After their emotional afternoon, the four of them spent the night in each other's arms once more. As before Harry was at the centre of their cuddle, though this time it was Daphne who laid on top of him, with Hermione and Susan to either side. Still feeling the joy and acceptance from him, Daphne had taken advantage of her position to repeat Hermione's actions from earlier. When she'd started Harry had begun to panic a little, as the feeling of her lying on him was very arousing. He'd managed to avoid having his arousal noticed thanks to the layers of clothing between them and that Hermione had been lying more on his chest. Daphne, being that bit taller, was not so high up on him. And all she was wearing was that thin silk negligee, which did little to hide her figure or to form a barrier to his touch. She'd paused when she felt something poking her thigh, before she realised just what that was. She'd pulled back to grin saucily down at him, before cheekily telling that there would be no ravishing that night, but she was flattered.
It was just as his face returned to his normal hue that she had spoken again, half whispering seductively in his ear.
"But, once we are Consorted, you can ravish me whenever you want."
Harry had to use every shred of self-control to restrain his orgasm at that.
Sunday morning found the Granger Family and guests sat down together in the living room. Both Emma and Nathan had wanted to talk with Harry about a couple of things, most notably the Dursleys. While Harry was perfectly happy with never seeing them again, he found himself the only one who was not baying for their blood. With his decision yesterday to not listen to their views any more still fresh in his head, he quickly came around. As the elder Grangers laid out the outline of their plan, Harry learned just where Hermione got her brains, deviousness and righteous streak. Emma was the thinker of the two, while Nathan clearly was the source of the devious ways to bring justice to his relatives. Harry was able to supply some details that would make sure that the Dursleys dug their own graves.
When Remus & Tonks arrived, wishing to speak with Harry regarding the messages Sirius had given them, Hermione decided it was time to discuss with her parents what had come out of the heart to heart the four of them had had the previous day.
"Mum, Dad... I... we need to talk."
Both adult Grangers shared a look. They had half an idea of what this was about. They had seen how the young women had been very bright and happy, with their daughter almost bouncing off the walls, when they returned from their work do. If it was what they thought it was...
Hermione sought Harry's hand, grasping it for support. "We... would like to be married someday."
Remus looked at Hermione, sat next to Harry on the sofa, with a tiny smile at the corners of his mouth. He'd been expecting this for a while, ever since that night when the truth about Sirius had come out. Even back then he'd seen the dynamic between them, the connection. Tonks thought back to the previous summer, remembering how Hermione had visibly fretted about Harry both before he arrived and in the run up to his farce of a trial. She'd been a nervous wreck during the period of time when the trial was due to occur.
Nathan, despite half expecting this, still felt shocked. He had to take a deep breath before replying. "Don't you think you're both a bit young for that level of commitment?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each and blushed. "Honestly, yes dad. But not by much. I know that I'd never find anyone better. I'd like to believe we're mature for our ages." Her father had to nod at that: Hermione had always been older mentally than she was in years.
"There's other reasons for us to... marry..." Harry stuttered over the word, but after a moment pressed on. "My Godfather named me his heir. Under some Pureblood law, I have to take a wife to continue each line I'm heir to separately." Harry sighed. "Thing is, there's a time limit. To prevent Draco from getting his hands on my Godfather's money, I have to be at least engaged to two separate witches within... a year, wasn't it?" He glanced at Daphne who nodded.
"Technically it's betrothed, and a year after coming of age or being emancipated. But with things like this, the sooner you deal with it the better." She supplied.
"Also, by accepting a betrothal contract, both of you can be taken under the protection of House Potter." Susan chipped in, prompting both adults to look at her. She blanched a little before continuing. "Because you're not magical, there are some in power right now who would disregard you as 'unimportant'. Having you both under the Aegis of an Ancient and Noble House like the Potter's means that anything done to you counts as being done to a member of House Potter. Even with Harry being the last member of that family, there are very few who would even dare consider using you that way. Even Dumbledore will baulk."
Emma looked across at her daughter and Harry. "So what you're saying is that if we allow you to become engaged, we're safe from interference by other wizards?"
"Only in a legal sense." Susan explained. "Your views would be at least listened to - which is far more than they would be right now - and you will be protected under law to the same degree as any magical."
Nathan looked at Harry closely. "Just what are your intentions towards my daughter young man? You're not doing this just to keep her safe, are you?"
Harry blanched, but answered. "Mr Granger, Hermione means the world to me. I need her to keep me sane and safe. I... I love her for that, and so much more. This... situation, I find myself in, it does not change my intentions towards her. It makes things more complicated, yes, but not in regard to Hermione.
"All I want is for her to be happy. I'll do everything I can do ensure that she has what she wants, as long as she wants it. I'll support her in every way I can. I can't imagine my life without her in it any more, and I'd rather die than let her down." Besides him Hermione was beaming at him with tears of happiness in her eyes, her hand squeezing his in appreciation.
Nathan sat back, a smile starting to form on his face. "Good answer Harry, very good answer." He shared another look with his wife before facing the teens again. "You have our blessing." Both were deeply unsettled by what they had just been told, but they both also could clearly see that this was what their daughter wanted. They had both already accepted that things would be 'different' with Hermione's life... this was a bit more than they had expected. But... they were not going to stand in their daughter's way.
Harry exhaled, feeling a great weight lift from his shoulders. While he knew that there were still many obstacles to overcome before they could achieve their goal, having Hermione's parent's approval was the one he had been most worried about. "Thank you."
Hermione smiled warmly at him, then glanced towards Susan and Daphne. Preparing herself, she took a deep breath. "There's... something else. We told you that Harry has to have another wife to continue the other Family line under Wizard Law. Well..."
Daphne then explained the Consort Contract and what it entailed to the two adults. To say they were surprised - and a little shocked - was unnecessary. Emma was the most obviously affronted at the practice, but she accepted that it was the situation at present. Nathan was the most curious, and looked at Harry with a mixture of envy and pity.
It was at this point that Tonks jumped in. "Harry... speaking of family, my mum almost broke down when she saw what Sirius wanted you to do. She'd do anything for you if you do."
Harry nodded. "Truthfully, I was planning on honouring his wishes anyway. She doesn't have to owe me."
Tonks smiled. "Well, I'll relay that, but I think you really could use her services. You see, my parents are a husband-wife legal team. They not only know all the ins and outs of magical contracts, they also understand modern muggle laws." She nodded towards the three young women. "They can write the contracts you'll need, and make sure there's no loop-holes those against you can use."
"In that case, we accept." Hermione answered, patting Harry's hand to keep him quiet. "Can they get drafts together for us to look over say, Wednesday? I think we should get these into Gringotts and the Ministry quickly, before the Will Reading would be ideal."
Tonks nodded. "Pretty sure they will." She then grinned cheekily. "It'll blow their minds for sure!"
Harry now turned to Remus. "Remus... have you ever... been to Potter Manor?"
Remus smiled warmly, with only a ghost of pain in his eyes. "Yes Harry, I did visit a couple of times. Before the attack that drove your family out of I and into hiding. I never mentioned it before since I assumed, incorrectly, that you were living there. And... the last I heard, the place was in ruins." At Harry's crest-fallen expression, Remus felt the need to reassure him. "That was almost fifteen years ago Harry. I'm sure they've at least rebuilt part of it."
"I bet Dumbledore encouraged that belief." Daphne muttered.
Remus nodded slowly, his smile replaced with a haunted, hard look. "Harry... had I known that you were with Petunia earlier, I'd have torn the house down to rescue you and take you home, Dumbledore be damned!"
"Likely why he didn't let you know." Daphne commented dryly. She then shrugged. "And even if you did go there, what would have stopped him coming after you?" Remus deflated at her brutal logic.
"It doesn't matter now Remus. The point is that I know about... home." He trailed off on the word. Until now, Hogwarts had been the closest he'd ever had to having a 'home'. Privett Drive was not a home for him: it was prison. It was Hell.
While he was distracted, Hermione had faced her parents once again. "We were hoping..."
Emma smiled and Nathan nodded. "A day out tomorrow."
Remus nodded. "I'll meet you there."
"No. We'll meet you there." Tonks corrected him.
The next morning the six of them piled into the Discovery. It was a bit of tight squeeze in the back with the four teens sat there, but fortunately none of them minded close contact with the others. Emma rode up front with the directions while Nathan drove. It was clear early on that they had done this many times in the past.
Leaving after nine allowed them to avoid the bulk of the 'Rush Hour', though the M25 was still busy. Fortunately, their way was in the other direction to the bulk of the traffic. Even so, it was nearly quarter an hour later before they pulled off onto the slip road down. Taking the first turning caused them to turn back on themselves, passing through a small village at the side of the motorway. Ahead and to their right, the ground sunk then rose into a rolling hill, covered in trees. The Great Monks Wood.
As they reached the bottom of the depression the road curved to the right and rose, climbing to the brow of the hill. Emma looked once more at the directions she held in her lap. "According to this, we want a turning on the right just after or on the crest of the hill."
"Got it." Nathan replied, glancing out the side window at the expanse of forest. "Easy to see how you could hide something in all this, even without magic."
After a curve to the left the rood rose a little more before levelling off... and just ahead they could see a lay-by on their side with two people stood in it, looking for all the world like they had decided to stop for a moment while on a stroll through the forest. The pink hair on the shorter one was a dead give away as to who they were. As Nathan eased into the lay-by, they all saw the side road that ended directly opposite the lay-by.
Harry and Hermione, both sat on the drivers side, examined the entrance as best they could. It was surfaced in tarmac, but an old layer, paled with age. The trees and bushes each side closed in, making it look narrower than it was. After a short distance it curved to the left, deeper into the forest. A small sign poked out of the undergrowth. 'Private Road'
Remus and Tonks stepped over as Emma lowered the window. "Excellent timing. We only just got here ourselves."
"That it?" Nathan gestured over his shoulder at the old, forgotten lane across the road. While not obviously abandoned, it clearly was not used often if at all. From the look on her face, Tonks was asking the same question.
Remus looked across, and in his eyes they could all see fond memories playing out. "That's it."
After a glance at his wife Nathan shrugged before flicking the indicator. After a few moments of checking the traffic he eased the Discovery across the road and onto the old road. Remus And Tonks crossed a few moments later, walking quickly to catch up. After a moments consideration Remus stepped up onto the running boards on the side, holding onto the roof rail easily, while Tonks used one of the fold down 'jump-seats' in the boot space. With both extra passengers on Nathan eased them off again.
Once they rounded the bend it was as if they had entered another world. What little noise generated by the road disappeared, leaving them surrounded by the silent trees. The road they followed, while narrow and clearly rarely used, was smooth and well maintained. Dappled sunlight filtered down through the leaves, giving them all a sense of peace and serenity. After another half mile the road curved to the right, looping around the hump of a hill, before curving left again.
It was just as they started to curve left that they felt... something. Emma felt it first; a faint wave that seemed to sweep up her legs and over her. The magicals felt a much stronger tingle, and for a moment they felt almost pushed back, away from whatever was the source. And there was a sense that at any moment something vast could come crashing down to crush them. Remus' eyes widened at the sensation, feeling the sense that a massive and powerful predator was watching him. In the back Tonks swore. "Bugger, those are some serious wards we just passed!"
Any further comments were stilled when they round the turn. A couple hundred yards further on the road ended at a pair of large, wrought iron gates. It was what was each side of these gates, each of which looked tough enough to withstand a tank assault, which stilled tongues. On the left was what looked like a fortified house, with a first floor parapet and firing slots. From the other side of the house a stone wall, easily eight feet tall, angled out for a short distance before it disappeared deeper into the forest. The other side of the gate was anchored to the corner of a tall, square stone tower, which would have been at home as part of a small castle. Arrow slots marked the upper floors, while on their level newer looking stone surrounded an almost square window. Wooden shutters were inside, blocking any view within. Another wall joined on the corner, angling out before sweeping out into the forest. From the top of the tower a flag mast rose into the air, currently bare.
Remus stepped down from the running board as Nathan eased the Discovery to a halt before the gate. Stepping over to the gatehouse, he approached a large window. Wooden shutters slid apart, to reveal an old man wearing a felt flat cap and tweed jacket. "Can I help you laddie? Unless you're selling some new fangled thingy, then bugger off!" Harry couldn't help but smile at the old man's greeting. Jovial but firm.
Remus too was smiling. "Actually I'm bringing someone home Alfred."
The old man adjusted his glasses, peering closely at Remus. "Well I'll be... that you Remus? Darn, how long has it been?"
"Too long Alfred." Remus replied sadly. "Far too long."
Alfred's whole countenance shifted. "Now what's this about you bringing someone home, huh? You know just as well as me..."
"It's Harry." Remus cut him off gently.
Alfred paused, then grinned happily. "At last! Sirius said things were difficult, but we always knew he'd find his way back here." He slapped down on something by him, and the gates began to swing open. "Go on through. I've got to tell the others."
Those still in the car turned their attention back to the gates, and what lay beyond. The tarmac of the private road ended at the gates, with a line of neatly formed stones. Beyond them the road continued as a finely raked pale gravel drive. Ahead, the sides of the tower and gatehouse flowed into two short sections of wall, forming a passage some twenty feet long with solid stone sides. An obvious bottleneck. After the walls there appeared to be a side turning to the left, behind the gatehouse, while the main drive went on. Further on, it forked, the clearly main path just passing a massive oak tree that rose dead ahead going left, while another side turning went to the right. Smaller oaks, ash and beech trees reached into the sky all around them, and formed a thick screen to the right of the drive.
Nathan brought the car to a stop at the end of the wall, where old Alfred had just appeared. Behind him, they could see that the side turning led to a half-dozen modest cottages and small homes. Hermione frowned slightly as she took note of the styling. While one was a archetypal English thatched cottage, another was almost purely Mediterranean villa, while the rest were a mixture of villa, eighteen century cottage and more modern housing. There were signs of disuse. Not neglect as such, but more the lack of anyone living in them. Lawns overgrown, walls a bit grubby. Only the nearest showed signs of habitation.
Alfred leaned in the passenger window. At this range the lines of age were clear, but his eyes were still bright and lively. Harry guessed he must be in his seventies. "Just follow the main drive, left then right. You can't miss the main manor. The others will be waiting for you." He then looked over the rear passengers, freezing on Harry. Looking back at him, Harry was surprised to see not awe or contempt, but happiness, in his eyes.
"Master Harry... you really are the son of your parents. It'll be good to have a Lord Potter in residence once again..." He patted the window lip before stepping back, still beaming.
As they slowly drove along the drive, everyone looked about, taking in the peace and serenity that the trees imbued in the air. The right fork at the massive oak forked again further along, one turning more to the right and rising up, the other becoming more of a track that led off between two hills off to their right. Further on the drive turned to the right, with a spur running off between two rows of poplars. At the far end another set of smaller gates could just be seen.
But it was the stonework that was just around the bend that caught the eye. A towering block of worked pale stone, it gleamed in the strong sunlight. From the far two sides lower, narrower walls raced away, while perched on top was a sculpture. Not of a man, but of a dragon, a classical version with four legs, folded wings and long neck, sat back on it's haunches, the tail wrapped around its feet. So finely carved and detailed that Harry almost expected it to take off right there and then. It looked out over the drive, and they all felt like its eyes were following them.
As they came out of the bend the rest of the manor itself came into view. Beyond the carved dragon most of the roof of one wing was gleaming glass. From the dragon the wall ran to the corner of the front of the manor, forming one side of a rough triangle. The side to their right was formed by the tree line, while the third was formed by a low wall that ran at an angle from the front wall to a long, low building. Five garage doors lined the front of this outbuilding, while behind it the manor rose up several floors, with varied roof lines and many windows. Behind that a tall, narrow tower rose further, which looked a little like one of Hogwarts towers on a smaller scale. The whole building was done in a pale, sun-bleached stone with dark red tiling on the roofs, though Susan could make slight variations in the stonework's colouration, suggesting that the building had been built in stages over a long period of time.
And standing on the marble steps before the large double doors were two people.
Hermione looked closely at them as her father pulled the Discovery to a halt. The man was wearing a well fitted classical Butler's uniform, complete with tails. He was a lean figure with a sharp chin, but his large and open eyes gave him a pleasant look. Dark hair was neatly combed back, and he looked excited yet respectful, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. In contrast the woman by his side was smiling prettily. She wore the typical maids long dress, though not quite as an extensive getup as some history books suggested. She had a slim figure too, with a heart shaped face with equally large, expressive eyes that sparkled with happiness. A long trail of dark chocolate brown hair hung from her head and down her back. Her hands were clasped before her, the gold ring on her left ring finger just visible.
As the others climbed out, Remus stepped over to the couple and spoke quietly. The man nodded slowly, before stepping forwards a bit. "Harry?" He asked, his voice having a trace of an Eastern European accent. Harry nervously stepped forwards, wary. He sensed Hermione stepping up besides him, offering her support wordlessly. In his eyes Harry could see the man had noticed her actions, but his only reaction was to smile a little wider.
"Welcome home Harry. Welcome home."
Behind the pair, Susan and Daphne watched as Harry folding inwards a little, prompting Hermione to wrap an arm around him. Within her Susan felt a churning mix of emotions. While she was elated that Harry had returned to his family home, deep in her gut she felt envious of him: her own was gone, destroyed by Voldemort in a callous attack. She would never deny him this - Merlin knows he'd been denied so much in his life - but she couldn't help but feel this thread of jealousy. Beside her, Daphne saw the flicker over her friends face and touched her elbow gently. Susan smiled lightly back, thanking her for her concern.
After a moment Harry straightened. "Thank you... Mr...?" he trailed off uncertainly.
"Victor Van Dort. House Potter's butler and Ground Master." He waved the woman forward, and she stepped down and curtsied. "My wife Emily. Maid and House Keeper."
Daphne frowned lightly. "Pardon me, but doesn't the Potter Family have House Elves?"
Victor however just smiled sadly at her. "Yes, the Family did, until recently. They handled all the daily chores; cleaning, cooking and such like. Our roles were as supervisors for them, plus handling odd tasks and other details." He shared a smile with his wife. "Some problems need a human mind to resolve." She giggled, obviously remembering a private joke, before looking at Harry warmly.
"Who're you're friends Harry?" She asked, her voice young and pleasant, though she did have that same faint trace of an accent. Looking at them both, Harry was struck at the contrast between their eyes and the rest of them. Their bodies and movements were those of people in their early twenties, but theirs eyes hinted at a long life, timeless almost.
"This is Hermione, my best friend and... the future Mrs Potter." Harry hugged her close to him as she blushed and smiled. Despite everything, she still found it hard to believe that Harry would one day marry her. It was a dream come true, and she was dreading waking up and finding out it was just that, a dream.
Harry used his free hand to wave towards the adults. "Remus you appear to already know. These are Hermione's parents, Nathan and Emma Granger, and..." he broke off at the sound of a body crashing to the gravel ground: Tonks had fallen out of the back of the Discovery. "...That's Auror Tonks."
Victor chuckled while Emily giggled once more. "Still falling over everything and anything, I see." He turned to regard the other two young witches. "And these two beauties are?"
"Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass." Harry supplied as the two in question blushed under the praise. "They're close friends." Victor's eyebrow rose slightly, and he shared a look with his wife for a moment, before facing Harry once more.
"If I may ask, how much has Lord Black told you of your heritage?"
Harry stiffened before his shoulders slumped. "He didn't get the chance to say anything before..." His breath hitched.
"Ah." Victor said, eyes downcast. "I see." After a moment he straightened. "If you would follow me, I'll cover the basics." With that he turned and walked back to the expansive double doors.
Once the others had gathered round he pushed the two huge oak doors open soundlessly, the halves pivoting smoothly. They opened onto a short entrance hall, with coat hooks and shoe racks to either side. The far end ended in an arched doorway, opening out into a wider, more expansive - and more expensive - hall. Curious, Susan looked over her shoulder, and saw that the doors they had just passed through were set in a wooden surround that filled a similarly arched entrance.
Then they emerged into the hall, and each and every one of them was filled with awe. The hall was the width of the building, with large windows looking out onto formal gardens to the left and a riot of greenery to the right. The upper sections of each window depicted magical scenes, but ones that could be found in the muggle world. Four columns were spaced out in the central area, supporting the roof high above, leaving an open area in the centre.
Beyond them though the other end of the hall was not in one section. On the left a modern styled sliding patio door - much like at the Grangers - led out to a covered pathway that ran along the side of the wing. At right angles to the door was a passageway that went deeper into the manor. From there to about two-thirds of the way across was a closed in room with a set of sliding doors, currently open, that featured a large table and several chairs. It looked like a conference room. On the other wall was another glass sliding door, opening onto another covered pathway running along that wing. Through the gap in between they could see the sidewall continued with a large fireplace and the side of a grand staircase. Sunlight filled the space just hidden.
Victor led them towards the conference room, but paused at the threshold. He turned to look at Harry. "Master Potter..."
"Harry, please."
Victor smiled lightly. "Harry, as the Acting Lord of the Manor, you have to give permission for those not of Potter blood or married to one to enter here, the Lord's Consultation Suite."
Harry looked lost. "Ah... How?"
After Victor had walked him through the ridiculously easy process, they gathered on one side of the massive main table as Victor moved to a wide set of drawers. He brought back a truly massive scroll, easily five feet long, and judging by the thickness, at least that in length. Removing the ribbon around it, he laid the scroll on the table before them, right in the centre, before with a gently push set the ends unrolling. The wooden rods fell off the ends of the table, making the scroll a good eight feet long. This really was a massive document.
Then Harry saw what was actually on the scroll.
It was a map. The edges faded away, but everything within a four-foot wide circle in the centre was detailed to a degree that he'd never seen before. Harry could easily make out the various buildings marked on the map. The largest was in the centre, a misshapen cross with a spar leading to a square off one end. There were three other large buildings, though nowhere near as large as the main structure, and about a dozen other, smaller ones scattered about, most of which were in a cluster near him.
Harry frowned before looking again. The lowermost two looked familiar...
"Is this... what I think it is?" Nathan asked in a low voice.
"The map of Potter Manor and its grounds." Victor answered.
Harry gasped as he stared at the map, the true scale of the grounds dawning on him. Why, it had to be as big as Hogwarts! It even had it's own lake, and was surrounded by the forest! From this, it appeared that as much as half of the area within the circle was still untouched forest.
"How..." He trailed off, unsure how to begin understand.
Victor however appeared to understand. "Services to the Crown, dating back to the height of the Roman Empire here in England. This manor was initially built back then in fact, a villa with attached local barracks. Over the centuries since it's been added to, remodelled, restored, rebuilt, converted and altered to what we have today. The full history is contained in the library." Hearing her sharp intake of breath, Harry smiled before squeezing Hermione's hand. From the way Victor's eyes darted to her, he had also heard her, but he just smiled before continuing on.
"We are currently in the Lord's Study, where all official business has been dealt with in the past. Behind you is the formal entrance hall, taking over what used to be the original villa." His finger now came to rest on the plan of the manor in the centre of the map. "This area..." he circled the left arm, which ended in a point with a spar running off it to a smaller square. "...is the old barracks, but since the early 16th Century has been remodelled into the guest wing, with the training courtyard now the main, Grand Hall. After a heavy snow in the early 1700's, it was enclosed with a glass roof." His finger moved to the spar and smaller block. "At the time of the remodelling, the then Lord Potter still maintained a body of troops, and so had a new barracks and training hall built here. Stables connect the two buildings."
Daphne spoke up. "The Potter's maintained troops?" The surprise was clear in her tone.
Victor nodded. "From before Artorious - who was later on known as Arthur - to after the Napoleonic War the Lord Potter maintained a body of men in service to the crown. In the run up to the Battle of Waterloo, Lord Potter's force consisted of two companies of Foot, two detachments of Light Infantry, a detachment of Grenadiers, two 18-pound guns and a 4-inch mortar. A small but potent force. Made more so since they had far, far fewer casualties than other units."
"How?"
"Shield charms, woven into the uniforms via runes. Enough to reduce the energy of a musket ball, turning a fatal wound into a stunning one. Also, magic was of great help in healing injuries inflicted, though there were limits. Not even magic can help you if you get hit with a cannonball."
Tonks jaw was hanging, and Susan was not much better. "But... didn't that breach the Statue..."
Victor's eyes twinkled, somewhat like Dumbledore's did a lot. "Not when the entire force is aware of the existence of magic. All the recruits were either a wizard - usually muggleborn - a squib, or a muggle relative to one, by blood or marriage."
Hermione was looking over the map further a field. "What about these other buildings?" She tapped a couple of large buildings in the bottom right region.
It was Emily who spoke up. "Oh, those are not in use anymore. There was a period when a Noble House often had vassal minor Houses under its banner. The Potter's granted them home's within the Manor grounds in return for their support. It was a much better and fairer offer than others, as those minor families were much safer than others who had to find homes themselves, often at a distance from their ruling House. A couple of times in the past the Lord Potter granted an allied House refuge in one of those smaller manors."
Harry looked up at her, then turned to regard Susan and Hermione. Looking back at him, Hermione quickly understood what he was thinking. After a few moments so did Susan. "Harry, you don't have to..."
"Your aunt needs a place to live Susan." Harry gently cut her off before focusing on Hermione. "And... while I've loved it at your place Hermione, I'm worried about what'll happen when word gets out that I'm staying, have stayed, with you." He shivered. "Also, anyone who knows me knows that you're my best friend. If something happened to you or your family..."
"I assure you Harry, the wards and protections here at Potter Manor are second to none. Anyone staying within the boundaries is safe from attack, magical or muggle."
Harry looked sharply at Victor. "So how did Voldemort get in to kill my parents? If it's so well protected, then why are they dead?" Hermione wrapped an arm around him, hoping to help him calm down. Though she too wanted answers to his questions, getting all angry and yelling at Victor would not help.
Victor sighed, his expression turning downcast. "Master Harry... I understand why you ask that. Put simply, in the past Potter Manor has relied more on muggle style defences. This manor is very old, and had ancient wards... wards that were not as effective as more recently crafted ones, and were hideously complicated. But, a wholesale replacement of the wards required the originals being brought down first, leaving the manor vulnerable while the new wards were set in place. Lord Charlus, your grandfather, decided that it was too risky to do so while Voldemort was on the loose. In the end though, they were brought down anyway.
"We are not sure exactly when he learned of the Prophecy, but early in September 1980 Death Eaters began to probe the defences here. They must have been gathering information on the Wards, as on September the Twenty-Third there was the first raid. Seven Death Eaters portkey'ed inside the wall, and reached the front door of this manor before they retreated. They killed four staff.
"The next raid was five days later. A double force of fourteen Death Eaters, with Voldemort himself leading them, arrived right outside the doors. The initial group must have made the portkeys that allowed them in." Seeing the question in Hermione's eyes, Victor added "Portkeys are a relatively recent invention. The Ancient wards had no defence against them, as they were raised long before."
"One group entered the manor following Voldemort, the other prevented the staff from assisting. The Floo had already been shut off from the other end, likely by a spy in the Ministry. Once inside, Voldemort used his power to bring all the wards down, allowing his other forces entry... including a force of Acromantula recruited from a nest in the deepest part of Epping Forest.
"Fortunately, Potter Manor has defences not tied to the wards, and so the Death Eaters and their allies were forced to withdraw. But... the cost was, high." There was a desolate look in Victor's eyes.
"We lost Lord Charlus, his wife Dorea and two-thirds of the Manor staff, plus all the House Elves." He was silent for a moment, before continuing.
"Afterwards, your father decided that it was time to leave Potter Manor. He arranged for all the upgraded warding to be done while he took you and your mother away. The story that was put out was that Potter Manor was unsafe, destroyed in the attack. He came every couple of weeks to look over what was happening, and to provide the needed blood to key the new wards to the Potter line.
"However, five times in the following months the Death Eater's located and went after your parents, forcing them to flee each time. I believe that is why they accepted Dumbledore's plan to keep them safe, despite their misgivings. They went to Dumbledore's house in Godric's Hallow October 24th, 1981."
Hermione gasped as she realised the significance of that date. Only a week later the Potters had died. The timing raised damning questions in her mind. Had the headmaster set Harry's parents up to die? If so, why? What possible motive could he have had to arrange for the deaths of, by all accounts, two of the most brilliant members of the Order?
"All the new warding was completed in time for the new year." Victor continued. "While the threat of the Death Eaters was reduced we, the remaining staff, decided as a group to have the entire ward package installed to the level that Lord James had called for. When the Ministry complained, we used that card to fend them off."
"So... the wards are still at that level?" Tonks asked, eyes wide.
A small smile tugged at Victor's mouth. "Yes... yes they are. In fact, they're even better."
Tonk's jaw was hanging low. "How?"
Victor glanced at his wife, who nodded. "It'd be easier to show you."
Moving back around the table, he lead them to the left, around the corner. As he rounded the corner, Harry noted the large double door to the right, beyond which was a large fireplace and then a broad, marble staircase.
Then he saw the expanse to his left... and found his breath stolen. While it wasn't as large as the Great Hall at Hogwarts, the hall that stretched out before him was far grander and just as impressive.
Each side had a balcony made of dark wood that ran the length of the hall between the narrow marble columns that held up a roof that came down over the balconies. Red tile sloped up and out to join the glass roof that came down from the centre on dark, wrought iron arches. Warmth and life was brought to the hall by the sunlight that cascaded down from the ceiling to fall across the small groupings of comfortable chairs and the plants that either filled planters or crawled up the columns, across the roofs or along the balconies, with some hanging down from baskets hung from the joints in the roof high above. He recognised Ivy, Virginia Creeper and Clematis amongst the range. In one corner a grand piano sat, as if waiting for a player. The floor was made of glossy wood, without a seam to be seen.
"Mistress Lily loved this hall." Emily sighed. "I'd often find her here with one of the books from the library, reading in the sunlight."
"This is... wonderful, Mr Van Dort." Hermione breathed. She was already falling in love with the Manor.
"Yes, it is isn't it?" Victor answered, a smile in his voice. "But what I wanted to show you is here."
They turned their heads to look at him, to see him standing at the foot of the grand staircase. Laid in the stone of the floor was a single round slab, easily eight feet across. The texture looked a little different, but what really drew the eye was the etched design in the stonework. They all moved over to stand at the edge, looking down at the design. Not one of them felt comfortable with the idea of actually standing on the stone itself.
It was a dragon, curled into a circle so that the snout was resting on its tail. Held within the dragons embrace was what Daphne and Susan recognised as the Potter coat of arms, and the eye sparkled from a jewel that had been embedded into the stone. The etching was so lifelike that each one of them felt like it would rear up at any moment.
Harry blinked. For a moment he could have sworn...
The yellow gem flared, and a misty form began to rise up from out of the stone. Startled, they all took a step back as the mist twirled and grew, gaining definition and form. Harry was eerily reminded of the time when his and Voldemort's wands had locked up, and the ghostly forms of those killed by that wand had emerged.
The mist settled down, the form of a dragon standing before them, completely filling the circle. Its body was steaming ever so slightly, as was the edge of the circle of stone. The eyes gleamed yellow in the blue-grey translucent form, underneath an array of horns. The two largest branched out like the antlers of a stag, while the other, smaller horns flowed around, forming the impression of a crown.
Harry found its gaze locked on his, as if it was looking right through him. Despite the intensity of the stare, he was unable to move or break eye contact. He felt like a bug, pinned to a wall, being examined from all angles. And yet... his gut instinct was not to flinch away. He'd faced down Acromantulas, a real dragon, a Basilisk, Dementors and Voldemort without cowering. If this was a test like he suspected, he would not be found wanting.
For several long seconds neither moved, the others watching in apprehension. Hermione was almost frantic; only Emily's hand on her shoulder prevented her from springing forward and dragging Harry further away. That and the reasoning that as this was the Potter's ancestral home, nothing here would harm him. Still, she was terrified of what could happen...
It was almost a shock when the dragon slowly bowed its head to Harry, the motion and pose one of submission. "You truly are of Potter blood. Few others can stand unflinching before me." The 'voice' was not one single voice, but sounded like three or four speaking together, creating a powerful yet nebulous symphony.
"Err... thanks." Harry flushed at the praise. "You being...?"
"I am Racknor, guardian of Potter Manor and Warden of the Wards. I serve House Potter, protecting this place, until the End Time, when the stars go out."
Daphne was starting to piece things together. "The Potter's have a Guardian Spirit?" Pure awe was in her voice.
"Yes... of a sorts." Victor explained. "The full story's in the journals, but the short version is that Racknor here was once enslaved by a Dark wizard, who used him to terrorise and destroy. When he came here however, the Potters broke the enslavement. But, Racknor suffered fatal injuries distracting the wizard to allow the Potters to end him. He insisted that the debt he owed them was still unfulfilled, and all but demanded he be bound to the Potter Family, to defend them, their land and their descendants for eternity."
Hermione's sense of justice flared up. "And they enslaved him?" She half screeched, outraged.
"Hermione..." Harry softly spoke up. "If my experience is anything to go by, you don't argue with a dragon." He then faced her. "Also; Dobby." That took the wind out of her sails.
A rumble from behind him made them all look once at the dragon ghost. Harry got the strong impression it was laughing. "I admire your spirit youngling, and your beliefs. But remember; I chose this. Now, Victor..." Those two gleaming eyes turned to gaze on the older man. "He's the bearer. You must show him."
Victor nodded, and a hopeful gasp escaped Emily's lips. "Please, follow me." Victor's voice was tinged with excitement as he turned towards the grand staircase. With a shrug of confusion Harry followed, the others in his wake. Behind them all the image of Racknor watched.
At the top there was a small square landing, with a alcove straight ahead in which a very comfortable looking bench-sofa sat. Glancing over his shoulder, Harry realised that anyone sitting on the bench would have an excellent view out and over the hall. On either side, more steps led up to demi-landings before doubling back to another balcony above. There twin doors barred the way further.
"This is the Potter Family's private wing." Victor said as he pushed them open. Both halves swung smoothly and silently. Stepping inside, they entered a roughly 'T' shaped room, with them at the end of one of the arms of the 'T'. The wall to their right had a door mid way down it, while to their left were a series of windows overlooking a rolling lawn that ended in a narrow ribbon of water, partly overshadowed by trees at one end. Between them and the small cliff to the far right, a slice of the rolling fields of north-west Essex could be seen. Paintings hung between the windows, many of which looked like family portraits.
Moving through the room they could see that it was arrayed as an informal living area, with comfortable seating in groups with open spaces. The 'leg' of the 'T' was a bit of shock, as it looked like it had been lifted from an English pub. The sidewall had a long bench seat, looking at a bar with bottles on shelves over a pool table, while the end wall had a dartboard. Skylights in the roof above let in natural light to play over the green felt of the pool table.
"A little bit of vanity on your great-grandfather's part, Harry." Emily smiled wistfully. "He met his future wife in her local pub, her favourite place to hang out. When it was due to be demolished, he tried to buy it for her, but was refused. So he got the contract to gut the place, and saved those bits." She giggled suddenly. "We didn't see them for almost two days after he showed her what he'd done. Had to replace the mattress afterwards; the old one was unusable."
From the expressions on their faces, the other teens were in agreement with Harry; they didn't need to know that!
At the far end were two sets of stairs, one against the wall to the right leading down, the other against the far wall going up. "On the floor below us are the extended family and friends bedrooms, as well as access to the owlery." Victor said as he stepped onto the first step leading up. "Upstairs is the private domain of the Lord, his lady, and any children, plus the occasional previous lord or lady." At the word children Harry and Hermione looked at each other and blushed, as did Susan and Daphne.
Stepping onto the upper floor, Harry looked about keenly and with a sense of remorse in his heart; had things turned out differently, he would have grown up here. The main room was narrower than the living space below, with a lower ceiling and a cosier, more intimate feel to it. Again, one wall was composed of windows overlooking the vast lawn and the small river. To their left there was a glass sliding door out to a modest balcony, while the left wall had half a dozen doors. The far end of the long room had another set of double doors.
Victor walked the length of the room before pausing before the doors. Then he slowly turned to face Harry, his expression both serious and tense. "Harry... what you're about to see... please remember this is not a sick joke." With that rather cryptic - not to mention unnerving - warning, he turned around once more and opened the doors.