[a/n]Sequel to#143-#152

Harry Does Different DXXXVp

Incest Is Almost The Best 11

There were many changes resulting from the conviction and sentencing of Severus Snape, but most were for much later. Although Professor McGonagall arrived within an hour of the case ending, in a very thoughtful mood, Harry and Harriet appeared quite a bit later …nearly curfew… As Fred put it "Quite mutually snogifyed!"

"Mr. Potter, I do believe you are pushing the limits of Miss Potter's curfew." This from the rotund Head of Hufflepuff who was on duty at the castle's main entrance.

Ron Hermione and Ginny immediately crowded around their friend, the wizard speaking first, and tactlessly "Did you really kick Snape in the balls?"

"Ronald!" exclaimed Hermione outraged.

Harry simply shook his head "Hahaha. But that isn't at all the way you ask a lady a question. Nor would you ask such a question of a lady, anyway. Would you not agree with, Professor Sprout?" but he didn't allow a moment for an answer, saying "Ahh! An example: Heir Malfoy! A word, if you would deign?"

"What do you want Potter?" Draco stalked over, in the company of his usual guards, and glared at the group "Well?"

Harry offered a pleasant expression "Merely a request. It has come to my attention that there is an arrangement that could benefit House Potter and House Malfoy."

"Oh? You first, huh?" Draco was not impressed.

Harry's expression was less pleasant "Why should I be any different from the rest of you?"

"Well? What is it then?" asked Draco.

Pleasant look back, Harry replied "That's why I am asking after your father. Meaning no disrespect to you, of course, a matter so …ahh, worthwhile… should be discussed at the highest level."

"I shall relay your request." The Malfoy heir looked discomfited, making a half-bow and departing.

Ron frowned "Tha bleedin hell wazzat about?"

Sprout applauded silently "Well in lieu of Mr. Weasley's detention for cursing, we'll just waive that in consideration of your fine performance Mr. Potter."

"Really? Then you'll love this." Harry was gleeful. He turned his attention to Ron, addressing him "I have like request for you, Sir Weasley. Should you see your brother Percy, I'm hoping for a chat with him. There is a matter of possible mutual benefit I would like to discuss with him."

This brought perplexed looks from the students, but a nudge from the professor prodded Ron "Ahh …but of course." Then he protested "Yo! You talked to me just like to Malfoy!"

"Noticed that did you? Five points to Gryffindor." Pomona was enjoying herself "An outgrowth of the adage Keep Your Friends Close But Your Enemies Closer. You will notice that Mr. Malfoy could no longer display hostility in the face of courtesy, and that it placed him entirely out of his comfort zone. Conversely, having shown politeness to an enemy, the acting Head of a noble house could not show less to an ally."

Hermione had produced a scroll and was scratching notes into it.

"I agree with Professor Sprout." Said Harry "Except on the point that there's been no formal declaration, so referring to House Malfoy as an enemy would not be a fair chara - - -" But looking up, he paused, then called out "Percy! A moment of your time please!"

Fred silently pantomimed his brother's stiff approach, to the amusement of the others. He spoke tersely "With respect, Regent Potter, you and your Earl may be on a firstname basis with my siblings, but that level of familiarity does not extend to myself."

"Hey there! Harriet's my best friend! Well one of them!" Ron growled angrily. This caused several passersby to pause, hoping to witness a confrontation.

Harry's response was a brief inclination of his head "I concede your point, though such was not my intention. Considering the number of Weasleys present, however, I merely wished the attention of ONE. Not risk a stampede."

"All of you students! Just enough time to meet curfew. Off you go." Professor Sprout's voice rose every other sound.

Harriet pleaded "Just two minutes, Professor." But not waiting for a response, proceeded to kiss Harry for that length of time. Well, a bit short of it, because of Percy's impatient cough.

"Your time is appreciated, Mr. Weasley." Harry said, formally as the corridor emptied "I won't take up more of it than you feel necessary. I'd heard you are no longer romantically involved. My sympathies."

The redhead's face went blank "Nothing I am inclined to discuss with a virtual stranger. While her still being in Hogwarts was a hurdle, we learned we wanted different things."

"I merely mention what was passed to me by Harriet. Of course, the details are not my business." Harry was polite "My reason for bringing it up relates to my next question. I'm unaware of the Weasleys' general opinion of political marriages, what is your feeling? Personally?"

Percy frowned "I do not believe you are thinking of me matching with your young Earl-to-be. Not after your romantic display. My parents felt …feel… love is the most important thing to a marriage. Me personally? There is no reason to ignore that aspect, should such an opportunity present itself. I assume you have something in mind? Why would you not speak to Grandmother, as our Duchess?"

"Unlike my chat with Heir Presumptive Draco, which I am sure you will hear about" Harry grinned coolly "you are an adult wizard. If that is needed later, I will follow your lead. But a marriage alliance was proposed to me, one that I had to forgo, for obvious reasons. But due to my unique viewpoint as an outsider, the family in question felt I might suggest a suitable match."

The redhead eyed the raven-haired wizard for a solid minute before speaking and all he said was "Pansy Parkinson."

"You did that on no clues I am aware of. But then you were Head Boy." Harry praised.

Percy gave a shrug "Why?"

"That is where things not typically associated with Weasleys, or to be honest Potters, comes in." answered Harry "Tell me, you graduated last year and joined the Ministry, what do you think of our Headmaster/Chief Warlock/Supreme Mugwump?"

Percy didn't take that bait "You have mentioned this is to be a political marriage. And no, I am not opposed to the principle. Miss Parkinson, as I recall, is not an exceptional beauty but not unattractive. Beyond that, to be blunt, what's in it for me?"

"Well there is the obvious." Said Harry "You know your family …lacks for money… Pansy is the only child of Archduke Parkinson, who sits near the top of the heap."

The notion impressed Percy, but he did his still-teenage best to appear impassive "I understand the Parkinson finances have suffered. To the point of losing some status when the 2000 session begins."

"Fortunes vary over the centuries." Harry acknowledged blandly "Don't mean they won't bounce back. Quickly no doubt. And maybe you can be the one to boost that."

Percy swelled a bit at the compliment, then after a calming breath "And what do you get out of it?"

"So cynical. What would Molly and Arthur think? Hahaha." Quipped Harry, then waving an apology "You've heard of me saying House Potter won't follow Dumbledore's leadership. Remember, we rank much higher than him in the Wizengamot. My allying with a largely-Slytherin House that's mostly opposed to him proves that. You marrying into the same family will seem to further that. Orrrrr…" he smirked "will rumor say how the Parkinsons are turning to Dumbledore?"

Percy stopped walking, pausing in thought. Then answered "I think the arrangement has benefits. Although, as you observed, Mother and Father are not fans of political marriages. I will speak with Grandmother."

"You know your family best." Harry commented "I believe Warrick will be pleased with my suggestion." And left the prospective groom with that thought.

Abcij

It was only a few days later that Harry appeared at an impressive mansion, in fact it could nearly be classed a castle. He did not have to knock. An elf was there as the door opened "The honored guest is most welcome."

"My thanks …ahh…." He replied, revising his opinion of his ally up.

Though in a servant uniform not unlike Dobby's, this was clean and of finer material. Nor did she have the nasty disposition of Kreacher. "Noble Born honors this one. I am Lyissa. This way please." The walk took a minute or so to the carefully arranged dining room; and bowing, addressed the waiting pair "Master, Mistress, I present His Lordship the Regent of the Moste Anciente and Moste Noble House of Potter."

"Welcome, my friend and ally." Warrick Davis greeted with a polite nod "And may I present my lady Myrtle, also of the Noble and Moste Ancient House of Fudge.

Harry's nod was equal to that of his host "An honor to be here. And, of course, to meet your lady."

"A brave act" her smile was a hint predatory.

Harry's return smile was disarmingly schoolboyish "What bravery would I need, madam? After all, we are allies, even if we're keeping it private for the time being. Especially when I have committed to one of our key terms, somewhat earlier than I planned. But then Snape's parting shot made that worthless."

"Our last meeting led to a major expense." The Parkinson lord was displeased at the still-ongoing hospital stay of one of his retainers. Especially when the objective of the treasure hunt seemed to have no intrinsic value. "And I presume you have another such mission in mind?"

Harry nodded seriously "Not one. But three. And while I could do it with, say five, ten would be better. Things are a bit tight, still rebuilding the Potter businesses, however we will put GG10,000 into the pool. And I have fulfilled one of our main conditions."

"Oh? Your investment recommendations have not exactly been instant gold mines." The Archduchess interjected, bluntly. "And all of these weird, Muggle, names!"

Harry smiled thinly "Madam, I never promised instant. The Parkinsons, like the Potters supported their mutual masters with entirely too much of their wealth. It will take time. And it would smell to high heaven if you suddenly deposited a trillion Galleons in your vault." He could not help laughing at their faces "Besides, I thought an appropriate marriage for Pansy was your most important condition?"

"I was starting to wonder if you'd forgot." The Parkinson Lord's tone was flat.

His Lady was more unhappy "Uncle Cornelius will not be pleased."

"Pansy's wounded feelings aside, my wife - - And I do not minimize that - - the brat insulted the honor of House Parkinson. I would make it a Kanly, but I have too much self-respect to call out a child while his father has apparently developed a yellow streak." The Archduke countered.

Harry did not laugh …quite. When his face cleared, he calmly suggested "Harriet is busy training …but hold… might be good for her. Let me discuss it with her first. To business, I'll spare you the details, but at my wits end a bolt of lightning struck when I had a eureka moment. For many reasons, the absolute best choice of a husband for Pansy is Percival, the third son of na-Duke Arthur Weasley."

"Petrificus Totalis!" The Parkinson Lord's spell was not aimed at Harry, but his wife. Then "Midwich! The mistress has a headache. Take her to quarters and care for her. I do apologize, Regent Potter. Myrtle has had this trouble for some time. It is nothing serious. Please continue."

Harry accepted the white lie with a nod "I hope to see her recover swiftly. I'll be brief then. Percival recently graduated at the top of his Hogwarts class. He was Head Boy, and you won't find record of him abusing the post, as some do, for House rivalries. Even Snape found few reasons to contest his punishments. A little inside information, there's a book in his room titled Prefects Who Gained Power."

"Interesting anecdotes but what makes a Weasley worthy of a Parkinson?" Warwick demanded "And I was under the impression that you yourself wanted distance from Dumbledore."

Harry smirked acknowledging "That will be one rumor. But how many will wonder if you are shrewdly deepening the Dumbledore Divide by linking with the Weasleys. My involvement will probably support that. Especially if we help start them. Something for your people to do before the big push."

"Interfering in the TriWizard, I assume?" it was not a question.

Harry nodded "But not exactly how you might think. I've been working Harriet hard. Not to win, but to live. And as a bonus I can guarantee you'll never send another Centiknut to Voldemort."

"I wish you would not do that!" Warwick complained.

Harry just went on "All the exact terms will be negotiated between you and Duchess Weasley, of course, however Percival will be glad to announce formally, just as soon as the Malfoy betrothal is dissolved. I offer my services as mediator should they be desired. I'll forgo the usual broker's fee in honor of our alliance."

"I think a short period of contemplation is in order." The Parkinson Lord spoke formally "You may inform the prospective groom, however, that though unconventional, I am not ill-disposed to the proposition."

Harry knew the meeting was over, he rose but did not bow, that would not be appropriate. Addressing his host "I shall deliver the happy news, Archduke. Please have a meeting with your troops set for me during the second week of June. And my hope for your lady's wellbeing. Good afternoon Warwick."