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
Ch14
Hogwarts Express
It was about 30 min into the trip to Hogsmeade when the door was opened by Ron, who had been looking for Harry and Hermione since leave King's Cross, as he and his siblings barely made the train.
"Harry, why did you not meet up with my family yesterday while we were in Diagon Alley to get our school supplies? What are these slimy snakes doing in our compartment?" demanded Ron, seeing the others sitting in the compartment. "Along with that, why is a puff, the squib, and Loony doing here? Hermione, you were expected to meet up with Harry, me and my family in Diagon Alley yesterday for school shopping yesterday."
"First off Katie and I invited them to sit with us," replied Harry, with some heat in his voice. "Second this is not your compartment, so you can either hold you tongue or leave. Thirdly you did not ask us if we wanted to spend time with your family. Your letter was more an edict that we will be spending yesterday with your family."
As Harry was talking, Ron had tried to removed Daphne, Tracey, and Astoria and sit down on the bench. Harry's last two comments, brought Ron's actions to a halt and had Ron turning red with anger, almost a light shade of purple.
"What do you mean this is not our compartment?" demanded Ron. "We always sit together on our way to school. You and Hermione were to be in Diagon Alley, yesterday and do your school shopping with my family. Was that not clear in the letter?"
"Ron, Hermione and I had prior engagements that we were committed to by the time you sent your letter," answered Harry, quickly glancing at Hermione. "We had completed our shopping earlier in the month. If you wanted us to join your family for school shopping then you should have sent a letter requesting our presence earlier in the summer."
"Why do that?" questioned Ron. "Summer is time to forget about school." It was then that he heard the hissing come from a large black cat sitting on Katie's lap. The cat was focused on his right robe pocket, where Scabbers was hiding. "Keep that beast away from me!" yelled Ron at seeing Midnight. Then Ron noted the orange ball of fur with a squished face eyeing his pocket from Hermione's lap. "Keep both those beasts away from me," as one and then the other took a swipe at the rat nose sticking just over the pocket edge.
"Why don't you do us all a favour and leave Ron?. You were not invited and your opinion and attitude is not welcomed," replied Harry.
"Harry I'm your best mate. Why are you choosing to sit with snakes, duffer, Loony, and squib?" demanded Ron, then saw Harry and Katie holding hands. "Why are you holding Katie's hand? You know Ginny is to be your wife."
"Ron leave," stated Harry, fighting to keep his anger under control and the growl forming in his throat from being heard. Katie tightened her grip on Harry's hand to help reassure him, while fighting the urge to punch the red-headed rubbish disposal herself. Both Alphas were fighting the instincts to change and tear apart the idiot prey in front of them.
Unknowingly the two Alpha's pheromones and aura were starting to waif around them and the effects on the people in the compartment were varied. Ron was suddenly terrified and left the compartment. Luna, Susan, Daphne, Astoria, Tracey, and Hermione all felt an animalistic pull to both of the Alpha's and the protection and comfort with that. Neville was a little unnerved by the interaction, but he felt protective of the people sitting with him.
After Ron left in unexplained fright, things in the compartment returned to normal. With the witches looking at Harry and Katie a little as they calmed down, not knowing what caused the feelings they were having, but that it felt safe here.
[Harry did you notice that we started to release our aura and some pheromones, while we were dealing with Ron?] questioned Katie, after reviewing the interaction.
[No,] answered Harry. [But it makes sense, after seeing Ron's reaction and the changes in the faces and body language of the girls.]
An hour or so after the Trolley lady's visit, Malfoy showed up throwing the door open flanked by his two slow minded bookends.
"Crabbe, Goyle what is the smell coming from this compartment?" asked Malfoy as he stood in the doorway looking around the room. "Oh, its scar head, half bloods, mud-bloods, blood traitors, Loony, and squib. Greengrass why are you and your sister associating with the wrong kind? As my betrothed you will be sitting with me for the rest of the trip."
"Malfoy, I am not your betrothed, and I was invited to sit with Lord Potter," replied Daphne.
"Lord? What Lord. I only see a useless half-blood and other unfavourable. You will not disgrace the house of Greengrass by sitting with this sorry lot," stated Draco, as he made an attempt to pull Daphne from her seat.
"Malfoy, you shall unhand Miss Greengrass as she had made it clear she wants nothing to do with you," stated Harry, as he stood up from his seat and caused the blond ponce to back up and look up slightly.
"She will do as I say as my betrothed," shouted Malfoy.
"Unless you have a copy of the signed agreement on you, your word means nothing. Miss Greengrass has already stated she is not betrothed to you. I will take her word over yours any day," responded Harry. "As you belong to a lower house, and threatening the Heiress of house, your senior, in the presence of four senior houses you should leave before sanctions or reparations are required."
Draco paled as he looked at Harry and could see the fire in the emerald eye in front of him and the pulled wands in the hands of several behind Potter. "This is not over. My Father will hear about this and will ensure my betrothed is properly chastised," stated Draco, as he left the compartment.
Harry then closed the door and cast a privacy and sealing charm on the door, so that they would not be interrupted again.
Seeing the look on Hermione's face with a hundred questions, Harry cut her off before she started. "Katie and I had a lot of training over the summer. To include Family houses, politics and other topics."
The express was roughly an hour from Hogsmeade when the already bad weather becomes worse. It was about this time that the members in the Potter compartment noticed that he train was slowing down.
"What time is it? It seems too early to be at Hogsmeade," commented Susan.
"We have about another hour," answered Hermione, looking at her watch. As they talked Katie noted that the windows were icing over and the temperature dropping.
"Hey there is something moving around out there," stated Neville, looking out the frosted window. Suddenly the carriage gave a lurch, as something climbed on board and the light went out. A sick dark feeling of despair slowly moved over the compartment and carriage.
[Dementors,] stated Harry looking at Katie. She nodded in agreement.
[What should we do?] inquired Katie.
[Should we just use our Patronus or shift to our cat?] asked Harry. Katie looked at the pros and cons before answering.
[You shift, and I will cast my Patronus,] answered Katie. Harry nodded and moved form his seat to the middle of the compartment and watched the door, as he focused on his change. Katie stood up beside Harry with her wand out prepared to cast her Patronus.
Slowly the feelings of dread and cold increased as Harry transformed into his Animagus form. When he was done he filled the space between the seats to the door. Everyone was surprised and stunned by the presence of a very large cat in their compartment where moments before stood Harry.
A floating shadow crossed the windows and the door to the compartment unlocked and slowly opened. As the creature moved into the doorway, the feelings of sadness and despair rocketed. Katie had to fight to keep the feelings of love for Harry and in her mind as she cast her Patronus at the creature. Before her shield could fully form to block the space, Harry struck with his right paw, clawing the Dementor across the chest. The Dementor howled in pain from the wound across its chest, backing up and out of the doorway. Harry did not give the Dementor a chance to retaliate before striking again with another two paw swipes across the creatures chest and head. The power in the second paw strike to the head of the Dementor broke the presumable neck of the creature. The screeching noise of pain ceased as its disconnected husk dropped to the ground. Harry turned into the passageway and saw a second Dementor near the end of the carriage and charged the creature. As he closed he leaped into the air landing on the vile creature driving it onto the deck and clawing away with his claws. The Dementor howled and screeched in pain and terror as the claws, empowered by Bastet, tore through its body shredding everything. The other two Dementors near the train carriage fled in terror from the sounds made of their two dead brethren. A silvery wolf was seen coming out of the second train carriage before circling around the train.
Harry returned to his compartment, transforming back and fell into the waiting arms of his bonded. Both Katie and Harry collapsed onto the aft seat in their compartment, comforting each other and reassuring each was okay. Slowly the two became aware of the others looking at them, with Luna having an ear to ear smile on her dreamy face.
"You two make a beautiful couple," commented Luna. "You both would do well to keep the Wrackspurts away." Then quietly to the two alphas Luna stated that she wanted in on the gift.
Both Harry and Katie looked at their young witch and smiled at what she was implying about their recent zone.
"Luna, thanks for the reminder, but sometimes the Wrackspurts need a little company," replied Katie, with a large grin on her face.
"Harry, what was that, and where did you learn to do that? Katie what did you cast?" questioned Hermione with a hundred other questions rapid firing at the bonded.
While Hermione's questions had pulled the attention in the compartment to her and Harry as he started to answer Katie quietly spoke with Luna about her request, and that they would talk more later. Luna nodded knowing now was not the place.
"Breath. Slowly," answered Harry to Hermione's rapid barrage of questions. "Over the summer we had some tutoring on the Patronus charm and Animagus. We had just succeeded in our transformation about a week ago."
"What is a Patronus charm?" inquired Hermione.
"It is an advance protective spell useful against Dementors and Lethifold," answered Katie. "We are still working on the charm, but both of us can produce a solid shield, as you saw. Once we get some better memories and a little more magic we should achieve our corporeal form."
As the group was talking, the older wizard Katie and Harry had seen sleeping on the train stopped by and checked on them and gave them some chocolate to eat. "Eat the chocolate, it will help with the after effects from the Dementors," stated Professor Lupin. Nothing else was said about what happen to the Dementor outside their door nor at the end of the carriage. Harry and Katie each stashed some chocolate away for Midnight to have once in their suite.
Professor Remus Lupin, had just finished checking the last compartment of the carriage and saw that Harry was there. He did not say anything, as directed by Albus, other than check on their well-being. He noted the empty husks lying on the floor, in the passageway. His wolf also noted the presence of an Alpha somewhat near, but could not be specific in location. His wolf also noted some agitation in the Alpha.
The express arrived at Hogsmeade slightly late due to the encounter with the Dementors, but was met by Aurors from DMLE and some staff members form Hogwarts. Professor Lupin quickly gave a run-down of events that happen, and the Aurors were looking at the two corpses of the dead Dementors. None of them had ever heard of anything that could kill a Dementor. The remains were processed, logged and given to the Unspeakables, when they return to the Ministry.
Meanwhile, the first years were collected by Hagrid and the other students headed for the castle by way of carriages, pulled by Thestrals. Once Katie, Harry, and company arrived at the castle, they were pulled aside by Professor McGonagall. She questioned them before sending them off to a side room, where Madam Pomfrey stood waiting to exam any of the students suffering from the effects of Dementor exposure. They were all given some more chocolate and then sent onto the Great Hall for the welcoming feast and sorting.
As they entered the Great Hall Katie, Hermione, and Harry headed for the Gryffindor table while Luna moved to the Ravenclaw table and Susan to the Hufflepuff table. As they were taking their seats Daphne, and Tracey entered and walked to the Slytherin table. Astoria would be in with the first years.
Once the first years were sorted, Dumbledore stood and made a few announcements and introduced the new Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupin.
"Did you hear what happen on the train?" asked Seamus, looking around.
"No," answered Harry. "Other than a couple Dementors got onto the train, when they should not have."
"I heard the new professor talking about finding two dead Dementors on the express," replied Seamus. "And that Malfoy chased out everyone in his compartment after a Dementor stuck its head in the compartment."
"Don't know anything about that. Is that why Malfoy is late in arriving to the carriages and the castle?" answered Harry. [Do you think any of them will tie it to us?] inquired Harry.
[They shouldn't. Even if one of the bodies was outside our cabin,] answered Katie. [That does not prove the attack came from our cabin.] Harry smirked in agreement. [Besides I want to know more about this accident Malfoy had.]
"Hermione, why did you not come and sit with me when I left the compartment, instead of staying with Harry and his new slimy snake friends?" demanded Ron, after his arrival and sitting down at the table.
"Ron, not all Slytherins are bad," replied Hermione. Ron's face flashes red at having his opinion countered, by the bossy know-it-all. "Besides I found out that Miss Greengrass will be in Runes and Arithmancy with me, and we had a nice discussion about the purpose of the two classes and the possible jobs they can lead to."
"Well at least Harry is still taking Divination with me, and not those boring classes," commented Ron. Harry just nodded, as his mouth was full and only wanted to postpone the mount RON explosion, that would occur when he found out Harry was not in Divination.
Katie ate quietly while she sat beside Harry, observing the interactions of the red-head. He was nothing like his twin brothers nor the stick in the arse Percy, and the glances from the younger sister towards Harry was disturbing. She had watched the trio from afar the past two years, but this was the first time she was in the mix. 'Maybe it would be for the best if I could get Harry and Hermione to move down with me to join Angelina and Alicia,' thought Katie. [Do you and Hermione want to move down more with Angelina and Alicia during meals?] asked Katie. [If Ron is this toxic now how bad will he be in the morning and after?]
[It sounds good. It is not right to make you stay away from your friends,] answered Harry. [Spending summer with you and several of the other, I do not want to be around Ron that much any more. I might change my mind on this only if Ron corrects his attitude and behaviour.] Katie nodded.
[When should we approach Hermione with the offer?] inquired Harry.
[You forgot already? You told her that we had an offer for her, that we will discuss on her birthday, and give her until Yule to decide. Then add her to the pack after Yule,] replied Katie. Harry nodded as he remembers the short talk at the beginning of the express ride.
Soon the feast was over and Dumbledore released the students sending them off to their houses. Harry, Katie, Luna, and Susan stayed behind to meet with Professor McGonagall to learn the location of their quarters. Harry told Hermione they would be by the common room later.
"Professor McGonagall can you show us to our rooms?" asked Harry. Seeing the look on her face told Harry that Dumbledore was interfering. [He is up to something,] commented Harry.
[Agreed,] Replied Katie.
"The Headmaster would like to speak with you Mr. Potter," stated Professor McGonagall, as she reached the students. Luna and Susan were giving the Professor a look of aggravation from what she said.
"We will meet with him, but I request the presence of yourself and Professor Flitwick's during the meeting and discussion," answered Harry.
Minerva looked at the four students in front of her and in the eyes of Harry she saw the irritation and determination fire that she was used to seeing in Lily's eyes. She had learned not to push back when those eyes held that look. Really all four of them held a look of pain to who ever crossed them right now. Minerva went back to the staff table and informed Professor Flitwick of Harry's request. The two professors joined the students and headed for the headmaster's office.
Minerva gave the password to the gargoyle and the party of six moved up the stairs once the statue had stood aside. Unknown to the party, or the two sitting up in the headmaster's office, Lady Hogwarts was following them and listening to the quiet discussion amongst the Heirs of her founders.
-x-
When she felt their presence arrive, when crossing the outer wards beyond Hogsmeade, before the feast she instructed the house-elves to prepare the Founder's Flat suite. The flat suite had a central common room with a short hall, on the wall opposite the main door, a small eating nook with a small kitchen, on the left end of the common room. A large sitting area with fire place on the right end. The common room had four large desks with side tables, along the wall opposite the main door and several bookshelves along the wall with the main door and two privy. The bookshelves would present any book from the main library (regardless of the book's location). The short hall lead to six quest suits. The stairs near the fire place and the eating nook lead to a second level balcony, overlooking the common room, with doors leading to four family suites. Each with a small common area, a lords study, Lords Chamber and four bedrooms, each bedroom had its own en suite. Once in the quarters no special password or key was needed. Only those allowed by the founders and Lady Hogwarts could find these rooms or enter.
-x-
As the group approached the office door it opened just before Minerva could knock on the door. The two professors and four students moved into the office and saw Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, in his throne like chair. Harry did not miss the presence of Snape, sitting on a stool, in a shadowed corner.
"Ah Minerva, thank you for bringing Harry. You and Filius can head back to your offices, along with the ladies to their houses," stated Albus with a slight twinkle in his eye, no one moved to leave.
"We will be staying Albus. Mr. Potter requested our presence for this meeting," replied Minerva.
"This is a private meeting between Harry and me," answer Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, then Professor Snape does not need to be here if this is a private meeting," stated Harry. "Add to that, I am concerned when an old man request a private meeting with a student and the year has just started."
"Harry, Professor Snape has my utmost confidence….." started Dumbledore in his reply, before getting cut off.
"Professor, it does not matter your confidence in Professor Snape. This is a supposed private meeting then his presence is not required. If the people I have requested to be here are not able to stay then he does not stay," interrupted Harry. "Now, it has been a long and tiring day, made worse by the presence of the Dementors on the train. My betrothed and I would like to retire to our rooms for the night. Now what do you want?"
"What betrothed? I do not see Ms. Weasley present, as she is your only betrothed I agreed to," asked Dumbledore. "When did this happen? As your magical guardian, I did not agree to any betrothal contracts involving the young ladies present."
"First you are not my magical guardian, and you were informed of that at Gringotts before being tossed from the conference room, when the reading of my parent's wills was held," stated Harry. "As for a betrothal to Ginny Weasley, there is none."
"There most certainly is a betrothal/marriage contract between yourself and Miss Weasley," replied Dumbledore. "Besides, you are too young to bear the burden of head of House. You need to have a normal childhood and be with your friends and not worry about the politics and duties of Head of House. You need to renounce your Head of House status until you are older and allow the adults to be in charge of these responsibilities."
"I am not here to debate your desire and needs headmaster. What is it that you want?" asked Harry, with an edge of annoyance.
"Where have you been all summer?" demanded Dumbledore, realizing that Harry was not going to relent and allow Severus to stay if he forced the others out.
"I spent it with family, and why is it any of your concern where I spent the summer?" replied Harry.
"You were not at your aunt and uncle's home, and I am concerned as your magical guardian," responded Dumbledore. "Now where were you?"
"I spent it with family. The Dursley's are relatives and not my family, and that house was not my home but was my prison, thanks to you. Again you are not my magical guardian," responded Harry.
"You left him with Petunia?" exclaimed Snape. "That woman was beyond jealous of Lily and despised Lily and the fact she had a talent she could not have. She is a very spiteful disagreeable woman."
"They are his only family, and he needed to be left with family," replied Dumbledore, supporting his stance that only he knows the correct decisions.
"THEY ARE NOT MY FAMILY! THEY ARE MONSTERS AND MY PRISON KEEPERS ALONG WITH YOU," shouted Harry. "THE HOUSE AT #4 PRIVET DRIVE WAS NOT A HOME BUT A PRISON I HAD TO ENDURE FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS. I WAS NEVER LOVED, CARED FOR, ENCOURAGED OR REWARDED FOR DOING WELL. I WAS STARVED, FORCED TO CLEAN HOUSE, COOK MEALS, WORK THE GARDEN AND IF THE CHORE LIST NOT COMPLETED I WAS BEATEN DAILY. IF SOMETHING HAPPENED ANYWHERE I WAS BEATEN, IF I DID BETTER THAT MY COUSIN IN SCHOOL, I WAS BEATEN FOR CHEATING." Harry was breathing was slightly heavy by the end.
Now Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were looking at the young wizard in front of them and could feel the rage coming off of him, and the pressure as magic flared, as he yelled at the headmaster. The flaring magic was not just from Harry, but the three witches as well, as they heard more about Harry's upbringing. They could see the fire in his eyes, and they both were reminded of a very passionate green-eyed, red-headed witch, and were glad the fire was not directed at them.
Albus was taken aback by the ferocity of the response from Harry, and had to sit back in his chair as he could feel the magic pushing him back. 'They were to keep him weak and down trodden and isolated,' reflected Albus. When he looked around the office himself, he was on the receiving end of some very hostile glares from his staff, and the look of severe pain and discomfort from three young witches.
"Do you know where they are? I went to the house and no one was there," inquired Dumbledore, as calm and grandfatherly as he could.
"Not really and don't care," answered Harry. "Most likely they are staying at accommodations provided by the Queen."
"What does that mean?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"His relatives abandon Harry shortly after summer holiday started, and they were arrested for child abuse, neglect, endangerment and abandonment," answered Katie, while placing a calming hand on Harry's arm and pushing love to him over their bond.
"They were arrested and sitting in jail or prison," clarifying Harry, knowing they still did not get what was said.
"They need to be released, so you can return to your family and home at the end of the year," commented Dumbledore, as he tried to read Harry's thought with a wand-less Legilimency, as he would not look at him. His attempts failed to detect anything.
"They deserve everything they receive for what they have done to me," answered Harry. "My aunt, uncle, and cousin are relatives, NOT MY FAMILY and No. 4 Privet drive IS NOT MY HOME. I will not be returning to that prison. It is time they spend time in prison, like I had to do."
"Surely you are exaggerating the treatment from your aunt and uncle," stated Dumbledore, in his continued disbelief that family will not hurt family. Dumbledore expected some heavy punishment to occur but did not understand how heavy or severe the Dursleys had been.
"My name is not Shirley, and I was not exaggerating how I was treated by my relative. I will not be going back to Durzkeban every again," replied Harry.
"Harry, you will be going back to spend the summer with your family in Surrey at the end of the school year" commanded Dumbledore.
"Who is going to make me?" inquired Harry.
"As your magical guardian you will do as I say when out of school," stated Dumbledore.
[Can I curse him now?] asked Katie
[No,] replied Harry.
"Again, you are not my magical guardian and have never been my legal magical guardian. Are you that thick and def, or are you just unable to accept any answer not from your own mouth?" responded Harry. "As Lord Potter, I no longer require a magical guardian. My legal magical guardian, that I was supposed to be left with, has spent the past twelve years in Azkaban without a trial. Yes Dumbledork, I know what you did to Sirius Black and to me, upon the death of my parents. Do not try Legilimency on me again, you will not like the response. That goes for your pet death eater as well."
Now Minerva and Filius gave both Albus and Severus looks that spoke volumes of pain that would occur at a later time. It also conveyed that they both had lost trust in the headmaster and another head of house. Minerva also felt a change in the magic within the room, like there were three large predators preparing to pounce and strike. She could not locate or identify who. Midnight had moved away from Katie and Harry and was behind Severus Snap, preparing to pounce if he moved wrong.
Filius looked at Mr. Potter and Miss Bell after looking at Albus and Severus. He still had some family contacts in Gringotts and knew that Harry had taken up his title as Lord Potter. He also noted the change in the magic within the office and was looking towards Mr. Potter and Ms. Bell, as the changed emanated from them. Filius knew that there was several inquires underway, and none of them looked good for those who had harmed the child. Hearing that Albus and Severus both practice Legilimency on the child had his goblin blood boiling.
"I believe it would be best to let the students head to their rooms for the night and rest. They have a busy day ahead of them," stated Professor Flitwick. "This discussion can continue at another time."
"I agree," responded Professor McGonagall. "Tempers are up and some in here are not listening, as usual."
"Thank you Professors. My betrothed and I are tired and would like to get to our rooms and settle in for the night," answered Harry. "Can someone please show us to our rooms?"
"Yes, you all may head off to your houses," answered Dumbledore, ignoring the request. Harry looked at Dumbledore with disbelief on his face.
"Professor McGonagall, can you please show us to our quarters, as I requested before term?" asked Harry, while ignoring the headmaster.
"You are to return to your house common room. Your request for marriage quarters has been denied," stated Dumbledore.
Before anyone else could make a comment or rebuke Albus too many names Dumbledore there was a deep gong heard in the office and surrounding area of the castle. With this an unknown ghost passed through the walls into the Headmaster's office and addressed the group.
"Lord Potter, you and your betrothed can follow me and I will show you to your new quarters," informed the ghost.
"I do not know who you are, but I have stated that Mr. Potter and the young ladies with him will return to their houses," stated Dumbledore. "His request for marriage quarters has been denied."
"You cannot deny a privilege that has been recognized and granted by the founders for generations," answered the ghost, as she headed for the door. "Lord and Marriage quarters are not gifts you get to decide on allowing. By the Founders rule any request for Lord or Marriage quarters will be granted." The ghost did not go into the required details that those request required, let the old goat do his own homework. Harry, Katie, Luna, and Susan all turned away from Dumbledore to follow the unknown ghost. Harry, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick kept an eye on Dumbledore and Snape as Harry prepared to departed.
"I will have one of the house-elves bring Miss Weasley to your quarters, as you are missing your only betrothed," responded Dumbledore, before they reached the door.
Katie, Harry, Luna, and Susan stopped and turned around and looked at Dumbledore like he was an idiot to even mentioning the contact, before Harry answered. The only reading Dumbledore got though passive Legilimency on the teens was irritation from Harry and Miss Bell. He could not pick up any other feelings or thoughts.
"Miss Weasley, contract, hmm," stated Harry with, a thinking look on his face. "Oh that's right, the Potter Account Manager did mention something about an illegal marriage contract that was denied by Family magic, and by MAGIC herself. I believe I have already stated there is no marriage contract between House Potter and House Weasley," replied Harry. "I believe Gringotts, Madam Bones and my solicitors are all looking into the contract and the parties involved as an attempt at line theft."
"Albus what did you do?" demanded Minerva, when she saw the shocked look on Dumbledore's face when Harry replied.
"Yes, headmaster tell us how you know of Potter House business? Marriage and betrothal contracts are clearly not Hogwarts business." inquired Harry. "I never informed Professor McGonagall who I was betrothed to, prior to my arrival at the castle."
[Do you really think he will honestly answer those questions?] asked Katie.
[No. He will give some half-truth for an answer,] answered Harry.
Dumbledore recovered from the shock of what Harry had said, in reply to his statement on Ms. Weasley's contract. It's for the Greater Good that he marries Molly's daughter and when he must sacrifice himself to defeat Voldemort, the Weasley's will inherit some Potter vaults. He will keep most of the money and the items from within the vaults and properties through the will he has made for Harry.
"It was a marriage contract to cover the life debt created last spring," answered Dumbledore.
"Albus, did you tell Mr. Potter about the life debt or the contract?" inquired Minerva, already suspecting the answer.
"As his magical guardian, he did not need to know or worry about such things. What I was doing is for the Greeter Good," responded Dumbledore.
"So not only did you not have the authority to enter Mr. Potter into a contract, you never informed Mr. Potter of the life debt," summed Professor Flitwick. "What did you do to warrant an inquiry of line theft?" The small professor was holding his goblin tendencies in check, only because of the students in the room.
Dumbledore held his tongue and gave Harry and the girls his most disappointed grandfatherly look, that they would question his actions and cause these problems. They are only children and need to let the adults act in their interests.
Harry gave Dumbledore his lopsided smirk, when he saw the headmaster try his disappointed look. "Seeing as the headmaster will not answer the questions," started Harry. "His so-called marriage contract would have made House Potter subservient to House Dumbledore via another house."
The temperature in the room dropped from a slightly warm office to a down right chilly night in January. "Miss Weasley will stay where she is as the contract has been invalidated by magic and is now tagged as evidence for multiple investigations," stated Harry. "Professors McGonagall and Flitwick, we are done talking for the night and will retire to our quarters."
With that the teens turned towards the door and followed the unknown ghost down the stairs and to the Founder's Flat suite.
'Damn those meddling creatures they were not to know about the contract. I will have to do some fancy talking and dancing to get rid of that contract. It is good I had not placed Harry's will in the family vault. I will keep it here in my office until such time it is needed to be read in the Wizengamot,' thought Albus.
"ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, how dare you enter Mr. Potter in a contract with Miss Weasley, and not tell him" shouted Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore could see the fury in the faces of Minerva and Filius.
"Harry, is a child and does not need to be bothered with the weight of dealing with a life debt and what all it entails," answered Albus.
"That child as you call him, has faced more adversity in his life than most adult ever will," stated Minerva.
"He is just as arrogant as his father ever was and expecting special treatment," spouted Snape, all ready forgetting that Harry had been living with Petunia.
"Severus, I would advise you not to push that young man this year," warned Filius "Something has changed over the summer, and it would be in your best interest to remain civil towards him. He may look like James, but he is now behaving and responding more like Lily, and his eyes have change and react like Lily's did when angered."
Severus stopped his reply, at Filius mentioning Lily and how those beautiful green eyes changed into dark stormy and pulsing orbs of green when angered. He unconsciously shivered slightly remembering those looks, as he had been on the receiving end a few times. All Severus could do was nod and think about the aftermath if those eyes ever retaliated.
Albus could not have Harry taking after Lily. She had an uncanny ability to see through him and everything he said. Lily did not buy into his grandfather persona, and it took quite a bit of work to tie her off with James. He was glade that Lily did not get to spend much time with Charlus and Dorea, as the elder Potters did not agree with his Greater Good or his plans for Magical Britain.
"Harry and Miss Bell will return to Gryffindor tower tomorrow along with Miss Lovegood to Ravenclaw Tower and Miss Bones to Hufflepuff. I have made my decision, and he will not have access to Lord Quarters," stated Albus.
"Albus, you can try to change Mr. Potters quarters, but I do not believe you will be successful," stated Minerva. "You will have to locate them first, as none of us know where they are staying."
"I will have the house-elves move them after breakfast," replied Albus.
"I doubt they will do as you ask," commented Filius. "Did you not hear the gong when the unknown ghost arrived to lead them away? What every you have done to Mr. Potter, the castle has chosen to protect him."
"Albus, you had best stay away from Mr. Potter and his betrothed," scolded Minerva, while reflecting on what Filius just said. "Severus, do not push Mr. Potter or his betrothed in class or around the castle, and you may want to control your house. Mr. Malfoy may not survive the harm that comes his way, from the trouble that his mouth creates with Mr. Potter."
Phineas Black left his painting in the headmaster's office, after the meeting was over, for his painting at Blackmoore Manor to inform Lord Black about the confrontation. Arcturus had asked the former head of house and headmaster to keep an eye out for any events involving Harry Potter with the headmaster. Harry had talked with Lord Black about the marriage contract and any implications, as well as further manipulation by Dumbledore. Lord Black and the Painting of Phineas had a long talk, at Blackmoore Manor, and the old Headmaster was not happy with what he learned Dumbledore had done. Both had a good laugh and chuckle over how the plans of the Great Albus Dumbledore were now scrambled and in pieces.