binns."
Astoria was starting to understand that Daphne and Harry had grown up more than she ever thought she might and had no issues challenging her parents, which was still a scary prospect for her. As the week wore on, she found a grudging respect for her new brother, and was happy that it was Daphne with this intense young man and not her. Meanwhile, Susan was getting more doe eyed at him than her sister.
-oOo-
March 19, 1997
Copenhagen, Denmark
The large and rather opulent room had a large table that sat nearly fifteen people on a side. She sat towards the end of a row of two other wizards and six gnomes. Across from them were a mix of witches and wizards from the ICW council, the Head Mugwump, the Honourable Ito Hirahara of Japan, and three negotiators.
For almost two hours the fourteen people on the other side of the table had been arguing amongst themselves about the events of September fifteenth last year. Her mentor and supervisor, Meadowcroft, had instructed her on how to sit still and look disinterested in the happening while taking everything in to use against the other for a more advantageous outcome for their client and the bank.
In many ways, the gnomes were much trickier and dangerous to their enemies than the goblins. She could see that the bank and the gnomish nation was going to ring out some concessions they had wanted for a while over all this. It probably didn't help that one of the wizards on their side were representatives of the MACUSA and Mexico, who was now thinking of allying with the MACUSA, or becoming a member state. This was going to be a large blow to the ICW, who had been trying to court American countries to join them for decades now. Between the MACUSA and the Congress of the Americas, most of the New World countries were firmly out of the ICW control. Many of the island nations in the Caribbean, Central American countries and Argentina that were still independent.
"We can't give into these demands," a translator was saying to the gathered crowd for the Holy Roman Empire.
"It was the previous Head Mugwump that authorized this. Britain and Dumbledore should be paying and talking to the gnomes," the Greek witch suggested for the sixth time.
Fleur knew. She had counted.
Oakrock cleared his throat. The main negotiator for her party was an older gnome with grey hair, a serious disposition and sharp grey eyes. The other side of the table turned to him. "I understand that you have been in committee over this for months now. Our patience is growing thin. We require the four hundred and sixty-three thousand galleons, or equivalent, that was spent on repairing the airship Orchard Blossom, one hundred and sixteen thousand for the replacement of eight automatons and the repairs of six others, twenty-eight thousand for medical bills and lost time of fifteen employees, fifty-three thousand, eight hundred for the endangerment of passengers and asylum seekers under gnomish neutrality and the renegotiations of the banking treaties of seventeen-thirty-seven, eighteen-fifty-six and eighteen-ninety-two for violations of said treaties, the recognition of the gnomish nation of Zeldhedge with and ICW seat and the return of gnomish lands illegally seized by the Holy Roman Empire, Greece and Austria. We will negotiate with the countries of Britain and France separately."
As the original declaration had caused a stir, so did this one. It took a few minutes for the Head Mugwump to calm things down.
"Representative Oakrock, you are asking for too much for a simple misunderstanding of an illegal action authorized by a man that is no longer with us," Hirahara said.
"This is not the only grievance the gnomish nation and banks have with the International Conference of Wizards, this is only the latest. I have the grievances of the last twenty-seven years before me," Oakrock stated, indicating the piles of folders before him.
"You cannot hold us accountable for all those issues," a woman from Bulgaria exclaimed.
"Since the ICW has not acknowledged any of these issues, and they were formally submitted per treaty and are outstanding until resolved, I don't see the issue in holding the ICW accountable," Oakrock answered calmly.
Meadowcroft made a motion. Fleur stuffed down her nervousness. She didn't feel prepared for this, but knew it had to be done. "Excuse me, Representative Oakrock, but my clients still have outstanding debts and failed trade due to the ICW not processing the paperwork submitted to them and Britain. I know I am not the only Account Manager with this issue as well."
"Send the requests through the International Department of Cooperation," the unpleasant man from the Holy Roman Empire told her.
Head Mugwump Hirahara gave a look that told the man to be quiet. "I am unaware of other issues. What debts and failed trade are you speaking of?"
"I have been asked to represent forty-three account managers across eighteen branches, with the support of my supervisor, Senior Account Manager Meadowcroft, to resolve more than fifty-three thousand accounts or submissions that total more than one hundred and forty-nine million galleons," she stated.
The explosion from the other side of the table had her fighting to not shy away.
The MACUSA representative quieted them all with a cannon sound from his wand. "The MACUSA is joining the gnomish banks in this complaint. We have debts and failed business ventures that go back more than twenty-years that we have submitted. To date, I am told that this impacts more than one-hundred million dracuts and could impact all trade with the MACUSA if not resolved in these negotiations. President Carneau has authorized me to impose a thirty-percent tariff on all imports or to cancel all treaties and enter into new negotiations."
Before the ICW could start to shout again, the Mexican representative spoke up, "The Prime Minister of my country has done the same. We are looking to collect more than thirty-eight million doubloons worth of restitutions and are willing to cancel all out treaties and offer the MCUSA and the Congress of the Americas better deals than the ICW is currently obtaining."
Doing a quick sum in her head, she was thinking the sums were almost twice the value of the entire economy of Europe in a year. The ICW knew that too. The restructuring of the ICW departments under Dumbledore, and the way the member countries used it to favour themselves, was coming to roost. For more than twenty years now, the ICW governments had been skimming off five to ten percent of the trade or not honouring international debts.
She made a few notes, unsure if she would be able to get Harry and Daphne the money they were owed. It was a paltry ninety-three thousand galleons compared to the hundreds of millions owed, but it was still a sizable amount for her clients.
Head Mugwump banished the uncooperative representatives, leaving himself and two others from the ICW in the room. When things had settled, an overly concerned looking Hirahara looked to Representative Oakrock. "What is it you really want?"
"We have given you what we want," Oakrock said.
"The ICW and its member countries would never agree to all this, and it would bankrupt most of us," he said.
"That is of little concern to us. These are the concessions the banks and Zeldhedge are willing to offer," Oakrock replied.
"Concessions?" the junior negotiator asked.
"Concessions. Should the gnomish nation wish to push, our treaties would allow us to seize all government and personal accounts that live in the affected nations, as well as close all lending, money transfers and stop all shipping on our airships. We would also cut our special ties with the ICW countries. We have been in talks with other countries, and though Zeldhedge would not like to consider this, we could easily move all our headquarters out of Europe. Should I go on?" Oakrock questioned.
"That is not necessary. What can we do to settle these differences? The gnomes have been honoured members of our communities since well before the ICW was established. Should you make good your threats, I see the ICW, and its ninety-seven member states, suffering greatly and could pose a significant threat to the Statute of Secrecy, which is the main remit of the council and the ICW," Hirahara said.
"I agree, but our grievances have been ignored for the last twenty-eight years. How can we trust that you will start to honour the treaties now?" Oakrock pressed.
Hirahara sighed. "Can I ask for more time?"
"Zeldhedge is willing to give you one month. Should there not be a viable plan in that time, then we start enacting clauses in treaties. We have not so far because profits were still being made, but in the last two years, those profits have significantly dropped, and we have clients anxious to reclaim profits and lending that they should not have to ask for. Not to mention the damage to one of our airships, which is internationally recognized as neutral ground, no matter where they call," Oakrock stated.
"The MACUSA will agree to the one-month limit. If no agreement is reached, our borders will be closed to any ICW citizen unless they are seeking asylum," the MACUSA representative stated.
"I will go back to the Prime Minister. I was told not to wait," the Mexican representative said.
Hirahara nodded. "I will call you back in one week so that we may have time to resolve this."
As Fleur was getting up, she overheard the Mexican representative asking for the MACUSA to meet with them tomorrow. She was sure he was being a little loud so that Hirahara heard them. Mexico would not be joining the ICW.
-oOo-
August 5, 1997
Melbourne, Australia
Harry's foot was bouncing as the car pulled up to the house. Daphne put a hand on his leg to still it. "Why are you so nervous?"
"I haven't seen her in over a year and the last time it wasn't on the best of terms," he told her. He still felt a little bit of the sting from the way he felt she had betrayed him, but he also understood some about following what an adult and professor told you to do. If he hadn't needed someone, anyone, so desperately that summer after watching Cedric die and seeing Riddle come back from the grave, he might have forgiven her. The issue was, he had needed someone, and she wasn't there.
They had been sharing letters and calls in the last year, but he was still unsure how he felt towards one of his first friends.
"I still don't know if I can trust her," he said. "I know it was the ministry last summer, but it still hurt."
She gave him a knowing look. "You don't have to trust her, but I know you miss her. Hermione and you went through adventures that would bind anyone. Just be friends again."
He let out a long sigh. "And if this doesn't' work out, were here on vacation for the next week anyways."
"And Astoria says you always look on the dark side of things," she teased.
"Prat," he said back half-heartedly.
The door of the house opened. A young woman with curly hair in a flower-patterned sundress stepped onto the front step. Daphne had to admit that Granger had filled out a little more and was thankful that she had been able to capture Harry's heart because otherwise Granger would have a chance on looks alone.
He squeezed her hand before opening the door. He got out and helped her out.
"Do you want me to wait?" the driver asked.
"We'll call another taxi if we need. Here's a tip. Thanks," Harry said, reaching into his pocket and handing the man a twenty-dollar note.
"Thanks, mate," the man said before pulling away.
She stood next to her husband as he looked to Hermione. He had to admit she looked really nice. Not the same as Daphne, but definitely a girl he would have been interested in. Taking his wife's hand, he led them up the walkway. He had to admit that Hermione looked as nervous as he felt. She gave him a small smile when he stopped about five feet away.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," she replied. "You look good."
"So do you," he said back.
They stood there for a moment. He pulled Daphne to be just before him. "I'm not sure if you really met before, but this is my wife, Daphne."
Hermione looked at Daphne. There was an emotion that flitted across her face he wasn't sure about for a brief second before she struck out her hand. "It's good to meet you, Daphne. We had a few classes together, but I didn't really get to know you."
Daphne took Hermione's hand. "Well, it wasn't really healthy for either of us to spend time with each other with the houses we were in."
Hermione frowned. "Then why risk it with Harry?"
Daphne shrugged. "I needed to pass DADA and Harry was the best option."
His friend nodded. "I see. Would you like to come in? Can I get you anything?"
"Something cold to drink would be nice," he said. It was the Australian winter, but it was still a warm day.
She welcomed them in and showed them where to put their shoes. When he turned back to her, she was looking at him. "You alright, Hermione?"
She bit her lip. "Can I hug you?"
He felt a little shocked at her request. She had never held back before. After a moment, he lifted his arms and she moved in, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm so sorry," she said. It sounded like she was holding back tears.
Hearing the sincerity in her voice, he hugged her back. "I am too," he said.
"I never wanted to ignore you that summer. I was so upset with my parents when they left last summer before I knew how you were," she whispered into his ear.
"I'm alright now," he assured her.
Her hug wasn't as hard as they used to be. It was softer, more emotional. It was like she wasn't sure if he would bolt or not. When she pulled away, she wiped at tears on her cheeks. "Right. Something cold. Are you two hungry?"
"Lunch would be good. The breakfast on the plane wasn't that satisfying," Daphne told her.
"It was awful on our flight here," Hermione replied. "Harry?"
"A sandwich or something would be great," he told her.
Hermione busied herself in the kitchen as they sat at a day counter. "Where are you parents?" he asked.
"Working. They will be home for dinner, if you want to stay that long," she offered.
"We don't really have any plans for the next week. School starts in two weeks, and we completed all our work," he said.
She stopped to look at him before looking to Daphne. "You got him to do all his summer work before you go back?"
Daphne chuckled. "Don't look at me. He had most of it done the first week of summer hols."
"I remember someone saying they would reward me if I did," he shot back.
Daphne had a prim smirk. "You still did it without any prodding or reminders."
Hermione was just staring at them. "What have you done with Harry Potter?"
He winked at her. "I think he grew up."
"I think he realized there was more to life than quidditch," Daphne mocked.
He feigned being offended. "Why I never…"
Hermione laughed. "Now I know you did something to him. What happened to catch the snitch or die trying?"
"That was Wood. I never said that," Harry retorted. "It was you that was worried about being expelled over being killed."
Hermione stuck her chin up. "I was only twelve. Grades were everything to me."
Daphne shook her head. "Things are making so much more sense now."
"And what things are those, princess?" Harry asked with a cheeky grin. Hermione looked a little put out at his wife.
"Why Granger was always at the top of class and why you did such reckless stunts in quidditch," Daphne replied.
"I was not reckless," Harry said indignantly.
"You're a bloody menace! How many times did you almost die playing quidditch?" Hermione angrily put to him.
"It was only Dobby and the dementors that ever led to hospital stays," he shot back.
"Only Dobby and the dementors!" Hermione angrily said back with narrowed eyes. "And that wasn't bad enough? And what about Quirrell first year?"
"Well, they weren't my fault. And I got back on my broom with Quirrell. Besides, it was you that set him on fire," he pointed out.
Daphne looked to her. "Harry never mentioned that."
Harry looked a little sheepish while Hermione reddened. "Well, I wasn't trying to leave that out."
"I thought it was Snape and actually set his robes on fire first," Hermione defensively said.
Daphne laughed. "Merlin, I missed a lot."
"Well, we had our own adventure," Harry said.
Hermione rose an eye at them. "I know what you wrote me, but did you really fight an entire Hit Wizard team?"
"Yeah, that was in Mexico," Harry told her.
Hermione looked at them. Harry had told her much, but not everything about their flight from Britain. "What else happened? You didn't tell me much," she questioned.
Harry frowned. "Is it that important? Daphne and I escaped. We were able to make it to the MACUSA and now we are safe and happy."
Hermione bit her lip again before giving him a small smile. "Alright. I'm really glad that you made it there safely and didn't get involved in the war," she told him.
Harry's eyes looked a little haunted. She knew hers did as well. Daphne took his hand. They had all lost people they knew. Percy and Charlie Weasley were the ones he had been closest too, but not that close. Daphne had lost a few people that had worked on their old lands and her friend Tracey, who had been found while her family was on the run.
"I am too," he told her. He cleared his throat. "Do you have a loo?"
"Just down the hall, second door on the right," Hermione told him.
"Cheers," he replied.
He had to splash water on his face. For some reason this was harder, and easier, than he had thought it would be. His old friend was still there. He still cared for her, but he had now had adventures without her or Ron and found he didn't need them like he used too. As long as Daphne was with him, he knew he could make it through anything.
When he went back towards the kitchen, he stopped for a moment to listen to the girls.
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"For what, Granger?" Daphne asked. He was wondering why she sounded a little cold.
"For being there for him. I knew he was hurting after Cedric and the graveyard," Hermione said.
"Yes. He was. He still is at times. He was left all alone," Daphne replied.
Someone sniffed. "I didn't abandon him."
"You might as well have," Daphne said in a frigid tone he hadn't heard in well over a year. "Do you have any clue what your 'friend' has really been through in his life?"
"I think I lived most of it with him before you came into the picture," Hermione stated. He heard the bitterness in her voice.
"They may call you the brightest witch, but you really are dense. You have no clue who he really is, do you?"
"I know him better than you. What? Did you climb into his bed and then get him to go along with running…"
There was a smack that had Harry running. He skidded to a halt at the door of the kitchen.
"Don't ever call me a whore. I was there when Harry had no one. I was only able to pick up the pieces because he somehow fell in love with me. He still hasn't told me everything, but I swear if I ever meet his relatives, I will kill them," Daphne said.
Hermione was holding a hand to her face, looking shocked. "But Harry… he had to stay there because of the wards."
"You don't know anything, Granger. He lived in a cupboard from the day Dumbledore dropped him off on their step in the middle of the night. His uncle broke his arms three times, his leg once and beat him a few times. The summer you all listened to the great Dumbledore, he was beat a half dozen times for waking his uncle from nightmares. You have no clue who he is.
After that, he is still the kindest, most loyal man I have met, and you, his godfather and Weasley threw that away. You hurt him more than anyone. He only started to trust Sirius again after he told Harry about his will that Christmas," Daphne told her.
He stood there, his mouth gaping.
Hermione was crying. "I never meant to hurt him." The two girls stared each other down for a moment. "I love him. I never wanted to hurt him. Everything I did was to help him and keep him alive."
Daphne's anger deflated a little. "I know. That's why I encouraged him to come." Daphne sighed. "I think he loved you, Hermione. You nearly destroyed him."
Hermione closed her eyes and sank to the floor. In barely a whisper she said, "I love him too."
Harry cleared his throat. Daphne looked up. By the look on her face, she must have realized he heard more than she meant him too. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah. Fine," Daphne said. He gave her a look and her dark blue eyes tried to tell him she wasn't sorry, but knew he needed to talk with her. "I think I need to get a little air."
As she passed by, he reached out for her hand. Her light touch told him she was not alright before she walked past him. He didn't move until the front door closed behind him.
Hermione had her face in her hands. He wasn't sure what to do. Harry hadn't ever really understood why Hermione cutting him out that summer hurt more than the others. Listening to Daphne, she must have seen something he never had.
After a few, he walked over to kneel by Hermione. She was crumpled in on herself. After a long moment, he asked, "Do you want me to go?"
She sniffed a few times before shaking her head. "I didn't know."
He sighed. "I didn't want you to know."
Looking up, she looked more hurt than he had ever seen her, even that day they had saved her from the troll. "But you will tell her?" He didn't miss the bitterness in her tone.
He let out a long breath. It took him a moment to collect his thoughts. "Daphne was the first one to ever see how unwell I was. No one ever really asked what my home life was like. You and Ron never really understood how lost I was in the magical world. Everyone assumed I knew everything. The first day we met you mentioned how you read all about me in some jacked up, fucking tripe about The-Boy-Who-Lived. Daphne laughed at me the first time I mentioned how much I hated it all and told me that anyone could see how much I hated my fame title and even how sad I got on Halloween," he told her.
He wasn't trying to hurt her, but as much as she understood and had helped him, she never really got who he was. The pain in her face to realize she had been that way was heartbreaking to him.
"Hermione, you and Ron were my first friends, and really my only friends I've ever had. I would like that again, but I understand if you don't." He took a paper out of his pocket. "If you want to talk, or even start over again, we'll be staying here for the next week. I'll meet you alone if you want. I need to go see to Daphne," he told her. He wanted to comfort her, but Daphne was now the most important person in his life.
Hermione closed her eyes. He got up and started to walk away when she softly said, "You're wrong."
He stopped and turned back to her. "About?"
"I had my suspicions about your relatives. I told McGonagall. She said everything was fine. I mentioned it to my parents that first summer back. They called the authorities, and then nothing. I thought I had just imagined it. Ron and I always tried to cheer you up on Halloween because I knew what it meant to you. I saw who you are, Harry. You just always shied away from us anytime we mentioned anything like that, so I didn't," Hermione told him.
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, a pang running through him. They had all been so young. It wasn't until he was fifteen that he had finally found someone that wasn't taken from him. How could he hold that against her, especially when she had tried? "I'm sorry then. Until Daphne caught me in a breakdown, no one had ever tried to help me, or they had disappeared, like my second-year teacher."
He stood there awkwardly. After a moment, he walked back, knelt and put a hand on her shoulder. She scrambled to hug him. He held her as she cried for a bit. When she stopped, he gave her a tighter squeeze before she pulled away and sat back.
His throat felt a little sore, even though he hadn't cried.
"Uhm," he said.
She was wiping at her eyes. "You should go to your wife. I think Daphne has been good for you."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhm, sure." He uncertainly got up. "Listen, I understand if you don't want to, but I think I would still like to be friends."
When she looked up, she looked a little more hopeful. "I think I'd like that too."
"So, ah, I think I should leave now, but, uhm, maybe lunch or dinner tomorrow?"
Hermione nodded in acceptance.
When he stepped outside, Daphne was standing in the shade of a tree looking down the hill onto Melbourne. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I couldn't keep it in."
He squeezed her. "I never want you to be anyone but who you are. We had a little bit of a talk. I want to see her again tomorrow and have some stuff to tell you," he said into her ear.
She moved her head to get away from his breath. "You know that tickles," she scolded him.
He kissed the side of her head. "I know."
Daphne leaned into him. "Do you still love her?"
He was quiet for a long moment. "I did."
"And now?"
"I want to be friends again. She knew. She tried to tell people, but we were only twelve at the time," he reminded her.
Daphne sighed. "I can never forgive what those people did to you and what Dumbledore did."
"I know," he said, understanding better than he thought she did the depths of his hatred for them. Her stomach rumbled. "Let's call a taxi and get some food."
"Take me back to the hotel. I just want to be close to you. We can order some take-in," she told him.
"Sure, princess," he said, pulling her towards the road. The magical taxi they had found would come to them like the knight bus.
-oOo-
April 11, 1998
Marseille, France
"It is so good to see you," the older woman exclaimed in French, hugging Harry as they entered the house. Harry happily hugged Appoline back before she pulled back, took his face in her hands and kissed both his cheeks. "You are looking wonderful."
He gave the older woman a broad smile. "Thank you. Things have been better."
"I can see. Oh, and your beautiful wife! Misses Potter, let me get a look at you," Appoline cheerfully said, taking Daphne at arm length to look her up and down, before pulling her into a hug and then kissing her cheeks like she had Harry.
Jean-Paul moved into shake his hand. "It is wonderful to see you again, Harry."
"You as well, Jean-Paul. Thank you for letting Daphne and I stay here while we are in Marseille," he said to the older gentlemen. Harry felt like he owed the Delacours for all they had done for Daphne and him. Even if it was a few days, they had given them support and shelter when they needed it most and had since then done nothing but support them.
"You and your bride are family. Our house is always open to you. And look at Daphne here. I think you have grown even more beautiful since I last saw you," Jean-Paul said, taking her hand to kiss it.
"Thank you, Jean-Paul. Harry keeps us busy, so I don't have much time to just lounge around," Daphne replied. Daphne had been beautiful the first day he had met her, and even more so now that she was fit and wearing a dress that really highlighted her curves in a tasteful, yet, enticing way.
Jean-Paul laughed. "Yes, Fleur and Gabrielle mentioned how much Harry hates to sit, but if you would, you are being waited on in the parlour."
"Is Fleur here? I thought we wouldn't see her for a few days," Daphne said excitedly, hurrying into the parlour when Appoline indicated where to go.
Harry shook his head at her excited squeal. "She did the same thing when we met her brother last year," he said.
"Does this mean that you will want your own soon?" Appoline enquired.
He shook his head to follow his wife. "We would both like to graduate and figure out our next steps. Daphne is hoping for a mastery after we graduate next year. A few years, I hope."
Jean-Paul gave him an understanding look as Appoline looked a little sceptical. In the parlour, Fleur was standing next to Daphne, who was already holding the barely month-old little girl. Her hair was already a silvery blonde and he had no doubt she would be as stunning as the rest of the family. Daphne was cooing at the girl. A rather tall, willowy man was standing just behind Fleur.
Fleur had met Wendyl Bergen while working on Harry's accounts. They all knew they were seeing each other. What had been the surprise was when Fleur had come home in the middle of September last year, announcing that she had eloped and was pregnant. From what Harry could tell, Jean-Paul and Appoline liked him, and Fleur only had good things to say.
On seeing him, Fleur glided over to him. "Harry! I was afraid Daphne left you behind."
"I considered it," Daphne commented while not taking her eyes from the little child.
"I grabbed her back before the portkey went off," he said rather seriously.
Fleur gave a tinkling laugh as she hugged him, then kissed his cheeks. "Like your wife, you look marvellous. I never knew an Englishman could tan."
Harry gave her a playful glare as Daphne giggle. He wasn't sure if it was at Fleur or the baby. "Well, unlike in England or Scotland, California actually gets sun."
Jean-Paul chuckled behind him. Appoline moved to sit and watch the by-play.
"That is true. I thought I would shrivel up from the cold and short days when I was at Hogwarts," Fleur stated.
"You're not far off. I haven't met your husband yet," Harry said.
Fleur gave a beaming smile. "Oui. Harry, this is my Wendyl. Wendyl, Harry Potter. The man that got us together."
Harry extended a hand. The man reached out and had a firmer handshake than he expected. "It is an honour to meet you, Mister Potter. If it wasn't for you, I would not have met Fleur or had our daughter."
"It's Harry. I didn't do anything. Fleur was just helping me," he replied.
"You are too modest. If it were not for you, I would have been a decade or more to get where I am now. I manage two of our top one hundred accounts. That is no small thing," Fleur told him.
Harry shrugged.
"Just say thank you and don't belittle the way you help people. Uncle Harry can be so silly, can't he?" Daphne told him while talking directly to the little girl in her arms.
"Yes, princess," he replied.
Appoline laughed. "It took me years for Jean-Paul to understand I was always right."
Fleur shook her head at her mother and father, then took his hand. "Come. Uncle Harry needs to meet his goddaughter."
Harry's smile froze on his face. Daphne looked a little surprised. "Godfather Harry and godmother Daphne, this is Adeline Odette Bergen. The most perfect little one in the world."
"Just like her mother," Wendyl stated.
"I remember another veela saying the same thing… twice," Jean-Paul sniggered while side stepping the swipe from his wife.
"Both my girls were perfect, and my grandchild is just the same," Appoline said.
Harry looked at the couple. "Are you sure... I mean, godfather?"
"Just shut it, Harry and say thank you and you are honoured," Daphne said in a whisper as she rubbed her nose against the small girl's nose.
"I mean… Oui. Daphne and I would be honoured. Thank you," he said.
"I knew you would be perfect," Fleur said with a smirk before hugging him again. Wendyl shook his hand.
"Where's Gabrielle," Daphne asked.
"Off making trouble with your sister, I imagine," Appoline said, not sounding that concerned.
He still felt shocked that they would ask him to be this little girl's godparents. "Adeline Odette," he said, moving closer.
"You should hold her too," Daphne offered, moving her to his arms.
"But I don't know how," he protested.
"You did this with Emerick. Just cradle her head… like that, and hold her too you," Daphne encouraged.
Harry did as told, marvelling at the crystal blue eyes that latched onto him as she blew bubbles. He knew what love was thanks to Daphne, but that had taken time to form and for him to understand it. In that instant, he understood what it was to love someone at first sight. It wasn't quite the same as when he would hold his own children in the future, but it was close.
Her hands suddenly moved before she stilled again.
He leaned down and kissed the small girl on her forehead. "I promise that you will be considered one of my own," he promised her.
He didn't see the look in Daphne's eye, but the others did. That five- or six-year window they had talked about was about to become shorter.
"Adeline Odette. How about Adie?"
"Absolutely not!" Fleur stated. "Her name is Adeline, and it is perfect for her."
Daphne laughed at him as he smirked. "We'll see if your mum changes her mind, Adie."
"Harry Potter!" Fleur stomped her foot.
-oOo-
August 5, 1998
Copenhagen, Denmark
She didn't care to leave Adeline. At five months, her little perfect angel was cooing, rolling around and so adorable that it hurt to leave her behind, but this meeting was important for her to be at, especially for her future career.
For the last year-and-a-half, intense negotiations had been occurring between the ICW and the three parties at the table. They had been stalled until Mexico and Costa Rica had agreed to join the MACUSA over the ICW in January this year. Then the ICW finally agreed to current treaty when Japan threatened to leave after three African countries and India renounced their connections to the ICW.
Most surprising, and not those originally part of the negotiations, were the goblins. They sneered every time they looked at the gnomes, but if the gnomes had cut all ties, the goblins would have lost much of their monopoly they held in half of Europe. The ties of the governments between them and the gnomes would have caused havoc should the gnomes have pulled out. It also would have sunk their negotiations they were in with the MACUSA.
Sitting at the table with dozens of reporters and camera men around them was an intimidating thing, but she sat tall. Meadowcroft gave her a very slight encouraging nod as Head Mugwump Hirahara, Representative Oakrock and Senior Account Manager Rotgnasher of Gringotts walked to the head of the table. Three documents were awaiting signatures.
When the three reached the top of the table, Oakrock stepped onto the step stool that would allow him to be level with Hirahara's shoulder. Rotgnasher didn't give into the weakness, even if only his head was above the level of the table.
"Thank you all for being here. With the signing of these treaties today, the ICW is going to enter a new era of trade, freedom and creature rights that is unprecedented in our time. For the first time in five hundred and sixty-three years, the clans of Gringotts, Rocherock and Erengilanast will be at peace with the nation of Zeldhedge," Hirahara said. Rotgnasher looked like he had swallowed something particularly nasty, as did the other representatives of the goblins. Oakrock just graciously nodded.
"As part of the peace treaty, the goblin clans and the gnomes have agreed to open both their boarders to trade, including banking. The ICW and the MACUSA have been pleased to be the chief negotiators of this peace.
The ICW is also pleased to announce that it has brokered deals with fellow nations to return lands that once belonged to both of these proud peoples. The old goblin realms of Rekavilchelm and Groslosnald will be unsealed to allow them to reclaim their caverns that were lost in the wizarding wars of fifteen-thirteen and sixteen-eighty-two in Sweden and Austria. While the gnomes will reclaim the meadows and forests claimed by the non-magical peoples and other countries during the great Upheavals of what was known as the Napoleonic wars," Hirahara said.
Fleur was more interested in what the treaties held that wasn't going to be discussed today. Chief among them was that all gnomes, goblins, veela, merfolk and centaurs would finally be given the same rights as wizards, with representatives on the council and the ability to petition for lands lost over time.
Then, there were the reparations that the ICW countries would be paying back. Over the next twenty years, they would be repaying all debts and profits that had been stolen from the dwarfish and goblin clients. That single bit was the only thing that had brought the goblins to the table. The second was the gnomish economists that expected to see the economies, thus profits, double in the same period.
That had been a hard sell to the ICW, but in the end, it was either give into all that or see the collapse of the wizarding world, to probably then be rebuilt in the image that either the gnomes or goblins wanted, as they would be the ones holding the purse strings.
She smiled and heartily applauded as the three signed the treaties. Another sighing would occur within the next week or so for the others involved.
-oOo-
September 1, 1998
Hogwarts, Scotland
Minerva was going over the rolls one more time before the train was due to leave London. Enrolment was almost back to where it should be, mostly because of the first-year classes the last two years were larger than usual because of the Muggleborns.
It still pained her heart to think of the war. So many killed or fled. The scars of that conflict were still fresh. Filius and Alastor were going to be on the train today. A safety precaution started during the war and would probably become a tradition to ensure the students were safe.
As she was going over the ledger of accounts one last time, movement on her desk caught her eye. She looked up to see last year's graduating class waving at her from a photograph. She gave a sad smile. It was the smallest class in her memory that had some very distinct people missing.
The Weasley's had come back, so Ronald was standing in the back row, taller than the others. Neville, Dean, Seamus and Lavender filled out the rest of the Gryffindors. Hufflepuff had been decimated, leaving only three of them. Ravenclaw was by far the most numerous, with only Mandy Brocklehurst and Micheal Corner missing. Slytherin was represented by only two: Lily Moon and Blaise Zabini.
So many young lives cut short or lost to her homelands.
A tapping at her window caught her attention. She had to blink at the owl on the ledge. A very distinct white owl with black stripes was perched on the sill of the headmaster's office. Still a little surprised since she hadn't seen this owl in over two years, she opened the window.
Hedwig did a hop and then launched herself to land a moment later on her desk. She moved over to take the offered letter on her leg. "Hello, Hedwig. I hope you and your wizard are doing well?"
The smart owl gave her a barking response. Once the letter was off her, she hopped a few times, before taking to flight and leaving through the still open window. She had a sad smile on her face to watch the beautiful owl turn west and was quickly out of sight.
Looking down at the letter, she recognized the messy script of Harry Potter.
-o-
Dear Order,
Care of the headmaster's office
-o-
She slowly unscrolled the letter.
-o-
Dear Order,
I know that the Order most likely doesn't exist anymore since Dumbledore died, but I wanted to write you one last letter.
Professor McGonagall, my wife recently pointed out that we never formally withdrew from Hogwarts. Please accept this as our formal withdrawal. In a way, I am sad. It was my first home. It was where I met my first friends. It was where I met my Daphne. It was the first place I called home.
I will not get into the details of why Daphne Potter and I are withdrawing, but please know that we are going into our last year of school somewhere else. We both passed the International OWLs with seven outstandings each, and a total of eleven OWLs for Daphne and ten for me. I expect we will do equally as well on our International NEWTS next spring.
I also wanted to let you know that I have found Hermione and we have restarted our friendship, no thanks to the late Headmaster Dumbledore. I do not want to dwell on such dark things as he has been made out to be one of the heroes of the last war.
Suffice it to say, I am now happy, in love and glad that I no longer have either Dark Wanker overshadowing my life.
I will still ask that you never try to find me.
Wishing you to have a wonderful year,
Yours truly,
Harry and Daphne Potter
-o-
After reading, she put parchment onto the large oak desk and leaned back in her chair. Her temples hurt to see the contents of the letter and to know how much they failed the son of two of her favourite students.
Sitting back in her chair, she blankly stared out the window. It was something she had found Albus doing a few times in his last few years. She thought he had been losing the plot but had probably been remembering his life and all the people he had once loved and lost and mistakes he had made.
Harry Potter was one of the largest mistakes she had made in her life and would regret her decision to follow Albus so blindly until the end of her days. She took some comfort to know that he found a better place and lived.
After a bit, she vowed to never let another class… another student… suffer the way last years had.
Refocusing on her task, she made sure the books were balanced and they would never have the same fiscal crisis again like they had the last two years. When she would finally retire in two-thousand and twelve, many would remember her as one of the best headmasters that had led the school out of one of its most direst of times while expanding its curriculum, extracurricular activities and bringing it to the fore of magical schools in the world.
She would die disappointed to know that no Potter would ever walk the school's halls again as all three of their children would go to school in the MACUSA.
-FIN-
Thank you for reading and hopefully enjoying the story. I hope you found it as fun to read as I found writing it. Until next time,
WolfgangNH