Chapter 34
-oOo-
April 8, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
They had all decided to sleep in today, meaning Harry was awake by six-thirty, instead of six, on a Saturday. By seven-thirty he was feeling restless. He figured Neville and Hermione wouldn't be up for another hour or so. Daphne and Tracey would probably be around closer to ten. Susan, Hannah and Ernie would probably be closer to eleven. Blaise was usually the only other one up as early as him on days they had off.
Not wanting to wait in the dorms or the common room, and not really feeling much like studying, Harry took out a hard cover journal and a fountain pen that Andi had given him. She had told him sometimes it was better to just get things out than hold them in. Today felt like one of those days. Even with most of his tormentors dead or in Azkaban, he still felt a little jumpy. No one had heard from Snape yet, so, there was still one person he was wary of.
As he walked out the portrait hole, a single Hit Wizard fell in behind him. "You don't need to be so far back, Jameson," Harry told the woman.
"I am supposed to be respectful of your space and not interfere," she responded.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't bite."
He thought he caught the hint of a smile on her voice. "I have my orders, Scion Potter."
"Can you at least call me Harry?" he requested.
"That would be unprofessional," she told him.
He shook his head. "Can I duel you later to see what I need to learn?"
"Not while I am on duty," she replied.
Harry looked back at her. She was a good fifteen feet back. All of them had an escort for now, meaning there were eight Hit Wizards in the school. Amelia said she wanted them to have them through Easter, just make sure that there were no more threats out there. "When you are off duty?"
"I am not supposed to get that close to someone I am guarding," she told him, her face impassive.
Harry huffed. "Fine."
He turned and started to walk again. They were quiet until they almost got to the hall. "Do you want to become a Hit Wizard?"
Harry stopped and turned back to her. Harry regarded her for a bit. Did he? Harry wasn't sure what he fully wanted to do. He would fight when he had too, but Harry was starting to think he really didn't like that on a daily basis. "I don't know. Probably not."
"Then why do you and your friends still train so hard and why would you want to duel with me?" Jameson queried.
"I won't let anyone hurt my family and friends," Harry answered simply.
There was a loud crack from nearby. Harry whirled, his wand and knife coming to his hands. He immediately took up a fighting stance. When he stopped, he saw Filch. The man had knocked over the mop that was next to him as he tried to wash something off the wall. Filch turned to him and scowled. "No wands in the hall, boy. Not unless you want me to report you."
Harry let out a huff. He had been a little jumpy lately.
Jameson came to his side and rose an eyebrow when he glanced towards her. "You should put those away."
Harry nodded, letting out a long breath and slid his wand up his right sleeve and the knife up his left. "It's a reflex."
She nodded. As they walked by Filch, he noticed that she had her wand out and it casually flicked towards the man. The stain on the wall faded and the crotchety old man turned to her. His face wasn't quiet as hostile as before.
His guard took up a place just inside the doors of the Great Hall. There was another Hit Wizard just inside the doors already.
Inside the hall it was still mostly empty. There were some platters of food, but only around the dozen or so that were here. Harry was going to go sit at the Gryffindor table until he noticed Linnis sitting with two other girls. The blonde girl was giggling about something with the other two.
He also saw Blaise at the Slytherin table.
Nodding to Blaise, he made his way over to him.
"Couldn't sleep in?" Blaise asked as Harry sat across from him.
"I have never really been able to sleep in," Harry told Blaise. His relatives had seen to that. Only when he was bone-weary tired did he sleep in.
Blaise nodded. "My mother always said if you aren't up by seven, you waste half the day."
"Yeah, it was something like that," Harry told him.
Blaise regarded him for a few before going back to his breakfast. They ate in companionable silence.
"I wanted to ask you something," Blaise said after a bit.
"What's that?"
"Does Hermione have any interest in a courtship agreement?" Blaise put to him.
Harry looked at him curiously. "Honestly, I don't know. She hates all that stuff, but she likes you. Maybe you should ask her."
Blaise looked to be thinking. "She is an heiress to a new house and is allied with you and Daphne. I would be surprised if Madam Bones hasn't already been receiving offers. I don't want to push her. I know she hates anything related to slavery or selling people off, but I think it would protect her."
"Not to mention you like her," Harry said with a teasing smirk.
Blaise gave a lop-sided grin. "Yeah, there is that. The more I get to know her, I am trying to understand why she wasn't a Slytherin." He said that in a way that let Harry know he was impressed with her.
"Besides the fact she is a Muggleborn?"
"Technically she is from a squib," Blaise commented.
Harry thought of that for a moment. Hermione had told him about her trip to Gringotts last summer. "But we didn't know that at the time, and have you ever heard of a Muggleborn going to Slytherin? She would have run out of the school in the first month."
Blaise frowned. "In recent memory, no. There have been Muggleborn though. I have read through some of the history books in Slytherin common room. I don't think Lord Slytherin was as biased as everyone thought. He wanted talent, resourcefulness and ambition. There are a few that went through our house that were Muggleborn that became quite successful or famous."
Harry was intrigued. "Like who?"
"Carwyn Carrow, the first of the Carrows in the fourteen-hundreds. He was a charms master that made the enchanted ceiling," Blaise indicated the ceiling above them. "He founded the Charms Guild and came up with the first program to certify charm masters."
Harry snorted. "Do the Carrows know about that?"
"I doubt it. The Carrow twins don't seem interested in knowing anything about their family that far back. They have been purebloods for over three hundred years and that is all they care about. Most of the purebloods have roots back to a Muggleborn," Blaise told him.
"What about Daphne?"
"The first Greengrass that was in the books was from around 1250, if I remember correctly. I don't think Daphne's line really came into prominence until the late seventeen hundreds though, when they found a way to grow some exotic plants from Africa that are important to most modern potions. Her entire families' fortune and magics were developed around plants. Sort of like the Longbottoms, though they have a history of being battle mages as well. Much like the Potters and Peverells. Mother did some digging into the Titengasts. They were related to the Pendragons," Blaise told him.
Harry blinked. "You mean like in Arthur Pendragon?"
Blaise shrugged. "Maybe. Records aren't as succinct before the thirteenth century, when the Wizard's council was formed. He probably has some family history on it. Mother also found some information that Avalon and Camelot may still exist as well."
Harry was wrapping his head around this information. "Wait, are you saying that all those old tales are true, and that Neville may be the heir to the Pendragons and Camelot?"
Blaise shrugged again, a playful light coming to his eyes. "Perhaps. There are rumors that the Peverells can trace their heritage back to Merlin."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "I...I... you have to be bloody mental!"
Blaise's smile was mischievous. "There are also rumors that the Greengrasses are related to the LeFays."
Harry's eyes went wide. "Alright, now I know you are barking mad."
"Harry, the Thatchers were historians. When I turned fifteen, I was able to get into my stepfathers' vaults. Mother has been pouring over all the old tomes and scrolls. She truly believes that knowledge is power, and I agree. It could be important to understand all the links of the old families if Hermione and I are going to change things. I expect you and Daphne will help," Blaise told him.
Harry shook his head. They sat for a few as Harry thought about it all. "Blaise, can I look at any of the books and stuff you have?"
"I'll ask mother. Like I said, she really believes that knowledge is power and may not want to give it up," Blaise told him.
Harry pondered that before making a decision. The hat said he could have been a Slytherin, and he thought Daphne might be proud of him for this strategy. Harry leaned over. "What would you say if I told you the Peverell's still have a keep?"
Blaise's brow rose before he became very intent on Harry. "I would say that would be very interesting."
Harry nodded. "I have not been inside it, but Auntie Amelia has said the goblins have checked it over and say it is safe for me to go."
"That would be very interesting."
"Interesting enough that if I find any good 'knowledge' that I am willing to share, that you might share some of yours?" Harry queried.
Blaise held Harry's eyes for a moment. "That might be doable."
Harry nodded. "I know I am busy over Easter with the last of the Quidditch tournament, but Auntie and Sirius said they will take me soon after we get back for the summer."
"Wicked," Blaise replied. The boy had been spending too much time with them to be using more Muggle saying.
Theodore Nott chose that time to join them. "Morning, gents."
"Dick," Blaise greeted his friend.
Nott just shrugged. He had started to sit wherever they were over the last week or so. Harry didn't mind him too much. "No Quidditch practice today?"
"This afternoon," Harry responded. Roger was starting to get stressed about his NEWT's and was reducing their practices. That still meant they were practicing three times a week.
"Well, you better win. I have a good-sized bet on you over Krum," Nott told him.
Harry looked to Blaise, who looked a little uncomfortable. "And you?"
"Not so sizable. Hermione doesn't care for my habits that way," Blaise said.
Nott laughed. "How whipped are you?"
"Not as whipped as Harry," Blaise countered.
Harry laughed at that, and the three boys had a fun conversation about Quidditch for a while.
-oOo-
April 15, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
"It is a beautiful day in the highlands of Scotland for Hogwarts and Durmstrang to face off for the second time in our tournament of Schools," Harry heard Bagman announce as he flew up to his position above his Chasers.
Lining up across from Krum, they shared a look that said they there would be no quarter. After a moment, Harry crossed the no man's land since Madam Hooch hadn't called them to line up yet. "Good luck," Harry said, reaching out his hand.
"I vill not give you snitch this time," Krum said, a smile cracking his face. Harry was sure Krum liked that magic could fix his teeth.
"Maybe I'll give you the snitch," Harry commented. The smile on the Bulgarian's face was bigger.
Hooch blew her whistle and called for everyone to line up.
Harry flew back and waited for the quaffle to be thrown.
Last time Durmstrang had given them a hard fight. This time Hogwarts was going to play for keeps.
Hooch blew her whistle and threw the quaffle in the air. Krum took off to his right. Harry, instead, dove down and kicked the quaffle back to Roger and just barely missed two Durmstrang Chasers. He heard some not polite words in other languages.
On the off chance that the snitch was flying low, Harry raced around the pitch. Krum, seemingly confused by this tactic, shot through a run up the pitch by Roger, Katie and Evalyn. Harry saw Krum charging down and he press his broom hard.
They did two laps, Krum catching up to him, before Harry suddenly veered to his left. Krum followed and Harry heard Krum swearing as a bludger just missed Harry, followed by the other. Fred and George had thought this might be a good way to get Krum early.
When they leveled out over the field, Krum was giving him an evil eye. Harry was pretty sure the boy had never seen anything like that. "I see you are serious today?"
Harry gave him a cheeky grin. "Sirius is my godfather. I'm here to play."
Krum looked a little confused before they settled into a seekers pattern.
In the time Harry had run Krum on a merry chase, Rogers new plan had put Hogwarts up thirty to ten. Roger and Harry didn't think this odd playing around would last for long, so Harry was hoping for an early catch.
A few minutes later, Krum took off the other way. Harry wanted to stay on the search pattern he was in, but he couldn't afford to let Krum get too large of a lead. Harry was good, but he knew Krum was better.
For over an hour, the two played cat and mouse. Krum took a dive twice. Harry followed but didn't fall for it. Harry did the around the field again and when he came up, he hit one of the Durmstrang Beaters. The boy was a troll, but almost fell off when he was trying to avoid Harry and got clipped.
When they came up again, he thought Krum might have a small smirk on his face. Harry was more interested in where the boys' eyes might be. That was when he saw a glint. It was another forty or so feet above them and almost eighty feet above the Durmstrang goal posts. All this time they had been looking down, not towards the limit of where the snitch could go up.
Snapping his head to the side, as though he had just seen something, Krum followed his movement and took off, just after Harry. Harry started to dive towards his goal posts, waiting for Krum to come level with him. Krum knocked him hard, and Harry used it. Pulling hard on his broom, he turned and was fifteen broom lengths away before Krum realized he had been had.
Harry leveled himself against the broom, and inched forward, willing the broom to top speed. The wind whistled against his helmet, and he almost took a bludger to his handle, but was going too fast.
Harry wasn't sure he had ever gone this fast before. The Firebolt, usually really smooth at top speed, was shaking a little. He chanced a glance over his shoulder. Krum was still far behind. Looking up, he caught the glint about thirty feet to the right of where it had been before. Harry shifted, allowing Krum to close the gap by a few broom lengths.
The snitch, sensing it had been seen, took off towards the ground. Harry followed it. When it took a sharp turn to the left, just over the goal posts, Harry followed. This sudden movement allowed Krum to close another broom length. Harry ignored the larger boy and focused on the snitch.
Harry closed to within a broom length of the snitch before it shot towards the ground.
Harry followed, picking up as much speed as he could. He heard the roar of the crowd as he approached the grass. He didn't slow down, praying he could level out in time. He watched as the snitch leveled out just at the top of the grass. Harry desperately pulled up, his speed slowing, but not enough.
His hand shot out and he grabbed the snitch as his broom hit the ground. By now, he had slowed considerably, and his twigs hit first. This had him slam into the ground and he bounced twice before landing in a heap.
There was pain in his body, but he forced his hand up, the snitch held defiantly in his hand as it still seemed to want to get away. Krum landed next to him as Hooch's whistle blew.
Harry gave a smile before wincing as the boy took his other hand to lift him up. "That is my first loss in eighteen games. I look forward to playing again," Krum said, shaking his hand.
Harry returned the hard shake, forcing himself to stand. He was going to be sore later. "I hope we can play again. Fair is fair," Harry said, offering the snitch to him.
Krum shook his head. "I think your girl like it more."
Harry didn't get to say anything else as his team descended on him, and later the school.
It wasn't until later, while laying in the hospital bed, that he finally had a moment alone with Daphne. Luckily, he was just bruised and should be better by the morning. Daphne was giving him a hard look. Until now, she had been celebrating like the others.
"I am putting you into a bubble charm next time," she told him.
"I got you the snitch though," he said, touching the golden ball in her hand.
She gave him a soft smile. "I love Quidditch, and I love watching you play, but do you have to be so reckless? You and Krum almost planted the ground a few times."
Harry gave her a shy smile. "I will try, but my first captain told me to catch the snitch or die trying. Guess I take that too literally."
"You guess?" she asked, an eyebrow raising.
His smile was a little cheekier, hoping to lessen her ire. "I guess."
She huffed before leaning over and kissing him. "Harry, I need you to survive. If you do that again, I will go find Wood and kill him, then I will come looking for you."
The look she gave him had him feeling a little apprehensive. He didn't want to know what would happen to him once she got done with Wood. "Alright, I will tone it down."
"Please do," she said, the caring for him coming out. "There is a party in the Slytherin common room tonight. I should go down and show off my new prize."
"You just want to show off your intended," he teased.
Her smile was pleased. "That too. I'll see you in the morning," she told him, giving him a longer kiss before leaving the hospital wing.
-oOo-
April 29, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
Hermione walked into the potion master's private rooms with Blaise. Harry and Daphne were before them. Behind them was Neville with Tracey and Roger with Wendy. Susan and Ernie were trailing everyone, having some type of argument. Hannah and Luna were with the group today.
Inside, there was the large round table and several smaller ones, just like many of the other teas or other events they had attended this year.
Slughorn immediately turned to Harry and Daphne. "Ah, the alliance of the hour," Slughorn said with some joviality. Harry stiffened a little, but Daphne took it in stride. After a few words with them, he turned to Blaise and her. "And how are you today, Heiress Granger and Scion Thatcher? I assume we will have another rousing discussion on how the Wizengamot works?"
"I am sure, sir," Blaise replied.
"We are doing well, Professor. I do look forward to hearing more about the history and the deeper magic you say was involved in making the Wizengamot and Ministry," Hermione told him. She was starting to push past her Runes and government classes with Madam Bulstrode. She hadn't understood how the Houses in the Wizengamot actually give some of their magic to maintain the Ministry and the country.
Slughorn smiled. "I think you will enjoy one of our guests today. Scion Longbottom, I think you know who it will be."
She turned to Neville who looked clueless. "Is my gran coming today?"
"No. The Minister is not coming today, but I have been told you have a connection in the Department of Mysteries. Someone who specializes in the deeper magics that rule our land," Slughorn said with a grin.
"Uncle Algie?" Neville asked, not looking quiet as pleased.
"Did I hear my name?" a man in a grey cloak seemed to just come out of nowhere.
"Ah, lovely to see you here, Algernon," Slughorn said.
"More like blackmailed," Algernon said.
Hermione regarded the interaction as Slughorn gave and easy chuckle. "Enticement, Algernon. This is the girl that I was telling you about, Heiress Hermione Granger. Heiress Granger, Algernon Longbottom. Algie, she had been asking me some very pointed questions on the magic around the Wizengamot and how the Ministry enforces covenants and jinxes."
The old man rose and eyebrow. "Really? That is unusual."
Hermione saw her chance. "Yes, Mr. Longbottom..."
"You can call me Croaker," the man said.
She didn't miss Neville's brow going up. It took Hermione a second to realize he had just given her his Unspeakable name. "Ah, yes, Mr. Croaker."
"Just Croaker is fine, Heiress Granger."
"Yes, sir. I have been doing some research on how the Wizengamot was founded and that it was a series of covenants that bound everything to it. It seems like most countries that claim defined borders have done this. I can't find any real information of what they are, how the magic works and is it binding? If so, what are the covenants and what are the repercussions if they are not followed? What about how far they reach? I've never heard of magic that can really go farther than a hundred miles or so if you are talking detection or other wards. Even the Ministry detection on underage wizardry requires amplification stones every fifty miles or so," she said in a rush.
Professor Slughorn chuckled. "How about I leave you to it. There are more of my guests coming in."
He shuffled her and Croaker off to the side. The man was looking at her curiously as she peppered him with more questions. Finally, he held his hand up and Hermione stopped, suddenly becoming aware of what she was doing.
"I see you have found out more about this than most," he said to her.
She frowned. "There really isn't that much information in the Hogwarts' library," she said as though her favorite pony had kicked her. "Harry isn't sure if there might be more in the Bones or Black libraries. He was hoping to get all the Potter books out this summer, but they all say they need to look at things before I can. Blaise said I can come over this summer and talk with his mother. I hope I can find more. Can you help with any of this?"
The man smiled at her. "I think you are asking deep questions that most never want to know. I do not know why you would be diving in this deep. Only the Unspeakables and some of the older families on the Wizengamot really care about this anymore. Can I ask why you are so interested?"
Hermione was trying to decide if she should say. She spared a look to Blaise, who was talking with Roger now, and then Harry and Daphne. Daphne was looking at her curiously. Harry just met her eyes, then turned back to the man they were talking with now. After biting her lip, she looked back to Croaker. Eventually, she decided on the truth. "I want to change things."
The man had been patiently waiting for her response. After a moment, he put to her, "Like what?"
"Creature rights for one. There must be something we can do to help House Elves. I mean they are bound to serve a wizard to maintain their magic. Was it always that way? Or muggle rights. I know Madam Bones and Lord Greengrass are working to lessen the muggle restrictions and make things more equitable, but that will probably take years and I don't think they really understand how bad it is for someone that is Muggleborn or raised," she told him.
The man regarded her seriously. "That isn't all, is it?"
"I don't like how the Wizengamot is. It's not right for only the very old houses or those granted the right to rule over all of us. How much of the bigotry in our world is from that mentality and privilege?"
"And yet you have been elevated to a peerage house. Is that not a position you seek?" Croaker put to her.
"On my own merits, yes. As a hereditary seat, no." She met the man's gaze.
After a moment, the man chuckled. "Heiress Granger, how do you feel about an internship this summer?"
"Doing what and where?" she asked.
"With the Unspeakables. As to what, I can't say, and you will be required to make oaths to not as well. Are you willing to accept?" Croaker asked her.
"I really would like to know what I am doing," she told the man.
"Not until you accept and take the oaths at the start of your internship. Four days a week, eight to four," he informed her.
She eyed the man. It was eating at her not to know, but she was being offered a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "When do I start?"
The man smiled. "I'll be in touch. Now, I smell some tea. Would you care to sit? I would like to talk with my great-nephew. I get to spend too little time with him. My sister-in-law is not always the easiest woman to be around."
-oOo-
July 1, 1995
London, England
Susan hugged her Auntie, glad to see her. Tears were leaking from her eyes. "What is wrong, Susie?" she asked.
"Ernie broke up with me," she said. The poor girl looked heart broken. Amelia didn't think it would last, but she had seen how young teens could be when a relationship had ended.
She patted Susan on her back "I'm sorry, Susie."
Susan wiped her eyes before turning to Hannah to hug her. It was heartbreaking to see the first real heartbreak in her niece, but she wasn't that surprised. Susan was still only fourteen. She had a long time before she needed to settle.
Harry was standing just a few feet behind Susan, giving Sirius a handshake and a one-arm hug. Sirius had come with them today, mostly just to see Harry, but as a little extra security. After that, Harry turned to the Greengrasses. They said a proper goodbye, then Daphne pecked Harry on the lips. They would see each other again soon.
After getting home, Susan locked herself in her room. Wandering up the stairs, she figured she would find a way to comfort Susan, doubting she would be up to the traditional returning dinner. As she walked by Harry's room, she looked in.
He was sitting at his desk, a book open, and writing in it. She figured she would give Susie a few more minutes to wallow. Knocking on his door, Harry turned. He was taller than he had been last summer, looking to have added a good two inches, making him about 5' 8". He also looked to have added some muscle to the lean frame he had had after the regime to help him recover from the malnutrition and neglect he had suffered in his pre-teen years. His scar was barely visible through the fringe of hair that never seemed to want to be tamed.
He was handsome, soon to be fifteen at the end of the month. Daphne and him would make a good couple and she was sure their children would be very good looking as well.
More importantly, she could see in his eyes he was doing much better than he had been back the end of March. Harry had been wound as tight as a spring, ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. His eyes had constantly looked around for danger.
Here, in his room, in a place he considered home, he looked relaxed. His green eyes didn't look as haunted. He didn't scan the room or jump when she had knocked on the door. With a small smile, Harry greeted her. "Hey, Auntie Amelia. Did you want something?"
She smiled back. A year ago, she doubted he would look at her this way. Andi was right, he looked at Susie and her as family. "I just wanted to see how you are. How was the end of the year?"
Harry smiled. "I was just putting into my journal that Victor invited me to Bulgaria for a week. I was going to talk to you and Sirius about it later. He wants me to spend some time with him and maybe practice with the Bulgarian team."
Her eyebrow rose. "I wasn't aware you were that friendly with Victor Krum."
He shrugged. A habit they hadn't been able to break him of yet. "Before they left, Victor told me that he really didn't have other competition and thought it would be nice to practice against me. It was fun playing against him. No one else at Hogwarts is as good."
She smiled. Harry had played very well. Durmstrang had won the tournament based on points alone. Both Harry and Krum had caught the snitches three of four times. She hadn't told him that the English team had sent her a request to have him join a youth camp this summer.
"I think we can work something out. Probably in August. Did you get a copy of your grades before leaving? Or do I need to wait for the owls to show?" she asked him.
Harry reached for the bookbag that was leaning against the leg of his desk. After fishing out a sheet, she walked over to take it out of his hand. She opened it, nodding as she looked at his grades. Straight outstandings except for History of Magic, which was an exceeds expectations.
"The class rankings had me at third," he said rather proudly.
She agreed that he should feel proud of this. "Did Daphne or Hermione get top spot?"
"They tied," Harry said.
She chuckled. "And how far off were you?"
"If I had been able to get my history grade up higher, I may have been in the running. Michael Corner is not happy that I beat him out by less than a point," Harry told her.
She nodded. "Keep up the good work. I'm going to check on Susie."
Harry frowned. "She's really upset. He broke up with her yesterday and she was still crying this morning. All the girls were trying to help her."
"I'm sure it hurts now, but she'll get over it. We may just need to let her have some time," she assured him. "Dinner will be in about thirty minutes."
Harry nodded. "I'll be down."
Leaving his room, Harry returned to his journal. She walked over to Susan's door and knocked. After the second time, she pushed open the door. "Susie?"
She heard a sniff.
After a moment, she entered and closed the door behind her. The room was dark, with only light filtering around the closed shade. Susan had thrown herself on the bed, her face buried in her pillow and her long auburn hair splayed across the duvet. She wasn't crying.
Amelia walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, her hand moving to Susan's back and rubbing it. "You want to talk about it?"
Whatever the response was, Amelia couldn't make it out as her niece talked into the pillow.
"I didn't quite make that out."
Susan shifted so her face was pointed away from her. "The arse was already sitting with Lilith Moon on the ride back," Susan told her.
Susan didn't usually swear that much. "Are they friends?"
"If you think sucking on each other's tongues as friends," Susan said bitterly.
"Ah, I see. I had the impression that you two were already having issues?"
Susan sniffed. "He thought we had broken up last month after that fight I wrote you about. I thought we had made up. He kissed me just last week." Susan sniffed again. "Why are boys such arses?"
She continued to rub Susan's back. How could she explain that the hormones that they were all going through could wreak havoc on relationships at this age? If your magic didn't really get along well, these breakups and quick rebounds could be common.
"Not all boys are arses," she said, internally laughing as Susan turned to give her a wary eye. Amelia had always had a policy of not using crass language around her niece, but with her getting older, Amelia figured she could start treating Susie as more of an adult. "You know a lot of this has do with your magic?"
Susan flopped back down on her bed. "I know what you have told us. I just really liked him, Auntie."
"I know, Susie. I am sure you will find someone that you like again. Do you feel up to dinner tonight?"
"I don't know," Susan replied, sounding morose.
"If you feel like joining us, dinner will be ready soon. If not, Minsy can bring you something up here. Tomorrow, I want you eating in the kitchen or dining room again," she told Susan.
Susan just sighed again.
"It will get better, Susie. I'm sorry he was such an arse," she said. Susie gave a weak chuckle.
"Thanks, Auntie. I think I am going to stay in my room tonight," Susan told her.
She patted Susan's back. "Just for tonight."
She left Susan, figuring she could ask her tomorrow how the end of the year went.
Going downstairs, she met Sirius in the dining room. "Have you decided when you are moving out?"
"The old cottage in Cornwall is all ready to move in now. I have rooms for Harry and Susan there. I figure I'd tell them tonight," Sirius said, pouring some wine for the two of them. She expected that Harry would be down in another five or ten minutes. It was going to be nice to have the two of them in the house for the summer. She was thinking she might miss having Sirius around. It had been nice to have someone else here many nights.
"Minsy is going to keep your room ready if you need it," she told the man.
Sirius nodded his head in thanks. "I appreciate it, but I think I'm at a point I should live on my own and get back out there. After getting to know Harry, Susan, Daphne and all the others, I am finding I want my own kids now. I am the last of the Blacks and should carry on my line. Harry and Daphne are already going to be busy enough. They will have four lines between the two of them to try for." The man wagged his eyebrows.
She shook her head, taking her wine to hide her chortle. "I think you are trying to wed them too early."
Sirius laughed. "Are you kidding? James knew Lily was the one by end of first year. They may have married right out of Hogwarts because of the war, but I doubt they would have waited much longer if there hadn't been one. Harry came eleven months later. Those two wanted a big family. I wish they could have had it."
"Harry wants a family when he is old enough. I hope he can have as big a family as he wants," she told him.
Sirius raised his glass. "If it cost me my life, I will ensure that all the kids have that chance."
She shared in his toast.
-oOo-
July 5, 1995
Mosedale, England
They apparated to a field just outside an old castle. there was a mountain in the background, and a town in the distance. Looking at the place, most of the outer walls and what looked to have once been a large castle lay half in ruins. At the far side of the courtyard was all that was left of the place. A square keep that was perhaps forty feet on a side with an addition that rose over the ruins.
Amelia, Sirius and Remus were with him, mostly if he needed any help.
"This is it?" Harry asked, looking to Amelia.
"The is Peverell Keep. You own all the fields and that mountain around the castle. We can't go in with you until you allow it," she told him.
"James never knew of this," Sirius said. "Otherwise, he would have come to see what was here."
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"At the time, your great uncle was the acting Regent Peverell. He had married Dorea Black and was Lord Potter. It was tradition for the more prestigious titles to remain with the eldest, thus your grandfather was Lord Glamorgon. Charlus died about a month before Fleamont. Your father inherited everything, but with the war, us trying to finish Hogwarts and then going straight into the Aurors, I don't think he really paid attention to what he got. Not with the loss of Potter Manor, where he grew up. Charlus and Dorea had let Fleamont and Euphemia live there because Dorea like the city, and I think my great-aunt didn't want such a large house after she lost her son, so they lived in a townhouse in London," Sirius explained.
Harry looked up. "Why wouldn't my great-uncle come here? The goblins said it's been sealed for about two hundred years," Harry asked.
Sirius shrugged.
Remus sniffed. "It smells old. You are sure it is safe for Harry to enter alone?"
"The goblins checked all the wards. Harry has the blood of the Peverells. It is safe for him to enter, then he can let us in once he gets control of the wards," Amelia assured them.
With a resolute nod, Harry started to walk towards the large set of double doors on the addition to the keep. The other three stood back. When Harry was at the doors, he looked up. The doors were a good twelve feet high and made of some aged, dark wood and reinforced with iron. Amelia and Sirius had told him that he needed to press his scion ring against the coat of arms on the knocker.
Letting out a breath, he did so. It sounded like a series of locks were turning and sliding. When it stopped, Harry pushed on the door. It opened easily.
Inside, there was a layer of dust everywhere. He looked into a high ceiling entry hall. A faded tapestry was on the wall directly before him. Two suits of armour on either side of it. It had the feel that it was made to inspire or awe anyone first stepping in.
"Dobby," Harry called.
A second later, his excitable house elf was at his side. "The great Harry calls Dobby?"
He gave the elf a smile. "Yes. Can you enter?"
Dobby turned to the entry hall before nodding. "This is a place that belongs to the great Harry. Dobby can enter."
"Can you light the torches and show me where the primary ward stone is?"
Dobby nodded, snapping a finger. Torches lit all over the place. "Dobby can do."
"Great, Dobby."
They stepped in. Harry stopped before the giant tapestry. It was a tapestry like Sirius had said was in the house he grew up in. A giant tree sprouted from the bottom and spread up. Generations of Peverells started at Ignotius Peverell. The line died out in the late fourteen hundred, to be replaced with the Potters. Harry followed it. Most branches were dead ends, but three towards the top had grown over the others.
Looking around, Harry found an old chair, and moved to look at the top of the tree, which was a good eight feet off the floor. The main branch, thicker than the others, ended with him. The one to the right ended with Neville. To the left though, was another branch. One that split four generations back. It followed three squibs to end at two spots. He could tell the difference because the ones below the top names didn't have wands next to their names. The ones at the top did have wands.
One was labeled: Theresa Danforth, 1989 -
Harry looked at that. She would be old enough to go to Hogwarts in another six years.
The name next her had his brow raise. It said, Danielle Danforth, 1984 -
Harry had another relative. He would have another relative at Hogwarts this fall. Just the fact that he had other relatives had him smile.
"Harry, we are waiting," Sirius called out.
"Oh, right," Harry started, jumping down from the chair. Dobby was waiting. He had vanished the dust on the floor around them. "Can you find the ward stone?"
"Dobby knows where it is," the green-eyed elf said.
They went through one of two doors off the entry way. This one was a set of double doors, but only about eight feet high. Behind them they walked into what looked like a receiving chamber. it must have taken up much of the first floor of the keep.
And old table, obviously meant for meetings or feasts, dominated the room. Twelve seats were set around it. There were more old tapestries, weapons on display, things Harry didn't know about and four doors.
Dobby let him over to a set of open stairs. They spiraled up and down. They headed down. The first level down led to a hallway with rooms off it. As they continued, the stairs wound down and ended in a low cavern.
It was a dry cavern lit by some gems spaced equally around a carved granite cross. It was an old Celtic cross with patterns and lots of runes on it. "That is the primary stone. Dobby cannot approach."
Harry nodded and made his way over. Amelia had said he would need to touch it and let the stone know he was the new master of the keep by channeling his magic into it. Hesitating only a second, Harry did as instructed.
The second he started to channel his magic, the magic of the keep came surging into his hand. It was so strong he almost took his hand off. Instead, Harry pushed back. His nature was not to run. It felt like hours, but was probably only a minute or more, before he felt the wards give, then they enveloped him in warmth. Harry slumped to the floor, breathing hard. He had been allowed into the keep as a blood heir to the Peverells. By challenging this ward stone, he felt like he was more now. There was something else. Something like hard scales sliding across a stone floor.
Harry perked up.
"A new master?" a snake spoke from the dark recesses of the cave.
Harry turned to it, then heard another. "Does he have the tongue? Only the true heir has the tongue."
"Who is there?" Harry hissed in parseltongue.
He looked around to see two yellow eyes in the dark. "The master speaks," the snake said. Harry had a sinking feeling. He had only met one other snake before with yellow eyes.
"The master is the heir," the other snake said.
Harry sat stock still, eyes transfixed by the yellow eyes. A part of him was wondering why he wasn't dead, while another part of him was just curious. As he looked at the eyes, a green head came into the light of the gemstones. The basilisk was much smaller than the last one he met, but it was still a huge snake. As it came into the light, Harry was pretty positive it was close to twenty feet long. Looking to his left had him staring at another that was close to the same size.
The first came closer and lifted its head. Harry stayed as still as he could. Its tongue flicked the air around him before it pulled back. "It has been a long time since there was a master. Are we to protect you and kill those seeking entry?"
"No," Harry commanded. "They are my family."
Both of the basilisks pulled back. "Forgive, master. It has been long, and we have carried out our last requests."
"What were those requests?" Harry asked.
The one to his left answered. "Only allow those of your blood in unless a new master says otherwise."
"Kill all those that wish to seek entry," the other said.
"But not if they don't," to his left.
"Honour all those you call family and protect your mate at all costs," the first one stated.
Harry looked at them. "How am I not dead if I can see your eyes?"
"We do not wish it. It is a little cloudy to see, but we have closed some of our eyes," the one to the left said.
Harry nodded, now starting to believe he would survive.
"Do you wish us to carry out those requests?" the first one said.
"Ah, only if someone really tries to get in and I don't want them too," he told them. They both nodded their heads. What in Merlin's saggy pants was he to do with two basilisks! Was this why his relatives had never tried to enter the keep again? He was the first parselmouth of the Ignotius line in the last few hundred years?
"As the master wishes," the first said.
"Do you have names?"
"I am Sasshassa. My mate is Harssess," the one to his right said.
Harry nodded. "Do you need food or anything?"
"We hunt in the surrounding lands. No one has seen us," Sasshassa said. As Harry really looked at him, he noticed that Sasshassa had a blue streak down the center of his snout.
"Uhm. Okay. I need to go let my family in. You will not attack them or my elf?"
"Only if they try to harm you or enter when you say no,"Harssess answered.
Harry nodded.
"You will return, master?"
"I am Harry. I will return. I don't know if it will be today, but I promise," Harry told them. They both made satisfied sounds and Harry was able to make his way up the stairs, out the doors and to Amelia, Sirius and Remus. Dobby had joined him and looked at Harry concerned. Harry hadn't been able to say anything.
All three of them looked really concerned. "Harry, what happened?" Amelia demanded rushing to his side.
"Did you get hit with something?" Sirius asked.
"I smell something different on you. Harry, what was in there?"
Harry looked at them, his hands shaking a little. "I know why no one else has entered here," Harry said.
"Why?"
He looked to Sirius. "Do you know the last parselmouth in the Potter line?"
Sirius shook his head. "Not the foggiest, pup. Why?"
Harry gave an unsettling laugh. How many nights had visions of that giant snake given him nightmares that summer after this second year? "Basilisks. There are two basilisks guarding the keep."
He had never seen the colour drain from three adults as quickly as he did now. "Where?" Amelia asked.
"In the ward stone room, two levels down in a cave. I talked with them," Harry told them, the shock of the situation starting to wear off. "Merlin, I saw their eyes."
"How are you not dead?" Remus asked after a moment.
Harry laughed. "They said their eyes were not open all the way. I think they had a second lid that they can see through."
"They weren't as big as the one at Hogwarts?" Amelia asked, a badge coming out of her pocket.
Harry shook his head. "Maybe twenty feet long. They have been here for a long time, but not as long as the one at Hogwarts. I bet Charlus and my dad never wanted to enter here if they knew."
Sirius pursed his lips. "We should contact the goblins and have them removed."
"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "They won't hurt anyone as long as no one tries to harm me, my family or my mate."
All three of them looked at him incredulously. "Bloody hell!" Sirius exclaimed and started to pace around.
"Harry, you are sure you are not hurt and that they will not harm anyone?" Amelia asked.
He nodded. As his brain kicked in, he gave her a smile. "Auntie Amelia, there are two basilisks in my basement." He laughed. "There are two basilisks in my basement. They were actually really nice."
Remus gave an uncertain smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Merlin, pup, you never do things by half?"
Harry laughed. "Do you want to come in? There's a family tapestry in the entry hall and I've only seen the room with the big table."
All three looked a little apprehensive. "You are sure we will not be attacked?"
"I am a parselmouth. They said I was the master. I think we are safe, Auntie Amelia. I think I should be the only one to go into the ward stone room though," Harry told her, turning back. "If the tapestry is right, I have some other relatives."
Sirius stopped pacing and looked at him. After running a hand over his mouth, and sharing a look with Amelia and Remus, Sirius motioned towards the keep. "I think we should go with you to see if there is anything else bad in there."
Harry grinned. He was finally going to learn some real family history. They followed him in, wands in hand and looking warily around as he showed them the big tapestry. As Harry regarded it more, he noticed the thick branch he was on and it only grew thicker the closer you got to Ignotius Peverell. "Well, if there was any doubt, I don't see there being any anymore," Amelia said, looking at the tapestry.
"I hate the one in my parent's old house. My mother used to go on and on about it," Sirius said.
"Did you get rid of it when you sold Grimmauld Place?" Remus asked.
Sirius sighed. "No. I had it moved to a new room in the cottage. As much as I hate it, I can't deny that it is priceless to really know my family. This goes back almost twelve hundred years," Sirius remarked as he looked at Harry's tapestry.
"I see a few other branches with extant relations, but they stop after eight generations off the main line," Amelia remarked.
"Extraordinary. Harry, you are related to half the major houses in the Wizengamot," Remus said.
Harry's eyes had been following some of that. He saw Avery, Orrington, Wintergreen, MacNair, Flammel, Dumbledore, Bones, Black, Longbottom, Mulciber and Carrow. Most were more than two hundred years ago, but he could still follow the family links. "Most of the Purebloods really are related, aren't they?" Harry put to them.
"You can only marry off between so many people if you only stick to the same crowds," Sirius replied.
"Shall we go see what else is in here?" Remus asked, looking at the big double doors.
"Dobby has found some old storerooms in the basement. There is a study with several hundred tomes and scrolls. A lady's room, three bedrooms, the lord's chambers on the top and an old astrolabe on the roof," Dobby told them.
"Well, let's go see," Harry said, feeling excited again. His eyes lingered on his family tree. It was his family. The family he should have known. A family that he wanted to see Daphne on some day, and hopefully, they could add to this tapestry. Harry had a feeling he would value this as one of the most prized heirlooms he had. Harry needed to find Danielle Danforth. Maybe over the summer Harry could find them. He really didn't want them to go through this alone, like he had. Harry had a feeling that the Danforths probably had no clue about the magical world.