Chapter 31
-oOo-
February 21, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry stepped through the door in black House Potter robes today. Amelia had said he should be here as Scion, and he didn't want to where the red ones two days in a row.
A quick look around the room showed more people than he expected to see. Headmistress McGonagall was sitting behind her desk. Amelia sat next to a relatively short lady with the same dark hair, dark eyes and haughty face as Pansy Parkinson. He recognized this woman from the Wizengamot meets.
Pansy sat next to the woman, looking rather glum.
Next to Amelia was Mr. Tonks. On the far side of the Parkinsons was one of the solicitors from the trial yesterday. This must be a rather more severe conversation than he thought.
"It is nice to see you are on time," the Headmistress said.
Harry gave a quarter bow. "Headmistress McGonagall. Madam Bones. Solicitor Tonks. Miss Parkinson. I am afraid I don't know the others here."
Lady Parkinson gave him a glare that might have killed a lesser being. "Scion Potter," she said with venom on her voice.
He cast a quick look to Amelia. "Scion Potter, this is Lady Parkinson and her solicitor, Mr. Cameron."
"A pleasure," Harry said, not liking the way the woman was looking at him.
Lady Parkinson looked very unhappy. "Can we get this over with and know what this boy wants of us?"
"I would like this to remain civil, please. I have agreed to this meeting to talk about how Miss Parkinson can return to Hogwarts, especially after being withdrawn for over a month," Headmistress McGonagall said in her severe voice she used when trying to keep a class or the Great Hall under control.
"Yes. I would have handled the details myself, but Lady Parkinson demanded that Scion Potter be at this meeting," Amelia replied coolly. "I would also remind you, Madam Parkinson, Scion Potter is Head of your House."
"You may be the Regent Potter, but you are not the regent of my House," the other woman said in a cold tone.
"It was your husband that declared the blood feud and was found to have harmed the House of Potter and Greengrass. Now, I have an agreement drawn up by our solicitor stipulating that the House of Potter shall pay for the remaining years of education for Miss Parkinson as long as a few stipulations are met," Amelia said as Harry moved to stand behind her.
The woman next to Pansy made a face. "I know the type of agreements that are usually made like this. My daughter is in a courtship with the Scion Malfoy. A courtship you can't break," she stated.
"Madam, Scion Potter or myself do not wish to break any such agreements," Amelia stated.
"Well, he certainty isn't taking her on as a second wife," Lady Parkinson scowled. "We are thirteen generations pure, and I won't see our blood..."
Harry was about to say something but stopped when Amelia rose her hand. "Scion Potter is not interested in anything like that."
The woman eyed him for a moment. "Are you saying Pansy isn't good enough?"
Harry wanted to scream at the woman, but this was one of those times that he knew he should let Amelia speak for him. Madam Bulstrode would hide him otherwise when she found out... well, not hide, but having to do all those drills on polite etiquette was just as bad.
"I am not saying anything of the sort. I am saying that Scion Potter is the Head of your House. As Head-of-House, he has offered to pay for Pansy's schooling under three stipulations. Would you care to hear them out?" Amelia responded in a cool tone.
After a moment, Lady Parkinson nodded.
"First, Ms. Parkinson is to get better grades. From this time forwards, she is to maintain an exceeds expectations in five classes and receive an acceptable in all other classes until she receives her O.W.L.'s," Amelia said.
Pansy's head shot up, finally paying attention to the conversation. "I what!"
"Second," Amelia said, pretending she didn't hear Pansy's outburst, "Miss Parkinson isn't to cause or be involved in any fights or arguments unless it is in self-defence."
"How am I to get my grades up," she whinged. "Father always made sure..."
"Be quiet," her mother hissed at her daughter. "What is the third stipulation?"
"Miss Parkinson is to make a minimum of six OWL's, four must be Exceed Expectations or higher so she may go onto N.E.W.T level classes. If she fails to do so in her fifth year, she shall repeat and try again," Amelia said. "She is then to get a minimum of four NEWT's."
Lady Parkinson frowned. The woman looked rather suspicious. "That is it? You are not asking for anything else?"
"That is it. Miss Parkinson is here to learn and to become a productive member of our society when she graduates. If she does so, we shall discuss an increase to the trust vault that will be set up for her. Solicitor Tonks will setup a schedule based on Miss Parkinson's grades, OWL and NEWT results when we meet next week to discuss the future of House Parkinson," Amelia told the woman, taking a parchment from Mr. Tonks and handing it to Lady Parkinson.
Lady Parkinson looked rather dubious and unscrolled the parchment.
"Mother, you said all I had to do was get good grades in Potions and Herbology," Pansy said desperately.
"Be quiet, Pansy," her mother snapped as she read. After a moment, she looked over to Amelia and then up to Harry. "I have heard Scion Potter and Heiress Greengrass are top of the class?"
"Heiress Greengrass and Heiress Granger have been swapping that position this year. Scion Potter is a solid third. They run a study group that contains five of the top ten students. I am sure, with Scion Potter being the head of House Parkinson, he would be willing to have Ms. Parkinson join them," Professor McGonagall suggested, giving him a significant look.
He nodded his head. "We are always welcoming to those that will work, cooperate and not cause issues," he said, looking to Pansy, who met his eyes with a scared look. "Ms. Parkinson can ask Heiress Greengrass about our rules and when we meet. I would request her attend a minimum three times a week."
Lady Parkinson still didn't look pleased but nodded. "Very well. Pansy will attend these sessions. What should happen if she does not achieve these grades?"
"We are still in talks about how much Miss Parkinson is to get in her trust fund. These grades will be a large part of how large her trust will be. If needed, you will have to talk to Professor McGonagall about possible summer remediation. This will be the responsibility of you and your daughter, Madam Parkinson," Amelia said. He could see the cringe that Lady Parkinson was already being demoted in title, even if it wasn't official yet.
"Mother, this can't happen," Pansy whinged again. "I can't work with Potter and the others! What about..."
Lady Parkinson turned her stare to her daughter and Pansy trailed off. When she was sure Pansy would remain quiet, she turned back to Amelia. "Madam Bones, will this affect anything else? Like marriage contracts?"
"No. Ms. Parkinson's schooling and trust vault are independent of other negotiations that will occur next week," Amelia replied.
"Regi, what do you think?" Lady Parkinson asked, handing the parchment over to her solicitor.
"Can I have a short bit to review this?" Mr. Cameron asked.
"Of course. Headmistress McGonagall has agreed to allow Ms. Parkinson to start as soon as the agreement is made. Payment for her schooling shall follow," Amelia said.
The woman made a look to Pansy to remain silent. Lady Parkinson turned to Harry. Harry met her gaze. He was the senior member here and wouldn't cave to her intimidating stare. "My husband was a fool. He has cost us everything by following a man that was not worthy of our Blood. Given the harm to you and your House, why would you be so kind to what remains of my family? I can guarantee you that my husband would not be."
Harry didn't let any emotion show on his face. It was hard, but he managed. "Madam Parkinson, I know what it is to have nothing. As much as your husband has aggrieved myself and others, Ms. Parkinson has really done nothing more than toss insults. The one time she drew a wand on myself and my intended, she was unable to cast. For that, I offer her a way to redemption. There is no evidence the rest of your family has done more than that either. My regent and I have decided to not unduly punish the entire House of Parkinson. Regent Potter will give you the full details next week."
Pansy had cast her eyes down again. Where her mother still looked ready to fight, Pansy looked half-broken.
The woman regarded him for a moment before snorting. "I would have never figured a half-blood to have such honour."
-oOo-
March 6, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
"Tracey, are you sure about this?" Neville asked, looking around the corridor. It was getting close to curfew and he had to walk her back to the Slytherin common room.
Tracey was crouching down, her wand moving and leaving silver runes along the floorboard. They were at the base of the stairs that led to the portrait of the Fat Lady. In the last month and a half, Tracey had taken it onto herself that she was going to get the Weasley's.
Tracey was muttering to herself as she moved her wand.
Neville was definitely more nervous as he looked around. Stragglers should be passing by here anytime now, and Fred and George were often known to be stragglers. It was another two minutes before Tracey stopped muttering and cocked her head to the side to look at her work.
"That should get them this time," she said a little smugly.
"What did you do?" he enquired.
She stood up with a smirk on her face. "You'll see. Now, let's go find an alcove for a few minutes before you walk me back."
"But it's only twelve minutes to curfew. If we go now, I can just make it back," he told her.
Tracey bit her lip, her eyes turning into pleading puppy dog eyes and her hand slipping into his. "You would leave your intended to just wander alone on her own?"
Neville knew he was had. With a small huff he looked at her unimpressed. "You are not getting your way on this." He suddenly jerked his head, thinking he heard footsteps.
Tracey giggled and started to run up the stairs. They would have to go to the fifth floor, then back down. Neville took off with her.
"It would be nice if we could stay in the library after nine," a girl said.
"Oh, come off it, Becca. I'm already tired and it's only Monday," another girl retorted.
"Come on," Tracey encouraged, trying to stifle her laughter.
"Are they going to be targets?" Neville asked. They cleared the railing of the fifth floor just as two older girls came into the stairwell. Neither of them looked up.
"No," Tracey mouthed to him. They ran into the old classroom areas and around the curved hall. Tracey stopped when they neared the stairwell again. "We should wait here for a few minutes. I see a few others going to your common room.
"What did you do?"
"If I got it right, you should see in as soon as they pass the runes," she smiled maniacally.
"And here I thought the Gryffindors were the only troublemakers," he said jokingly to her.
"Us Snakes are just sneakier about the trouble we make."
Neville snorted. "I thought Harry was a bad influence on me at times."
Tracey stopped peering around the edge. "Something you not telling me about?"
Neville shook his head. "No. He has just broken more rules than just about anyone. Hermione too."
"Well, they are Gryffindors. None of your lot are usually subtle... oh, hush," she said, suddenly growing very serious as she looked out from their hiding place again.
Neville peered around the corner to see what was happening. Fred and George were walking up from the lower levels with Lee Jordan. The way they were talking it was apparent they were up to something.
Tracey grabbed his forearm, her hand tightening more and more on his arm as they got closer to the stair. Neville watched as they stepped on it. For a heartbeat, he thought Tracey had been found out again, but when they stepped up to the next step, it happened.
With a puff of golden smoke coming from their hair, their heads down to the center of their chests were obscured. Tracey's hand clenched in a painful way. Then, a second later, the smoke disappeared, and the two redheads were now sporting giant lion manes around their head.
The twins looked shocked, and Tracey's face went from concern, to shock to adulation.
"What the bloody hell," one of the twins cried out.
That was all it took. Tracey let out a whoop as Lee started to laugh at them. Neville, forced to move as one of the twins looked up, pushed Tracey back into the hall and put his hand over her mouth. She was too jubilant to calm down as she laughed and tried to talk through his hand. "Trace, shut it or they will find us," Neville said as a warning.
As a response, her tongue licked his hand.
"Gross! How old are you?" he asked, taking his hand away.
"DID YOU SEE THAT!" she just about yelled in her excitement. "Nev! I did it! It only took fourteen tries, but I did it! I can say I pranked the Weasley twins, and they don't know who did it!"
"If you keep going like that, they will," he hissed back at her, looking around frantically.
"I did it! I can't wait to tell Daphne," she kept going.
"How about telling the whole castle!" he whisper-yelled.
"I did it! I did it!" she started to childishly chant at him.
Neville, not wanting to get into a prank war with the twins, had to find a way to shut her up. The only sure way he knew was to occupy her mouth. He pushed her against the wall and then put his mouth over hers as she started to spout off how to do the next prank. It took a few seconds for her to get the hint.
By the time the twins, still sporting huge lion manes, ambushed them, Tracey was more into Neville's tongue in her mouth than talking.
"Gotcha!" one of them yelled, his wand out and pointing at them.
Tracey gave a little squawk as Neville pulled away. His wand jumped to his hand and met George's. He was glad for all the months of extra training. The other twin was just behind the first and Lee suddenly sprang up from the other side of the hall.
Neville and Tracey were breathing a little hard. In the last two minutes it took for them to setup this trap, Tracey had been very into the kiss and Neville had not complained.
"Oh, just Longbottom and Davis," one of the twins said disappointedly.
Tracey started to laugh. "Love the new hairdo," she commented.
Neville gave a slight smile. She did deserve this victory.
The other twin narrowed his eyes. "What would you know about it?"
Lee came to their aid. "You think Longbottom and Davis would do this?"
"She is a snake," the first twin accused.
Tracey's demeanor changed instantly. "And what is that supposed to mean?" her voice was calm and steely. Neville knew that voice and knew this would not end well.
"It means you are sneaky and resourceful enough to do this... and possibly the other pranks in the last month or so," the twin in the back said rather suspiciously.
"Is that all you mean?" Tracey challenged
Lee looked at them. The first twin said, "Some of those pranks were rather sophisticated."
"And rather clever. I almost missed the paper attached to underside of my collar," the other responded.
"Damn, I thought I hid that well," Tracey snapped.
Neville had to stifle his grown.
"That was her? I thought it was that Hufflepuff that keeps trying to get you," Lee stated.
"Oh, bloody hell," Tracey replied.
The twins both got slightly evil smirks and lowered their wands. "Very well played, Miss Davis," the twin in the back said with a bow.
"That was quite clever. How did you do it though? I didn't detect any potions or charms," the other replied before bowing to her.
Tracey curtsied. "Let me know if you figure it out," she replied rather coyly.
"Oh, we will," the one in back said.
"Of course, one turn deserves another," the second said.
"You are right, Forge."
"Tell me about it, Gred."
"You know I am always game," Lee pipped up.
As much as he wanted out of this, he wouldn't leave Tracey. "You do anything to Tracey, you will have to deal with me," Neville warned.
Tracey moved and kissed his cheek. "I can handle myself, luv. If you three think you can get me, you're welcome to try. Now, come, Nev. You need to walk me back before we are too late."
She took his hand and pulled him away, her nose in the air.
"You know this means war," Gred said with a broad smile.
Tracey shrugged. "My only request is to leave Harry, Daphne, Hermione and Hannah out of it. They have claimed neutral parties."
"Greengrass, heh?"
Tracey stopped to give the three boys a look. "I mean it. I like to play. She will win."
The three older boys looked at her with broad smiles, smiles that fell a little after a moment. "Alright. Greengrass and the others are neutrals. We won't be blames for friendly fire or collateral damage."
Tracey shrugged. "It's your heads. Walk me back."
Neville left them. Once he was sure they were out of earshot, Neville groaned. "Did you have to drag me into this?"
"You didn't have to defend me, as sweet as it was," she told him, moving in close and hopping to kiss his cheek.
He chuckled. "How much of a gentleman would I be to leave you to them?"
"That is why you are a Gryffindor and not a Slytherin. They would leave their women to fight their own battles unless there was no other option," she told him.
"Gran always says once you are betrothed, you are always a team. You mess with one, you mess with both," Neville replied.
Tracey giggled and wrapped both her arms around his left arm. "That is why I like you."
They both stopped when they turned a corner and came face to face with Professor McGonagall and two Aurors. The professors and Aurors stopped talking and Neville and Tracey stopped when the Headmistress turned to them. "Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Davis, I do believe I heard the nine-thirty bell not long ago."
"I'm sorry, professor. I got us lost on a walk," he said. There was that Gryffindor in him protecting Tracey. "I am going to escort Ms. Davis to her common room."
The woman's eye rose a little. After a moment, she nodded her head. "Make it quick."
Just as they walked past, they heard Professor McGonagall say, "Next time, when you get lost, you may want to make sure your ties and such are straightened out afterwards or I may give you a detention."
"Yes, ma'am," he said.
They were down the hall and to the stairs to the dungeons before Tracey lost it. "Merlin, did she just tell us not to get caught snogging?'
Neville gave a nervous chuckle. He was much more confident than he was a year ago, but there were still times that people like McGonagall made him nervous. On the other hand, he knew Tracey liked him more confident. It took a lot to not sound trepidatious as he said, "We could practice now."
The smirk Tracey gave him had her drag him into an alcove in the upper dungeon behind a suit of armor.
Neville still had a smile on his face and thought it totally worth it when he was caught by Filch an hour later on his way back to Gryffindor Tower.
-oOo-
March 20, 1995
London, England
Daphne was sitting between Susan and Hermione. Behind them where Neville, Blaise and Ernie. Michael was sitting with his father today on the main floor. Now that he was seventeen, his seat should be with his father at equinox and solstice meets. They were looking down at the Bones seat. Harry sat just behind Madam Bones. He would not be able to claim the Potter seat for a few years still, but the way he was sitting it looked like he belonged there.
He sat tall, his face impassive and slowly looking around the room. His green eyes radiated a power today. A power Daphne liked very much. The only sign that he was nervous or didn't like to sit so still was a bouncing leg. Her Harry really didn't like all this pomp, but he was starting to do it well.
Hermione leaned over. "He's very nervous."
"He is, but Harry will do well," Daphne said confidently.
"How can you tell?" Susan enquired.
"Look at his leg bouncing and his eyes. Harry only lets his power show when he thinks there is danger or he is nervous," Hermione answered.
"Father has said his grandfather was a force to recon with," Daphne added.
Hermione took on a small smirk. "Tell me you don't like seeing him like that?"
Susan giggle as Daphne stuck her nose up. "I will not deny I am pleased he is my intended."
"If you hadn't got him, I can think of half the school that would try," Susan teased.
Daphne's dark brown eyes flashed. "They can try, and they will fail."
"Has anyone told you can be scary, like Harry, when you want?" Hermione remarked.
"Then you should know not to start anything with us," Daphne told her, a small smirk playing at the side of her mouth. "It is not like you are any better when you get going."
Hermione just gave her a glare.
A rather boring reading of a new tax bill was going on. She would have preferred to be in Runes today, instead of listening to this dry rambling, but she wanted to make changes and this was a sacrifice she had to make. When Harry and her were married, and her father was ready to retire, she did want to sit the Greengrass seat until her eldest could take it.
It was another half hour before the bill was sent to a committee for other changes.
Chief Warlock Doge banged his gavel.
"Now, to the less than desirable business today. We have three cases that the Wizengamot are required to ratify the punishments or vote on others. As you know, only the whole Wizengamot is required when it involves those that are, or were, one of our own," the Chief Warlock said.
Daphne looked around to see many of the reactions as the Chief Warlock went on. Sections usually dominated by the Conservatives were looking a little sparse today. Four Lords were already in Azkaban, three more would probably join them, two dead, not to mention four more that were on the docket to be censured today. Of the seven going to Azkaban, four of them were looking at being voted out of the Peerage. It was not looking good for those around Malfoy and Parkinson.
"The first sentencing that will be taken up is the House of Malfoy. The Regent of House Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, has submitted a plea of guilty in exchange for information and a fine. The recommendation is to accept the plea deal and censure the seat of Malfoy until the Scion petitions to regain the seat," Doge said.
Her father stood. "Point of order! That is not the recommendation from the court," he said. He was not the only one to stand, but he was the loudest and highest in the peerage.
Daphne looked around. She knew her father wanted the Malfoy's seat claimed by another. The Malfoy's had dominated the Wizengamot for decades and he wanted them gone. Being with Harry, she wasn't so sure she shared her father's philosophy of total destruction to their enemies anymore. In the few weeks since Pansy had returned, she was quiet, reserved and hadn't made a fuss. What if they could find ways to reform and moderate those that were their enemies? How much stronger would the House of Greengrass, and the House of Potter be, to have a larger base? Even if it was more diverse and they didn't always see eye to eye.
"This is just a ploy to eliminate Houses that go against Lord Greengrass and his allies," a younger man said angrily. Next to him was the elder Liege Winters. The older man did not look well and had passed the Lordship to his forty-nine-year-old son today. Apparently, the apple was still attached to the tree with that one.
"I am not eliminating a house. The Malfoys will still be part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, but I think it has been proven they are not responsible enough to be part of this august body," her father argued. "I vote to transfer his seat to a house that is eligible. There are thirteen houses that are old enough to take a peerage seat."
Harry leaned into Madam Bones, who gave him a very slight nod to whatever he said. She wished she could be in the seat next to him. If they were to marry, they could share seats next to each other once they were old enough and her father passed his vote to her. Unless she had a third child, and they revived the Peverell or Glamorgon Houses. Then she could sit regent until their children were old enough.
Doge banged his gavel. "That is enough, my Lords. Before we take up the proposal from Lord Greengrass, we need to vote on the proposal from the DMLE. Do I have a show of wands to accept the recommendations for debate and vote?"
Her father sat. He schooled his face, but she could tell he was fuming.
"Who would your father want to take the seat?" Hermione asked.
"Probably someone like the Brocklehurst or Adams. They have been relatively neutral houses and he probably thinks he can guide them after they are raised up," Daphne replied.
"I would have thought Diggory or Heatherhoc," Susan put in.
"Diggory was known to work with Dumbledore and Heatherhoc isn't quite old enough yet. They have only been seven generations magical. I doubt the Wizengamot would raise anyone less than ten, unless it was an Order of Merlin, like Hermione, or supported by one of the Elder Houses" Daphne replied.
"Aren't you an elder house," Hermione questioned.
"Father still prefers age and purity of blood when he can," she said, not quite keeping the disdain out of her voice. Perhaps Harry and the others were being more an influence on her than she thought.
"I still think this is backwards. I want to see this turn into a democracy," Hermione put to them.
She nodded. She wasn't sure if that was what she wanted yet or not.
When the vote was done, her father had voted against it, but it came out one-hundred thirty-four to ninety-six. She sat quietly like she was expected to. Before, she didn't mind acting like this. It was how she had been raised and trained. That was until Harry, Hermione and Neville had shown them they could still speak their minds and be heard, even respected.
There was no way she was going to let Harry get away from her. She enjoyed how he made her feel and the freedoms he was willing to give her without any deals.
The final vote passed as the DMLE had proposed. Until such time Draco petitioned the Wizengamot to take back his seat, it would be censured and unable to be represented.
"Next is the case of House Parkinson. House Parkinson had declared a blood feud with House Potter. Per the blood feud, Parkinson is to have its fate decided per House Potter. That shall be declared before the Wizengamot votes on the sentence of Lord Parkinson. Regent Potter, please present yourself," Chief Warlock Doge offered, his hand indicating the podium before him.
Madam Bones and Harry stood and made their way to the front of the hall. Harry was not technically old enough to take up his seat, but he was old enough to claim his Scion rights, meaning it would be his responsibility to speak. She was satisfied to see him walk down, his back stiff, his head up, his face rather impassive. Now, if they could just get it so that his eyes weren't quite so expressive… though, she had to admit she rather liked his eyes that way.
They were showing a little fear that was mostly drowned out by a fierce determination.
Madam Bones took the podium first. "My fellow Lords and Ladies, House Potter stands before you today in response to a blood feud called by the House of Parkinson. Scion Potter has taken up his responsibilities and has elected to declare the results of the feud. I ask you to recognize Scion Harry Potter; the Scion of House Potter, House Peverell and House Glamorgon."
There was some muttering and talk, but no one objected as she stepped aside. Harry stepped up, putting a parchment on the dais. "Thank you, my Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot. I, Harry James Potter, Scion to the Houses of Potter, Peverell and Glamorgon, stand before you to satisfy the terms of a blood feud called by House Parkinson. As part of the feud, House Parkinson called on their allies, House Malfoy, and the ally of House Potter, House Greengrass, came to our aide."
Harry looked up for a second before looking back down at the parchment. "Per the formal rules laid out by both houses, the feud was to be decided by either contest or court. With the Wizengamot court finding the House of Parkinson to have wronged House Potter three times, two of which almost led to the death of myself and the heiress I am in a formal courtship. Do the potential of the damages, House Potter is claiming all moneys, properties, lands and titles of Parkinson..."
"You can't do this! This feud was not ratified by the full Wizengamot," a woman yelled out.
Doge banged his gavel. She watched Harry as he stood there. His eyes came up and met Lady Esmond's. The older woman glared at him.
"Out of order, Lady Esmond. This has already been decided as Lord Parkinson agreed to the court to ratify the blood feud," Doge called out.
She saw the power in Harry's eyes and felt her attraction to him. Lady Esmond saw it too and sat back down.
"It brings me no pleasure in this, but House Potter was not the one to declare this blood feud," Harry said in a voice that wasn't loud, but it carried throughout the room. Merlin, he was going to be powerful someday, she thought to herself. "May I continue, Chief Warlock?"
"If there are any other outbursts, I will fine the House," Doge commanded. "Please continue, Scion Potter."
"Thank you. House Potter is claiming all moneys, properties, lands and titles of Parkinson. House Potter is electing not to carry on the Lordship of Parkinson and announces its dissolution in the Wizengamot," Harry clearly stated. There were strangled sounds from some, but no one interrupted. "As for the disposition of all Parkinson holdings, a deal has been agreed upon with the remaining House members. The House of Potter will allow the House of Parkinson to keep selected family heirlooms and enough money to keep their stations. All other heirlooms and properties shall be liquidated and put into a trust managed by House Potter. The first philanthropy works to come out of the trust shall be donations to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and various organizations and families that have accepted in orphans and to prepare future families to accept orphans."
Harry finished and looked up, waiting for any challenges. When none came, he stepped back, and Madam Bones stepped forward.
"House Potter has no claims over any allies of House Parkinson since they did not acknowledge the blood feud and House Potter allies have had no impact on this decision since there was no contest. House Potter considers this blood feud paid," she stated.
Her father didn't look as pleased, but it wasn't his place to say anything. Daphne was pleased she would not have to carry on the name.
Daphne moved her hand to move the bracelet on her wrist. She ran her hand over the crests of the Potters, then the Greengrasses. Did Harry really mean he wanted to join their houses? Would he accept the Greengrass name? That would mean all their children would be of both Houses. That was a thought she very much liked.
"With the dissolution of the Lordship of Parkinson, the Wizengamot will refer the sentencing of Mr. Parkinson back to the lower court. Next, the House of Nott," the Chief Warlock spoke up.
Daphne didn't have anything against Theodore Nott. Blaise and Theodore had been friends for years, and he never seemed that pleased to be with Malfoy and that lot, but she was not as forgiving to know his father had been part of the conspiracy to kill her. He had also been found guilty in ending the lines of Banker and Devlin in the last war.
As expected, the house was stripped of its Lordship. The now ex-Lord Nott was sentenced to the veil. She suspected Parkinson would soon be joining him.
-oOo-
A little later...
London, England
Harry was happy to have Daphne take his arm when they walked out of the Wizengamot. "You did well," she said quietly as they walked towards the elevators.
"I was afraid I wouldn't," he said back equally as soft.
Madam Bones was in a conversation with her father before them.
"As upset father is with the loss of two Lordships today, he is happy that the family names will go on," she told him.
"I was hoping Malfoy would lose," Harry told her.
"The Malfoy's power has just about been destroyed for now. Draco won't be able to petition to take up his Lordship until he is twenty-one," she comforted him.
"Yeah," he replied. "I let Pansy keep the courtship with Draco, if they want."
"I knew you would," she said.
"Come along, you two. We need to meet the others for lunch and then get back to start debates on the next Minister," Anders called to them as her father and Madam Bones got into the lift.
"Where is Sirius," Harry asked as they joined them.
"He is talking with Lord Brown and Lord Patil. He will join us if he can," Amelia answered.
Maybe only half the Wizengamot was leaving the Ministry right now. Many were staying and politicking for the Minister. Many with young heirs, like themselves, were going to lunch. Harry had Daphne go through the Floo fire before him. After she did, Amelia came in close to him. "Be careful and don't leave Daphne's side once we are in Diagon Alley."
He looked up to her a little concerned. "Are you afraid we will be attacked?"
"I prefer to be prepared. There are Aurors around the alley, but you never know what might happen," she warned him.
Harry nodded and then went through the Floo himself. Daphne was waiting for them, and they made their way to the Wand's End and a small private room today. They were joined by Lady Abbott and most of the other children of the alliance. Most of the others on the Wizengamot had stayed to politic today.
"Neville, I thought your gran was not going to run for Minister?" Blaise asked.
"After all the revelations in the trials the last few months, she only trusts our direct alliance and none of our parents or guardians are running," Neville replied to Blaise.
"I think she's done a good job the last few months," Hermione pipped up.
"Lady Carrow is not going to get enough votes," Susan said with finality.
"Neither is Lord Brown," Daphne declared. "Neither the Conservatives or Progressives have enough votes without the Moderates or Neutrals."
"Good thing we have just about all the Moderates and Neutrals then," Blaise said cheekily.
"Madam Longbottom has my vote," Harry added.
"I would like Madam Bones to vote my vote for her as well," Hermione said.
"You are all taking this rather seriously," Lady Abbott noted from behind them.
"You and my father have taken us all out of school to attend this meet today and tomorrow. Why should we not, Lady Abbott?" Daphne enquired.
"I think you should, but you should also be children," Lady Abbott replied.
"Does that mean we should talk about quidditch? The second round of inter-school matches are over Easter," Ernie spoke up.
"Hogwarts will win," Daphne said in a confident tone.
"You are only saying that because of Harry," Susan said with a smirk.
"Roger and the others are no slouches," Neville put in.
"But they aren't Harry. I bet he catches both snitches this time," Hermione said.
"I thought there were three," Blaise whispered to Ernie, who laughed.
Harry narrowed his eyes at the boys. He hoped they weren't saying what he thought they were. Daphne and him had started to roam their hands more, but he didn't like anyone talking about her like that.
Daphne must have heard them with the glare she gave them. "I will be happy to add another snitch to my collection."
Blaise must have caught her look because he gave her a cheeky grin. Hermione hit his arm. "Behave," she chastised.
Ernie and Harry laughed at Blaise and received looks from Daphne and Susan for it.
They were still joking around as they entered the restaurant. The waitress saw them to a private room. As the others went in, Harry said, "I'll be right in. I have to go to the boy's room," he told Daphne and Neville.
"We'll see you in a few," Daphne replied.
Harry nodded and went down the hall and back down the stairs. An Auror escorted him and checked the bathroom before Harry was allowed to step in. He hoped someday he could go somewhere without an escort. Looking around, the bath was modeled in marble and expensive looking light woods. There were three stalls to the right, a large, fancy double sink and a bench along the far wall. Harry thought it odd to see a wicker basket with towels and other items in between the sinks.
After relieving himself, he stepped up to the sink. Behind him, one of the stalls opened. Harry didn't pay attention as he made sure he didn't get his sleeves wet. He was just about done when the man next to him commented, "You have grown and look much better than the last time I saw you, Harry."
Harry's eyes widened. He slowly lifted his head. The man had a long, white beard, nighttime blue robes with silver embroidery, half-moon wire spectacles, piercing blue eyes... and a turban...
More than seeing a man that was supposed to be on the run, it was the turban on his head that brought up the fear response in him. Harry had faced a man once before that had worn a turban. That had not ended well.
The man's eyes met his own. The immense pressure on his head was immediate. Harry hissed as he made sure his mindscape was in order and the mountains so high that Dumbledore couldn't get over them without considerable effort.
Harry jumped back, reaching for his wand. Dumbledore seemed to be expecting it as Harry's left arm was suddenly yanked. Harry was pulled forward, his arm feeling like it was going be pulled out of its socket. On reflex, Harry went with the motion, charging Dumbledore instead.
For his age, Dumbledore was fast. His wand flicked. Harry only dodged the red spell by ducking and ramming his shoulder into Dumbledore's stomach. The man let out a grunt. Harry pushed past him, rolling and coming to his feet. He tried for his wand again and found himself pulled forward. Where he was already a little unbalanced, Harry was yanked off his feet and pulled into the air. He rolled again when he hit the floor. Two spells splashed next to him as he rolled.
He rolled again and as he came over, he saw Dumbledore's wand pointing towards him. He kicked out. Harry's foot connected with Dumbledore's knee as a spell left the man's wand. The old man cried out and Harry felt a pain in his shoulder as a cutting curse just clipped his shoulder. Gritting his teeth, he finally grabbed his wand as he rolled into a crouch. Before he was even fully up, he spat out, "Expelliarmus! Stupefy! Glacius! BOMBARDA!"
Harry roared the last spell because the old man had his wand up and deflected the first two spells, cast something that turned his ice spell into water and then he shielded the blasting hex. That was about all the initiative Harry was going to have as the man's wand was already moving in an intricate pattern before the blasting hex hit the man's shield and crashed into the floor.
Harry made the smallest circle he ever had with the tip of his wand. "Protego!"
"We are not trying to kill him," Dumbledore chided as a nasty purple spell left his wand, followed by several spears of ice.
"The boy is just as useful maimed as he is whole," a high-pitched voice came from inside the turban.
Harry jumped to the side. The purple spell shattered his shield and the ice spears slammed into the wall behind him when he stepped out of the way just in time. Harry tried to get off a few cutting spells but was forced to shield after the second one as a cutting spell was returned to him. "I will refuse if you force me to hurt him," Dumbledore stated.
There was a sound of aggravation from the turban. Harry fought down the revulsion. The last time he had faced someone like this he had almost died... and he had killed Quirrell. That still bothered him. "Confodio!" Harry yelled a few times. Small jets of white light left his wand. He was hoping the piercing spell could get past the old man. Dumbledore brought his wand up and a shield came before him again. The man looked to be breathing a little heavier already.
"End this," the voice of Voldemort called out.
Dumbledore's arm moved, but he suddenly seemed to fight something. Harry took the split second hold up to yell, "Deprimo!"
At the same time, he reached for the knife inside his robes. It looked more out of reflex than anything else that Dumbledore shifted his wand just a fraction of an inch. It was all it took to send Harry's spell back at him. He tried to get a shield up, but the floor blew up at his feet.
An involuntary cry left his throat as he suddenly sailed through the air. He hit the wall with a solid crunch. His cut shoulder burst into pain. The knife clattered to the floor when his head hit the wall. He collapsed to the base of the wall. It was only the adrenaline of the battle that kept him from passing out. He caught an orange spell that he didn't recognize. "Protego!"
The shield caught the spell, but it shattered. He was hit with the white disarming spell before he could do anything else. His wand went sailing across the room towards the door. In the sudden silence, he could hear someone either banging on the door or trying to blast through it.
"You saved him, you idiot. Now, get us out of here," the disembodied voice snarled.
Dumbledore looked to be breathing heavier now, with small sweat beads on his brow. "I will not let you harm him. Not before it is time," Dumbledore shot back.
Harry groaned as he tried to breathe, and it felt labored.
There was a large blast against the door.
"Just get us out of here," Voldemort's voice commanded.
Dumbledore shook his head before ambling over, almost tripping on the hole that Harry's deflected spell had made. Once he reached Harry, the man took a shoe out of his pocket. "I really did want you to have a nice childhood before you died. You have forced my hand," the man said.
"Go fudder yourself," Harry managed to get out before he felt the hook behind his navel of a portkey.