HPF151-160

Chapter 151

Madam Bones, from what Harry saw, cast

anti-eavesdropping and a few other security

wards.

Once done, both turned back to the rest.

Harry said to them all, "Now that that's done;

please, take a seat."

Once everyone who wasn't already sitting

down sat down, Dobby popped in and

supplied 'nibblies', tea and coffee for

everyone. Harry, his two bondmates and the

Greengrasses sat on one side of the table in

the middle. Everyone else sat either opposite

or at the ends of the table.

It was only their rigid senses of decorum that

had kept everyone more or less silent until

now. Harry was grateful for it.

While stirring his tea, he looked across to

Madam Bones who sat opposite and said,

"As I implied downstairs, I take it everyone

here has Houses involved in an existing

alliance between the House of Potter and

their own, and have heard alarming reports

from their heirs, or other members of their

family, concerning how I currently feel about

those alliances?"

"We do, Mister Potter," she replied. "And we

would like to know why."

Harry could hear in her tone she was trying

her best to suppress her own anger.

He thought about how to do this; how to

explain to them all. He remembered

Hermione once saying to him, 'Always start

at the beginning.' So, that's what he did.

Nodding, he said, "Well, we're going to be

here for a while. I think the best thing to do

is, start at the beginning. At least, that's what

one of my loves keeps telling me." and

glanced over at Hermione with a smile.

"Through that hearing at the Ministry, you

know a lot about the first eleven years of my

life," he began. "So, here's the first question

for you. I do not expect an answer. If we're

supposed to be allied Houses, where the

bloody Hell were you to allow it to happen?

If the only excuse you can think of includes

the phrase 'Dumbledore said' you may as

well leave right now. I'll declare the alliance

nullified for cause. Because, what you would

be admitting to is

abnegating your responsibility to House

Potter to someone who had,

effectively, kidnapped me."

He let that sink in for a few moments before

he said, "Now, here's what's been happening

over the last three plus years..."

He went through and covered everything

that happened in first year. He described

what happened around the troll, the stone,

their suspicions, Norbert the dragon, and

Quirrell.

He then smoothly switched to second year

and covered the public supposedly formal

duelling lesson; parseltongue; Mrs Norris's

attack; the accusations from almost the

entire student body about him being the Heir

of Slytherin; the lack of action by the staff;

Nearly-headless Nick, Justin Finch-Fletchley

and the other students being petrified; the

paper they found in Hermione's petrified

hand; the second message; and touched on

his and Ron's descent into the Chamber of

Secrets, what happened within and later. He

described how he was treated by the heirs

from the time of the duelling lesson until the

end of the year, and how it made him feel.

He moved onto third year and only gave it a

cursory overview. And thanked Madam

Bones for his godfather finally being able to

prove his innocence.

Finally, he moved on to the start of fourth

year. He covered Hermione and Ginevra's

chat with Mrs Weasley about potioning Mr

Weasley; Hermione seeing Mrs Weasley

attempting to potion her and Harry; a very

general overview of the chat in private on

the train; Hermione and he seeking out

Daphne; the story they concocted about

forming the soul bonds; Dumbledore's

attempt at compulsion charms and

obliviating them; catching the two youngest

Weasleys attempting to dose them again;

their later chat with Dumbledore and Harry

being quite prepared to leave the Wizarding

world over all that had happened; their chat

with the senior staff about getting things

fixed; finding out about the Tri-Wizard

tournament and how the draw was going to

take place; Harry giving an oath he would not

enter his name, either by himself or using

another to do it for him; Harry then finding

out about the mail redirection and how they

were now handling that; then on to the

actual draw; and, finally, how the student

body were acting, even after he gave another

Wizard's Oath in the middle of the packed

Great Hall he had nothing to do with his

name coming out of the Goblet.

At the necessary points, Hermione gave her

story about what had happened, confirming

what Harry was saying. While he'd been

speaking, Harry had watched as the gathered

Heads and Regents of allied Houses gasped in

shock or appeared appalled or angry in all

the right and expected places. He now gave

them time to absorb all he had told them

before looking towards Madam Bones where

she sat white with shock; her monocle

dangling by its chain from the breast of her

robes.

With his voice becoming more and more

hoarse, Harry turned to each of those

opposite and said, "We have the situation

where each of your Heirs, or other members

of your families, have actively denigrated me

or otherwise publicly held me up for ridicule,

scorn and derision, at the very least.

"And, quite frankly, I've had an absolute

gutful. Right now, I've got your Houses...

through the actions of those aforementioned

Heirs and other family members... actively

and publicly turning on me twice since I've

been at this school. That is enough, right

there," he said, jabbing his index finger onto

the surface of the table twice in emphasis,

"For me to terminate any and all alliances

with your Houses for treachery and

behaviour directly opposed to the purpose of

those alliances.

"If you came here with the intent to berate

me... or, otherwise treat me like a jumped up

young kid... think again. The first person who

opens their mouth towards me in anger I

will immediately terminate the alliance for

justifiable cause and call all debts due."

He let his gaze in anger sweep the table,

ensuring he knew they'd all heard his words.

Many of them had looks varying from

absolutely horrified to shocked and appalled.

"Now," he said, sitting back. "Since you seem

to be the spokesperson here, Madam Bones,

perhaps you should go first with why I

shouldn't terminate the alliance between our

Houses."

She sat there for a few moments, breathing

heavily and apparently trying to get her head

around what she'd just been told. It was a

long few moments before she finally began

to speak.

"First," she said. "I want a copy of each and

every memory of the highlights of what you

spoke. However, that's me in my role as Head

of the DMLE."

"I'll organise that for you, Amelia," said

Matthias, quietly, from where he sat on the

other side of Daphne. "In expectation, I've

also brought a collection of memory phials

for Mister Potter to use."

"Alright," she said with a sigh. "Now... onto

the way Susan's been behaving. All I can say

is that I'm truly, truly, sorry about her

behaviour. Immediately following this

meeting I'll be dragging her aside and

demanding explanations and her own side of

this.

Chapter 152

"That does not, however, mean to imply I

think you're lying about any of it. I just want

her to explain herself to me. And, based on

what she says, I'll then get back to you with

what I can do to rectify this... situation. Will

that do, for now?"

Harry looked back for a few moments,

turned to each of his bondmates to gauge

their own reactions, before turning back.

"Well, I can tell you now that... reparations...

for her actions are going to include a very

public apology to me, directly. Plus, she

needs to understand, and accept, that any

further poor behaviour on her part will see

me terminating the alliance right then and

there.

"My patience is at an end," he firmly stated.

"But, if she comes forward at her own behest

to give that very public apology, the alliance

need not be."

"Is that your view with all our heirs, Mister

Potter?" asked Thadeus Corner, Head of

House Corner.

"It is, with the exception of Neville

Longbottom," he replied before turning to

Augusta Longbottom, grandmother of Neville

and his Regent in House Longbottom. "I don't

know what he told you, Ma'am; but, Neville

is one of the very few at Hogwarts that

has not turned on me - ever. No matter what

has happened, he has stood by me, even

when his own dorm mates and others have

berated him for it. The House of Potter is

very happy with the Heir of Longbottom.

"Thank you, Mister Potter," the relieved

older witch replied.

Turning to the other visitors, he said, "Each

of you have received an almost panicky

missive from your heirs and members of your

Houses how wroth I am with them and, by

association, with your Houses. As with young

Miss Bones, I expect an individual public

apology from each of them."

Leaning forward again, he firmly stated,

"Until I receive those very public apologies I

have no interest in renewing the alliances or

discussing this matter any further. Now, is

there any other business... besides the

alliances... you wish to raise with me at this

time?"

There were quite a number of scowls coming

from those opposite; all of whom had

remained silent unless specifically addressed.

However, none of them raised any additional

issue.

Giving them a few moments, he said, "Then,

we are done." He rose, followed by his two

bondmates, Matthias and Deece. That meant

the others rose, as well. "When I have those

apologies, seek me out again." He then

raised his wand and removed the Colloportus

and wards he erected before the meeting.

Following suit, Madam Bones removed her

own.

While the small delegation made their way

out, Harry gestured for his bondmates, the

Greengrasses, Madam Bones and Madam

Longbottom to stay.

When the door closed, again, Harry turned to

Madam Longbottom. "While I'm happy with

Neville, Ma'am; House Potter is not happy

with House Longbottom's Regent. It's nigh

time he was allowed his own wand," he said.

"His father's wand is not suited to him and

makes him struggle against it to achieve any

wand-based magic. One of the first things

Mister Ollivander said to me was, 'The wand

chooses the wizard'. His father's wand did

not choose him as it is not suitable for him.

Therefore, he struggles."

"Gus!" exclaimed Madam Bones turning to

the Longbottom matriarch. "He's right. How

could you do that to the boy?"

Both angry at being spoken to that way by

whom she considered only a boy, followed

by the woman she considered her best friend,

and embarrassed she'd completely forgotten

the rule surrounding wand compatibility, the

elder witch huffed and refused to reply.

Instead, she looked away.

"Regent Longbottom," Harry firmly said to

the side of the woman's face. "I would be

doing a grave injustice to my peer if I did not

speak on this. Frank's wand needs to be

placed in a position of honour on the

mantelpiece in Longbottom Hall, or

somewhere similar. That is the way you

honour Frank's unwilling sacrifice. Neville

needs his own wand. If you won't buy it for

him, I will."

Turning to stare back at Harry, she firmly

replied, "No. It's my responsibility; I'll take

Neville to Ollivander's immediately after this

meeting."

Harry simply nodded back and quietly said,

"Thank you." Turning back to Madam Bones,

he said, "Now, you asked for those

memories..."

Harry, working with Madam Bones and

Matthias, withdrew copies of the memories

of much of what had happened regarding the

behaviour of the heirs over the past few

years. Madam Bones then thanked them and

both older witches left, together.

When the last two left, Harry turned to the

Matthias and asked, "Well; what did you

think?"

Retaking seat Matthias said, "You were firm,

but fair. You stood your ground and showed

you were in the right. Most of them came

expecting to be able to browbeat you into

submission. If it wasn't for Mesdames Bones

and Longbottom, someone would have said

something that you would have called them

to task over; and they left knowing that.

"I expect they're all now chasing down their

heirs and giving them 'what for'. You can

expect those public apologies to begin

starting tomorrow at the earliest."

And so it was. Starting immediately at

breakfast the next morning, students who

were heirs and family of allied Houses began

coming over to see Harry while the

bondmates sat at the Ravenclaw table. The

first was Susan Bones.

"Mister Potter, a word, if I may?" she asked.

Harry could see the young redhead was

highly embarrassed but also upset. He

figured Madam Bones must have verbally

torn strips off her because she, and a few

others, had not been at dinner the previous

night.

"What can I do for you, Miss Bones?" he

asked.

As others began to notice something

important was happening, the usual noise

level around the Great Hall died back.

The fourth year Hufflepuff closed her eyes

for a moment and took a deep breath. After

a moment she released it and opened her

eyes again looking straight back at Harry for a

moment, before dropping her eyes. In a clear

and carrying voice she said, "Mister Potter; I

have come to tender my heartfelt apology to

you, specifically, and House Potter, generally,

for my atrocious behaviour towards you in

both second year and this year, since your

name came out of the Goblet of Fire.

"It has been made clear to me this is not

acceptable behaviour for the Heir of a House

to behave towards the Head of an allied

House. I was of the mistaken belief that what

happens at Hogwarts would have no impact

upon any alliances between the House of

Bones and others. I was wrong."

.

Chapter 153

She took another deep breath and looked a

somewhat surprised Harry right in the eye.

"The House of Bones offers the services of its

Heir Apparent... myself... Susan Amelia

Bones, to the House of Potter to provide

whatever service or services the Head of

House Potter deems necessary. The House of

Bones only asks that the... virtue... of its Heir

remains pure."

Daphne let out a quiet gasp of shock at

Susan's words. Quietly, she whispered in

Harry's ear. "Harry, she's offering herself to

the House of Potter for anything except full

sex."

Startled, Harry's breath hitched in his throat

for a moment before he quickly cleared it

and used a few moments to try and think of

a way out of the situation.

With an outward appearance of calm, when

he was feeling anything but calm on the

inside, he said to his Hufflepuff year mate,

"You have given me much to consider, Miss

Bones... Susan. Perhaps, it may be wise if you

were to pay us a visit in our apartment after

classes today where we can discuss this

further. This is not an acceptance of your

offer, nor a decline; we just want to take time

to consider the full... ramifications of your

offer, before we decide anything further. Is

that alright with you?"

With a relieved slight slump to her posture,

Susan replied, "Yes, Mister Potter; and, thank

you."

With a final nod from Harry, she turned and

walked away.

That started the almost cavalcade of Heirs

and other members of families allied with

House Potter coming and giving their own

formal, verbal and public apologies. Hannah

Abbott was next and would join Susan Bones

in their apartment immediately after class;

Michael Corner, while not offering himself

per se, offered his wand in the form of

support, as did the other males; some of the

witches gave the same as the males but a

few were similar to the apology from Susan

by offering themselves.

After each gave their apology, Harry told

them he and his bondmates would meet

them all in their apartment immediately

after the last class of the day.

As expected, the bondmates all arrived at the

door to their apartment just as the first of

the small group of students also arrived.

Daphne gave the password to the statue of

Professor Whittaker and opened the door for

everyone to follow her in. Harry held back

outside the door to ensure the last of those

who were told to come had arrived and

entered.

Once inside, he saw that both Dobby and

Winky had organised drinks for everyone.

"Alright," he muttered. As he was about to

enter he said to the stone Professor, "If Albus

Dumbledore comes along before our guests

have left, inform the doddering old fool

we're indisposed and will see him, if he

needs to see us, after dinner."

"Right you are, Mister Potter," the statue

replied, as Harry walked in and closed the

door.

In the informal meeting Harry, with the

support of his bondmates, effectively laid

down the law to the other students who, one

way or another, did great damage to their

families' alliances with House Potter. His

demands were quite simple, but direct. For

the alliances to remain House Potter would,

at times, call on their Houses to provide

support to House Potter. It might be by being

an extra wand in a fight, or it might be

something to do with getting certain

legislation passed, failed or overturned. But,

the House would do it. They could do

nothing else. After all, that was part and

parcel of being part of an alliance. They

appeared to have forgotten that.

Once the other students left to head down to

the Great Hall for the evening meal, before

then sending off owls to their various Heads

of Houses about Harry's decisions, Harry

turned to the girls and asked. "What did you

think?"

"Handled just like an experienced Head of a

House would have handled it," Daphne

quickly replied. "You now have a solid clique

of those who are beholden to you with which

to use to fight or make changes at the

Wizengamot or Ministry level."

"She's right, of course," added Hermione.

"You could have demanded practically

anything of them, and they'd have had to

give it to you. Instead, you've reminded them

of their obligations as part of the alliance and

ensured their support."

He sighed. "Still, it seemed to almost be like I

was pretty much blackmailing them."

"What some call blackmailing, others call

politicking in backroom deals," smirked

Daphne. Rising, she continued, "Come. It's

time we headed down for dinner."

The three headed down to the Great Hall.

This time, it was a much less hostile

welcome.

Only a few days after the first task, Professor

McGonagall approached Harry to 'remind'

him that, as a champion, he was required to

open the Yule Ball.

"Oh, that's alright, Professor," he replied. "I

don't think we'll be going. Daphne's invited

Hermione and I to Greengrass Farm for the

holidays."

"But, Mister Potter," she exclaimed. "As a

champion..."

"I'm not a champion, Professor," Harry

interrupted. "We've been through this,

remember? I'm just an unwilling contestant."

"You're still expected to attend, Mister

Potter," she tried with a stern and

commanding voice. "It's tradition!"

"I have no idea why, Professor," he shot back.

"I've been rather upfront and clear about this.

You have your three champions there to

open the Ball as stated in the contract. I

suggest you read the contract for yourself. I,

and my bondmates, have other plans."

Of course, this led to Dumbledore hunting

Harry down and pulling him aside during the

evening meal.

"Mister Potter," he began, "As a competitor,

you're expected to open the Yule Ball. Your

attendance is, therefore, mandatory."

"No, Headmaster, it is not," retorted Harry. "I

suggest you review your copy of the contract

to rectify the errors in your knowledge.

Nowhere in there does it state I have to

attend the Ball. My legal representative has

already gone through the contract with a fine

tooth comb and agrees with me.

"The contract specifically states

'the three champions'. As I would make a

fourth, and as I'm not actually a champion as

defined by the contract anyway, my

attendance is most certainly not mandatory.

As I said, I and my bondmates have other

plans. We'll be visiting both Greengrass Farm

and the Granger parents on Christmas Day.

They're all looking forward to our visiting."

"Christmas Day, you say?" asked the

Headmaster.

Chapter 154

"Yes, Sir," Harry shrugged.

The Headmaster seemed to frown in thought

for a few moments before he looked back at

Harry and said, "I may have an answer to

your dilemma for you, shortly."

"If you wish, Headmaster," sighed Harry. "But,

I assure you, there is no dilemma. Myself and

my bondmates will be spending the day with

the Greengrasses and Grangers."

Dumbledore toddled off and Harry returned

to the Ravenclaw table. "He try and force you

to attend the Yule Ball?" asked Daphne with

a slight smirk.

"He did," he shrugged. "But, I think I was

successful in planting the idea in his head we

plan on visiting the Greengrass and Granger

residences during the day, only. I plan on

letting him come up with the idea of

portkeys."

With a smirk, Daphne said, "You're more and

more letting that Slytherin side out now."

The very next evening, the Headmaster

approached Harry, directly. "Mister Potter, I

have an answer for your dilemma in being

able to visit with the families of your

bondmates on Christmas Day, and also your

attendance at the Yule Ball."

"Headmaster, it was never a dilemma for me,

as you put it," sighed Harry, as if exasperated

by the man. "I was never going to go to the

Ball."

"Well, yes," said Dumbledore. "However, I

have created these two portkeys for you."

The old man held out two small objects - an

old sock and a short piece of rope. "The sock

is a portkey to take you to the Greengrass

Farm on the morning of Christmas Day at

9:00am sharp. The rope will return you here,

to the steps into the Entrance Hall, at 6:45pm

sharp."

Harry held up his hand in a gesture to stop

and sighed. "Sorry, Headmaster," he

explained. "It appears I did not explain

myself properly. My bondmates and I will be

leaving on the Express for the Christmas

break. We won't be returning until the

Express returns with the students.

"However, I recognise the effort you've gone

to seeing us attend the Ball without

upsetting our plans. Therefore, we'll use the

portkey made of the rope to return to the

school for the night of the Ball. However, the

portkey made of the sock will need to be

reconfigured to return us to Greengrass Farm

on or about midnight the same night, so we

may return to our winter holiday. Sorry.

Either that or we Floo."

With one of his grandfatherly sighs,

Dumbledore said, "I'm sorry, my boy; but, I

cannot allow you to leave the school for such

an extended period of time. It is unsafe for

you."

Harry snorted and said, "One: I am a fully

emancipated minor. As such, I can come and

go as I please; so long as I am here for classes

and the two mandatory feasts. Two: As a

competitor in the Tournament, I'm allowed

to leave the grounds of the school, with my

trainers, whenever I want; it's in the contract.

And, that same competitor status also means

I can skip classes, irrelevant of the

aforementioned point one. Three: You seem

to have forgotten my magical guardianship

was stripped from you, irrelevant of point

one.

"In other words, Headmaster, if you attempt

to stop me or my bondmates... my trainers...

from leaving, it's kidnapping. Plus, as per

point two, you would be breaching the

contract; thereby placing your magic at direct

risk of being stripped by the Goblet.

"Now, I understand you are concerned for my

well-being. I appreciate that. However,

it's my choice, and you have no right or

authority to go against it. You can advise; you

cannot demand... or insist. If you cannot see

yourself to providing a return portkey for the

late evening of the Yule Ball, I understand. I'll

then just use the Floo at the Three

Broomsticks or not attend. Or, I'll ask

Matthias Greengrass to create a portkey for

us to use just outside the main gates."

"You only informed me you were planning on

being away from the school on Christmas

Day only, Mister Potter," the Headmaster

stated a little angrily.

"No, Sir," disagreed Harry giving his head a

shake. "I did no such thing. I informed you

we had other plans for Christmas Day. I

did not inform you we had no plans for the

rest of the break. We were only discussing

that particular day. I am not in the habit of

telling all and sundry what my plans are for

each and every day, especially when those

days are part of my rightful time away from

the school.

"I remind you, sir; you are only the

Headmaster of the school I once attended as

a student, the Chief Warlock and the

Supreme Mugwump. None of those positions

gives you any right to know my personal

business, or what I intend to do

over my Christmas break. I only informed you

about my... sorry, our... plans for Christmas

Day out of what little respect I still retain for

the staff of this institution; and in

understanding the staff need to be informed

of my plans concerning the Ball, lest you

refuse to accept it from the lips of another.

By rights and by law, I didn't have to tell you

squat."

"Harry, do you think so little of me to treat

me like this?" asked Dumbledore, again

laying on the disappointment mien.

"Yes," Harry firmly replied. Looking

Dumbledore directly in the eye, he continued,

"The more I learn about my place in the

world... especially, what I've learned these

past few months... the more I've come to

understand just how much you've screwed

me over, Headmaster."

Dumbledore almost visibly reeled back in

shock. Never - at least, not in very many

years - had he ever been spoken to the way

Harry did with those few words.

"But, you're not the only one," sighed Harry,

looking away again. "Molly Weasley has

been hard at work manipulating things

around me, too. Did you know she's been

planning for over a decade to have me marry

her daughter; so she can then get her hands

on the Potter fortune? Do you know she's

quite happy to admit it was with love potions

she ensnared poor Arthur? She admitted

exactly that to Hermione... to her face... only

a few days before the first of September.

"She maliciously sent Ronald to befriend me

to give her daughter a chance to get closer to

me when she started, here, a year later. Of

course, Ronald was also tasked with stopping

me making friends with anyone else. She just

didn't account for a young muggleborn witch

by the name of Hermione Jean Granger

seeing me as a potential friend, and to want

to get closer to me. And Ron is too much of a

stupid git to realise girls can be friends of a

boy, too. Nor did she expect there to be

latent soul bonds between Hermione and I,

and Daphne and I.

"No, she was not going to let something

like that slow down her determination to get

her hands on the Potter fortune. So, starting

this year, she then tasked both her youngest

to begin a much stronger and effective

regimen of potioning. As you now well know

the first dose came from her own hands

during breakfast of the morning we boarded

the Express back on first of September.

Hermione even saw her do it. It's funny, in a

way, that it was that potioning... and finding

out about it... that led to me taking the bull

by the horns and approaching Daphne on the

train; and the first soul bond occurring.

Chapter 155

"Both youngest also carried on their persons

repulsion potions that they were to use to

dose me regarding anyone else who might

try to get closer to me; such as Daphne. I'm

sure a powerful alchemist, such as yourself,

could easily see what would have happened

to me if I was being constantly and

repetitively dosed with love, loyalty and

repulsion potions, Headmaster."

As Harry was speaking about the Weasley

Plan, Dumbledore's face first took on a mien

of shock, before it morphed into horror.

"That'd..." he started, before he suddenly

snapped his mouth shut again.

Nodding back, Harry continued, "That would

weaken and confuse me more than enough

to make me a sitting duck for the next time

Voldemort... Riddle... decided to have a go at

me," finished Harry. "It's also reflected in my

school marks, already. Did it never occur to

you to question why the son of the brightest

witch of her age, and one of the most

powerful wizards of his age, could come to

school and be less than an average performer,

academically?"

Harry snorted in disgust at Dumbledore.

"Really, Headmaster. And you foolishly

allowed both to return to the school. That's

why I and my bondmates demanded the

re-sort; to minimise the risk of further

potioning by the Weasley terrible two.

"However, that they've been allowed to

remain here does not negate that risk

entirely. That they're still here means they

can foolishly make further attempts. Of

course, without their Potion Queen... their

mother... supplying them with the potions, I

daresay they may not attempt it for the

foreseeable future; but, that's not a given. If

they do they will, of course, fail. However, if

they do they will also be caught; and you'll

not be saving them from Azkaban, this time.

"But that's only one point. For all your

vaunted knowledge and wisdom, you tend to

make one Hell of a lot of mistakes; especially

when it comes to me. I'm just sick and tired

of often being the victim of those mistakes."

Without waiting for a response, Harry just

turned and walked away. He didn't see the

look of comingled horror and sadness on

Dumbledore's face as he watched Harry walk

away.

Dumbledore supplied Harry the required

portkey to Greengrass Farm the very next day,

with barely a word.

The Room of Requirement started to be used

by Harry more and more. He used it to

practice silent casting; he used it to practice

charms and curses to minimalise the wand

gestures, so he could cast them underwater;

then, together with both ladies, the three

used it to practice dancing for the Yule Ball.

For Harry - and occasionally Hermione - it

was mainly Daphne teaching Harry.

However, they were all amazed when the

Room was able to be configured into a dance

studio with animated dancing mannequins

similar in style to duelling dummies. The

mannequins couldn't speak, but they didn't

need to. Steps for Harry's feet appeared on

the floor for him to remind himself where to

place them, and when. This then solved the

problem of both ladies, especially Daphne,

ending up with sore toes after only a few

minutes of practice and teaching.

Harry was also working hard on other curses

and conjurations not taught until the NEWT

years. He wanted to get them down so he

could conjure up solid objects to block the

Unforgivables. He practiced transfiguration of

dirt, grass and twigs into objects to intercept

the curses. And he taught himself and

practiced the Aegis shield charm Dumbledore

was able to use, where he could have objects

circling about himself to stop the

Unforgivables and other dark curses.

Though he didn't have a second wand, yet;

he also practiced casting with his offhand.

And switched to silent casting with the

offhand once he was beginning to gain some

level of proficiency.

His final hurdle was to maintain a fully

working Lumos Maxima with his normal

wand in his right hand, while practicing silent

casting with his offhand. He realised he

wouldn't know how successful he was at it

until he gained his second wand. But, he felt,

it didn't hurt to practice.

The occasional evening was also spent

talking to Sirius via the two-way mirrors.

Harry and Hermione, of course, were 'old

hands' at using the mirrors to talk to the old

dog. For Daphne, however, it was new. She

questioned Sirius hard on how they worked

as she could see they'd be very popular on

the market if they could be replicated.

However, Sirius replied that the mirrors were

a joint project between himself, Moony and

Harry's father. And it was Harry's father who

came up with a lot of the rune-based charms

work.

Not to be so easily put off, both she and

Hermione were determined to figure out

how it was done and replicate them. After all,

both witches were at the top of the classes

for both Ancient Runes and Arithmancy for

their year group.

"Just remember to have fun occasionally,"

warned Sirius. "The Marauders worked hard

at both class and prank work, but we still

took the time to enjoy life. After all, James

dedicated a lot of time to wooing your

mother, Pup. I, on the other hand, spent a lot

of time chasing all the pretty witches." And

proceeded to bark with laughter.

"The latter is not something I need to worry

about, Padfoot," Harry smiled back. "I have

all the witches I ever need or want right here,

with me."

November slipped into December when

Harry was pulled aside by Professor

McGonagall. "I doubt I really need to ask,

Mister Potter," she said. "But, have you

organised a date for the Yule Ball, yet?"

"Well, I don't see how it's any of your

business, Professor; but, yes," he replied. "I

intend to escort both my bondmates to the

Ball."

With a worried little frown, the Professor

said, "You'll only be allowed to escort one

date into the Ball when you enter with the

other competitors, Mister Potter."

Harry snorted in amusement and smirked,

"I'll not be entering with the other

competitors, Professor. The other

competitors are the champions. It's their role

to open the Ball, not mine," he explained.

"I'll enter with everyone else and be sitting at

table when the champions enter with their

dates."

Not a little exasperated, the Professor asked,

"Is it too much to ask you go along with this

one thing?"

"Yes," he firmly replied. "Was it too much to

ask you to at least listen to a bunch of eleven

year olds, who came to you with wild claims

of how someone was about to steal the

Philosopher's Stone that very night? Was it

too much to ask you to listen to a bunch of

twelve year olds, who told you it was a

basilisk that was petrifying the students, and

that they had a fair idea where the entrance

to the Chamber of Secrets could be found?

Apparently, the answer to both those

questions was 'yes', Professor.

"All Houses, aside from Gryffindor, hold

regular meetings with their Head of House.

At those meetings the members of those

Houses learn a great deal of what is going on.

At those meetings, the members of those

Houses come to know that their Head of

House is there for them. They do not fear

approaching their Head of House, and know

that they will be heard. That, Professor, is not

the case with Gryffindor. Even the Slytherins

know they can approach Professor Snape at

any time. He may be a snarky grouch, but all

Slytherins know he will hear them out, if

they approach him.

"Also, each House except Gryffindor has a

student representative body. The Ravenclaws

have 'The Directorate', the Slytherins have

'The Conclave', and the Hufflepuffs have 'The

Synod'. What does Gryffindor have? Nothing.

Just why exactly does Gryffindor have

Prefects for, anyway? They're supposed to

form a student council, just as the other

three Houses have done, and yet one doesn't

exist. It would have been nice to take our

views about both the Stone and the Chamber

to such a body. I'm sure they would have, at

least, heard us out.

Chapter 157

"So. Is it too much to ask that I go along with

being paraded as a champion when, in fact,

I'm not? Yes, Professor; yes."

Seeing that Harry wasn't going to 'go along',

as she expected him to, Professor

McGonagall sighed, shook her head, said,

"I'm very sorry about those incidents, Mister

Potter."

With a snort, Harry turned to walk away. He

took a few steps before he turned back and

said, "You know, Professor... if it wasn't for

my belief you'd constantly have yourself

checked out for compulsion charms, loyalty

potions and the like, what with the number

of students who would try such upon you to

get better grades... with the amount of

hero-worship you have for the meddling old

fool, I'd suspect you of being under either or

both." Then he turned back around and

walked away.

On hearing his words, Minerva McGonagall

felt as if the blood in her veins froze on the

spot. 'Could it be?' she asked herself. Quickly,

before she could doubt her decision, she

hurried from the classroom and headed

directly to the infirmary.

"Definitely, Minerva," sighed Madam

Pomfrey. "It's weak, but it's there. A loyalty

potion... long-term."

With an almost defeated sad little sigh, the

Professor asked, "Can it be flushed?"

"Possibly," the medi-witch replied. "But, not

by me. It appears both of us need to report

ourselves to Saint Mungo's."

Looking up, the Professor asked, "You too?"

"Me too," replied Pomfrey with a grim look.

Thinking about it for a few moments

McGonagall asked, "Do you think the same

will apply to the rest of the staff?"

I've been thinking about that," replied the

medi-witch. "I'd suspect as much for all the

human staff; but not Severus. He's too wise

to allow himself to be slipped such a potion.

However, I don't know about Filius, Hagrid...

or Albus."

"Why not Albus?" the Professor sharply

asked.

With a determined but angry look, the

medi-witch replied, "I suspect it was Albus

who dosed us."

With a gasp, McGonagall began to ask,

"Surely not... Wait. It would have to be him

or Severus, wouldn't it?" She slumped in

extreme disappointment.

"It wasn't Severus," disagreed Pomfrey with

a slow shake of her head. "The potion trace

is far too old for it to be him when it comes

to you. It could have been him for me;

however, the potion trace is the same. Ergo,

not him."

"Why would he do this?" the Professor

plaintively asked.

"I suspect it's so we wouldn't question him

on any of the things he's done," replied

Madam Pomfrey. "The Philosopher's Stone,

and the poor traps that even first years were

able to get through; the petrified students

and not closing the school, as should have

been done; the basilisk, itself; the dementors

around the school last year, and Sirius Black;

and going along with that dangerous

tournament, this year.

"But that doesn't account for just how long

these potions have been in your system, let

alone mine. I suspect we've been... what's

the muggle term for it... programmed."

"Pro-what?" asked the confused pureblood

Professor.

"Programmed," repeated the medi-witch.

She thought for a bit and tried to explain.

"There was a muggle experiment, centuries

ago, where a muggle wanted to know if he

could make his dog salivate on command. To

that end, he used to ring this bell

immediately before every time he fed it.

Then he started varying the times he fed the

dog, but would always ring the bell

immediately beforehand. It was not long

before the dog would begin to prodigiously

salivate as soon as the bell was rung, but

before the food was placed before it. He had

programmed the dog to salivate whenever it

heard the bell ring. Understand?"

"Yes," frowned McGonagall, thinking. "Yes; I

do."

"We've all been programmed in one way or

another," the medi-witch continued to

explain. "For example, if you suddenly feel

heat in a much localised area on your hand,

you immediately snatch your hand away,

without even thinking about it. Your

subconscious recognises you're about to be

burned and acts, irrespective of what your

conscious mind is thinking at the time. We

call that sort of thing a 'knee-jerk reaction'."

"And you think that's why we've been dosed

for so long?" asked the Professor.

"I do," replied Pomfrey. "We've been

programmed, just like that dog, not to

question Albus about all the things he does.

And the loyalty potion ensures it. At least,

that's my thoughts."

With a sad and disappointed sigh, the

Professor asked, "When do we do

this? How do we... overcome this?"

Thinking for a few long moments, Pomfrey

replied, "As for when, right now." Looking to

the older witch, she asked, "Do you have any

classes on for the remainder of the day?"

"No," McGonagall replied, shaking her head

and thinking hard. Before Pomfrey could

speak again, however, she looked back and

asked, "If there're more than just us two,

would it not be best for someone from Saint

Mungo's to come here?"

Surprised by the question, Pomfrey thought

about it for a moment before replying, "Yes,

actually; you're right."

With a firm nod to herself, the medi-witch

rose and went to the direct link Floo to St

Mungo's at the end of the ward. The one

used for emergencies she was unable to treat

herself; or emergencies where there were

too many victims for her handle on her own.

"Yes, definitely long term exposure to loyalty

potion," an older wizard in healer's robes

explained with a frown. He'd just finished

scanning Professor McGonagall after

scanning Madam Pomfrey.

Madam Pomfrey's call to Saint Mungo's saw

a fellow student of hers from when she was a

student come stepping through the fireplace

only ten minutes later. He was someone she

considered completely trustworthy. After she

explained what they knew and suspected, he

got right to scanning the both of them.

With a sigh, the medi-witch said, "I'll get the

flushing potions."

"No need," said the wizard healer. "I know

exactly what potion it is still coursing through

your veins and your minds. Therefore, I can

just supply you with the specific counter.

There's no need for a general flush that can

negate almost every potion when the specific

counter will be even more effective and

less... intrusive on the body."

This time it was McGonagall who sighed, but

in relief. She'd already been told how the

flushing potion affected the body by causing

both pain and an almost explosive

evacuation of the bowels and urinary system.

She truly did not wish to experience it for

herself.

Still, she had to ask. "The flushing potion

causes..." she stammered. "Well, does the

counter have a similar effect as the flushing

potion?"

"No," the healer replied with a smile.

"Instead of doing as the name implies. The

counter merely cancels the potion within

your system, neutralising it that way."

"Thank Merlin!" the Professor said with clear

relief.

Replying only with a smile, the healer then

turned to Pomfrey. "Poppy? When can I

examine the rest of the staff?"

"Treat us," she replied. "Then I'll send an elf

to each, asking them to come see me in the

infirmary. However, I'd really rather wait

until Albus was out of the castle for one of

his many 'other' responsibilities before

calling them."

"She's right," added McGonagall. "We don't

want to tip our hand to Albus before

everyone is clear of the potion."

Arrangements were made for the healer to

return on the weekend when Dumbledore

was out of the castle in the very near future.

Unknowing to what was occurring in the

infirmary, Harry had rejoined Hermione and

Daphne in their apartment.

"What did Professor McGonagall want,

Harry?" asked Hermione, looking up from

where she was already making a start on that

day's homework.

"She told me I'd need a date for the Ball, as I

was 'expected' as a champion to lead the first

dance," Harry replied with a smirk.

"I take it you corrected her false

assumption?" Daphne smirked back.

"Of course," he replied with a little bow. "I

told her I'd asked the two prettiest witches in

the school to be my dates. She wasn't happy

with that, and tried to claim I could only

ask one of you to attend; and that I had to

escort that one into the Ball with the other

competitors.

"Of course, I... disabused her of those errors.

When she tried to guilt-trip me by asking, 'Is

it too much to ask you go along with this,' I

ripped into her about how we had

approached her on at least two occasions

during first and second year about risks to

the school but she wasn't willing to 'go along'

with what we were trying to inform her.

"And I gave her 'what-for' over how the

other three houses all have their own

student councils, and yet Gryffindor does not.

And, how we probably would have taken our

concerns to that body, if it had existed. I

think I might have also implied she was

operating under compulsion charms or

loyalty potions.

"All up, she's not getting her way over this.

So," he said dropping to a knee before the

two girls. "Would both you ladies do me the

great honour of being my dates to the Yule

Ball?"

"Harry, you've already asked and we've both

already said yes," giggled Hermione.

"Oh. Yeah," he replied, a little sheepish in

embarrassment. "I forgot."

Both girls laughed at him while he rose from

the floor.

"I'll... just get my stuff for homework; right?"

he muttered. He quickly went into his room

and doffed his school uniform robe. He

returned to their living room and pulled out

his own homework. By then, the girls had

calmed down again.

Giving a little throat-clearing cough, he asked,

"So, what're we working on?"

"Well," replied Hermione, showing her work.

"We decided to first make a start on

Potions..."

Before long, all three were working both

together and independently on homework

assignments.

Chapter 157

Only a few short weeks later, the three were

packed ready to leave on the Hogwarts

Express for the Christmas break. They would

be collected by the Greengrasses and

apparated direct to Greengrass Farm.

When Hermione mentioned she didn't have

most of her 'muggle' clothes with her,

Daphne smiled and said, "Don't worry about

it. We'll get you sorted, soon enough."

The ride back to London was ridden in a

mostly empty Hogwarts Express. Most

students, especially those in Fourth Year and

up, were remaining in the castle to attend

the Ball. This also meant they were not

bothered during the trip back by either the

two youngest Weasleys or Malfoy and his

goon squad; all of whom were remaining at

the castle, as much as they knew, for the

entire Christmas break.

When they arrived at Kings Cross, Harry and

the girls quickly alighted with their trunks

and were greeted by the two Greengrass

adults.

"Good trip was it?" asked Deece.

"The quietest I've had," replied Harry.

"Good," said Matthias, before he changed

the subject. "Now, we're heading back to the

Farm by Floo." Looking at Harry and

Hermione, he asked, "Have both of you

travelled by Floo before?"

"Yes," they both replied.

"Excellent," replied Matthias.

The elder Greengrasses led the three down

the length of the platform and beyond the

barrier to the muggle side. Past the barrier

they came across a set of fireplaces, all large

enough for at least two people and a trunk.

Matthias went first with a muttered call of

'Greengrass Farm'. Then went Daphne,

Hermione and Harry, with Deece bringing up

the rear.

As with the last time he used the Floo, Harry

exited with a skid across the floor as if the

fireplace forcefully ejected him and his trunk.

This led to laughter from Matthias, Daphne

and Hermione before Deece calmly stepped

through.

Seeing Harry sprawled on the floor, she

smiled and said, "Ah! I see we have to teach

you the proper way to exit a Floo."

Rolling over onto his back and sitting up,

Harry angrily muttered, "It's now official;

magical forms of transport hate me."

After a response of laughter and chuckling,

Matthias helped Harry to his feet. "Don't

worry about it, Harry," he said. "There's a

knack to it. We'll just have to teach you."

After the five had rid themselves of the

excess soot due to the Floo travel, Matthias

led them through to the parlour. The first

Harry learned a surprise awaited them was

when Hermione let out a very

un-Hermione-like squeal and dashed across

the room. Her parents were just rising from a

couch when Hermione almost knocked them

both back onto it again.

Thankfully, for them both, Anthony had

intercepted Hermione before she could

knock her mother over, and roared with

laughter.

With a grin and chuckle of her own, Celeste

said to the elder Greengrasses, "As you can

see, Hermione is a 'daddy's girl', through and

through."

Embarrassed for her reaction, Hermione

stepped away from her father before turning

to her mother and giving her a hug.

Stepping back, she said, "I didn't know you

were coming. When did you organise this?

How do you know Daphne's parents? Why

didn't you let me know? How long..." She

was interrupted by her mother raising a

finger and placing it vertically over her

daughter's lips in a 'shush' gesture.

Cele replied, "Give us a chance to explain and

all your questions will be answered, alright?"

Blushing, Hermione only nodded.

Once everyone had sat down, in a tag team

manner similar of many husbands and wives,

Ant and Cele explained how they were

contacted by Deece a couple of weeks earlier

and invited to spend Christmas with them.

The offer was extended because of the

unique relationship between the three teens.

They had arrived only the night before after

Matthias and Deece side-along apparated

them to Greengrass Farm, and were staying

in one of the 'wing' houses off the main

house. They would return to their own home

the day the three teens returned to Hogwarts

on the Express.

While they'd been talking, with Hermione

asking further questions, Harry had been

thinking. And, once the explanation seemed

to have ended, he gave his throat a little

clear and said, "Now that you're all here,

together, neither set of parents need to

worry about letting slip you know who our

guardian angels are. All of you have met

them."

"Really?" asked Cele. With a sigh, she said,

"Thank the Lord for that!"

"You've met them, too?" asked a surprised

Deece.

"Yes," replied Ant. "When their school

nurse... healer... brought the three of them

to talk to us soon after the bond was formed,

I leapt to conclusions and was in the process

of losing my temper. Their three angels

popped in and... told me off."

"That was almost the same as our meeting

them," Matthias laughed. "I said to Harry

how concerned I was about the bonds being

a three-way bond and, just as I was about to

put my foot in my own mouth about it, their

angels popped in and assuaged my fears."

"Well," said Harry, speaking up. "Those here,

plus Astoria, are the only ones who know

about our guardian angels."

"But, why did they appear?" asked Cele. "I

mean, I take it this sort of thing is quite

uncommon, even in the wizarding world?"

"I've not heard of it before," replied Matthias

before turning to his wife. "Deece?"

Deece just shook her head and said, "No."

"I think our three kids might," said Cele,

looking pointedly at where the three were

sitting together on one of the couches.

"We do," sighed Harry. "But we cannot tell

you. At least... not yet."

Daphne said, "It's not that we don't want to;

we just can't."

"A magical vow?" asked Deece.

"No," replied Harry. "A... Heavenly

imperative."

"They won't let you?" asked Ant.

"Yes," replied Hermione, first to answer.

Almost begging them to understand, she said,

"There is a very important reason for that.

Part of it has to do with protecting the

knowledge from Headmaster Dumbledore

and Professor Snape. Our... angels... locked

the knowledge a way to protect it from being

discovered by others, especially those two."

"The information is protected from access

from anyone, except ourselves, by any means

including Legilimency, Veritaserum, oath or

vow," continued Daphne.

"It's that dangerous?" asked Matthias.

Chapter 158

"It's not the information that's dangerous,"

replied Hermione. "It's how it can be used.

There is a high risk that Dumbledore would

want to know... what we know... and then

try to manipulate things the way he

wants. That is what cannot be allowed to

happen."

"And, because Dumbledore will always

absolve himself of guilt or blame if he thinks

what he's doing is for his so-called 'Greater

Good'..." said Harry.

"... He will go to any length, including

breaking the law, if he can so justify it to

himself," continued Matthias with a sigh of

understanding.

"Yes," said Daphne. "He uses Legilimency on

the students and everyone else without prior

permission..."

"That's illegal!" gasped Deece.

"Yet he'll do it if he can justify it to himself,"

explained Harry.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs

of the one," muttered Ant. "He thinks he's

Vulcan."

"Pardon?" asked Matthias.

"Sorry," said Ant, a little abashed. "It's a

movie trope. To put it into context, it means

Headmaster Dumbledore is willing to cause

harm to one person, if it's for the betterment

of many others - for the greater good; and

the lesser good bedamned."

"Dumbledore sees himself as the great chess

master," explained Harry. "He firmly believes

Tom Riddle, Voldemort..." the Greengrasses

shuddered, "... is not yet utterly defeated. As

we know, he's right. Only Riddle's body was

destroyed on the night of thirty first of

October, 1981. His... spirit... his shade... is

still out there. I faced him in both my first

and second years, defeating him both times.

"Dumbledore knows this because there's a

prophecy globe in the Hall of Prophecies that

speaks of Riddle and it hasn't yet gone dark;

meaning the prophecy is incomplete.

"The trouble with treating this like it's a

game of chess and only looking at the big

picture... the greater good... is Dumbledore

has forgotten he's playing with people's lives.

And chess is all about being willing to

sacrifice pieces... lives... if it gets you closer

to your ultimate goal."

"He'd do that?" gasped Deece.

"Yes," replied Hermione. "And his 'we must

learn to forgive' theme that allowed so many

Death Eaters to escape punishment at the

end of the last war means Riddle has most of

his inner circle still available to him. When

Riddle is... resurrected... they'll immediately

flock back to him."

Ant suddenly stood and walked over to a

window, grumbling. He stood there looking

out for a few moments before he said, "I

don't like this. I think it would be safer if we

were to pull you out, Hermione."

"No, it wouldn't," Harry said. "Hermione's

now a 'known'. That is, the wizarding world

knows of her existence."

Turning to look at Harry with an unhappy

glare, Ant asked, "What do you mean?"

"The Ministry of Magic has a detection net

that covers the islands," explained Harry.

"Right from the first time a child casts

accidental magic the Ministry detects it,

sends out a team of what's called

Obliviators... in case the magic's been seen

by more than just immediate family of the

new witch or wizard... and records what

happened, by whom and where.

"That means the Ministry has a record of

Hermione casting accidental magic; and

where she lives. If... when... Riddle manages

to defeat the Ministry and take over; one of

the first things he's going to send his Death

Eaters out to do is kill all the muggleborn the

Ministry have on record. It will be wholesale

slaughter."

"If you pull me out, Daddy," Hermione

quietly explained, "They'll still come after me.

If I remain at Hogwarts, I'm at least

somewhat protected. It's you and Mum we

need to worry about. Our home isn't safe

from magical attack."

"Secondly," added Matthias, "Because

Hermione has not yet completed her OWLs,

the law states she is to remain in magical

education. If you pull her out, her magic will

be bound, her wand will be snapped and all

three of you will be Obliviated of all

knowledge of the wizarding world. That

means she won't even be able to use the

knowledge she has to protect herself, or you.

You'll be... What's the muggle saying?..."

"Sitting ducks," sighed Ant.

"Yes, that's it," said Matthias. "Sitting ducks."

"So, what do we do?" asked Cele.

"Stay safe," replied Hermione. "I need you to

start preparing to abandon both your

practice and your home. When I send a

message telling you to run, you need to

leave immediately. Drop everything and go."

"Go where?" asked Ant.

"Here," said Matthias firmly. "We have wards

in place here. I'll be talking to the goblins as

soon as possible about getting even the one's

we've got updated. I'll also organise

personalised emergency portkeys for you

both."

"And you'll need an escape plan," said

Daphne. "One that doesn't include using

apparition, Floo or portkey."

"Why?" asked Matthias of his daughter.

"Because the first thing's the Death Eaters do

when they attack a magical home is throw up

Anti-apparition and portkey wards over your

own; and they somehow can block the Floo,"

replied Hermione. "We think they have one

or more people on the inside in the Floo

Network Authority who either support

Riddle or are taking bribes. We think they're

the ones who're shutting down Floo access

to a home when it's attacked."

"Brooms, then?" asked Deece.

"No, tunnels," replied Harry.

"Tunnels?" asked Mathias.

"One tunnel is all that's necessary,"

explained Harry. "From your basement, dig a

tunnel out and under your wards that an

adult can run through. You also most

certainly don't want it to reach the surface.

As long as it gets a suitable distance past

your wards, it'll also get beyond the

Anti-apparition and portkey wards the DEs

throw up. A portkey should get you out from

there. If no one knows of it but you, it'll

provide you safe egress."

Matthias looked back in shock. "That's... why

hasn't anyone thought of that before?"

Harry bit his tongue. Magicals, he thought,

were idiots.

"The only problem with such tunnels is, if

others know about it, word can get back to

the DEs," he explained. "If they know of it,

they can also use it against you; whether it's

by using it to get in or simply blocking it from

outside. So, even its very existence needs to

remain a secret."

"Do you plan on telling others of this

concept?" asked Matthias.

"Yes," replied Harry. "I plan on telling Amelia

Bones and Augusta Longbottom, and

practically demanding of them both a

Wizard's Oath not to tell anyone else. Both

will be priority targets of Riddle very soon

after his resurrection... Just as you are."

"Us?" exclaimed Deece, a little fearful.

Chapter 159

Harry nodded back and replied, "You, as are

the Grangers. Riddle sees me as Enemy

Number One. My relationship with Daphne

and Hermione is now well known. He'll use

you to get to me, if he can."

"Well," breathed Matthias. "As frightening as

that is, you three haven't even been shown

your rooms yet. And... that leads to why we

brought you into here to talk, first."

"Mmm?" asked Daphne.

That seemed to cause the atmosphere to

become quite uncomfortable; especially for

the adults.

"We're going to need to know whether to

put you in three, separate, rooms; or... one

room," said Deece.

"One," Daphne promptly replied.

"But, we're not doing... that... yet,"

Hermione hurriedly added.

"Then, why one?" asked Cele.

"We've discovered that skin to skin contact

for sustained periods strengthens the bond,"

replied Hermione. "And that sleeping

together is the best time to accomplish that."

"You... haven't?..." asked Cele.

"No, Mum," replied Hermione a little

irritated by the question. "Your daughter is

still a virgin."

Ant let out a quiet sigh, where he was still

standing looking out the window.

"However, there's going to come a time in

the not too distant future where that

statement will no longer be true," she

continued. "Do you really want to know

when it happens?"

"No," Ant hurriedly replied.

"Then you're going to need to stop asking

because we won't lie to you," a frustrated

Hermione firmly stated.

"You're not placing the bond at risk by taking

things so slow, are you?" a worried Deece

asked.

"According to Madam Pomfrey, yes," replied

Harry. "But, according to our friend, Luna...

who can physically see the auras given off by

the bonds... no."

"It's a matter of balance," said Daphne. "At

the moment, we're maintaining the bonds at

a certain level. But, we're going to have to...

do something about that soon."

Nodding, Harry said, "While we'd really

rather prefer to hold things as they are until

we're all at least sixteen years of age, that's

not going to be possible. The bond is now

strong enough where magic, itself, is urging

us to finalise it.

"That being said... Matthias... Anthony...

while we're all here... I formally ask for your

daughters' hands in marriage."

That startled all four adults before the two

mothers squealed almost simultaneously in

excitement. Both men looked shocked as

Anthony suddenly spun about and both men

stared at Harry.

Matthias blinked a bit before he finally said,

with a very expectant look from Deece, "Yes,

Harry. You may have Daphne's hand in

marriage."

"Thank you, Sir," Harry quietly replied as

Daphne practically levitated herself into his

lap and almost snogged him on the spot.

All eyes then turned to Anthony.

Hermione stared at him as if daring him to

say no; with violent repercussions if he did.

The same look was coming from Celeste.

Knowing all eyes were now upon him, Ant

quietly sighed again and said, almost as if it

pained him to do so, "Yes, Harry. You may

have my daughter's hand in marriage."

With a squeal of 'Yes!' Hermione leapt up

and jumped into her father's arms. "Thank

you, Daddy!" she gushed, hugging him tight.

When Hermione released him and came back

to switch places with Daphne for her own

turn and kissing Harry, Ant quietly said, "I

don't believe I've just given permission for

my fifteen year old daughter to marry."

"We won't be able to hold a muggle wedding

for Hermione until I turn sixteen, of course.

And then it'll be in Scotland," said Harry.

"But, we can hold a wizarding wedding this

summer, if you like."

"Won't that make the muggle wedding...

pointless?" asked Cele.

"For us, yes," replied Harry. "However, I don't

know how we can invite family and friends of

yours to a magical wedding. At least, with a

muggle wedding in eighteen months, you'll

be able to have family and friends at that one.

That way, your family and friends won't think

Hermione and I are living in sin."

"You leave that up to us, baby," said a

recognised voice coming from near the

doors.

All eyes suddenly spun to the voice, where

the three guardian angels stood smiling. The

voice had come from Della.

The first to speak, Harry said, "Hello."

"Hello, babies," replied Della smiling, as were

the other two.

"Change of plans?" asked Harry.

"In a way," she replied before looking at the

group as a whole. "We have an answer for

your dilemma."

Roma stepped forward and said, "You can

invite the family and friends of the Grangers

to your magical wedding. They will, of course,

see magic. However, it will simply slip

through their consciousness. To them, it will

seem to be a completely normal wedding.

And they'll come away from it with

memories of a beautiful, non-magical,

wedding ceremony. Nothing will seem out of

the ordinary for them."

Stunned, Harry, the Grangers and

Greengrasses sat there, looking back in

surprised shock.

"You can do that?" asked Cele. Giving herself

a bit of a mental shake, she said,

"Of course you can do that. You're angels."

"So, I take it... the boss... approves?" asked

Ant.

"Oh; yes, baby!" grinned Della.

"Th... that's marvellous!" exclaimed Deece.

"Does... do you have a time frame for this?"

"August," replied John. "Upstairs would

prefer our three young friends here were all

fifteen, at least."

"We'll need a venue, a celebrant, a florist, a

baker..." started Cele, excited to begin

planning.

Della held up her hand and said, "Whoa,

baby."

When Cele settled down again, Roma said,

"You have plenty of time for that. There are

aspects of a wedding that are different for

magicals from non-magicals; and aspects of a

magical wedding that will not be required

because of the soul bonds.

Chapter 160

Candice Marigold knows most of that. When

necessary one of us will stop by to help steer

her in the right direction.

"For your part, Celeste Marie, we understand

the tradition of the Mother of the Bride in

the wedding arrangements. We ask you to

work with Candice Marigold, as we know you

both can, so you can equally plan this day."

Both women glanced at each other before

turning back and nodding.

Turning to the three teens, John said, "Harry

James, Daphne Anna, Hermione Jean; you

have done wonderful work, so far. The

tapestry of life is returning to balance quite

nicely. You have come a long way towards

putting Heavenly Father's Great Plan back on

track; but we also need you to hurry a few

things up, now."

The three teens perked up and really

focussed.

"First, complete the bonds between now and

June. I know your parents didn't want to

hear that, but they need to know for the

wedding ceremony.

"Harry James, you'll need the bond firmly

established before you arrive at the cemetery.

Second, have Sirius Orion collect the Locket

as soon as possible. Have him take it to you

as soon as you return to Hogwarts; and use

the circle to destroy the evil within it. Third,

Harry James, when you return to Hogwarts,

send Albus Wulfric after the ring as soon as

you can. Your plan to do that, works for us.

"That will leave just the magically warped

snake... and Tom Marvolo, himself. You'll

know what you need to do when the time

comes."

"Wait," said Matthias. "Harry has to face

V-Vol... Tom Riddle?"

Looking back at Matthias for a long moment,

John replied, "Yes. It is part of his destiny."

Della added, "You are allowed that

knowledge because there's a prophecy

sphere within your Department of Mysteries

that contains the prophecy concerning this.

Harry James, Daphne Anna and Hermione

Jean have a concept plan to replace that

sphere with one of their own making. They

will need your help to carry that out."

"With that, we'll talk to you soon," said

Roma, before all three angels suddenly

winked out.

"Well," exclaimed Deece, as they all turned

back. "I think it's time we organised these

three their room, upstairs; give everyone a

chance to clean up; and meet back down

here in... say... half an hour for dinner. Sirius

Black should be here by then."

"Sirius is coming here?" asked Harry,

suddenly excited.

"Yes," replied Matthias with a smile. "We felt

it would be unfair for Hermione to have her

family here if you didn't have yours."

"Yes!" exclaimed Harry. "Thank you!"

Matthias chuckled and said, "You're most

welcome."

Standing up, Deece said, "Come along, you

three. Let's get that room sorted."

The three teens rose and followed Deece out

of the room to head upstairs.

Deece led them upstairs and into the guest's

wing. Stopping at the end of the hall, she

opened a door and gestured everyone inside.

Looking at the size of the room, and the bed

within, Daphne said, "You knew!"

Smirking back at her daughter, Deece replied,

"Let's just say... I had a very good idea."

Hermione walked further in and looked

within a large wardrobe. Inside she found all

their clothes already hung up or folded in

drawers.

"Everything's already unpacked!" she

exclaimed.

"Of course, dear," replied Deece. "Our house

elves are quite efficient."

With a gasp, Hermione continued, "My

winter clothes from home are here, too!"

"Uh-hmm," nodded Deece. "Your mother

brought them with her."

Slowly wandering around, looking in

wardrobes and the like, Harry finally turned

to Deece and softly said, "Thank you."

"You're most welcome, dear," replied Deece

just as softly. Standing up a bit straighter, she

said in a firm voice, "Now. Clean up, and

we'll meet back down in the informal dining

room in thirty minutes, alright?"

"Yes, Mum; thank you," replied Daphne.

Deece gave her a slight nod before she

walked out the door, softly closing it behind

her.

The three quickly got themselves sorted,

during which Harry asked Daphne, "Are you

alright with this? I mean; this isn't your room,

right? I know it'd be more comfortable for

you..."

"Hush, Harry," Daphne interrupted. "Please

believe me when I tell you I'm now finding

myself more comfortable sleeping in your

arms... or with my arms over you... than I

would ever be now in my own bed. You keep

the nightmares away."

"You know," mused Hermione with a grin.

"We've just been instructed by our guardian

angels to hurry up and have sex."

Harry grinned back before he turned to

Daphne. "But, we still won't do it until

we're all ready."

Daphne blushed a little but kept her eyes

locked on Harry. "Lets set that aside until we

get back to Hogwarts. I'm sorry; but, I'd

rather wait until we're not under the same

roof as my parents."

"Don't want them to hear your cries of

orgasmic release?" he asked, with a smirk.

The blush that only hinted at colour in her

cheeks before now burned brightly on her

face and neck. "Keep up with remarks like

that, Mister Potter, and you'll be sleeping

alone... on the floor."

"She's right," added Hermione. "Now,

apologise for being crass."

Holding his hands up in the surrender gesture,

Harry quickly said, "Sorry! You're right; it was

crass."

"Hmmm..." she mused before turning to

Daphne. "Do we forgive him?"

"We'll write it off as boyish excitement at

getting new instructions from his guardian

angel," mused Daphne. "But... if he's crass

again... floor."

Nodding, Hermione said, "Agreed."

Harry slowly lowered his hands and said, "I

can't win."

"Of course you can't," said Daphne. "Now,

get your cute tushie in the bathroom and

wash your face and hands."

With a sigh of relief, Harry ducked into the

bathroom and did as he was told.

Twenty minutes later, the three were

descending the stairs with Daphne in the

lead. As she knew the layout of the house,

she led them the shortest route to the

informal dining room.