Chapter 8

The Knight Commander of the Order of Merlin was not happy. The operation in Argentina was a mess, and had been for years. The report from his injured warrior just now awake showed it was much worse than they thought, above the loss of good knights, not to mention the loss of costly supplies.

He was not looking forward to the interview he was about to have with the Lower School Administrator.

Regulus Brown, in dress uniform, was a vibrant picture of a warrior's warrior. Hair just slightly greying at the temples, alert for any danger. But there were no enemies in this office, well, except the truth. He stalked into the Order's head office proudly.

"Sir Romano." Regulus bowed regally.

"Please sit down."

Beverages were served, and the commander did not know how to begin.

"Knight Commander Romano Chariton, please? Don't leave me in suspense."

"Sister Gisele and I fought against tyranny. Not together, not at first. But as I rose in rank I recruited her for the school, and she later took further vows. She loves all the orphans in her gruff way, but she has a way of seeing who would become one of us. She is most impressed by young Harry. Thinks he is destined to be one of our best, and now. Now, I fear for him."

"But why, Commander? By all reports, he should be back here soon. That crazy school! A Cerberus! What if it gets loose and eats one of the children!"

"I have it on good authority from its breeder that it is there to protect the children. An older student might annoy it enough to get bitten, but certainly not eaten. No, the adults are in danger, but not the children."

"That is good to hear, my lord. Then why?"

"I have some very disturbing pictures for you to see. I can only say that I am sorry. You reported that Brother Paddy was in truth Sirius Black, and he in turn proved his innocence to the council before being accepted as a new adept. You were upfront about who he was, and your connection to him. Now, I fear that connection for both your sake and Harry Potter's. Your brother is dead, I am so very sorry to say. I'm having prayers said for him, as we speak."

"I knew this, I felt his loss. So did Harry. My brother has no need of Indulgences. He truly repented of any major sins."

The knight commander threw down some pictures.

"This nest has moved to ground again. We will of course be monitoring the situation. But you had to know. I might have to tell Harry eventually if this isn't taken care of before he goes into the field. Until then, well. I see no reason to upset the boy. Everyone says that Hogwarts is one of the safest places in the world. And this British Dark Lord, the one they call Voldemort? He fears Dumbledore. I do believe the great wizard will protect our young squire." Sir Romano opined

Regulus stated. "Of course, my lord. He will protect the children. I believe he is testing Harry in his own unique way."

Brown opined. "Harry thought the package from the bank was a flawed crystal for a ritual, and has never heard anyone say the word 'stone'. There are no plans to inform him that I have heard from you or any other in command."

"Did Brother Paddy know of the stone? Harry's continued ignorance is essential right now in regards to that."

"No, he was sent away just hours before Harry went to Diagon Alley for his school things." The school administrator stated.

"Good. Then Sirius Black could not have betrayed its true location."

"What do you mean? Didn't my brother die in an explosion?"

"No. I need to show you this though. You are an adult, and cannot be allowed to continue in your ignorance. However blissful it may be."

The pictures were turned over, clearly taken from a pensieve memory. A conjured bucket was just in time to catch the mess before it made the floor.

Asking permission, Regulus made his way over to a private prie-dieu, and began chanting several prayers for the dead.

Where in the world were they going to find a necromancer?

**OO**

The twins' prank went off without a catch. It would have been nice to have allowed them to borrow a real invisibility cloak, but using both his and Neville's field demiguise cloaks worked out okay.

They were more of a camouflage sort of magic than true invisibility, but the twins got how to use them quickly.

They also loved the pranking handbook, but declined the use of the Marauder's Map. They had their own!

"Wow! Wicked! Yours is slightly different! Mine has a few extra features. Wanna bet it was made later. I bet the last one made would be amazing!" Harry opined.

"True, mon frere de coeur. But this one works just fine."

Papers were quickly put away as Professor McGonagall walked towards them.

"I just heard from Alastor. Sarah Smith's mother Persephone is not there the two hours' early she was supposed to be."

"She's a pureblood witch! Her husband was an auror who died fighting Death Eaters, so Sarah said." Harry claimed.

"You are not testifying, young man. You will sit with your bodyguard in the gallery in case you are needed for Pettigrew's trial, while my friend Gertie visits me. Something tells me that you two bonded, but I'm keeping my nose out of it. You need good people in your life, Mr. Potter, and she is a good woman."

"I was worried that she was going to be killed when the lady was kidnapped by that Death Eater. Why won't the headmaster allow me to visit her?" Harry said.

"The headmaster has different rules for different people. But your escort is here. I expect at least six inches in your illegible chicken scratch on what really happens today at trail. The Daily Prophet is used in this school to line pet cages." She glared over her glasses in such a pointed look that Harry wanted to hug the woman!

She hadn't even stung him once with a spell. Of course, none of his pranks had been caught yet.

The Headmaster came in. He was now wearing pink robes with orange swirls, but it would change soon. Very lava-lamp-esque. There was a loud belching sound, and now it was orange with mint green swirls.

"Goodness me! Fred and George, what astonishing work! The charms, the transfiguration, the enchanting! Fifty points to Gryffindor! Well done!"

Snape looked up from his porridge and saw the headmaster.

"Weasleys! I'll try and get you expelled for this! Ten points each from Gryffindor, and don't try to deny it wasn't your work!" Snape shouted, pointing his spoon with each shout, liberally dosing Professors Flitwick and Sprout with the cast-off.

The unpleasant professor was having difficulties with his breakfast. No matter what he requested, it turned into porridge. Plain porridge.

The deputy looked to see what the Headmaster would say, but he was too busy being completely engrossed in watching his robes in bewilderment.

"Come Harry, let's go." Professor McGonagall said, and the young man followed her out.

Sir Hector was indeed there in the front entry as was Sister Gisele who was looking very peaked.

"Gertie! We should get you to St. Mungo's!" Professor McGonagall said, and the woman shuddered.

"We've lost people going to that hospital in the past. I have an appointment for a checkup, and the goblin healer wants to poke at me more tomorrow."

"Well, you should think about at least letting our medi-witch look at you here, while you are visiting." Minerva offered, and waved at the knight. "Take care of Mr. Potter for me please. His father was a handful, and those were days when professors could use stinging charms in class."

"Did my father ever sit for lessons then, ma'am?" Harry asked with a crooked grin.

"Not that I can recall, no." The woman gave him a small smile. "Be careful of your surroundings, and don't hesitate to shout for help if needed."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And don't prank Alastor again. Just don't."

Someone had turned Alastor's peg leg into an Acromantula during lessons. Poor Ron had fled the room, screaming, and several others had been less than amused. Tonks had laughed for all she was worth, which of course made her mentor think that she had done it.

Only Professor McGonagall knew the real culprit, as she had caught him practicing the spell. Well, and had helped him. After all, she and Alastor were friends from way back. It would be good for him to experience this.

Harry waved a jaunty salute to both of the older women, and saw his own knight's face.

"Dumbledore's robes? Mad-eye Moody's peg leg. Pranking Lucius Malfoy with all of that muggle money. What are you possibly going to do for an encore, my squire?"

"Hermione hasn't copied all of the books yet, good sir knight. I'll try and come up with something that is worth me getting expelled."

"You and your hobbies!" Sir Hector laughed, but it was a little forced.

Charles was worried about Sister Gisele; he was worried about what Lucius might have found out about their operation in Britain. Not that High Command hadn't changed everything important that Sister Gisele knew about. Lucius couldn't show up at the Ecole Merlin and cause mayhem without facing many, many consequences.

At least the property deeds had been handled before the kidnapping, and the only things left of worth of the Potters were somewhere in Hogwarts itself.

Let Lucius storm the castle and try to rob Dumbledore!

As soon as they reached the front gates, Sir Charles grabbed Harry's arm, and gave him a warning. They were off to the Ministry, and had a meeting with the deputy Minister of Magic for France.

**OO**

Monsieur Alain Delacour smoothed his robe. He had the camera ready, and knew what he wanted to ask.

Would the young man listen? Or would he be like the rest of British society, and put down anything non-human?

Harry walked into the office in good quality but obviously well used robes.

Such a shame about the Potter wealth!

"''Arry Potter! It is a pleasure to meet you."

Harry bowed, shook the man's hand, and looked at him curiously.

"France owes the Potter family a great debt. My lovely wife was pregnant with my eldest daughter, and was nearly killed in a Death Eater attack. Due to his being a Lord, your father was able to create portkeys. He did so for my wife, getting her to safety. He then misunderstood her circumstances, and sent an elf with some galleons and the deed to a French property he owned. His companion had led him to believe that Appoline had been abandoned by her husband after finding out she was Veela. That was not true, but the truth didn't not come out at the time.

"My wife tried to contact your father, several times in fact, and then tried to send the deed back through Gringotts. We heard of the theft of your family vault, but you at least you are so happy to be at Hogwarts."

Harry scoffed at that, but quickly quieted. This man was near the top of his country's political power, and Sir Hector had said to be on his best behavior!

"You were not stolen from?" The man asked, confused.

"A lady dear to me was kidnapped and mutilated so that I would turn over the contents of the vault to a Death Eater. The trial today will hopefully prove without a doubt who it was. I was scoffing at wanting to be where I am. I planned on attending Ecole Merlin. I would rather attend Beauxbatons than Hogwarts, mon droigt seigneur." Harry switched to French to explain what he knew about the school's art, music, dance, and other programs.

"I did not choose to go to Hogwarts willingly, my lord, I did not wish to lose a million galleons, monsieur. Plain and simple. The right of my voting seat could be obtained through earning the Order of Merlin. Something that I do hope to attain one day, but by deed, not because I was someone's grandson or rescued an elderly woman from a kneazle."

"You are referring to some of the recent British awards."

"Pettigrew's will be reversed today, or there will be repercussions." Harry stated flatly.

"You mentioned a French property?" Sir Hector prompted. "Perhaps something that the Order could use?"

"It is lovely. On the French Riviera. It would not be appropriate for a safe house for knights, nor a resting place for them. It is on the beaches. The women dress very, um. No. Not appropriate for celibate knights. My family has used this home many times, but we have taken care of it."

"Monsieur, would you please continue in your care for now? I think that renting it out now and then would be a good idea. Allow the house to earn some income that could then be donated to the Knights of the Order of Merlin. There should have a vault in Gringotts Paris that will give you an easy way to donate that money."

"But what of your vaults, dear Harry?"

"If I wish to rebuild my family's treasure, I will. Right now, I wish to be a knight. That house can be sold later, but my father gave it to your wife. I know that there were seers in my family sir, so I will not go against my father in this. Please, don't be concerned about me. I have eaten very well since meeting my protector here. And Sir Hector would never allow me to go hungry ever again."

"WHAT! The non-magique! How terrible for you!" Monsieur Delacour said. "Well, if things do not work out, I have inherited, through no merit of my own, a large estate. You are always welcome there, Monsieur Potter. Regardless of your answer to the next question."

The deputy minister cleared his throat before continuing. "My wife and I have discussed this. For your father's life-giving service to our family, we would like to invite you to our home and meet my daughters. They are veela. See if your magic is compatible. It would wonderful to see one of them settled."

Sir Hector went bug-eyed, but Harry didn't respond at first.

"Harry, he wants to potentially contract one of the daughters to you." Charles explained.

Future Lord Potter stifled a giggle thinking of what Hermione would have to say to that!

"M. Delacour. That is a most generous offer, sir. I am focused on my studies, and am already a squire. I plan to take my vows just as soon as I am allowed."

Alain had never heard of a contacted knight before and looked to the only one in the room. Charles shrugged. No one would be searching out poor but honorable orphans to contract with. As far as he knew, there was no precedent for this.

"But you have no prejudice for veela?"

"No sir! The nonsense the British society thinks about who should be respected is ridiculous. There have been knights who have saved veela in the past from kidnappers and such. I hear the word and think 'pretty princess' but am not sure why."

"Sir Jerome Kerveil. Yes, poor woman. His mother…"

Sir Hector coughed and the man broke off.

"Thank you, my lord. You may call me Harry if you wish. Sir Hector, will you please take our picture together? We need to get to the gallery, and I suspect that the daughter wants a snapshot of her father and I."

"That is most thoughtful. I am sure you get these requests all of the time. You are most kind."

After a few pictures, Sir Hector gave Monsieur Delacour a gold card that gave him an address that his daughter could write to.

"This is for my youngest daughter, actually, who is your age, but looks younger. Fleur is a bit older than you; she just started her fourth year."

"It was a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am glad that your lady wife survived that day, and your family is well."

"Please know that I am willing to 'elp you as best I can, now and in the future. Thank you, 'arry Potter. Be well."

**OO**

The trials were supposed to be Lucius Malfoy first, but somehow Pettigrew was first. It wasn't much of a trial. He pled guilty to accidentally killing the muggles when his spell went awry to cause a distraction in confronting Sirius Black. He admitted to being the Potter's secret keeper and giving the secret to the Dark Lord but was having trouble talking through the sobs.

Some were calling for the Kiss, others wanted Pettigrew sentenced to life in Azkaban.

"Please, have Mercy, Harry! You were such a beautiful baby! I didn't want him to kill you! Your parents should not have died! He promised! He promised! But they got in the way. Such a nice boy! You liked me, laughed when I turned into a rat. You did. You liked me. I loved you, but I was scared. I still love you. You are family to me. I should never, ever have betrayed you. I am so sorry."

Dumbledore looked up at Harry, pleading with him. If the rat-man had fought the charges, Harry might have decided differently. But didn't Friar Benedict just give a sermon that the first step of repentance was admitting the crime? He seemed to truly be sorry.

"Do you seek Death for this man who betrayed your godfather, and sentenced you to the muggle world?"

"Um, Pettigrew did not do that second part. A trial would have shown my godfather's innocence, but he has already been tried by a Higher court than this. I do not seek this man's life in vengeance. Let him repent of his crimes in Azkaban."

"So be it."

Pettigrew was sentenced to life in Azkaban, and the blubbering grateful wizard was dropped back down the floor.

Then the crowd was dismissed!

Harry barged to his feet. He cast a Sonorous.

"HOLD!"

Everyone in the room stopped to listen to this suddenly angry young man.

"Lucius Malfoy kidnapped a 103-year-old witch, pureblood if that makes a difference in justice, in order to get me to give him my vaults. He was seen in Gringotts at the time that said vault visit was arranged for the hostage exchange, and he was witnessed threatening me with death as he found those vaults inadequate.

"I was told his trial was today. Where is he?"

"There was not enough evidence, so the charges were dismissed." The man known to Harry as Cornelius Fudge.

"A key witness has disappeared mysteriously. Surely, she testified to the aurors before she disappeared.

"You deny my innocent godfather a trial, and sentence him to life in Azkaban. Innocent. You deny a guilty Lucius Malfoy a trail, and let him go to kidnap and murder. Guilty. What kind of justice is dispensed in this place? The kind that can be bought? Did Lucius Malfoy buy you with Potter gold, Minister?" Harry accused as the crowd sucked in its breath.

Fudge turned purple with rage. "I was willing to give the boy the benefit of the doubt, but everything I had heard about this brat is true. By Executive Power which I hold, I ban Harry Potter from this counsel. You may not sit your House Seat, Potter! Not ever!"

"You know that the goblins won't allow you access to the gold that is held in bond for that seat. You will try and fail. I accuse you here and now, Cornelius Fudge, of attempting to steal from House Potter. Ministers will come and go. You will watch me grow, and wonder what I could have done in this chamber had I been welcome here.

"I would have defended the innocent, heard the repentant. I would have ministered to the poor and needy and had mercy on the guilty if they admitted their sins. To the guilty who harm the innocent, and repeat that sin. To the unmerciful who steal from the poor and give to the rich. To the guilty who murder for any number of evil causes, beware. I am eleven now, but am growing. Evil hides in the dark, but I will bring Light to the darkness, and you will not be able to hide from that Light.

"Lucius Malfoy! You are a marked Death Eater, and have brought death to many. You will one day face an Eternal justice even if it is not through me. You have declared me an enemy, your wife lied and said we could have been friends. I will never be friends with, never compromise with Evil. Repent monster! You steal from children! You hurt old women! You are a monster, and one day, you will face justice!"

Sir Hector saw the aurors coming towards them, and saw Mad-eye's wave. He moved quickly, coloring their robes while moving, and going into a nearby office, while those searching for them moved to the atrium.

"Were you trying to start a war one-mouthed?" Charles asked, exasperated.

Mad-eye soon joined them, and called for food for the three of them.

"That was too well rehearsed, and the deputy Minister for Magic of France just happens to be here?" Mad-eye said.

Harry looked to his knight and the grizzled auror. Both were training him. Time for truth.

"I used a secret passage the night before last to get clear of the wards long enough to talk to the commander. I suggested an idea, that was all. Someone has a good spy network if they knew about James Potter saving Madame Delacour."

"Your father was up for an Order of Merlin before he went to ground. A lot of information was filed away, I imagine." Charles stated.

Mad-eye nodded. "Training those two, Potter and Black, it was somethin' special. Then I get together with this young one, and all of a sudden, I'm remembering being blue for the day, and I don't mean being sad! Same color as my eye! Are you sure about Pettigrew, lots of people can fake tears and all?"

Charles shook his head. "Something about our vows. I could tell as well. The man was sincere about being sorry for betraying Harry. His love is that of family and also sincere. He was terrified of Voldemort."

There was a coded knock on the door, so the trio went to the nearest floo and came out at the Hog's Head.

They started the walk up to the castle in a light rain.

"You know, I think that is why a lot of people joined him. Someone likely threatened his mother. Fear of being a target. There was a lot of that going on. How many joined him to be protected from him was a question asked. And he did kill his own people, far too often." Mad-eye turned to Harry. "So, with no seat, you have no reason to be at Hogwarts, do you?

"The Monseigneur wants us to do the first term unless we're in deadly peril. And besides, I'm growing close to Fluffy. On orders! I was told to make nice with a guard dog. You can ask Sir Romano."

Mad-eye shook his head. "You and Hagrid. Well, at least if you wash out there, you have something to fall back on."

"Oh no. Potter doesn't get off that easy. Harry's going to be a moving target for my other squires! When were you going to tell me about making friends with a guard dog? And do you need any help?"

"You too? Oh, yeah. The chimera. The baby dragon, the sphinx in Tokyo, the giant butterfly thing. Did you ever figure out what that was?" Harry asked

"Um, not around you, young squire. There was a young woman involved with a xenobiologist with some very interesting ideas about magic. Let's get Auntie home, I do hope that the visit in the castle helped. Then I'll serve Mad-eye some very good not-tea, and tell him all about it."

"I'm not a child, good Sir Knight!" Harry said, stamping his foot. "And your not-tea has gone off, smelt horrible, so I dumped it all."

"You didn't!" Charles looked aghast.

"Of course I didn't! I haven't been allowed in the house! Got ya!" Harry said, taking off to run the short distance to the front doors of Hogwarts, dodging stingers as he went.

Sister Gisele was there, just coming out, pale and wan. If anything, she looked worse than before.

"You look terrible, Sister Grumpypants. You need a nap."

"That I do, my lad. Come here, Harry, and give me a hug." The sister gave him a hug, but as she turned to join Sir Hector, Harry felt a light sting on his flank.

"Situational awareness at all times." Sir Hector opined.

"Constant Vigilance!" Mad-eye said.

The men were flanking the sister, and escorting her to a carriage that they had not used before, but that the nun clearly needed.

Harry whispered something, then dodged the soap-making spell, nearly making it to safety. The deputy Headmistress had learned a thing or two from her counterpart at Ecole Merlin, and had the perfect target of opportunity to practice.

Harry ran to the nearest boy's loo to rinse his mouth out.

**OO**

"You nearly cost me my freedom witch!" Malfoy stated.

Persephone Smith was unrepentant.

"My murder will be traced back to you, scum!"

"Murder? Of a pureblood witch? Nonsense! I've a nice house on grounds ready for you."

"Do you think I would live here with my girls? Put them in danger?"

"You have no choice. Your spawn can be watched over by their father."

"But he's in Heaven! Your lot killed him."

"I know."

**OO**

The next several days calmed down into a sort of routine. Harry finished up his detentions with Professor Snape, utterly confused by the man.

He clearly hated Harry, and put him down in public, but in private gave him extra lessons in place of detention, complimented his potion making skills, and even shared copies of pictures of Harry's mother.

Harry was sworn to secrecy on the source of those snapshots.

Dudley had always prevented Harry from having friends. Giving a mirror to Luna, not because of danger, or strategic need, but just to talk and become better acquainted filled his soul with joy. And Luna, having just lost her mother, found joy in life again as well.

Mad-eye kept his promise, bringing Luna with him. He visited his protegee Tonks three times a week, so twice a week, Harry, Hermione and Neville got extra tuition in DADA.

They in turn taught what they had learned to their fellow first years. And they did so in public in the Great Hall, so that anyone who wanted could come. Hermione took good notes so they only shared a limited number of spells, only occasionally slipping as Hermione was known to do 'extra reading'.

Tonks, Fred and George were regulars, helping younger children, and practicing their own skills.

Afterwards, they would talk pranks with Harry, Tonks sometimes staying and giving her insight. She was a very clever, fun, and humorous witch.

Harry watched as more and more students called Draco 'Mr. Malfoy' instead of 'Lord Black.'

There had even been some scandalous rumors postulating that maybe the Wizengamot seats should be voted upon so they couldn't be stolen from worthy people by unworthy ones!

That had seen Draco leaving the room with tears in his eyes.

For just a moment, Harry thought it was unfair to be so mean to Draco, and then remembered the taunting he had received at the boy's hand. Draco knew that Harry had been named heir to the House long ago. Sure, the compulsion to put the ring on was strong. But Draco could have returned the ring.

But the young Malfoy scion chose to keep it. And it was a choice.

Harry heard that the betrothal contract between the Greengrass girl's younger sister and Draco was now broken due to the House honor clause. Daphne was clearly happy with this development.

Harry looked to Hermione who was helping Millicent with her wand movements.

"Millicent, Hermione's birthday is Thursday, and we will celebrate it with a small tea. Please listen to this request carefully. Please bring your favorite rare book. I promise it will not be harmed, nor will you lose it. I just want to make a copy for Hermione as a gift."

"Thank you for the invitation. Yes, our family has some great books. I'll write home, it's the least I can do in friendship for you, Harry."

The girl touched the brooch at her shoulder. Harry had never seen her without it. He wondered if she wore it on her pajamas?

Going over to Hannah, Harry made some comments on her stance when he felt himself watched.

Quirrell was there, and frowning. But there were several prefects in the room, and more than a few older years; they were doing nothing wrong.

Harry shuddered, and felt a chill go down his spine.

There was something extremely evil about that man, and other than Dumbledore's insistence that Harry was safe, the great wizard had extracted no vow or oath from said professor.

'But Harry, how can he teach you? He could lose his magic if he were to raise his wand against you?' Dumbledore had said.

Harry just hoped that Lucius didn't read the Gringotts contract closely.

It wouldn't be Lucius that lost his magic if he came after Harry or Harry's circle.

It would be his Heir.

**OO**

"Harry, my boy, a word?" Headmaster Dumbledore said. The party had gotten a little out of hand, and someone spiked the punch.

Every time anyone burped, it was loud. And they would turn color. The prank victims were burping fairly regularly.

Harry tried for an innocent look, and failed utterly.

"Yes, sir?" Harry said, bowing to the great man.

"Augusta Longbottom has gotten her guardianship of Neville restored, and is asking to see him and your friend Hermione. While they are busy, I thought you and I could talk."

Harry tamped down his feeling of schadenfreude that he felt, knowing that Regent Longbottom was likely banning Neville from being friends with Miss Granger.

"Of course, sir, I would be happy to accompany you."

They walked down the hallway from the common room, passing a very upset deputy on the way. Her glare at Dumbledore was ignored, and the two talked companionably.

"I have a trunk of your parents' valuables, and several cases of books. Like I told you, they had been in storage. I thought you might want a chance to look through them either today or at the weekend. Perhaps put a few of the books in your room.

"If your Head of House ring is in there, I must urge caution. Such a title gives you all of the rights and responsibilities of an adult. And as you can see with the Malfoy scion, it does not give wisdom or maturity. You are but a child, and our childhoods are far too short as it is. Can't you please wait? You could send it to your aunt for safekeeping. Or place it in your vault."

"Yes, because after all, no one can steal from there." Harry snapped, and realized who he was talking to. "My apologies sir. That was Lucius Malfoy who extorted money from me, not you. Can you tell me what will be done about that? Have they questioned Miss Gertie Wagner? I have just been on edge. Quirrell stares at me so. It makes me feel targeted. Unsafe. Won't you come to our spell practice? Just watch him watch me? Please?"

Dumbledore stroked his beard.

"Do you know the Patronus spell, Harry?"

"Hermione mentioned it. I saw Professor Snape use it as a messenger spell. Will you teach it to us?"

"Miss Tonks wants to be an auror. I think that teaching her would be more appropriate. But yes, you can try it if you wish. You have enough power.

"The Wizengamot is a snake pit, Harry Potter. I don't wish to see you bitten or poisoned. Consider that before putting on your ring." The great wizard pleaded.

"Sir, if I promise to find a safe place for my ring, and not wear it until I'm, I don't know, twenty-five or so, will you promise justice for the lady who was kidnapped?"

Dumbledore didn't answer right away, clearly thinking.

"I can't promise that he will go to jail, but let's take our evidence to the goblins. He hurt an employee. They can extract financial penalties that would do him far more harm than I can guarantee would happen through the Wizengamot.

"Has Lucius activated the Black seat?" Harry asked, morbidly curious.

"Indeed. Tried to claim the Malfoy deposit would work for both. That petition was forcefully denied. Old Lord Travers tried to get him up on charges of theft for the ring and Black fortune, but that was denied as well. His son Quentin has never settled down, off fighting vampires, I think, so that line has no young heir in the ranks. Lord Travers did state that he would leave you his ring and seat in a way that no one else could steal it from you.

"Cesar Travers rather glared at Lucius, who said some very angry things in the chamber. Most divisive. I do wish that I had never disarmed you."

Dumbledore looked at Harry sadly.

"Headmaster, had circumstances been different, I would still have had the ring at school. Who is to say that Draco would not have taken it a different way? He's the one who felt I stole from him after all. He grew up believing he was the rightful pureblood heir. Why does blood status even mean so much? Isn't that the core of the conflict that got my parents killed?

"How do we fight prejudice, sir? How can we get people like Malfoy to accept people like Hermione? Get them to treat others with the respect that they should? The respect they deserve?"

"Twenty-five points to Gryffindor for asking the intelligent questions that get to the source of the conflict in our society. I'll give you millions if you can find the answer, my young friend. I have been looking for a solution for years, and have not yet found it. Perhaps, my boy, it is your destiny to do so."

**OO**

"Nice to see you again, Grandson. Miss Granger, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance on this fine day. My sincerest felicitations for your birthday. Now, I have paperwork for you to look at. This is a contract, Miss Granger, for you and my Neville here. I just got the final signature an hour ago. It will help you find acceptance and a place in our society."

"Contract? As in marriage contract?" Hermione squeaked.

"Marriage? Well, part of it is. Neville, you are now arranged with Millicent Bulstrode. I brought you the betrothal ring to give her. Her parents were thrilled to for her to be settled with a fine young heir of the Light."

"Wait, I thought that you said that Neville and I are contracted." Hermione demanded a little rudely, clearly getting upset.

Neville had been reading the contract and paled. "Hermione, can we please talk about this alone."

"NO! I want to know what's going on! Is this more of that two wives nonsense?" Hermione demanded. "What's…ouch!"

A very strong stinging charm had hit Hermione, making both Neville and Hermione jump. Neville was breathing hard, was red-faced, and clearing trying to think quickly.

"Taking such a tone with me, much less your Lord and Master will not be tolerated in future, Miss Granger! You will mind your tone, or you will lose your wand privileges. Or worse, if you don't learn quickly. I've arranged for an instructor for you to teach you manners you clearly need. No need to thank me. Your monthly allowance of a galleon a month starts immediately and will increase by one galleon a month per year once each year until you are seventeen. Then it becomes ten galleons until you give Neville your first child. The details are in this report. As are the rules of the house. Quarters will be provided on the manor grounds. You, of course, are not allowed into the manor for any reason.

"Neville, do be a dear and tell Miss Bulstrode that I will see her at tea in Hogsmeade soon? Her mother and I are planning a small trousseau. Nothing too elaborate, I'm only budgeting 300 galleons after all. I look forward to all of the joy and happiness that this contact will bring you.

"I will be in touch soon. Goodbye Neville, Miss Granger."

As the formidable woman swept out of the room, Neville broke down.

"I knew that she would betroth me to Millicent. I just knew it! But this! To make you a concubine of the House? I won't let this happen! I won't let Uncle Algie lay one finger on you! He must have found out that I loved you, and is doing this to not only hurt you but to destroy me."

"You love me?"

"I do, and if it takes every knut I own, I will fix this Hermione. I promise you. I will fix this."

Hermione read the contract, much of it in High Latin combined with Wizarding world legalese.

Hermione's eyes started leaking tears. "Fourteen? I don't want to, well, you know, when I am only fourteen!"

Neville tried to pull the girl in for a hug, but Hermione shivered and pulled away. Then she ran, ran for the front gates.

She needed to make a mirror call, and she needed to be clear of the wards to do it.

**OO**

Luna had been given a mirror much like Harry had given Alastor, but they so far had only used it to talk.

The fact that it worked for her when Harry had to be out of the wards to work for Mad-eye was something that Harry tried hard to ignore. Applying logic of any kind to Luna was like painting clouds.

It just didn't work, and it made you look silly.

"Harry, it's time to use the maximum time, but first let me ask you this. Could you and I have ever been more than friends?"

"Luna! I'm eleven. I'm not about to get married anytime soon!"

"No, but you need to go get betrothed in about a negative eleven hours or Evil will prevail. Champion of Light needs a Bride of Bright."

"I thought it was Bride of Light?"

Luna was leaking tears.

"I just wish it could have been me." Luna said in a small voice. "Talking to has made it feel almost like having a real friend."

"Luna you are now, and always will be my friend. I promise." Harry asked. "Where is Captain Granger?"

"Home in the old not-home. But he'll be in Gringotts when you get there."

"Thank you, Luna. I'll be in touch soon. I promise."

"Me too, Harry."

"Harry, don't be mad at me for talking to the goblins. Actually, I got Daddy to it yesterday."

Harry nodded, not really paying attention.

"Dobby! Take me to Hermione, and then take me to her father. I need to hurry."

The boy caught up with the distraught girl quickly, and they went twelve hours back to the past.

**OO**

Dan Granger held his head in his hands.

What had he done? Why wouldn't anyone help them?

An owl had come that morning, early, and he had opened it, thinking it was a letter from Hermione.

It wasn't, and a horrible feeling of deja-vu had hit him.

Using his emergency portkey, both he and Emma went to Gringotts. With professional help, they had recovered their memories.

Exchanging money for gold, Dan went to several solicitors, and all declined to take his case. Some wouldn't let the couple in the door.

They had gone back to the bank to see if goblins had solicitors or barristers, when the children found them.

"Mum!"

Hermione and her parents held each other close, and were escorted to a private room by one of the goblin guards that recognized Mr. Granger's uniform.

The goblins did offer legal advice to muggle parents for a far smaller fee that the Grangers feared. The news that the contract was not yet active was the only thing keeping Dan from wanting to commit cold-blooded murder.

Briokz looked over the contract and sneered. Goblins honored their females, and would never sell them into slavery like this. Or worse, give them into slavery.

Thank goodness that Mr. Lovegood had given him a head's up, and he was able to get a jump on things.

"But this could be activated soon, correct sir?" Harry asked.

"I am not a knight, squire. I went into legal studies after my mandatory service. My rank is called Dharma."

A birth defect of his offhand made it clear why this goblin had not become a warrior.

"Hermione, Dan, Emma. I think that you all know how much you all mean to me. You have been family to me since Hermione met. Please think about this. If Hermione was already legally contracted, then this contract can't activate."

"Oh! OH! Harry! That's brilliant!"

"What's brilliant? A boy is talking about making you his, his, um, mistress, and you are happy?" Dan was getting near the breaking point.

"No sir. I offer honorable marriage, at an appropriate age. Well after we are both done with school, any civil or military service. I offer the protection of my House."

Harry brought forth a ring. And not just any ring.

It was one that Helga Hufflepuff once wore when she was a bride.

"Harry, where did you get that?" Hermione queried.

"Soda gave it to me. Hogwarts seems to be a bit sentient. The headmaster is holding back the Potter ring, so I was given the Gryffindor one."

Harry showed the ring on his own hand.

"Hermione, I don't know fancy words like Neville does, I'm just me. I can't promise you anything but to try and make you less angry with me than you usually are. Oh, and Dumbledore just gave me about 10 or 12 trunks of books. I think someone packed the manor library before the house burned down. I do care about you, and the thought of you not being with me for the rest of my life makes my heart hurt. Please? Be mine? Be my wife someday?"

"Oh Harry! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Hermione was crying now in happiness. She loved Neville as a friend, and knew he had a crush on him. But she had no desire to marry him, much less be his mistress.

"I think that he had her when he mentioned the books." Emma said dryly.

"What do you need to make a legal contract between these two?" Dan asked, clearly seeing that this was the lesser of two evils.

"Well, Lord Gryffindor here has to tell me a bride price, and I heard books. So let's say, one trunk of books?"

"One trunk? Hermione is worth more than all of the books in the world! More than gold!" Harry shouted. "At least three trunks of books."

"I want to offer more, but I really didn't count." Harry amended sheepishly.

"Fine. Dan Granger, Warrior in service to Sovereign and Country, what dower do you give the young people?"

"Harry here has a fine property with no house. Our home is at least two hundred years old, but has been encroached upon by development. Let the couple have it to live in, and move it to the Welsh farmland. Much more suitable there. I'm sure that magic can make it look like a fire or something ruined the house where it is." Dan stated.

It was only fair. Harry had bought Dan and Emma a very nice house when they were moving to Italy.

Hermione was clapping at this.

"Oh Harry! We get to keep my family home. Can it please be moved as soon as possible? I don't want Malfoy Sr to burn it down."

The goblin growled there, jotted some notes, and rang a bell with no clapper. A small elf popped in, took the paper, and popped out.

"I'll get you an estimate for not only the moving, but when it can be done. You can store the house, shrunken of course, in Mr. Potter's vault until you are ready to have it moved.

A price quote popped in, and Dan approved it.

Then, it was time to address a very business-like contract. Copies were given to all. That's when the screeching began again.

"Wait! Why is Millicent Bullstrode's name on here? Her parent's signature as well!" Hermione demanded.

"Hermione, please take a breath." Harry asked. "Being disrespectful to the person helping us isn't going to get you answers."

"Sorry!" Hermione spat angrily.

"In order to break the contract, both parties have to be contracted or it won't work." Briokz stated flatly. "If you don't want to break the previous contract, that is your decision. I will be going. I will still bill for my time."

The goblin took up the contract and started to leave.

"No wait! Please stay, and let's talk this out." Emma begged. "The Longbottom contract is somehow valid, and makes Hermione a mistress, a slave. This one has Hermione, and Millicent for that matter, marrying 'after service'. There is no set date."

"That is true, Mrs. Granger. And Graham Bulstrode indicated support for his daughter to attend Ecole Merlin. He is willing to let her pursue the path of knighthood as well."

"But won't we cause a paradox with them?"

"No, they had signed the first contact awhile back. There are just as happy to have Harry Potter as a son-in-law, and had not seen the contract for Hermione. They were very upset that Madam Longbottom would hold that apart from them. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to break the contract on its own. But they too felt the horror you feel, and are happy to help improve the situation for Hermione. They did state that at least the girls were friends, and perhaps there could be harmony in your future home together."

Hermione was crying now, soft tears.

"I don't want to have multiple wives!" Harry stated vehemently.

"Then have one in name only. Give her a home, an allowance, support her. There are no conditions that say you have to have a family with either wife." Dharma Briokz pointed out.

"Good. I will make it clear to Millicent that I consider her a friend. Yes! I can make her a Potter, Hermione a Gryffindor, but Milli would be like an adoptive sister. Nothing more."

Emma pulled Harry into a strong hug. "Oh! My sweet boy! That's perfect!"

Dan nodded. He had been about to suggest a military solution to the problem, such as wiping out the Longbottom family root and branch. But that was just such an evil move!

"Wait, you plan to actually marry me?" Hermione asked.

"I told Dumbledore not long ago that if I could contract for you with your parents' permission, I would. This is going to hurt Neville, no doubt, and if in the course of time, you would prefer to marry him, or someone else, I will find a way out of this for you. But since I was seven, I have loved you Hermione. Your magic calls to me, sings to me. I always want you in my life."

Hermione was now the one hugging Harry for all she was worth.

Briokz cleared his throat. "If you could please read the document carefully?"

Which they did, and all four of them signed it.

"Doesn't Harry need his aunt or legal guardian to sign this?"

Dharma Briokz laughed. "The young man is head of two ancient houses, and heir to another. No, magic will accept his signature."

The goblin wisely decided not to the mention the other houses that Harry was heir to, and it was just waiting for ancient men to go to earth to collect those as well.

And then it was time for the vows. That, and tissues for Emma.

"Take the ring in your hand. 'Bride of Light, be mine henceforth as my betrothed until the day we wed, or Death takes me.'"

Emma's camera flashed.

Harry repeated the vow, and the ring glowed and shrunk on Hermione's hand.

"Champion of Light, be mine henceforth as my betrothed until the day we wed, or Death takes me." Hermione intoned, and gave Harry back the Gryffindor ring that he had removed for this.

Another flash.

They're joined hands were then brought together, and the rings glowed again.

And another picture. Emma might not be a professional but she wanted to capture this day!

The lawyer made copies of the contract for everyone, and a human clerk walked into the office.

"Take this to the ministry immediately. I want a signed receipt. Get one of the pureblood wizards to do it if they refuse service!"

The clerk nodded his head. "My father is on the Wizengamot, and I favor him. It shouldn't be an impossible task, sir."

"Get going! Gringotts doesn't pay you to gawk or gossip!"

The young clerk's eyes boggled at what he saw as he read the names on the parchment.

"No sir! My lips are sealed!"

"Actually, you'd help me a lot if you 'accidentally' made a copy, perhaps showed it around at lunch? Somewhere crowded?" Harry stated, Dan nodding in agreement.

This needed to be public as quickly as possible!

"The Leaky Cauldron is always busy at lunch, Heir Potter."

Harry handed over several sickles, wincing. He hadn't had time yet to earn any more wizarding money.

"Oh, I couldn't take this!" The young man put it back, and then gave Harry a gold galleon.

"You just got betrothed! It's good luck to gift a bit of gold to the happy couple! Congratulations!"

"Hermione and I have been friends in school for years before coming to Hogwarts. Both raised as muggles, so we have a lot in common."

"May I tell a reporter that I met you? Talked to you?"

Emma smiled an handed over a couple of Polaroid pictures that she had taken.

"You can tell take these as well."

The clerk asked permission then quickly made copies. His actually moved!

"I wanted to go into transfiguration, but I'm a half-blood." He said sadly, leaving for the ministry.

They would wait until they had copies of the signed receipt. Then the contract couldn't be voided on a technicality.

"I can see why Gringotts hired him, Dharma Briokz." Emma breathed. "Very gifted."

"Gringotts cares more for talent than appearances. Or blood." He stated simply.

Refreshments were served, but it didn't take long for the clerk to return. Briokz noted the magical time stamp and signature. He nodded, and sent the clerk on to an early and long lunch at the Leaky Cauldron with copies of the contract, receipt and the pictures.

"We should get back to school." Hermione said, looking at the time

"Thank you, Harry, for all you are doing." Emma said, drawing him into a hug.

"Please be careful. This is going to make some people very angry." Dan said, embracing the boy as well.

"I think that you and Emma should go to ground as soon as the story breaks. If not sooner."

Hermione's thoughts were all over the board, but she did have one clear one.

"We are in so much trouble. We never called Sir Hector or Mad-eye."

They all laughed at that. The Grangers would be staying away from home and work for the time being. And avoid owls. As soon as the paper came out, and if they were not needed, the Granger parents would be making a return to Rome to explain to people what had happened.

Hermione and Harry would sneak into Hogsmeade and report to their people there, and get them up-to-date.

**OO**

"You did what?" Charles Hector, Knight of the Order of Merlin had never heard of this sort of thing. Of course, until Harry and Neville, the Order didn't have young heirs as part of the program.

Orphans with no ties had an easier time taking vows of celibacy, charity, poverty. Those with nothing often wanted to serve and help others, knowing what it was like to be in want. Or need.

No one would think of trying to get one into such contract! There was nothing there to covet!

Charles pinched his nose, while Sister Gisele gave them both hugs.

"Neville will be so devasted! He loves you; you know liebchen. That evil, evil woman wanted to make sure that you couldn't make a love match." She said, crying. "Harry! You need to think about things before jumping in."

Harry handed her the contract that Dan had been forced to sign for Neville, and she went very pale.

Charles got her over to the floo, handing her a calming draught. "Get back to the school. I'm taking her to Gringotts. There has to be something they missed. We will talk this soon, squire. Hermione, Harry. Call Monseigneur Brown from here. Just give him the facts. You did nothing wrong, in fact, it sounds like you acted right. But to be betrothed? Going into the Order?

"You just pranked everyone again, didn't you squire?"

The knight left with a flash of green flame.

Hermione took the opportunity to hug Harry.

"Thank you for rescuing me."

"Of course! You are my princess! And you were threatened by far worse than a dragon."

Hermione leaned towards Harry, and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Thank you."

Harry touched his lips with his fingertips. He stepped closer and gave her a sweet kiss of his own.

"I guess I better call in. We need to get back in thirty-seven minutes, and I don't want to be late." Harry said.

Hermione nodded, and they took a breath, and made the strangest mirror call ever.