A/N: A new chapter in the story of Lycans. Inspired by stories from Whitetigerwolf and Kaleb-yamato, and the challenge from timbarney110, challenge not followed. This story starts near the end of CoS 2nd year. We have reached the start of 3rd year. I'm continuing to work on rounding out the characters and events, to be not so tunnelled on Harry and Katie. Hogwarts is a school full of students and wonder, and some of this should be seen in the story. Thank you for the read and reviews. So on with the story
I only play in the sandbox created and owned by JKR.
"Normal speak"
'thought'
[bond speak]
§Parselmouth§
'French speak'
Lycans and a new start
Ch13
28 August
Diagon Alley
Harry, Katie and her parents meet up with Hermione and her parents. The two families decided to complete their shopping today versus when the Weasleys will be here trying to get everything done at the last moment. Neither family had been overly joyed when they read Ron's letters to Harry and Hermione, basically informing them that they were expected in the Alley on 31Aug to do school shopping with the the Weasleys. Besides, completing their shopping today would allow Hermione to spend the last few days of summer holiday with her parents, and this point was more important to the three teens and family. Hermione was informed on the drive into London that she could get a familiar/pet if one was to be found.
After collecting all of their required books, restocked potions ingredients plus a little extra, and some new school uniforms the trio of teens made their way to Magical Menagerie. It is while they are walking along the cages, that a large squish face, orange, bow legged cat pounces on Hermione landing in her arms. The cat quickly settles down into a nap purring.
"Crookshanks seems to a liking to you, young miss," stated the sales clerk.
Hermione looked at the cat some more and then nodded to the clerk. "What is he? How long has he been here?" inquired Hermione.
"I'm not for certain, but he looks to be part Kneazle,' answered the clerk. "Kneazle are a magical cat breed, and can sense or detect suspicious or unsavoury characters. He has been in the store for a year or so."
"I'll take him. How could someone not love that face," replied Hermione, as she looked at the unique squished face of her new pet/familiar. The clerk quickly collected food, bowels and a small scratching pole, while Hermione found a carrier and collar/harness for the cat. Harry and Katie also picked up a few treats and toys. One toy they both saw was a medium size ball of catnip infused yarn. [Professor McGonagall,] they both said seeing the item. Harry and Katie started to laugh and chuckle at their same idea. Two were purchases and will be left in the Transfiguration classroom.
Hermione, Katie and Harry talk about the short letters from Ron telling them about meeting up with his family on the 31st. All agreed that Ron could not have written the original note, in how it implied that they would be in the alley on the 31st, and would spend the day with the Weasleys. Ron was not that subtle, and he had not written to either of them prior to this. Katie did not like the manors of the youngest son and did not trust either of the red head females in their actions towards Harry.
The two families talk and discuss their summer and the happenings of the past two years, at school. Richard and Emma learn more about the Wizarding world from Elvina and Philip, and gained a new source of much valued and needed insight of their daughters world. It also gave them a source to validate concerns if they feel like something is missing in letters. The adults trade contact information, when it is time for them to part ways for home, shortly after lunch. The four adults would start to meet and talk while their children were away at school. Elvina learned more of the mundane healing practises, while Richard and Emma learned more of the mindset and traditions of the magical world. With Elvina's help Emma collects some needed books, later after school starts. The two mothers and healers, start to discuss how potions are made and if they could be used in the mundane world and possible within the surgery. This will lead to Elvina helping Emma learn more on potions.
=x=x=x=x=x=
30 August
Potter Manor Full moon
Harry and Katie met up with Bella on the veranda eating a light snack waiting for evening and the rising moon. It has been a sad and happy day, Medjay Hakim had left this morning for Egypt and they had been informed before his leaving that their Animagus forms had been filed and registered, and that their training for now was over but they were expected to continue practising and complete their Patronus charm and form. Tonight would be Bella's first transformation and completion of her change and her acceptance as Katie's wife consort. The three were sitting in simple robes that they would discard once they got to Potter hole near the Shrieking shack. The three of them would transform and run around the Forbidden forest hunting before completing the bonding of Bella to the pack. After finishing their meal Dobby and Twinkle popped the three to their hidden cave for the night.
The three Lycans moved from the cave into the forest and as they sensed the rising moon, discarding their robes and waited for Bella to start her transformation. Bella cried and howled with pain during her first transformation. While she was recovering from her change Harry and Katie transformed into their hybrid form like Bella, comforting her and easing her worry. The three started to run through the forest, when Bella was ready. The three Lycans hunted two lager Acromantula as a pack and quickly brought down the two spiders, feasting in their kill. Once they were finished and cleaned up, by running and splashing in a nearby stream, they started to run some more. Bella's instinct and needs to be mounted pushed her on in the chase. She wanted to tease and play with her suitor making his desire for her to rise during the chase. She also knew that her mistress was chasing her and would claim her as well.
The chase lasted for several minutes and ended when the three arrived in the Fae clearing once again. Here Katie and Harry caught Bella and subjugated the new Lycan to their will as Alpha's. Katie and Bella started first, Bella responding to the pheromones form Katie and Harry as well as the Alpha's aura/psyche. The combination of these two effects were driving Bella's desire higher and higher as she interacted with Katie and serviced her mistress.
Feeling Katie's emotions through the bond and her heighten pleasure Harry began to work on Bella further stimulating the new Lycan and pushing her towards her first orgasm in years. Harry knew that Bella's arousal was already sky high before the effects of the full moon and the transformation. Now Bella was almost a complete basket case from desire and need to be mounted and knotted by her Alpha. The two Alpha continue to torment Bella while she serviced her Mistress. Finally Harry mounted Bella and started to push her towards a mind shattering orgasm that would help break the remaining compulsions, spells and curses form Tom and Rudolph, freeing Bella from her old and horror filled past. As Harry and Bella reached their mutual peaks Harry and Katie bit Bella again fulling marking her as theirs, and the end of Bellatrix.
The two Alpha's pushed Bella and allowed her to climax through their aura/psyche and physical pleasure. Bella passed out from the pleasure and feelings of love coursing through her being as she climaxed. Her vaginal ring locked so tight behind Harry's knot, that it would prevent any reduction in size for hours. The three Lycans curled together with Harry spooning Bella, locked deep inside and Katie held Bella from the other side. Bella's body responded to the slights stimulation all night causing pulsation and ripples through her core.
With the morning sun the three woke up, they were all back in human form and Harry was still fully locked deep inside Bella. As they all slowly woke up Bella's body relaxed and Harry was finally able to withdraw from her. Like with Katie when Harry pulled out there was no loss of the gift given during the night. All of the seed/gift was lock away tightly in Bella's womb. Bella commented on the extremely full feeling she had and Katie came over to her and ran her hand gently over Bella's lower abdomen, Mons and could feel Bella's swollen womb.
"Bella, that fullness you feel is the gift Harry left inside your womb," stated Katie, as she guided Bella's hand to the area. "No child will come from last night, nor the previous. You need to finishing healing first, and these gifts will be used to heal your womb and other structures from the damage inflicted on you by Rodolphus." Bella could only nod her understanding in the new feelings she was having, she could have a child again. The three Lycans transformed into their wolf form and ran back to the cave to collect their robes before having Dobby and Twinkle take them back to Potter Manor, for showers and breakfast.
-x-x-x-x-x-
31 August 0930
Gringotts Bank, Rockclaw's Office
Harry and Katie were waiting on the arrival of the Bones and Lovegoods to finish their business in the alley before leaving to finish packing for school. With them was Bella in her cat form, so they could check on her status and that of Bellatrix Black.
Since they had a half-hour or so before the others arrived, Harry had Bella transform back to her human form after letting Rockclaw know that she was there. Rockclaw looked at the young witch standing in front of him. Her looks were strikingly similar to Bellatrix Lestrange, but she was to young and her features were slightly different, to said witch.
"Rockclaw, Katie and I would like an inheritance test on Bella," stated Harry. "We would also like to know what the status is on Bellatrix Black? We believe that she is dead."
"How can you say Bellatrix Black is dead, when she stands in front of you?" asked Rockclaw, even if the witch standing in front of him looked too young to be Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black.
"Bellatrix Black died 18 Aug 1993," replied Katie. Now she had a confused goblin sitting in front of them.
"How?" inquired Rockclaw.
"Family Magic," replied Harry. Slowly Rockclaw's faced changed from confusion to a toothy grin as he understood the meaning.
Rockclaw called for a runner to go and check on the life stone of Bellatrix Lyra Black, while he collected the items for an inheritance test.
Bella cut the palm of her left hand as directed by Rockclaw when he was finished preparing the test. Once the seven drops of blood was collected in the basin the wound on her hand healed. Rockclaw added the potions and stirred the mixture and cleansed the knife blade as the feather began writing the test results.
Inheritance Test – Almach (Bella) Dorea Potter nee Blache
DOB: 30 August 1966
Blood Status: pure-blood
Species: Human/Lycan
Parents: Cygnus Black III and Druella Black nee Rosier
Siblings: Bellatrix Black, Andromeda Black, Narcissa Black
Maternal Grandparents: Firmin Rosier and Jocelin Rosier
Paternal Grandparents: Pollux Black and Irma Black nee Crabbe
Bonded consort of Harry and Katie Potter
Abilities, Traits and Magical effects:
Defence against dark arts
Dark arts
Charms
Duelling
Occlumency
Legilimency
Potions
Runes
Natural magic
Lycan (enhanced strength, healing, sight, smell, agility/balance, speed)
Animagus
Ubasti: defender of Bastet/Sekhmet (powerful spells and skills to combat demons, undead, lethifold kind...)
Elemental Magic: shadow
Wand: Walnut and dragon heartstring (poor fit)
Rockclaw had just finished reading the test results and made a copy for Bella, Harry and Katie to read when the runner returned with the life stone findings. The stone for Bellatrix Lyra Black was dark, indicating that Bellatrix Black was no more. Rockclaw nodded to the runner and dismissed him.
"Harry, your assumption on Bellatrix was correct, she is dead," stated Rockclaw.
Bella looked up from reading the test results looking stunned at what she had just heard. 'I'm free.' ran through her thoughts. 'Bellatrix is gone and I can now live again and pursue the life I wanted free of the chains I had.' She looked down at her left forearm and smiled as she noted the blemish free skin there, minus the barely visible bite mark.
Everyone in the office stopped reading the test results after hearing that Bellatrix was deceased. What stopped them was the first name on 'Bella's' test.
"How did we explain calling you Bella, when that is not close to your now listed name?" inquired Harry. "Why the name Almach?"
"Almach is from old Arabic and is the name for the desert lynx," replied Bella, after some thought. "As for being called Bella, as a child I looked very similar to a young Bellatrix. I like the new first name as it has some connection to my Animagus form."
"So this will now hide that you were Bellatrix Black, that has been rejuvenated with the acceptance of becoming a Lycan," summarized Katie.
"And anyone every searching for Bellatrix Black will only find that she died in August 1993, and Magic will most likely correct the memories and records on the existence of Almach Potter nee Blache," summarized Rockclaw. Rockclaw received nods from everyone present in the room.
"So what do we call you?" asked Harry.
"I do not know," replied Bella. "I have grown use to the nickname 'Bella' as it was given as term of endearment, by my sisters. I will have to think on this, as leaving the nickname behind may help separate me from Bellatrix more, and would go with a child leaving behind old habits."
Katie looked at Bella seeing the relief and joy in her eyes and on her face at hearing the news from Rockclaw and in reading the test results. She looked at the date of birth and turned to Rockclaw.
"How are we going to explain Bella's DOB to anyone?" asked Katie. "Will the Black family tree not show the truth? Also wouldn't Bellatrix's sisters remember having a younger sibling?"
"We will have to let time pass and see how Magic affects the sisters," replied Rockclaw. "Unless someone digs deep into Miss Potters history they will not find out about her DOB. Most likely Magic will correct issues with the registry at Hogwarts."
"Rockclaw, have you been able to find out any information on the House of Emberdusk?" inquired Harry. Bella quickly looked to Harry at hearing the question. She can only remember snippets about this house from when she was much younger, over hearing discussions in passing.
"I have been able to find some history, but not much," answered Rockclaw. "It seems the history I told you about the destruction was mostly correct, as the attackers ruthlessly tried to hide their actions and reasons. I was able to discover some of the abilities of the house. The House of Emberdusk was known for their elemental, illusion and battle magic. This mix made the house extremely dangerous in battle and in their dealings with threats to the house."
"How would masters of illusion affect a battle?" asked Harry.
"It is reported that battle masters in the House could call/form very complex illusions and phantasms, mixing in their skill of elemental shadow magic," answered Rockclaw. "Strange fogs would roll up on unsuspecting enemy patrols or guard post, sounds of horror or combat heard, but when enemy forces arrive a the site there would be nothing there. No patrolling soldiers, no guards or post, nothing every indicating that they were ever there. This was different that their battle magic which was powerful and could quickly swing the tide of battle. The House was also known to have a thriving side business that even today is not talked about or much known about."
"What is this side business?" inquired Harry.
"I could not find out. Only that it could be very profitable to the house," responded Rockclaw. "This side business was used during wars viscously against enemy houses and forces, and was managed or run by the non-magical members of the house."
"Sounds like the House of Emberdusk worked in the shadows when necessary, but could terrorize the enemy on the battle field," summarized Katie. "This side business sounds some what like the old muggle Hashshashin guild of the late middle ages. Highly deadly, highly profitable and highly vindictive if crossed, but most of all very honourable in dealings."
As the Potters and their Account Manager were talking MAGIC was changing the registry at Hogwarts to show the attendance of Almach Dorea Blache from 1977-1984. Magic was also making changes to the Black Family tree, adding the younger sibling of Bellatrix, Andromeda, and Narcissa to the tree.
At Blackmoore Manor Arcturus was alerted by the Family magic of changes to the family and made his way to the Tapestry room where the original Black Family Tree Tapestry is housed. Unlike the one at #12 that was damaged by Walburga, this showed all members of the family, and was self repairing. His eyes were drawn to the slightly glowing images in the daughters of Cygnus and Druella. He saw the tree still showed Bellatrix on the tapestry, and it indicated the failed marriage to Rodolphus and her date of death, and the new picture and entry for young Almach. Seeing the change Arcturus mind blanked and reformed as MAGIC corrected some of his memories of the youngest sister, as it was with his blessing that lead to Almach addition. Some of the finer details on events leading to the addition of Almach will be fuzzy or just out of reach to Arcturus. Similar events will happen to Sirius when he is brought in to review the family tree.
There was a knock on the door to Rockclaw's office, indicating that the other members for the meeting had arrived. Their meeting quickly concluded and Bella returned to her Midnight form and took up her spot on Katie's lap, while the paperwork was collected and filled or put away.
"Enter," called Rockclaw.
Griphook led in Amelia and Susan Bones and Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood. Greetings were exchanged between the adults and Rockclaw, and between the Potters, Bones and Lovegoods. Once done everyone took their seats in the chairs provided and they began to discuss the plans for Hogwarts.
"Rockclaw, do you know if King Ragnok has found a goblin for my proposition?" inquired Harry.
"Harry, yes he has. The Goblin's name is Barchoke," answered Rockclaw.
"Harry, why would you need a specific goblin?" inquire Amelia.
"Once we take up our Hogwarts seats, I am appointing Master Barchoke as my proxy for my Slytherin seats, initially it was for the board of governors, but then I decided to have him sit for the Wizengamot as well," responded Harry.
All four of the new arrivals stopped and looked at Harry like he was mad, before Xeno started to chuckle at the choice made. Amelia quickly looked at the chuckling Xeno, before her brain processed the brilliance of the move in blocking the darker families.
"Harry do you know how much outrage that move will cause amongst the darker pure-blood families?" inquired Amelia.
"Yes," responded Harry, failing to keep a poker face in place. "They believe that Salazar Slytherin was a bigoted pure-blood who hated muggle-born. In fact he did not trust or like the muggle-born who betrayed their magical brethren. The basilisk he left behind was to be a protector of Hogwarts and to defend the school from attack by the non magical lords or kings back then, who hunted the magicals. The basilisk was not to be used to attack students at the school, as happened last year and 50yrs ago."
Both Amelia and Xenophilius looked at Harry with blank faces hearing that their was a basilisk moving around Hogwarts last school year. Amelia filed away that tidbit for later questioning.
"Once our four proxy's take their seats on the board of governors, the remaining members only become an advisory panel, if we keep them." stated Harry. "Katie and I have read over the original charter and documents for the school and Wizengamot, that we could find in my libraries, the four founders along with Houses Emery, le Fay and Pendragon have final authority over laws and judgement."
"Auntie, we need to be as devious as Harry in selecting who will be our proxy's for our founder seats," stated Susan.
"I agree with both Harry and Susan," added Luna.
"Amelia, you would make a good proxy, but you have enough duties as Head of DMLE and I suspect the time needed to fully make these proxy's work is more than you can afford," commented Harry. Amelia nodded in agreement in his assessment.
"I agree with your appraisals and thank you," replied Amelia.
"So who would you suggest for the other three founder proxy's?" asked Katie.
"Harry would Hermione mind if her parents were a board member?" asked Luna. Everyone stopped and looked at the young witch with Harry and Katie's eyes and mouth taking on a evil glint and smirk.
"Luna, no she would not and that is a wonderful, and underhanded choice," commented Harry. "With more muggle-born attending their parents should have a say. What would we need to do, in order for Drs. Grangers to sit as proxy"
"So that leaves the seats for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff," stated Katie.
"For the Gryffindor seat how about Lady Greengrass or Abbott," suggested Amelia. "For the seat of Hufflepuff, Katie would your mother sit if offered?"
[I like the idea of Kynthia as the Gryffindor proxy and I think your mother would have the time for the Hufflepuff seat on the board of governors,] stated Harry.
[I agree with both and think mum would enjoy filling the seat and rubbing the pure-blood nose in it,] replied Katie.
"Amelia, we think mum would take the offered seat, and we agree with the choice of Lady Greengrass," answered Katie.
"Lord Greengrass is a big supporter of the bigots like Malfoy and He-who-must-not-be-named," commented Xeno.
"Yes Lord Greengrass is, but he will not get anywhere near that proxy seat," answered Harry. With that statement everyone in the room saw the soft magical glow in the eyes of Katie and Harry, reinforcing their stance, and a Cheshire cat look that they knew something and were not telling.
"Before we get to much further ahead in your plans for the proxy's. Might I suggest that you take up you founder's rings and titles, so you can carry out your schemes," stated Rockclaw, not able to hide the toothy grin he had at hearing plans to completely shake the foundation of Hogwarts, and disrupt the Wizengamot. The director and King will want to see his memory of this meeting, thought Rockclaw as the three teens prepare to take on their titles.
Rockclaw pulled out four ring boxes and set them on his desk "Here are the Head of House rings for the founders," stated Rockclaw. "There are no age requirements on the founder houses, like there are for most houses, as they predate the conclave and Ministry so you can take up the title of Lord or Lady of said houses. Once you claim your titles the wards at Hogwarts and in the Ministry will recognise your titles and status. Inside the Wizengamot chambers the four founder seats will appear. Magic will strip any and all who try to sit in those seats, who do not have permission or deemed worthy."
"How long can we keep this quiet and out of the papers?" asked Harry.
"Most likely until the first Wizengamot session, when everyone will see the seats. As for Hogwarts, as soon as you all cross the ward line the castle and wards will know of your presence and will allow you to take control," replied Rockclaw.
"Once they reach the school grounds these three for all intents and purposes will control the castle?" question Xeno.
"Yes. As the heirs of the founders they will own the castle, school and the surrounding lands that belong to Hogwarts, once they take up their titles," answered Rockclaw.
"As the founder heirs we will be able to restore the wards and correct the downward spiral of the education, potentiated by the last few headmasters," added Harry.
"Yes and no," answered Rockclaw. "You will be able to restore the wards, but it will take some work to restore the education system. As the Heirs of the Founders, you three will have the ability to start the change for a better education and start the return of the teaching to what the founders envisioned. Your impact will be limited, while as students and your desire to remain hidden during this time." The three teens all nodded in understanding of Rockclaw's comment.
With discussion complete Luna, Susan and Harry took up their rings and titles as Lord or Lady of the founders. All three teens blank out for some time as the family magic assess them and then bestows their knowledge on to them. Harry ends with a headache after receiving both Gryffindor and Slytherin family magic gifts. Rockclaw, prepared the paperwork for those selected to sit as proxy on the board of governors at Hogwarts and they had some further discussion on who will sit as their proxy in the Wizengamot. For the Wizengamot seats is was decided to keep Mrs Bell for the Hufflepuff seat, add Lord Black for Ravenclaw seat, Master Barchoke for Slytherin seat and Lady Greengrass for Gryffindor seat. Letters of proxy were completed and sealed with the house rings and filed both in Gringotts for safe keeping and the ministry. Amelia was also given a certified copy of the appointment letters of proxy for safe keeping. Harry also requested Rockclaw and Director Ragnok start a full audit of Hogwarts, shortly after the students returned to Hogwarts.
Sitting in Katie's lap was Bella, as Midnight, and she was trying her best to not break down in laughter at hearing the discussion going on with the founder seats and how their choices were going to turn the pure-blood families on their heads. She could just image the look of outrage and consternation on the face of Lucius and other supporters of the dark lord.
Potter Manor
It was mid afternoon when Katie, Bella and Harry returned to the manor, after a quick stop at Marcello's to get Bella a wand. As soon as they were home Bella changed back to her human form, stretching out the kinks.
"It is good to be home and able to move around comfortable," commented Bella.
"Once we get to Hogwarts and into our suite, you will be able to move around outside of Midnight," stated Harry. "Before everything closes for the night, do you have enough clothes? I know while you were at the farm the elves picked up some daily robes for you."
"I could use some under garments, and something comfortable to wear," replied Bella.
"How about we go to the mall and visit a couple of stores and let Bella pick out some new clothes," stated Katie. "She would like Victoria's." Harry looked up at Katie with fear in his eyes and a very red face.
"What is Victoria's?" asked Bella, seeing the change in Harry.
"It is a store that specializes in ladies intimate clothing," answered Katie. "Some of the clothing is very nice and comfortable to wear, but it is quite embarrassing for boys and men to look at in the store. Bella face took on a mischievous look and grin at hearing about this.
"Lets contact mum and have her meet us at the house," stated Katie.
Just after dinner the group returned to Potter Manor with Elvina looking for Philip, while Bella, Katie and Harry went up to their bedroom to finish packing their new school trunks, they now had multi-compartment trunks with an apartment. Even Bella had a compact ladies trunk to keep her cloths and other items she needed inside the apartment. Bella could not stop talking about everything she learned or tried at Victoria's. Nothing at Madam Malkin's or even Twilfitt & Tatting's could compare to the intimate clothing at Victoria's. Bella had an enjoyable and fun time looking through all of the choices at Victoria's, and getting Katie to try a few things on to tease and wind up Harry.
Once their trunks were packed, Harry and Katie went down to the training room to practice their Patronus spell and Animagus transformation, with Bella for support, she was amazed at the power her Alphas had. Their work with Medjay Hakim had been gruelling and hard but the time with the master had been well spent. Both of them had learned the Patronus charm and could cast the spell, and were now working to finishing getting their corporal form, as they could see the rough form at their last practice. Also they had mastered their Animagus form and both of them were a mixed cat form between a Nemean Lion and prehistoric Sabre-toothed Cat. Their size was slightly larger than a tiger, about 54in at the shoulders and body length of 8ft. Their coats were black with scant dark grey strips on the underside. From Hakim they knew that their forms were gifts from Bastet and would help them in fighting Dementors and other creatures like them. With Medjay Hakim's assistance they were both registered with the Egyptian Ministry and ICW. Katie and Harry both recognised that a trip to Egypt would be needed to visit Bastet's temple.
=x=x=x=x=x=
1 September
Kings Cross Station & Hogwarts Express
Katie, Bella and Harry arrived early and looked around at the increased number of Aurors on the platform. It was while they walked towards the train, they remembered that the ministry was still looking for Sirius and Bellatrix. Once on the train they quickly found and claimed the compartment at the back of the next to last car. It had enough room for Harry's betrothed and several friends if they wish to stay. They both had decided that Ron and Ginny would not be allowed to stay, without changes. While they had walked through the train they saw an older gentleman sleeping in one of the compartments at the back of the car in front of theirs. They both noted the scent of werewolf on the sleeping gentleman. Both noted the initials and last name on the attaché bag.
Harry and Katie were siting, near the window facing forward, reading and waiting for the time when most of the students would arrive, while Midnight lounged on the other seat. Around quarter past 1000 Harry left his seat and moved onto the platform while Katie opened the window and watch from above. Shortly after Harry arrived on the platform, Amelia and Susan appeared and greeted Harry before Amelia said her good byes and left for the office. Harry told Susan where Katie was and she headed for their compartment. Luna was next with Xeno and they were quickly followed by the arrival of Hermione through the Kings Cross portal. Harry was greeted by a patented Hermione hug, sure to nearly break a rib or two. "We have a space at the back of the next to last car," Harry quickly told Hermione, as he returned her hug and gave her a chaste kiss to her cheek (more than the French air kiss). Hermione looked at the express and saw Katie waiving from the window, after recovering from the induced fog by Harry's hug and kiss. She made her way onboard and to the compartment, still slightly dazed from Harry's greeting. Katie smiled at the dazed look on Harry's best friends face, as she walked towards the carriage and added to it with her hug and gentle kiss, when she arrived.
Harry was waiting for the arrival of Kynthia, Daphne and Astoria. He wanted to invite Daphne and Astoria to their compartment if they wished. He was unsure if Lord Greengrass was going to arrive or not. 20 minutes of 1100 Lady Greengrass arrived with her daughters. Lord Greengrass arrived shortly after and proceeded to head over to greet Lucius Malfoy and his son. Lord Greengrass ignored Lady Malfoy in his greeting and discussion.
Unknowingly in his movement to greet Lucius, Matthew Greengrass allowed Kynthia, Daphne and Astoria to walk to the Express without being spotted by Lucius or Draco. Narcissa did not miss the movement of Lady Greengrass and her daughters, but did not interrupt her husband and his discussion with Lord Greengrass, some unknown sense or feeling leading to her decision.
Narcissa noted the friendly, yet formal greeting between Lady Greengrass and Harry Potter, 'These two have met before,' she thought She was surprised to see the changes in the last Potter compared to the descriptions from Draco, as he was not the a small, ill looking child. Something had to have happen over the summer to cause this large physical change in the young lord, taking up his title would not be enough. As she watched the young lord and his interactions, Narcissa slowly became aware of a new presence, like a top predator was on the platform observing the threats present. The feeling got stronger when Harry caught her studying him and they momentarily locked eyes. It was with this action that Narcissa felt the presence of another and quickly broke eye contact with Harry, and looked for the other. She never found the second presence, but what she felt from Harry, made her shiver to her core and long for the feeling of safety and protection she felt, when he looked at her. 'I must talk with grandfather. I see some of his training in Harry Potter,' thought Narcissa.
Potter compartment
Hogwarts Express
When they arrived earlier Katie and Harry had looked at the numerous empty compartments and found one of the larger ones and claimed it for the ride to school, feeling it would hold all of the people they wanted to ride with comfortable. Now that the express was leaving the station the compartment held Katie, Luna, Susan, Hanna, Hermione, Neville and Harry. Daphne and Astoria were just entering the compartment with Tracey, Daphne's best friend, after they found her in another compartment, when Harry stood quickly casting a locking charm and privacy charm on the door. Harry did not want to be bothered by a certain red head or the blond ponce.
"Harry, why did you lock the door, and when did you learn that?" questioned Hermione.
"I did not want us interrupted during the discussion and it was part of what Katie and I learned over the summer," answered Harry.
[Do you want to start or should I?] asked Harry.
[I will start, then you can talk with Hermione,] replied Katie.
"Before we get to catching up on the summer, Harry and I would like to discuss some things with you," started Katie. "First; Hermione, Harry needs to talk with you about several items. Second; you are all invited to our Wedding that will be held over Yule." Katie got no further in her list as the sequels of delight and happiness about tore the roof from the compartment.
While the girls were all congratulating Katie, Harry pulled Hermione over to his side and cast a privacy charm, he could see the hurt look in her eyes as she sat beside him. "Hermione, at the end of last year while waiting for you to be revived, I sat out by the lake as well as beside you and spent many hours reflecting over the past two years and what you mean to me," started Harry. "I had made my decision that over the summer I would ask you to be my girlfriend, but before I could leave the express Luna stopped me and informed me of some unknown facts. One; I would meet my life partner and mate over the summer. Two; you are my best friend and the feelings I have for you are true to my heart. Three; you, Daphne, Tracey and Luna will be part of our council (indicating Katie and himself), along with some others. Finally; from Katie and I, we would like to offer you a very special gift and a place with us after our wedding."
The look of hurt and fear in Hermione's eyes lessened as Harry gave his explanation. Katie heard what Harry had said to Hermione over their link and she silently pushed some alpha aura and some pheromones out, hoping to comfort their housemate and Harry's very close friend.
"Harry, what do you mean by mate?" asked Hermione.
"Over the summer I ran into Katie and through events that occurred we discovered that there was a bond between the two of us," started Harry. "The bond we have is very rare and should have taken the next few years to fully form and for us to complete. Due to the life-threatening events at the beginning of summer, our bond was forced to fully mature to help save our lives." Harry could see the hundred of questions forming in Hermione's eyes as he explained the events. "The feelings I discovered for you are feelings of love, that I did not know or understand and something I am learning about from Katie. I know that I will be there to help you and to protect you, the same as I will Katie, Luna and Susan. Do not doubt that you are my best friend, no mater what Ron says. You hold a very special place in my heart and want you with me."
"Please tell me more of this gift, and what is this council?" inquired Hermione, sheepishly.
"I will explain more on your birthday," replied Harry. "We will tell you more, but until then you need to start work on Occlumency. It will help organize your mind as well as protect it from intrusion. Both Snape and Dumbledore practice Legilimency on students, its illegal but they do it." Harry handed her a book on the mind arts and the principles. "Here is a book to help explain more of what the mind arts."
Hermione wanted to ask more questions of Harry, but quickly grasped how not having her mind protected would allow someone to learn information that she did not want out. "Do the others need to learn this?" she asked.
"No. I have my own copy and have been working all summer on it along with Katie." answered Harry. "Neville, Luna, Susan and Daphne have been learning from their parents for the past several years. It is something taught within the older houses." Hermione nodded her understanding. She was then surprised when Harry gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. "I truly have a deep love for you in my heart," stated Harry before backing away, and cancelling the privacy charm. Katie looked over at the two best friends and smiled hearing Harry's last comment to Hermione, as she knew it was true. Hermione had a very special place in that wonderful heart of her mate. Harry and Hermione rejoined the rest of the group and the discussions in the compartment.
A/N2: The goblin Barchoke is used in homage to the excellent writer RobSt. If you have not read Harry Crow, or other of his stories with Barchoke, then you are missing a very good story(s), and you will see who Barchoke is and this is how I see Barchoke working in this story.