Chapter 35
-oOo-
July 25, 1995
Mosedale, England
Dobby popped in, Daphne holding his hand. Harry didn't miss her legs below the skirt she was wearing. Daphne looked around, her eyes taking in everything as she turned. When she saw Harry, her smile grew. "Where am I?"
"Peverell Keep, though I think it needs a better name," he told her.
She looked around again. "Where is this?"
"The Lake District. That down there is the hamlet of Mosedale. It was once part of the Peverell lands. Do you like it?"
She spun around again. "Why not call it Greenfield? It looks like they were used at one time."
"I found a record saying that it was mostly sheep and cattle. The soil was poor for farming," Harry told her.
She nodded. "That can be fixed."
She turned back to the castle and took the few steps to him. "Thank you, Dobby."
"The mistress just needs to call," Dobby said and popped away.
"He's in a good mood today," she commented.
"He's got work to do. Tipsy should have her elflings soon and he wants to restore the kitchens here before she does," Harry said, taking her hand.
"Is it that bad inside the keep?" she asked, nodding to the four-story tall square tower.
"No. Besides some dust and dirt, a little age showing on some things, the preservation wards are working really well. The parts were the ward stones failed, well, you can see it didn't go well." He indicated the walls and the old gate house before them. "Sirius found the other wards weren't tied into the main wards of the keep."
"The kitchens were where the wards failed?"
"Yeah. Auntie is asking if I want to have the goblins rebuild the castle, but I'm not sure. What am I going to do with a whole castle if I don't live here?" he asked her.
She looked around again. "You could add a few greenhouses, maybe some trees around the edges of the fields. That would allow you to set up new wards. How much land is there here?"
"All the muggle repelling, and distraction wards are still active. There are old Celtic posts at the edge of the lower fields and up to the peak of the mountain. Sirius said the place could hide Hogsmeade and still have half the fields available," he told her. She was looking like the gears in her head were whirling. "What are you thinking?"
Daphne didn't say anything for a moment. "Just thinking," she replied.
Harry figured she would tell him when she wanted. "Do you want to come in and see what it's like, or go for a walk? Dobby was going to have lunch on the lawn for us later. It's supposed to be sunny most of the day. Remus is here today trying to figure out a few heirlooms. Auntie doesn't want me here on my own until we are sure everything is safe. He's not sure if they are safe or not yet and we don't want the goblins inside the keep."
"Why not?" she questioned.
Harry wasn't sure what to say. Only Amelia, Remus and Sirius knew about the guardians. "You promise to not freak out and not tell anyone else?"
Daphne looked deep into his eyes for a few. "What aren't you telling me, Harry James Potter?"
"Family secrets," he said a little coyly.
"Should I know them yet? We are not tied to be family just yet," she told him.
Harry gave her a smile. "I wasn't thinking of getting rid of you, if that is what you are thinking."
She was quiet for a few. "You know we can't until we are both sixteen," she reminded him.
"I know," he said simply.
After a moment, her curiosity got the better of her. "What do you need to tell me?"
"I know why the keep was sealed and none of my relatives kept it up or came here," he said.
"Why?"
"I'm a parselmouth," he answered.
"I know that. Is that supposed to impress me? Did you have to use some parselmouth magic or something to open the keep?" she asked.
He chuckled. "Daphne, how did we all find out I was a parselmouth?"
She didn't look impressed. "You talked with a snake." He didn't say anything as she pieced it out. "There is a snake that you have to talk to?"
"Right in one. Well, two actually," he told her.
She looked at him, as though waiting for him to go on. When he didn't, she asked. "Harry, what type of snakes?"
He wasn't sure he should tell her, but he felt she should know, especially with the look she had given the area around here. As young as they were, Harry had a vision of them walking the hills and mountains as they grew older. "Basilisks," Harry said, his voice much steadier now than it had been that first day.
Her eyes widened. Her hand gripped his as tight as she could, which hurt with how they were still doing their workouts and physical training. "How did you talk to them?"
"They guard this place and the lands. Even the hamlet down there. The last Potter that could enter here asked them too and they have remained loyal. I have talked to them a few times now," he told her.
She was looking a little pale. "Right," she said, slowly. She took in a long breath, then let it out. Harry got slightly distracted how her chest pushed against the shirt she was wearing. "Right. You have two basilisks that live here... where exactly? Do I need to hold my eyes closed?" She was looking on the edge of panicking.
"No. They won't hurt you or anyone that doesn't mean me harm or try to get in without my permission. They know to let you in, but they would like to know your scent," Harry told her. "I have brought them items from Remus, Auntie and Sirius to smell, but they wanted to meet you. They said it was important."
She started to shake a little. "Meet me?" she said in a higher pitch voice.
"You don't have too, but I promise they will never hurt you," Harry told her.
She looked into his eyes. He saw fear, real fear, in her eyes. He didn't like that look and the fact he had caused it. "Daph, just forget about it for now. Let's go for a walk down to the stream."
She didn't move. "You really talked to them?"
Harry nodded. "Their names are Sasshassa and Harssess. I've talked with them a few times. They've been here about three hundred years."
Daphne took in a long breath before letting it out. "How big are they?"
"A little under twenty-feet and about a foot and a half in diameter," he answered honestly.
Her hand was shaking. "How didn't you die?"
"It turns out they have an extra lid over their eyes. It makes it a little hard for them to see, but it won't kill anyone."
She took in a few deep breaths to calm herself. He waited as she went through whatever she was thinking in her head. "Sahassa and Harsse?"
"Sasshassa and Harssess. Sasshassa is the female, Harssess is the male. He's a little bit smaller and Sasshassa has a blue streak down her snout. I like them, Daph, and I never thought I would like a basilisk," he told her.
Her eyes looked a little watery. Harry, looking like Daphne needed a hug, pulled her in. "Daph, you don't have too."
She buried her head in his chest for a moment before saying, "Show me."
"You sure?"
Daphne pulled back and pecked him. "If I will be Lady of the Peverell line someday, I should be able to do as my intended."
There was still fear in her eyes, but the fierce determination that made him love her. Harry took her hand and led her down into the tower. In the few weeks it had been open, Dobby had done a bang-up job. His family tapestry had been restored. The colours were vibrant and the little bit where the stitching had come loose along one edge had been repaired.
Daphne stopped to look at it. "Mother is set to inherit the one my grandmother has. Her family tapestry only goes back about three hundred years," she told him.
"Do the Greengrasses have one? I've never seen one in your house," Harry said.
"I think I am going to ask father to commission one. The goblins work with a house elf to make them because of the blood magic required, and they are not cheap," she replied.
"I could pay for it," Harry told her, looking up at the tapestry. It really meant a lot to him to have this. "Maybe I will have two commissioned. One for your house, one to put up here when we are married one day? It will go right next to this one, that way we will always know our roots."
The fear that had been in her eyes lessened. "Harry, do you understand how much that is? You are talking something like a dowery gift. That would become a priceless family heirloom."
Harry smiled, looking up to his family tree. "Like this one?"
After a moment she said, "Like this one. You really mean you would do that, wouldn't you?"
"Do you want one? I'm not sure if they trace you back or not, but it would be neat," he replied.
"Merlin, Harry," she said, moving in and capturing his lips. It was a long, sweet kiss. "Maybe when we get married. That is too lavish a gift right now."
He shrugged. "If you say so."
Her narrowed eyes let him know that she was guessing at what he was thinking. Harry wondered how much they really were and if it would be something the Greengrasses would like? Maybe Hermione or Susan? Or Neville?
"Take me to see Sasshassa and Harssess?" She was obviously trying to distract him, and a little of the fear came back to her eyes.
Harry led her into the dining hall and down the stairs. As they descended towards the cave, Harry told her, "Never come down here without me."
She nodded.
When they entered the cave, she took in a breath. "Is that a blessed stone with harmonic crystals?"
"Is that what it's called," he said. She looked at him curiously. "I've been the only one down here. I described it, but Sirius and Remus didn't seem to understand it."
"Don't you remember Binns talking about some of the goblin rebellions? Wizards couldn't get into some of their strongholds due to those arrays. They link into a lay line and use the crystals as power reserves. I don't know if there is a stronger ward array," she told him.
"I must have missed that. He didn't tell us that this year," he commented.
"Second year. Some of the early rebellions in the twelve and thirteen hundreds. Goblins haven't made those for wizards in hundreds of years," she added before squeaking when a grinding sound came. She took his arm and pressed her front into his back. He felt her shiver a little as she pressed her head against his shoulder.
Master brings his mate, Sasshassa said.
Harry watched the basilisks as they came into the light of the crystals. Daphne was shaking now as they came near. Master's mate will not be hurt, Sasshassa stated.
You are creatures to be feared by many, Harry replied.
Harssess came closer. Yes, we are feared by our enemies. Not by our masters or their family.
Daphne only knows you as an enemy. Harry looked the smaller Harssess in his eyes.
Then let her look at us and not fear, Sasshassa replied.
"What are they saying?" she whispered.
"They are saying you don't need to fear them. They, ah, protect my family," Harry said. "They would like you to look at them."
Daphne kept her face buried as Sasshassa came and lifted her head, her tongue flicking out around Daphne and him. Master's Daphne should not fear us.
"Daphne, if you want to look, I promise you will be safe. If not, we can leave."
"Why did I have to fall in love with a bloody Gryffindor," she muttered.
Harry chuckled. "It was you that came to me."
"Mental. I was completely mental," she said as he felt her lift her head. He strained his neck to see her face. Her eyes were still closed as Sasshassa lifted her head to be level with Daphne's.
He didn't say anything. Even now Harry still felt a little apprehensive, but he had faith the basilisks would not hurt him or Daphne. As a parselmouth he had found he could tell a snake's intent when they talked.
When she opened her eyes, he saw them go huge to see Sasshassa only a few feet from her. Sasshassa flicked her tongue out. She is a good mate. She smells fertile.
Harry's face reddened. Harry didn't want to think of Daphne being fertile for a while yet.
Daphne said in a voice he just barely heard, "She is beautiful."
A smile spread on his face. Harssess came up to look at Daphne. "They won't kill us?"
Harry shook his head. "They protect me... protect us."
Daphne still clung to him as she looked at the two basilisks. "Merlin, I'm still shaking."
"It's alright, Daph. They just wanted to meet you," Harry assured her.
The Lady is always welcome. We will never harm her or your progeny. Sasshassa hissed before lowering down and slowly moving back into the shadows. Harssess stayed for a moment.
The blessing of our old masters lay heavy on you. It will pass to this mate once you claim her and will be in your blood as long as it goes. Our parents served the great Peverells. As did their parents before them, and the ones before them. It was a traitor to the family that stole one of a clutch many generations ago. I smell the taint of that one in you, but it does not rule you. My mate and I will pass within the next few tens of years, and we will leave new protectors. Your gift will allow your progeny to speak and command them. May our blessing see you to a long age, Harssess said before suddenly darting forward. Its tongue got Daphne's cheek.
She screamed and Harry went to protect her, but Harssess was already moving away. When Harry turned to her, he saw her touching her cheek. "It tried to bite me," she said, looking white as a sheet.
"It gave you it's blessing," Harry said, wrapping her into his hug. Her body was shaking so hard he wasn't sure if she would be alright or not.
"It didn't poison me?" she asked.
Harry shook his head. "You would already be dying if it did. They will never hurt us."
She wrapped her arms around him. "Can we go back outside for a bit?"
"Sure."
-oOo-
Same day...
London, England
Hermione loved to read. She loved to learn. It was a love and need that was so ingrained to her that when she met Croaker three weeks ago for her first day of her 'apprenticeship', she was excited. The man had chuckled at her exuberance, then took her to this room.
And that is where she had been, four days a week, from eight until four PM. In this room.
Oh, she could go to the bathroom, three rooms down, but she couldn't go anywhere else. At noon, Croaker would come and pick her up, then they would apparate to a place for lunch. She would get an hour with him to go over what she was reading, with him mostly listening, as they ate.
As much as she loved to learn and loved to read, after three weeks she admitted to herself that this was the most boring thing she had ever done.
Over two hundred years of Ministry rule and regulations as to how an Unspeakable is to act, what they can say, who they can say it too and the having to remember the various oaths, both those that were now 'off the books', and the ones that were still in the current rule book.
When she had been offered this opportunity, she thought it would be very interesting, and give her and Blaise more information on how the Wizengamot was formed.
Thus, when Croaker showed at noon, she flopped the latest revision of the Unspeakables 'manual' onto the table.
"Have you made any progress?" Croaker asked.
She had to bite down her retort. "I have read the current manual three times now this week."
"Excellent," the man said with a smile. Only because his grey hood was thrown back could she see his face today. Many times, he came in with it up and she could never tell if it was Croaker or not.
Hermione fought not to roll her eyes.
"Then you now know that everything I have had you learn about what we are supposed to do is very important and you are ready to make your vows to join us," the man said. He chuckled as her eyes went wide.
"Join you?" she squeaked.
"Heiress Granger, one of the things about the Unspeakables is that we like to take the top talent early enough they are not stuck in their ways. Your ideas about revolution have intrigued a few people and you will be apprenticed to us, if you so choose," Croaker said.
Hermione blinked. "You mean as in a real apprentice? Seven years of servitude to get a Mastery and all that?"
He chuckled again, before taking on a serious face. "I have talk with your Regent and your parents. I have explained that if you wish to take this opportunity, the Unspeakables will require you to work every summer and be assigned special tasks during the school year that you will have to report out on periodically to whomever your senior is at the time. Until you earn a senior level, you shall be an apprentice. No matter how long that takes."
Her eyes were wide now. "But... but, what about me working for creature rights and trying to change the Wizengamot?"
The man's smile was genuine, but a little predatory. For the first time she got a real feeling that the Unspeakables may not all be as kind as they appear. Stories of this man doing things to Neville to have an accidental magic reaction were now coming to his head.
"Not all Unspeakables are tied down to a desk or a research position in these walls. What is your true impression of what all these rule books say about us?" He swept his hand to the multitude of pamphlets, scrolls and volumes.
She looked around, going through everything she had read in the last three weeks. As she went through the catalog of items in it, she started to realize something. The secrecy. The oaths to protect. The oaths to cause no harm unless necessary. The oaths to maintain their traditions. The traditions of keeping up to date on current Muggle technology, society, governments...
She looked up to Croaker, some pieces all of a sudden fitting together. "The Unspeakables protect our world."
"A little simpler than our true goals, but it is a start," Croaker said. "I will admit that the goals shift some depending on who is in charge, but you will find me rather forward thinking, compared to our previous Head. Are you ready to take the oaths, then I can really explain why you caught my eye and what we are willing to do to help you. In return, we will ask for your time."
"Uhm..." she said, rather stupidly. She hadn't been expecting to sign up for life, by the way he made it sound.
"I assure you that Regent Bones and your parents have agreed. I explained as best I could and made magical oaths that I will not willingly put you at bodily harm until you are of age, and even then, only when absolutely necessary," he informed her.
She thought about it for a long moment. So many of the oaths focused on guiding wizarding world while protecting it. But everything was about protecting in the end. When she pulled her wand out, the man gave her a broad smile.
"Now, if you would, Heiress Granger, we are going to walk through all the oaths and I will explain what they mean, all the loopholes we know about, and what it will mean for you before I ask you to take them" Croaker said.
She may not have gotten to lunch, but when she left, her spirits were way up...
-oOo-
August 19, 1995
Longmarche, England
It was the first time in over twenty years that the Longbottom house, Longmarche, had been decked out and prepared for a major society event. Lady Abbot and Davis had been all over the house after his gran had offered to use it for the cotillion this year to allow people to forget what happened last year.
His gran was busy at the ministry and happy to let the other woman plan most everything.
Now that the night was on them, Neville found he liked that the huge house felt like it had come alive again. He had spent so many years here with it being so empty.
His gran was acting the Grand Duchess, as was her right and role here, instead of the Minister tonight. She was in a grand gown and pleased to have him next to her. She was even more pleased when his intended showed.
Tracey came with her family by a house elf into the large atrium. Others were arriving by elf, Floo, and even a few by old carriages. Neville didn't really care when he saw Tracey in the pale pink dress that was worn by those waiting to be presented. Next year would be her year and he would walk her down the stairs that were next to the fireplace.
Tracey had grown over the last year. The dress filled out more. Her curves were more womanly. He liked the way her hair was up and exposed her long neck. The brilliant smile before she schooled her features was even better. He did find it rather nice, but odd, that the bottom two inches of her blonde hair matched the colour of her dress. That was a lot more daring than would normally be allowed at formal balls like this.
"Perhaps you should ask Miss Davis to join us," his gran said before she turned to someone else to share a few words with.
Neville walked over and bowed to Tracey and her parents. "Lord Davis. Lady Davis. Scion Davis," Neville greeted each in turn. When he got to Tracey, he took her hand and brought her knuckles to his mouth. "Miss Davis."
Tracey's eyes danced with mirth. "My Scion Longbottom," she replied.
Lord Davis nodded his head. "It is nice to be back at Longmarche. I remember being here many years ago."
"Yes, sir. Gran is very thankful to Lady Davis and Lady Abbott for their time in preparing this. If you would, you and your family are welcomed to join the Dowager and myself this evening," Neville offered.
The man gave Neville a smile. "I think my daughter would be enough to satisfy our presence. I would like to find Lady Zabini first. Roger, do you see miss Wendyl either?"
Tracey tried to hide a smile. "Yes, father. I will not do anything to embarrass you."
Her mother chuckled. "I would be careful, Scion Longbottom, she has been up to something."
Neville raised an eyebrow and she looked totally innocent. He wasn't sure yet if he should be more worried when she looked up to trouble, or when she was acting as though she wasn't. "I promise to keep an eye my intended, Lady Davis."
"I wish you luck in that endeavor, but fear you will fail," her mother teased.
Tracey still looked innocent. "I promise to be good," Tracey said, then said something under her breath.
Her mother eyed her daughter. "Act the lady I know you are until after the first few dances."
"Yes, mother," Tracey said.
"What are you up to?" Neville asked.
She gave him a bright smile as they wove their way through the gathering crowds. "Nothing... tonight," she told him.
He eyed her. "What are you up too?"
"It wasn't me that gave me these pink highlights," she told him.
He raised an eyebrow. "Fred and George?"
"Somehow. I haven't seen them all summer and I woke with this yesterday," she said, touching the pink tips. "We haven't found a way to get rid of them yet."
"You don't seem that upset," he commented.
She smirked. "It's bloody bril, if you ask me. I kind of like it, after I got over the shock."
"I like it too." Neville touched some of her hair and got his hand slapped.
"Don't mess up my hair. You can wait until later," she told him.
By now, they were at his Gran's side, and she turned from the man she had been talking with. "Ah, Neville, and your intended, Tracey. Arron, this is my grandson."
The man was tall, maybe in his later sixties with a white streak down the center of his dark hair. "Ah, the son of Frank and Alice. It is nice to finally meet you. And you, beautiful young lady, I have not had the pleasure of seeing you before."
"Tracey Davis, sir," she said, doing a small curtsy.
The man returned a low bow. "Mr. Arron Haversine. I am the nephew of Madam Longbottom."
Neville's eyes widened. His gran never talked about that side of his family. He looked to her. As an explanation she said, "I recently reached out to my sister, who moved to the United States during the war."
The man looked a little sad. "Yes. Unfortunately, my mother died a few years ago, but I agreed to come and see this lost side of my family. She has also agreed to support my daughter this year. My youngest daughter, Madelyn, will be coming here for a job end of September and I thought she should have all the advantages she could."
They talked for another five minutes before they were called away to open the event. Neville went to stand beside the small step that had been set up for his Gran to stand on and was mildly surprised when she asked Tracey to join them. They were not betrothed yet, but his gran was saying Tracey was as good as family.
She took up next to him, standing tall an acting the lady.
"Thank you all for coming to this fun night for our children and to introduce those coming of age in our society," his gran started. There was some applause. "It has been many years since the Longbottoms have hosted this event, and after tonight, I do hope it will not be many more. Myself, the Lord and Lady Abbot, and the Lord and Lady Davis have come to the agreement that the next few cotillions will cycle between our houses."
There was more applause.
"Now, tonight is supposed to be about fun and teaching these young people how it is to act as a society peer. I do hope you will all help in this endeavor. Now, I am not one for long speeches, so I will ask for the debutantes and their escorts to be introduced. Lord Abbott, would you do the honour?"
Hannah's father gave a half bow. "It would be my pleasure, Madam Longbottom."
When she stepped down, his gran gave them a big smile. "One day this will be your responsibility, my dear. Please pay attention," she said to Tracey. Tracey's eyes widened, as though she had never thought of that. Neville hadn't either. He liked her. Neville was even starting to think he might love her, but Tracey and him had until they were both seventeen to decide that.
Tracey answered in as steady a voice as she could, "Thank you, Madam Longbottom."
"Please, dear, you can call me gran," the woman said, making Neville's eyes grow as large as Tracey's.
-oOo-
A few hours later...
Longmarche, England
Blaise had finally gotten Hermione alone in the back gardens. It had been harder than he thought to dodge the Auror patrols and their friends. They were still inside the outer patrol, but in a quiet, slightly dark area.
Hermione was looking at him with and amused smirk. "If you just wanted to find a place to snog, Neville said we could explore the house," she told him.
Blaise rubbed his palms on his trousers, while giving her a cheeky smirk. His hands were sweaty with his nervousness, and he was trying not to show it. "I wouldn't mind a snog, but I wanted to talk to you about something first."
Hermione looked at him questioningly.
Blaise went on. "So, I talked with my mother and Madam Bones," he started.
"Blaise..."
He held up a hand and she stopped. "Just, hear me out, then you can get all opinionated on me." He chuckled as she rolled her eyes. "Hermione, I want you to know I really like you. I like you enough that I want to do this properly."
"You know that I still find all this backwards," she told him.
"Maybe, but you are an heiress now. You are going to be a very important person, even if we can pull off this revolution we want," he told her. She went to open her mouth and he put his hand over it. "I want to change things. I want to change things with you. Even as I say that, I find that I want to keep some traditions."
Her eyes showed her surprise. He had talked about burning them all down just as much as she had, but apparently some of his mother's views had sunk in. "Until we can change things, there are ways to gain respect and power that most will recognize. We are both allied to who will probably be the most powerful figures in the Wizengamot within the next ten years. Harry, Neville, and Daphne have decided to follow the old customs. I think we should as well," Blaise tried to reason.
Hermione kept her mouth shut as he took his hand away. She was looking very thoughtful. When he went to interrupt her again, afraid she would say no and rant at him, she put her hand over his mouth this time. "Can I speak now?"
She didn't seem angry, so he nodded. She took her hand off his mouth and took his hand. After a deep breath, she said, "You want a courtship, don't you?"
"Very much," he replied, being far more serious than he usually was, well, for anyone but Hermione. She evoked a different side than he showed most people, a side he liked.
Hermione nodded. "Have you talked to my parents?"
"Not yet. Madam Bones said I should talk to you first, and then she would help us talk to your parents," he said.
"They already know about all this. I've told them it would be a possibility, and I don't think they will disagree," Hermione told him.
Blaise looked a little surprised now. "You aren't upset I would want this?"
Her smile was soft. "Maybe last year. Madam Bulstrode has been a very good teacher... and I have learned things. I would agree to a courtship if you want," she told him.
A big smile came across his face, before he looked at her dubiously. "I may not have known you as long as Harry, but that seemed too easy."
Hermione laughed and pecked him. "I like you too. You are right. I am Heiress Granger. You are Scion Thatcher. My closest friend, well, he is more like my brother, is going to be head of a very powerful house. I think that holds more importance than I thought." She put a finger to his mouth as he went to ask. "I can't tell you."
"The Unspeakables?" he asked around his finger.
She didn't say anything or move. After a moment, his suspicion was confirmed, and he was very curious. "I won't agree to a betrothal before we are out of Hogwarts. Maybe even a year or two later. I have things I want to do before I give you children."
He knew that was what this would lead to, but he hadn't really thought about that as a real thing. "You know..."
"Shhh. Let me finish." He nodded and she went on. "Blaise, I really want to make changes, but I think there are things, deeper things, that I don't understand. I need that time before we convince Harry and the others."
He nodded again and kissed her finger before taking her hand in his. "I will wait," he assured her.
She smiled, before her eyes took on that intense look she always got before dragging him into a broom closet. "That doesn't mean we can't kiss or anything."
His cheeky grin returned. "As my lady wishes."
It was a good half-hour before they tried to straighten themselves out enough to return to the cotillion. They didn't notice the two Hit Wizards that were not trying to look at the teens as they enjoyed themselves...
-oOo-
September 1, 1995
London, England
It had been a fun summer. They had been to three amusement parks, kept up their training three days a week, Madam Bulstrode said that they didn't really need her anymore, and Daphne wasn't shaking when she went to visit Sasshassa or Harssess. She had wanted to see them again about two weeks after the first time. Out of all their friends, she was the only one to know that secret. Harry felt a little guilty about keeping it from Hermione, but he didn't want them to be endangered. Not that he didn't trust Hermione, but as much as he considered her family, she just wasn't. Over the summer, he had become very fond of his new familiars. They weren't Hedwig, but they were part of his legacy, his family.
On the platform, Harry noticed that there seemed to be more first years as they walked towards the front. Most looked at them and the smiles and waves were rather nice. It felt more like they were looking at him more because he was Harry Potter, the future Lord Potter, than the hero, The-Boy-Who-Lived.
They found a compartment where the six of them could sit: Neville, Tracey, Hermione, Blaise, Daphne and himself. Four of them had to leave quickly though, since they all had new Prefect badges.
Harry opened the door to let the others go before him. Daphne gave him a little smile and he sat in the seat next to her. Susan was sitting away from Ernie. Trevor Brook, a Ravenclaw, was the head boy. Across from him was A Hufflepuff that Harry really didn't know with the Head girl badge.
Harry sat with Daphne, Susan before them, with Neville, and Hermione and Blaise behind them.
The train was on its way before Brook called for everyone's attention. "Right, boys and girls, let's get this going. I'm Trevor Brook and this is Maggie Mason. We are the head boy and girl for the year."
"Thank you, Trevor. It's good to see all those that were prefects have come back, and to see the new faces. I am going to assume that you read the handbook, because you will be expected to follow the rules, and enforce them. If you haven't read it, I expect you to by next weekend," Maggie told them.
As they were going over what was expected of them, and the schedules, Harry didn't miss the look between Daphne and Hermione when the headships were mentioned. It was a position decided as much by academics as it was popularity and the proven ability to be mature and fair.
Harry was hoping he would not be caught between the two most important people in his life. He knew Daphne wanted to be at the top, with her ambition starting to really take off that way as they talked about their future. Hermione had been responding to the competition to her dream since the first day she had walked into Hogwarts.
When they walked out, Hermione took his arm. "Daphne, do you mind if I do this first patrol with Harry?"
"Of course. I'll see you in a short bit," Daphne said, giving him a peck.
They waited for the other prefects to walk by before Harry asked, "What's up?"
Hermione looked around and pulled him into the stairwell before casting, "Mufliato."
Harry waited for her to speak. "Harry, I want you to take this book. I only have permission for you, Daphne and Neville to read it," she said, looking around like she was doing something she wasn't supposed too.
Harry looked down at the aged book. It looked delicate and not that large.
"What is it?"
"A diary that digs into the creation of some old magical places in Britain and the politics of about a thousand years ago. It's been enchanted so that it won't fall apart or be damaged, but I think you should read it. Once you are done, I need to let Neville borrow it. I have to return it by the beginning of October," she told him, finally meeting his eyes.
"Why is this so secretive?" Harry asked her.
"Once you read it, you'll know," she told him.
Harry took the book and could feel the familiar magic that he had grown accustomed to over the summer. "Hermione, where did you get this?"
"I can't say. It's important Harry," she told him. "I can't talk with you about it until you read the book."
"Hermione, I can feel the magic in this. It is part of my family's legacy. I think I should be the one giving permission to use it," he told her.
She looked a little shocked. "I can't feel anything," she told him, taking the book back and looking at it for a moment.
"Hermione, I need to know where this came from. There are things I have found this summer that should not be given out without my permission," Harry told her.
She frowned. "I will have a talk with the one who gave it to me."
"Was it Blaise? We have shared a few things, but not a whole book," Harry put to her.
"It's not Blaise," she said.
"Then the Unspeakables? If they have other stuff that belongs to my family, I really need to know," Harry told her.
"I can't say. Please don't ask again. Just read it," Hermione begged.
Harry frowned before taking the book back. "I am not giving this back," he told her. "I will let Daphne and Neville read it if I think it's appropriate, but I need to talk with whomever gave this to you before I consider anyone else."
She frowned. "I have to give it back."
"Hermione, if this still has my families magic on it, then it was not given freely. Amelia and Sirius have explained that to me this summer. That means this was stolen." He opened the cover and could see a bunch of runes on the inside of it. He recognized a few of them, and two of the rune chains. He traced a few others. "I've never seen runes lain out like this before."
Hermione cocked her head. "Harry, there aren't any runes there. I have read this twice in the last week."
Harry looked up. The only explanation he could think of was 'family magic'.
"If the Unspeakables gave this to you, I need to talk with them. When I went through the study at Peverell Keep, there were spots where a few books seemed to have been missing. This is a journal from Eros Peverell. He was a grandson to Ignotius and one of my direct ancestors. There were two or three journals missing, or so it looked from the gaps and dust spots. They are the oldest ones I could find. If the Unspeakables have the others, then they have stolen family secrets that they have no right too."
Hermione looked really concerned now. "I didn't know. I don't see any runes," she told him.
Harry pinched his nose. Remus had insisted on cataloging everything, and Harry had read two of the other volumes from Eros because the rune work in it. One of the journals had entailed some of the rune schemes for his cloak and what had been used on the tower when it was constructed around one-thousand AD.
"Get me in touch with your mentor, please," Harry asked her. He really shouldn't be blaming Hermione.
She nodded and they just stood there for a few. "Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"Can I read some of the other journals?"
"I don't know. There is some really strong magic in the few I have read, and I feel like it's really important. I don't want just anyone to know it yet," he told her.
Hermione didn't look pleased, but she accepted it. When she spoke next, she was very cautious about her word choice. "You really should read that soon. It will be important if we want to change the Wizengamot, and for how we might be able to counter some new Muggle technology that the Unspeakables are concerned about."
Thinking to the undetectable rune chains that Eros said were used on the cloak, Harry bet that what was here could be very important. He didn't want to hold back any information that could help people, but so much had been stolen from him that he got a little upset when he found something else.
"Hermione?" he said as she went to cancel the charm.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I'm not upset with you. You didn't know," he told her.
She gave him a small smile. "I will send an owl to Croaker tomorrow," she assured him.
-oOo-
September 2, 1995
Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne sat in the common room waiting for Astoria, her friends and Pansy, who had asked to sit with them this year.
Tracey was busy writing a letter as they waited.
Daphne watched as various groups or single housemates came out of the dorms. Most went straight out the door, but as they passed, she saw one of three reactions. Those who had always supported more of the neutrals or moderate houses nodded or offered them some type of greeting. Those that were more traditionalists on the conservative sides, and those that didn't fully support You-Know-Who, would mostly meet her eyes, but not much else. The last group, which was reduced now, mostly because they had either graduated or they were not going to other schools, avoided her. Their eyes were usually down cast or looked elsewhere.
The change in the power dynamics of the house over the last year was dramatic. Daphne and her friends and allies were now the dominant power. She recognized it. She would use it if she needed too, but she wouldn't lord it over others. Hermione and Blaise had good points that the more they could 'get along' with others, the more they would make the changes permanent.
Blaise came up with Theodore, who were the only fifth-year boys in the house. When they sat, those that wanted to avoid them moved through quicker.
Blaise gave a sly smile. "If I didn't know better, I would say you are the top snake now," Blaise commented.
"She is," Tracey said. "No one wants to mess with her because of her father and Madam Bones, not to mention Harry."
Daphne gave a small smile. "I won't use them like that."
"You mean you don't want to be like Malfoy?" Theo asked.
She gave him a level look. "I will not go complaining to my father. I can handle my own fights. I will only bring in my intended if absolutely needed."
Blaise chuckled as two seventh-year girls looked like they were going to say hello, then turned away. "I think you scared them away."
Daphne watched the girls go. "I'll talk with them later."
When Astoria and Amanda came up, Daphne got up. Astoria was only a third year, but with how much things had changed, and the fact that Daphne now understood her new position, it was important to keep an eye on her sister.
Astoria rolled her eyes. "I don't need an escort," she told Daphne.
"No, but I want it known we represent a united front. After today, you can do what you want," she told her sister.
"You know I don't care for all these politics. Besides, it's you and Harry that really need to worry about this," Astoria said.
Tracey shook her head. "Was I that naive?"
"Still are," Blaise told her in a serious voice.
"Bint," Tracey said with a scowl, which had Blaise and Theo laughing. Astoria and Amanda smirked. "Don't forget about Neville. His gran is Minister and Neville is really starting to pay attention to what is going on."
"I didn't," Blaise said. "How could I anyways, you bring him up three or four times an hour."
Tracey smirked. "What can I say? I'm smitten with him."
"More like in love," Astoria snarked. Tracey just shrugged her shoulders.
"I still owe you for Harry, don't forget," Daphne told her now thirteen-year-old sister.
Astoria just gave her a winning smile. "Maybe."
When they made it to the great hall, Harry was already at the Gryffindor table. They had decided to sit at their house tables today. Looking at the Slytherin table, they were one of the last groups. She would have to make sure Astoria was on time for now on.
The surprising thing was that the center of the table was empty except for their allies. Daphne knew where her place needed to be and took up just about dead center. Essentially, she was the queen of the house now. Not a position she had expected to attain by the start of her fifth year. Looking down the table, she didn't see anyone looking to challenge her.
Tracey and Blaise looked a little shocked. "I knew things had changed, but like this?" Tracey whispered.
Daphne did a small raise to her left shoulder. It was as much of a shrug as she would give. Looking across the hall, she could see Harry in much the same position, with Hermione, Neville, Luna and all the others he liked in the center of the table. She knew he was probably a little uncomfortable with the position, but he was taking up the position he now understood he had.
Susan, Ernie and Hannah were towards the center as well. The Hufflepuffs didn't really believe in a pecking order, but Susan was obviously considered high up. Her Prefects badge didn't hurt either.
The only house that they didn't have a large presence in was Ravenclaw. Luna had snubbed them today, and without Roger, they didn't have many she would consider part of their alliance. Between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, she decided they would have to branch out more into those houses over the next few years.
Tracey nudged her. "Are you going to eat or keep staring at Harry?"
Daphne cracked a smile. "He is rather handsome."
"Neville is better."
Daphne just gave Tracey a knowing smile.
"Ms. Greengrass, your schedule," Professor Slughorn said, coming up to her.
"Thank you, professor," she said, turning to take the slip.
"I would like to invite you and Mr. Potter to a dinner Friday night. Would you be able to attend?" the man asked.
"We will be there, professor."
"Excellent. Ms. Davis, you and Mr. Longbottom have the same invitation. Here is your schedule."
"I will make sure we are there, professor," Tracey replied.
"Marvelous. Now, Mr. Zabini," Slughorn turned to their dark skin friend.
Daphne looked back to Harry. She had a feeling finding time alone with him over the next few years might be tough.