Hermione had a dreamy look on her face, "I'll be Mrs Potter, oh Harry this is a dream come true." The resulting snog was broken when a clearing of Adrian Greengrass's throat was louder than the giggles coming from his two daughters.
"Lord Potter, I'm sorry to interrupt but I wanted to congratulate you on the fabulous achievement your Institute is, I am delighted that both my daughters will be attending but could you answer a question for me please?" Harry nodded for the man to continue, " Mathew Boot is spreading rumours as to why his son was not welcome here, could I hear your version please?"
Harry took a moment to get Hermione's help with is reply, "when Daphne stood up with the others that morning she was making a statement that she supported me rather than the current system, that meant a lot to me and was directly responsible for the Institute being born. All those students put their faith in me and I promise to do my best to live up to it, by the same token those who remained seated chose the current system and are welcome to it."
Adrian was nodding indicating he understood Harry's point of view.
"We currently can't take any students older than us as the Institute is still growing, but younger students like Astoria didn't know me and most wouldn't have the maturity to stand and make a declaration in the great hall in front of the whole school. For the students who have shared classes with me for three years they had the knowledge and maturity to make their choice, if two Slytherins can publicly support Harry Potter then there is no excuse for anyone else choosing not to. Terry Boot made his and his father had no argument other than he wanted the best school for his son so thought he would try intimidation - big mistake."
Hermione added to the argument, "Ravenclaw house decided en mass not to support Harry and I, we think the incident where we publicly called them on their bullying of the girl we think of as a sister had something to do with it. Apart from Luna only Padma chose to follow us and now the so-called 'smartest house' are realising they have made a big mistake, we have had enquiries from almost everyone of our year group but they have all been given the same answer – that year group is full. Luna and Ginny have spent the summer here and are studying hard to skip a year which will take it to full capacity."
Harry smiled knowingly, "my information is that apart from the Ravenclaws only two other students from our year have confirmed they will be returning to Hogwarts and, as yet no new staff have been appointed. We understand why they're panicking but it's not our fault that Hogwarts standards are slipping, they should be looking nearer to home for answers to why that is."
It was a thoughtful Adrian Greengrass who continued, "if you have that information then you must know about the children of death eaters being taken care off," Harry said nothing but the fence sitter had heard and seen enough to make up his mind. "Lord Potter I have been impressed with your achievements but they pale in comparison with the dedication to your ideas and commitment to those who have faith in you."
"Daphne is a good judge of character and the way she has been treated while attending your Institute has been first class. My family and I have faith in you therefore I would like to publicly align the house of Greengrass with the house of Potter."
Harry immediately held out his hand, "it would be an honour sir," and both shook hands as a light flashed through them signifying their magical agreement.
Daphne was shocked at how quickly her father had decided the fate of their house, she totally agreed with him but thought he would sit a while longer to see how the land lay. Even her years in Slytherin though couldn't contain the question she was desperate to ask, "what did happen to Draco, Pansy and the rest of them?"
"Oh don't worry, they're being well taken care of and continuing their education abroad," Harry's smile gave nothing away.
....
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