Disclaimer: Yet another Harem fic.
For the Want of a Nail
It's amazing how one tiny change can turn the world from one thing to another . . .
"That's why she hasn't got any friends," Ron said cruelly.
"Cunjunctiva," Hermione hit Ron with the hex before bursting into tears and running off.
And so the world changed . . .
"Stupid bint?" Ron growled as Harry led him to the hospital wing, his eyes were swollen shut. "I can't bloody see."
"We're almost there," Harry tried to calm his friend. "Here we are."
"What's happened?" The school nurse demanded.
"Know it all Granger hit me with a curse," Ron whined. "For no reason."
"I see . . . well come in here Mr. Weasley. I'm afraid you'll have to spend the night just to be sure it doesn't flair up again after I've managed to fix it."
"But what about meals?" Ron demanded.
"I'll have something brought up," Madame Pomfrey replied. "Run along now Mr. Potter."
"Yes Madame Pomfrey," Harry agreed. On his way down, he overheard a couple of the girls talking about how Hermione had retreated to one of the bathrooms and was crying her eyes out. "She deserved it," he tried to convince himself. Unbidden, memories of his time with the Dursley family began to surface.
"Maybe . . . maybe I'll apologize to her later," Harry muttered to himself. "And I suppose I could get Ron to apologize too."
His train of thought broke when their incompetent Defence Professor burst through the doors and informed everyone about a loose troll in the castle before falling to the ground in a faint.
Hermione doesn't know, Harry thought sickly. He didn't like the girl, but he'd never forgive himself if something happened to her. Ignoring the calls for students to go back to their houses, Harry dashed off in search of her, praying that he'd find her before the troll did.
Harry raced through the halls and arrived just intime to see the troll raising it's club to extinguish the young girl's life.
"Lumos." Harry blinded the creature with a well placed light charm. Resisiting the urge to smile when the troll began thrashing around, he searched his memory for another spell to use from his meager arsenal. "Win . . ." Harry was knocked to the ground when the troll got a lucky hit on his ribs.
"Harry," Hermione screamed.
"Parvulus Levitus," Harry wheezed the static shock charm. The troll jerked back and slammed its head into the wall, knocking itself out. "Are you ok Hermione?"
"I think so."
"Good," Harry sighed. He could feel himself blacking out. "Cause I'm not."
The Professors arrived a few minutes later to find the sleeping troll and a crying Hermione holding Harry's head in her lap, begging him to wake up.
"Get him to the hospital wing," Dumbledore shouted. "Now."
"It's gonna be alright Harry," Minerva said gently as she rushed the boy to the hospital wing. "You're safe now and going to be ok."
IIIIIIIIII
"Look at this," Professor Flitwick said with a look of astonishment. "Look at the spells he used."
"Interesting," Dumbledore mused.
"I want an apprenticeship," Flitwick said immediately.
"What?"
"The English team would kill to have him with them at the next Olympics after they hear about this," Flitwick said with a smile.
"Using his fame to . . ."
"Look at what he did Albus," Flitwick commanded. "Look at it. He defeated a troll with two bloody spells, two spells so basic that they can be done by a first year with no exposure to magic. He blinded it with a light charm and used a hex most students use to shock each other in their Common Rooms to finish it off. Think of his potential Albus."
"I just want him to have a normal childhood," Albus said weakly.
"The chances of that happening died with his parents," Flitwick sighed. "To ignore that would be to do him a great disservice."
"What do you suggest then?"
"I suggest that we give him the tools to deal with what he's almost certainly going to be facing in the future," Flitwick said seriously. "We both know that he's going to have a difficult future, it's the curse of the duelist."
"And the reason both of us choose to spend all our time at Hogwarts," Dumbledore sighed. "I had hoped to spare him . . ."
"And all you'd be doing is murdering a small boy by failing to prepare him for what the future will hold," Flitwick said gently. "He already has the reputation . . . more then I ever did and he's just a bloody first year."
"I had hoped . . ."
"That the world had suddenly shifted to become a different place?" Flitwick sighed. "Then perhaps you should rejoin the world to confirm that before you choose to send Harry out without prepairing him."
"You're right Filius," Dumbledore said, looking older and more worn out then he had in years.
IIIIIIIIII
Hermione waited in the background until the Healer had finished working on Harry before detaching herself from the wall and walking to the side of his bed. Hermione sat by Harry's bedside and took the boy's hand into her own.
"You shouldn't have rescued me Harry," she said in a subdued voice. "You're important to the wizarding world and I'm just a know it all without any friends. I promise Harry, I promise that I'll always be by your side and I'll always help you. It was all my fault."
Across the isle, as Ron watched through half closed eyes as know it all Granger poured her heart out to his injured friend he couldn't help but feel guilty about his actions earlier that day.
"It wasn't supposed to be like this," he whispered to himself. "I just . . . it wasn't supposed to be like this."
IIIIIIIIII
"And that's everything that happened Professor," Lavender finished.
"I see," Minerva said. "Thank you girls, you've both been a good help." She looked around until she spotted one of her prefects. "Percy.," she called out.
"Yes Professor?"
"I'd like to have a word with you."
IIIIIIIIII
"Visiting hours are over Ms. Granger," Madame Pomfrey said gently. "I'm afraid you're going to have to go back to your dorm now."
Hermione ignored the Healer and refused to move from Harry's side.
"Ms. Granger . . . Hermione, are you listening to me?"
"Just wake up Harry," Hermione begged. "Please, just wake up."
"I suppose . . . I suppose it couldn't hurt to let you stay here for the night," Poppy said more to herself then to the young girl. "Carry on Ms. Granger."
IIIIIIIIII
"Has Ms. Granger told you what happened Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
"No, she's still won't talk to anyone but Mr. Potter," the old woman replied.
"And Harry hasn't woken up yet," Dumbledore sighed.
"I did however have a little chat with some of the other students."
"Well?"
"It appears that Mr. Weasley said some rather cruel things about Ms. Granger and she overheard them."
"Explains why she hexed him," Dumbledore mused.
"And why she was alone in the bathroom," Minerva added. "I believe that Mr. Potter either went to apologize or rescue her when he was injured."
"I trust Mr. Weasley has been punished for this?"
"For what?" Minerva asked. "For picking on another student?"
"We nearly lost two students because of him," Dumbledore said sharply.
"He couldn't have known what would happen," Minerva replied mildly. "Officially, there is nothing I can do about this without appearing to show favoritism to Ms. Granger or Mr. Potter."
"Unofficially?" Dumbledore asked with a small smile.
"Unofficially?" Minerva asked. "I am confident that the situation will resolve itself."
IIIIIIIIII
Percy stalked through the Common Room until he found Fred and George doing . . . something in a corner.
"Fred, George." He said sharply. "I need you two to come with me."
"We haven't even done anything yet Percy," Fred said with a smirk.
"Nothing you can prove anyway," George agreed.
Percy made an exaggerated show of plucking the Prefect's badge off his robes and dropping it on the floor. "This has nothing to do with the school," Percy said simply. "It's a family matter."
Fred and George shared an unreadable look before their house crests jointed Percy's badge on the floor. "Well?"
"Let's find some place more private to deal with this," Percy suggested.
"Lead the way Percy."
Without a word, Percy took the twins to an abandoned classroom and carefully cast several privacy charms. "It's about . . ."
"Wait," Fred ordered.
"We know a few that you don't," George finished. The twins finished their own privacy charms before turning to Percy with a look of expectation.
"It's about Ron," Percy began. "And I think we need to deal with it before mum finds out for his sake. We'll tell dad what happened and that the situation has been taken care of and he'll back us up."
"So what's the deal Percy?"
"Professor McGonagall came to me with a rather interesting story," Percy began. "The two of you play your pranks but you've never been deliberately cruel." Percy sighed.
IIIIIIIIII
The first thing Harry saw when he cracked open his eyes was Hermione's worried face looking down at him. "You're awake," the little girl said happily. "I'll go get Madame Pomfrey."
"What happened?" Harry groaned.
"You got in a fight with a troll," Ron replied from his own bed. "She stayed with you until you woke up, didn't eat or sleep or nothing. I . . . I think we were wrong about her Harry."
"Oh."
"Mister Potter," Poppy said as she walked in. "So good to have you with us again. Do you remember what happened?"
"Bits of it," Harry replied.
"That's normal," the Healer assured the boy. "Let me see . . . it seems like you've gotten through the rough parts and you're on the mend."
"He's going to be ok then Madame Pomfrey?" Hermione screwed up her courage to ask.
"He's going to be fine," the Healer said kindly. "Why don't you take the bed next to him? You've been here a while and I'm sure you must be tired."
"Yes Madame Pomfrey," Hermione agreed.
"And be sure to drink this nutrition potion first," she said. "You're a growing girl and you can't skip meals like that."
"I will Madame Pomfrey."
Several people turned to stare at the trio as they emerged from the Hospital Wing the next day. More specifically, they turned to stare at the young girl that refused to leave her savior's side.
IIIIIIIIII
In the Slytherin common room, the seventh year girls prefect smiled as a plan began to form. It wouldn't be easy, but if she succeeded then she would have all the power that she'd craved her entire life.
Drunk with the thought and giggling with excitement, she began gathering her supporters to set the groundwork of what she hoped would make her the most powerful woman in the magical United Kingdom.
IIIIIIIIII
"Could you stay after class Mr. Potter," Professor Flitwick asked kindly. "I have some things I wish to discuss with you."
"Yes Professor," Harry said politely.
"See you later mate," Ron said. "Want me to walk you back to the Common Room Hermione?"
"Um . . ." Hermione was torn between amazement at the red head's change of attatude and her desire to stay by Harry's side.
"She'd probably rather go to the library," Harry said with a grin. "Right Hermione?"
"I'd . . . I'll wait outside," Hermione finally managed to say.
"I wouldn't advise that," the tiny Professor said kindly. "There are several things I need to discuss with Mr. Potter and we shall be busy for quite a while."
"I . . ." Hermione bit her lower lip. "I'll be in the library if you need me Harry," she finally ventured.
"Ok," Harry agreed with an odd look at the girl.
Professor Flitwick waited until the other two children had left the room before turning to Harry with a smile on his face. "Have you ever considered what you'd like to do after you leave Hogwarts?"
"No sir."
"Well, how does being a Professional duelist sound?"
"What do they do?"
"They're a bit like a pugilist . . . professional fighter in the muggle world," he explained. "I believe you have the potential to be on the United Kingdoms' Olympic Dueling team and I was hoping that you'd allow me to give you a few lessons to get you ready for the tryouts in a few years?"
IIIIIIIIII
"You know what I want you to do?"
"Yes Morgana," the boy agreed. "You can count on me."
"I'd better be able to," Morgana said sharply. "Or your parents are going to find out about . . . well, several things you don't want them to."
"I said I can handle it," he growled.
"Be on your way then."
IIIIIIIIII
"Ron," Percy said coldly when he noticed the other boy coming up the hall. "Come here."
"What is it Percy?"
"The twins and I have something to discuss with you."
"What were you thinking when you decided to pick on one of your house mates?" Fred asked.
"Easy," George replied. "He wasn't."
"I didn't want her to get hurt," Ron tried to defend himself. "I just . . . I'm trying to be nicer to her."
"We are the sons of the Weasley family," Percy said arrogantly. "We may be rampent trouble makers."
"Or arrogant prats," George laughed.
"Quite," Percy agreed. "But we are never bullies."
"I know," Ron said quickly. "Believe me I know. I made a mistake."
"Excellent," Percy said with a smile. "Now we have one thing to do before we can tell mum and dad that the situation has been handled."
"What's that?" Ron asked dumbly.
"Make amends," Fred said seriously. "And we'll give you whatever help you need."
"We're family after all," George offered.
"And family sticks together," Percy finished. "No matter what."
IIIIIIIIII
Hermione was rushing down the hall towards the library when she ran into what felt like a brick wall.
"Watch were you're going," the seventh year Slytherin growled. "Filthy mud . . . Granger? I apologize for the comment, I didn't realise it was you. But the fact remains that you need to learn to look where you're going, wouldn't want you to get hurt would we?"
"Why . . . why are you being so nice to me?" Hermione stuttered, her eyes fixed firmly on her feet.
"Because you're the first muggle born in decades to follow the customs," he replied. "I'm a traditionalist not a purist."
"I don't understand," Hermione said. "What does that mean?"
"I'm not the right person to explain all the details," he said gently. "Why don't you talk to Morgana, the seventh year girls prefect for Slytherin house? She can answer all your questions."
"Thank you," Hermione said.
"Run along then," he said calmly. "Quickly but carefully, wouldn't want to keep Potter waiting would you?"
"Oh," she squeaked.
He laughed as he watched her run back up the hall, it really was nice to see a muggle born with a bit of respect for tradition. He really did need to make it a point to write to the family to tell them about her.
Hermione had been in the library for the better part of an hour when she was approached by one of the Slytherin Prefects.
"Do you have a few minutes to spare Granger?"
"Yes," Hermione agreed nervously.
"Then why don't you come with me," she suggested. The girl took Hermione down a dizzying array of halls until they arrived in what appeared to be an old teacher's lounge.
"Have a seat Granger," the older girl said kindly. "Do you mind if I call you Hermione?"
"No, it's ok."
"Then you must call me Morgana," the older girl said. "Now, I understand that you have some questions for me?"
"I've noticed that a lot of the older Slytherin students have been nice to me lately," Hermione said in an almost inaudible voice. "I wanted to know why."
"Purebloods are broken up into three main groups," she lectured. "The Purists, the Progressives, and the Traditionalists. The Purists are the most vocal group and they formed the bulk of the last Dark Lord's followers. They spout the usual nonsense about killing muggles and so fourth, quite depressing fellows. The second group are made up of people like your classmate Ron's family and like people."
"What about the third group?"
"The Traditionalists are the ones that have been polite to you lately," she continued. "They don't necessarily feel that muggle born are inferior. Consensus is that muggle born are . . . well, rude for lack of a better term."
"Rude?"
"How would you feel if someone came into your house and ignored your customs?" She asked dryly. "Not just ignored but ridiculed and made no effort to learn them?"
"Oh."
"We are being polite to you because you are respecting them," she said with a smile.
"I am?"
"You attached yourself to The Potter as his retainer did you not?"
"I promised to stay with him forever," Hermione replied.
"Exactly," she agreed. "We did notice that you have not performed several of your duties to him but after a bit of research, we decided that it was more due to ignorance then anything else. We also noted that you spend quite a bit of time in the library which has an appalling lack of books on the subject, and that you have few if any friends to tell you."
"So you're going to teach me?"
"So I'm going to teach you," the other girl agreed. "The first thing you have to know is that you are expected to begin looking for a suitable match for Potter. While you're still children, it's not too early to start thinking about things, maybe even come to an informal understanding or two, a betrothal at most. Normally his parents would perform that task, but since they were killed . . ."
"I can't marry him myself?"
"You can," the girl said quickly. "But it is important that the first wife be of appropriate status to marry 'the-boy-who-lived.' Do you understand?"
"I think so, what do you mean by first wife?"
"Monogamy is not something that has infected the magical world," Morgana said dryly. "Suffice to say that Harry may, no should have more then one wife."
"Why should?"
"Because of his wealth, position, and the fact that he is the last of his line. Do you understand?"
"I don't want to find Harry another wife," Hermione said stubbornly. "Not that I'm going to marry Harry, but if I do then I don't want to share."
Morgana sighed. "Alright, I didn't want to go into this in detail right now but remember the three groups I mentioned earlier?"
"The Traditionalists, The Purists, and the Progressives?"
"Yes," Morgana sighed. "The Traditionalists are, if you look at their origins, afraid of muggles. They like to maintain that they are above muggles, or at the very least separate and independent of muggle society. In short, they were started by people who are terrified by what muggles could do. The old families that trace their line to the days when muggles revolted against their wizard masters, families that know that secrecy is the way to safety."
"Oh . . . then why are they being so polite to me?"
"That's my doing," Morgana explained. "What would you like to be after you leave Hogwarts?"
"I'd like to be a researcher," Hermione answered, a bit puzzled by the change in subject.
"I'd like to be Minister of Magic," Morgana sighed. "But that's not going to happen unless there is a drastic change in society. With few exceptions, women aren't worth much in Traditionalist circles. Because our numbers are so low, most people seem to think girls should spend all their time pregnant and raising children. The other students are being nice to you because every Traditionalist child grows up with stories about loyal muggle born retainers."
"So?"
"So most Traditionalist families aren't much better then the Purists when it comes down to it," Morgana said bluntly. "Underneath anyway, they're willing to lend a bit of covert support but would never dream of doing anything that could harm their image. I used your example to discredit that faction and take control of the Traditionalists . . . well, the ones at school anyway."
"You pointed out that they couldn't be mean to a muggle born student that followed custom?"
"Exactly," Morgana said with a proud smile. "I'm in my house because of my ambition, my desire to hold power. Not because I wasn't intelligent enough for Ravenclaw."
"What about the others?"
"The Purists are . . . well, for lack of a better term. The Purists are insecure, their families aren't as ancient as they would like most to believe, no more then about five hundred years for the oldest."
"And the last?"
"The Progressives," she said with a hint of distaste. "Are at their core ignorant. They are the witches and wizards that think we're not so different from the muggles, just know a few things that they don't."
"What's wrong with that?"
"Human nature," Morgana replied. "Humans have a history of destroying that witch they do not understand."
"Oh."
"The Progressives are led by the Headmaster," Morganna said with a sigh. "Which has made things difficult for the Traditionalists and given rise to the Pureist/Traditionalists that I talked about earlier."
"How did the Headmaster do that?"
"By appointing a Death Eater to be Head of Slytherin House," Morgana growled. "Snape is a murdering coward that belongs in prison. Instead he's allowed to walk free and poison young Slytherins with . . . " She closed her eyes and gave a slow count to ten.
"He's a Death Eater?" Hermione squeaked. "Then why does Dumbledore let him stay here?"
"Snape claimed that he was a spy," Morgana explained. "Dumbledore's spy. I . . . I can't confirm it, but judging by what happens in the Slytherin common room with Snape's knowledge and approval. I can not believe that he is anything more then a petty and evil man . . . look at how he's treated Harry."
"So what's in it for you?"
"As I said before I wish to be Minister of Magic," Morgana continued. "As a woman I'm unacceptable to the Traditionalists. As a Traditionalist, I'm unacceptable to the Progressives. And as for the Purists . . . well, there are some types of support that I can do without."
"That still doesn't explain . . ."
"I can build a new group or change the Traditionalists with Harry's backing," Morgana said quickly. "You want what's best for Harry don't you?"
"Yes but . . ."
"But so do I," Morgana interrupted. "Making him the proper Traditionalist would be good for him. You've seen his clothes haven't you? The way he reacts to physical contact, there are a thousand little things that tell me he that he hasn't had the best home life."
"You'll help?" Hermione asked in a small voice.
"I'll help," Morgana said firmly. "If for no other reason then because it will be in my best intrest to help. Think of it this way, a harem is what's best for Harry. It'll provide him with all the love and affection that he's been without all his life."
"I . . ."
"And think of the benefits to you," Morgana continued. "You don't have many friends do you?"
"No." Hermione's shoulders dropped.
"The other girls would be your friends," Morgana said swiftly. "Why don't we set things up and let Harry decide what he wants to do? The Purists want him dead for what he did to their Lord, and the Progressives made Snape one of his teachers. I swear to you that the Traditionalists, at least the ones under my control will not do anything to harm him."
"O . . . ok."
"You've made the right decision Hermione," Morgana said with a feeling of triumph. "Wait here, I have someone I'd like you to meet."
Morgana disappeared for a few minutes and returned with another girl of about Hermione's age. "Hermione," Morgana began. "I would like to introduce you to Daphne Greengrass. She is a first year like you and she is also one of the few girls in your year that has enough status to be one of Harry's perspective wives."
"So I should try to get Harry to marry her?"
"So I hope that the two of you are friends," Morgana corrected. "If you do not get along with her then there is no point in seeing if we can develop anything else in the future."
"My opinion is important?"
"Just behind Harry's," Morgana agreed. "You are a valued retainer and it would place undue strain on Harry if you and his first wife did not get along. The choice is his of course, but it is your job to point him in the direction of girls that will not disrupt his house."
"Hello," Hermione greeted the other girl nervously. "I'm Hermione."
"Daphne."
"Um . . . do you have any hobbies?"
"Why don't we get one thing out of the way before we begin."
"Ok."
"You can be his wife in the muggle world, you can be the master of his house." Daphne said with an unconcerned shrug. "I don't mind. The only thing I care about is being first in the magical world."
"So you don't think it's a bit strange to share him?"
"Why would I?" Daphne asked. "It's normal for me."
"Oh . . . why do you want to marry Harry?"
"He's wealthy and powerful," Daphne replied instantly. "And he seems like a nice boy."
Morgana grinned as she watched the girls talk. It seemed that five hour of coaching the Greengrass girl on what to say had paid off. Abruptly, she turned back to the conversation.
"It's his choice of course," Daphne continued. "But I'm sure you realise that it's in his best interests to make a proper pureblood girl his senior wife."
"You can be senior but I get to run his household."
"Ok," Daphne conceded. "But I want my friend Tracy to be his wife too."
"Only if Harry agrees."
"Of course."
Morgana smiled as she watched the two girls hammer out the details, it seemed that her plans were going to work after all.
IIIIIIIIII
"What did Flitwick want?" Ron asked after Harry returned to the common room.
"Wanted to teach me how to duel," Harry replied.
"Wicked," Ron enthused. "You agreed didn't you?"
"I told him I'd think about it," Harry said slowly. "I'm not sure if I want to be a professional fighter."
"Just because you know how doesn't mean you have to," Ron said quickly. "It's like Quidditch, just because you're on a house team doesn't mean you have to become a professional player . . . not that I understand why you wouldn't want to be a professional player," Ron continued. "Like my brother Charlie, he could have done it but he decided to go take care of Dragons in Romania . . . mental."
"Oh . . ." Harry said with a stunned look on his face, he hadn't thought of that.
"Yeah, so are you gonna do it?"
"I guess so mate," Harry agreed. "Yeah . . . yeah, I think I will."
"Good," Ron said firmly. "Now let's go round up Hermione and we can . . ."
"Hermione?"
"She's not so bad if you give her a chance," Ron replied. "And I sort of feel responsible after what happened . . . Weasleys just don't say the sorts of things I did."
"Ok," Harry agreed. "Let's go find her mate."
"She's been hanging out around us anyway," Ron continued as they walked down the hall.
They found Hermione in the library a few minutes later and she quickly brightened at the sight of Harry.
"Did you have a good talk with the Professor?" Hermione asked quickly.
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "He wants me to learn Dueling from him."
"Oh . . . are you going to do it?"
"I think so," Harry agreed.
"Um . . . Hermione," Ron began. "I just wanted to apologize for all the nasty things I said about you." He recited the apology that Percy had drilled into his head. "It shamed both me and my family. Um . . . you're feeling better after what happened aren't you?"
"I'm feeling better," Hermione confirmed. She took a step to the side, placing Harry between her and the other boy. "And I accept your apology."
"Thanks," Ron replied.
"Um . . . Harry."
"What is it?"
"There's someone that wants me to introduce her," Hermione said nervously. "She has a few things she wants to talk to you about."
"What's she want to talk about?"
"I . . . I'm not sure I should say," Hermione whispered. "But I will if you want me to."
"That's ok," Harry said. "When does she want to meet?"
"I think she could do it now if you want," Hermione said. "If you want."
"Ok."
Hermione led Ron and Harry to an empty classroom. "Wait here," Hermione asked. "I'll be right back." Rushing down the hall, she entered the unused room Morgana used as her office and past the other students.
"Harry wants to meet?" Morgana asked.
"Harry and Ron are waiting in the classroom," Hermione agreed.
"Let's go then," Morgana said. She got up and turned to one of her minions. "Have Daphne and Tracy waiting outside the door."
"Got it," the minion agreed.
Morgana followed the young girl up the hall and into the classroom where Harry was waiting.
"Harry," Hermione began. "This is Morgana, she's . . . she's . . ."
"Someone that thinks the two of us can help each other," Morgana stepped in.
"How can we help each other?" Harry asked.
"Don't say that," Morgana advised. "Rather, say what's in it for me?"
"What do you mean?"
"What do you want?" Morgana asked. "Thats all negotiations are you know, finding out what they want and what you can offer. So tell me, what do you want? There must be something."
"I . . . I don't want to go back to my relatives' house this summer," Harry admitted. "Or ever again."
"I may be able to help with this," Morgana said slowly. "Assuming they don't change the rules on us, I think I can help you. In return I'd like you to consider making informal arrangements to marry with Hermione and two other girls at the present and possibly more in the future."
"Marriage?" Harry choked.
"Not for several years," Morgana said quickly. "And not if you decide you can't get along with them. You don't have to decide anything right now . . . think . . . think of it like this, they'll be your friends. Friends that might some day be your wives, but friends. You want friends don't you?"
"Yeah," Harry agreed.
"Do you have anything against girls?" Morgana persisted. "Think they're icky or anything?"
"No," Harry said.
"Then what's the problem?" Morgana asked reasonably. "You get three new friends and we can let the future take care of itself."
"Uh . . ."
"Why don't I ask the other girls to come in?" Morgana suggested. She got up and walked to the door and returned with Daphne and Tracy who blushed and giggled when they say Harry.
"Don't listen to her Harry," Ron advised. "They're Slytherins, you can't trust them."
"Why don't you get to know Daphne and Tracy while I talk to your friend Ron?" Morgana asked evenly.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," Ron said stubbornly.
"We don't have to go anywhere," Morgana said. "How about we just have our conversation here then?"
"Fine," Ron said unhappily.
"I was wondering something Weasley," Morgana began. "What's your problem with me and the other girls?"
"I just don't like Slytherins," Ron said stubbornly.
"That's a good attatude, Slytherins tend to be slimy gits. You are overlooking something though," Morgana cooed. "It's understandable that you'd overlook it considering your age and lack of experience, nothing to be ashamed of."
"What?" Ron asked dumbly, he hadn't expected her to tell him he was right.
"There are Slytherins, and then there are Slytherins. The gits are Slytherins, by contrast we are Slytherins. Do you understand?"
"No," Ron admitted.
"My house is split between those that are ambitious, and those that are slimy Death Eater trainees like Draco Malfoy. Let's say Draco Malfoy were to change his name to Draco Weasley tomorrow, would that make all Weasleys into slimy gits?"
"No but . . ."
"Then what is you decided to change your name to Ron Malfoy, would that make all Malfoys good?"
"No but I'd never . . ."
"Of course not," Morgana agreed. "You see, there are good Slytherins and just like changing Draco's name to Weasley wouldn't change him into a good person, the fact that we're Slytherins doesn't make us bad. Why don't you take the time to get to know us before you make any decisions?"
"Ok," Ron said reluctantly.
"Good," Morgana said warmly. "I was hoping you'd say that." Keeping someone like Ron, who came from a prominent Progressive family, with Harry's new faction would do a lot to enhance the boy's reputation. "Now why don't you go join the others? Just tell yourself that they haven't gotten corrupted by the other Slytherins yet."
After Ron joined the group, Hermione detached herself from it and walked over to Morgana with a look of confusion on her face.
"Morgana," Hermione began. "May I ask you a question?"
"What is it Hermione?"
"You said it was common among the Traditionalists to make betrothal arrangements for their children around first year?"
"Mostly for daughters," Morgana said. "Sons are usually a bit older, why?"
"Are you betrothed to someone?"
"I was."
"Was?"
"Let me tell you about my husband," Morgana began. "Or rather, the man who would have been my husband if he were not killed in a duel over some trifling matter."
"I'm sorry," Hermione said sympathetically. "I . . ."
"I'm not," Morgana interrupted. "If he hadn't been killed then I would have had to find a way to arrange things myself, hopefully before the wedding. The man, Martin Pondleroy was five years older then my father and I would have been his third wife. I met him when I was ten and he was 'generous' enough to allow me to go to Hogwarts and he also mentioned that he was 'patient' enough to wait until my thirteenth birthday before consummating the relationship. I was twelve when he died and dreading my thirteenth birthday, the day he fought that duel was the happiest of my life."
AN: Got a few ideas for this from one of Drake's fics. They're very readable and I suggest that you give them a look, only place I know of that they're archived is the file section on Potter's Place 3 which is a Yahoo Group for those of you that don't know. Making the effort to write a likable Ron in my fics, and a kick ass Ron in Thief. This Ron feels a bit guilty at what happened to Harry and Hermione and is doing his best to live up to the family reputation after his brothers cornered him and told him what he was already telling himself. Could have made Ron the bastard but I've seen a lot of that and . . . well, it's not easy for me to write him as a good sidekick rather then a bastard or a hero in his own . . . well, perhaps I shouldn't use the word 'hero.' If you don't think arranged marriage with children that age happened within the last hundred years, read 'My India' by Jim Corbett . . . actually read everything by Jim Corbett that you have a chance to, guy was a bit crazy but . . . well, the guy was a bit crazy, interesting books though.
Omake: The Promise
"Harry." Morgana knelt so that their conversation was at eye level. "If all else fails then I'm going to need your permission to pull out my trump card."
"Trump card?"
"It'll allow me to force the issue in our favor," she explained.
"Ok," Harry agreed. "I trust you."
"You shouldn't," she said gently. "Remember, the only person who won't betray you is you."
Later, at the Wizengamot . . .
"I wish to address the Wizengamot," Morgana said loudly. While the rules stated that anyone could bring a matter before their attention, tradition dictated that one be a government official or the head of a family.
"The chair recognises Morgana Speakerman," Dumbledore said. "Speak child."
"Harry Potter is known by many as a hero to the wizarding world," Morgana said loudly. "But the conditions he is forced to live under are deplorable, more suited to a house elf then to 'the-boy-who-lived.'"
"What do you suggest we do?" Another member asked.
"I wish to become his guardian until he comes of age," Morgana replied. "To teach and guide him as he enters our society."
"Don't you think you're a bit young for that?" Dumbledore asked with a smile. "No . . . I believe that . . ."
"I Morgana Speakerman swear on my magic, my honor, and my life that I will faithfully serve and defend Harry Potter. That I will forever place his interests before my own, that I will be honest with him, and that I shall make his house my own."
Several eyes widened as she completed her oath and a smug grin appeared on her face. Try to reject me now you bastards, she thought savagely.
"What happened?" Harry whispered to his friends.
"She just married you," Daphne said in shock.
"What?"
"Only if you agree," Tracy said quickly. "Otherwise she's just suborned herself to you. They don't have any choice now, they have to let you stay with her."
It won't be so bad, Morgana consoled herself as the members of the Wizengamot competed to see who could be the loudest and most annoying. She kicked herself for not thinking of it before but it would also make her an acceptable Traditionalist Minister as they'd assume she was Harry's puppet, his way of staying out of the public eye while retaining power. Yup, she thought to herself. It looked like things were going to work out despite fate's best efforts.
Still later . . .
"With your permission I'd like to join the Aurors Academy," Morgana said mildly. "I believe that it would benefit my future election campaign . . . not to mention make me a better caretaker for you. What boy would turn down a cute bedable bodyguard?" It was hard to keep from giggling at his reaction to that last statement, he was such a cute little boy.
"I won't stop you from doing what you want to do," Harry replied.
"Now that's just the sort of thing you need to avoid saying," Morgana said sternly. "If I had wished I could try to use statements like that to get around my oath." She admonished.
"You won't though will you?"
"I'm not planning to no," she admitted. "But just because I'm not planning to doesn't mean I won't at some point in time. You have to be careful about these things Harry."
Omake: Bride Price
"Since he's The Potter, he'll have to negotiate with mum and dad himself," Daphne said. "After that, I'm sure mum and dad will help him if he asks for it."
Later . . .
"We'll coach him before he does it," Daphne said. "He has an advantage in that I know what they want from him and I have no problem telling Harry. Loyalty to family is all well and good but loyalty to my future husband is much more important."
Later still . . .
"I was thinking you could give us a bride price of five hundred Galleons and . . ."
"Five Hundred?" Harry screamed. "Are you mad?"
"I realise that's a lot of money," Daphne's father said with a sigh. He was willing to make allowances because of the boy's youth, but this was going a bit far. "But . . ."
"A lot?" Harry growled. "For her? You'll take a minimum of one thousand and I demand an apology for the insult you delivered to my future bride."
Daphne's heart had stopped when Harry had started yelling, this wasn't how it was supposed to go. They'd spent hours coaching him on what to say, he was supposed to counter with two fifty and eventually offer to make one of his children the heir to the Greengrass name not . . . her jaw dropped when her father replied.
"D . . . done," he stammered.
"I'm sorry I got so worked up," Harry sighed. "But you have to understand that I take insults very seriously."
"There is no need to apologize," the other man said with a look of pride. "Of course a Greengrass should demand a high price. A pleasure dealing with you Mr. Potter."
"The pleasure was all mine," Harry replied.
"Though there does remain a small matter I'd like to discuss with you," he continued.
"What?" Harry asked.
"As you may know, my daughter is the last of the Greengrass family. I was hoping that we could come to an an agreement regarding that," he continued. "I was hoping to persuade you to name one of your male children the heir to my family to keep it alive."
"I think we can come to an understanding," Harry repeated the words Morgana was whispering into his ear.
"Excellent, since the Greengrass name is so valuable I won't bequeath less then ten thousand Galleons in return . . . do we have a deal Mr. Potter?"
"We have a deal," Harry agreed.
"Wonderful."