HPF71-80

Chapter 71

Friday morning found Harry, again, holding Hermione's

left breast. Only, this time, he didn't try and snatch his

hand away. This time, Hermione's left hand was gently

holding his own to her breast.

This was the third night in succession they'd joined him

in bed sans clothing.

Needing to yawn, and not wanting to blow his morning

breath all over the back of Hermione's neck, he leaned

forward and kissed her on her neck just under her ear,

as he'd done before with Daphne. And pulled his hand

out from under hers as he rolled away.

If he'd left his hand a moment or two longer, he would

have felt her nipple suddenly harden, and seen

goosebumps spring up on her shoulder and arm.

Rolling away he was able to flip himself over and onto

his left side. And there lay Daphne. She was lying face

down with her right arm tucked up and under the

pillow and her left arm down by her side under the

bedding. Her face was turned towards him. To Harry,

she looked asleep with a light smile on her face.

He watched her for a few moments before he slid his

hand across her bare back, gently rubbing it up and

down. But, never going into a 'private' zone.

After a long few seconds he noticed her mouth twitch

and then her eyes flutter open. "Harry," she whined.

"You woke me up."

With a smile, he slid his head across and lightly kissed

her on the lips. "Good morning," he softly said, as he

pulled away again.

She just huffed at him and flipped her head to face

away.

As he moved back and flipped back towards Hermione,

he felt her flip to face him. And they were suddenly

lying face to face. He had only a moment of seeing her

mischievous smile before she was pushing his left

shoulder back until he was lying flat on his back.

"Arms up, Mister," she commanded.

Dutifully, Harry raised his arms up and over his head.

Once she had him lying flat, she wriggled down the bed

a bit and laid her head on his upper chest on the right.

"Daphne?" she called. "There's a much more

comfortable pillow over here."

Harry lowered his right arm again, to cuddle the

chocolate-haired witch into his side.

"Mmph!" Daphne huffed before she flipped her head

back the other way to look.

When she saw what the other girl was getting at as

Harry looked back at, to him, her rather adorable

sleepy face, she smiled and did the same from her side.

And Harry lowered his left arm to cuddle her in.

"I'm the luckiest wizard in the world," he sighed.

As he laid back with his eyes closed - and he couldn't

see the face of either witch, anyway - he didn't see

them silently communicate with each other as

Hermione raised her right hand and gripped the edge

of the bedding. She grinned at Daphne with her eyes

full of mirth. And Daphne silently gave her a look that

said she agreed.

A few seconds later, Harry suddenly felt the bedding

ripped off him and flung at the foot of the bed. In

instinctive shock, he snapped his eyes open and made

to reach back for the blankets. However, with his arms

around both witches, and they laying their heads on his

chest, he was pinned down.

"Whaa?" he blurted out.

"Ooh!" exclaimed Daphne. "That's cold!" And both

witches snuggled in closer.

Looking down, Harry could only see the naked forms of

both witches. But, even if his eyesight was perfect, he

wouldn't have been able to see their 'bits'. All he could

see was naked shoulder, hips and legs; and a side shot

of derriere.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked, confused at this

'forward' behaviour.

Ignoring his question, Hermione said, "Well, I don't

think this is very fair."

"What?" he asked, still confused.

"We're naked and you're not," replied Daphne, as if

that was all the answer he needed.

"Well... yeah!" he said. "That's because I didn't know

you were going to climb into bed, naked, with me. And,

I don't want... you know... him poking you in the night

and me getting in trouble for it."

"Well, you're awake, now," said Hermione. "It's not as

if you're going to accidentally or unknowingly poke one

of us now."

"We're bonded, Harry," said Daphne, lifting her head

slightly to look back up at him. "I now know I can trust

you enough and know you'll behave yourself if we see

each other nude."

"So," said Hermione, as Daphne put her head back

down on his chest again. "Can we take these off for you,

Harry?" she asked as her finger traced the waist band

of his boxers.

With a sigh, he replied, "If you feel you want to. But,

only if..." which was as far as he got.

Suddenly, he felt Hermione grab the waistband of his

boxers and tug them down a little on his right. They

held there until he felt Daphne pull them from his left

hip. And, together, he felt the girls pull them down. As

they got lower and exposed his privates - thankfully,

not embarrassingly in an excited state due to the shock

of losing the blankets - he heard both girls give little

gasps.

As they pulled them lower he pulled his knees up to

help them pull them down and off. He didn't see them

get tossed to the floor.

After they laid there, for a short while - with Harry

feeling quite self-conscious knowing they were staring

at his 'wizardhood' - he stuttered, "You know this is just

a little unfair, don't you?"

"Mmm?" Hermione asked, clearly distracted.

"You can see me but, without my glasses and with the

way you're both lying, I can't see you."

Both girls giggled a little until Hermione suddenly

pulled away and flipped herself right over and away

from him. He heard and blurrily saw her raise her hand

up to the bedside table.

A couple of tapping sounds later and he felt her flip all

the way back over again.

Through his poor vision he watched her fiddle with

what he knew had to be his glasses before she reached

up and slipped them onto his face. He kept his eyes

closed as she adjusted them to what she remembered

how they sat on his nose, and felt her pull her hands

away.

Blinking his eyes back open he looked down and saw

her smiling back at him as she half lay propped up on

her left elbow to look down at him. Looking down a

little further he could see her right breast completely

bare to his gaze while the upper part of her body was

pulled away from him a little.

Chapter 72

He quickly snapped his eyes back to hers as he felt a

most embarrassing reaction begin. And blushing was

only part of that.

"Like what you see, Mister Potter?" she coyly asked.

He could only nod his head a little in response, not

trusting his voice.

Daphne was doing the same, but she had her left arm

up and across her breasts, and was also blushing a little.

He could also see just the hint of fear in her eyes.

Laying back again and relaxing, he sighed, "Again, I

must be the luckiest wizard in the world. I have the two

most beautiful and lovely witches in the world

snuggled in to me."

Hermione first, and then Daphne, leaned in and kissed

him on the cheek from each side before they again laid

their heads on his upper chest.

When Hermione, or it may have been Daphne, began

tracing her fingers through the hair on his upper

abdomen, he could help but keep flinching and

reflexively snorting. It was incredibly distracting.

"That tickles!" he exclaimed.

Both girls giggled back; but at least, whoever it was,

stopped tickling him.

With another sigh he said, "As much as I'm really, really

enjoying this; we need to get up for breakfast and

classes."

"Awww!" mock-whined Hermione.

Pulling his hands and arms back up over his head, he

said, "Come on." And tried to sit up by pulling his

shoulders in and trying to perform an unsupported

sit-up.

The movement failed but was enough for both witches

to pull away and lie on their tummies as, on his second

sit-up, he was successful.

With a light single smack on both their bare upturned

bums, to which they both chirped 'Ow!' in reflex and he

forced himself not to perve at, he was able to quickly

slide off the foot of the bed before turning around to

look at them both.

"That was for teasing me and surprising me," he told

them both before heading for his shower. The image of

a pair of bare bums in his mind.

As he walked in and closed the door behind him both

girls glanced at each other before they rolled over on to

their backs.

"Cute bum," Daphne said, before she suddenly blushed

and giggled as Hermione did the same. "I don't believe

I just said that," she sheepishly said before giggling

again.

"Why not? It's true," Hermione giggled back.

When Harry walked out of the bathroom both girls

were already gone. He wasn't sure if he was thankful or

sad to discover that. But, he did quickly dress in his full

school uniform before going out into the living room to

wait for them.

He'd just collected his books for class organised into his

bag with his restocked supplies of parchment, ink and

quills when, first Hermione and then Daphne, came out

to join him from their own rooms.

Both girls then set to organising their own bags while

he waited for them on the couch. He watched them for

a short while before he suddenly said to them both,

"Thank you."

Both girls turned to look at him and Hermione asked,

"What ever for?"

"Your trust," he shrugged. "And for demonstrating it.

You both did that when you elected to sleep in bed

with me, nude.

"And with that... this morning," he stammered.

Both girls blushed a little and Daphne said, "No. It's us

who should be thanking you. You promised you

wouldn't rush us, and you're being a real gentleman

and being quite patient about it all."

He just gave a sheepish shrug and smile in response.

"We ready?" Hermione suddenly asked.

When the other two nodded back the three of them

headed down for breakfast. Thankfully, this time as

well as the past few days, there was no Ron Weasley

trying to track them down and pretend to be their

friend. Actually, when he thought about it, except for in

class and copping a glimpse of him at meal times, Harry

hadn't seen the redheaded toe-rag at all. And it was

only once when entering the Hall for a meal did he spot

'Potion Princess' Ginevra.

As they were walking, Harry asked Hermione, "It's your

birthday next week, love. As part of my gift to you, I'm

asking you if there's anything you want to do on that

day?"

Daphne happily squealed a little but didn't say

anything else. She just looked at Hermione,

expectantly.

Hermione didn't answer straight away. When she did,

she said, "It's Friday. I want to spend the evening... just

the three of us... from straight after class... just talking

to one another. We can even have dinner in the

apartment while we talk.

"I want us to talk about ourselves. I know it'll be hard

for you, Harry; but, I want us to be open with one

another and talk about our lives growing up."

"I'd like that," said Daphne.

However, it was a long few seconds before Harry asked,

"I'm willing to do that, love. But, you know it's quite a

painful subject for me. Do you really want me to talk

about all that sort of stuff on your birthday? It's

supposed to be a day for you to be happy."

Harry's response seemed to confuse Daphne, but

Hermione understood.

"Yes," she replied. "It'll help us all if we all do that. I

know it'll be a difficult subject for you, Harry; as it will,

to a lesser degree, be for me. However, I think this is

something that will help the three of us. I believe it will

help to bring the three of us closer together,

emotionally."

Harry sighed and said, "Then, if it's what you want; we

can do that." Turning to Daphne, he explained, "My life

away from Hogwarts is not the stuff of fiction you think

is fact. It's not very nice. Hermione knows some of it

already."

Daphne moved in closer and hugged his arm. "I think

Hermione's right, though. This would help the three of

us. I think we should do it."

"Fine," he sighed. "However, I'm going to buy nice gifts

for you both, on top of Hermione's birthday present. I

think there should be at least something nice coming

out of the evening at the end of it."

When they finally reached the Great Hall, the sad pall

that had hung over them from what Hermione wanted

them to do for her birthday, had passed. Together, as

usual, they entered the Hall and went directly to the

Ravenclaw table; again, sitting opposite Luna.

As they were sitting down, Harry noticed that the

younger Ravenclaw had made a bacon, poached egg,

tomato piece and parsley face on her breakfast plate;

and was about to eat it. He couldn't help but laugh.

Chapter 73

"I knew you were an artist, Luna," he told her.

When she looked up in greeting, she took one look at

the three of them and practically squealed in happiness,

dropping her knife and fork. She leaned over,

practically bouncing in her seat and whispered, "Both

bonds are much stronger now! Congratulations!"

All three bondmates grinned back with Hermione

saying, "Thank you, Luna."

"I must warn you, though," Luna said with a firm look

at the three of them. "You must initiate the third bond

soon. It needs to start to develop or will be cancelled

out by the existing ones."

Glancing at both girls, Harry could see both were quite

concerned. And Daphne was even a little fearful.

"It's alright," he said to them both, reaching out with

both hands to quickly grip the nearside ones of each,

and give them a gentle squeeze. "We can get through

this."

All three were just starting to build breakfasts for

themselves when they were approached by Madam

Pomfrey. She handed all three a small note before

heading back to the head table.

A little confused, as the Headmaster usually used

Professor McGonagall to give them his summons to his

office, Harry opened the folded-in-half note to read it.

* # *

Mister Potter, Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass,

In order to ensure your bond is developing as it should,

and it is not weakening in any way, I need you to come

and visit me in the Infirmary immediately after

breakfast.

As your first class is History of Magic, I'm sure Professor

Binns will not be upset that you will be a

non-attendance for your first period.

Madam Pomfrey

* # *

Refolding and pocketing the note, Harry looked at Luna

and said, "Madam Pomfrey has summoned us for a...

check up... of our bonds." He glanced at both girls as

they were pocketing their own summons and asked

them, "Do you two ladies mind if I ask Luna to join us?"

Both shook their heads in response. "That is, of

course," said Hermione. "If Luna wants to share with

Madam Pomfrey her... unique ability."

Turning back to the other girl, Harry asked, "Luna? Do

you want to come with us while we get our check-up

for our bonds? We don't have to mention about your...

gift... if you don't want to."

Luna quickly shook her head and said, "You don't need

to worry about that. Madam Pomfrey is one of the few

people who knows. She's bound by her healer oath not

to say anything to anyone else about it."

"Then, would you like to join us?" he asked.

With a big happy smile, Luna replied, "I'd love to!"

Then, looking serious again, she said, "Maybe you can

ask for Madam Pomfrey's help in establishing the third

bond. She will, at least, need to know about it. And,

she can really help!"

Harry, again, looked to his bondmates before he turned

back to Luna and said, "We'll see when we go there."

Together, the four walked into the infirmary about ten

minutes after Madam Pomfrey left the Great Hall. She

was already waiting for them.

"Ah!" she exclaimed on noticing them. "Thank you for

joining me." When she noticed Luna, she frowned a

little and asked, "Miss Lovegood? Is there a problem?"

Harry cut in and replied, "She's here at our request,

Madam Pomfrey. And, there's a reason for that."

Madam Pomfrey looked back obviously quite curious.

"And, what would that be, Mister Potter?"

"I can see their bonds, Madam Pomfrey," Luna replied.

"I can see it develop."

Quite surprised the medi-witch hesitated for a few

moments before she asked the girl, "Another part of

your gift, Miss Lovegood?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied.

"Then I've no doubt you'll be a great help," said the

medi-witch. She then turned to the three and said,

"Now, I need all three of you to hop up on to three of

the side-by-side beds so I can get started. Mister Potter

in the middle, please."

While the three bondmates moved to comply, Madam

Pomfrey turned to Luna and asked, "And how do you

'see' the bonds?"

"There's a silver, almost pearly, aura within and

surrounding their natural auras," Luna happily

described. "When they're close together I can also see

the link between them."

"It's strengthening?" the medi-witch asked.

"Definitely, Ma'am," Luna said with confidence.

Turning to the three bondmates, Madam Pomfrey

moved to the bed between Hermione and Harry and

waved her wand over Hermione first before turning to

Harry and doing the same.

She made a couple of noises of satisfaction and

watched things appear over the both of them. "Good,

good," she said.

Then she moved between the beds of Harry and

Daphne and did the same. "Also good," she said.

"However, there's a very slight weakness compared to

the bond between Mister Potter and Miss Granger."

She looked down at the pair of them and saw that they

knew that. "I take it Miss Lovegood has already told

you that."

"Yes, Ma'am," they both replied.

"However," said Harry, after a quick glance at both

Hermione and Daphne. "There's an... added

complication."

"Well, yes," Madam Pomfrey replied with a slight

frown. "It's a three-way bond. I expect..."

"No, Ma'am," Harry interrupted. "There's... something

else." He glanced at both of his bondmates to see if

they'd stop him. But, both were blushing and looking

away. It embarrassed them both, but they weren't

going to stop him from saying anything.

"Luna has informed us there is a latent soul bond

between Hermione and Daphne," he explained. "She's

told us it needs to be initiated and established for our

relationship to be a true three-way soul bond; and that

it could be harmed if it isn't initiated soon."

At first surprised by what Harry said Madam Pomfrey

then frowned and waved her wand over Daphne,

before then moving to do the same over Hermione. She

stepped back with a look of surprised shock before

turning back to look for a few moments at a happily

smiling Luna.

When she turned back to Harry she said, "Give me a

minute."

She then walked over to the doors, closed and locked

them.

Coming back to stand at the foot of Harry's bed she

looked at the three of them and firmly asked, "Alright.

You know the bond needs to be initiated. What's the

problem?"

Grinning back, Harry said, "Probably the same reason

why you felt you had to go and lock the doors."

Giving Harry a look of exasperation, she said, "I

understand the implications of what it means, Mister

Potter. And the effect of society's mores on the three of

you about what this would mean."

Chapter 74

Looking to all three of them, she continued, "However,

the magic of this... together with the very unusual

nature of your triad relationship... outweighs those

views. The magical community, for the most part,

knows and understands this is considered a match

made in Heaven. And that a person's individual

viewpoint is irrelevant when faced with those facts.

"The three of you need to get over whatever beliefs

you have that are negative to such a relationship and,

at least, initiate the bond. I have the strong feeling that

the bond will develop alongside your existing two

bonds without you having to do much to... shall we

say... encourage this particular individual one."

Harry looked between his two bondmates and could

see both were still conflicted about the third bond. He

sighed and rose from the bed.

Once he was standing near Madam Pomfrey, in as best

an empathic and commanding voice as he could, he

said, "Ladies. Please come here."

After a few moments, and a surprise to Harry, Daphne

rose and hopped off the bed. As soon as she began to

move, it was the trigger for Hermione to do the same.

Both girls then, albeit a bit reluctantly, walked over to

stand in front of him. Both were still looking a little

embarrassed and wouldn't look at him, anyone else or

each other in the eye.

Harry turned to face Daphne and raised his hands to

cup her cheeks, raising her face to look at him.

"Where's that brave witch from off the train, hmm?"

he softly asked her. "Be resolute." Then he leaned

forward and softly kissed her on the lips.

He was glad both Madam Pomfrey and Luna chose to

remain silent and quiet.

Looking her in the eyes again, he could see Daphne

gather herself and firmly nod in return.

He then turned to Hermione and said, "The Hermione I

know is never afraid of learning something new; or

taking risks when needed. Show me her." As she looked

up, as with Daphne, he cupped both her cheeks in his

hand, leaned forward and softly kissed her. Releasing

the kiss he pulled back and said, "Be resolute." And she,

too, firmed herself and nodded.

Stepping slightly out of the way, he reached out and

pulled Daphne in close. "We are bondmates," he firmly

said. "We will spend the rest of our lives together. I

love you both. And, I know you both are developing

feelings for your bond-sister. We can do this; together!"

He then stepped back a touch to give them room. And

waited, praying to God and their angels they could get

past this. "For us," he softly said.

The next few seconds felt like a thousand years as

neither girl moved. Then, almost as if they were of one

mind, both leaned forward at the same time. Slowly,

very slowly, their lips moved closer together. Then,

almost surprising everyone, their lips lightly touched.

Both then pulled back, just a little, as they were both a

little surprised by the contact. There was a slight pause;

then, suddenly, they both quickly moved forward. Their

lips touched, and then melded. Their arms came up to

hold one another.

Harry, quickly but as quietly as he could, backed away

as they both started to glow.

Neither Luna or Madam Pomfrey, nor Harry, had ever

seen a bonding occurring before; even though Harry

had been a part of one, twice.

Luna giggled and was quietly and rapidly softly

clapping her hands in joy as Madam Pomfrey quietly

whispered, "Oh, my!"

The bond between the girls got brighter and developed

a silvery hue; almost pearlescent. For Harry, though, he

also felt as if he was looking through a silver fog as he

watched them. Raising his hands so he could see them,

he noticed he, too, was glowing silver.

Not knowing why, but feeling he must, he stepped back

forward and wrapped both girls, together, in a firm hug.

Then watched as the glow became brighter for a few

moments.

As the two girls pulled away from each other, the glow

started to fade. They looked in wonder at the other

before suddenly blushing and giggling. Harry started

chuckling a little in happiness for them both before he

said, "That was just... wow!"

"Yeah, wow!" Hermione giggled before Daphne nodded

her head in bashful agreement.

Unknown to the three, Madam Pomfrey had moved

forward and was slowly walking around their little

group hug and waving her wand over them. It wasn't

until she moved around into Harry's field of vision that

he'd even noticed she was there.

"Well?" he asked.

"Just a minute, Mister Potter," the medi-witch almost

absently replied. She was very focussed on what only

she could see; or possibly also Luna. The young

Ravenclaw was following just behind the medi-witch

but stopped following when she was opposite Harry in

the hug.

When she saw that Madam Pomfrey had completed

her scan, Luna jumped forward and hugged both girls

as Harry was doing from the other side.

"Ooohhh!" she giddily exclaimed. "That...

was... amazing! I'm so happy for you both. And you,

Harry!" And started giggling again; which, then set

Hermione and Daphne off again. "And," she suddenly

said, "Your original two bonds are also stronger now!"

With a clearing of her throat, Madam Pomfrey called to

them, "Alright, you three."

When she knew she had most of their attention, she

ordered, "I need the three of you back on the beds.

This time, I need you on the end, Mister Potter. Switch

with Miss Granger, please."

The three bondmates, albeit reluctantly, separated and

returned to the beds. As he was told, Harry moved to

the one Hermione laid upon as she moved to the one

he was on.

When all three were back on beds, the medi-witch

once more stepped forward and began her scans. This

time, she focussed mainly on Hermione and Daphne.

However, she did also scan Harry.

Chapter 75

Stepping back to stand at the foot of Hermione's bed,

she said to them, "Well; Miss Lovegood is, again,

correct. Your original two bonds are now stronger. And,

you've definitely initiated the third bond. Further, the

new bond looks like it is linked to the original two

bonds, which are helping it establish. It is really quite

extraordinary."

"Can the girls expect urgent Ministerial and Gringotts

owls to suddenly show up?" Harry asked. "I think both

girls would much rather this be kept quiet from the rest

of the school population."

"Yes," Hermione fervently said. "Definitely." And

Daphne nodded in agreement.

"I have no idea," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Therefore, I

suggest the three of you remain in here for a little

while. Besides, I'll be able to rescan the three of you

before you leave, to see if there's been a change in the

strength of the three bonds."

"You expect it to?" asked Hermione.

"I have no idea," the medi-witch replied. "However, the

healing community would take back my Mastery if I

didn't take the opportunity to find out."

Daphne shot her a sudden look of concern as Harry was

glancing across at her. Knowing why Daphne reacted

the way she did, Harry said to the medi-witch, "Umm...

Madam Pomfrey?"

"Yes, Mister Potter?" she asked.

"We'd... rather you not make things public about our

bond," he said. "We appreciate our privacy; and don't

want to become the subjects or topic of medical

debate. Please respect our privacy with this."

Madam Pomfrey nodded and said, "I cannot discuss

your health issues with others without your permission,

Mister Potter."

"Thank you," all three said.

Turning to Luna, Madam Pomfrey said, "Miss Lovegood?

As you were working to assist me with this, the same

applies to you."

"I know, Ma'am," she replied. "They're my friends. I

won't breach their confidence."

About forty-five minutes later, just as before the

scheduled time for changing classes, the medi-witch

ran another scan over the three of them. No owls had

arrived with notices.

"Well, the new bond has stabilised a little stronger

than I would have expected," she said to them. "You're

free to go to your next class.

"However, if you or Miss Lovegood notices any

ill-effects, or you notice any feelings of unease or other

illness, the three of you are to make your way to see

me immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," they all replied.

"And, Miss Lovegood," she said, looking at the young

Ravenclaw. "You're to send them if you notice anything,

as well. If they can't come to me, you're to come and

get me. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied.

And all four left the infirmary.

As soon as they were gone, the medi-witch moved to

her files and began to update them with the latest

information. She then put their three personal medical

files together and bound them using a strong privacy

charm and alert charm.

"And that should stop Albus from nosing around," she

muttered as she moved to file them in her office filing

cabinet.

Once they'd left the infirmary, Luna wished them a safe

day as she headed off to her COMC class; as the three

bondmates headed for their single Charms class.

After Luna left, and before they arrived in the more

popular corridors of the castle, Harry turned to them

each and kissed them; first, Daphne, and then

Hermione. Hugging them both, together, he softly said,

"I'm proud of you both," before they separated and

continued on their way, hand in hand.

At lunch, the three went and sat at their usual part of

the Ravenclaw table. They'd beaten Luna to their seats,

as the younger girl would likely have needed to clean

up after handling stuff in COMC.

The three were happily eating their lunches when Luna

arrived and sat opposite. "How are you three holding

up?" she asked.

"Good," said Harry. "Thank you for asking, Luna."

"I feel... satisfied... complete... like a missing part has

been found," said Hermione, clearly thinking about it.

Daphne paused for a few moments in deep thought

before she said, "Hermione's right. And, definitely a lot

calmer." She seemed to think about it for a while

longer before she went on to say, "At least, since... well,

since the 1st of September.

"I feel amazing," she continued. "And – loved. I think

this is what Della was hinting at, when she spoke with

me."

Before Luna could ask any sticky questions, Harry asked,

"What do you have on this afternoon, Luna?"

"A double in Transfiguration," she replied, starting to

build a sandwich for lunch. "What about you? Potions,

right?"

"Potions," he confirmed with a nod. "A double."

"Professor Snape has been a lot nicer these past couple

of days, hasn't he?" she asked. "Do you know why?"

"I know the Headmaster has had a very stern talking to

him," Harry replied. "As has Professor McGonagall as

Deputy Headmistress."

"Mmm," she said, "That may have done it."

Before they finished lunch, another fourth year 'Claw,

Su Li, handed Daphne a copy of the assignment given

to them by Professor Binns for History of Magic; to

which Daphne thanked her very much.

The afternoon was another surprisingly enjoyable

Potions lesson, after which the three made their way

back to their apartment.

After they entered and shucked their over robes - they

were not needed to be worn for anything but class and

the important feasts - the three sat down to make a

start on their homework. And, working together, they

knocked off two of the assignments in quick succession

before making their way down for dinner.

Just before they entered the Great Hall, Harry said to

both girls, "Don't forget, you can invite your friends to

come and pay a visit in the evenings."

"You should invite Neville," said Hermione. "Building a

friendship is one of your tasks, isn't it?"

With a sigh, Harry replied, "You're right. I've forgotten

him since we were re-sorted."

"How about we make it a standard invitation for

Neville, Luna, Tracey, Blaise and Horace for Fridays,"

Hermione suggested. "But not for next Friday. I want

that just for the three of us so we can talk."

Chapter 76

"Are you still sure you want to have that talk on your

birthday, love?" Harry asked. "How about we make

that for Saturday? Or tonight, and not ask our friends

to visit until next Friday, and they can share your

birthday?"

"Thank you, Harry, for being considerate," she smiled

at him. "However, I too need time to think about how

I'm going to share my life experiences with the two of

you."

"Not next Saturday, then?" he asked.

She just shook her head with a smile on her face in

reply.

Walking in, Harry spotted Neville sitting on the inside

side of the Gryffindor table talking to Seamus Finnegan

and Dean Thomas. Ron was sitting opposite with his

back to the wall, just listening in but clearly eager to

start eating.

When Harry approached, Ron spotted him first and

backed off a bit, obviously remembering the last words

Harry had said to him on the stairs.

Tapping Neville on the shoulder, Harry asked him to

step away from the table for a bit. Which Neville did.

Out of listening-in range, Harry asked the other boy,

"How would you like to come and check out our new

digs, tonight? We're having a couple of select friends

over for a couple of butterbeers and snacks."

Surprised he was asked, Neville replied, "Yeah, sure,

Harry. That sounds nice. Thank you."

With an answering smile, Harry said, "Great. Now,

we're behind the statue of Professor Whittaker just

down from the Ravenclaw tower entrance in the west

wing. Know where it is?"

Neville appeared to think about it for a bit; rustling

through his memories before he said, "Ummm... sorry,

Harry; I don't."

"That's alright," Harry soothed him. "You can walk back

with us, then; after the meal. That way we can be sure

you know where it is in future."

With a smile masking his look of relief, the other boy

said, "That'd be great; thanks."

Just as he was about to head to the Ravenclaw table,

Harry said to him, "Oh, and if any Weasley asks where

you're going, or where you've been afterwards; just tell

them Hermione, Daphne and I don't want them to

know in case Ron or Ginevra uses the information to

try and poison us with their potions again."

"I'll do that, Harry," Neville replied with a small

grimace. "I'm still finding it hard to accept either one of

them would actually try to do something like that. It's

disgusting. The rest of the House is disgusted with

them, too."

With a nod, Harry gave him a pat of manly

encouragement on the shoulder before heading to the

Ravenclaw table. Daphne, who'd been off talking to her

friends at the Slytherin table, joined them a few

minutes later.

After the meal, the girls headed off back to their

apartment, after first volunteering Harry to wait back

and escort Neville and the others up. Luna went up

with the girls.

Only about ten minutes later, Neville came over and sat

down next to Harry. "I'm ready when you are," he said.

With a nod of recognition, Harry replied, "We're just

waiting on a couple of Slytherins to join us. Daphne's

friends."

When Tracey, Blaise and Horace joined them a few

minutes later, Harry stood up, greeted them and said,

"The girls have already headed back. I'm your escort for

the evening."

"In that case, Mister Potter," Tracey said as stepped

forward and linked her right arm through to hang on

his left elbow, "Please lead the way."

After seeing the other three boys grin, Harry said, "Of

course, my Lady." And led them out of the Hall.

When they reached the statue, Harry said, "Professor

Whittaker, here, guards the entrance to our private

chambers."

"And diligently, Mister Potter," the statue said.

"And the password is 'Double-H Dee'," explained Harry.

The Professor gave a short bow in recognition and

stepped aside, allowing Harry, with Tracey still on his

arm, to precede the other three inside. Hermione and

Daphne were sitting together on one of the couches,

and they had obviously been chatting about something

important between them.

As Harry led the others inside, both girls said, "Good

evening!" And Daphne added, "Thank you all for

coming at such short notice."

"Thank you for inviting us," said Blaise.

Tracey then gave a little bit of a squeal and rushed over

to hug her friend. Once she'd backed off, she looked

around and said, "This looks nice! It's even bigger than

your old one. Give us the tour."

Harry said to the guys, "Join them, if you want. Or, take

a load off and have a seat."

Neville went off to tag along with Daphne and Tracey,

but Blaise and Horace remained.

Harry went to sit next to Hermione while the other two

boys sat opposite.

"So," Harry started, "How goes life in the Snake Pit?"

Blaise grinned back and replied, "That arrogant little

tosser, Malfoy, is still fuming over how Daphne is now

bonded to you, and forevermore out of his reach with a

betrothal contract."

Harry snorted and said, "From what I've learned, that

was never going to happen. First, I believe Matthias

hates Malfoy Senior's guts. Second, even if he thought

of considering such a thing, I think Daphne would likely

take her ire out on him before turning her wand to

Malfoy Junior."

"That's exactly what would have happened," Blaise

said with a smirk. "His problem is, Parkinson overheard

him and is giving him Hell for it."

"I thought he already had a contract with Parkinson,

anyway," Harry said, a little confused.

"No, Parkinson wants everyone to think that because

it's what she wants," replied Horace. "However, Malfoy

is not interested in her, that way."

"Ah!" said Harry, understanding. "And what's the

common consensus about the changes with Snape?"

"They think he's being blackmailed by someone;

possibly, you," replied Blaise. "Is it you who's

blackmailing him?"

Harry chuckled and replied, "In a way. I just told

Dumbledore he needed to 'muzzle his dog' after one

too many of his abuses towards me; or, I was going to

talk to the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, when they

get here late next month, and apply for a transfer to

there.

Chapter 77

"I hate using my fame for anything, but my fame is one

of the things Snape keeps targeting me about. So, I may

have hinted something along the lines of how I'd make

sure the Daily Prophet was given an exclusive interview

from me about how the so-called Boy-Who-Lived was

verbally abused right out of the castle by Snape... plus

some other things... and that Dumbledore did nothing

to stop it, even after numerous complaints. And that

I've decided to make my home in France as a result."

Horace laughed and said, "And that would lead to the

witches and wizards of magical Britain wanting to

string both Snape and Dumbledore up and then

begging you to come back. Of course, the Minister

won't hesitate to do so, so long as someone else would

take the fall."

"Precisely," smirked Harry. "Of course, all Dumbledore

really cares about is his reputation. It would be in

tatters after something like that. So, he has no

problem... as muggles would say... of tossing Snape

under a bus, if that's what would be needed to get me

to stay."

While they'd been talking, the girls, followed by Neville,

walked out of Daphne's bedroom and into Hermione's.

"What I'm sorry to you guys about is that it means he

can no longer be biased in his awarding of points," he

continued. "It isn't a big thing, this year, due to the

visiting delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang;

but, it will have a significant impact on next year."

Horace waved it off and said, "Most of us don't care

about the points, anyway. I'm surprised you do."

"I don't," he replied. "However, I care that others do;

and they'll blame me for it."

"Only the Slytherins," Horace shot back. "The other

Houses will probably laud you."

Just then the girls and Neville came back, crossed the

floor, and entered Harry's room.

When they entered, he called for Dobby.

The little elf popped in and asked, "Yes, sir?"

"The girls and Neville have just about finished their

inspection of our living quarters and'll be back in a

moment. Can you organise some butterbeers, juice and

small 'nibblies' for us? Oh, and get us a couch for along

the end here for two people to sit upon."

"Yes, sir! Right away, sir!" Dobby shot back before

disappearing again.

A few moments later, the required drinks and

foodstuffs appeared on the coffee table, just as the

other three re-entered the room from Harry's bedroom.

Then the couch appeared directly facing the fireplace

and between but back from the ends of the existing

long couches.

Daphne joined him and Hermione on the couch they

were on, while Neville and Tracey took seat on the new

couch.

Indicating the food and drink, Harry said, "Help yourself,

folks." He leaned forward snagging a butterbeer.

That night, after their guests had left shortly before

curfew, Harry was heading for bed when Daphne called

his attention back. "Harry?" she called.

Turning to look back, he asked, "Yes, love?"

Blushing, she said, "It's okay if you don't wear any

boxers tonight."

Harry stood looking at her for a moment, and she

feared he'd say 'No'. However, he softly said, "If you

don't want me to, then I won't."

Then, with a small smile, he walked into his bedroom,

leaving the door open.

After going through his usual ablutions, he walked back

into the bedroom and moved to climb into bed when

the girls walked in. In they walked, hand in hand, and

both weren't wearing any clothes. But both were also

blushing a little with small smiles.

Trying not to embarrass them he said, "You both look

lovely," and made his way to the bed.

As he climbed in, the girls climbed in either side of him,

as usual.

Not wanting to, but offering it anyway, he asked, "As

the bond between you two has only just been initiated

and needs to be built up, does one of you want to

switch with me?"

Neither said anything for a moment until Hermione

said, "That's alright, Harry. I'm sure the bond will

develop on its own, soon enough. Now, roll over onto

your left side, tonight.

As he rolled over he felt Daphne slide back as

Hermione slid forward. He slid his left arm up under his

pillow and draped the right over Daphne's hip to rest

his hand on her upper abdomen. He also felt

Hermione's right arm come all the way across both of

them to rest on Daphne's hip. Irrespective of their state

of dress, it didn't take any of them long to drift off to

sleep.

Some time in the middle of the night he woke to a

most unusual sensation. He was lying flat on his back

with Daphne using his upper left chest as a pillow. And

he felt her arm laying across his upper abdomen with

her hand holding him under his arm near his false ribs

on his right. She was cuddling him as if he was a teddy

bear, or something.

However, Hermione was also laying with her head on

his upper chest on the right side. But her hand was

down holding - him. Her hand wasn't moving, nor was

it gripping. And, with the way both witches were

pinning his arms out behind them. He couldn't use one

of his hands to free himself of her unconscious grip.

Plus, 'he' was now starting to take an interest. He

quickly thought of horrid and nasty things, and

continued to think of them until, without his realising it,

he drifted off to sleep again.

Chapter 78

As the next morning was a Saturday, which would

usually mean a late lie-in, he expected to wake up with

both his bondmates sleeping either side of him.

However, only Daphne was lying there, this morning.

Worried for Hermione, he carefully eased himself away

from Daphne and gently slipped out of bed. He then

grabbed his glasses before pulling out a fresh pair of

boxers and donning them. Then, with wand in hand, he

left the bedroom to search for her.

He found her wearing just a robe sitting on one of the

couches with her head in her hands.

"Hermione?" he softly called to her.

She was quite startled and sat up with a fright. When

she realised who it was, she visibly relaxed again and

started to blush before looking away.

He walked over to the couch and sat down close beside

her. "Love, what's wrong?"

She was still looking away from him as he reached

down to take her nearest hand in both of his. He could

feel she was a little tense.

"Hermione," he softly called again. "Have I done

something wrong?"

"What?" she softly exclaimed whipping her head

around to look at him, before she blushed again and,

once more turned away. "No, Harry; I have."

"A problem shared is a problem halved, love," he said.

"What's wrong?"

"It's embarrassing," she said.

"Alright," he said. "For whom?"

There was another hesitation before she replied, "For

us."

"I thought we were trying to get over being

embarrassed between us," he said, a little hurt.

"I," she stuttered. "Oh, Harry."

"Come on," he said. "You can do it."

"I woke up a little while ago," she sighed. "Actually,

about an hour ago."

"Mmm?"

"And I was... umm... I was... well, I was playing with

you. With your... you know."

"Oh," he said with a bit of a quiet chuckle.

She whipped her head back around to stare at him.

"You're not upset?"

"No," he smirked. "We talked about this, remember?

Accidental touching in your sleep is both expected and

sanctioned."

"Yes, I know we agreed that. But, we meant for you,"

she tried to explain.

"Well, just so you know, I didn't," he replied. "I expect

both you ladies, at some time, to touch me in that way

in your sleep. I'd be a hypocrite if I wanted a free

licence and not grant, or understand the need for, one

for both of you."

"But, Harry," she half-whined. "I didn't just touch; I

was playing!"

"And what was I doing with your left nipple on that

first morning of you sleeping in my bed from the

previous night?" he shot back.

She thought about that for a moment, biting her

bottom lip, before she replied, "Oh."

"Yes. Oh," he lightly chuckled. He stood up and offered

her his hand. "Come back to bed, love. You've done

nothing wrong and I'm definitely not mad at you for it."

With a very relieved sigh, she said, "Alright, Harry." She

then stood up and followed him back to bed.

When both stripped off, he carefully slid in first and

Hermione followed him in.

He felt the best part of it was that, just before she

climbed in after him, he again got to see what she had

to offer. And he liked what he saw.

As they settled down with a pair of sighs, Daphne

suddenly asked, "Where have you two been?"

Startled, Harry quickly turned his head to look at her

while Hermione giggled.

"You cheeky minx," he accused. "You led us to think

you were still asleep."

"No, you just assumed," she shot right back, still not

opening her eyes. "So, what was going on?"

With a sigh, Hermione said, "Well, best to clear the air,

I suppose. When I woke up early this morning, I found

myself... err... I was... ummm..."

"She had hold of 'little me'," Harry cut in.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed a little shocked at his

bluntness.

"She didn't mean to," he continued, ignoring

Hermione's protest. "Obviously, she had one

of those dreams and the boundary between dream and

reality became... blurred. She was holding 'little me' in

her hand and woke up that way; and thought she'd

done something wrong."

That had Daphne giggling. "Obviously, you didn't think

she'd done something wrong, though."

"Of course not," he replied. "Sleeping touches are

accidental touches. We agreed they would happen and

they'd be forgiven. Hermione simply forgot that."

"No," disagreed Hermione. "I just didn't think I'd be the

one doing the, as you put it, 'sleeping touches' that

needed to be forgiven."

"Well, now you know," he shot back. "You're forgiven.

Now, can we please cuddle before we have to get up

for breakfast?"

"That's a good idea," Daphne firmly stated before

sliding over to rest her head on his chest. "I like this."

After a few moments, Hermione did the same.

They were just lying there for a long few moments, just

enjoying the loving feeling they each had in each others

arms, when Daphne quietly asked Hermione, "What's it

feel like?"

"Daphne!" Hermione squealed, pulling away again

apparently scandalised.

Harry just cracked up laughing.

Chapter 79

Once they finally did rise, run through their morning

ablutions and walk down to the Great Hall for a late

breakfast, the three bondmates were some of the last

ones to break their fasts.

"Harry," called a voice from behind. Recognising it

instantly, Harry froze as he tried to get his instant flare

of hatred back down and under control.

"Weasley," he muttered with an almost snarl. Slowly

turning around, he looked up into the face of Ron

Weasley. "What do you want?"

Seeming to take a deep breath and brace himself up,

Ron imperiously stated, "I've decided to forgive you

your actions against me. We can be friends again. My

mother demands it."

Utterly stunned by his ex-friend's words and actions,

Harry first turned to look at an equally stunned

Hermione, before he turned back. "Are

you completely out of your dull little mind?" he scoffed.

"I want you the Hell away from me! I want you in

Azkaban! And, if I can't have that, I want you dead!

"In what freaking reality would you ever believe I want

anything to do with you, ever again?"

With his eyes widening in shock and hurt at the rebuff,

Ron tried, "But, Harry! I'm willing to forgive you; you

should be willing to forgive me and Ginny!"

"You tried to poison me and Hermione with potions,

Weasley!" snarled Harry, standing up and glaring back.

"A better friend that you pointed out to me afterwards

that Amortentia and their like could easily be called

the Imperius curse in a bottle. That includes

any other mind altering potion, or potion that takes

away a person's free will!

"If there was ever a project I wanted to put the Potter

fortune towards, it's to see those sorts of potions be

the first ever to be classed as Unforgivables!" As he was

speaking, Harry's voice became louder and louder, and

Ron cowered back further and further.

"And that's exactly what we consider what your sister

did, and what you were doing, Weasley," he barked.

"Unforgivable!"

"Mister Potter, calm yourself!" Professor McGonagall

called, stalking down the Hall towards them. Turning to

Ron as she approached, she barked, "And you, Mister

Weasley; my office, at the completion of the meal. Now,

return to the Gryffindor table!"

Ron skulked back to the table as the usual noise level

return to the Hall. He did, however, cast one last

hate-filled glare back at Harry.

Neither saw the Headmaster look down at the two of

them and sigh in both sadness and frustration.

Once done with breakfast, the three trudged back up

to their apartment. Harry then told them, "I need to

duck into Diagon Alley and was thinking of the

Whomping Willow secret tunnel to the Shrieking Shack

to duck out for a couple hours. Do either of you want

to come with?"

"Harry, you'll get caught," Hermione said a little

worried for him.

"No, love," he replied. "We learned how to do

glamours when we were on the hunt for horcruxes,

remember?"

"Oh," she blushed. "Of course, we did."

He chuckled and gave her a kiss. "You thought we were

fourteen, again; and forgot we've learned post NEWTs

charms."

"I did," she admitted with a little sigh. "But, why do

you want to go into Diagon Alley now?"

"Well, Miss Nosey Parker," he replied. "I wanted to pick

up a nice birthday present for you. Plus, a couple other

things."

She sighed. "Just don't forget you need to back here at

1.00pm," she instructed him. "That solicitor Matthias

sent us is due then."

"I won't," he replied.

In Wednesday morning's owl mail drop Harry finally

received a letter from a solicitor Matthias had

organised for them. He quickly wrote back and agreed

to a meeting with the man the next Saturday, today, at

1.00pm.

The three had already let their Head of House,

Professor Flitwick, know of the meeting; and asked him

not to discuss it with anyone. They didn't need to

mention that 'anyone' also included the Headmaster.

He'd promised not to. So, hopefully, they wouldn't be

bothered by the Headmaster during the meeting.

Neither girl wanted to accompany him for this trip.

Changing his appearance into a nondescript adult

wizard, Harry asked for his bondmates' opinions. After

a couple of minor tweaks, they deemed him suitable. A

quick memorisation of his appearance and he allowed

it to fade away.

Knowing he'd be using his invisibility cloak, Harry

pulled it out and scanned it for charms and the like.

"Harry?" asked Hermione. "Why are you scanning your

invisibility cloak?"

"Think about this, Hermione," he started to explain.

"This is the True Cloak of Invisibility, right?"

"Yes," she replied.

"And it was supposed to be so good that it hid him...

Peverell... even from Death, right?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, frowning.

"Then, how is it that Dumbledore and Moody are able

to see through it?"

With an 'Oh' of understanding, she replied, "That

shouldn't be possible."

"Right," he firmly agreed. "So, the only other

explanation is that Ol' Twinkles did something to it

before he returned it to me that allows him to see

through it."

Sighing in sadness for yet another piece of evidence

that Dumbledore was not the 'great man' she originally

thought him to be, Hermione stood and approached

Harry to help him scan the cloak.

"Found one," said Harry, pausing in his scanning. "A

tracking charm."

Not caring that Dumbledore would know it had been

removed, he moved it to the back of the couch he was

standing next to.

As they held the cloak out between them, Hermione

was next to find something. "Here's another," she

sighed. "A beacon charm at the corner of the hood."

As she stripped it away, Harry supposed, "That was

probably how he could see us in Hagrid's Hut during

second year. When you, me and Ron were hiding under

it in the corner."

"Here's another," she suddenly said. "I don't know

what it is, though."

"Strip it, anyway," he said.

When they finished there were no further charms they

could find on the cloak. Harry allowed it to drape over

the back of the couch and turned to his friend.

"Alright," he asked. "Can you do a quick scan of me for

tracking and beacon charms?"

Chapter 80

While he stood there with his feet a shoulder-width

apart, and his arms a little out from his sides, Hermione

began to scan. Daphne, quite curious, came over to

help. Almost immediately, as she was starting at the

top and from his front and working her way down, she

came across one.

"Got one!" Daphne exclaimed. "A tracking charm

affixed to your glasses. I'll transfer it to a quill in your

school bag. That way, it'll seem to work while you're in

school, but won't as soon as you're out of here."

Harry quickly picked up a quill and watched as Daphne

transferred the tracking charm to it.

"And another!" exclaimed Hermione from down near

his feet. "One on your left shoe. It's more recent than

those on your cloak, too." Just as Daphne did, she

transferred that over to the quill, too.

As Daphne went to set the quill aside so she could

continue scanning, Hermione again suddenly said,

"Here's another. It's on your belt."

So, Daphne again held the quill for her as she

transferred the charm.

"This is ridiculous!" Harry grouched. "Just how many

does Ol' Twinkles think he needs on me to keep track

of me?"

"At least one more, Harry," said Daphne from where

she was looking at his left wrist. "There's another on

the timepiece on your wrist." A pause and then, "Nope.

There's also one on your wand."

As she worked to move those two to the quill,

Hermione stood back frowning.

After a few moments, as Daphne finished moving the

last tracking charm, Hermione snapped her fingers and

exclaimed, "Of course!"

"Of course, what, love?" asked Harry, still looking

around himself.

"The tracking charms that were on you," she replied.

"They were all on items the Headmaster thought you'd

always be wearing or carrying."

"Huh?" he asked, confused.

"She right," Daphne firmly nodded. "You change your

clothes at least every day, and magical washing strips

them off; and, any charms that may have been on your

direct person, we know would have fallen away due to

the bond; therefore, the only ones that make sense are

the ones that are on items you would have on you all

the time and wouldn't be washed.

"Such as your glasses, your belt, your wand, your watch

and your shoes," continued Hermione.

Frowning, Daphne asked, "You only have one pair of

shoes?"

"Well, no," said Harry. "Two pairs. My school shoes and

the trainers I wear at the Dursleys."

With a roll of her eyes, Daphne said, "First chance we

get, we're taking you clothes shopping."

Wanting to change the subject, Harry said, "While I'm

out, would you two please scan everything I own for

more such charms? Including my trunk and Hedwig's

cage. And Hedwig herself."

"Yeah; and we'll scan everything I own while we're at

it," Hermione acknowledged.

"That old fool really wants to keep an eye on you,

doesn't he?" asked Daphne.

"Yep," he replied. "He needs to know where his little

pet weapon is at any time." With a sigh, he said, "Well,

I'd best be off if I want to get back here before lunch."

He gave each girl a quick kiss and said, "I'll be back as

soon as I can."

He donned his invisibility cloak and made his way

outside and to the Whomping Willow. A quick

knockback jinx on the 'knot' on the trunk, stilling the

tree for the necessary few moments, and he was

through to the Shrieking Shack.

Once in the shack he donned his glamour and made his

way to the Three Broomsticks, where he used the

fireplace to Floo to the Leaky Cauldron. A nod of

greeting to the barman, Tom, and he was through the

back door and into the Alley, then through the magical

archway into the Alley proper, and soon was walking

into Gringotts.

Entering the bank, Harry made his way to a vacant

teller and waited to be acknowledged.

When the goblin finally looked up it said, "What do you

want, wizard?"

"Good morning, teller," Harry respectfully replied. "I

need to withdraw some gold from my vault and am

currently not in possession of my key."

The goblin glared back at him and half-snarled, "You

are responsible for the safety of your key, at all times,

wizard. You will be charged for a replacement."

"Understood, Teller," Harry replied.

After another long glare, the goblin withdrew some

parchment from under his desk and placed it, and a

small ritual knife, on the desk before him.

"Prick your finger with the knife and allow three drops

of your blood to land on the circle at the top right of

the sheet," the goblin instructed.

Harry stepped closer to the teller window and softly

but firmly said, "When I do this, I need you to continue

to address me as nothing more than 'wizard', Teller

goblin. I do not want other bank customers to learn of

my identity. Do you understand?"

The goblin stared back with a look of curiosity before

he said, "It will be done."

With a nod of acceptance, Harry raised the tip of the

knife to the pad of the middle finger on his left hand,

and gave it a sharp jab over the parchment.

Pulling the knife away and placing it, hilt first, towards

the goblin back on the desk top he held his left finger

directly over the spot marked on the parchment,

allowing the blood to drip free.

Once the required three drops fell he pulled his hand

away and pinched off the flow by directly squeezing it

with his thumb pressed on the small nick.

The goblin dipped the knife into what Harry knew to be

a combined antiseptic and bodily fluid destroyer before

he dropped it into a small tray set to the side. All the

while, both he and Harry stared at the sheet of

parchment between them.

It took a few moments, before the magic of the small

ritual led to words suddenly appearing on the

parchment, a lot like how they appeared on the

Marauders' Map. Harry was watching it from an upside

down perspective.

As it finished, the goblin flicked his head up to look

back at Harry in shock. There was just the slight

hesitation before he said, "Come with me, wizard."

Harry stepped back as the goblin rolled up the

parchment sheet and placed a 'closed' notice in his

window. Then he gestured for Harry to go to the end of

the long bench of teller windows; Harry complied.