Chapter 39
-oOo-
April 6, 1996
Rotherham, England
Daphne was glad to be home for two weeks. As their OWL's grew closer, she found that there was less time to spend with Harry, Tracey, Hermione and their other friends. She put her bag down and flopped rather unceremoniously face-first onto her bed. Harry and the others were being bad influences on her this way, but she found she didn't care when she was in her own house and in her own bedroom.
A few minutes later, there was a clucking from her doorway. "Feeling a little tired?"
She shifted her head so she could see her mother in the doorway. "Hermione already has us studying hard for the OWL's and I am determined to do better," Daphne told her mother.
Her mother smiled, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed. "Just wait until your NEWTs. I near had a mental breakdown about a month before."
Daphne groaned. "I haven't had five minutes alone with Harry for almost a month, and it won't be much better when we go back," she complained.
"There is a solution to that," her mother said.
"Drag him to an alcove and snog him senseless," the annoying tones of her fourteen-year-old sister suggested, coming into her room.
"I wish," Daphne said in a whisper.
Their mother laughed. "Astoria, is there something you are not telling me? You are still a little young."
Astoria gave a huge smile. "No, mother."
She didn't waiver under the stare that their mother gave her, or the glare that Daphne did. Daphne had a feeling she would need to pay closer attention to Astoria.
"Dragging her intended off to places unwatched was not going to be my suggestion. I was going to say you could stop competing with your friend for top spot," their mother suggested.
Daphne rolled over and sat up straight. "I will be top of the class," Daphne said resolutely. That was a goal she had set first year and one she would fight for until they graduated. If she did lose out to Hermione, she would know she had done her best and gladly congratulate her friend. Until then, though, she wouldn't give up.
"I'm sure you will be. How was the winter term?"
"It was great," Astoria said. "Amanda and I were able to get onto the practice squad now. I am getting outstandings in most of my classes and Eric Higgs asked me to meet him at Fortescue's on Wednesday."
Daphne rose an eyebrow. She was definitely going to have to keep an eye on her, especially since Astoria had started to really develop and looked like she was going to have a body like their mother and Daphne.
"Where you going to ask your father and I about this date?" their mother asked.
"Eric sent a missive to father this morning," Astoria beamed.
"I see. And who is going to escort you? Is Eric Higgs in your year?"
"He is a fourth year. Usually he is with Young, West and Broderick," Daphne said. "He hasn't caused any issues and is aligned with Bulstrode's intended. He is the heir-secondary to the Higgs."
Their mother looked amused. "Are you paying more attention to your house politics? And as for an outing with Mr. Higgs, your father and I will talk about it tonight and figure out who will escort you."
"Daphne and Harry will," Astoria said definitively.
"I don't remember being asked," Daphne stated.
"You were just saying that you wanted to spend more time with Harry," Astoria countered.
"I think my exact words were I haven't spent much alone time with Harry. Watching my sister flirt with another boy is not my idea of fun," Daphne replied.
"I don't think it that bad of an idea. I doubt Harry would let things go too far," their mother said.
As she did, Daphne's fatigued mind caught up with what her mother was implying. A mischievous grin snaked across her face. "Oh, I am sure Harry wouldn't mind at all."
Astoria's smile dropped. "Daph, Harry would be a gentleman, right?"
"Oh, I'm sure he will be. I think he learned a bit from you on how to treat someone that is courting someone," Daphne said, her grin turning eviller, thinking of all the times they owed Astoria for what she had done.
"You wouldn't!" Astoria whinged.
Their mother laughed. "I'm sure Harry would be the gentleman."
"And what of Daph?" Astoria demanded, giving a worried look to her.
"I'm sure that Daphne wouldn't do anything to embarrass her intended," their mother said with a knowing tone.
"But not her sister? Bloody hell," Astoria muttered. "Daph, I'm sorry about everything I did."
"Are you afraid I would do something to embarrass Harry?" Daphne asked, liking the way Astoria was squirming.
"I know that there is much that won't," Astoria stated.
Daphne shrugged, a bad habit she was picking up from Harry. "I'll be mostly good."
"If that is settled, then I think your father and I could allow it," their mother said.
"I want someone else to escort us," Astoria worriedly stated.
"Your sister and her intended will be enough," their mother said, shutting down the conversation. Astoria groaned.
"I'll send a letter to Harry to make sure Wednesday is good. I am going to go with him to Gringotts on Thursday," Daphne told them.
Her mother turned her head and regarded Daphne. "Why would you need to go to Gringotts with Harry? Are you two thinking of making the courtship into a betrothal over the summer? You know that your father, myself and Madam Bones should be present."
Daphne sat up tall. "We are in agreement to that, but this is not related to our future betrothal," Daphne stated.
Astoria's apprehensive mood changed. "So, I will have a brother soon?"
"Not that soon," Daphne said. "We are graduating before we think about a wedding."
Their mother looked pleased at that before enquiring, "Then why are you going to Gringotts with Harry?"
"Harry is going to have the goblins rebuild the old castle at Mosedale and look into other possibilities. He has been able to obtain most of the Muggle lands around the old Peverell Keep. We were thinking of renaming it Potter's Green," Daphne informed them. "The meeting at Gringotts is to talk about the plans for the castle."
"I see. It sounds that you and Harry are more serious about each other than I think you let on," their mother commented.
Daphne finally felt her cheeks heat a little. "I love him," she replied.
"I can see that. I feel there is something else going on though. I know you, dear daughter, and this sounds like the start of a much larger plan that you probably dragged Harry into," their mother said.
Daphne's smile was wide. "Actually, I think I am being dragged along this time. I do need to talk with you and father."
Astoria laughed. "Since when do you not lead whatever plan you have?"
"Since Harry has one that is far beyond what I originally wanted and I can make sure he succeeds," she snapped back at Astoria.
"That is enough, Astoria. Why don't you go get ready for dinner?" their mother suggested.
"I want to know," Astoria complained.
"This is between me and Harry," Daphne countered.
"And your father and I?"
"Yes, mother. Some of it. Auntie Amelia and Sirius know as well, but Harry doesn't want me talking about this with just anyone." Daphne gave Astoria a pointed look. "Not yet."
Their mother nodded. "Astoria, go. Dinner is at seven-thirty tonight. You can get a snack from Ginger if you need."
Astoria huffed. When she left, the door closed a little hard. Her mother gave Daphne a look. "What are you and your beau up too?"
"Nothing bad, but I need to ask you and father for permission to share some family magic and knowledge," she put to her mother.
Her mother pursed her lips. "This can't wait until you are married in a few years? You know some of what we know, and I know your father is reluctant to do so before our houses are joined."
Daphne took in a deep breath. She knew what she was asking. It was something that she had debated with herself over the last few months. Harry had not pushed, and hadn't really brought it up again, but she knew he might really need it for his plans over the next few years. Plans she wanted to be involved with.
"Harry has shared some secrets with me. Did you know that the Peverells and Potters are the last extant line of the Aurelius line?" Daphne started with.
Her mother's eyes widen some. "You mean there really is a scion of the House of Merlin?"
Daphne shook her head. "No. Like us, his family line was too far removed by the time the main line died. The Peverells have some of Merlin's old works and other magics. Magics that Harry says were worked out with the Le Feys. Harry wants to make more magical settlements and integrate Muggle technologies into our world. I want to help him."
Her mother sat there for a few. Daphne could see her mind turning. "Daphne, what is Harry really looking for? What magic could we have that would help him and what magic from Merlin does he know?"
"We haven't exactly shared those details yet. I told him I wanted to talk to you and father first and we have been just too busy getting ready for our OWL's and now that Hermione is not apprenticing anymore with the Unspeakables, I can hardly keep up with her," she said a little aggravated.
"I don't know everything about the old Le Fey scrolls. We should talk with your father and decide where we want to go with this," her mother told her.
"Mother, if it works out, the Potters and Greengrasses could become the most important families in our world. I know Harry doesn't want that, but I can't deny that I don't think about it," she admitted.
"It is that ambition in you that the hat saw. Get ready for dinner. Your father should be back about seven." Her mother patted her knee and got up.
"I'll be down," Daphne assured her, flopping back on the bed. She still had about forty-five minutes and just wanted to lie still for a bit. It had been a very busy term.
-oOo-
April 10, 1996
London, England
Harry was having a good time. He had offered to meet the Danforths today. It wouldn't be their first trip, but now that it was getting close enough to Dani going to school in a few months, she could finally get her wand. Harry was excited to see them, having shared letters for the last few months.
Susan and Hannah were here today, meeting Dean and Terrance Rogers, a sixth-year Hufflepuff that Susan had taken a liking too. They would sit near enough to Astoria to watch her while Harry and Daphne showed the Danforths around.
Sirius, Remus and Iliana would be around also. Astoria hadn't looked as pleased, but it meant Harry wouldn't be close enough to bother her most of the day. Something Astoria thought worth it to deal with her mother.
They met the Danforths outside the Leaky Cauldron, Terry running up to him. "Harry!" she exclaimed excitedly on the busy street. Daphne laughed, "If she wasn't your cousin, I might be jealous," his dark hair girl teased him just before Terry jumped into his arms to give him a hug.
"It's nice to see you too," he said happily, picking her up as he stood, and she refused to let her hands go from around his neck.
"You really are a squirrel," her father said, shaking Harry's hand as Terry laughed.
"It's really nice to see you again, Daphne," Reba said, moving to hug Daphne. She moved to him when Gary tickled Terry, forcing her to let him go. "I think you grew another inch."
"I'm told that would happen," Harry replied cheekily.
Reba laughed and he shook Dani's hand, who seemed a little shy to come closer. "I know you don't have your supply list yet, but we thought we would go with you to Ollivander's and then wherever else you want. Maybe get some ice cream after?"
Dani's face lit up. "I can get a wand?"
Gary chuckled as Dani bounced. "We hadn't told her yet."
"I didn't mean to ruin the surprise," he said.
Terry was looking at him. "Your ears are brighter," she told him.
Harry gave her a big grin. "That was a surprise I was hoping to show you later."
Daphne was smiling. "I can show you mine as well."
"Really? I thought Minerva didn't think you would be ready until the end of the year?" Reba asked.
"Daphne got it around Christmas and I was able to finally get my clothes to change with me a few weeks ago," Harry said rather proudly about himself.
"I want to see," Dani said as they started to walk back down Charring Cross Road to the Leaky Cauldron.
"In a little bit. We can't change here, and I don't really want everyone knowing what we look like," Daphne explained. Terry took his hand before they entered the tavern and made it through the bar room.
"How do I get my wand?" Dani asked.
"You have to beat a troll," Harry said rather serious.
Dani squeaked and Daphne gave him a glare. "Don't listen to him, Dani. You don't have to beat a troll."
"Well, that one was easier than the dragon," he countered.
"Mum!" Dani squeaked, moving to her side.
"I think your cousin is just teasing you, Dani. Amelia said the man at the shop would just match you," Reba said.
"I'm sorry. Someone told me something similar when I first went to Hogwarts. There are no creatures to beat, but there will be a core to your wand from a creature," Harry informed her.
"You are horrid," Daphne told him, taking his free hand. "I can see I will need to keep an eye on you today."
He was about to give a cheeky retort when they entered the back alley and found two people in purple Wizengamot robes coming through. He immediately straightened up, Daphne doing the same, dropping his hand. When the two men looked up, they looked to their clothes before recognizing Daphne and him.
"Good day, Lord Abbot and Lord Westford," Harry said rather formally, giving them a quarter bow. Daphne did a small curtsey in her long Muggle style dress. Terry hadn't let his hand go but looked up to them curiously.
The two men bowed, with Lord Abbot going about half-way and Lord Westford doing a three-quarter bow. "Good day, Scion Potter and Heiress Greengrass. How is your day?"
"Very well, sir. I am just escorting my relatives so that one of my cousins can get her wand," Harry replied. He was being formal because they were acting Wizengamot members right now.
Lord Abbot smiled. "Ah, yes, a very important day for any wizard... or a young witch? It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Danforth," Lord Abbot said with a smile.
"How do I reply?" Dani whispered to Daphne.
Daphne turned to her. "Being protected by the Potters, you are given the honourary rank of his House. You would curtsey like this," Daphne said, doing a very shallow curtsey. Reba and Garry looked on rather interestedly. Dani and Terry tried to copy her. "You can thank him and use Lord Abbotts and Lord Westford's proper titles when they are in Wizengamot robes."
"Thank you, Lord Abbott. I am very excited to get my wand," Dani enthused.
"Very good, Ms. Danforth. I hope that you find a wand that accepts you easily. If you would excuse us, we need to be back to the Ministry," Mr. Abbot said.
"Scion Potter. Heiress Greengrass. Mister, Misses and Misses Danforth," Lord Westford said with a bow.
When they left, Reba moved between them. "What was that all about?"
"Is this about your government that Amelia has told us about?" Garry asked.
"Harry and I are heirs to Houses with hereditary seats on the Wizengamot. Lord Abbot and Lord Westford were dressed in judges' robes today, but even then, if they are in formal dress, we should meet and talk to each other formally when in public," Daphne explained.
"Why wasn't it that stuffy at Christmas or when I visited your home?" Reba asked. Harry started them into the alley.
"You are family to Harry. We are all friends and allies. The formalities are dropped when we are in intimate sessions or out in the Muggle world," Daphne answered.
"I think it's all a bit much, but it is what is expected of Daphne and me," Harry added.
"Will I have to do that all the time when I get to Hogwarts?" Dani asked.
"No. Hogwarts has its formalities, but nothing like that, Dani," Harry replied.
"It is nice at Hogwarts. It will be up to you if you want to spend time with us or be tutored in the proper societal ways," Daphne informed her.
"Yes, Iliana and Amelia have explained much about what might be expected of Dani and Terry. Do you really want to accept the responsibility of these two belonging to your house?" Reba enquired.
Harry gave her a big smile. "I would like to do nothing more. I really don't care if they want to learn formal society manners or not. I just like having family."
Gary put a hand on his shoulder. "I can say, it is nice having you. We would have been lost trying to figure all this out."
"Can I get a wand today too?" Terry asked.
"Not until you are eleven and it is within six months of you going to Hogwarts," Daphne told her.
"But I'm only seven now!" Terry complained.
Outside Ollivander's Reba looked at the fading sign a little dubiously. Dani was back to bouncing with joy. "Why do most wizarding places look to be two centuries behind current architecture, and look like they are two centuries old?" Reba queried.
"Because most wizarding places are, or are older," Harry replied.
"Your cousin isn't wrong. After being in the Muggle world, you would think we could take better care of our buildings," Daphne said in a low voice.
Harry shrugged. He agreed.
The bell behind the door announced their arrival. They all stepped in, Dani looking around wide eyed, taking it all in while Terry stayed by his side. A second later, Mr. Ollivander peered out between two stacks of wand boxes.
"Ah, Mr. Potter... and Ms. Greengrass, curious to see you in here today," the man said, his large eyes showing through his glasses. The man's white hair was just as unruly as the first time Harry had come.
"Mr. Potter, holly wand with a phoenix feather core. Eleven inches. Quite subtle if I remember correctly. And Ms. Greengrass, Apple with a hart string of an Opaleye. A little rigid, ten- and one-half inches with a rather rare lacquer made with dragon tears. A strong wand with someone of strong convictions. A good match to someone of holly, who might need those strong convictions to steer them right," Ollivander said.
A shiver went down Harry's spine. How could this man do that? He wasn't sure he liked it.
Without blinking, he turned to regard Dani. "A new witch seeking a new partner for her journey?"
Terry pulled him down. "He has strange colours," she said.
Ollivander turned towards Terry. His eyes regarding her for a moment, Terry leaning into his side. "I see, young one. I will look forward to pairing you when your time comes," Ollivander said with some excitement. "Your cousin here was rather hard to find a companion. I see a challenge in you as well."
Gary cleared his throat. "Ah, Mr. Ollivander? Harry said this is the best place to get a wand?"
Ollivander looked up. He looked surprised, as though he hadn't seen Reba or Gary yet. "Yes, you have come to the right place. I take it this young witch is your daughter?"
"This is Danielle. Could you help us? We have other stops today," Gary said.
"Of course. Ollivander's has been in business for many years and my family has helped most witches and wizards in Britain. Shall we see, young lady, which one of my wands will choose you?" the man asked Dani.
"Please," Dani said excitedly.
"Just a few measurements then," Ollivander said, drawing his wand and the tape measure that Harry remembered well. Dani giggled as it started to wrap around her, lengthen and then take all sorts of measurement. Reba looked on interestedly while Gary was a little dubious.
After a moment, Ollivander wandered off between the shelves without saying a word. "Terry, are you alright?" Harry asked, realizing she was still pressing into his side.
"He has strange colours. They keep changing," she told him.
"Is it scaring you?" he asked. Daphne seemed to catch on as the Danforths were watching Dani try a wand that did nothing in her hand.
Terry shook her head. "He isn't mean. He isn't a man."
Harry held her hand a little tighter, having felt put off by this man before. "Is everything alright?" Daphne asked. Terry reached up for her hand too.
"It'll be fine," Harry said, giving Daphne a look that they could talk later. Daphne understood and they watch in silence as a fifth wand was put into Dani's hand. Grey sparks flew out. "No. No. Getting closer, but not right. I think pear is the right wood, but unicorn hair is not right," the man said distractedly.
It was two wands later that Dani gave out a squeal of delight as fat red and green sparks flew out this time. Terry lightened up. "Oh, I want one," the girl stated.
"When you turn eleven, Harry and I will come with you," Daphne promised.
"Thirteen inches, pear with a heartstring of a Hebridean Black. It is a little firm but should serve you well. Unusual wands you surround yourself with, Mr. Potter," the man said looking up from the happy girl. Harry thought the man looked hungrily at him, as though expecting something great to happen.
"How much?" Reba asked, pulling Ollivander's attention back to Dani's parents. Terry squeezed his hand.
When they walk out, Dani was holding the box her new wand was in rather protectively. Daphne gave her a smile. "I slept with my wand in its box for the first two weeks I had it," Daphne told the girl.
"Is that allowed?" Dani asked.
Harry chuckle while Reba shook her head. "It's your wand. Just don't use until we get onto the Hogwarts Express. I can talk to Auntie Amelia about getting you a permit to practice at Grace Hall next summer," Harry offered.
"Wicked," Dani said enthusiastically.
The groups enjoyed themselves, eventually joining the group that was at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Harry nodded to Susan and Hannah as the Danforths went in to order, Daphne going with them. "Didn't you two have dates?"
"We did," Hannah confirmed.
"They left already," Susan added.
"That bad?" Harry enquired.
Hannah shrugged her shoulders. "It was alright. They want to take us out to Hogsmeade when we get back."
"I like Terrance," Susan pipped up.
"Then why did Dean and Terrance leave already?"
"Harry, we've been here over two hours," Susan stated. "Dean had to go meet up with his mother and Terrance had to go back home."
Harry looked at his watch. "I didn't realize," he told them. He nodded to a laughing Astoria sitting with a boy that had black, styled, slicked back hair, was a little pale with fine lines to his face. Even with his paler skin, Harry thought the boy would be considered handsome for thirteen or fourteen. "I noticed Astoria and Higgs are still having fun."
"Don't you dare bother them," Hannah warned him.
Harry took on a hurt look. "I would never," he said rather innocently."
Susan snorted in mirth. "Bloody hell you wouldn't."
"Do I need to threaten Terrance also?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing a little as Astoria leaned over and gave Higgs a kiss on his cheek. The rather composed boy looked a little shocked.
"You better not. I'll tell auntie," Susan said, giving him a glare.
Harry returned a cheeky grin. "Only trying to watch out for my cousin."
Hannah giggled. "I'd watch out yourself, Harry."
"What is Harry watching out for?" Daphne asked, putting a small dish of ice cream before him. Terry and Dani joined them, forcing Harry to get up and put two more chairs at the table. The Danforths found a table with Iliana.
"Nothing," he replied.
"Harry is going to threaten Terrence and Higgs over there," Susan huffed.
"Oh, who is that?" Dani asked, turning to look at the dark hair girl that looked like a younger Daphne.
"Astoria's young suitor," Hannah said, as though it was juicy gossip.
Dani stuck her spoon into her mouth while watching Astoria and the boy. "Are they intended?"
"Not yet, but it looks to be going that way," Hannah replied.
"Hannah, it's only their first outing," Susan countered.
"Would you be offended if I talk to him?" Daphne asked.
"If it means Tori is more upset with you than me, it's all yours. I will be looking for him if he hurts her though," Harry said to Daphne.
Susan, Hannah and Dani all looked to him. Susan commented, "You are a little scary when you get protective."
Harry shrugged and Daphne gave him a peck on his cheek. "I don't see anything wrong with it," she commented.
"Do I have to start kissing boys' cheeks?" Terry asked and most of them laughed at the smaller girl as they continued to talk and comment on Astoria and Higgs, who gave Harry a startled look when he realized they were being watched.
-oOo-
April 11, 1996
London, England
They were in a large conference room with pages of blueprints spread out before them. Daphne was looking at the designs for three greenhouses, with her mother and auntie with them. Harry was intently looking at the ward scheme notes, going over in his head what he had seen in his library.
Shaking his head, he looked up to the goblins. "Are you trying to rob me?" he asked. Auntie and Sirius had told him he couldn't let them see weakness. A year ago, he probably wouldn't have challenged a goblin that way, but Harry was understanding his power in their world better. He knew he was a large depositor, probably one of the largest, and he wouldn't be used like this.
The goblin ward weaver's nose curled up. Harry may not know everything about wards, but he could recognize a substandard scheme when he saw it, and the goblins were not expecting that. His comment had almost everyone in the room looking at him.
"You dare question what I put there?" the goblin asked.
"I do when it is substandard. I told you I want gem-based power and amplifiers to cover the extension of the main ward stone. For what this is and what you want to charge me, this is robbery," Harry replied.
"Goblins don't do that for wizards," the ward weaver replied.
Looking down, Harry knew that he was still a few years away from understanding the wards around the keep enough to replicate them. He wanted things properly protected before then though.
Harry looked to his auntie. "Auntie, can the dwarves do ward weaving?"
There was a collective murmuring of unhappy sounds from across the table. Harry looked at the goblins. The team lead snarled at him, "You insult us like that?"
"I would call your proposal as it is. How many of these wards were broken in the last Blood Wars and I see nothing here about a general masking ward against outside electronics or cameras. I am paying you to come up with plans that will protect my family," Harry returned with equal fierceness.
Axefist and him stared at each other for a moment before the goblin gave him a grudging nod. "We will take off a thousand galleons for each ward stone with that scheme."
Harry snorted. It was still going to cost him three thousand galleons for each ward stone that he couldn't tie into his main ward stone with the gem amplifiers. To rebuild the kitchens, great hall, the south wing, new greenhouses and gate house would require three stones, plus some amplifier stones. Looking at the design, he wanted to expand or see if the caves below the keep extended under the construction area or create passages to hide them down there.
Thinking of that, he would have to figure out how to handle Sahassa and Harssess. Harry didn't want goblins traipsing around the old wards stones or discovering the basilisks.
He might have to accept the current proposal until he could do what he wanted.
"Agreed," Harry said.
It seemed to satisfy both sides.
"How many rooms will there be in the south wing?" Iliana asked.
"Three galleries and four rooms on the ground floor, and twelve on the first," Harry answered.
"And the potions and herb treatment areas below the great hall?" Daphne asked.
"Yes," Harry replied. There would be an entrance by the kitchens, one leading out the side towards the greenhouses and another at the entrance to the great hall, buy the gate house. One large room and a half dozen rooms that could be used for storage or potion ingredients.
His auntie moved to his side. "Are you expecting a large family or to do much entertaining?" she asked surreptitiously, looking at the designs for the first floor and the galleries, all with large doors between. It would easily host two hundred people without expansion charms, and with the goblins wards that could be boosted to five hundred.
He knew his face heated a little. "You have said it's important to keep our friends and allies close."
She gave him an understanding smile. "It is. Just remember to come by Grace Hall at times."
Harry smiled. "It's still a few years," he told her.
"It may be sooner than you think. Susan and I will always have our door open," she promised him.
"Thanks, auntie," he said. He spoke louder. "If no one sees anything they would like to change, I wanted to talk about the price."
Axefist gave a smile that showed some teeth. "I think Gringotts has offered a fair price."
"How so?" Harry put to the goblin, auntie giving him a small nod of approval.
-oOo-
June 14, 1996
Hogwarts, Scotland
OWLs were starting next week and Hermione was literally trying to pull her hair out as she read through her notes on Charms. Monday was going to be Charms and Magical History. Exams in the morning and the practical charms in the afternoon.
Her hand pulled harder on her hair as she started to panic that she would forget the difference between a stinging hex and stinger hex... one causing the sensation of being stung, the other actually giving the sensation and effect of being stung, including the possible side effects if one was allergic. Granted, the stinger hex was not taught at Hogwarts, but it was still in some of the books she had read and was certain something like that would be on the test.
Her head started to drift to the side as her unconscious pulled it that way to lessen the pain of her hair being pulled so hard.
A hand suddenly touched hers. Startling, she just about jumped out of her chair. It teetered back to be stopped by a person behind her. "Easy, Hermione," Harry said.
She put her free hand to her chest. "God, Harry! You scared me half to death!"
He chuckled, helping her settle back down. Neville slid into the chair across from her. "I was only trying to keep you from going bald," he assured her.
"Maybe Blaise likes that type of thing?" Neville enquired.
"He rather likes my hair, thank you very much," she replied hotly. Harry let her hand go and she took it out of her hair.
"I'm sure he does. Are you still studying?" Harry asked her.
"You should both be too," she told them.
Harry shook his head. "Hermione, we have. We still have two more days and it's close to eleven now. You need to sleep and relax a little," he told her.
"Don't you remember Sirius telling us that if you don't get enough rest, you won't do well?" Neville offered up.
"That was about our training," she countered.
"This is the same," Harry told her.
She frowned. Seeing their earnest concern, she took in a deep breath and let it out. "What about Daphne? I bet she was studying tonight, and if it's close to eleven, you were out after curfew? You know that can affect our prefect status."
Harry shook his head. "No. I was not out after curfew. Neville and I were back before ten, like we were supposed to be, and I convinced Daphne to let off about eight. We will go to study in the library tomorrow," Harry assured her.
"Tracey and I took the afternoon off. She has been a wreck the last week about our OWLs," Neville added.
"Did Blaise ask about me?" Hermione asked, knowing that she had been consumed with revising for the last few weeks. They had spent time together, but not as much as she would have liked.
"We are all going out for a picnic for lunch tomorrow," Harry assured her. "No exceptions."
Hermione had been about to protest but stopped at the tone Harry used. "Fine," she said after a few, finally realizing that her eyes were sore with all the strain of reading lately. She rubbed at them.
Neville gave a yawn. "I'm going to bed. I told Tracey I would see her by eight."
"I'll be right behind you," Harry told him, starting to pile her notes up.
"You'll mess them all up," she complained, stopping him.
"You're going to bed. If you don't get enough sleep, you'll do bad Monday morning," he told her.
"It's only Friday," she pointed out.
"And you are going to join me to go down to the great hall at eight. We will study until noon. You will take a few hours off and do nothing after dinner tomorrow. Sunday we are all going into Hogsmeade. I am taking Daphne to Madam Puddifoots," he said, just barely keeping the disgust out of his voice.
Hermione smiled at him. "I didn't think Daphne liked that type of thing?"
"Apparently she is changing her mind," Harry said.
"You hate that place," Hermione pointed out.
"But I love Daph," he replied, as though it explained everything.
"Don't I get to revise at least half the day?" she pressed.
Harry shook his head. "I am going on a date with Daph. Tracey and Neville are going to do something, and you are going to let your boy treat you out and relax. You know all this, Hermione. You need to be rested for Monday."
She sighed before leaning over and putting her head on his shoulder. "If I fail, I am blaming you."
"Fair enough," Harry replied. "Besides, it's not like we are going to die from it."
She chuckled. "Or worse?"
"Well, Daph may really kill me if I get expelled."
Hermione laughed this time.
-oOo-
July 13, 1996
London, England
Harry was eating breakfast with Susan and Amelia.
"Auntie, can I go out with Terry today? He invited me to go to Brighton," she asked.
"What are you doing in Brighton?" Auntie enquired.
"He mentioned something about a pier. Something muggle that is supposed to be fun," she told auntie.
"Is anyone else going with you?" auntie asked.
Susan took on a more defiant stance. "I'm almost sixteen. Can't I go out with just by myself?"
"You can, I just like to have you and Harry with others. Things are better, but I still feel cautious," auntie replied.
Susan cast her eyes to him. "What are you and Daphne doing today?"
"We didn't have any plans. I can ask if she is available," Harry offered.
"If you can get Harry or Hannah to go with you, I have no issues. Ten o'clock curfew," she told them.
Susan brightened. "Brilliant. Terry was going to be over here about one," she told Harry.
"I'll Floo call Daph in a little bit. Auntie, I have something important I want to ask you," Harry said. He sounded nervous, which caught Susan's attention immediately.
Auntie looked up from the Daily Prophet. "Everything alright, Harry?"
Harry picked at his eggs. "Yeah." They both waited a moment before he sat up tall. Susan was starting to recognize when he was more serious. He was acting more and more like many of the boys that were trained to be Lords. He only did it when it was something to do with his House, theirs, or their friends. "I know Daphne and I don't need to make anything permanent until Christmas, but I want to talk with Anders about the betrothal."
Auntie put the paper down and Susan was paying attention. It would kill her not to tell Hannah any of this, but she wanted to know.
"You are serious you want to make the courtship into a betrothal? You still have almost six months," she pointed out.
Harry nodded. "I'm sure, auntie," he said simply.
Auntie nodded. "I'll talk to Anders, and we can go to Gringotts this week. You will still have to wait until you are sixteen."
"I was thinking of asking Daphne at the cotillion. We are both being presented this year and I really don't want anyone else approaching her," he said, a little colour coming to his face.
She couldn't keep it in. "Oh, that is so romantic."
Harry gave her a nervous grin. "I hope so."
Auntie nodded. "That will give us enough time to finalize the contract and for you to get her something."
Harry's face took on a slight red hue. "I already gave her my grandmothers courtship bracelet. I was thinking of having the goblins refurbish her betrothal ring. It's a rather nice diamond with some emeralds around it. I really like it."
Susan felt her heart flutter for Daphne. "Merlin, Harry. If you weren't my cousin..."
Their auntie chuckled. "That is rather sweet."
"Well, I would have used my mothers, but she was buried with hers," Harry said. Susan had been told that was more the Muggle way at times.
"It is sweet, Harry. I'm sure Anders will clear time quickly this week," auntie assured him.
"Susie, please don't tell anyone else. Only Hermione, you and auntie know right now," Harry pleaded with her.
"Can I talk with Hermione about it?" she asked excitedly. It was going to kill her to have to wait to tell Hannah.
"Sure," he replied.
"Master Harry and Miss Susie," Tipsy said, coming up to them with two letters. "These just being dropped off for you."
Susan felt her stomach drop. She saw the Ministry seal and that it was addressed to her.
"Is that our O.W.L. results?" Harry enquired, sounded a tad nervous.
"I's not knowing," Tipsy said.
They took the envelopes. "Thank you, Tipsy," Susan replied.
She looked at the envelope, seeing it came from the Magical Education Department. Harry was already ripping his open as she tried to carefully open hers, praying she had done as well as she hoped. Harry made a satisfied grunt as she unfolded her letter.
Reading down it, her eyes fell on her grades and a small smile came over her face:
Transfiguration: Exceed Expectation
Charms: Outstanding with commendation
Potions: Exceed Expectation
Herbology: Outstanding
Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding with commendation
Astronomy: Exceeds Expectation
History of Magic: Outstanding
Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding
Ancient Runes: Exceed Expectations
Muggle Studies: Outstanding
-o-
"Brilliant," Harry said next to her.
"So, are either of you repeating fifth year?" auntie asked teasingly.
"I'd rather not," Harry replied, holding the letter out to auntie.
"How did you do, Susie?" auntie asked, taking his letter.
"Six outstanding, four exceeds expectation with commendations in Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts," she said happily. "I can go onto any of the classes I want to next year."
Auntie gave her a big smile. "Congratulations. I'm really proud of you, Susie."
Harry sat back with a huge smile. "Congratulations. That is really good."
"Thanks," she beamed, moving to hug Harry, who readily accepted it. Two years ago he would have pulled away.
"This is really impressive too, Harry," auntie said.
"How did you do?"
"Eight outstandings, with commendations in Runes, Charms, Transfiguration and Defence. Exceeds Expectations in History, Astronomy and Arithmancy," he said rather proudly. The whole group had opted to take the Muggle Studies exam, even if none of them had done that class. Only because of how much they been exposed to and the fact that they all bounced between the two worlds now.
"Congratulations," she enthused, being really proud of him. Knowing he had been third in class the last two years now, she wasn't surprised by the results.
"I wonder how Hermione and Daph did," Harry pondered.
"What is the pool up to now?" she asked as auntie took her letter to look it over and read the commendations.
"Blaise said it was forty galleons and twelve sickles that Hermione would top over Daph," he said.
"And you bet for?"
Harry gave an impish grin. "I didn't. One of them is as good as my sister and the other I love too much to risk her wrath."
Susan chuckled. "Wimp."
"Yep," he said with no remorse.
"And I thought Gryffindors were brave," she teased.
"I am, but I also know when to not get into a fight," he replied, acting all sagely.
Auntie chuckled at their antics. "You both did exceptionally well. Do you know what courses you will be taking next year, Susie?"
"I can't decide if I want to be a Healer or something else," she replied.
"You could do the core healers courses. Many other jobs require charms, transfiguration, runes, herbology and potions," auntie supplied. "I would recommend that you also do Defence and maybe one other."
"Isn't seven a lot," she asked.
"Six or seven isn't bad. You will just have to really buckle down, not that you don't now," auntie said. Harry was finally eating his breakfast as they talked.
"Well, if you want other options than Healing, Defence and Astronomy, Muggle Studies or Creatures are not bad options. It would open you to most positions in the Ministry or elsewhere," auntie said, reading through her letter again.
"What are you doing, Harry?" Susan questioned.
"Ancient Studies, Advanced Arithmancy, charms, transfiguration and Defence," he said.
Auntie looked up. "I thought you were only going to do four classes?"
"Professor Jones really wants me to try the advanced course before I decide to drop it. She suggested that I might want to try an underage Duelling tournament next year," he replied.
"Do you?" Susan asked.
Harry shrugged. "Not really, but Professor Jones was insistent. I don't think I would do well in a duelling tournament."
"Why not? You are the best in our group," Susan pressed.
"I think he is one of the best the examination board has seen in years. You don't want to duel?" auntie queried.
"Auntie, you, Sirius and Remus haven't really taught us to duel. Sirius keeps saying we have been taught to fight. I am still going to keep up with the training, as we agreed. I only promised Professor Jones a month. If I don't like it, I will drop the class. I want to do as we talked about," Harry said in a determined way.
"I agree with what you want. Do you think you will continue after September?"
"No," he answered her.
"Then why take it?" Susan questioned. She knew that Harry wanted to do something with his families magic and that he had become some type of prodigy with Runes.
"I like Professor Jones and maybe it will be more interesting than I think. I know next year the class gets into some really dark creatures and dark magic, but I'm just not as interested now," Harry answered her.
Susan nodded, accepting his explanation.
"Once you are done, why don't you both go get ready for the day and have some fun," auntie said.
"Thanks, auntie. Can I have my results? I want to figure out what courses I want and send my selection into Professor Sprout."
Auntie held out her results. "Very good job again, Susie. I think you and Harry deserve an award. Let me know what you want."
Susan brightened. "Could I get new Quidditch robes? The really nice ones from Quentin's?"
Auntie nodded. "We can do that."
Susan bounced out of the kitchens. She had made the team last year as an alternate and this year she figured she would be first line after her performance in the last game.
She was thrilled. Her OWL results were excellent. She was going to get professional level Quidditch gear and see her new boyfriend in a few hours.