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Chapter 277 - HPWW371-380

Chapter 371

Once the class was done, the Professor called him to

come and sit at the front row of desks.

He was just sitting down when he heard her say, "Do

you need anything, Miss Granger, Miss Greengrass?"

"Errr... No," replied a now blushing Hermione. "We

were just waiting for Harry."

The Professor said, "The exam will take about an

hour. I suggest you wait for him back at your

apartment."

Both witches gave a nod of agreement in return and

quickly left.

When he turned back from seeing the girls out it was

to see the Professor drop the multi-paged exam on the

desk before him. As usual, it was face down.

"You'll need quills, ink and a couple of sheets of blank

parchment in case you need to work something out

and prefer to see it with your own eyes," she

explained. "Once you have those out you may not

retrieve anything else from your bag. It must remain

on the floor until you are done. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," he replied, quickly pulling out the

necessary stationery.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Fifty five minutes later Harry sighed, laid his quill

down, looked to the professor and said, "Professor? I

believe I'm done."

She quickly checked the time, smiled back at him and

said, "Very well, Lord Potter. You may go. I believe

there are two ladies back in your apartment who are

most eager to learn from you how well you believe

you did."

Packing his stationery away, he stood, shouldered the

satchel and gave the professor a little bow. "Thank

you for you efforts in assisting me, Professor."

She smiled again and replied, "You're welcome, Lord

Potter. I should be giving you the results at or by

dinner, this evening."

He gave another nod, spun about and calmly walked

from the room. As he pulled the door shut behind him

and headed for the Lords' Quarters, he needed to

massage the quill cramp out of his writing hand. He'd

written quite a bit.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Checking the time, himself, he saw that lunch had just

started. He hadn't even heard the bell. So decided to

hurry a bit.

As he was climbing the stairs from the fourth to fifth

floors he met both girls coming back down.

Hermione almost brought both herself and him into

tumbling down the stairs when she gave a little girlish

'Squee' and dived at him for a Hermi-Hug. He'd

managed to catch them both.

"Easy, Hermione!" he exclaimed. "You nearly had us

both tumbling down the stairs."

But, it seemed she hadn't even realised what she'd

nearly done or what he said, as she'd already

launched into Hermione-babble of old. "How did you

do, Harry? Were there any questions you missed? If

so, was that because I didn't think to cover them? I'm

pretty sure I covered all of them, but I could have been

wrong. Did you provide enough information for all the

questions? Did you get the names of all the runes

right? Oh, I do so hope you did well. It'll be nice to

have you in the class with us."

Instead of trying to answer, he just held her in his arm

and let her wind herself out. Once she was done, he

pushed her away to arms length and looked her dead

in the eye.

"I believe I did very well," he calmly replied. "I do not

believe there is anything more we could have done

preparing me for the exam. I am confident I will be

approved for placement in the class. The Professor

will let me know before or at dinner. Worrying about it

now is pointless. Now, we just wait. It won't be long.

Alright?"

With her eyes cast down in embarrassment - she knew

she'd slipped back to her old ways - she more calmly

replied, "Yes, Harry. Sorry. You're right." Then looked

him back in the eye.

His smile back relieved her.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After lunch they were back in the DADA classroom

with a double. Again, they were revising and Harry

was having fun. He'd completely forgotten he was

waiting for the results of the exam.

And the class was over even faster than he

anticipated.

As they walked out, again with Neville accompanying

them, he looked to Hermione and said, "That was

fun!"

Neville chuckled and said, "Yeah, it was. Dad had me

revising a lot of my work as an attempt at helping me

get control of my magic before school restarted."

"Oh?" Harry smirked. "So, what happened in Charms,

then?"

The boy blushed and led them off to one side. He

quickly looked about to see if they'd be overheard and

leaned in. Quietly, he said, "Believe it or not, that was

deliberate." And grinned.

Hermione stared at him in shock as Harry let loose a

big belly laugh.

Once he'd managed to calm down again, he leaned in

himself and said, "You did that, to show everyone

you're not really a squib, after all. Didn't you?"

Neville grinned back and said, "Guilty."

That had Harry laughing again as Hermione laid 'girly'

punches on Neville's arm. "That wasn't nice!" she

said.

Again having to fend off getting hit, he explained, "It

wasn't my intention you'd get hit, Hermione. That part

was an accident."

She gave him a glared frown of, 'I'm still not happy

with you,' but dropped it.

Thinking for a bit, Harry asked, "Hey, Nev. Wanna grab

your two girls and meet Hermione and me in the

library for some research and assignments?"

Though Hermione was surprised, she didn't say

anything. However, Neville smiled and replied,

"Actually, that was already our plan. Coming out of

the apartment to join us lesser folk?"

Harry just blew him a raspberry in retaliation.

As they began to head to the library, Hermione asked,

"Where will they meet us?"

Neville replied, "In the library."

Hermione, a little worried, said, "I need to go up to the

apartment to collect my assignments."

"Is there some place you keep them?" asked Harry.

"Yes, on my tallboy," she replied.

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Chapter 372

"Duck into a vacant classroom or broom closet on the

way and call Betsy to get them for you," he said.

Hermione sighed. "I'm going to get lazy."

"No, you're really not," he disagreed. "It will give you

more time to start making an effort towards other

research and study. You also need to work more on

your Occlumency."

"I do that every night when I go to bed," she said.

He was surprised and said, "I didn't know that. But,

there's still what you need to learn of the nobility. The

wife of a Lord needs to know everyone of importance.

It's important for when the Lord and Lady of the

House are entertaining, plus much more."

Hermione nodded and said, "I did make a start on that.

But, other things keep cropping up."

He gave a nod and said, "That's going to happen."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Just before they reached the library, Hermione spotted

a broom closet, popped inside, called Betsy and had

her elf collect her assignments for her. The elf was

back with them in moments.

All up, she was only in there for less than twenty

seconds.

When they walked into the library it was to see the two

'Puffs already there and working on assignments.

As soon as they spotted the three, the two 'Puffs split

apart to give Neville room between them. And Harry

and Hermione sat opposite.

After quiet greetings, in case they earned the ire of the

'dragon of the library', Madam Pince, they were soon

hard at work on their assignments. They were even

quietly helping each other out with advice on what to

look for, or suggestions on where to go.

It was a couple hours later when Pince walked past

and suggested they hurry to the Great Hall. Dinner

had already just begun and she wanted to close the

library up while she ate, herself.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Once in the Great Hall and heading for their seats,

Babbling intercepted Harry as he was about to walk

around the head end of the Gryffindor table and

handed him a note with his results. She was smiling.

As he quickly unrolled the note, she quietly said,

"Very well done, Lord Potter."

Harry discovered he'd scored a low Outstanding. Still,

it was actually above what he expected - an Exceed

Expectations.

He smiled back and said, "Thank you, Professor."

She gave him a nod and went back to her seat two to

the left of Marchbanks and sat down, as Harry finally

rounded the table and sat next to Hermione.

She was bouncing so much in her seat in excitement

he had to offer the note to the girl before she slipped

and snatched it out of his hands. That would mean

he'd have to berate her again; and he really did not

want to do that.

After dinner they returned to the library and returned

to their assignments. And had to be, yet again,

'tossed' from the library when the time was quickly

approaching curfew.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Once back in their apartment, Harry was quick to pull

out the concubinage agreement Ted had sent him that

morning

He and Hermione read it through before he started to

list down a few of the changes he wanted to see

included in his and Daphne's; and clauses he wanted

removed.

He listed down on a spare sheet of parchment clauses

for both of them to easily void it if they'd not had sex.

Then clauses she - but not he - could void it if they did

have sex. Then clauses they could void it if they'd had

sex and she'd fallen pregnant from it. Each one more

restricting than the previous.

It took a while to write that as he was blushing

furiously the whole time. It was only employing his

iron will and determination to do what was right that

had him continue.

He then included the rest of the information he'd

already told Ted he wanted to see included.

Once he was done and Hermione had read what

changes he wanted included, she smiled at him and

said, "I cannot see any changes I'd like to see

included in what you've written. Send it."

With a huge sigh of relief, he had Dobby take it up to

the owlery and send it off using Hedwig. It was already

too late in the evening for him to have Dobby just

deliver it direct.

With that out of the way, they both headed for bed.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

For the Fourth Year Gryff's, Friday's classes ended at

lunch unless you also attended Muggle Studies. The

entire afternoon was theirs to do with as they wished.

But, they still had a pretty full morning: A single of

History of Magic with the 'Puffs, a single of Charms

with the 'Claws, morning tea and wrapping up with a

double of Potions with the Snakes.

After getting an earlier night's sleep both teens were

up and ready in plenty of time for breakfast.

As they were ready and about to leave, Harry

suggested, "How about we have breakfast in the

apartment tomorrow?"

"That would be nice," said Hermione. "But, what about

mail?"

He thought about it for a moment and shrugged, "It'll

be there at lunch, as usual for those who don't show

up for brekky."

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Chapter 373

Closing the door behind them while Harry paused a

moment, she said, "It'll upset Hedwig."

"I'll figure something out," he said.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

MacNair almost had to call in sick, that morning; but,

he couldn't. The Dark Lord had given him a new task

to do relating to work in the Ministry and he had to get

it done that day.

The previous evening, the Dark Lord had been very

generous with the Cruciatus upon him. He was not

happy to learn that MacNair had found where he

believed Potter to be staying, but did not think he had

sufficient evidence to take back to his master.

After much yelling and a few Cruciatus curses, the

Dark Lord then attacked his mind with brutal force

Legilimency. Again, the pain was almost excruciating,

but of a different form.

When the Dark Lord withdrew it was so sudden

MacNair collapsed to the ground, panting in agony.

"You've been obliviated, MacNair!" the Dark Lord

sneered. "Multiple times. And also had Compulsion

charms laid on you.

"Believe yourself lucky I discovered that or Nagini

would now be enjoying her dinner of you!"

"Y-y-yes, M-master!" gasped MacNair, wishing he

could just curl up and die.

"Since you were a failure at this simple task, I have

another for you," sneered Riddle. "Consider this one a

test. Fail at it and your life is forfeit."

"Y-yes, M-master!" he gasped.

"You are to go to the Ministry and discover just what

wards have been placed upon the residence you've

been monitoring for the past few weeks," explained

Riddle. "You are also to discover how many, and

which, aurors have been assigned to watch over the

property now that the Potter boy is back at Hogwarts.

"Once you have that, you are to ensure the

information reaches me with all due speed. I will be

unhappy if it is delayed even a single hour.

"Y-yes, Master."

"Succeed at that and I will have more work for you to

do. Now, begone!"

"Y-yes, Master!" he gasped yet again, as he tried to

stand. He couldn't properly and was forced to almost

crawl out of the room. He was thankful that, as soon

as he was out of the Dark Lord's sight, Pettigrew halfcarried him out.

He thought the man was showing a rare moment of

kindness, but he was not. Pettigrew just wanted him

gone, lest the Dark Lord's ire again rise and be

directed at him.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After breakfast for the students of the castle it was the

morning classes, then morning tea and then on to

Potions.

History of Magic was another new Professor for Harry

and Hermione. At breakfast Neville had told them the

new History of Magic Professor was also the new

Deputy Headmaster.

"We were a little wary of him, at first, but he's actually

alright," explained the boy. "He also makes the

subject interesting now. But, that might have more to

do with how he refused to focus on goblin wars.

"He said we've more than adequately studied those

and it was beyond time for us to spend time on other

historical events."

"What did he focus on last Monday?" asked

Hermione.

"The foundation of the Ministry of Magic and the

Wizengamot," replied Neville.

"Awww, damn," said Harry. "And I missed it?"

This time the professor focussed on the formation of

the ICW and which member nations were the charter

members of the then fledgling organisation.

Their new Deputy Headmaster and Professor of

History of Magic was both staid and excited about his

subject. It was like watching a rocket on the pad as

the jets fire up, but the rocket doesn't move. He spoke

clearly and concisely with almost a drawl, but at the

same time spoke with enthusiasm. He was a vocal

contradiction.

Harry loved it.

When they left to head for Charms, Hermione was

clearly just as excited about the class. "That was wunderful!" she exclaimed. "He clearly really knows what

he's talking about. I'll have to see Susan and Hannah

and see if I can get a copy of their notes for the first

class they had with him on Monday."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Dumbledore was entering his fourth day under the

dubious care of the medi-witches and Healers of the

DMLE secure ward at Saint Mungo's and had yet to

figure out how he was going to get out of having to

answer the Bones woman's questions under

Veritaserum, let alone get out of her clutches

completely. And he knew he was getting well enough

he'd soon be moved back into a holding cell in the

DMLE at the Ministry.

In his mind he'd already run through many ideas and

calculations. After all, what else could he do? He

wasn't even allowed a copy of the Daily Prophet to

read.

All he was allowed was a quill, ink and a few sheets of

parchment. And he knew those were only given to him

on the off chance he would write something that

would aid Bones in her interrogations.

Each time a medi-witch or -wizard came in, he'd ask

her or him questions to try to find out what was going

on out in the wider wizarding community. Each time,

they would respond with bland answers that provided

no information, at all.

The one time he flat-out asked if anyone had asked

about him, he was told simply, "No one, but Madam

Bones."

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Chapter 374

To him, that meant they were either lying to him, or no

one knew he was currently an unwilling resident of the

DMLE secure ward, or even in Saint Mungo's at all.

Each morning, the Bones woman would come in, find

out his progress in person and leave again. She was

due any moment.

Sure enough... the door opened and she walked in.

"Madam Bones," he quietly greeted her.

"Well," she exclaimed. "It seems you can teach an old

dog new tricks, after all."

When he scowled, she asked, "Does this new attitude

towards employing proper respect when speaking

with others also come with a change of attitude

towards answering my questions, Mister

Dumbledore?"

"As I have said before, Madam Bones, I will happily

answer what I can," he huffed. "I will not answer any

question related to the security of the realm."

"And since you will not answer any questions relating

to Lord Potter, means you consider the matters

surrounding Lord Potter to be a security of the realm

issue," she said. "Thank you, for that. It gives me an

angle through which I can research."

He gave another huff of annoyance and looked away.

'Damn it!' he thought.

Smirking at him, she said, "By the way, Albus; you

should be congratulating me."

"Why is that?" he snarked, which only made her grin

even more.

"I am in the final stages of seeing to my niece, Susan,

being bonded through a Concubine Bond Agreement

to young Neville Longbottom," she explained. "She is

very happy with that arrangement, as it's what she's

wanted since she was a little girl."

She did not know why, nor cared, that this news made

the old man angry. However, he never said anything.

She had no idea, yet, that Dumbledore considered

young Neville the 'alternate' to go after Tom if Harry

failed to properly sacrifice himself to the man. And

that such a Bonding would mean young Neville would

be even more unlikely to sacrifice himself for the

Greater Good than without one.

"See you tomorrow, Albus! We're getting closer and

closer to that custom version of Veritaserum for you!"

she over-cheerily said to him, before she walked to

the secure medi-witches' station and knocked on the

door. She was let in a moment later.

"Blast it!" he muttered.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

In Charms, the professor only revised back to the

beginning of Third Year. That was done by about

halfway through the second half of the second class

of the double period. He then told them they'd be

focussing on the Banishing charm.

"Some see it as the opposite of the Summoning

charm, but it's really not," he explained. "The

Summoning charm will summon an object to you from

a specific spot, while the Banishing charm will just

send the object away from you. That may or may not

be in the direction you wanted it to go, or as far as you

want it to go. That sort of control takes finesse you're

not expected to achieve yet."

They then used the same cushions they used for the

Summoning charm to banish them towards the

blackboard. Harry was carefully watching Neville. The

boy gave a slight smirk, at one stage, then clearly

shook his head and applied normal power.

Harry thought, 'I think he might have been tempted to

put the cushion through the blackboard, for a moment

there.'

That's when Harry got the idea of banishing the

cushion towards the blackboard, then immediately

summoning it back, before again banishing it.

Flitwick watched him and then laughed, "Yes, Lord

Potter. Five points to Gryffindor for alternatively using

the banishing and summoning charms on your

cushion."

That had others then copying him. Another fun

exercise to end the class; and, for the Gryffindor

Fourth Years, the week.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Straight after class, Harry suggested to Hermione they

immediately head back to their apartment and change.

"Why?" she asked.

"You need to start being comfortable wearing

upmarket, but casual, wizardingwear, Love," he

explained. "I know you prefer jeans, jumper and

trainers for this time of year; however, for a little while,

you need to project an image. For at least the next few

weeks, I'd like it for you to be aware of your status as

Lady Presumptive in front of these kids and the staff."

"I have a class on this afternoon, Harry," she replied.

"Arithmancy."

"Oh!" he exclaimed. "Sorry. I completely forgot you

were also taking that class.

"Actually, that's not quite true," he corrected himself.

"I just didn't know when the class was on."

She smiled back and said, "I have a double

Arithmancy on Friday afternoons, and a single on

Mondays immediately before lunch."

"Thank you," he replied. "I'll note that down on my

schedule. And I apologise for not being a good

betrothed and asking you when those classes were

for you.

"I still want to get changed, though, if that's alright

with you."

"Of course it's alright," she smiled.

"However," he said, "After you finish Arithmancy, I still

want to see you change into wizardry casual, alright?"

"Alright, Harry. I'll do that."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Walking into the Great Hall they'd only entered when,

within fifteen seconds the noise of all the children and

staff dropped to about a quarter of what it was. Again,

they were being stared at.

They found Neville again already waiting for them. He

was still in Hogwarts robes.

Sitting down they both greeted him and began to build

a lunch each. However and unusually, even he was

looking at them in surprise.

"Errr... Harry?" he asked. "Why aren't you wearing

Hogwarts uniform?"

Harry calmly replied, "No classes this afternoon for us

Gryffindor Fourth Years, Neville; except those doing

Arithmancy such as Hermione, here and, probably,

those doing Muggle Studies. We're done for the

week."

With an expression that showed dawning

understanding, Neville was about to say something

when Professor Babbling came down and said, "Lord

Potter, why are you not wearing your Hogwarts

uniform?"

Harry looked to her and said, "I have no classes on

this afternoon, Professor. I'm done for the week."

She frowned and said, "It is a school rule that you

must wear Hogwarts robes, Lord Potter."

Harry looked confused for a moment before he stood

and said, "Professor, please step over here." And

gestured to a spot out of the way near the wall and

between the head table and the Gryffindor table.

Without even waiting for her to agree, Harry stepped

over the bench and walked over to where he said.

Then waited for her to join him. She was still frowning

with both confusion and determination.

Knowing they were being watched by both students

and staff alike, he flicked up a privacy bubble and

said, "Professor, why do you believe I have to be

wearing Hogwarts uniform?"

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Chapter 375

"It's in the school rules, Lord Potter," she replied.

Harry gave a small snort and calmly said, "Professor,

you seem to be operating under an error of fact. The

school rules state that all students must wear

Hogwarts uniform for, 'A', the school feasts - this not a

feast - and, 'B', for all classes, unless leave is

otherwise given by a member of staff with the

authority to grant such leave - and this is not a class.

"As such, as per the school rules, I am quite within

the rules of the school to be wearing civilian wear

right now. My school day is done. Actually, since this

is a Friday, my school week is done.

"Do you have any questions for me, Professor,

concerning the information I have just clarified for

you?"

As Harry spoke the Professor's face changed from

confusion to shock. He knew she wasn't being

malicious with her question to him about his lack of

uniform, so he'd chosen to remain polite and gently

lead her through to the truth.

"Errr... No, Lord Potter," she eventually replied.

"Thank you. I shall endeavour to update my

knowledge on the school rules with some measure of

haste."

He gave a small abbreviated bow and said, "That

sounds wise, Professor."

When he returned to the table, a worried Hermione

immediately asked, "Are you in trouble?"

"No," he replied. "The Professor was operating under

a misunderstanding of the rules of the school. I

clarified it for her."

Surprised, she asked, "She didn't know the rules?"

He smiled back and said, "Do you?"

Confused, she asked, "Sorry?"

He smirked and asked, "Tell me, Miss Granger, what is

the first rule of the school rules?"

As she tried to remember she suddenly realised she

had no idea, and looked back at him in shock. She

quietly replied, "I... don't know."

"The first rule of the school rules is that all students

and staff must read, understand and obey the school

rules," he replied. "Have you breached that rule, Miss

Granger?"

Shocked even more Harry saw her try to figure that

out before her expression suddenly closed and she

looked at him with suspicion. "You have a copy of

them, don't you?"

"Of course," he grinned. "And, before you ask, I'll give

it to you once we're back in the apartment."

She scowled back for a moment before she switched

to her own smirk.

She turned to the side and softly called, "Betsy."

When the elf quietly popped in she said, "Could you

locate for me a Potter copy of the Hogwarts school

rules and put it on the table, here?"

"Yes, Mistress," the elf curtseyed and popped away

again.

She spun back to Harry and smirked at him. Harry

quietly chuckled and gave her a little quiet clap.

About five seconds later the elf was back with a copy

of the book that contained the school rules, the

history of the changes to the rules and the charter of

the school.

She immediately flicked it open and began to read the

first few pages.

"Lunch, first, Hermione," he chided her. "The

information in the book is not going anywhere."

She gave a small blush and said, "Just the

introduction, Harry. I promise."

Knowing the introduction was only a couple of

paragraphs he nodded.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Meanwhile, up on the head table as Babbling returned

to her seat, Marchbanks asked, "What was that about,

my dear?" Though, she actually had a fair idea.

Babbling continued to sit and then leaned forward to

look around Sinistra to answer. "According to Lord

Potter, the rules state he does not need to wear his

Hogwarts uniform to meals other than the feasts."

Marchbanks frowned and said, "Of course not.

Whatever gave you the idea he did?"

Blushing in embarrassment, she replied, "I believed

they did because they always do."

Marchbanks made a little 'Tsk' sound of annoyance

and said, "Have you not read the Hogwarts rules for

yourself, dear?"

"I did not know they were written down anywhere,"

she replied.

That made Marchbanks frown even more. "Of course

they are. How can you expect the students, or even

yourself, to obey the rules if they and you do not know

what they are?"

"I... had not thought of that," she shamefully admitted.

"Well!" huffed Marchbanks. "It appears we need to

correct that knowledge with some level of alacrity!"

She then looked to Harry and watched as his young

lady summoned an elf behind her. A few moments

later, what she recognised as a copy of the rules even

from this distance, appeared on the table before her.

'Clever,' she thought.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

As lunch broke up due to students needing to get to

afternoon classes, including Hermione, Harry asked

her to show him where the Arithmancy classroom

was.

"Frowning in confusion, she asked, "Why?"

"Because I'm just curious?" he asked right back.

"You've never... oh," she replied. "That was the old

Harry."

"Yup," he replied.

"Are you thinking of also adding Arithmancy to your

schedule?" she asked.

"No," replied. "I won't have the time. I've no doubt I'll

have enough work to do with the added load of being

the Lord of One of the Seven."

"Well, alright then," she replied.

He was glad she didn't push it, as the reason he

wanted to know where it was had to do with his

promise to Wendell and his personal desire to protect

her. He felt he'd have an easier time of it if he knew

her approximate location during classes throughout

the week.

Though Marchbanks had made it clear to all her views

and the new punishments for attacks within the

school, there would still be those who thought

themselves above that sort of thing; or thought they'd

get away with it, if they were caught. Harry had no

intention of Hermione being the one attacked by those

who thought they could.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After finding out the Arithmancy classroom was in the

same area of the school as the Ancient Runes

classroom, he saw her enter the room and walked off.

He hadn't even realised where he was headed until he

realised he was walking up the corridor towards the

Headmas- Headmistress's office gargoyle.

'Hunh!' he thought. 'Why not?'

Approaching the gargoyle he said to it, "Lord Potter to

see the Headmistress, if she's available."

The gargoyle didn't move for a few long seconds

before it suddenly, nimbly hopped aside, as the stairs

beyond began to rotate upwards.

Stepping through and onto the stairs, he patiently

rode them up to the top. Then knocked on the door.

"Enter," he heard from within.

Opening the door and walking in, he saw the woman

sitting behind her desk at the other end and calmly

walked forward. She appeared to be writing something

down.

As he did, she glanced up for a moment and conjured

a comfortable cushioned chair before her desk. "Good

afternoon, Lord Potter," she said. "Take a seat."

As Harry sat down, Marchbanks finished up what she

was looking through, set it aside and asked, "What

can I do for you?"

"Something I had meant to mention to you much

earlier that this, but had slipped my mind," he began,

"Are you aware Dumbledore removed from the

mandatory book lists for First Years the need for a

copy of the school rules?"

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

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

Chapter 376

"I am now," she replied. "After your short discussion

with Professor Babbling about the school rules, I

asked her why she did not already know that. She,

apparently, had no idea the rules were even written

down.

"That led me to coming up here and checking the

booklists. Though I guess I should not have been, I

was surprised to see the book was... as you just

pointed out... not included in them.

"It will be back on them for next year. Actually, I'll be

putting it on the booklists for every Year for next

year."

"Thank you," he said. "That saves me having to

convince you to do it. For your information, though,

my research a couple years ago identified

Dumbledore had removed it from the booklists about

two years after he first became Headmaster. That was

about 1957. That's why Professor Babbling, who didn't

attend her own first year until well after then, did not

know it was supposed to be there.

"I do recommend, though, you alert Obscurus Books,

the publisher of the text, you'll be putting it on the

booklist and that you'll be needing about four hundred

copies. As very few now even know about the text, I

don't think they've been publishing all that many over

the years."

"Well reasoned, Lord Potter," she replied. "I shall do

just that."

"My next point," he said. "I seem to have lost my auror

detail. Except for one, that is. Is there something I

need to know about that?"

She smirked back and replied, "You have and have

not. You still have aurors watching after you. However,

now it's the entire school."

Harry gave a snort and muttered, "Disillusioned."

"Possibly," she murmured. "I will neither confirm nor

deny that supposition."

Again he gave a snort. "Next, Alliance Secret time.

Two points."

"Go on," she said.

"First, Heir Longbottom has informed me about the

negotiations for the BA and CBA between his father,

Madam Bones and Mister Abbott. He expects that

negotiation will be completed by the end of the

weekend. Later, I advised him to request access to the

Lords' Quarters direct from you. He was hesitant, but I

told him that all you would tell him if he couldn't have

said access was 'No'; and it didn't hurt to ask. I think

I've convinced him enough."

"Well done," she said. "For your information, Lord

Longbottom has already been in contact with me to

inform me he, Madam Bones and Mister Abbott will be

visiting the school tomorrow afternoon. There's little

doubt as to why."

"No, I guess not," he replied.

"Next?" she asked.

"Ah! Secondly, I have already been approached by

Heiress Greengrass on behalf of her father to float the

idea of a CBA between her and I. From that, I have

contacted my Law-wizard of Record, Ted Tonks, to act

as my negotiator for this; and Lord Greengrass that I

was open to the suggestion and he should contact

Ted if Ted had not already contacted him.

"Yesterday, Law-wizard Tonks sent me a modified

standard Concubine Bond Agreement and asked me

to list down what other changes I wanted. I sent that

back to him last night."

"Good," she firmly stated. "The news of Heiress

Greengrass the elder entering concubinage will take a

lot of pressure off Samuel."

"That's why I'm willing to go through with this," he

agreed. "However, I've told Ted it's a deal breaker if

the Agreement does not include easy, no-penalty

escape clauses out the whazoo."

Leaning forward a little she stared directly at him and

asked, "And what if she falls pregnant? Will the

escape clauses still be in effect?"

"Hell no!" he blurted. Calming a little he added, "That

is, escape clauses may still be there, but different

ones that are a great deal harder to execute. The easy

ones included are there for if nothing... ummm...

physical happens between us. They're for if she's

uncomfortable with concubinage, after all."

She sat back and stared at him for a few moments as

her face relaxed to a smile.

Eventually, she said, "You're an amazing young man,

Lord Potter. I very much doubt there would be many

who would be so kind."

Harry blushed and had to look away. He shrugged and

said, "I can help. But that doesn't mean I can... will...

take advantage of the situation. It wouldn't be right."

Looking back, he said, "It doesn't even matter to me

that Greengrass is an allianced House; but, it certainly

helps."

"Indeed," she smiled.

"Oh," he said. "I think this is going to happen pretty

quickly. Do I have your advanced permission, with

Lord Greengrass's permission once this is done, to

ask Heiress Greengrass to move into that third

bedroom of my Lord's Quarters?"

"Of course," she replied. "That is, after all, why I

warned you of that third bedroom."

"Ummm... yeah," he softly said. He'd temporarily

forgotten that. His embarrassment made him forget.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After meeting up with Hermione as she came out of

the Arithmancy classroom, Harry asked her how it

went.

"Mar-vellous," she smiled. "Arithmancy is my

favourite subject."

"Good," he replied. "She wasn't too upset with you for

missing the first class on Monday?"

"No," she replied. "Monday was just an overview of

what was planned for the year. Daphne gave me a

copy of her notes. She's about on par with me when it

comes to taking notes in the class."

"Anything you need to do now before we return to the

Lords' Quarters?" he asked.

"Just assignments and I need to copy Daphne's notes

so I can give hers back to her," she replied. "But, we

can do that in the apartment."

"Then, let's return to the apartment and continue with

getting assignments out of the way," he suggested.

"Though 'fake' Harry didn't care, 'real' Harry really

doesn't like the idea of having assignments hanging

over his head over the weekend."

She smiled back and said, "I really like this part of the

'real' Harry.

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

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

Chapter 377

With the next day a Saturday, their first back in the

castle, the two teens had breakfast in their apartment.

Hermione, as promised, was wearing wizardingwear

casual.

After breakfast they immediately set to work to get all

the rest of their assignments for the week out of the

way and had them done well before lunch.

Finally, they exited the rooms into the public part of

the castle, not that long before they needed to get to

the Great Hall if they wanted to have lunch there. They

did.

She asked, "Feels better not having assignments to

do when you're goofing off, doesn't it?"

"I know," he replied.

"What now?" she asked.

"How about, lunch; then, if it's what you want to do,

we visit the Gryffindor common room," he suggested.

"Why do you want to go to the Gryffindor common

room?" she asked.

"I don't, really," he replied. "I thought you might want

to."

She gave a little huff of amusement and replied, "I

don't."

"Fair enough," he said. "Then, I guess we'll figure out

something to do during lunch."

As they walked, it was about three minutes later when

Hermione asked, "Heard back from Ted, yet, about

the... CBA?"

"No," he replied. "It's only been half a day, Hermione.

Give the man some time."

"You still think this is going to happen pretty quickly,

though?"

He gave a firm nod and replied, "I do. Nothing has

changed my belief Samuel Greengrass wants this

done fast."

"Then how about, after lunch, we go back to the

apartment. Just the two of us," she suggested.

"There's something private I need to talk to you

about."

"We can do that," he agreed.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Lunch was normal for a Saturday. Due to no classes -

and, therefore, no class timetables - people came and

went as they felt like it. Their only limitation was lunch

did not start until 12noon and ended at 1.30pm. You

could stay longer or arrive earlier, but no food

appeared until noon and all food was removed at

1.30pm sharp.

Harry and Hermione walked in at 12.30pm. That meant

they arrived after the 'ravenous' ones ran in and who

also probably skipped breakfast, but still had plenty of

time before the stragglers realised they were going to

miss out if they didn't get a wriggle-on and tried to

bolt their food down.

Neville joined them about ten minutes later and, on

seeing them, broke into a wide grin and lead his two

girls over.

Hermione gestured for them all to sit.

When the two girls looked uncomfortable with that,

Harry said, "The only time you are restricted to your

House tables for meals is; the welcoming feast, the

breakfast where class schedules are distributed, any

special feast that arises and the leaving feast. That's

it. You are allowed and, according to the rules, even

encouraged to sit at other tables at all other times."

Both and Neville, looked back in shock.

"Really?" squeaked Susan.

"Really," he wryly returned.

Hermione reached for her satchel and realised it

wasn't there. Then sighed. Meanwhile, Neville and the

two girls sat opposite with Neville in the middle.

Harry noticed Hermione had reached for her satchel

and said, "Look it up when we get back to the

apartment, Love."

She nodded, "I will."

Neville, sensing the break in the conversation quietly

said, "I have news. Harry, can you put up that privacy

charm you do?"

Harry gave a nod, looked to see how far away the

nearest people to them were, gave a second nod and

cast the charm.

"There," he declared. "Only those who come right in

close will be able to hear anything other than an

annoying buzz."

"Thank you," said Neville. Grinning to the two girls,

who were almost bouncing on the bench either side of

him, he said, "Dad sent me an owl, this morning―"

Susan cut in, "And Auntie Ami and Mister Abbott sent

us owls, too!" Which had Hannah happily nodding as

well.

"Good news?" smirked Harry.

"The best!" grinned Neville, though he looked a little

nervous. "He, Madam Bones and Mister Abbott are

coming to the school tomorrow, after lunch. We're to

meet with them in the Headmistress's office at

1.30pm. They'll be signing the agreements there and

Lady Marchbanks will be witness."

"That is the best news!" laughed Harry. "Nev, that's

fantastic! I'm so happy for you; for all three of you,

actually."

"Me too!" squealed Hermione. Unable to contain

herself any more, she popped up, ran around the table

and, as the girls were rising, dragged them both into a

Hermi-Hug.

Once the two were clear of the bench, they all hugged

each other and jumped around in joy.

While the girls were otherwise occupied, Harry said to

Neville, "While you're there, mate; don't forget to ask

the Headmistress for permission to move into the

Lords' Quarters with the girls. Trust me."

Neville firmed up, gave a nod back and said, "I will."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After signalling to Daphne and Tracey, who were

sitting at the Slytherin table watching and clearly

understanding what was happening, the five went out

to the antechamber they'd used previously.

A couple of minutes later, both Slytherins came out of

the Great Hall and hurried over, slipping in through

the door.

Both Hannah and Susan turned to them, squealed in

happiness and launched themselves at both girls.

"Yes?" asked Tracey.

"Yes!" both girls replied, before Hannah added,

"Tomorrow!"

That had all four now happy.

Daphne managed to separate and walked over to

where Neville was standing a little apart with Harry

and Hermione.

Without a word, she laid a big hug on him; behaviour,

Harry never expected of her.

Once she'd hugged Neville, Harry asked her, "Mind

stepping over here for a moment?" And moved a little

further away.

She gave a nod and joined him apart from everyone

else.

"I have contacted my Law-wizard of Record, Ted

Tonks of the House of Black, to inform him of my

decision to approach your father seeking a Concubine

Bond Agreement between you and me," he told her. "I

also sent an urgent message to your father, at the

same time, letting him know we had an agreement-inprinciple and that Ted would be in contact with him.

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

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

Chapter 378

"Ted sent me a modified standard agreement

yesterday and I sent back the changes I wanted to see

included.

"Just so you know what the gist of them are, they are:

One; so long as nothing... physical... happens

between us, both of us will have easy escape clauses

we can activate at any time. Two; if something

physical happens, you will still have the easy escape

clauses, but I will not; mine will have significant

financial penalties involved. Three; if we... if you... ffall pregnant from s- physical activity between us,

then escape clauses will still exist; but, such escape

clauses will have serious financial penalties for the

one who then breaks the agreement, especially me."

As he was talking he worked hard to keep from

blushing, but wasn't completely successful. It was

hard enough to get through saying it.

"There will not be a clause that requires you to... you

won't be required to do anything you don't want to;

understand?"

As she looked at him with wide eyes she couldn't

speak. She just nodded back while staring fixedly at

him.

"This is to keep you safe from those who would mean

you and or your House harm―"

That was as far as he got before she mimicked a

Hermi-Hug and jumped at him, throwing her arms

around him in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Harry," she sniffled.

"You're welcome," he replied, finally bringing his own

arms up to caress her back.

After a few moments he gently pushed her away to

again look into her now watery eyes. "Now it just

depends on your father. If he tries to use this situation

to demand fiscal benefits... then, I'm sorry, I've

instructed Ted not to proceed."

"He won't," she earnestly promised. "Father's not an

idiot. He'll very quickly work out what you're doing

and will approve."

"Good," he said, relieved. "I also want you to know

that, if you want out because you've met someone and

would prefer to be with them, I'm open to discussing

that; alright?"

"Thank you, Harry," she replied.

"I don't ever want you to think that you'll be with me,

or are with me, because you have to be with me. You

get to choose."

She nodded and smiled, her eyes sparkling with

brimming moisture.

When they pulled apart to turned back to the others, it

was to see them watching back. Harry checked

Hermione and saw not a hint of jealousy. If anything,

she clearly approved.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After they'd left the antechamber and he was walking

alone with Hermione returning to their apartment,

Hermione looked to Harry and said, "You did good, in

there."

"I don't think I could do anything else," he simply

returned.

"No, I don't think so, either," she agreed.

As they approached the door to the Lords' Quarters, it

was to see Malfoy and his pet bookends step out of an

alcove with a smirk on his face. All three had their

wands drawn. It was clear Malfoy wanted to 'start'

something.

Harry sighed. He knew this was going to happen,

sooner or later. Malfoy just couldn't help himself.

As a mutter loud enough for only Hermione to hear, he

said, "Whatever you do, do not retaliate. Let the new

wards do their job."

"Understood," she quietly replied.

When they were about twenty feet away, Malfoy raised

his wand to a more ready position and said, "Potter.

Rumour has it―"

But, surprising Malfoy, Harry didn't even pause as he

expected. Instead, he kept walking forward; which

brought Malfoy's little monologue to an abrupt and

confused halt.

When he was about four feet away, Harry finally

stopped. He chose the distance as it put him in reach

to snatch Malfoy's wand out of his hand if the little

white ferret tried to launch a curse or hex.

With a sigh, he said, "Mister Malfoy, is it your intent to

piss off the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House

of Potter, or the Heir Tertiary of the Noble and Most

Ancient House of Black?"

When Malfoy looked confused, he continued, "I only

ask as I'll need to know if I shall be contacting your

father directly, as Lord Potter, to inform him how badly

his Heir completely and utterly screwed up; or Lord

Black, so he can have the honour."

When Malfoy still looked confused - Potter didn't

retaliate, as he expected - Harry continued to explain,

"And, I only ask because your father will want to know

why it is he's just discovered his marriage contract

has been irrevocably torn asunder, the Black dowry

your mother received from the House of Black has

been yanked out of his own accounts back to the

House of Black accounts and your mother and you

have been Disowned."

Malfoy went white. "Y-you wouldn't!"

"I would," he shot back. "And faster than you can say,

'Wait 'til my father hears of this'."

Malfoy stood there for a few moments more before his

face flushed and he developed an angry scowl. "You'll

get yours, Potter!"

"My Share? Oh, I intend to, Malfoy," he happily

declared back. "I'm sure Lord Black will happily give

me my share of what was part of the Malfoy fortune,

when he yanks it out of your father's accounts. What

do you think; is one fifth of it a fair cut?

"After all, I'll have been the one that pushed you far

enough you engaged your wand and not your brain,

didn't think it through and had a shot at me; which

allowed Lord Black to legally take it.

"You see, Mister Malfoy; I do not think it's a matter of

'if' with you, only a matter of 'when'. And I'm happy to

bide my time until your over-developed sense of selfentitlement exceeds your pitiful authority and gives

me that excuse."

The whole time Harry was smirking at the boy in

amusement, Malfoy could only stand there feeling

impotent. And he now knew Potter knew that.

Harry chuckled and said, "I do not know why you

bother to engineer these little incidences between you

and me, Malfoy. Unless your godfather has been there

to pull your nads out of the fire by swooping in and

assigning me and others with me with spurious losses

of points and detention, you've never won a single

one of them; not on the grounds, not on the Express,

not here in the castle. Even then, you never won; he

did, by abusing his authority as a Professor.

"Well, he's now in Azkaban partly because of that

abuse of authority. So, regarding him, I won in the

end.

"Now, will there be anything else, or will you blurt

'Wait 'til my father hears of this' and storm off like you

usually do?"

Clearly furious, Malfoy lowered his wand, backed up

half a step started to say, "Wai―" before he snapped

his mouth shut and stormed off.

Harry watched him go and looked to the two now

confused bookends. "Well?" With a flick of his fingers

he indicated Malfoy's direction and said, "Your lord

and master went that way. Best hurry to catch up.

Without you both standing there looking mean,

someone's liable to laugh at him."

Both boys, still confused, turned and hurried to catch

up with the blonde ferret.

Harry then heard chuckling and turned just in time to

see an auror standing ten feet away dispel the last of a

Disillusionment charm as he watched the three hurry

away.

Turning his attention to Harry he said, "That was

hilarious." And chuckled again.

"I'm glad you're amused," Harry smirked back. "And

I'm sure you'd never consider sharing the memory of

that with the auror bullpen. That would be shameful

behaviour. Lucy Malfoy might find out about it if you

did that and go into a right royal snit."

The auror laughed again and said, "You're an evil

young man, Lord Potter." Then turned and walked

away as he re-donned his disillusionment charm.

Once they were sure he'd gone, Hermione asked,

"How'd you know he was there?"

"I didn't," he replied. "I just suspected he or another

was. However, I'm also aware of the new and

reactivated wards Headmistress Lady Marchbanks

has activated. As soon as Malfoy fired a curse, the

entire staff would have been alerted to it. All we both

needed to do was avoid it and wait. That's why I

specifically said, 'Don't retaliate'."

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

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

Chapter 379

Once inside the apartment, where Harry was still

chuckling a little, Hermione said, "Take a seat. I need

to get something from my room for our talk."

As he sat back Harry managed to calm down and

waited for his Love. He was thinking about how much

easier life in Hogwarts was going to be with both the

new wards and the presence of the aurors. And how

accepting Hermione had apparently become of the

still-developing CBA between he and Daphne.

Hermione then re-entered the living room wearing the

same fluffy pink dressing gown he'd accidentally seen

her wearing their last morning at the Granger

residence, when he'd heard her cry out and raced up

stairs to help.

Same as then, it did not look like she was wearing

anything under it. However, this time, she wasn't

wearing the white towel wrapped around her head for

her hair.

As she walked forward, she asked, "Remember this?"

"Errr... yes?" he replied. His throat felt a little tight.

As she got closer she said, "Well, if you were about

ten seconds slower, you would have seen this!"

And, just like that, she flicked the robe off her

shoulders and allowed it to drop to the floor as she

stopped about five feet and in front of him.

She was naked.

As she stood there, with her left knee closed over her

right a little to 'cover' the lower part of her lady bits,

Harry couldn't utter a word.

Finally, he managed to squeak out, "I... I... W-wow!"

Quickly snapping his eyes back up to hers, he was in

time to see her stop worrying at her bottom lip with

her top teeth and smile back.

"Y-you... Y-you're gorgeous!" he blurted.

Her smile widening into a blushing grin she softly

said, "Thank you, Harry."

When he then tried to stand so he wasn't face to...

lady cauldron, she stepped forward, placed a hand in

his chest and pushed him back into the chair.

As soon as he was back in it she spun around and sat

on his lap. She was very pleased to feel he definitely

appreciated her looks. And gave a little squirm.

As soon as she saw the slight expression of pain flit

across his face, she stopped as she did not want to

hurt him; and leaned into him with her arms around

his neck.

All Harry knew was that he now had a lap full of a very

attractive naked young woman and 'little Harry' had

painfully popped up to say, 'Hello!'

When she leaned into him and wrapped her arms

around his neck, he reactively wrapped his arms

around her waist. Her... naked... waist. And that led to

a slow snogging kiss.

Little Harry was calling out, 'Hey! Here I am! The twins

and I are getting crushed here!'

Finally getting his will power back under control, he

gently pushed her back to sit upright a little to give

him some room to breathe and managed to say, "Not

that I don't appreciate it, very much; but, what brought

this on?"

She gave another little squirm and replied, "Multiple

reasons. First and foremost, I wanted to. I think our

relationship should progress a bit more and I didn't

think you'd be against it―"

"I'm not!" he quickly blurted.

Pausing to smile at him, she continued, "Second, if

the Concubine Bond Agreement between you and

Daphne is finalised as quickly as even I now suspect,

Daphne will be up here with us before very long; and I

don't think I could do this - walk out here and be nude

- if she was here.

"And, third, as you've now finished reading that book

Sirius had you read, I wanted to give you the gift of

seeing, at least the part of it about a woman's body, in

the flesh."

Standing up again, she stepped away and gave a slow

twirl with her arms out a little. "What do you think?"

"I said it already," he breathily replied, looking her

over again. "Wow!"

When she gave a little giggle, she chose this time to

sit alongside him and sit back.

Which caused him to slide a little further away and

turn towards her.

She sat there, leaning back onto the back cushions,

her hands clasped over her lower tummy and her legs

out straight before her with her ankles crossed.

"Now," she smiled. "Review time. About chapter

eight―"

Giving a start, he blurted, "But that's about your...

umm―" And indicated towards the junction of her

legs.

"I know," she quietly said, smiling while uncrossing

her ankles and slowly allowing her legs to spread.

However, Harry could also see the worry buried in her

eyes, too. He was determined he wasn't going to mess

this up. He'd rather die, first.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Hermione finally managed to coax him into touching

her, "You need to touch some places to feel for

yourself, Harry. You can't see them without... sticking

your face in there and forcing me open."

When she was sure Harry had 'felt' everything he

needed to understand, she managed to coax him to

disrobe. "Don't you think it's a little unfair you get to

see me and I don't get to see you?"

"But... ummm... you see―"

"You have an erection," she simply stated. "It's

natural."

While he was blushing madly she finally managed to

get him out of his clothes and lay back like she did.

Then she convinced him to allow her to touch him.

And, as she was touching him, he had to warn her

about something... Then it was too late.

Mortified while Hermione didn't seem that surprised,

she eventually managed to calm him down again. "It's

alright, Harry," she soothed. "No need to be

embarrassed. I'm actually quite happy that happened."

And used his wand - the wooden one - to clean up the

mess.

After that 'accident', they were able to sit there and let

their hands do the walking for a while as they asked

each other intimate questions about each other's

bodies.

But, after almost two hours, she said, "I think we'd

better stop and get dressed again. Dinner's not that

far away. Besides," she giggled, "You need to wash."

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

After that couple of hours of learning about each

other's bodies, both redressed and were ready for

dinner in plenty of time.

Once dressed, Hermione said, "Now, how about we

invite the other Heirs up here for dinner, tomorrow

night?"

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

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

Chapter 380

Dressed himself but still pulling his shoes on - he did

need that shower first - Harry replied, "Sounds good.

We'd have to subtly check with Neville and his two

girls first, though. They might have only just moved

into their own Lord's Quarters and want to experience

it on their own."

"We'll ask," she replied.

Lacing his second shoe up and standing up, Harry

said, "I'm ready."

"Just in time," she replied, then indicated the door.

"Shall we?"

Harry smiled, nodded and headed for the door to open

it for her.

As they walked down the short hallway to the main

door back into the public corridor, he said, "Thank

you. That was... wonderful."

She smiled back and said, "You're welcome. And

thank you, for allowing me to explore, as well.

"And, because you didn't push for more, I think we

can allow hands to wander a little more freely when

we... snog... in future."

He happily smiled back.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Before they went down for breakfast the next morning,

Harry called Dobby.

"Yes, Master Harry?" he asked.

Indicating the large window in the room, he asked, "Is

it possible to do something to that window to allow

owls to travel through it without vanishing the glass,

or something?"

"Oh, yes, Master Harry," replied the little elf. "Dobby

can be using elf magic to make the glass so owlies

can pass through. It be stoppings everything else,

though."

"That's excellent, Dobs," replied a relieved Harry. "Can

you do that and set up a roost for owls near it? I have

a feeling Hedwig would be welcoming of it."

"Dobby can gets it done, Master Harry," the elf firmly

replied.

"Thank you, Dobby," he said.

Less than thirty seconds later, Dobby caused the large

window to glow blue for a moment, then turned

slightly and set up a roost that would fit two to three

owls. Directly with it he also conjured a small tray for

owl treats and water. And under it he conjured a tray

that would catch any droppings.

Harry was somewhat amazed. "Brilliant, Dobby! That

looks perfect!"

Dobby gave a pleased smile, caused the owl treat tray

and water to be stocked and popped away again.

After quietly watching Dobby perform the work,

Hermione said, "That's actually quite clever."

"Thank you," he said.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

Ten minutes later, the two walked in through the doors

of the Great Hall. Today was the day Neville would be

entered into two relationship agreements; a Betrothal

Agreement and a Concubine Bond Agreement. And

they wanted to make sure all three were alright and

weren't about to panic.

Looking to the Hufflepuff table as they walked, both

could see both girls were fine. If anything, they were

both ineffably pleased and excited. The only darkness

in their moods was when they looked to Neville and

worried a little.

As they walked past to round the head end of the

Gryffindor table, Harry could see his mate looking

almost sick. He cast a quick glance in Hermione's

direction before they moved to sit either side of him.

After sitting and his mumbled greetings, Hermione

asked Neville, "How are you with your assignments?

Up to date?"

Confused, he looked to her and muttered, "Sorry? I've

had other things on my mind."

"We noticed," she said. "So, how are your

assignments coming along?"

"Hermione, you know they're fine," he grumbled.

"Why are you asking?"

"It's called 'distraction therapy', Neville," she replied.

"You're way too focussed on something that's making

you fret. I want you to focus on something else."

"I'm fine," he muttered.

"That won't work," she smiled. "That's Harry's default

response when he's unhappy about something."

Harry chuckled and replied, "It is, too!"

Neville sighed and said, "I don't think you're going to

be able to 'distract' me."

"Hmmm," said Harry. Then quietly asked, "What if

Hermione shows you her breasts. Would that distract

you?"

As Neville's head snapped around to stare back in

shock, Hermione quietly exclaimed, "Harry!"

That had the boy blush to the roots of his hair and try

to look anywhere but at either of them.

Hermione firmly, but quietly, declared, "I am not going

to show Neville my breasts!"

"I'm not saying you should, Hermione," said Harry.

"I'm just trying to set a level at which Neville can be

distracted."

"Errr... Ummm―" Neville stuttered.

"Mmm," said Harry. "Maybe something else, then."

"Definitely," snapped Hermione.

"How about..." he mused. "After breakfast, we all head

to the library. Neville, my educating of Hermione on

pureblood and noble customs and etiquette has, so

far, been rather slap-dash. I've been teaching her what

I can, but my knowledge is not that much older than

hers.

"That I can do!" Neville was quick to say. 'Anything to

get off the subject of Hermione's boo- err... breasts,'

he thought.

"Great!" exclaimed Harry. "Now, she knows the

basics; such as, the various levels of Houses, the

various levels of nobility, the various levels of heirs,

that sort of thing. But, I meant to go over how a House

is created and another elevated. It would also help her

to know how a House can be, though rarely, dropped

back a rank.

"Do you think that's something you can help teach?"

"Yes," Neville firmly replied. "Gran made sure I knew

all of that before I even started at Hogwarts... here."

"Excellent," grinned Harry. Leaning around him he

said to Hermione, "Looks like you won't have to show

him your breasts after all, Love."

Again, Neville blushed and refused to look at either of

them.

"Harrison James Potter!" she quietly but firmly

declared. "You and I will be having words later."

"I never said you should or will show him your

breasts, love," he said, oozing sincerity. "I just asked

if it would distract him."

Neville finally turned to look at him and smirked, "That

was... evil."

"Hey!" he said. "It worked, didn't it? I've now got your

promise you're going to help me teach Hermione, after

breakfast, more about the Houses."

Hermione glared back, but he could also see she'd put

two and two together and figured out what he'd done.

"Fine," grinned Neville. "It worked. Happy?"

"Yup!" he happily declared back. "Now, while we eat,

how about we go over a plan of attack of what to teach

her?"

With a sigh, Neville replied, "As you said, how a

House is formed, promoted or demoted. We can do all

that in that order. I'm sure the library, here, has the

books we need."

Harry nodded and said, "If not, we can ask the elves to

collect the books you might need from our two

Households. Now, eat up. We can't have you collapse

at the table in the library from hunger while you're

trying to teach."

And, finally, Neville was able to eat without feeling as

if he was just going to vomit it all back up again.

_‗_

―==(oIo)==―

ˇ

A little while later, as Neville was trying to go over with

Hermione an overview of what he'd be teaching, Harry

excused himself to go over to the 'Puff table and talk

to the two girls.

Immediately sitting in a space opposite, he quietly

said to them, "Neville was on the verge of throwing up

when Hermione and I turned up. He was shaking

somewhat and looked a little faint.

"To snap him out of it I gave him something to think

about other than fretting over what's going to happen

immediately after lunch."

Suspicious, as she'd been carefully watching Neville's

reactions, Hannah immediately asked, "What did you

do?" It even sounded accusatory.

Looking to make sure no one was trying to listen in,

he leaned forward and quietly said, "Don't hex me for

it, as it clearly worked; but, I asked him if Hermione

showing him her breasts would work."

Both girls looked back, stunned. Susan gasped, "Yyou didn't!"