Chapter 351
As Harry and Hermione began to follow the professor
up the grand staircase, as soon as they were apart
from any of the students moving about on the stairs,
the Professor looked to Harry and said, "I apologise
for interrupting your conversation, Lord Potter. I
thought, once Miss Johnson had departed, your
conversation had ended."
"Apology accepted, Professor Babbage," he
immediately replied. "However, you should know, both
Miss Johnson and Mister MacMillan before her were
both interrupting the same conversation that had
started between Miss Granger and me and Heir
Longbottom almost as soon as I sat. You were just the
third to do so."
She just gave a nod and small smile back. So, Harry
knew she wasn't too upset about it; unlike how
McGonagall would have reacted - with a snooty huff.
Once on the fifth floor she led them along the main
corridor in a part of the castle Harry did not often
traverse and to quite the fancy wide wooden door. It
was almost half again wide as a normal door; about
the same width as one of the doors into the Great Hall
from the entrance hall, but nowhere near as tall. In the
past, he'd normally be one floor up when heading for
the Gryffindor tower.
An auror seemed to be standing watch opposite it;
watching both directions and the door, itself.
Entering after the Professor, Harry was surprised to
see the floor change from bare stone to a carpet
runner along a long and wide corridor. There were
also skylights in the ceiling, letting in natural sunlight,
and silver brackets along the wall just above head
height containing gas lamps. The skylights had to be
magical, course; as there was another two floors
directly above this one.
She walked down past about four doors on either side
before she arrived at one numbered '9'.
Turning back to slightly face them, she indicated it
and said, "This is it. Lord Potter, you need to claim it
as your own by placing your wand hand palm flat on
the door, pushing a little with your magic and claiming
it."
Harry gave her a nod and put his hand on the door
and 'pushed'. "I am Lord Harrison James Potter. I
claim this suite for the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Potter."
Harry felt his palm tingle a little before he 'felt' the
acceptance.
As he stepped away, the professor said, "Now you,
Miss Granger. You just announce yourself and Lord
Potter has to again put his hand on the door and
announce you're granted access."
Hermione stepped forward, putting her own hand on
the door, and firmly said, "I am Hermione Jean
Granger, betrothed of Lord Harrison James Potter."
Then she removed her hand and stepped back giving
her palm a scratch with her off hand as she did so.
Harry then stepped forward and put his hand back. "I
am Lord Harrison James Potter, I grant Hermione Jean
Granger access as my betrothed."
As Harry stepped back again, the professor gave a
nod and said, "The suite, or apartment, is now keyed
to only allow the two of you access. If anyone else
touches the doorknob they'll be stunned and the staff
will be alerted to that.
"You need to open the door first, Lord Potter."
Harry stepped forward again, gripped the door-handle
and gave it a twist before then giving it a push. The
door swung inwards and away.
"In you go," said the professor.
As Harry walked through the doorway and inside,
Hermione followed right behind; then the Professor.
He was surprised to also see the auror, who had been
standing guard outside, also step in and begin casting
detection charms about the place.
'Really?' he thought, not knowing Hermione was also
thinking pretty much the same thing.
Both Dobby and Betsy then appeared with twin
flashes and big smiles on their small faces.
"Master Harry! Miss-tress Herm'nee! Welcome!" said
an excited Dobby.
The Professor gave a quiet cough to catch their
attention.
When both teens immediately turned around and
looked towards her, she said, "I'll leave you to quickly
explore. Classes start in a little over fifteen minutes
and I believe you both have a double of
Transfiguration, then morning tea, then a double of
Herbology before lunch."
"Thank you, Professor," said Hermione.
"Yes, thank you, Professor," added Harry.
The Professor gave a small smile before she let
herself out, pulling the door shut behind her.
As both turned back, Harry looked at Dobby and said,
"How about a quick tour? Then we need to collect our
books and go."
Less than five minutes later, both teens were walking
out, pulling the door shut behind them.
Dobby and Betsy had both loaded their book satchels
with the right texts, ink, quills and sufficient
parchment.
Hermione looked to Harry and said, "Wow! I don't
know what your room is like, but mine feels like 'five
star'!"
"The same," he grinned. "We need to bring the others
up here, especially Neville, so he can see what it's
like, first hand."
"You, too, can live like this?" she smirked.
"Exactly," he grinned.
She gave a nod and said, "We'd best hurry. As
Professor Babbling said, we have Transfiguration first,
so at least we only have to drop down one floor. But,
we'll still be late if we don't get a wriggle-on."
Beginning to fret a little, she added, "Ooohh... I hope
the new Professor is as good at teaching as Professor
McGonagall was."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
The apartment had, as promised, three bedrooms;
with each having its own ensuite. The apartment
started with a central common room. From that led
four doors and an arch. Each of three of the doors led
to a bedroom and the fourth led to an office. The arch
led to a combined kitchenette with a small dining table
that could seat six at a squeeze.
The entire apartment was lavishly appointed though
seriously out of date, as expected. However, all the
furniture appeared in almost pristine condition and
little wear appeared anywhere.
Harry's trunk, his entire collection of personal effects
at that, were set up in the clearly master bedroom.
Hermione's were in the next largest sized room and
Harry was surprised to see just how much stuff was in
there.
"How, on Earth, did Betsy manage to fit all that into
your trunk?" asked a shocked Harry.
She gave him a wry grin and replied, "She didn't. She
got rid of my trunk and replaced it with a, as she
claims, 'Noble Ladies' Travelling Trunk' from
Pottermore. The inside is wizard-spaced like you
wouldn't believe.
"Oh, and that was why I had that loud exclamation,
this morning," she blushed, "When you raced upstairs
to find out what was wrong, I'd noticed my walk-in
wardrobe was basically bare. Betsy had managed to
pack the lot."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 352
"Ah," he stammered. "I-I'm... sorry, about that... by the
way."
"Not your fault," she firmly replied. "Besides, you
didn't see anything inappropriate. I wear a great deal
less than that at the beach."
"Errr... yeah," he muttered.
"Mum gave me a right fright right after you left,
though," she explained. Then blushed slightly and
said, "She came in just as I dropped my robe to get
dressed."
After they finished looking at each other's new
bedroom, they explored the rest of the apartment,
together. Dobby and Betsy had been busy setting it all
up for them. Even the pantry was stocked with
groceries under stasis. Looking at the labels Harry
knew it was all brand new, so wasn't there from years
past or anything. Dobby had to have gone shopping.
However, when Hermione saw the office with all its
empty bookshelves, she stared fixedly at them and
softly said, "Harry, dear."
"Yep?"
"The bookshelves are empty, Harry," she firmly said. "I
don't like empty bookshelves."
He smirked and said, "When I've got the chance I'll
send Dobby to Pottermore to collect and bring back a
selection of books related to the subjects we're
studying. I'm sure there'll be enough to sufficiently
populate these shelves for you."
She turned a familiar smile on him and planted a kiss
on his cheek. "Good boy," she softly said.
'Now that was pure Monica,' he thought.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
At Saint Mungo's, Bones was pacing outside the
Casualty wing; the emergency 'centre' of the hospital.
She was muttering to herself as she did so, but not
loud enough for anyone to overhear.
Moody and Robards were standing with their backs to
the wall on opposite sides, Moody near a corner. Both
were watching her and everyone else move about
while protecting their Boss's back.
Pockridge had already been out once to update her.
"It's confirmed," she sighed. "Dumbledore had a heart
attack. A pretty severe one. They're working to
stabilise him now."
A half hour later, a cardiac specialist healer came out.
"Madam Bones?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied.
He took her to the side wall near Robards and softly
said, "As Healer Pockridge informed you,
Dumbledore's had what's commonly referred to as a
heart attack. It was brought on by both his poor diet -
too much sugar - and spending quite a bit of time
trying to fight the effects of Veritaserum.
"You should know the extra drop did not cause this.
We've also determined it is safe for him to be given
five drops, just not for a while.
"He seems Merlin-bedamned to fight the serum and, if
he does, he risks yet another myocardial infarction.
Healer Pockridge has informed me it is imperative he
be questioned and forced to speak truthfully.
However, his own mulishness not to answer will kill
him if you push too hard.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you can do to force
his compliance to answer without risking further
infarctions, or even death."
Frustrated, Bones muttered. "So close!"
The Healer just gave a shrug and said, "Perhaps a
form of Veritaserum can be developed that also
includes a calming component? Sorry, but it's not my
area of expertise."
Surprised at the suggestion, Bones only gave a nod
and replied, "Not your fault, Healer. And, thank you,
for saving the old fool's life."
"You're welcome, Madam Bones," he replied. "Now. If
you'll excuse me, I need to get back in there."
As the man began to turn away, she quickly asked,
"How soon can I get in there to ensure he's properly
secured. He's a flight risk."
"I assure you, he's not going anywhere," he firmly
replied. "However, we should be moving him to the
DMLE secure ward in about thirty to forty minutes.
He'll remain unconscious well beyond our moving him
there; probably at least until this afternoon, at the
earliest."
She gave a pained sigh, pinched the bridge of her
nose in frustration and said, "Thank you, Healer."
"Again, you're welcome," he replied.
This time, she didn't stop him from re-entering.
When Pockridge came out thirty minutes later, she
was leading the way with Dumbledore on the levitated
bed and escorted by another Healer and two mediwitches. Dumbledore was, as she'd been warned,
unconscious.
Without a word, Pockridge just gestured for Bones
and the other two to follow.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As they were descending the stairs of the grand
staircase, Harry said, "By the way, after class this
afternoon - or, first chance I get otherwise - I'll be
asking Professor Babbage the opportunity to test to
enter this year's Ancient Runes class."
In pleased shock she suddenly dove at him and gave
him a Hermi-hug of old. "Harry!" she exclaimed.
"That's wonderful!"
Chuckling, he held her for the moment and said, "I
knew you'd be pleased."
When she pulled back she then planted a kiss on his
lips, sighed and said, "We'd better hurry." Then
proceeded to drag him down the last few stairs and
along the fourth floor corridor.
He just grinned and allowed himself to be towed
along.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 353
While Harry knew Hermione always liked to be at least
five minutes early to each class so she could properly
set herself up for the lesson about to be imparted
upon them, Harry actually wanted to be right on time.
He didn't want to give others the chance to approach
him and 'be stupid' before the Professor arrived to
teach the class.
However, he was relieved to discover the new
Transfigurations Professor also preferred to arrive
about five minutes before the beginning of the class.
With the new Professor already there and waiting for
them, he was saved from being approached. As no
one, yet, had any real idea as to the man's general
attitude, no one wanted to 'test' him just yet; as kids
are wont to do.
Harry thought he looked pleasant enough. He was
standing before his desk, leaning back with his bum
perched on the edge of it with his arms and ankles
crossed; smiling.
Hermione immediately dragged Harry to the front row
of the class. And Harry was happy to see Neville,
Susan and Hannah sitting in the second from front
row. The front row before them was empty, so that's
where Hermione led him.
Not wanting to gain the Professor's ire in their first
class on their first day, Harry only acknowledged
Neville and the two girls with a slight head nod and
smile to all three and said, "Neville, Susan, Hannah. I
look forward to speaking with you during morning
tea."
All three smiled back and greeted them both.
As soon as they sat, both teens pulled out their texts
and stationery, ready; and were joined by Justin
Finch-Fletchley a minute later. The boy sat next to
Hermione on the other side and quietly greeted them.
As soon as he sat, he quickly pulled out his own text
and writing equipment, before then immediately
writing a short note. He asked Hermione to pass it to
Harry moments later.
Curious and knowing the class had not started yet,
Harry quickly checked the note.
~ # ~
Lord Potter,
I seek audience with you at a time of your
convenience for a few moments to discuss a matter of
importance to us both.
Please respond when you can.
Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley
The Viscount Lonsdale
~ # ~
With surprised shock, Harry was stunned for a
moment before he leaned to look around Hermione
and saw the boy was watching him. Softly, he said,
"Please speak with me for a few moments immediately
after the end of this class, Lord Finch-Fletchley."
Finch-Fletchley gave a nod back and replied, "That is
agreeable Lord Potter." And sat back again.
Hermione stared at Finch-Fletchley in her own shock
for a moment before she turned to look at Harry in
confusion.
Harry gave her a quick head shake and softly said,
"After class."
As Hermione gave a nod back, he immediately sat
back and turned to look at the three behind. He could
see they were just as surprised and just as curious as
he.
When he turned back to look at the Professor, the man
was looking at him a little curiously of his own, but
didn't say a word. He didn't even move, other to turn
his head to look back towards the door and
occasionally glance down at the wristwatch he was
wearing and was visible peeking out from under the
cuff of the left sleeve of his robe.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry thought the class was brilliant. By her reaction
as they were packing their things up, so did Hermione.
He'd been so involved in what the man was teaching
he didn't even realise the time was getting-on, until
the sound of the ringing of the bell signalling the end
of the class period was heard.
Packing up and knowing Finch-Fletchley wanted a
quick word, he indicated Hermione to stay seated. She
did. So did Finch-Fletchley.
Once those nearest them headed for the doors, Harry
looked to Finch-Fletchley and quietly said, "I owe you
two apologies, Lord Finch-Fletchley."
"And I owe you a major one, Lord Potter," he replied.
"But, please, me first?"
Harry gave him a nod.
With a similar nod, Finch-Fletchley said, "I am
completely aware I treated you appallingly on the
evening of Flophart's one and only duelling class,
Lord Potter. I reacted instead of thinking of what had
occurred. In hindsight, it is easy to recognise you had
called that blasted snake back from me. My instant
near-terror blinded me to that.
"I apologise unreservedly for the slight against you."
"Thank you, Lord Finch-Fletchley. I accept your
apology without quibble," replied Harry. "For myself, I
apologise for the very public slur I directed towards
you regarding your... intellect... on the day of the first
task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It was behaviour
most unseemly on my part. Irrespective of your prior
behaviour I should not have done that.
"Secondly, I was operating under the false impression
you were not titled. While there are some within the
wizarding world who will refuse to recognise you hold
such title, I am not of that mind. I shall be immediately
endeavouring to discuss with other members of the
Potter-Longbottom Alliance how the Alliance may aid
you. And I shall, from this moment forth, pay you the
respect for which you are entitled.
"I apologise unreservedly for both slights against
you."
Finch-Fletchley smiled back and replied, "Thank you,
Lord Potter. I unreservedly accept."
Each smiled back at the other.
Harry gave a nod and then indicated Hermione. "I also
introduce to you the Lady Presumptive of my House,
Lady Presumptive Hermione Jean Granger, magical
ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House
of Black, Lord Sirius Orion Black the Third; and
betrothed of, myself, the Lord of the Noble and Most
Ancient House of Potter."
Reflexively, Hermione held her right hand out and
Finch-Fletchley raised it to his lips and lightly kissed
her on the back of her knuckles while smirking back.
"Charmed, my Lady."
"As am I, Lord Finch-Fletchley," she softly replied with
a light blush.
"Uh-hmm!" came the throat clear from the front of the
class. Professor Biffingwater was sitting at the desk
and smirking at the three of them. "Don't you three
think you should be heading for the Great Hall?"
Harry smiled back and began to rise, "Thank you for
the reminder, Professor."
As the three headed out the door, Biffingwater sat
back and pondered on what he'd just seen and heard.
He'd been warned about the hereditary title issues in
magical Britain. But, seeing it in action for the first
time, demonstrated for him he had much to learn of
the system. Born and raised in MaCUSA, he'd not had
to deal with it in the past.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 354
He thought, 'I shall approach the Headmistress, Lady
Marchbanks, about it at lunch and see if she has any
books on it she could recommend.'
He had no idea she'd authored many of them.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the three stepped out the door, with Harry pulling it
shut behind them, it was to find Neville, Susan and
Hannah waiting for them. Finch-Fletchley gave an
almost self-deprecating bow to the three of them
before he said, "Ladies, Longbottom." And turned and
walked off.
Once he was more than far enough away to be
considered well out of earshot, Neville turned to Harry
and asked, "What was that all about?"
"It seems I underestimated him," he replied. "FinchFletchley holds the title of Viscount in the muggle
world. That means, Finch-Fletchley is rightfully titled,
in his own right, as Lord Finch-Fletchley. His father or
grandfather is also probably titled either an Earl or
Marquess at least."
"Merlin!" breathed Susan.
"Yup," said Harry. "Finch-Fletchley is a member of the
British peerage."
Hannah offered, "We didn't know that."
It was easy to tell she meant her and Susan.
Hermione said, "He might not have been comfortable
telling anyone. Or, it could have been a security
decision, on his part, for no one here to know."
Harry thought about it and said, "We, five, know of it
now. Unless Finch-Fletchley makes a big deal of it
after this, we keep quiet about it; except for informing
Daphne and Tracey and the Alliance, as a whole.
"As for what he wanted to talk to me about, he wanted
to apologise for his behaviour towards me. I had the
impression he wasn't 'asked' to, either. I accepted and
also apologised to him for my public behaviour
towards him, which he accepted."
"We should discuss this further after classes,"
suggested Hannah. "We need to get to morning tea."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
As the five walked together into the Great Hall they
separated with Susan and Hannah heading for their
table as they headed for their own. Harry immediately
began to build himself a decent-sized meal, as the
effects of the appetite enhancing potion was still
having some effect on his body.
However, yet again, they were interrupted. Johnson
tried, yet again, to convince Harry to rejoin the
Quidditch team.
Finally, he'd had enough with her. Standing up and
staring at her, he firmly asked, "Miss Johnson, do you
believe me to be a liar?"
Surprised, she replied, "Err... no?"
When he cocked his eyebrow that showed he thought,
'Really?', she corrected herself, "I-I mean; no, Lord
Potter."
"Then, pray tell, why are you continuing to approach
me to practically demand I rejoin the Lions?" he asked
right back. "I told you, I will not. That you continue to
try to get me to do otherwise tells me you do think I'm
a liar."
She blushed and mumbled, "Sorry." And retreated
again.
Dropping back into his seat with a sigh, he mumbled,
"Daft morons."
As Neville snickered in amusement, a major departure
from the 'Neville' of old, Hermione softly said to him,
"I'm starting to see what you mean about always
being under pressure from everyone else to be who
they want you to be and someone you're really not."
Harry, with his mouth full, just nodded back. He was
still showing an expression of annoyed frustration,
though.
When it appeared Neville had eaten his fill, Harry
asked him, "Now that you've eaten, can you do what
you tried to start this morning and catch us up?
"Of course," said Neville, wiping the edges of his
mouth with a napkin. "As you suspected would
happen, I've been approached by over a dozen people,
all demanding to know where you are... were. As you
suggested, I gave the same answer, each and every
time..."
They didn't have long, so Neville only gave a quick
overview of what had happened over the past day and
a half. He left a lot out and didn't even mention about
the Betrothal Agreement or Concubine Bond
Agreements that were currently being negotiated.
He'd save those for when they had a chance to be
private. Otherwise, there was too much of a risk of
being overheard.
As they needed to walk quite the distance from the
Great Hall to the greenhouses, they had to leave
morning tea a couple of minutes early. And Harry was
unsurprised to see, almost as soon as they rose and
began to make their way out, they were again joined
by Susan and Hannah.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With Professor Sprout still being the Professor of
Herbology, the five were not concerned about what
they would expect of the class.
As they'd walked to the greenhouses, Neville asked if
he could share a bench with Susan and Hannah and
told the other two he would explain later.
"Sure, Neville," said Hermione.
"No problem," added Harry.
He never saw the knowing smiles the two other teens
gave each other.
Knowing they'd rather choose their 'bench' partners,
Harry and Hermione hung back until some of the
benches started to fill up. Then Hermione indicated
one with two Hufflepuff girls sitting at it and turned a
hopeful expression on him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 355
"Works for me," he shrugged.
Walking over, both sat opposite the two girls in yellow
trim.
"Hi!" Hermione brightly greeted them.
Both, though surprised 'Lord Potter and his betrothed'
chose to sit opposite, softly returned, "Hello."
"I'm Harry," said Harry, offering his hand in a
handshake to each. Followed by Hermione
immediately doing the same.
"Megan," said one, with the other answering, "Lilith."
"I don't believe we've ever shared a workspace
before," Harry smiled to them. "So, it's nice to meet
you both."
Both girls tentatively smiled back as Megan said,
"Same here."
As they pulled their Herbology texts and stationery
out of their bookbags, Harry glanced over to Neville
and the girls. He saw that Finch-Fletchley had chosen
to sit with them.
'Smart boy,' he thought. 'He obviously knows all three
are part of the Alliance and is making use of the
opportunity to mix with them.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
More than two hours after Dumbledore suffered his
heart attack while being interrogated under
Veritaserum, the old man was beginning to recover.
The first sign of that was his beginning to move in his
bed.
The auror stationed to watch him immediately sent a
Patronus message to 'The Boss', Madam Amelia
Bones.
As Dumbledore more and more came around Bones,
flanked by Moody and Robards, entered the ward from
the secure entry.
Less than five minutes after he showed signs of
waking, Dumbledore's eyes snapped open and he
gave a gasp of shock; before then trying to rise. He
couldn't, due to the restraints which held him to the
bed.
A medi-witch immediately hustled in from her secured
medi-witches' station and approached the bed. "Do
not try to move, Mister Dumbledore. You are secured
to a bed in the DMLE-secured wing of Saint Mungo's."
As the old man appeared confused for a few moments
he eventually croaked, "Wa-ter?"
"Just a moment," she replied, turning to the bedside
table and pouring him a mug of water into a thick
ceramic tankard. Turning back she dropped a straw
into it and held it for him as he took a few long sips.
A few seconds later, she pulled it away and said, "Not
too much. Too much, too quick, and you'll just vomit it
all up again."
Putting the tankard back on the bedside table, she
quickly cast a few diagnostic charms over him before
a look of satisfaction passed over her face. The old
man was now clearly watching her. And had also
already seen that Bones and three of her aurors were
also in the room with them, watching him.
His expression showed he was annoyed with that.
Once the medi-witch was satisfied, she pulled away
and said to Bones, "He's all yours. However, you're to
spend no more than five minutes talking with him.
After that, I order he be allowed to rest again."
Bones gave a single nod back and said, "Noted.
Thank you." And the medi-witch returned to her office.
Looking to the young auror who had been tasked with
watching him, she ordered, "Go join the medi-witch in
her office until I call you back out again."
"Yes, Ma'am," replied the auror, standing and walking
out.
Once the auror followed the medi-witch out through
the door, pulling it shut behind him, Bones turned her
attention back to the old man.
"Amelia―" he began, before she even had a chance.
"Prisoner Dumbledore," she returned.
Seeing the man give a slight wince, she continued,
"You gave us quite a scare, there, Dumbledore. I've
never before seen someone struggle so hard under
Veritaserum they give themselves a heart attack.
Consider me impressed."
"Thank you for your care," he sarcastically said.
"Oh, I don't care if you die while under Veritaserum,
Mister Dumbledore," she returned. "I just care that
you die before I get the answers to my questions."
Again, Dumbledore gave a small wince. "There is no
need to be cruel, Am― Madam Bones. You need to
learn to forgive."
"You have no right to ask for forgiveness unless you
first come clean with your sins," she shot back.
"Since you will not willingly come clean, you have not
earned forgiveness. As such, no forgiveness will be
given."
Dumbledore, with his eyes closed again, frowned.
"When you are well enough we will continue,
Dumbledore," she continued. "While you are
recovering from your cardiac arrest, I have Potions
Masters developing versions of Veritaserum custom-
designed with you in mind.
"Rest up. Get better. Then we start again."
Without waiting for a response she headed for the
secure medi-witches' station to alert them she and her
two Master Aurors were leaving again. And for the
young auror to return to his post to watch him.
Once they'd gone, Dumbledore sighed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 356
He knew he had a heart condition. Pomfrey had told
him about it and that he needed to take better care of
himself - before he obliviated her of the knowledge.
But, he did not know just how painful a heart attack
was like until he'd experienced it for himself.
Still, he had hoped it would lead to the Bones woman
abandoning her using Veritaserum on him. He had
hoped she would 'try' to force him to give an oath,
instead. As no one knew his real name and he knew
how to give the flash of light that signalled an oath
being given and accepted, he had hoped to trick her
into it.
That she was having a custom made version of
Veritaserum designed with him in mind, was not
something he had considered.
As a Master Alchemist, he should have. He'd then
even begun to think of how to go about it.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a relaxing class, where both teens were able to
get the two 'Puffettes to open up and tell them a bit
about themselves when Sprout wasn't closely
monitoring them, they met back up with the other
three and headed back to the castle. This time,
though, Finch-Fletchley joined them in their walk.
As soon as they were clear of the greenhouse and
sufficiently apart from other students they could
quietly talk without being overheard, Neville said,
"Harry, when in public, please don't refer to Lord
Finch-Fletchley's title. As you suspected, he's trying
to keep it quiet."
Harry turned to the other boy and said, "As you wish,
Mister Finch-Fletchley."
The boy gave a relieved smile back and said, "Justin,
please."
"Justin, it is," said Harry. "And you may call me
Harry."
Hermione immediately piped up and simply said,
"Hermione."
"Thank you," said the other boy. "Thank you, both."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After entering the Great Hall and splitting into two
groups of three, Harry, Hermione and Neville went to
their now usual seats on the benches up near the
head end of the table and set to work making their
lunches.
However, Harry had only just managed to load his
plate with what he wanted when, yet again, Angelina
Johnson approached.
"Lord Potter," she tried.
"Go... away," he said, before then choosing to ignore
her.
"No, I can't do that," she said. "I really must impress
upon you―"
Slamming his cutlery onto the table each side of his
plate Harry jumped to his feet, glared at her and
snarled, "If you so much as even hint at what you
want to talk to me about is relating to the Gryffindor
Quidditch team I will hex you into next week!"
Johnson, for all her dark skin, blanched; or at least
her dark skin paled somewhat.
"Each time I have tried to eat my meal in peace, or
hold a conversation with my peer, Heir Longbottom,
you have chosen that time to interrupt it," he
continued to snarl. "Are you under some sort of
compulsion charm, or something, to utterly piss me
off?"
"N-no," she practically squeaked
Harry peripherally heard someone hurrying up from
the head table and was about to speak again when the
voice, Professor Babbling, firmly said, "Miss
Johnson!"
When both turned to her, she, still glaring for herself
at Johnson, firmly said, "Return to your seat, at once.
That's twenty points against Gryffindor for your
nagging and you've earned yourself a week's
detention with Professor Burbage in the detention
classroom. Now, leave... Lord Potter... alone!"
Johnson stood staring at her in shock for a long
moment before she burst into tears, spun about and
ran from the room.
Harry saw both Spinnet and Bell jump up and run after
her. From the look Spinnet flicked his way, shame, it
appeared the two had been pressuring the girl to keep
approaching him.
Before Harry got a chance to sit again, Babbage said
to him, "And five points from Gryffindor for raising
your voice in the Great Hall, Lord Potter."
Harry just stared back with a firm and closed
expression for a moment, before he gave a firm, single
nod and sat again.
He managed to eat his meal, that time, without it being
further interrupted. However, when he'd finished and
noticed Hermione had also, he asked her, "Mind
taking a walk with me down near the lake?"
"Not at all," she immediately replied.
As both wiped their mouths and rose, Harry quietly
said to Neville, "Hermione and I are going for a walk
so I can burn off some of my anger."
"Sounds like a good idea," said the other boy. "The
rest of us will be waiting for you in the entrance hall
for when you get back. I have something important to
tell you both and really cannot wait too long."
From where he was sitting down with Thomas and
Finnegan and watching Harry practically storm past
with Hermione in tow back to the main doors, Ron
Weasley gave a disappointed sigh and thought, 'Why
can't people leave him alone to calm down, so I can
see him to apologise?
'If I don't get it done, soon, I'm going to spending half
the summer at Aunt Muriel's again.'
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Though still quite cold out, Harry and Hermione took
their walk down to the lake and the now somewhat
decimated large rock on its shore.
Indicating it, Hermione said, "Remember when you
lost your temper less than two months ago and did
that?"
"Yeah," he sighed. "I'm surprised someone didn't
repair it once we returned inside."
She smiled and said, "The aurors said to leave it as a
reminder not to annoy Lord Potter."
He gave an amused grunt and wryly returned, "It
seems that lesson has already been forgotten."
She offered, "I think Johnson was getting pushed into
it by Spinnet and Bell."
"That was my thought, too," he replied.
As they continued to walk for a while more, by then
down near the Whomping Willow, Hermione said, "I
think you may need to back off on Angie."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 357
He nodded and replied, "I do. However, as I said, she
was 'pushing' me too hard. I have made my decision
and I do not like people trying to force me to change
it.
"If anyone wants to discuss something with me...
when I'm not otherwise busy... then I will discuss the
reasons for my decision. However, Angie was being
damned rude coming over each time I was eating to
interrupt my meal. That is considered a great insult in
this world, Hermione. It basically states, 'What I have
to talk to you about is more important than your need
to eat'.
"What she should have done, in all three situations, is
written a note and passed it to me. That's precisely
what Finch-Fletchley did and he's a muggleborn.
Angie's not."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you for explaining that,
Harry."
Harry smiled back and drew her in for a proper kiss.
When they finally drew apart again, both blushing, he
said, "We need to go back to the castle. Neville told
me the others will be waiting for us in the entrance
hall.
She nodded.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Walking in through the main doors, they immediately
spotted the other five waiting for them. Harry hadn't
had a chance to see Daphne and Tracey since their
return, except by seeing them and giving them a small
wave each at each of the three breaks.
Neville gestured for them to follow him and he led
them all into the antechamber. As soon as all seven of
them were within, Harry threw a Colloportus on the
door and added a privacy charm for good measure.
Once done he gave a sigh of relief and turned to the
others.
"Just think," said Neville, "It's only the first day, not
even halfway done yet."
Harry gave him a wry look and sarcastically returned,
"Thanks."
It only had the other boy grin even wider.
As Harry gave a snort of amusement, Hermione was
busy catching up with the other girls.
Neville gave a firm nod and braced himself up a bit.
"Before we get too carried away," he said, looking to
Harry and Hermione. "Harry... Hermione... Alliance
Secret."
That had both teens look back.
The other boy gave a small smirk, cast a glance
towards the two 'Puffs and said, "My father is
currently in negotiations with Mister Abbott about a
Betrothal Agreement between Hannah and me; and
also in negotiations with Madam Bones about a
Concubine Bond Agreement between Susan and me."
Both already knew, of course, but both feigned
surprise so the boy did not know Marchbanks had
already told them. It would lead to questions they
couldn't yet answer.
As Hermione let out a very girlish squee sound and
practically threw herself into a hug with both girls,
Harry grinned at Neville as he walked over and said,
"Congratulations, my brother." And shook the boy's
hand as he placed his other hand on the other boy's
shoulder.
"Thanks," blushed Neville.
"I hope you know and understand how lucky you are."
Neville almost shyly nodded back.
Releasing the other boy's hand he then walked over to
the two girls. Hermione had already backed off a little,
so he just stepped past and dragged both girls in for
his own hug. "Congratulations, you two."
"Thank you," both replied with a blush.
Directing her question to Hermione, Daphne said, "I
thought muggles were against concubinage."
Hermione smiled back and said, "Not just against it,
it's illegal. But, as Harry explained to me while he was
staying at my place, this isn't the muggle world, is it? I
have to treat it like a foreign country that has
significantly different laws, but where everyone
speaks with a British accent."
Daphne was immediately relieved. What she needed to
do might not be immediately discounted, after all.
Once the congratulations were out of the way, she
called, "Lord Potter, Lady Presumptive Hermione, I
have a matter of what my father considers of great
importance for me to speak with you about."
"Oh-kay," said Harry. "Would you like us three to go
somewhere to discuss it?"
She shook her head and replied, "No; but, thank you. I
do not mind our peers from within the alliance being
aware of this."
"Very well," said Harry. "How may I assist the Noble
and Ancient House of Greengrass?"
She hesitated a moment before she seemed to reach
an internal decision and said, "I would like and ask of
you to consider the idea of you, Harry, and my Lord
negotiating a Concubine Bond Agreement between
you and myself."
Hermione gave a little gasp.
He looked to her and she seemed almost in awe of the
situation. He'd guessed right, again. And she was
surprised, this time. She shouldn't have been,
considering the warning they'd received from
Marchbanks.
Harry turned back to Daphne, who appeared quite
worried, and said, "Hermione and I are in the Lords'
Quarters. It's private and will afford us a place we can
talk, without interruption. Do you know where it is?"
"No, I'm sorry," she replied.
"No need to be. It's on the fifth floor, directly above
the Transfiguration corridor. Actually, it's almost
directly above the Transfiguration classroom. In that
corridor there is only one ornate door. It's also about
as wide as one of the doors into the Great Hall, but
normal height. When you walk down that corridor
you'll easily find it.
"Hermione and I have a class for next period, but not
one for the last period. We have Astronomy with the
Hufflepuffs late tonight.
"Do you have a class for sixth period?"
"Yes, actually," she replied. "Transfiguration."
He gave a nod back and said, "We have Potions
together next; but, once you finish Transfiguration,
how about you come up and talk with us? If you have
trouble finding it, I'll have arranged for my personal
elf, Dobby, to come if you call him. He can then show
you the way."
"Thank you," she said, with a relieved sound.
"Actually..." he said, looking around, "How about you
all come up and see it for yourselves, after classes?"
Turning back to Daphne he said, "That is, of course, if
it's alright with you?"
She gave a pleased nod back.
Checking her watch, Hermione said, "We need to go.
Some of us need to get all the way up to the fifth floor
to collect our books and potions equipment for this
next class."
Checking his own watch, Harry realised she wasn't
exaggerating. "Damn; she's right."
As soon as he removed the privacy charm and the
Colloportus on the door he opened it for the others.
As Daphne was about to pass, he softly said to her,
"Don't worry too much about the decision. Hermione
won't be as against this as you may fear."
She paused for a moment to look at him before she
almost visibly sagged in relief. She gave a tiny little
nod and kept going.
Instead of going all the way up to the fifth floor, as
soon as they reached the first floor, Harry grabbed
Hermione and dragged her into one of the abandoned
classrooms there.
"Harry!" she quietly squealed, almost pleading. "We'll
be late!"
"No, we won't," he firmly replied.
With the door almost closed completely he firmly
called, "Dobby!"
The little elf appeared only a moment later.
Offering him his satchel, he said, could you replace
what's not needed of the contents for what we need
for Potions?"
"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf. A quick
finger snap and both he and their satchels
disappeared.
"Oh, Harry," sighed Hermione.
A moment later Dobby was back and holding out both
satchels.
Taking both, Harry said, "Thanks, buddy!"
As Dobby popped away again he then handed his over
to Hermione with a smirk. "We won't be late, now."
The look he got in return was the one she now
reserved for him when she was feeling as if he just
'rightfully' made her feel stupid.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 358
Walking into the Potions corridor the two could see
there were already quite a few people there. And that
Susan and Hannah weren't two of them. However,
Neville was one of them.
As they approached Neville pulled away from the
'pack' and approached them. With a grin he quietly
asked, "House elf?"
Surprised the boy had also figured it out, Harry
chuckled and replied, "Of course."
"Did you call yours to switch out contents, too?"
asked Hermione.
"No," he replied. "I have wizarding space in mine. I
was already carrying everything I needed when we
met in the antechamber."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Another class with a new Professor teaching, Potions
was significantly different than it was taught by
Snape. The windows had been enlarged and allowed
in more light. There was some sort of fume extraction
ward in operation, as the air remained crystal clear
and clean all the time. And everything appeared
scrubbed clean.
Unsurprising to Harry, but clearly surprising to
everyone else, they did not brew a potion that day.
Instead, they were given a period length lecture,
complete with copious notes, on the importance of
safety in the potions lab.
The new Professor, Potions Mistress Doris Grimfield,
was an Australian. Her accent was quite different and
took them all a little while to get used to it. But, once
they did, she was easily understandable. It was good
that she did not have the 'Aussie' habit of speaking
overly quickly or 'crushing' syllables together into
one.
While they'd been waiting outside the lab for the
Professor to come and open the door, Ron Weasley
had tentatively approached them.
Harry was immediately wary, but relaxed when he
realised the redhead was actually both a little scared
and uncomfortable.
"Lord Potter," he began.
"Yes?" asked Harry.
"I've... I need to know when you have time to hear me
out," he stuttered.
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he
said, "Tomorrow afternoon after classes. I'll come up
to the Gryffindor common room and we can meet up
then. Is that suitable?"
"Not... this afternoon?" the boy asked.
Harry firmly shook his head and replied, "Sorry; no. I
have a prior engagement until dinner. And, as you
know, we have Astronomy late tonight and we need to
rest up for it."
The boy gave a sad nod and went to walk away when
Harry called after him. "Mister Weasley."
When Ron turned back, curious, Harry said, "After
Potions, if you're willing to accept advice, you should
immediately go to the Infirmary and have Healer
Robinson check you over for mind-altering potions.
During the break, as I'd written to the twins about,
Hermione was discovered to be under one such."
Ron looked a little surprised but, after a small
hesitation, gave a nod. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," said Harry.
When it didn't look like Harry wanted to say anything
further to him, Ron turned away and returned to where
he had been talking with Thomas and Finnegan.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the class completed, Harry and Hermione were
quickly packed and left the room. However, Harry held
Hermione back, just outside the door.
When the two Slytherin girls came out, he indicated
for them to join him and Hermione out of the way of
traffic.
When they did, clearly curious, he smiled and said,
"Hermione and I are going back to our quarters now. I
look forward to seeing you both in a little over an
hour."
"Me too," said Hermione.
Both nodded and Tracey replied, "Thank you, Lord
Potter, Miss Granger."
"Ah?!" said Harry. "No one's listening. It's Harry and
Hermione for you two, remember?"
Both nodded and smiled back.
Harry just gave a firm nod and indicated they should
head off.
As soon as they did Neville said, "She's worried."
"Understandable," said Harry. "As you know, it's a
very, very big thing we're going to be talking about."
"Are you sure you want the rest of us there?" asked
the boy, concerned.
Harry smiled back and replied, "This is not the
negotiating phase, Nev. This is just her finding out
how open both Hermione and I are to the concept."
Neville hesitated for a moment before he asked, "Do
you mind if your god-brother and fellow Alliance
named partner Heir knows what your thoughts are on
this?"
Harry directly smiled at him and said, "Nice, Nev."
Looking back at the retreating backs of the girls, he
said, "I have been anticipating an approach by Lord
Greengrass for quite some time. I'm somewhat aware
of the difficulties he is experiencing with pressure
from the... traditional... Houses. As such, there is not
much I will not do to aid an allianced House. A
Concubine Bond Agreement is well within my ability
to effect.
"Does that somewhat answer you query?"
Neville smiled and replied, "It does."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 359
On returning to their apartment, Harry suggested they
both change into wizarding casual.
"Why?" asked Hermione. "I've not seen anyone do
that before. And, aren't we expected to be wearing
uniform to dinner?"
"Nope," he replied. "The only time we're required to
attend dinner wearing uniform is when it's a feast.
And, I suggest the change of clothes as we'll be
discussing Alliance and House matters, this
afternoon; not dealing with school matters."
"Oh," she replied. "Well, alright then." And went off to
get changed.
After smiling at her back for a moment, Harry put deed
to word and went and got changed, himself.
When they both met up in the common room again -
'Living room,' he thought. 'It's not a dorm.' - Hermione
curled up on one of the sofas and said, "I think we
need to discuss this, Harry."
Harry was happy to do so, and was sitting alongside
her a moment later.
When it looked like the girl did not know where to
begin, Harry started. "You're worried what your
parents might say if I go ahead with this, aren't you."
Surprised, she looked to him and nodded.
"I did tell you your father and I had already discussed
this and he supported it," he said. "He might have
been a little reluctant, but he knows I'd do it to protect
the... bonded. He now trusts me not to do the wrong
thing."
Calmer, she replied, "Yes; I had forgotten. Or, I'd just
been so shocked to hear that, I thought I might have
dreamed it."
"Nope," he replied.
"And what did you mean by 'the wrong thing'?" she
asked.
Seeing her sly smirk, however, meant he knew she
knew what he meant. It didn't stop him from blushing
though, which made her smirk widen into a grin.
"You know very well, Miss Granger," he mock sniffed.
She just snickered back.
Wanting to get serious again, he gave it a few seconds
before he refortified himself and looked at her. His
expression had her stop her snickers and also look
serious.
"Now for the serious question, Hermione," he said.
"Are you going to be alright with this?"
She sighed and thought a moment before she replied,
"So long as all we're talking about is doing this for her
personal protection... and for the House of
Greengrass... and so long as what we're talking about
is just the Agreement so she'll have that protection...
I'll be, as you put it, alright with this."
He nodded and said, "You don't want it to be so that
I'll have to have sex with her."
She blushed and replied, "Yes."
Firmly he said, "I assure you, Hermione, no matter
what Lord Greengrass's, or Daphne's, intent is for
such an Agreement... I'll be making damned sure the
same escape clauses as in our Betrothal Agreement
will be included in this one."
With a sigh of relief, she said, "Thank you."
Then fearing she'd said something wrong she was
quick to add, "That doesn't mean I don't want you to
have a concubine, Harry. It's just that... I'm still not
completely comfortable with the idea; alright?"
"Completely understandable," he said. "Neither am I,
truth be told."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After they decided they'd discussed it enough
between them until they'd heard what Daphne had to
say, they turned their attention to their homework.
"Harry?" she asked.
"Mmm?"
"Could you ask the Potter elves to make a start on
bringing some of the books from Pottermore to here
for us?" she carefully begged.
Surprised, he replied, "Of course. Dobby!"
When the little elf popped in, Harry carefully gave it
instructions as to which books in general he wanted
brought to the office in the apartment from
Pottermore: Astronomy, Charms, DADA, Herbology,
History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration, Care of
Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy.
Dobby said he'd get right on it and let him know when
it was done and popped away again.
Ten minutes later he was back and said the
bookshelves in the office were now full.
Hermione almost jumped to her feet and ran into the
room. A moment later, Harry heard her shout of joy
and snorted in amusement.
By the time they heard the final class bell, both teens
were well into completing their homework
assignments for the day and Dobby had prepared
wholesome snacks.
"Master Harry be entertaining guests," said Dobby.
"Dobby be preparing snackies!"
"I was going to do that, Dobs," he sighed.
When Dobby crossed his arms and glared back, he
groaned in annoyance while Hermione laughed.
"Fiiiiine!"
After the bell went, both knew they had time to pack
up what they were working on into a tidy pair of piles.
Looking about as he rose, Harry gave a nod of
satisfaction at the presentation of the room.
Looking to Hermione, he said, "Back in a couple of
minutes."
She smiled and said, "I'll go and alert Dobby to the
imminent arrival of our guests.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry only had to stand outside the door that
separated the Lords' Quarters from the castle proper
for about two minutes before he saw both Slytherin
girls approach. As soon as they saw him they were
relieved.
As they calmly approached, Harry called, "Dobby."
When the elf popped in, he said, "Are you able to open
the door to my and Hermione's apartment?"
"Yes, Master Harry," replied Dobby.
"Good," he breathed in relief. "Would you mind, then,
escorting these two ladies in?"
"Dobby can do," replied the elf.
Once the two reached him, while also giving Dobby
curious glances, Harry said, "Ladies, I have to wait for
our other three guests. And expect them to be about
twenty minutes, at least. Would you like to wait with
me, or would you allow Dobby to escort you in?"
After a quick glance at one another between them,
Daphne looked back and said, "We'll go in."
"As you wish," he nodded. And gave Dobby a gesture
to go.
"Miss-tresses?" said Dobby, "Please follow Dobby."
He trotted over to the main door, elf finger-snapped it
open on his approach and walked in. Both girls
followed.
Harry didn't know whether Neville would come on his
own, or drop down to the Badgers' Cete and escort
the two 'Puff ladies up. He'd be disappointed with him
if the boy didn't choose the latter.
"Lord Potter?" called an auror, who had just dropped
a Notice-me-Not and now had the watch.
Harry turned to look. "Yes, auror?" he asked.
"How many more guests are you expecting?" asked
the auror.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Chapter 360
"Three," he replied. "Heir Longbottom, Heiress Bones
and Miss Abbott. I expect Heir Longbottom will be
escorting the other two when he comes. I'll be
disappointed if he is not."
The auror gave a nod and said, "I'm capable of casting
a messenger Patronus. If you'd prefer to wait inside,
when they arrive I'll send one to you to let you know
to come out to get them."
Surprised at the offer, Harry said, "Thank you; that's
very kind of you. I accept."
With a smile back, the auror nodded towards the door.
"You'd best see to your guests who've already arrived,
then."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After a last look down the corridor, Harry re-entered
the hallway before going to the door of the apartment
and entering. As he stepped in, he noticed Hermione
was taking the girls on a short 'tour' of the apartment.
Coming out of the kitchen, she was surprised to see
him. "Where are the others?"
He smiled and replied, "The on-duty auror outside will
send me a messenger Patronus when they get here,
so I can go back outside and bring them in."
Hermione gave a snort of amusement and said,
"Clever. It sounds like this one is not a daft moron."
Harry grinned back and, as he walked over to the
'sofa' area, looked to the girls and gestured to the
seats. "Please be welcome to be seated."
As he expected, Daphne and Tracey sat together on
one double sofa, leaving the identical one facing it to
Harry and Hermione.
As soon as they sat, Dobby popped in with a tea set
complete with crockery, teaspoons and a tray of little
biscuits. For now, everyone ignored it.
Looking to Daphne and noticing how nervous she
was, Harry asked, "Now, Daphne―"
When she looked back with a measure of intensity, he
said, "Before we begin to talk about a Concubine
Bond Agreement, I need you to answer a couple of
questions for me."
She nodded. "I shall endeavour to answer them to the
best of my ability, Lord Potter."
He smiled at her formality.
"Firstly, I need to know, is this something you want?
Not your father... not your House... you."
Clearly a little surprised, she hesitated a long moment
before she replied, "Not... really. However, if I do not
do this, there will soon come a time my father will...
have no choice, but to accept an offer from another."
Harry nodded and said, "I thought so. And, thank you
for being honest."
He thought what to do next before he said, "So, you
are willing to enter, or be entered, into such an
arrangement because it offers you protection?"
"Yes," she firmly replied. "Plus, it protects my family."
"What about your sister?" he asked, curious.
"Other arrangements are being made for her."
"Fair enough," he nodded. "How far are you willing to
go with such an arrangement? I mean, what if the
agreement becomes a contract? It would mean you
and I―" And gestured.
She blushed and replied, "I'm aware."
"It would mean you would be stuck with me," he said.
She looked at him in surprise for a moment before she
gave a small snort of amusement. "I do not think that
would be a hardship... Harry."
Tracey gave her own snort of amusement. And he was
surprised Hermione made a similar non-verbal
exclamation.
That had actually surprised Harry. When he looked to
Hermione in what must have been confusion, she
said, "Harry, you're no longer that scrawny, under-fed
boy. You're now quite attractive."
That had him blush and look down for a long few
moments.
Getting his blush under control he looked back up and
between the three. He could see the truth of that
remark in their faces.
"Hmm," he muttered.
Looking back to Daphne he said, "Here's my thoughts.
Hermione says I have a 'saving people thing'. I cannot
disagree. When I see someone in trouble I have the
strong urge to help. And, I have a tendency not to
ignore that urge.
"I'm aware of the difficulties your father is currently
under regarding having only two daughters for heirs.
And the pressure he would be under from those who
see that situation as an opportunity to get their hands
on the Greengrass estates.
"Because of that, I have already discussed with
Hermione and her parents what I saw as the likelihood
of your father approaching me, as an allied House,
with the intent to request a Concubine Bond
Agreement.
"At first, as you would likely expect, they were against
it; as, I'm sure you'd also understand, was Hermione.
"However, once I discussed my views on the matter
and why I would consider it, they found themselves in
agreement. So, you have no need to fear Hermione
and her family would be completely against this right
from the start."
That had Daphne look to Hermione with gratitude. And
that look was what satisfied him that she wanted this;
and wasn't being pressured into it by her father.
"I won't go into the specific details for obvious
reasons, but Hermione and my Betrothal Agreement
has escape clauses that make it so either of us only
need to say a certain phrase for the agreement to be
voided in it's entirety, without penalty. Of course, it
also has conditions that, if they're met, those escape
clauses become void and the agreement becomes the
contract. I do not think you lack the wherewithal to
figure out what sort of conditions I'm talking about.
"If it is still your desire for your father and my legal
representative to negotiate a Concubine Bond
Agreement, it is a non-negotiable condition that
similar escape clauses of the same ease will be
included for both of us. If your father cannot accept
such, there is no point the two even meeting. If,
however, he can, then I believe I can enter such an
arrangement."
It was a long few seconds before Daphne, who was
looking at Harry in wide-eyed hope, suddenly seemed
to collapse into herself, dropped her head almost onto
her knees and broke down into deep heart-wrenching
sobs.
Surprised at her reaction, Harry didn't know what to
do. When Tracey slid over closer to her friend and
wrapped her arms around her, Harry turned to look at
Hermione in no small level of confusion.
"It's alright, Harry," she whispered. "Go wait outside
for a while. Us girls are going to talk." Then she rose,
went across and sat on the sofa on the other side of
Daphne from Tracey, before moving in close.
When Harry hadn't moved, truly unsure of what to do,
Hermione looked at him, glanced to the main door and
flicked her chin at it before turning to help comfort
Daphne.
He quietly rose and walked out. He decided he'd go
and wait for Neville and the other two girls, after all.
He had no idea how to otherwise help the girl, but it
seemed Tracey and Hermione did. He left them to it.