AN: The usual disclaimers apply. I hope that everyone enjoyed the last chapter, things got a little hard to write for a while and finding time to do so has been a bit wonky. I am still working to update the older chapters and work through some of the back log to ensure that any errors are fixed. I hope things have been going well for all of you, if you are enjoying the story do not hesitate to leave a comment as it helps me to improve the story and know what you all are enjoying. I am still on the hunt for a new Beta Reader to help in improving the story and working out any issues that remain. I am excited that two chapters have managed to come together so quickly and hope you all enjoy this new chapter. Today marks the 4 year anniversary that this story has been in production, what an amazing 4 years it has been. This story was first published on 07/20/2024 and is still going, all of you who have read, reviewed, favorited and followed have truly helped this story along in so many ways. I cannot thank each of you enough, I am excited to see what the next year brings to this story and I cannot wait to share the next chapters with you. On with the show shall we.
Harry awoke with a start, the dim light of sunrise peering into the room through the open curtains. He sighed, trying to figure out what it was that had woken him. Pulling on his glasses, he sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed. The week had been relatively quiet, the only issues being that of Snape covering for Lupin for a couple of days in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Standing he stretched and made his way over to the dresser to begin going through his clothes, today was the first Hogsmeade weekend and he was excited for what this could entail. He knew most of the others had things that they wanted to do while in the village today, Susan and Daphne had plans to meet up with Lavender while Hermione wanted to visit the local bookshop. Ron hadn't really said his plans, but Harry knew that he was exceptionally excited for Honeyduke's.
Opening the draws he began pulling out clothes for the day and then headed into the bathroom for a shower. As he turned on the hot water he felt Hermione wake in their shared space, she didn't seem to notice that he was listening in as she reviewed the dream that she had left. He smiled to himself as he climbed into the shower and began to bathe, letting her thoughts wash over him.
If you're going to listen in at least don't interrupt my thoughts. She said with a laugh letting him know that she was not upset. He could feel her intrigue at his thoughts but she didn't comment as he watched through her eyes as she made her own way over to her wardrobe and began to choose her own outfit for the day.
I wasn't trying to interrupt you. He said softly pulling himself back into his own mind as he finished washing his hair and began with the rest of himself. I just enjoy getting to hear you think.
He felt her smile through the link and she sighed contentedly. I know, as I enjoy getting to share everything that is you Harry. But still, you know how I can be in the mornings. He chuckled at her rebuttal and stepped out to dry himself before dressing.
You are up awfully early. She said softly and he could feel the curiosity in her thought. I didn't expect to see you for another hour, especially after yesterday's late practice.
He sighed and shook his head before pulling his shirt on and then his glasses. I couldn't sleep after I woke up from a strange dream. He still didn't remember what it had been about, only that most of the girls had been present during it.
He felt her curiosity rise further and she began to probe his memories of the moments before waking. Interesting, I thought by now that we would be able to recall each other's dreams more clearly. He shrugged and pulled her closer in their shared space. So, what are you planning today? She asked with a gentle smile.
I am not sure yet, I think the twins wanted to meet up for something. They wouldn't say what, but I have the feeling if it's both Parvati and Padma things will definitely be interesting. He was curious to know what they wanted, but he hadn't pried much when they had mentioned wanting to spend time together the day before.
Walking back into his room he sat down at his desk to check on the essay he had finished the night before for McGonagall. Despite their new relationship with their Head of House, things still proceeded as usual in classes. He hadn't expected any different treatment, but it was nice to know that she didn't choose favorites.
Of course she does. Hermione said with a laugh, he could tell that she was in her own shower now from the faintest sound of water he could hear coming from her room. She just doesn't give them preferential treatment. We've been some of her favorites over the last couple of years, she just doesn't let us know it.
He thought for a moment about this and nodded. That makes sense, but why would we be her favorites?. He asked with a frown, it didn't make sense why she would like them over other students, especially with all of the trouble that they had caused the last two years.
Hermione smirked and he could feel her exasperation through the bond. Part of it is because we cause such 'trouble' as you put it. She said, letting her thoughts take over as she remembered all of the events that she could from the last two years. More importantly it's because of who we are, she knows that we don't hunt down trouble, rather it tends to find us.
He laughed and shook his head. That's putting things mildly, but still we haven't exactly been the best of students. Sure you pass all of your classes with exceptionally high grades, but Ron and I are always slacking in at least one way or another.
She sighed and he could feel her washing her hair. Yes, I do pass my classes with good grades, but that doesn't mean that is what she looks at. She said pointedly, ringing some of the water out of her hair. It's more the fact that deep in our hearts we are good people and she can sense that and our need for guidance. Another part of it is because of you and your past, she knows your story well and knows what you have been through.
He sighed, he always hated this part about himself. Yeah...He said, letting his own exasperation bleed through the word. I know she knows, she's told us as much and told us how she wishes she could have done more for me when I was stuck with the Dursleys.
He could feel her usual animosity at his relatives pour through her for a moment before she pushed it away. Anyone who knew about that would try to make amends, even Dumbledore has stated he wants to fix the wrongs he did in the past in leaving you with them.
I know. He said quietly, the reminder of their few sparse meetings with the Headmaster hanging in the air between them. I cannot say that I am not upset with the way he chose to do things, but he does seem to have had good reasons despite not wanting to tell us what those reasons are yet.
She huffed and he could feel her own displeasure with Dumbledore pour through for a moment. You think he'd be more than happy to explain why he left you with abusive, imbecilic, assholes. She said pointedly, venom seeping into her tone. I understand what he has told us, but there has to be more Harry and I want to know what it is. I am not sure if you caught his agitation over our Bond, but I have a few times.
Harry nodded, he knew she was right and that Dumbledore had seemed peeved at some of the aspects of their union. He definitely didn't seem quite as happy about it as he said that he was, but I just assumed it was due to how things happened or at least some of the things that him and I have discussed in the past.
She hummed softly but didn't respond. He could feel her getting dressed and he receded back again into his own space to give her some privacy and allow her to get ready for the day. Standing up he slipped out into the common room and found to his surprise that Daphne and Susan were already seated on one of the couches.
"Morning." He said as he crossed over and settled into his usual chair.
"Good morning Harry." Daphne said as she smiled over to him, her corn silk hair down today instead of in her usual morning bun. "Are you excited for Hogsmeade?"
He nodded, feeling her own excitement pouring through her question. "Yes, I believe it's going to be a good day."
Susan yawned and he could see that she was not enthusiastic about the early hour. "I could have used more sleep." She stated with a tired air.
"Did you not sleep well Sue?" He asked softly, smiling gently as he watched her settle back further into the couch.
"No, I was up nearly half the night working on two different essays. Trelawney and McGonagall seem determined to load us down for the next month what with all of their workload."
He laughed as she closed her eyes and settled her head back against the couch, seeming to doze off within a few moments. Daphne stood and moved closer to him, he could tell that she didn't want to disturb Susan in her attempt to gain some extra sleep.
"So, what are your plans today?" She asked, reaching over and gently taking his hand into her own, playing with his fingers idly.
He smiled gently as he stared into her pale gray eyes. "I'm not sure yet, I know Padma and Parvati both wanted to meet for something today. I'll probably spend some of the time with them, aside from that no idea."
She nodded, and he could see that she was storing the information away for later. "Well, I hope that the three of you have a wonderful time. I know Susan and Lavender were both talking about going to the Three Broomsticks, maybe Honeyduke's as well."
He nodded, most of the students had been discussing the sweet shop and pub in the halls and in the Gryffindor Common Room. From what he had gathered they were two of the most popular places aside from Zonko's Joke Shop. Hermione he knew was more excited for the pet store and the book shop, but he also knew that she was interested in visiting the Post Office as well.
"I know there are some places that seem interesting, but a lot of it will depend on what the Twins want to do. I also want to take Alexandrine to the Pet Emporium, I need to get her a gift like the brooms I got for all of you."
She nodded, and he could see that she was remembering the night that he had announced the gift to them all. "I wonder when they will be arriving, I know Susan and Ginny are eager to try them out when they get here." She said with a grin. "Have you decided what you are going to get her?"
He nodded and shrugged. "Well I have a few ideas, but mainly it's going to be whatever she wants. I think a pet would be a great thing for her since most of us all have either a cat or an owl, some even have both."
Daphne smirked at his remark. "Hey, I wasn't expecting Daddy to send me and Astoria kittens on Tuesday, but I am glad that he did. Speaking of Astoria has Hedwig returned yet?"
He shook his head and sighed. "No, it's been a week and she still hasn't returned from delivering the letter to your cousin in the Department."
She frowned and he could see her concern regarding the matter of her Sister and Draco etched in her face for a moment. "She is a busy woman, it may take a few days for us to hear anything. I just hope that she can help us in this endeavor."
He smiled softly and gently reached out to cup her cheek in his hand, caressing her with his fingertips. "Hey, it's going to be ok." He said softly, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "We're going to save her and speak with your Father."
She nodded and sniffed, letting him hear and see how much the matter was affecting her. "I know, but the waiting is getting to me."
He smiled softly and stood, pulling her up off the couch and into his arms as he gently held her. She curled into him, resting her head on his chest as he held her, conforming her. He gently tilted his head kissed the top of her head giving her a moment to compose herself, letting her know that he was there for her.
She sighed and leaned back to look up into his eyes. "We have to stop this." She said quietly and he could see the plea in her eyes. "No matter what, whether it's with Dobby's help or something else entirely.
He nodded softly, staring directly into her soul where he could see her torment bubbling within her. "We will." He said, conviction burning within him. "Whatever it takes."
She nodded and hid her face in his chest as he saw tears forming in her eyes. She was always so strong and seeing her like this made him ache for her and her sister. Their Father was a strong and confident man, but he also knew that he would do anything to save his daughters from evil and Lucius and his son were that and more incarnate.
"It's going to be okay." He said softly, feeling her tears soak his shirt. "Don't worry Daphne, we will stop this."
She hiccuped as he continued to hold her but did not pull away or answer. He silently swore that he would put an end to this Contract between Astoria and Draco no matter what it took. Carefully he sank down into the chair pulling her with him into his lap as he continued to hold her. He heard a door open and close but he didn't look up as he felt Hermione in their bond see the current situation and choose to remain silent as she quietly crept over to one of the other chairs and settled into it without a word.
After several moments he felt her hiccup again but this time she pulled back to look up into his eyes again. "I'm sorry." She said softly.
"Don't be, you're a strong and determine young woman who is watching as her sister has to potentially face a terrible thing." He said softly, gently leaning in to kiss her forehead. "You can only stay strong and watch quietly for so long before you break. It's not a sign of weakness or anything less, it's a sign that you care so much that you want to do more."
She smiled softly and leaned in to kiss him as he felt her trembling in his arms. "Thank you." She said quietly before curling to sit more comfortable against him, catching sigh of Hermione as she did so.
Hermione smiled softly over at the two of them and he could sense her approval of how he handled the situation. "Whatever it takes, we all will help with this." she said softly and he could feel the conviction and resolution within their bond. "I don't know everything that's going on, but I will do whatever I can to help. The others will too if you want to tell them and ask."
Daphne sighed and he could feel her heart beginning to settle and return to normal beneath the hand that held her waist. "I know, I just haven't mentioned it to you all as I didn't want to burden you with my fears and anxiety."
Hermione nodded and sighed. "It's not a burden though, we are your family too, and we will do whatever it takes to help our own." She said standing and crossing over to kneel down before Daphne and look up at her as she reached up and took her hand. "It's what family does, we support and stick up for each other. I don't know your sister well, at least not like I know you, but I know just how evil Lucius and his son are. If Draco's auctions toward me have proven anything in the last three years, he's not going to get any better as he gets older."
"Eef you zought zat 'e would get better with time, zen you are wrongly mistaken." Came a voice from across the room as the Harry and the two girls looked up to see Alexandrine exiting her room. "I 'ave known Draco all of my life, 'e eez not a good person."
Harry felt his intrigue at the statement growing within him but it was Daphne who answered. "I don't know Draco much outside of school, but I have heard many, many rumors about his Father and from what I have seen regarding Draco's behaviors at school..."
Alexandrine nodded slowly. "Zere ees very leetle difference between what you see 'ere and 'ow 'e eez at 'ome." She said with a frown. "My parents 'ave always tried to avoid my spending any time with 'im if eet could be 'elped, zen again 'ad my Uncle not decided to marry me to 'arry zen I know 'e deed mention a union to Draco once."
"WHAT!" Hermione cried and he could feel her outrage and confusion. "But you're his cousin, that would be...no, that's not how it works in this world is it."
"Zere eez precedence for eet een our family. Eef zee current heir to 'ouse Paravon eez female and no suitable 'usband can be found for 'er, zen she can be forced to marry into the Malfoy family through a direct cousin or uncle."
Harry felt his mind racing at this statement. "You were going to be forced to marry Draco?" He asked raising an eyebrow in his disgust of the idea.
"I am not sure 'arry, eet was somezing zat my Uncle mentioned once to my fazer." She said quietly as she crossed over and settled onto one of the empty couches. "Eet was a long time ago, I was six at zee time. Draco and I were playing een a nearby room when Lucius said eet. I believe 'e was just threatening my parents as zey 'ave never agreed wiz 'is agendas."
Harry blinked, this did indeed sound like the Lucius Malfoy he knew. Threatening his own family did not sound too far fetched and he had no reason to doubt Alexandrine or her claims. Still to threaten to wed a child to their own cousin was going a bit too far for most normal people.
Lucius Malfoy is not a normal kind of even Harry, have you never looked into the history of the First War against Voldemort? Hermione stated firmly in their shared space. He committed many crimes and did many terrible things all in the name of Voldemort, things that he later claimed were done under the Imperius Curse.
The what? He asked as he felt her exasperation through the bond. He wondered what this Curse was and why they had never heard of it before, surely if it was something dark then they would have or would be learning about it in Defense Against the Dark Arts.
The Imperius Curse is one of the Unforgivable Curses. She said quietly as he felt her knowledge of the three Curses through the bond. He felt her revulsion and the mentions of all three of them. It's used to control others by taking complete control of their mind and body, the victim is locked away in their mind while the caster has complete and total control of their actions.
He did not like the sound of that and he highly doubted that Lucius was under the Curse at all, the many had threatened him personally last year. That didn't seem to play well with someone who claimed to have been mind controlled during a War.
Of course it doesn't, if he was ever under that Curse or any other then it was of his own free will. She said pointedly as she pulled back out of their shared space.
"Thank you all, all of you." Daphne said as she wiggled in his lap and he could tell she was trying to get more comfortable that she already was. "I could not have asked for a better family, I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
Hermione and Alexandrine smiled gently at her as he lightly pressed his fingers more firmly into her side, letting her know that he was there no matter what. The four of them sat there quietly in their own thoughts for several minutes until Padma, Parvati and Ginny came out of their rooms to find them lost in their thoughts. He smiled at the three of them as the came quietly to join the gathering.
"Morning." He said in greeting as they settled on to the couches beside Susan and Hermione.
"Good morning." The twins said together before looking at each other and laughing.
"You two are turning into Fred and George" Ginny said with a playful smile as she gave them each a once over. "Morning everyone."
He laughed as the Twins gave her a playful wink in response before turning back to Harry. "So, are we all ready for Hogsmeade today?" Parvati asked as she looked about at the others. "What's everyone got planned?"
The others all shared what they wanted to do as he listened, Ginny was not able to join them in the village today as she was not a third year student so he knew that she would probably be seeking out one of her friends to spend the day with. He listed as Hermione confirmed that she would indeed be searching out the book store and then going to the Post Office, while Daphne confirmed hers and Susan's plans to meet up with Lavender and potentially Hannah Abbot.
"I want to take Alexandrine somewhere to get her something special, but I know that you two wanted to meet up in the village as well." He said as he continued to hold Daphne while she still sat in his lap.
"You want to take me somewhere?" Alexandrine said, raising her eyebrow in surprise at h is statement. "What are you wanting to get me 'arry?"
He smiled and nodded. "You will see, it will be your choice. Like I said when I told everyone about their Firebolts, since I didn't know about you at the time I have to get you a gift to make up for that."
She smiled softly. "You don't 'ave to get me anyzing 'arry, just being with you eez enough for me."
He grinned back at her. "I know, but I still want to get you something."
She shook her head softly but didn't argue as he turned his attention back to Padma and Parvati. "So, where did you want to meet up?"
"Well, we have something planned." Parvati said with a smile. "Meet us outside Honeyduke's at one, then we can reveal everything to you."
He nodded and turned back to the rest of the room as Susan woke up from her nap. The others all began discussing their plans again in detail as Daphne sat quietly against him. He could tell that she was still thinking about the situation regarding her sister, but she no longer seemed ready to burst into tears.
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Harry walked along the lane following behind the others, Alexandrine was at his side. They had decided to go together early to get her present but he still hadn't told her where they were going. She held his hand as they walked, several of the other students had passed them by already in their eagerness to get to the Village.
"So, what are your plans after this?" He asked as they walked, gently stroking the back of her hand with this thumb.
"Well I do want to see what zis Joke Shop eez all about." She said with a grin. "Aside from zat I may also look een on zee pub zat everyone keeps mentioned, zee Zree Broomsticks."
He nodded as he listed to her speak about her interest. "So, you like jokes?" He asked with a grin.
"Sometimes, zey can be quite interesting to see and experience." She said with a grin of her own. "I used to sometimes play zem on my parents." She continued, her smile growing wider at her memories.
"You played jokes on your parents?"
She nodded. "Sometimes, nozing dangerous or anyzing like that." She said with a sigh. "Just small leetle pranks, getting my dress dirty after eet was just cleaned. Leaving somezing for zem to find that was not supposed to be zere. Harmless zings like what zee Weazley Twins like to do."
He laughed, he couldn't really see her as a prankster. "I never would have thought that of you." He said with a sigh. "You always seem to be so prim and proper."
"Yes, zat is 'ow I was raised 'arry, but I do like to 'ave fun now and again." She said with a frown. "Don't worry, I don't play pranks much anymore, eet 'as been a long time since I was able to put somezing togezer that deedn't require a lot of planning."
He smiled softly and gently squeezed her hand in his own. "Well, now I know to always check everything before trusting something that looks innocent."
She laughed and smiled back up at him before pulling him to a stop and leaning up to kiss him gently on the lips. "Zere eez no need to worry my love." She said softly, gently caressing his cheek with her hand.
He grinned and together they resumed their pace into the Village. Once they arrived the others all dispersed to their intended destinations, he watched them go and felt a twinge of regret that he couldn't join all of them. Leading her along the two of them entered the pet emporium which seemed to surprise her as they stepped into the musty interior.
"A pet shop?" She asked as she turned to look up at him.
He nodded and smiled down at her. "Yeah, I've noticed how you get excited in Care of Magical Creatures and though that perhaps you may like a pet of your own."
She beamed up at him, showing her beautifully white teeth in her smile. "'Arry, I 'ave not 'ad a pet in years."
"Well, lets pick out whatever it is that you want." He said gently, guiding her toward the cages that held several animals from owls, to rats, he even saw to his delight that they did have bowtruckles available.
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Well, I hope you all enjoyed the new chapter. Thank you again to those that have reviewed and I will see you all in the next one.