Chapter 36
-oOo-
September 23, 1995
Hogsmeade, Scotland
Harry opened the door. He was going into a private room in the Three Broomsticks. Daphne and the others were going to eat lunch while they waited for them to have this meeting. Inside the door he found Amelia and a man in grey robes. Harry recognized the man from one of Slughorn's parties last year.
The man stood up and held out a hand, "Good morning, Scion Potter. It is nice to see you again."
"Yes, good morning," Harry replied before sitting.
"So, you requested this meeting?" Croaker asked.
Harry looked to Amelia, who just nodded. Harry took the journal out of a pocket. "I wanted to know why the Unspeakables have a journal from one of my ancestors, and if you have more."
Croaker's brow rose. "Is it really? How do you know?"
Harry opened the cover and pointed to the runes. "I know these runes and can feel the magic."
"Interesting," Croaker said, looking at the book. Amelia did too.
"Harry, I don't see any runes," she said.
"Neither does Hermione. They are family magic, from what I can tell," Harry told her.
"The Peverells? Have you found more? Where? We have known there is other magic in this, but have never been able to identify it," Croaker said, reaching for the book. Harry pulled it back towards him.
"Mr. Croaker, I don't know how you have this, but there is information in this book that I know is my legacy. Why do you have it?" Harry asked. Over the summer Sirius and Remus had helped him make sure everything in the tower was safe, but they hadn't looked into anything Harry didn't allow them too. Amelia had the opinion that they were family, but she said this was his legacy, and someday to be Daphne's.
Croaker leaned back, regarding Harry.
"Can you tell me what those rune chains do?"
"I want to know why you have this first," Harry pressed. Amelia frowned at him, but Harry needed to know. After reading the journal, he realized this was the initial research on how to setup large fields of concealment, like his cloak.
"From what I was told, these were taken from a cache of books found in Hogwarts in a place known as Slytherin's Quarters around seventeen-ninety. Headmaster Oliver Everland was friends with the head of the Unspeakables at the time and thought the knowledge too great to keep in the Hogwarts library. A copy of most books and scrolls were made and are in the headmaster's private library. This book, of unknown origin, and twenty-three others, were not able to be copied, even to this day. We have been able to detect a magic in it, but no one has ever said there were runes," the man said, looking back towards the inside cover.
Harry pursed his lips. "I think there are only seven books missing from my library. Three from Eros Peverell, the author of this journal. I can tell you there is magic on this to mask the magic of my family, probably to keep it from being copied as well. I don't understand why it would be in something belonging to Slytherin. It was the Cadmus line of the Peverells that married into the Slytherins," Harry told him.
The man regarded him. "I was unaware of some of that history."
"And I ask you to remain so," Amelia said. "We have found this out, but I must ask, why is this so important and why did you use Heiress Granger to get at it?"
The man held up a hand. "Hermione said Harry and her friends were very bright. I underestimated how much. Scion Potter, Hermione is my apprentice. As I said, this book and others were given to us by a Headmaster at Hogwarts. As I am sure you are aware, Hermione would like to change things about the Wizengamot, but I fear she will fail, as others before her have, without the knowledge of how the Wizengamot was formed. That book is the start of the theory I have had for many years. I am not sure if any of the others I have are your families, but if you could give me a copy of those runes, that might set me and your friend in the right direction."
Harry looked at the man, then Amelia again. "No," Harry said.
Croaker didn't look that put out. "Why not?"
"Until this summer, I never really understood what family magic was. I still don't know much about what the Potters were known for, as it seems much of their knowledge has been destroyed or pilfered. I can learn about the Peverells, and what I have seen so far leads me to think that it is knowledge not many others have. I want any other books or stuff you may have of mine," Harry told him.
"Croaker, I agree. If you have any other Peverell heirlooms or books, they need to be returned to Harry. Also, did you find anything in the Chamber of Secrets? I have not heard about that yet and Harry has claim over it," Amelia said.
The man didn't give anything away. "I told you then that we would not pass along any information that was dangerous or deemed state secrets," he said in an even tone.
The two of them held an uneasy stare.
After a moment, the man said, "I can see we are at an impasse. I would like to work with you, Scion Potter, but I can't release information that has been deemed state secrets, and your friend did promise to return the book by the end of the month," Croaker told him.
"This is my property," Harry stated and a light tingling passed up his arm.
Croaker frowned. "It would appear so, but your friend has made certain oaths..."
"Croaker, tell me right now that you didn't require Heiress Granger to make oaths that would harm her?" Amelia said in an icy tone. "I did not give her leave to make any such oaths, only for you to apprentice her. I am her magical guardian and if you had her make those oaths without my permission or sanction, you know that will violate my vows as her regent."
The man met Amelia's eyes. "You gave me permission to accept her as an apprentice of the Unspeakables. There are ways that is done."
"But no vow to the Unspeakables is to violate family vows or sanctity. Did you forget that clause in your mandate? Scion Potter claimed Heiress Granger as his vassal before she was raised. You have now forced her to go against the house that has claim over her," Amelia stated.
Croaker didn't say anything for a few. "I will have to talk with the council to see what we can do to release her and have her take different vows. I would not like to lose her as my apprentice."
Harry was boiling on the inside. "You forced my best friend to make oaths that would hurt her? You have information belonging to my family and maybe other stuff that should be mine? Amelia, what can we do to get it back?"
"First, we need to get Hermione released from her oaths. If not, I fear that she and I will be in trouble come October first. Croaker, we are good friends, but how could you not think about this?"
The man didn't show any emotion. "In my exuberance to solve an issue that has plagued me for decades, I may have overlooked these complications thinking she was a Muggleborn that had been granted a peerage seat."
"So, you used her!" Harry accused.
"No less than she plans to use me," Croaker responded. "That girl is very bright and has ideas and convictions that I think the Magical World needs. I have the knowledge to lead her in her crusades, and she has the contacts that I could never gather in all my years. You, Heiress Greengrass, my great-nephew, Amelia and others that you and your alliance have gathered are the best chance at reform our world has seen in nearly two hundred years. I really don't mean Hermione any harm. I mean that."
Amelia and him glared at Croaker for a few before Harry said, "Hermione is very bright. Does she know about your intentions though? Sometimes she can be blinded by her crusades."
"I was very straight forward with her when she took the oaths," Croaker said.
Amelia snorted. "I don't always find you straight forwards and we have been friends for years."
"That's because I find it amusing to see how far I will go before you snap at me at times," the man said, a small smile coming to his face. "That and I have secrets that can not just be brandied about at will."
"Why is this so important? Why do you need Hermione, and not ask me or the others directly?" Harry questioned.
"Hermione sees things I do not. There is a deep magic in play here, and even at fifteen, she sees things or asks questions that others have not. I need her as much as you need me," Croaker told him.
"This isn't one of your games or experiments, is it?" Amelia asked.
"Life is an experiment," Croaker replied.
"You still didn't answer me. Why is this so important?" Harry asked.
Croaker regarded him for a few. "As I said, there is deep magic here. The Peverells, and more importantly, their ancestor is one of the keys to understanding myths and mysteries more than fifteen hundred years old. Those mysteries lead directly to our current government and the importance of blood and hereditary seats. That book pertains to some of it. What might be in the library it is from could be even more important. I can count on my hand how many other families in Britain are that important."
Harry regarded him for a moment. "You mean the rumor that the Peverells are related to Merlin?"
Amelia pursed her lips. "Where did you hear that?" she questioned.
"Can I tell you later, auntie?"
She nodded.
Croaker's face was emotionless again. Harry turned his attention back to the man. "They aren't rumors," Croaker said after a moment.
Harry raised his eyebrow.
Amelia took in a sharp breath.
"The Peverells are not the direct line to Merlin, but they are the last extant branch and inherited much of his knowledge. Knowledge that is key to my research," Croaker told him.
"What knowledge?" Harry was getting annoyed how the man answered him but didn't.
-oOo-
November 4, 1995
Criccieth, Wales
Harry wasn't sure he would ever get used to side-a-long apparation. They were in a small copse of trees just off a road. Harry had wanted to do this months ago, but there were rules and laws about how Muggle raised or Muggleborn were supposed to be introduced to the Magical World. Amelia was working to reverse those laws.
Thus, Amelia and him had convinced the Headmistress to allow him to accompany her today. Amelia had offered to come with them, but Harry wanted to meet his cousins before he really told them they were related. Susan, Neville and Amelia were all people he viewed as family, but there was still a slight fear these people could be like the Dursley's, and he would not expose them to that if he could help it.
Headmistress McGonagall made sure her robes were straightened out. Harry was wearing his school robes. "Are you ready, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, professor," Harry replied.
"Remember what I said. This is their first introduction to the magical world, and some do not take it that well at first," she instructed him.
Harry tried not to snort. "I think I understand, professor. I did grow up with muggles."
She nodded. "Sometimes it is easy to forget with how you have developed over the last few years."
"I like how I live now," Harry assured her.
"I am sure you do. You are only here because Madam Bones has asked for this and you have expressed interest in paying for their education," McGonagall said as they walked onto a path in the trees.
"I am also claiming them as part of my House. I think it responsible for the scion to be present when they are told that," Harry reminded her.
McGonagall gave him a rare smile. "Yes. That will most likely be a surprise as well."
They walked in silence for a few minutes, making the road and then walking about six houses down. The neighborhood was nice, obviously inhabited by average medium income families. Bikes, toys and signs of children could be seen on a few lawns, including the house McGonagall led them up the walk to the front door.
"Danielle, get your nice shoes on. The professor will be here any moment," a woman's voice could be heard. Harry had a hard time not to smile, especially when McGonagall rose an eyebrow, as though she was amused as well.
"I will give them another moment," the elderly witch said.
"I think that best," Harry agreed.
There was the sound of trampling feet on the stairs. "Mum, I can't find my favorite hair tie," a girl called out.
"Did you check your room?" the woman yelled back. "Gary, can you make sure Terry has her shoes on?"
Harry did smile this time. McGonagall turned back to the door, a smirk on her face.
"I found it," the girl called back.
There was the sound of some commotion. "I have always known Potters to be rather rambunctious, I can see the Danforths have inherited that."
Harry gave a short laugh, before straightening out his face. "I like to consider myself active."
"Indeed," she commented, a definite smile on her face this time.
A motion caught Harry's eye. He looked to the window next to the door. A small girl of about six was looking at them. She had very curious eyes, and a head of black hair that looked half wild. She didn't do anything but look at them. When Harry gave her a smile, she returned it with a small wave. Harry did a small wave back.
"Perhaps it's time?" McGonagall said, knocking on the door. The girl disappeared.
A moment later, a man opened the door. He looked slightly fat, with a welcoming face and dirty blonde hair. He looked them up and down, a slight look of surprise on his face. "Ah, welcome. Professor McGonagall?"
"Good afternoon. I am Professor McGonagall," she confirmed. "I hope you don't mind, but I have brought one of my students today to help explain what it is like at the school."
"Of course. Of course, please come in. You will have to excuse us, the girls and I just got back from a football game just a little while ago. Last game of the season. Dani's team did really well this season, 8-2," the man said, sounding quite proud of his daughter.
Harry caught sight of the small girl again around the corner of a doorway. "Terry, get over here," the woman said with a whisper. McGonagall smiled.
"It is quite understandable," she replied.
They were shown into a nice sitting room that had the feel of just recently been cleaned. Having cleaned the Dursley's for so many years, he recognized the smell of the cleaners, saw a vacuum in a corner and a few toys under the couch. Just seeing how they lived, he knew they were nothing like his other relatives and he found he already liked them.
He was introduced to Garry and Reba Danforth. Harry knew she had been the last on this side of the family to have the name Potter. When he was introduced as Harry Potter, Reba looked a little more interested. "Potter? My maiden name is Potter. Where did you grow up? My mum said she knew of some very distant relatives, but I can't remember where. God's Hall or something like that."
Harry nodded. "I grew up in Surrey, but I was born in Godric's Hollow, out in the West Country."
Her eyes lit up. "That was it, Godric's Hollow. She remembered meeting them a few times, but I never got to."
"Well, this may be fortuitous. Mr. Potter had gotten word of this meeting and that is why he volunteered to attend," McGonagall said.
"Yes, we are both very interested in knowing why you are here," Mr. Danforth told them. "Reba and I don't remember putting in for Danielle to go to a private school."
Harry regarded the family as McGonagall explained their visit. Mrs. Danforth looked like her younger daughter. Raven hair that looked a little hard to tame with light brown eyes and an easy smile. Danielle had more of her father's look, with a darker dirty-blonde hair and more grey eyes. While Harry looked at them, Terry kept looking at him.
"Hogwarts is a special school, Mr. Danforth."
"Gary, please. When you say special school, what do you mean? Dani is at the top of her class."
Mrs. Danforth said, "This has to do with her outbursts, doesn't it?"
Her husband had a pursed lip and the happy looking girl looked down.
"I am to assume that there are events that some would call odd? Please don't feel bad about it. I have an explanation why," McGonagall said in a sympathetic voice. This was so different than when Hagrid had met him.
"I never meant to turn William's hair green," Dani said.
"Was he bothering you? You felt angry or embarrassed?" McGonagall asked in an understanding tone.
Dani nodded.
Her parents looked between relieved and worried.
McGonagall took her wand out of her sleeve. "I have a secret, Dani. So does Mr. Potter. Would you like to see it?"
Dani looked up, hope in her eyes. "Gary and Reba, what I am about to do is a secret. It is so secret that only those capable of performing a feat like this, and her family, can know about it."
Gary looked at the length of wood dubiously. Reba blinked, as though she was trying to remember something.
When the family didn't say anything, McGonagall swished her wand. A small bird came out the tip and started to fly around her head. He thought Mr. Danforth was going to choke with the surprise he showed. Dani's eyes lit up. Reba gasped. It was Terry that caught Harry's attention. "Mummy. Why does colours follow the bird?"
McGonagall looked at the small girl surprised.
"Wicked," Dani said with some wonder.
"Was that magic?" Mrs. Danforth asked.
"It was," McGonagall confirmed. "Children that have the talent often experience accidental bouts of magic, like colouring William's hair."
Harry didn't take his eyes off Terry. When she caught him looking at him while McGonagall explained about magic and Hogwarts, the small girl left her mother's arms. She walked over to him. "Can you see colours around things?" he asked, his mind going to Luna.
Terry gave a small smile. "You can too? I can always tell when there is someone special around. They always have bright colors. You look surrounded by green," Terry said. "Dani is a light purple." Mrs. Danforth looked to them as Dani and Mr. Danforth were talking.
Harry chuckled. "I wish I could see colours like that. I tend to feel magic," he told her.
"What does it feel like?"
"Depends. I can feel you and Dani. You both feel weak right now, but there is like this tingling," he replied.
"You are a wizard?" Mrs. Danforth queried.
Harry looked up to meet Mrs. Danforth's eyes. "I am. My parents were magical. Your great-grandparents were my great-great-grandparents. They had a son that wasn't magical. Your mum probably knew my grandparents, maybe my father," Harry told her.
The woman nodded.
Terry leaned in. "Why do I see blue cat ears on the lady?" she whispered to him. "When you have orange dog looking ears."
Harry let out a large laugh, which had everyone looking at him. "I'm sorry, professor. I think Terry can see auras and was asking why you have cat ears."
Professor McGonagall looked back to the small girl. "You can see that?"
Terry nodded. "Like Harry has some type of dog ears."
McGonagall gave him a look. He had found his form, but he hadn't started the transformation yet. McGonagall leaned over towards the girl. "Would you like to see why I have cat ears?"
Terry nodded her head.
Looking to the others, who were all looking at McGonagall now, she turned into her tabby form. Terry's face lit with joy and Dani said, "I want to be a cat."
Harry was impressed with how accepting they were. Mrs. Danforth looked to her husband. "What do you think?"
"Waiting for next September is going to be a long wait. I'm going to miss her too," Mr. Danforth said, rubbing his hand into his daughter's hair.
"Dad," Dani whinged, trying to get away.
McGonagall transformed back. "Ms. Danforth, what I just did was called an Animagus transformation. It is not an easy transformation to master, and few do. Mr. Potter has been on the path for about ten months. I can only assume that he has recently discovered his form, since he had not told me about the dog ears the last time we met."
"They are fox ears," Harry told her.
Her brow rose. "Really?" Harry nodded. "Yes, so now that Mr. Potter has found his form, he can start learning how to change. The Potters are usually quick studies, so there is a chance he will master his form by the summer."
"That's a year and a half before I can learn," Dani complained.
"I am afraid it will be a bit longer than that. I will not train you until you are old enough and show the proper skill. Once you start, many find it between five or six months before they find their form, and up to two years after that to complete the training. It is a significant amount of time and effort. If you are determined, then you can probably start in your fourth year as well," McGonagall told Dani.
"Can I be a squirrel?" Terry asked. McGonagall rose an eyebrow. "I like to climb trees."
Harry chuckled. "You don't really get to pick what you want to be," Harry told her. "Finding your form is more like finding your spirit and its guide. It depends a lot on your personality and your family magic."
"Do I have family magic?" Dani asked him.
"Harry was just telling me we are very distant cousins. You may have some," Mrs. Danforth said.
"My father wrote a journal on becoming an Animagus. I will give you a copy when Professor McGonagall or our transfiguration professor says you are ready. But the Potters tend to be mammals, and they tend towards hunters or powerful herbivores. Doesn't mean that you may not be a squirrel," Harry said to Terry's dropping face.
"Wicked," Dani said.
"Yes," McGonagall agreed. "Now, Mr. Potter has offered to pay for both Dani and Terry when they go. He has also offered to accept them as family."
"I think we can pay for it. How much is it?" Mr. Danforth asked.
"I have a schedule of fees and tuition. It is about fifteen-thousand galleons a year. Hogwarts can offer a fifty percent match if that is a burden."
Mr. Danforth whistled. "How can you offer such a fee, Harry?"
"The Potters are a very old family and I have money to match it. If it is too lavish a gift, I would just like to know you and Mrs. Danforth and your children. I don't have much family and would like to know those I can," Harry told him honestly.
"Gary and I don't have much either. Maybe you and your parents can come over next weekend? I would like to learn more about magic and what Dani would be going through," Mrs. Danforth requested.
"I would like to see where my daughter will be going to for almost ten months of the year," Mr. Danforth added.
Harry smiled. "I would like that, but it will probably have to wait for Christmas. We do not usually leave Hogwarts. I will have my Auntie Amelia contact you. You want to know how we talk to others?"
Terry nodded.
"Well, we don't have telephones, so we send letter on owls," Harry told her.
"Oh, can I see an owl?" Dani asked excitedly.
"I'll send you a letter with my snowy owl, Hedwig, tomorrow," he promised the girls.
Terry gave him a huge smile.
"Can I get an owl?" Dani asked.
"When I take you to Diagon Alley, you can ask your parents. For now, here is your acceptance letter. Please return it either by Muggle post or owl," McGonagall told them, handing a parchment envelope to Dani. "Another letter will come over the summer and I will come to escort you in August to get your supplies."
Dani looked a little crest fallen. "I have to wait until August?"
"If your mum and my auntie agree, we can probably take you over Christmas," Harry told her.
"Yes, if you work that out, that is your business. Before I make my leave today, I do need to talk to you about the Statute of Secrecy and under-age magic use," McGonagall told them.
It was about a half-hour later that they were being shown out. "Harry, before you go, can I have your address?"
"Of course, Mrs. Danforth. It's Grace Hall, Reverend St., London. You can address anything to me or my auntie, Amelia Bones. If you send any muggle post, it will find its way to my auntie's. If you send it by owl, you just need to tell them to find the person you want it to go to," Harry told her.
Mrs. Danforth looked up from the paper she was writing on. She looked like she wanted to ask something but didn't.
When they left, Harry kept pace with McGonagall. "Professor, thank you."
The woman gave him a sad smile. "Your parents would be very proud of you, Harry. You acted more mature than many seventh-years, and I am glad I can get you in contact with family."
Harry smiled. "I wish I knew them. Do you think my dad would be happy I am going to be a fox?"
"I think he would be very proud of you, no matter what you do. If it makes you feel any better, your grandfather was a fox as well," she told him.
Harry blinked. "Really?" No one had told him that before.
She chuckled. "He was hoping to be a hippogriff or a gryphon. Something big and strong. James didn't learn his cunning from his mother. Euphemia was a strong woman, a straightforward woman, a crack at charms, but she was not cunning. Your grandfather, Fleamont, and his brother, Charlus, they were raised to be politicians and were very good at what they did. I think Fleamont was a Gryffindor over a Slytherin because he would always stand up for what was right. Charlus was a Hufflepuff. He got along with everyone. But if you made him upset, well, there are reasons they call Hufflepuffs badgers. We are here, take hold of my arm," she instructed.
Harry hadn't heard this before. "Professor, can you tell me more about my grandparents?"
"How about a tea tomorrow? I have stories about them that would make your father envious with the antics we got up too," she said, giving out a small laugh at his smirk before they apparated back towards Hogwarts.
-oOo-
November 19, 1996
Hogwarts, Scotland
Daphne got up, as did the seventh-year prefect, Nancy Wright, to see what had a group of second years being so upset. They were arguing about something, and she was trying to study. Nancy made it to the table first.
"What is going on over here? I don't mind you being a little loud, but you are yelling and disturbing everyone," Nancy chastised them.
A boy, she was pretty sure was a Selwyn, and a girl, someone she didn't recognize, had been arguing, while the few others around them looked to be trying to stay neutral. "She accused my dad of being a Death Eater, and all the Death Eaters were now squibs," the boy said angrily.
"Well, they are. My mum said so and said that we would not support any blood supremacists," the girl shot back.
"That is enough! We are not accusing people of anything, and we are definitely not accusing anyone of being a Death Eater. You-know-who is dead and anyone that went free was proven innocent," Nancy replied.
Daphne wasn't having this line of reasoning. "Ms. Wright, you do know that anyone marked by Voldemort..." she said, feeling the swooping feeling the name brought in herself, but if Harry could say the now dead Dark Lords name, then she could too. This brought hissing and a myriad of reactions. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Blaise, Tracey and Nott draw their wands.
Daphne went on, ignoring the sudden silence in the room. "We know anyone marked by Voldemort had their magic broken last June. It was documented in the Daily Prophet.Now, as for Mr. Selwyn, I believe it was your uncle that was arrested and tried, not your father. Your father has actually been in talks with mine. Miss?" she put to the girl.
"Bonnie Cartwright," the girl replied.
"Ms. Cartwright, I don't think we need to make baseless accusations. We are all Slytherin. Most of us have family ties, current or past, that cast us in a not so pleasant way. That does not mean we cannot change," Daphne told her, knowing her own families dark past. "I am willing to extend a hand of friendship to anyone that would like to change their ways."
When she looked around, she saw most of the common room looking at her. She knew she had their attention and may not get a chance like this again. "I would like it to be known, the House of Greengrass was once dark. We supported or directly fought with forces that wanted to rule our world and saw others as inferior. My grandfather broke us of that. We now stand Neutral, willing to work with anyone that would support a more equal society and help those that wish to leave their pasts behind."
"You would have Muggleborns take over our rightful places!" a boy accused. She turned to see a fourth year, Malcolm Pucey, looking at her. "My father is one of those that was affected by the illness. He has had to step down from the Wizengamot until my older brother can take it. He said Potter was to blame, and you are too. Muggle and dirt loving whore."
She stiffened, but before she could react, Blaise was already moving. The boy's wand flew out of his hand as he brought it to bear on Daphne. There was a commotion and she stood there, an anger she was unable to hide on her face.
Into the yelling, she rose her wand and made a sound like a cannon. When it quieted, the boy stood in the center of a circle. Some looking ready to fight, on either side, and those just curious around the edges. Daphne took a step into the circle. "Scion Thatcher, give him back his wand."
"Are you sure?" Blaise asked, looking cautious.
"We are not the same house we were last year. If we have a dispute, we should work it out. Wands are a last resort, not a first. We resolve these issues inside Slytherin. I promise you that if you start cursing, here or in the halls, the Headmistress will get involved and you will find yourself in trouble. Now, will you discuss this like a civilized heir to a most noble house, or will you act the way Death Eaters are known to act? They attack without honour. They attack from the back, or in groups, when they are certain they can win. How is that cunning, ambitious or worthy of anyone that claims to have honour?"
"You claim yourself to be above the Mudbloods and halflings. That your heritage and blood is worthy and theirs is not. I see just the opposite. Magic is punishing us for those ideals and the actions that come from it. How many of the old houses are dead or will be soon? How many died at the Dark Lords hand? Of Grindelwald? Or others in the last hundred years? In their place, how many new bloods have come to Hogwarts? Some claim they steal magic. I see it as magic gifting those that are worthy," she said, looking around the circle. This was the point Madam Bones and her father were trying to make in the Wizengamot.
"If you wish to prove my point, raise that wand, Secondary Heir Pucey. Cast a hex at me. I promise you, your family will be ruined, and I will not do it by stabbing you when you are not looking. I will ensure everyone knows it was Daphne Greengrass, Heiress of my House, that did it. It will be public. It will be done in the honourable way. I will be cunning about how I expose and bring you down. My ambition is to see those that are worthy of magic remain so. Be that those of pureblood, half-blood or Muggle decent. You all know my intended. I will not involve him in this, but I will not be able to stop him if he decides you and others are a threat. Do you wish to use that wand? Or do you wish to find a way to work together?"
Daphne stared down the boy. Most knew the Greengrasses. They knew their past. This swing towards Bones and Potter and others was probably perceived as a master ploy to grab power. They would be wrong, and Daphne would dissuade anyone that thought so. She wanted change. She wanted people like Hermione to have a chance without using the influence of others or being rewarded.
Pucey's face was red with anger. Looking around, he could see the support waning for him.
Daphne understood it may take a few generations for these views to die, but it had to start somewhere, as her mother and father had said.
When he lowered his wand, she had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time. "My family is more honourable and deserving than any mudblood. If you weren't with Potter, I would make you heel under my boot."
Daphne took a step forward. "Should I call for Professor Slughorn? We are allowed to duel in the old chambers."
The boys cocky attitude fell some. Everyone knew that Daphne ran, worked out and trained with Harry. Seeing Harry in Defence the last year, only a few seventh-years could probably beat him.
The boy huffed and then walked away. It was a few minutes before the rest of the common room started to disburse. She turned back to the reason that started all this. Nancy was looking at her with narrowed eyes. "I won't cause any trouble, Greengrass, but I would be careful about how you throw your power around."
Daphne just glared at the girl. "I said nothing I don't believe or will back up."
Nancy gave her a nod after a moment. The second-years were all looking at her, their eyes a little wide. Those below fourth-year were not supposed to be dragged into confrontations like this. That was a rule of Slytherin house that was so old none of them couldn't be sure that Salazar Slytherin hadn't implemented it himself. "Are you two settled now?"
They both nodded their heads and went back to the work they were doing.
When Daphne sat back down at her own table, her three friends were all eyeing her. "What?" Daphne asked.
"You know Harry and you are made for each other, right?" Blaise commented.
"Merlin, Daph, you could feel the power coming off you," Tracey added.
Nott shrugged. "Serves the git right. You want Blaise and I to take care of him?"
Daphne' cool expression had Theo lean back. "I meant it. I won't use the tactics of those bastards. Inside this house, I will make it public and ensure that no one questions that we are not the top of the food chain. We are equal with those around us."
Blaise snorted. "You hang out with my intended to much."
Tracey smirked. "I think it's that Potter blood that she is inheriting."
Daphne coloured a little at Tracey's innuendo. Theo chuckled. "Harry would have had his wand moving before Blaise even had a chance at disarming him," Daphne replied.
"That is why he is a Gryffindor," Blaise commented.
Tracey shook her head. "He is a Gryffindor because he doesn't let his fear rule him. Much like Neville. Though, Harry has been becoming more cunning lately."
Daphne smiled.
"He still has a temper at times," Blaise noted.
Theo nodded.
"Harry is a Gryffindor because he met Draco Malfoy," Daphne told them. Harry had confessed that the hat had considered it.
Blaise rose an eyebrow. "This house would have eaten him up his first year."
Daphne stuck her head up. "I think he would have made changes. Harry is not one to give up when faced with a challenge."
Tracey snorted. "Gryffindor."
Theo chuckled. "She's got you there."
Daphne let out a short breath through her nose. "I want to get this potions essay done, and then we talk."
Tracey gave her a smirk, while the boys did the right thing and buckled down. Daphne let her eyes roam to the group that had started it all. They were talking, but it didn't look heated or upset. Other groups were doing the same. Some were casting them glances. Daphne was not above proving her spot in Slytherin was not from her father or her intended.
-oOo-
December 9, 1995
Hogsmeade, Scotland
Hermione had invited Harry and Neville to join her today. She was meeting with Croaker again. Harry was hoping to finally get back the remaining books the Unspeakables have. They belong to his family.
"Hermione, why are we meeting with my great-uncle?" Neville asked.
"I was asked to bring you both," Hermione told them. She looked a little furtive, making Harry suspicious.
When they entered the private room at the Three Broomsticks, Aunt Amelia and Minister Longbottom were in the room with Croaker. There was a pile of books, a knife and a few pieces of jewelry on the table. A look to auntie had her giving him a slight nod. "Hello, Madam Minister, Mr. Croaker and Auntie Amelia."
"Good morning, Scion Potter," Minister Bones greeted. "Neville, I hope you are well today. You as well, Heiress Granger."
"Yes, gran. We are fine," Neville said.
Harry made sure Hermione was sitting before taking a seat. "Is that all Peverell property?" he asked directly to Croaker.
"Mostly," Croaker said. He slid the books over and two rings. "Thanks to some of the family history you have provided, we have been able to identify these are from the line of Ignotius Peverell or were passed to that line. I am returning them due to negotiations and some changes in the mandate to the Unspeakables that require me to hand these over."
Harry met the man's gaze. He had known auntie and others had been pushing for this, wanting to understand how much the Unspeakables had and to ensure that items were returned back to the appropriate families, if they could be found.
Harry reached for the six books and the rings. One of the rings was a thick gold with a black stone. The stone was cracked, but he could see the crest of the Peverells etched on the back. There was a power to the stone that pulled at him. Reaching out, he touched the ring. There was a resounding crack and a flash of light. Harry felt something rush through him.
"HARRY!" Hermione screamed.
Neville and her moved to steady him. The adults all had their wands drawn, looking ready to act.
Harry shook his head. "Bloody hell, what was that?"
"Harry, are you alright?" his auntie asked. The door to the room burst open and two Aurors were suddenly brandishing their wands. "Stand down," Amelia ordered. "Harry?"
"Fine. It was just... I don't know. It felt like it drew on my magic, but at the same time I felt something... else. Like it was reaching for me," Harry said.
Croakers' wand disappeared. "Very interesting," the man said. "We thought all the magic had been stripped from it."
Amelia didn't look please. "You told me it was."
"What is so important about that ring?" Hermione asked, leaning down to look at it now that it seemed Harry was alright.
"Hermione, don't touch it," Harry told her. The magic, or presence, he felt hadn't felt malevolent or anything, but he had a feeling he should be the only one touching it for now.
"Algie, you promised that nothing bad would happen," Minister Longbottom said. The Aurors left the room.
"I was certain nothing would," Croaker said. "Scion Potter, what do you feel?"
Harry looked at the ring. It was like something kept pressing on his occlumency shields. His mountains were too strong though. As he focused on it, he said, "It's like whispers. As though something is calling me, but they don't want to be called."
Everyone looked at him. "Mate, hearing voices is not a good thing," Neville told him.
Harry chuckled, remembering a certain redhead that had said that years ago. "Won't be the first time."
"Harry, I don't hear anything," Hermione told him.
"And I doubt you will, Heiress Granger. Only the owner of that ring would be able too," Croaker said.
Auntie looked to Croaker. "What do you mean?"
Croaker looked to her. "This is a secret that I think only Scion Potter should know."
Harry frowned. "What secret? I trust everyone in this room."
"Family secrets that I assume you are not aware of. You have been very adamant about keeping those," Croaker told him. "I do have some information I would like to talk about before I ask for your time."
"Spit it out then," Minister Longbottom demanded.
He slid the knife and the other jewelry towards Neville. "These belong to the Longbottoms. I will tell you about them later if you want, but I think it time I pass them down to you. My son is not worthy, and you are the main line of our family."
Neville took them. "Thank you, Uncle Algie. We will talk later."
"Croaker, you wanted me to take them here to talk about our latest research. You didn't say anything about this," Hermione indicated.
"Hermione, this is all important to what we have discussed," Croaker told her.
"And what is that? You are not endangering the Heiress Granger again, are you?" Amelia demanded.
Croaker held up his hand. "Perhaps Hermione would like to explain?"
Hermione straightened as they all looked to her. "The books that belong to Harry have the keys to a mystery that Croaker has been working on. He has had me go through them, before we knew they were yours," she said quickly to Harry. "I have been researching the origins of the magic that make up the Wizengamot. Harry and Neville are the direct links to the magic, from the family lines that are known."
She looked to Croaker, and he nodded. Hermione went on. "The notes that Croaker has pulled together are really astounding. Did you know Merlin was the first one to enact covenants that covered an entire country? Not even the Egyptians or the ancient Han could do that. I mean it is astounding to be able to establish a magically binding law that encompasses more than a fifty-mile area..."
"Hermione, I think you are getting off topic," Croaker said with a smirk. Harry had a sense that the man was very indulgent to Hermione's insatiable thirst for knowledge. Her exemplary schoolwork had not changed, but Harry had noticed that she had not taken up any new crusades or projects this year. The time she didn't spend with them, or Blaise was spent in a private classroom that had been worked out between Croaker and the Headmistress. Harry was starting to get an idea of what her new passion was.
"Sorry," she said. "What I am trying to get at is that the revolution that Blaise and I want isn't any easy thing and may not even be feasible."
Both auntie and the Minister looked at her a little curiously. "Revolution, Heiress Granger?" Minister Longbottom asked.
Hermione looked to the woman, her cheeks heating, but not backing down. "Yes, Minister. I grew up as a Muggle. The type of government in our world is more open, representatives elected by the people make the laws and help to govern. The Queen is the titular head of state, but she has no real power. If the Muggle minister were to make a degree, it would be challenge and possibly start a revolution because people would lose their freedoms. Unless you have connections or are a pureblood, there isn't much in our world that allows the others to really be heard, and many of their chances to make high positions, or even own a business, are nonexistent. I know that you and Madam Bones and others are working to fix that, but I want to change it. I want to change everything."
She took a breath but went on before anyone else could speak up. Nothing she said was really new to Neville or him, nor Croaker either, looking at his reaction, but Hermione had not really voiced this to others. "I want to break the house elves enslavement. I don't want betrothals or magically binding contracts that could effectively make someone an indentured servant. It is not right, and no one should be controlled like that."
There was a silence as Auntie Amelia rose her hand. The woman looked to Croaker. "This is what you have been doing? Planning a revolution?"
"No. Maybe if Hermione explains what I have had her looking into, you might understand better," Croaker said, indicating Hermione to go on.
"I have looked at the covenants and jinxes that make the Wizengamot and the Ministry. The Minister does have a great amount of power. They can almost be a dictator, as proven in the past, but they can only be so if the Wizengamot allows it. The Wizengamot. The Wizards Council. The Druid and Covens before that. They all link back to old, deeper magic. Merlin, with the help of the Druids and Covens, bound the wild magic of Britain. They took the more raw magics and forced them to be channeled. A magic focus is the only way to really access that now, like using a wand."
"You are drifting again," Croaker said with a smirk.
"In binding the wild magic, Merlin created a governing council. One that was to protect Muggle and Wizards. It made magic more controllable and available to more people. It also made things safer. Demons can only roam the lands now when they have permission. Dragons are smaller and less magical than the old drakes, who could wield magic like wizards and had been a true terror across the lands. It bound werewolves to only turn once a month. This magic was spread across Europe, and then it took root elsewhere around the world."
"Hermione, what are you trying to say?" Harry asked her.
She took in a breath. "Harry, you are a descendent of Merlin. You are someone whose blood helps to keep the old magics at bay. You really do help to control and rule the land. Three wizards were the original foci. Myrddin Wyllt, Morgana Le Fay and Arthur Pendragon made the original triumvirate."
There was a hissing, "Sweet Merlin," from Minister Longbottom. Neville's eyes widened.
Hermione went on. "They were the foci. Myrddin, or Merlin, represented the Druids, the curators of the earth, records and creatures. Morgana was that of the covens. Those witches that would heal, protect against the dark and curators of the fire and air. Arthur was a battlemage, the protector of Muggles and those that could not defend themselves from magic. He had thirteen knights, some battlemages like him, others Muggles of great skill. Between them, they made the first of the great magical nations to thrive in Britain under the new ways. It is what led to the downfall of Rome. By binding the wild magics they used in battle, the Legions could no longer rely on the power that made them so fearsome."
"Diverging again," Croaker told her like a teacher would to a student.
Hermione huffed. "What I am saying Harry is that the Wizengamot, and the three lines from the original triumvirate are important. The families were bound as blood defenders, as where their descendants, to the land and the covenants. The power of the families maintains the original bonds and keep magic contained the way we know it. The thirteen that originally served with Arthur became the Council, and when the strain on the families, who were growing less numerous, became too great, the Wizengamot was founded, and the power needed to maintain the covenants was spread across more."
"So, you are saying that the most ancient houses are descended from the court of Camelot and are needed to survive?" Auntie Amelia asked.
"On the whole, Amelia" Croaker said. "Given Hermione's sharp mind, I have asked for her to go through old records to find who is left of the original sixteen. This is where part of the knowledge in the books I gave to Harry has been so important. We have been able to discover that the Peverell's descended from Merlin. The Titengasts were a cadet branch of the Pendragons. Two of the original three have been found. Six of the original thirteen knights also have extant lines. I am sorry to say that it appears Le Fay may have died out."
Harry looked at them. Apparently, Blaise and Hermione hadn't really talked about this, and he needed to know why all this was important before he may enlighten the others. "Why is all this important?"
"I would like to know as well," Minister Longbottom said. "In all these years, you couldn't have told me any of this?"
"Augusta, you are not the heir to the Longbottoms. Neville is. I only know most of this from my father. He wanted both our sons to know our history, and Frank would have told this to Neville when he came of age. I still have knowledge to pass to him, but this is important because the revolution that Hermione would like is not possible it the way she wants," Croaker said.
"I am really related to Arthur Pendragon?" Neville asked in some wonder.
"You are, Neville. To answer your question, the Unspeakables are concerned. We would like to see change in our society. Frankly, it is needed, more because of threats from the Muggles than of us dying out. I know the research that you and Anders have done, Amelia. It is brilliant and the Unspeakables had not even considered some of what you found. But it stresses that the blood lines of those that rule our world need to be strong and reinforced. More Muggleborn are being born each year as magic tries to even out the numbers because many of the old blood lines are dying out due to inbreeding and magic's dissatisfaction with them," Croaker said.
"I still find it hard to believe that magic is that sentient," Hermione told him, sounding like this was a discussion that they had had a few times.
"It is more sentient than you think," Auntie Amelia replied. "Croaker, why is this so important?"
Croaker looked at her, then the Minister, then them. "The Muggles, Amelia. They pose a threat greater than You-Know-Who did and are slowly encroaching in on us. There are secret places that only the heirs of the triumvirate can access. Places that could prove essential in providing safe havens for the future of witches and wizards if Muggles are not as accepting of our talents when the Statute of Secrecy is broken."
"You can't be serious, Algie? We have magic. Wards. Obliviators and Magical Reversal squads. Everyone is raised to protect our enclaves and abilities," Minister Longbottom said.
"It won't be enough. Even as our numbers may grow, we are far behind the population and technology of the Muggles. It is a certainty that they will discover us at some point. It may be a year from now, maybe ten or a hundred, but their science is getting close to understanding some of the deeper mysteries of the universe. It will happen," Croaker said.
Hermione had a frown. Harry looked to her. He knew what the Muggles could do, but he had no clue how advanced some of the sciences were. It was Neville that spoke first.
Neville frowned. "Gran, I've seen some of what they can do. They have planes that hold hundreds of people and have thousands of them. Millions of people live in Britain, never mind the rest of the world. How many witches and wizards are there? Mr. Bovier showed us ships longer than two Quidditch pitches. Some of them hold weapons. Weapons that could destroy a city in seconds. What can we do against that?"
Harry still wasn't sure what the man was asking of them, but he had an inkling.
Croaker saw his look and returned it. "First, we need to see if we can find any more of the Camelot Court. Second, I really must talk with Scion Potter. As the descendent of Merlin and the Peverells, I think he has information on how to construct wards and rune chains that can mask magic. It becomes undetectable, even to magic. That is some of the other secrets I have looked for, but those books are incomplete, and he has shown there is hidden magic that only he can see. Third, the Unspeakables wish to give your alliance any help it can to push the idea of new magic being introduced to the old lines, especially those that hold Wizengamot seats and the foundations of our country."
Croaker had finally told him what he wanted. Harry pursed his lips. The magic the man was asking for was a family secret. He had been able to determine that. If it would help people, Harry would share it, but he had a feeling that it could be used for as much good as bad. What could Tom and his minions have done with magic that could hide them so that no one could find them?
Hermione looked at him expectantly. She knew it was his family magic, but she was insatiable in her need to know at times. Neville looked rather pensive. Auntie Amelia caught his eye. She very slightly shook her head. Minister Longbottom had pursed lips.
"I need to talk to my auntie and family," Harry told Croaker cautiously. He also wouldn't let out secrets that might be Daphne's. She was too important to him. "Hermione, have you talked to Blaise?"
She nodded. "I have promised to keep his secrets. Croaker and I are meeting with his mother later today."
"Yes. I will be at that meeting as well," his auntie said.
Hermione looked at him curiously. He shook his head at her.
"Uncle Algie, I need to know all this," Neville told his great uncle.
"Over the Christmas hols I will start to go over everything. I would like to meet with you as well, Harry. I would like to talk about that ring. Please don't take too long to make your decision about what Merlin and the Peverells may have left you. I think this will be very important in the not-so-distant future," Croaker said.
"Harry, I think it is really important. You know what it is like for some of the Muggles. I don't want my parents or any of us in danger," she told him.
Harry took her hand and squeezed. "They won't be, Hermione. Let me talk with auntie and Sirius."
She nodded.
"Harry, would you like me to take all those back to Grace Hall or your vaults?" Auntie Amelia asked when the meeting broke up. Hermione got into a conversation with Croaker, while Neville and his Gran left. Harry looked down at the books and rings. He took three of the books and the ring with the black stone. She looked a little apprehensively at him when he made to put it on. "Are you sure of that?"
"I can feel it. The voices are there. I'm really not crazy," he told her.
"That is what worries me," she told him.
He felt the magic in it. It was Peverell magic, but not the same he knew. "This is from one of the other lines, but it calls to me auntie."
"I won't keep you from what is yours, I just caution you," she told him.
Harry took in a breath, then put the ring on. The voices calmed and the uneasiness from them lessened. It was like they knew he heard them but didn't need them. It was going to take some getting used too. He would have to talk with Daphne about it later. When he saw the concern in Auntie Amelia's eyes, Harry gave her a smile. "I'm fine. The voices have all stopped and it feels warm. It's not bad."
She pursed her lips. "Just be careful. I'll check in with you later to see if you are still doing well."
"Thanks, auntie. Hermione, you coming?" Harry asked.
She made her goodbyes to Croaker, and they made their way out of the Three Broomsticks. Once out, Harry asked. "Is Croaker being honest with us?"
"Yes," Hermione answered.
"Is he telling us everything?"
She was quiet for a few. "I don't know. What we talked about is the extent of what he asked of me so far. I've talked with Blaise. I know what he told you, but I promised I wouldn't say. I was able to find references for you and Neville. Harry, from hints Croaker has dropped, I think Camelot may still exist. The information he is asking of you is important."
Harry stopped as they made their way towards Honeydukes. She stopped to look to him. "Bloody hell, you are serious?"
"Yes," she told him.
Harry stood there for a moment, very silent as he thought. Daphne, Blaise, Nott, Susan and Hannah were supposed to meet them ad Honeydukes but were coming up the street. "Let's talk later. I am going to tell her," Harry said as they came up.
Hermione let out a breath and nodded.