Walking into the Potions corridor the two could see there were already quite a few people there. And that Susan and Hannah weren't two of them. However, Neville was one of them.
As they approached Neville pulled away from the 'pack' and approached them. With a grin he quietly asked, "House elf?"
Surprised the boy had also figured it out, Harry chuckled and replied, "Of course."
"Did you call yours to switch out contents, too?" asked Hermione.
"No," he replied. "I have wizarding space in mine. I was already carrying everything I needed when we met in the antechamber."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Another class with a new Professor teaching, Potions was significantly different than it was taught by Snape. The windows had been enlarged and allowed in more light. There was some sort of fume extraction ward in operation, as the air remained crystal clear and clean all the time. And everything appeared scrubbed clean.
Unsurprising to Harry, but clearly surprising to everyone else, they did not brew a potion that day. Instead, they were given a period length lecture, complete with copious notes, on the importance of safety in the potions lab.
The new Professor, Potions Mistress Doris Grimfield, was an Australian. Her accent was quite different and took them all a little while to get used to it. But, once they did, she was easily understandable. It was good that she did not have the 'Aussie' habit of speaking overly quickly or 'crushing' syllables together into one.
While they'd been waiting outside the lab for the Professor to come and open the door, Ron Weasley had tentatively approached them.
Harry was immediately wary, but relaxed when he realised the redhead was actually both a little scared and uncomfortable.
"Lord Potter," he began.
"Yes?" asked Harry.
"I've... I need to know when you have time to hear me out," he stuttered.
Harry thought about it for a few moments before he said, "Tomorrow afternoon after classes. I'll come up to the Gryffindor common room and we can meet up then. Is that suitable?"
"Not... this afternoon?" the boy asked.
Harry firmly shook his head and replied, "Sorry; no. I have a prior engagement until dinner. And, as you know, we have Astronomy late tonight and we need to rest up for it."
The boy gave a sad nod and went to walk away when Harry called after him. "Mister Weasley."
When Ron turned back, curious, Harry said, "After Potions, if you're willing to accept advice, you should immediately go to the Infirmary and have Healer Robinson check you over for mind-altering potions. During the break, as I'd written to the twins about, Hermione was discovered to be under one such."
Ron looked a little surprised but, after a small hesitation, gave a nod. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," said Harry.
When it didn't look like Harry wanted to say anything further to him, Ron turned away and returned to where he had been talking with Thomas and Finnegan.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After the class completed, Harry and Hermione were quickly packed and left the room. However, Harry held Hermione back, just outside the door.
When the two Slytherin girls came out, he indicated for them to join him and Hermione out of the way of traffic.
When they did, clearly curious, he smiled and said, "Hermione and I are going back to our quarters now. I look forward to seeing you both in a little over an hour."
"Me too," said Hermione.
Both nodded and Tracey replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger."
"Ah?!" said Harry. "No one's listening. It's Harry and Hermione for you two, remember?"
Both nodded and smiled back.
Harry just gave a firm nod and indicated they should head off.
As soon as they did Neville said, "She's worried."
"Understandable," said Harry. "As you know, it's a very, very big thing we're going to be talking about."
"Are you sure you want the rest of us there?" asked the boy, concerned.
Harry smiled back and replied, "This is not the negotiating phase, Nev. This is just her finding out how open both Hermione and I are to the concept."
Neville hesitated for a moment before he asked, "Do you mind if your god-brother and fellow Alliance named partner Heir knows what your thoughts are on this?"
Harry directly smiled at him and said, "Nice, Nev." Looking back at the retreating backs of the girls, he said, "I have been anticipating an approach by Lord Greengrass for quite some time. I'm somewhat aware of the difficulties he is experiencing with pressure from the... traditional... Houses. As such, there is not much I will not do to aid an allianced House. A Concubine Bond Agreement is well within my ability to effect.
"Does that somewhat answer you query?"
Neville smiled and replied, "It does."
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