HPWW301-310

Chapter 301

Molly Weasley was in the kitchen clearing away the dishes

from lunch when the floo chimed the sound of an incoming

floo-call.

Wiping her hands of soap suds she hurried to the floo to see

who was calling. Hurrying into the lounge she saw the face of

someone she was very relieved to see appeared quite healthy

and happy dancing in the green flames.

"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed. "Step through, right this minute!

You know you don't need to call first."

"Hello, Missus Weasley," he replied. "I'll do that. But, first, I

need to make sure it's alright with you if my auror guard and

Hermione can also come through."

"Auror guard?" she asked.

"Ummm... Yeah," he replied. "Madam Bones kind of insisted."

"You won't need them here, dear," she said.

"Not my choice, Missus Weasley," he firmly replied. "I had to

kind of promise they'd come with me if I went anywhere.

They're worried about what Dumbledore might try if I'm out

from under the wards on the Grangers' place."

With a disappointed sigh, she said, "There's really no need, as

Bill has adjusted our wards to stop that old man getting into

here. However... very well, dear. Give me a few moments to

open the floo and you can all step through."

Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you." Then his head

withdrew.

Molly removed the locks on the floo as soon as Harry's face

had disappeared.

Then, while she was waiting, she sent a messenger Patronus

out to Arthur and her two eldest, who were in his shed

supposedly working on who-know's-what, to let him know

Harry and Hermione were about to visit. She knew, however,

they were probably drinking.

Seconds later, the floo flared green again and the first auror

stepped out with her wand drawn. She immediately cast

detection charms about the place as Harry then stepped out...

and immediately fell over onto the rug. Then Hermione

stepped out with a second auror on her heels.

The auror looked to Molly and asked, "I detect seven wizards

and two witches, plus a ghoul, on the property, Ma'am. Does

that agree with your knowledge?"

"Errr... yes," Molly replied, as she watched Harry start to climb

to his feet. "My husband, myself and our seven."

"Thank you," nodded the auror.

As Harry regained his feet the first auror banished the soot off

his clothes as Molly stepped forward to envelop him in a hug.

"Harry, dear!" she exclaimed, trying to hug the stuffing out of

him.

As she was doing so, and Harry was practically gasping for air,

Arthur and the two eldest walked in.

"Harr... I mean, Lord Potter!" he happily declared on spotting

Harry.

His gaze passed over the two aurors before alighting on

Hermione, who'd suddenly found herself yanked into a threeway hug, with Harry, by his wife. Both aurors were silently

moving out and away, with one going into the kitchen with

the other remaining nearby.

"And, Miss Granger, too, I see," he grinned.

"Air!" Harry gasped. "Need air!"

Just as the second auror frowned and raised his wand, Arthur

firmly ordered, "Molly! Let the young man go! Can't you see

he's having trouble breathing?"

Molly immediately released her grip on the two teens and

jumped back as if in fright. It caused both to slightly stagger.

"Oh, dear!" she exclaimed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"We'll be alright," gasped Hermione. "Just... give us a moment

to get air back into our lungs."

"Woah!" said Harry, from where he was bent over with his

hands on his thighs. "I'd forgotten you have too strong a

tendency to do that, Missus Weasley."

Standing up, he looked more firmly at her and said, "However,

I must ask you not to do that in future. It's just not right."

With a knee-jerk reaction to scoff back, Molly was able to

choke it down due to finally taking a good look at Harry's new

build. She could also see that both teens were wearing wellfitted upmarket wizarding casual. It looked good on them

both.

"You've grown, Harry dear!" she happily declared.

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Chapter 302

"Yes," he replied. "Not being forced to spend my time

away from the castle at the abusive hands of my

relatives... and through the efforts of my cousin,

Andromeda Tonks, catching up with me and

immediately putting me on a regimen of potions... I've

been able to recover a great deal from the damage

caused by the neglect and malnutrition I suffered of

and from their hands.

"From that, I've grown about seven inches and put on

about two and a half stone of weight. Health-wise, I'm

now at, height and weight, what I should have been;

and will be from now on. I'm currently brushing six

foot tall and weigh in at just over eleven and three

quarters stone - about one sixty five pounds, or

seventy five kilos."

As Harry was finishing his explanation he was also

shaking hands with Bill and Charlie, who'd stepped

forward to shake his hand and tentatively give

Hermione a quick hug. Hearing footsteps above, he

stepped back to near the fireplace to where he could

look up the stairwell and saw the twins looking down

over the balcony from their floor.

Both immediately grinned, as did he, and they twincried, "Harrikins!" before they came charging down

the stairs.

As he was turning back to look at Arthur, Harry saw

the man was quietly but firmly 'reminding' his wife

that 'Harry dear' was now properly called 'Lord Potter'.

Molly just gave a gesture as if flicking him away and

turned away from him. Arthur seemed frustrated.

Harry thought he'd give the man a hand.

Looking to Arthur as he heard the twins thump down

the stairs, he said, "Thank you for recognising I'm

titled, Mister Weasley. It's very much appreciated."

"You're welcome, Lord Potter," Arthur immediately

replied. "But, there should be no reason to thank me

for doing what is right."

Before Harry could respond, the two twins rounded

the bottom banister of the stairs, charged up to him as

if racing each other and scooped him up in a threeway hug.

"Harrikins!" they both happily declared before they

immediately dropped him back onto his feet and

stepped back. "Or, rather―" said the first. "Perhaps it

would be better―" said the second. "If we addressed

you as―" said the first. "Lord Potter!" they both

exclaimed in stereo before dipping into matching

courtly bows.

Harry chuckled at their antics and said, "Well, on first

meeting me for the day, it's Lord Potter. However, after

that first greeting and when in private, I give you leave

to call me Harry."

Harry heard Molly give a slight scoff so he turned

back to her. "Is there a problem, Missus Weasley?"

While Harry could see Arthur trying to surreptitiously

wave her off, Molly ignored him and said, "Surely you

don't mean that, Harry dear."

While giving her a direct look he immediately and

firmly replied, "I'm afraid I do and I'm afraid I must

insist, Missus Weasley. I do not just represent myself,

any more. I now represent, as Lord, the Noble and

Most Ancient House of Potter; as Heir Tertiary, the

Noble and Most Ancient House of Black; and, as a

founding partner House, the Potter-Longbottom

Alliance. I have to behave and be treated, accordingly.

If I don't, people are just going to treat me like a little

kid. I'm not and, really, never have been. As well as

now holding my Lordship I'm an of-age wizard, which

makes me an adult in the eyes of the law."

Molly gave a little huff, but finally gave a single nod of

acceptance. However, it was clear she didn't like it.

Hermione, recognising the situation had become a

little uncomfortable, asked Arthur, "Where's everyone

else?"

Clearly pleased and relieved by the question, Arthur

replied, "Ron and Ginny are out at the Quidditch pitch

and Percy's probably up in his room either doing

homework or writing to his girlfriend."

Molly sniffed and haughtily said, "Ronald should be in

his room packing for his move to his Aunt Muriel's

later this afternoon."

Neither teen commented on the remark. However, both

knew 'Aunt Muriel' to be the family etiquette

instructor.

Harry thought, 'If Molly hadn't been so lax in how she

behaved regarding the noble Houses, she might not

have passed that bad habit onto Ron.'

"I'll just duck out and call our two youngest in," said

Arthur, already heading out the back.

As he did so, Molly tried to shepherd the two teens

into the kitchen.

"If you're on nutrient potions," she declared, "You'll be

needing to eat. Come in and sit at the table while I

whip you something up."

"No need, Missus Weasley," Harry disagreed. "Both of

us ate quite well before we came over."

"Harry's a good cook," said Hermione. "Together with

Dobby's efforts, we all eat very well."

Turning back, Molly looked to Harry and asked, "You

cook?"

"Yep," he grinned.

"Very well," added Hermione. "There's now quite a few

people who are practically begging to come over for a

meal whenever Harry's cooking."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

While Molly was still trying to herd the two teens into

the kitchen Arthur, from where he was standing just a

little way away from the back of the house, finally had

the attention of his two youngest and indicated for the

both of them to join him.

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Chapter 303

When they did, he had a stern expression on his face

and firmly said, "Lord Potter and his betrothed, Miss

Granger, have just come to visit. I want you two to be

on your best behaviour and come inside.

"But, before you do, I'll remind you that the Harry

Potter you thought you knew... was not the real Harry

Potter. That was all an act to protect himself from

Dumbledore. He no longer needs to act like that, now;

so, he doesn't."

When he could see that both gave the impression they

understood, he gave a nod and said, "Good. When

you're ready, come inside."

As Arthur walked back in, Ginny immediately turned

to Ron and said, "If you wanted any hope of not going

to Aunt Muriel's this afternoon, now's your last

chance. Mess this up and I won't be seeing you again

until we're on the train to Hogwarts."

Without waiting for Ron to respond, she braced

herself up, turned away from him and walked inside.

Ron thought about it for a few moments before he

muttered to himself, "I can do this."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Harry and Hermione were sitting at the kitchen table,

side-by-side, when Ginny came in. She had a big smile

on her face; but, both could tell that happiness was

not reflected in her eyes.

She practically skipped across the floor as both teens

stood and she wrapped Hermione in a hug before

turning and doing the same to Harry.

"I suppose I should be congratulating you two," she

said. "Fred and George read their letter you sent them

about your betrothal."

'I suppose I should be congratulating you two?'

thought Hermione, as Harry replied, "Thank you,

Ginny. We appreciate that."

Hermione immediately added, "Harry and I finally

realised just how much we loved one another and

decided to do something about it."

"We'd have probably figured that out sooner, if it

wasn't for Hermione being potioned by Dumbledore,"

Harry almost growled.

Hermione was quick to say, "Water under the bridge,

Love. He's in no position to do that to either of us

again; and we're now aware of the risk of that

happening in future and will be alert for it for now on."

"Potioned?" asked Molly, as Ron walked in through

the back door.

As both teens turned to look at him, Ron's expression

flickered only a moment on annoyance before it

relaxed into a smile.

Hermione greeted him, "Hello, Ronald. Have a good

Christmas?"

Harry didn't say a word. He just stared at the boy.

Ron, clearly uncomfortable from Harry's staring at

him, ignored him and mumbled to Hermione. "Yeah. I

did."

When he didn't say anything else, Arthur looked ready

to say something to him when he finally turned his

attention to Harry. "Harry," he mumbled.

Harry just cocked an eyebrow, raised his hand with

the Potter ring on it and asked, "Have you forgotten

you are to address me as Lord Potter until given leave

to do otherwise?"

When the boy turned red and appeared about to say

something snotty, they all heard a 'Dong!'.

As both teens started to turn to the sound, Ron

suddenly and rapidly blurted, "My apologies, Lord

Potter."

'Ding.'

Harry looked back, paused a long moment and said,

"Apology accepted, Mister Weasley. However, know

this: I do not like you. I find you to be greedy, indolent

and a bigot. I was also quite angry to discover you

were pretending to be my friend, while at the same

time being paid by Albus Dumbledore to stay close to

me.

"Furthermore, your brother, Charlie... Heir Secondary

of your House... gave you specific instructions you

were to warn me I would be facing nesting mother

dragons in the First Task. He informed you of that at

least a week before the Task. You did not do that. As

the Task was designed for young witches and wizards

who were at least of-age and I was only just starting

my Fourth Year, meant you had to have believed I was,

as your family clock over there would state if a hand

for me was on it, in mortal peril.

"That means, Mister Weasley, through your deliberate

actions you placed the last remaining member of the

Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter in mortal

peril. Effectively, you... deliberately and with

forethought... engineered a situation where you

attempted to end the line of one of the Seven through

deliberate inaction. And that, Mister Weasley,

irrespective of your age, if you had succeeded would

have meant the Veil for you."

"Oh... dear!" exclaimed Missus Weasley. None of the

other Weasleys moved a jot. It was almost as if they

were holding their breaths in fear.

"From now on you are to keep your distance from me.

From now on you are to be aware that angering me

can get you seriously hurt.

"Furthermore, I also inform you that Hermione, as my

betrothed, has been directed not to do your homework

for you, any more. Your homework is yours to do. You

may ask for help. However, if she says no; or

otherwise stops that assistance, you will respect her

decision and not press her.

"Is what I have told you, understood?"

Ron, though he looked grumpy and annoyed,

eventually replied, "Yes... Lord Potter."

Harry gave a nod and said, "Thank you."

Missus Weasley piped up and, in a chiding voice,

asked, "Harry dear, is that really necessary?"

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Chapter 304

Snapping his head to stare at her with a flat

expression, he replied with a simple clipped, "Yes,

Madam Weasley."

With a dropping of her eyes she gave a pained sigh

and silently nodded.

When he saw she accepted that, he gave a sigh

himself and turned back to Arthur. He added, "I do not

wish to be put into the position where I have to act to

protect my House or the Alliance to which I co-Head,

Mister Weasley. However, if I am, I will act; no matter

how much I might hate to do so."

Arthur replied, "Understood, Lord Potter. Ronald will

be leaving this afternoon to spend time with the family

etiquette instructor."

Harry gave a nod and said, "I hope it helps. If not me

then, sooner or later, he's going to engage his mouth

before his brain... as is he usual behaviour... let his

jealousy and anger cloud his judgement, offend the

wrong person and get himself killed."

Then, turning to others, he let the tension he was

feeling drain away and said, "Sorry about that, but I

truly hope you understand it needed to be said."

A long moment later, Hermione asked, "So, how was

everyone else's Christmas?"

As a collective sigh of relief went through the rest of

the Weasleys and they began to respond, Ron quietly

left the kitchen and went up to his room. It was

obvious he would not escape going to his Aunt

Muriel's, after all. That damned clock and Potter's

accusations sealed it.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

The two teens ended up spending longer at the

Burrow than they intended. But, Harry was pleased to

see almost all the Weasleys had again relaxed once

they realised Harry was only angry at Ron.

While it was clear Ginny was upset Harry and

Hermione were betrothed, she at least did not act

appallingly about it. Instead, she held her own counsel

and tried to make the most of it.

While Harry was talking about some of the things he

and Hermione had gotten up to over the past month,

Hermione had kept a close eye on her to ensure the

girl didn't try anything.

Ron never put in another appearance. Instead, he

stayed in his room.

Percy, however, came down for a little while.

"Lord Potter," he said, as soon as he got a lull in the

conversation. "I... find myself having to apologise to

you for what role I played in what has happened to

you since you re-entered our world. I'm sorry."

Harry immediately replied, "Apology accepted, Percy.

Just... try to think things through, in future. You need

to realise and accept that those in authority aren't

always right or in the right."

Percy seemed to think about that for a moment, before

he finally gave a curt nod back and said, "Understood.

And, thank you for understanding and accepting my

apology."

"You're welcome," he smiled. "Now, your father has

told me you're doing well at the Ministry, these days.

But, what I want to know is; how goes things with

your efforts in wooing Miss Clearwater?"

Percy gaped at him like a fish in shock for a moment

before he suddenly blushed and replied, "A... work in

progress."

Harry chuckled and said, "Then I wish you good luck

with that. She'd be a good catch."

Again, Percy blushed and mumbled, "Thank you."

"A suggestion only: As Penny is the only Heir of

Charlus Clearwater, who is the only Heir of Lord Basil

Clearwater, you may want to consider the idea of

offering to accept her surname as your own if you

progress to a Betrothal Agreement. It should go a long

way to Lord Clearwater accepting you, so the Noble

and Most Ancient House of Clearwater has Line

Continuation. As I understand, you would encounter

difficulties in accumulating sufficient gold to meet any

bride price Lord Clearwater might otherwise demand."

Molly gave a light scoff and said, "I don't think there's

a need to do that."

Turning his attention to her, Harry said, "I have little

doubt Penny will only be allowed to wed if there's

both a Contract and Line Continuation clauses

involved. I'm aware you think little of such

necessities, Madam Weasley; but, I can assure you

that Lord Clearwater thinks the opposite.

"It's up to Percy and Arthur to decide if he's willing to

offer such. If he loves her as much as I believe he

does, it won't be a hardship for him."

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Chapter 305

Before Molly got all up in her wand about it again,

Percy said, "That is a brilliant idea, Lord Potter. Thank

you, very much. You've given me much to think

about."

"You're welcome," Harry nodded.

Percy then turned to his mother and said, "I'm only

Heir Tertiary, Mum. I'm the back up of a back up.

Besides, there are three more sons after me who can

easily fill that role."

Molly was clearly miffed to hear that, but couldn't

disagree. She decided it would be something she'd

talk to both her husband and third son about after

Harry and Hermione left.

A few moments later, Percy left again to return

upstairs, claiming he had a letter to write.

A half hour later, when the two then noticed Molly had

left and was back working in the kitchen, the two

realised it was time to return to the Grangers.

They gave their thanks for allowing them to visit and

soon flooed back to Wimbledon.

Once they were gone, Percy came back downstairs

and said to his father, "He's right, you now."

His father immediately asked, "You'd be willing to

forgo the name 'Weasley'?"

"For Penny? Yes," his third immediately replied.

Bill chuckled and said, "You've got it... bad."

With a slight blush at his oldest brother's words, he

turned to his mother, who had turned back to look at

him, "I'd still be your son, Mum. Just a son of a

different surname."

That had Molly happier.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Back in the Granger residence, they were quick to see

if the adult Grangers had returned - they had - and let

them know they were safely back.

"Any problems?" asked Wendell.

"A few uncomfortable moments," replied Hermione.

"But, we were quickly past them."

"Oh?" he asked.

Harry replied, "One was Ron Weasley. Apparently, he

was leaving today to spend the rest of his time before

the third of January at the home of the family etiquette

instructor. When I spoke to the twins about it a while

ago, they told me the woman, their Great Aunt on their

mother's side, is a real dragon. Ron will not be having

a pleasant time of it."

"Why's he being sent there?" asked Monica.

"Because his behaviour, whenever my name has

come up since everyone went home after the first

task, has led to their family danger alert device

showing Ron's indicator moving to 'In Danger' from

'At Home'. They fear that means if Ron doesn't change

his ways, I'm going to have to take action against him.

They're right; I would."

"To what level?" asked Wendell.

"Honour duel," he immediately replied. "But, that also

doesn't mean I wouldn't raise wand to him on the spot

if he tried something on Hermione and I had to step in

to stop it."

Hermione added, "Another was Molly seemed reticent

to address Harry by his title on first meeting. She's

not used to doing something like that."

"I had to come down a little hard on her," said Harry, a

little sadly. "Molly doesn't abide by the traditions of

the wizarding world. It's also clear Ron's attitude has a

lot to do with her attitude. His hatred of Slytherins, in

general; his blatant defiance of holding his tongue

when he should; his general behaviour; they all come

from her direct influence."

"That's unsurprising," nodded Wendell.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After breakfast the next morning, Harry quickly took

the floo over to Longbottom Hall to clarify a few

matters regarding the meeting of the Alliance that

would be held after lunch.

Once he was back he sat down with Hermione to talk

about it.

"Dress will be business attire with House crests,

Hermione," he explained. "We floo over at 1.30pm and

the actual meeting starts at 2.00pm."

Hermione frowned and asked, "Why so early?"

"Because, we have to be there as all the other guests

arrive, to greet them," he replied. "Plus, Alice wants to

talk to you, beforehand, about your role in all this.

"The guests actually arrive in quick succession, thirty

seconds apart, from 1.50pm until there's only a couple

of minutes to go. They start with the Magical Houses

of Fanwater, Puvingson and Shakedale; then the Elder

Houses of Bardhall, Bancroft, Dallyhatch, Sibbledotch

and Stebbins; then the Ancient Houses of Abbott and

Davis; and finally the Noble and Ancient Houses of

Greengrass, Bones, Marchbanks and Ogden.

"I need to stand with Frank near the floo in their

welcoming hall as they all arrive to greet them. Neville

will be there, too, as escort to escort them to the

meeting room as they arrive. For your information, the

meeting of the Heads will be in their formal dining

room, while the ladies will be congregating in the

informal dining room, or breakfast room, alongside

their kitchen."

Hermione nodded and asked, "What about the heirs?"

Pleased at the question, Harry smiled and replied,

"The Heir Primaries will be in the meeting, but sitting

in a chair behind their Heads and away from the table.

That's so they can learn what's going on for when it's

their time as a Head.

"The others, if there are others, won't be required to

attend. However, if they do, I'm not sure. As far as I'm

aware there's only two that are possible attendees;

and those are Tracey Davis and Astoria Greengrass. I

suspect they'll be with you with the spouses."

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Chapter 306

After an early lunch, Monica practically dragged a

reluctant Hermione up to the master bedroom to help

the girl get ready for the meeting.

"But, Mu-um," Hermione whined, as she was being

dragged from the room. "I just need to throw on a

wizarding robe!"

"No, dear," her mother disagreed. "This is an

important function for Harry and the two Houses you

are or will represent. You'll need to look your best.

And that means taking time to gussy-up."

They were followed up by the female auror who was

on their detail that day.

Harry watched them go and snickered in amusement.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

With a little under five minutes to go until they had to

floo over to Longbottom Hall, Monica finally led

Hermione down to the main floor.

Harry took one look at her and thought dirty thoughts.

He immediately blushed. "W-wow!" he managed to

stammer out.

Harry barely heard Monica say, "See? Told you." As

Hermione blushed at Harry's frank appraisal of her.

Finally getting some semblance of control over

himself, Harry said, "The other wives are going to turn

green with envy." He never noticed his voice almost

breaking as he said it.

'Other wives?' Hermione immediately thought. So, too,

did Monica. It led the older woman to outright grin at

the boy while Hermione's blush deepened. Harry

never noticed Monica's expression, as his eyes were

on Hermione or otherwise looking away in

embarrassment.

Giving her throat a little clear to try and get the two

teens to snap out of it, Monica said, "I think it's time

you two made your way down to the Doghouse." Even

she was now calling it that.

It was enough for both teens. However, as Hermione

was about to turn away to head for the back door,

Harry stepped forward and placed a kiss on her cheek.

Then he quietly and heart-feltingly said, "I meant what

I said. They're going to be jealous of you."

When Harry turned away it was to see the female

auror out next to the door to the back hallway

smirking at him. Her eyes were even twinkling in

amusement.

He had the urge to poke his tongue out at her like a

child, but managed to restrain himself.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Right on time, the Longbottom's floo activated.

As they stood waiting in the welcoming hall about

twenty feet away from the fireplace, Frank muttered,

"Here come the Potter's et al."

First out was the first auror, who immediately ducked

off to the side and checked to ensure there was

enough room for Harry to make his... entrance. Even

the aurors knew about it, now.

A few seconds later, Harry almost flew out of the

fireplace and managed to again skid on his knees and

toes across the marble. As soon as he stopped he

popped to his feet and grinned at the Longbottoms.

Alice even mimicked clapping her hands while

grinning at him.

As he was doing so, the auror cleared him of soot and

moved back towards the fireplace.

Then out came Hermione, who the auror also

immediately cleared of soot.

As the two teens moved over to the Longbottoms with

wide grins, the Longbottoms grinned back as Frank

stepped forward to shake Harry's hand before

stepping across to hug Hermione.

As he pulled back he turned to Harry and said, "Much

better entrance."

Harry, still grinning, gave a shrug and replied, "At

least, this time, I didn't end up on my back and

knocking an auror down."

That was as far as he got before he was drawn into a

hug by Alice. "Definitely better, young Harry."

After Alice hugged Hermione, Hermione then walked

over and hugged a suddenly shocked Neville, who

looked a little fearfully at Harry. Harry just grinned at

him.

After separating from Hermione with a blush, Neville

stepped over towards Frank while Alice hooked her

arm into Hermione's and said, "Come, my dear. Us

ladies have much to talk about.

That seemed to be a signal for Frank, who said to

Harry, "Come into the dining room and I'll show you

where everyone's to sit."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Shown into the dining room that was acting as

meeting room for the Alliance, Frank indicated the

seating arrangement.

"I sit at this end," he said, pointing to the chair where

the Head of House sat. "And, you sit at that end." And

pointed to the chair at the other end of the table.

"Sitting at my right and left hands, respectively, are

Miles Ogden and Griselda Marchbanks. Sitting at your

right and left hands, respectively, are Samuel

Greengrass and Amelia Bones.

"Next to Miles will be Newton Bancroft and next to

Griselda will be Heathcliff Davis.

"Next to Samuel will be Tyler Stebbins and next to

Amelia will be Eugene Abbott.

"The three in the middle, each side, are Angus

Sibbledotch, Gene Dallyhatch and Fred Bardhall; and

Molly Fanwater, Phinneas Puvingson and Hugh

Shakedale.

"That means we will have full attendance. Which is

actually a very good thing, considering there hasn't

been a meeting of the Alliance for over ten years."

"What about Heirs?" asked Harry, looking for the

chairs.

"As far as I know, all will be attending," replied Frank.

"Except, that is, yours."

"And I intend to keep it that way," said Harry. "The

man is my named Heir, but I don't want him to know

that unless I happen to die without progeny of my

own. Besides, he lives in America."

"That's your choice, Harry," agreed Frank.

He then moved over to where he'd be sitting and

tapped one of the documents he had there. "I've also

taken the step of writing up an agenda for the

meeting. However, it's not chiselled in stone. I wrote it

just to be a guideline."

"You're chairing the meeting?" asked Harry. "I ask,

because I really don't want to do it."

"Yes, I will," smiled Frank. "However you need to pay

attention as, when you host one at Pottermore, you'll

be expected to Chair it."

He then hesitated for a moment before he looked to

Neville and said, "Neville; I need to speak privately

with Lord Potter for a moment."

Neville immediately gave a short bow and said, "Of

course, My Lord." Gave a slightly shorter bow to

Harry, walked out of the room and pulled the door

shut behind him.

Once the door was closed, Frank turned back to Harry

and said, "I'll be blunt. What can you tell me of the

relationship between Neville and young Miss Abbott?"

"Ah!" said Harry. "Neville's told you, has he?"

Frank gave a slight snort of amusement and replied,

"He tried. But, he kept getting tongue-tied and

blushed so badly I thought he was going to pass out

from blood loss."

Harry gave a snicker of amusement, indicated the

chairs and said, "This may take a few minutes, at

least. Shall we?"

Once Frank was sitting in 'his' chair and Harry was

sitting in the chair that kitty-cornered and would be

Miles Ogden's once the meeting began, Harry started

to explain.

"Neville and Hannah are mutually attracted to one

another," he said. "It was so obvious that even Pauline

Abbott saw it within moments of the two seeing each

other, when Neville accompanied me around to

introduce Hermione.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------

Chapter 307

"However, what I doubt Neville knows, but I saw, was

that young Susan Bones also has her sights set on

him. However and as you'd know, Susan has line

continuance issues.

"Now, from the body language of Hannah and Susan

around Neville, it was apparent to me that those two

devious little Hufflepuffs have plans that involve your

boy. And it wasn't that hard to figure it out.

"It appears to me that Hannah plans on becoming the

next Lady Longbottom with Susan, due to her needing

that Line Continuance condition, becoming the

Longbottom Concubine to Neville. However, it was

also obvious that Neville doesn't realise that's going

on.

"After we left and returned to Hermione's place for

lunch, I had to pretty much verbally beat him about

the head to get him to realise Hannah liked him as

much as he likes her. I didn't want to give him a heart

attack by telling him Susan has her sights set on him,

too.

"While in his heart beats a true lion, in his head

cowers a scared little boy who was continuously told

he would never be able to compare favourably with

his father. I've spent what time I could, over the past

three plus years, excising that little boy from his head

and replacing it with the lion that also resides in his

heart.

"If you decide to negotiate a Betrothal Agreement with

Abbott and a Concubine Bond Agreement with Madam

Bones, you need to make Neville aware of that quite

carefully. In my opinion, though, both girls would be

good for him."

Frank was smiling and nodding away as Harry was

talking. When Harry wound down, he said, "I was

somewhat aware of young Hannah - and, thank you

for telling him to talk to me about her - but I was

completely unaware of young Susan. However, what

you've told me makes a lot of sense."

Then he smirked and turned to Harry with quite the

devious expression. "As you seem to be trying to

guide me into negotiating a Concubine Bond

Agreement for my son, what about one for you?"

Harry sat back and sighed before he said, "My

betrothal to Hermione is a small problem with that. I

don't know if you're aware of it or not, but muggles

don't have those sort of arrangements. They believe

each man should only have one wife... and definitely

no concubines. They see it as adultery.

"I have talked to Hermione about it, but I've also told

her I would not enter into one without her prior

approval.

"She asked me if there was any witch for whom I'd be

prepared to enter into one and told her Daphne

Greengrass and Luna Lovegood were two possibles.

And explained why."

Frank immediately said, "Greengrass, because the

House of Greengrass is an allianced House; and

Lovegood, because the Ancient House of Lovegood

could make a worthwhile addition to the Alliance."

"Exactly," said Harry. "However, even if Lovegood did

not want to join the Alliance, I'd still consider her

because she needs the protection the House of Potter

could offer her... at least, she did until Marchbanks

became Headmistress."

After discussing matters for a few minutes more,

Neville knocked on the door and stuck his head in.

"My Lord; our other guests will begin arriving,

momentarily."

"Thank you, Neville," his father replied with a nod.

As Neville pulled his head back out and re-shut the

door, Frank turned to Harry and said, "Thank you,

Harry. I appreciate what you've told me. Again, you're

proving yourself to be looking out for the best

interests of House Longbottom. Thank you."

"You're welcome," replied Harry, as both Lords rose

from their chairs. "But, I'll be honest, this is more

'Harry' looking out for the best interests of 'Neville'.

That it's also in the best interests of House

Longbottom is just the cherry on top of the cupcake."

Frank just smiled back as he opened the door to let

them out.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Just before the guests started to arrive, Hermione and

Alice rejoined the 'menfolk' in the welcoming Hall.

As soon as he saw her, Harry carefully checked her

expression to see if she was in any sort of distress -

she wasn't. If anything, Hermione was even more

relaxed than when they first arrived.

When her eyes caught his she softly smiled and gave

him a near-perfect curtsey of a Lady acknowledging

her husband Lord.

That surprised Harry; and the surprise must have

been reflected in his expression, because she

suddenly and cheekily grinned back.

While that little silent communication was going on,

Frank was directing everyone to their 'places' to greet

their incoming guests. Standing in a line at about a

forty-five degree angle from the fireplace, the order

went Frank, Alice, Harry and Hermione with Frank's

end closest. Neville stood a little apart and after

Hermione. One of the aurors disillusioned themselves

and stood on the 'side' wall facing the welcoming

party.

There was one last check with his eyes over

everything and everyone before Frank muttered, "Any

moment now."

Almost before he could finish the short sentence,

there was a soft whoosh of flames and they turned

green. A moment later, an elderly witch stepped out of

the flames and stepped forward - Molly Fanwater. She

was followed by her son, Hamilton.

As per protocol, Missus Fanwater - a widow of the last

war - approached the 'receiving line' at Frank's end.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As the guests began arriving, Harry was keeping a

close watch on how they each reacted to the presence

of Hermione in the receiving line, while they seemed

to be more focussed on him. He was surprised to see

there was absolutely no negativity directed towards

her except from one of the Heirs, Philip Bancroft of

the Elder House of Bancroft. He'd keep a close watch

on him.

He was pleased, though, to see the very pointed look

the young man was given by his mother as they came

off the line and Neville was about to escort them away.

That was one Heir, it was obvious, who was going to

get a tongue-lashing later.

Once the last guests arrived, Miles and Hedda Ogden,

Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

Alice heard and gave him a smile of understanding

and reached over to give his hand a squeeze of

comfort.

"Alright," said Frank. "Let's do this."

As Alice accepted his elbow to be escorted to the

dining room, Hermione moved in to take Harry's. And

the four walked to the dining room.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Just before the four reached the doors, both ladies

separated and wished their respective 'other halves'

good luck. Frank and Harry entered as Alice and

Hermione headed for the informal dining room.

As they did, the light chatter that was occurring

immediately quieted and the people in the room

moved to their chairs. Harry was pleased to see that

everyone had attended and all the known Heirs were

attending and moving to their 'assigned' seating.

He also noticed that Neville, while he was sitting

behind and slightly off to one side of his father, also

had a Longbottom house elf bring him a lap table. It

was already loaded with documents, fresh parchment,

ink and quills. And it was apparent he would be taking

notes.

The meeting opened and Frank decided that, since it

had been so long since the Alliance last formally met,

they would forgo the reading of the minutes of that

meeting. No one disagreed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------

Chapter 308

He then quietly told the members he was somewhat

disappointed in them over their lack of action over the

past thirteen years and expressed his hope they'd be

a lot more active from that point forward. No one

gainsaid him.

The first order of business was congratulating, from

the Alliance, Lord Ogden on attaining the role of Chief

Warlock. He was clearly pleased at the praise. But

also said he could not ethically allow the Alliance

undue influence on his decision-making. That was

expected.

Then came the formal advisement that House

MacMillan had been excommunicated from the

Alliance due to the actions and words of the Heir of

the House, Ernest MacMillan. That had a few show

they were uncomfortable.

"Any questions or comments regarding that matter?"

asked Frank.

Samuel Greengrass immediately said, "I have been

approached by Lord MacMillan, who asked of me I

speak on his behalf when we all next met. He wishes

to offer private apology to Lord Potter regarding the

behaviour of his Heir, before then offering a public

one.

"I said I would raise the matter so it was tabled, but

not speak either for or against."

Madam Bones piped in. "Lord Potter was in the right

to boot House MacMillan from the Alliance," she said.

"I have discussed the matter at length and in detail

with my niece and, I have to say, if someone had

behaved as appallingly as Heir MacMillan behaved

towards Lord Potter, towards me, I might have taken

even stronger action."

The elderly Tyler Stebbins of the Elder House of

Stebbins, who had no Heir, said, "Nevertheless, House

MacMillan holds a seat on the Wizengamot. His House

represented only one of six... sorry, seven... seats this

Alliance has available to it - I'd forgotten about

Amelia's seat as Director.

"Secondly, young Ernest has always been a bit of a

hothead. I'm rather surprised he ended up in

Hufflepuff, to be honest. I expected him to be sorted

into Gryffindor.

"As it was the under-aged Heir Secondary that offered

offence, and not the Lord of the House, I ask the

matter of House MacMillan's excommunication be

reconsidered."

Frank immediately said, "That's entirely up to Lord

Potter. Heir MacMillan offended he, not the Alliance as

a whole."

As everyone turned to Harry, he'd already been

thinking about it, so was quick to respond.

"Mister Stebbins's opinion of Ernest MacMillan's

attitude is correct. The boy is a hothead. However, I

have also spent some time over the past four weeks

reconsidering the matter and my reactions to it."

He paused a few moments and continued. "Points for

the re-admittance of House MacMillan are such. One:

Ernest MacMillan is a child who, from what I've seen,

has an elevated sense of his own entitlement. The

past four weeks should have taught him the error of

that. Two: I was angry, at the time, over the behaviour

of the whole school towards me, not just Heir

MacMillan's. And I can see I let my own temper

somewhat unfairly dictate terms. Three: Heir

MacMillan is just that; the Heir Secondary. He is not

the Lord of the House, let alone Heir Primary. Four: I

could just have easily made the same decision

regarding, except for Neville Longbottom, the

behaviour of the other Heirs who currently attend

Hogwarts. He just happened to be the one who said

the wrong thing at the wrong time.

"Points Against are such. One: He is fourteen years

old and should have a logical understanding of his

responsibilities to his House. So, he cannot claim he

didn't know what he was doing or should have done.

Two: His actions against me were not reactive, like the

other Heirs; but proactive. That is, he did not go along

with the general consensus, at the time; he actively

even led that behaviour. Three: He has had four weeks

in which to offer apology off his own back and has not

yet even attempted to do so; nor has the Lord of his

House. I do not expect to have to ask for an apology

for an apology to be offered. It should have been

immediately offered... or as soon as available... and

wasn't."

He gave the members time to absorb that information

before he finally said, "I acknowledge the past four

weeks have been... earth shaking... for the magical

community of wizarding Britain. And, as such,

peoples' minds have been on other matters. However,

Heir Secondary MacMillan should still have been of

sound enough mind to offer apology.

"My decision is this: If Heir MacMillan... not Lord

MacMillan, on his behalf... publicly offers apology

without expectation it would be accepted, then I

believe we can revisit the re-admittance of House

MacMillan to the Alliance at our next meeting."

As he was speaking, Harry was carefully watching the

expressions of those around him. He was pleased to

see they all listened carefully to what he had to say

and were willing to hear him out.

After a few moments Samuel Greengrass said, "I like

it. It puts the onus on House MacMillan to act before

the Alliance will react."

That had the others all agreeing, with Frank offering

Harry a smile that he could see showed Frank was

pleased with him for his words.

Next came a discussion on whether they would

support, as a whole, a single candidate for the

position of Minister. Harry didn't have a view on that,

so remained silent.

It was decided they would support a known and longtime member of the Unaligned faction, Lady Jacinta

Cauldwell of the Noble and Ancient House of

Ashwater. Ashwater was one of the few noble Houses

that had passed on to another family through the

marrying of a daughter of the House to another

without a Line Continuation clause via contract,

Cauldwell.

After that, a few other points were raised such as

recent births, deaths and marriages within the

member Houses, younger Heirs were formally

introduced and updated orders of succession within

the Houses were clarified. Then Frank raised the

matter of Dowager Lady Augusta.

"Though I have decided not to disown her for her

actions while acting as guardian of Heir Longbottom

and as House Regent, I have banished her to a

Longbottom holiday cottage until the legal matters

surrounding her actions are resolved. At the

conclusion of that I will revisit my decision regarding

her and her behaviour. As such, she remains a

member of House Longbottom... for now."

Again, the Members nodded.

He continued, "Both Alice and I have also rewritten

our Wills. If we pass before Heir Longbottom reaches

his majority, he is to be immediately emancipated and

inducted as the newest Lord Longbottom. We believe

he is now old enough to take up the Headship of the

House, if it becomes necessary. He will not have a

Regent. Dowager Lady Augusta, most definitely, will

not be allowed either position of regent or guardian

ever again."

As the others nodded in recognition of his words,

Harry could see it did not really come as a shock to

anyone.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------

Chapter 309

Once the meeting concluded and they were rejoined

by the 'spouses', everyone remained behind to enjoy

an afternoon tea laid on by the Longbottom house

elves. Harry was quick to speak with Hermione.

Off to one side, he immediately and quietly asked her,

"How were you treated by the others?"

"Very well," she happily replied. "Apparently our

relationship, as it currently stands, is by no means

unusual."

He lightly frowned and said, "I thought Sirius, Ted and

I had already made that clear."

"You had," she sighed. "However, it's one thing to be

told that, it's another to actually experience it."

He gave a non-committal 'hmm', but nodded. He did

then smile. "I'm glad you're becoming more

comfortable with it."

That was as far as they got, privacy-wise, before

Adeline Greengrass beckoned them over.

As they walked over, she said, "No hogging the future

Lady Potter, Harry. You get to spend all your time with

her back where you're staying. Now is the time for

mingling with contemporaries."

Harry just chuckled, gave a shortened courtly bow

and said, "My apologies, Lady Greengrass. However, I

find myself unable to be apart from her beauty for

more than a few minutes at a time."

"Oh, bravo!" said Lydia Davis, who'd overheard.

"That'll score you 'good husband' points."

As the other ladies snickered, Harry just chuckled

back, separated from them and made his way over to

Eugene Abbott, where he was talking with Miles

Ogden.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After reminding Neville of their day of 'muggle

shopping' the next day, the two teens were finally able

to return to the Granger residence before dinner, but

not in time for Harry to cook. A situation Dobby

seemed a little smug about.

"Yeah, yeah," he snarked at the elf. "Laugh it up,

chuckles. But, mark my words, there will soon come a

day of reckoning!"

Hermione, ever the supporting type, laughed out loud.

Not able to cook dinner, Harry joined Hermione with

her parents as they discussed what the meeting was

like. Though Harry was there he was not there for the

'ladies' meeting. He was pleased to hear his betrothed

was fitting in well with the older ladies.

"They're just all so accepting," she gushed. Turning to

Harry she asked, "Did you know that just about all of

them were in similar contracts before they married?

Only Prissy Sibbledotch, of the ladies there, wasn't.

"And Adeline was telling me they've already received

offers for similar agreements for Daphne and Astoria."

Her expression suddenly darkened and she added,

"Though, the offers have all been quite insulting, she

says, and are for dark families. They're having a

bedeviling time fending those off.

"It took me only a few moments to see and figure out

that both girls are practically terrified their parents will

be forced to accept one or two of them. The one from

Malfoy they keep getting hounded with has for both

girls to be effectively handed over, together with

eventual control of the Greengrass Seat on the

Wizengamot. That's just so wrong!"

As Harry listened he knew he'd have to contact

Samuel Greengrass and see what he could do to help.

However, he was going to have to talk to Hermione

about it, first, if he read the situation right.

Hermione's parents were also listening with some

level of alarm. They were pleased their daughter was,

for the moment at least, not at risk of such. But were

horrified on behalf of the other two young ladies'

parents.

Wendell asked, "What can be done to help them?"

Harry sighed and said, "The obvious one is to help get

both girls betrothed to someone who will be able to

protect them. However, it can't just be anyone. It has

to be someone of high enough standing - House-wise

- in the community that it won't be seen as a slap in

the face to all those Houses who are pushing similar

contracts.

"As I've previously explained to Hermione regarding a

similar situation, because House Greengrass is a

Noble and Ancient House and there's no male Heir, it's

likely any first born child or children will be pushed to

take the name 'Greengrass' as their family name,

rather than the name of the father's House. That will

make many reticent to offer such an agreement.

"Of course, because there's two daughters, that

problem only exists with the first to accept an

agreement. The second daughter, irrespective of the

order of birth, will then be free of the requirement to

carry on the Greengrass name.

"But, since there are two daughters, that carries with

it a major problem. Many are going to hold off until

one or the other are in an agreement with a Line

Continuation clause before they make their own

offers. So, the second daughter, once the first is

betrothed, is going to receive even more offers."

Monica suddenly said, "Concubine Contracts. That's

what you're hinting at here, isn't it."

Harry nodded.

"You," she suddenly said.

Wendell frowned and asked, "What are you getting at,

Mon?"

Harry sighed and said, "What Monica's figured out is

that both girls can be bound to me, at least

temporarily, under a Concubine Bond Agreement."

"Concubines?!" he angrily asked.

"They play an important part in our culture, Wendell,"

he explained. "They're important to ensure bloodlines

are maintained; and, therefore, Houses."

Before Wendell could get up in arms about it again, he

went on, "Daphne and Astoria Greengrass are the last

of the Greengrasses, besides their parents, left. They

are the two daughters of Lord Samuel and Lady

Adeline Greengrass of the Noble and Ancient House

of Greengrass. There are no sons.

"Therefore, they will need to marry with a Marriage

Contract that agrees to the first born son, at least,

carrying the surname Greengrass. The Weasleys

aside, magicals don't usually beget more than two or

three children at most. So... for the first born, at least,

to carry the name Greengrass... there is a risk it

means the father's family name will not be continued

through their union. There are a great many who will

not be willing to risk that.

"That's where Concubine Bond Agreements play an

important role. It means the father can marry and

beget children through his wife that will carry his

family name, while he also begets children for the

concubined witch so she's be able to continue her

line. It could also be known as a Morganatic Marriage,

in that the concubine and her offspring have no legal

claim to inheritance from the father of the children;

and that includes titles.

"It's also important to note a concubine is not looked

down upon in the wizarding world. Instead, they are

somewhat revered for their... I'd say 'sacrifice', but

that would be the wrong choice... 'dedication to

tradition', would be better.

"The only limitation placed on such Bonds is that the

husband, or the husband's family, is able to properly

provide for the blended dual family that will develop."

Wendell grumped, "It sounds medieval."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------

Chapter 310

"Not so much," replied Harry. "In 1936, then King

Edward the Eighth was offered the concept of

marrying Missus Wallis Simpson in a Morganatic

Marriage. Even after Edward abdicated and he married

the woman, by royal decree she was styled 'Her

Grace', for the title Duchess of Windsor, rather than

'Her Royal Highness', as was her true right. That was

Morganaticism at its finest."

Still frowning in annoyance, Wendell pressed, "And

this is allowed in the wizarding world?"

"It is," he nodded. "If I remember my readings right, it

was brought in when the numbers of Ancient Houses

began to alarmingly fall due to the wizarding wars in

the late 1700s. They were dying out. Since they've

never really recovered, each time the concept has

been raised within the Wizengamot to be struck from

the books, the motion loses. Contrarily, it's even been

expanded upon to not just include the Noble Houses,

but any House of Elder House and up."

"You're not considering taken on a concubine, are

you?" he pressed.

"It's not something I'm aiming for, no," he honestly

replied. "However, I might just find myself... 'pressganged' into it. I'm young, fit, head a Noble and Most

Ancient House, head one of the major Alliances, my

family does not have a history of fathering squibs and,

to top it off, I'm considered a hero of the wizarding

world.

"I think, very soon, the Alliance is going to be

pressuring me into taking on at least one concubine.

And it's likely to be Daphne Greengrass, or her sister,

or both.

"However, if it happens as I think it will, I'll make

damned sure the Concubine Bond Agreement has

easy escape clauses for both parties, just as mine and

Hermione's does.

"I'll argue that the witches concerned will have

sufficient protection just from the agreement and need

nothing more. Which will be true. That will give both

girls ample time to seek out suitable suitors, or

Samuel... Lord Greengrass... enough time to organise

a better deal for the both of them. I'm willing to protect

them; I'm not willing to father children on them."

Wendell, still closed off, muttered, "I don't like it."

Harry immediately agreed, "You're not alone in that

view."

XXXX

Walden MacNair was not a happy customer. It had

taken him more than a week to find where the

mudblood Granger lived.

He'd first had to purchase all the necessary

ingredients to create a scrying potion to track down

the location of the Potter brat. Then, when he'd tried it,

it didn't work.

After checking all his preparations he realised he'd

done nothing wrong. That meant the boy had antiscrying wards up. That was not really a surprise.

Next, he again brewed the scrying potion and spent

considerable effort in acquiring something of the

mudblood, Granger, to attempt to scry her. To make

sure she wasn't currently out visiting someone at the

time he tried to scry for her, he waited until the very

early hours of the morning.

Thankfully, it worked.

He had managed to locate her in a muggle suburb that

looked, to his pureblood senses, to be quite the

affluent neighbourhood.

Now, he could have just directly approached the

house. However, he did not manage to attain the rank

of Master Executioner for the Ministry by being an

idiot.

He spent quite some time staking the place out under

both an invisibility cloak and disillusionment charm,

while 'camped' on the front lawn of the house across

the road.

Carefully, he cast detection charms towards the

house, expecting to find none, but was shocked to

find that the house was quite well warded.

He detected anti-apparation, anti-portkey, anti-fire,

magical signature-based, intent-based, anti-

(underaged-)magic detection, various and multiple

alert and even DMLE-only wards. Other than the

DMLE-only and a couple of the alert wards, the rest all

appeared to be fed from a ward keystone. If he was to

attempt it, those would take time to be brought down.

However, there was another ward, obviously tied to a

well-hidden ward keystone, that made his dark mark

ache when he first approached it. That told him it was

a dark mark detection ward, or something similar.

But, those weren't his only problems he knew about.

He had also seen aurors, who were obviously some

form of protection detail, coming and going at odd

times. And, his monitoring of their movements,

showed him there was always at least three on the

property at all times; sometimes, more.

However, he had another problem of which he was

unaware. An Unspeakable was standing not too far

behind him, watching him, even through the

invisibility cloak and Notice-Me-Not charm he had

upon himself.