Harry Walked out to the Gate where Potion Master Snape and Scion Malfoy were waiting. With them was a Witch with two colours of hair, and a spider motif to her outfit… including her parasol.
"Potion Master. With the Oldman out, I would have thought you would take the opportunity to… retire. You don't enjoy teaching, and all three of the Wizards of my School have earned your scorn."
"Lady Malfoy. I was not expecting you." Harry bowed his head to her. "Your son has made claims and taken Actions that had I found him to be more than an inbred imbecile infant, I would have ended the current line."
"Are you threatening me, Potter?" Draco lunged at Potter, hitting the Gate… and received a shock of electricity strong enough to drop him into convulsions as he wet himself.
"You did that on purpose, Potter." Snape sneered, as he peered down at the boy at his feet.
"How is it that you're not in Slytherin?" Narcissia asked the Lad.
"The House was bad-mouthed by two people who, at the time, I trusted and your son, after making every bad decision he could, was sorted first. The Hat tried twice to get me to choose Slytherin. Just as well that I went elsewhere, I would have gutted half the House by now."
He waved his hand and the Gate swung open, as he stepped back. "We have a closet to put him in. I don't think he has the control of himself to keep quiet for the meeting with the Headmistress." He turned his head and called out, "I need two Elves from Slytherin, please."
"Lord Swordy calls?" A voice from behind him alerted him to their arrival.
"Scion Malfoy needs to be cleaned and put in a clean abandoned classroom. He is to remain in the room until his Mother is finished meeting with the Headmistress. The other, I need for another task."
The two Elves did the Elf version of paper-rock-scissors. One sighed and, with a snap of his fingers, vanished, taking Draco with him.
"I need you to collect the three female Perfects of Slytherin. Have them report to the Headmistress's office. I would prefer if they are waiting for me when I arrive." He waved his hand at the Gate and it swung closed behind the adults. "This way, please."
"Why was my Son expelled last night?" Lady Malfoy asked.
"After he struck Hestia Carrow, my Fiancée, he had the gall and impudence to Declare before the full House… minus a couple of members, that He was the Heir to a Powerful House and everyone had to take a knee in his presence and know their place or he would put them there."
"I see." Narcissia frowned at Severus.
[Flashback]
In the tea room, newly dried and warmed Severus Snape sipped his tea as He reclined on the Victorian Lounge.
"Now, tell me. Everything without the Bias." Narcissia smiled at him over her tea cup.
"Like I said, it all comes back to Potter. At Lunch, a few of my vipers were sitting with Him at the Gryffindor Table. As I was going to yell at him, but couldn't do anything because it would take points from Slytherin, when one of the Half-blood wizards made a noise, calling the witches around Potter tarts.
I stood up to direct the girls back to their territory… when, before Draco could open his mouth, Albus tried to call the boy to his office. Instead of trotting along like the puppy Potter usually is, he declared before the whole Hall that anything Albus had to say, he could say to his Witches. A direct Quote. His Witches.
Potter took an aggressive stance, and the two people in the whole student body tried to take him. He redirected Draco's spell into the youngest Weasley wizard, as he stepped over the stunner sent by Albus as he redirected a Disarming Hex at Albus. After catching the Wand, and tucking it up his sleeve, he taunted me and called into doubt the reason I am still at the School." He sipped his tea, the Potion Master in him identifying the liquid as it crossed his tongue. "Moody took that moment to try to take him… only for the binding hex to be returned as a button of all things struck Albus between his bushy eyebrows… and Portkeyed him away."
"Luci has tried everything he could for the past ten years to remove Albus from the Castle…" Narcissia snickered, "And a Boy younger than his Son does it in one night."
Severus chuckled, before sipping again. 'Lady Grey, soothing and warm. Sweetened with Honey… Highland Heather.'
"You have yet to say how you were removed from the Castle."
"Between the Brat yelling at me about his Mother's Death being Albus's fault and Moody's attempt, the Castle dismissed Albus and Named Potter its Champion. The Castle and School of Hogwarts named the arrogant toe rag…"
Your bias is showing." Cissi tutted.
"I only learned that when the Head Girl joined me as I examined Moody's Flask. After sending Albus to Merlin knows where, Potter issued a few orders, bowed to Minerva's command, and retreated to the witches that had gathered around him. He kissed the cheek of a couple of them and headed out to wait for Bones.
"It turns out that Moody was in truth Bella's boy toy Barty Junior. He had been using Polyjuice and hair from the still living Moody to pretend to be the old crazy bastard."
He sipped again. 'There is something hiding under the honey…'
"After dealing with the Aurors and getting Moody to Poppy, I returned to the Slytherin Common Room by way of the Potions Lab and my Office. I arrived just as Draco declared that he was Heir Black and the strongest person in the Room. That everyone should know their place or he would put them in it."
"That's when Potter showed up. I fell into my old habits and Potter removed us from the Castle. I can talk to Minerva in the morning." he sipped his tea. 'cloves… no… a basil… Nero Basil. Now why would she be trying to slip me Basil?' His eyes flickered across her tight and nearly naked body … 'Wait … where did her robes go? Why is my friend's wife smirking like that? Why am I asking questions?'
The Viper Queen struck.
[Flashback ends]
Narcissia snorted. "It seems that you either skipped a few details or you weren't up to your usual standards."
"Yes." Snape sneered, "First I was brutally assaulted, before I was ejected from the Castle into the Lake, then I was drugged and assaulted again."
"Should I apologize?" She raised a perfectly sculptured eyebrow.
"Only for drugging me. Next time… just ask."
"Damn." Harry reminded them that they were not alone. "And I thought I had Witch issues. But for a Potion Master of your skill being taken…"
"Potter." The Potion Master growled.
"Just saying that I am going to both enjoy and regret that I have Four Slytherin Witches in my future."
"Four?" Narcissia asked as they mounted the staircase to climb to the Head Office.
"Yes. Thanks to your Husband, I have blood sealed contracts with Houses Carrow, Greengrass, and Parkinson."
"You do now?" The Lady hummed to herself. "And how are you able to claim such?"
"My Godfather and Third Cousin… Sirius Black. Luci failed to do his due diligence. Because Sirius never sat in Judgement before any Court, his titles were intact when he went to that lovely island resort. As his Heir, I inherit everything… including the contracts that were penned in the name of the Heir of Black."
"Lucius never signed those."
"Of course not. Because until they were signed, he could demand concessions. In a Gryffindor reaction to barrel my school rival, and put my toe in, I signed the Contracts and imprinted my Heir Ring. It was only when I was standing on the top of the Steps of the Bank that I realized I was in over my head."
"You're being very civil, considering you are a Gryffindor walking two Slytherin through the halls."
"Considering that your son is half the reason I am a Gryffindor and not a Slytherin…" Harry offered her his grin, as they turned down the Hallways to the Sphinx Gargoyle.
The two Adults pulled up at the sight of the brushed bronze bust.
"I see that Minerva has been busy." Severus spoke softly.
"Oh that? Yeah, no. The Castle did that when she took the Oath of Office." Harry smiled at them, as he came to a stop before the regal Beast. "Potion Master Snape to see the Headmistress. And Guest."
"And Guest?" Narcissia frowned at him as the bronze beast stood and slinked to the side with the Feline Grace of its base creature.
"Well… I have to have some fun with the Headmistress." He led the way to the office, knocked and entered. "I have a family legacy to live up to. Headmistress… your visitors."
The Office had been cleared of its nicknacks. In their place were a selection of chairs and end tables. The padded throne had been replaced with a cross between a shaker style rocker and a Victorian Office chair from the early 1860s.
Three older Witches with green and silver ties and prefect pins were standing along the bookcase.
"Severus. Narcissia. Good Morning." Minerva smiled from behind her desk. "I was not expecting you this morning, Lady Malfoy."
"Yes, Headmistress. I was coming to persuade you to readmit my Son… but I have seen him ignore everything I have taught him about being a Slytherin and try to attack his school rival through the Gate and Wards of this Castle."
"He was sorted before the Hat even touched his head." Harry stood behind the two adults. "I swear that he is more Gryffindor than I am."
Narcissia frowned at the lad, before smirking. "I agree. He needs to learn his Place. How is his Politics?"
"Most of what I hear is, 'Just Wait Until I Tell My Father!' as his Goons drag him from the room. We have taken to joking about him waving his Father's Wand. Take that as you will."
A chuckling from the bookshelves drew all eyes up to the Sorting Hat. "I was afraid of his Hair Products. I panicked and sent him where his minions went. I have observed him and find Potter to be Correct. If Scion Malfoy wants to return, he will need to be re-sorted. Odds are him going to Gryffindor."
Minerva sighed. "Take the weekend."
"Ah, Headmistress." Harry spoke up. "Monday morning you, Snape, and Flitwick are going to be called into Gringotts. Lord Potter has decided to Read the Wills of James Charles and Lily Rose."
"Okay…" Minerva sighed, "The Next Friday Night. Before Dinner, Malfoy comma Draco will be Sorted. Or He can join one of the Visiting Schools. Talk to him, his next infraction will be his Last."
"One way or another." Harry smiled.
Severus recognised the smile… it was a mix of the smile on his Father's Face crossed with the look in Lily's eye when she took a stand.
"And what of Him?" Narcissia smirked as she pointed a lacquered nail at Harry.
"He won't be Sorted." The Hat 'grinned', "As School Champion, he is not allowed in the House System. An Infraction he commits will be judged by the HeadMistress and the Four Heads of House. Because of his Duties to and For the School… Potter will take his classes as he can. He will be allowed to attend any Classes that he is able to maintain an EE average. He will continue to room where he is, and as he is not in a House… he is no longer eligible to be on a House Quidditch Team. But he is eligible to Referee as long as he can remain unbiased."
"Well there goes Gryffindors Winning Streak." Snape smirked.
"Now for you, Potion Master." Minerva smiled at the Dungeon Bat. "I have spoken to the rest of the Staff and everyone agrees that you are not fit for teaching Beginning Potions. I have written both Master Slughorn, and Healer Tonks. We do have a need for a Potion Master who can Brew on Your Level. You are Offered the Post of Potion Master of Hogwarts, and will teach the NEWT students and any who wish to Take their own Mastery. You are not going to be a Head of House, or hold any direct authority over Potter until He takes NEWTs Potions. You will spend your time in your Classroom, Lab, and Quarters. You are Welcome to the Great Hall for meals and the like. You will be on call for All Potion related issues."
"I am allowed to take any Student that wants to be a Potion Master?" Snape sneered. 'This is too easy…'
"Yes. They will need to show us that they are NEWT certified and Follow the Rules… at least to the level of the Weasley Twins." Potter tucked his thumbs into his belt. "They will be Quartered near the Dorms, but not in them. I ask that you limit the number of Mastery students to Six, but I can't enforce that. But if I think they are a threat to the School or a Student, they're out. They won't get a cool dip."
"How do you know about that?" Snape sneered at the Lad.
"Because he is tied to the Wards." The Hat growled before Harry could answer.
"What did that cost me?" Harry asked the Hat.
"Your Life." Was the Answer. "You can not be away from Hogwarts for more than a month at a time before the Need to return will compel you. Good News … you will never have to return to Surrey… Bad News… Riddle and Dumbledore are not the Last Wizards you will face without a wand in hand. You are the Blade of Hogwarts. We kinda Contracted you the same way the Goblet of Fire got you."
"And My Witches?"
"There is a room for each of the Females in your group… whether they are going to be in your bed or not is up to them."
Narcissia snickered. "And how many are you bound to again?"
"Bones and Granger for Potter. Carrow, Greengrass, and Parkinson for Black, with Lovegood and Weasley along for laughs." Harry whined. "And that's not including their friends, lovers, and play things."
"What do you think they are going to do?" Snape asked.
"I have no idea!" Harry hammered. "I have a handle on Granger from our shared background. Give her Chocolates, Flowers, Books and Cream when she gets cranky and leave her alone in the sunlight."
Narcissia frowned at the lad, before sitting on a Victorian chair, tucking her Parasol near her hip. A cup of tea appeared on the table to her left. "This I gotta hear. Why is that the way to pacify this witch?"
"A number of reasons." Harry moved to sit across from her. A mug of chilled Butterbeer appeared at his left. "One, Like me, she is false Coloured. She should have been in Ravenclaw. Hense Books. Two, Muggle or squib born, therefore Muggle raised. Chocolate is the best way to pacify a woman. Flowers… all women like to be told that they are appreciated. As for the cream and sunlight… that has to do with a Potion mishap two years ago."
"And you won't say anything more?" Narcissia sipped her tea. "This is good. Only Dobby could get it correct… but Lucius lost him some eighteen months ago when he was attacked by a gutter bounder."
"I am not a Bounder nor from the Gutter!" Harry was on his feet. "Besides, Luci drew first!"
That had every adult looking at Harry.
"Mister Potter." It was not a question. Minivera was exerting her Authority.
"Just after I returned from the Chamber… Lucius burst into the Office with Dobby on his heels. Dobby indicated that the Diary was Lucius's before it was given to the First Year Witchling. So I returned it to him just outside of the Office."
"Not seeing the point." Snape sneered. (Is it just the Author or is all Snape does is Brew and sneer?)
"When I handed the book to Your Husband, he passed it on to Dobby." Harry sat on the edge of the chair. "I had put a sock into the diary before I gave it to Luci. It was enough for Dobby to claim that he was Dismissed from Service."
"I see." Narcissia sipped her tea. "Heir Black, you said that Lord Black is in the Castle?"
"Yes, He is speaking to the Account Managers for Black and Potter." Harry smiled at the witch.
Cissi set the cup… the empty cup… on the side table. "I must speak with our Lord."
"Dobby. You are needed."
"Great Wizard Harry Potter Sir calls Dobby?" The Elf appeared at his knee, bouncing on his toes.
"Dobby?"
The Elf's head snapped around to see Narcissia Malfoy. "Former Mistress." It was not the voice that Dobby used to talk about the other Malfoys.
"You're looking good."
Dobby wrapped an arm around Harry's leg as his eyes studied the Witch.
"Okay Dobby. Is Doggy still talking to the Goblins?" Harry rubbed the bald head.
"Yes. You need Doggy?" Dobby turned to look at Harry.
"No, Cissi needs to talk to Doggy. Please escort her to the Office."
Dobby slowly stepped away from Harry and extended his hand for her to take. "Walk or Pop?"
Narcissia smiled gently. "Pop. It has been a long time since I last Popped." She took his hand and they vanished with a pop.
"Potion Master, you are the Scion's Godfather, correct?" Harry stood and collected the Butterbeer mug. "From what I know, he will be interested in joining Karkaroff rather than Maxime. Shall I escort you to the Ship or are you wanting to inspect your lab?"
"I will have a word with Igor." Severus nodded to Minerva. "Headmistress, your offer is interesting, but I need to think about it. May I too have until the end of the week?"
"Of course, Potion Master." Minerva smiled as she stood. "And I will see you Monday at Gringotts."
Again, Harry found himself escorting the Potion through the Halls.
"You seem to be okay with everything." Snape spoke softly.
"I am waiting for after dinner to have my weekly panic attack and thumb sucking session." Harry smiled at the man. "Now I just have a witch or two to hold me while I hyperventilate."
"Are you being arrogant or clueless? You have at least four witches and you are crying 'woe is me'?"
"Potion Master. What do you know about the menstrual cycle?" Harry stopped and looked at the man.
"Just that you don't bring it up with women and guys don't know what to think about it."
Harry shook his head. "Child-bearing females cycle about every twenty eight days. It's part of Her body cleaning and maintaining itself." He started walking. "There are some serious coins to be made by lessening the effects of this process. Some females get bitchy…er during this time. Chocolate is a big help for muggle women. It is also why I am putting in a heavy order for Honeydukes Fudge, and ordering dragonhide robes. I got five Witches right now and when twenty one days pass, I want them blissed out on chocolate, and focused anywhere but on me."
"So you are not completely a dunderhead."
"But I am, Sir." Harry hopped on to the top step as the stairs swung into place under him. "I had just finished figuring out Hermione's tics and I bought myself four more. If it was sign and except them, that's one thing. But no… Heir Black had to spend a small fortune first!"
Severus watched the lad rant as they descended. "So… why did you do it?"
"A proverbial kick in Lucius's stones." Harry hit the flagstone of the ground floor with a full head of steam. He had to pause and look around before leading the Wizard out the front doors and down to the lake.
"Just like your father." Snape smiled. "If you knew what buttons to push, you could get him to do just about anything. Black used to prey on that. Drove your father into more trouble than you would believe. Of course James would return the Favour. That they were mostly targeting me… I gave as good as I got… until… until I did something stupid and drove her away."
Snape quickly took the lead to the Ship. When he stepped onto the gangplank, he stopped. "Your mother was my first friend and the only woman I ever loved. When I did the unspeakable in a fit of anger… she never forgave me. In a flare of Rage… I lost the love of my life. Every step I took to get her back just made everything that much worse." He looked at the Lad. "Never let them think or believe that they are not loved, respected, and cherished." Snape sniffed. "I leave you here. From here on is Dunstrum territory. Sovereign Soil. Unless you have reason to believe that they have broken Guest Rights…"
"I am the Guest." Harry nodded. "Call an Elf when you decide one way or another. I need to have you watched until McGonagall rebinds to the Wards." Harry nodded at the man. "And thank you Sir, for telling me a little about her. Everyone has something to say about him, but the only thing I hear about her is I have her eyes."
APLB
Harry found himself at the gate as another swarm of Goblins marched on the school.
"Weasley. I see that you are once more leading an invasion on Hogwarts!" Harry cheerfully called out. "That's twice in the same-day! Do I need to call your mum and tell that you can't even invade a little old castle no matter how many Goblins you are leading?"
"You do that and I will tell mum that you are looking to join the family." Will grinned as he levitated a trunk bigger than a double decker bus to the Gate.
"Okay. I understand the need for one more item. You are a Weasley after all. But that trunk will not fit inside the castle, little alone the Loo."
"Yes. But the wood soaks magic. I can only shrink it for about twenty minutes." The wizard set it down.
Harry Frowned. "I need a strong Elf."
An Elf that looked like it was crossed with a Goblin "Lord Hoggy call Donky(donk-ee)."
"Donky. Don't see you often."
"Donky just muscle." The Elf started at Harry.
"Okay. We are traveling down to Chamber. When I call, I need you to bring this tall chest down to me. Protect it for me until then."
"Yes Lord Hoggy." the Elf folded his arms.
"And gives you the right to Call me here!" A Goblin, with his mustache was combed out and braided with his ear hair, demanded of Harry.
"I take it you are the Craftmaster of Choice." Harry too, crossed his arms. "Am I to understand that you have no interest in examining the Lost Door of… Curse Breaker Weasley… What was his name?"
TBC