Bab 29: 8
January 3, 1996
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry walked next to Daphne with Ron on his other side. Hermione, Lavender and Parvati were talking behind them while Neville, Seamus and Dean pulled up the rear. It wasn't uncommon for the Gryffindors to band together, but it seemed McGonagall's talk and Hermione's and Ron's acceptance of Daphne had led to an unusual unity between the fifth years.
Most around them were talking about the fact Umbridge hadn't been seen last night or this morning. It was unusual, but Harry didn't want to see her. He wanted to curse the woman, but wouldn't risk going to Azkaban for it.
Walking down to the dungeons, Harry was trying to avoid the Slytherin mass behind them. They lined up on the right-hand side of the door, like the Gryffindors always did.
Harry saw Daphne give a look to a girl with long brown hair. She looked away quickly. Friends now on opposite sides trying to pretend to ignore each other. Harry didn't like it.
Draco couldn't seem to ignore them though.
"It's true then? Potter has finally been found to be a squib," Draco jibed as he stopped by them. Draco then looked at Daphne, a sneer on his face as he raked her body with his eyes. "Father has said it is lucky Astoria is still going to be my bride. Otherwise, she and your family would be unpure, like you."
Daphne had already been standing tall, looking ahead and not at Draco. Just the way Draco looked at his wife made Harry want to hit Draco, but a hand on his arm from Daphne stopped him. It kept him from grabbing his wand to hex the boy. "It is not worth talking to a flea," Daphne told him.
Draco puffed up like a balloon and his eyes flashed a dangerous gleam. Harry pulled his wand out of his pocket. Draco stepped in close to Daphne. "Listen you little house-less blood traitor. The only thing saving your family is your sister. Just wait until we are in power and I get you alone..." Draco stopped as Harry jammed his wand into Draco's neck.
"You threaten my wife again and you won't be talking any more." Harry's voice was steely.
Draco backed up looking spooked and his goons moved in. The mass of Gryffindors moved to pull their wands.
Crabbe and Goyle looked a little apprehensive to have eight wands drawn on them.
Daphne turned her head and showed her hand so her rings were visible. "I am not House-less. I am a Black. If you threaten me again, I won't stop my husband from seeking satisfaction for threatening the Heiress of House Black."
Draco's eyes widened.
Nothing else was said as Snape opened the door. Stepping out the man looked at the wands and Daphne holding up her hand. "Wands away. Ten points from Gryffindor. In," the man demanded, nodding his head.
Harry was the last to lower his wand.
Hermione took her normal front of the class spot. Harry had been working with Neville this year. Now that there was an uneven number of them he wasn't sure what to do. Daphne didn't hesitate to pull up a third chair to the table with Neville.
"You have been partners with Longbottom?" she asked.
"Yeah," Harry said. Neville looked surprised to be included by them.
"You will use your homework from Christmas break to fill in the empty ingredients and when to add them for the Befuddlement draught. Instructions are on the board," Snape's oily voice instructed as he flicked his wand. The instructions only said add ingredient at certain points.
Neville had a slight panic to him.
"Just take a breath, Neville," Harry tried to calm him. "Did you do the work?"
"Yeah, but I am unsure if I got the ingredients in the proper order. What if I add the sneezewort at the wrong time?"
"We were not told this was an individual brew and there is only one cauldron per table."
"You shall only use one essay." A sheet from every table zoomed onto Snape's desk with a flick of his wand. Hermione tried to grab hers. They were now stuck with Ron's essay. Neville's and Daphne's flew to the desk. If Daphne hadn't helped him verify things, he would be feeling more nervous.
Snape had a small smirk at the sounds of despair from many tables. The greasy hair man said, "Begin." There was a hint of amusement on his voice.
Harry put his essay on the table. "The potion base goes in first. Two table spoons per quart of spring water," Harry read.
"You need to heat the water first," Daphne informed them, looking at the board.
"I would like to see Longbottom brew the potion today. Pot... Black you can prepare the ingredients. Mrs. Black, you can conduct this," Snape peered down his nose. Everyone knew Neville was the worst at potions, but he was maintaining an almost EE this year working with Harry. Snape continued, "disaster waiting to happen."
Daphne nodded and Snape walked away. "Harry, you need to chop the scurvy grass and lovage into fine bits. Neville, get the fire going."
After that, Snape only walked by a few times. He would typically terrorize Neville and him, but with Daphne, he only looked disapprovingly at them. He did chastise Bulstrode for adding to much lovage and Ron for his bad chopping. Poor Hermione looked frazzled as she kept telling Ron what to do. Lavender only lost them two-points for talking about something else than potions.
A bottle of potion, looking just a shade darker than the red it was supposed to be, was handed in. Snape just stared at it for a moment. "If it blows up you are all getting a T for your homework and today."
"Yes, sir," Harry responded.
He turned to Daphne, who was looking very passive as Parkinson made a comment on her way out. Harry pursed his lips. Why did it bother him so much more that they were targeting Daphne?
When he got back to the table, Neville was still there. "It's Wednesday. Are you coming to help?" Neville asked him.
Hermione came up to them too. "Harry and Daphne, would you like to join me in the library? I would like to get this new potions essay completed."
Ron groaned. "We have all week."
"You should not put off what you can get done now," Daphne replied.
Harry turned to Daphne. "This is the usual time you would go to check on your project and I have promised Neville to help," he said to Daphne.
Her eyes pinched a little. "You are correct. How about after lunch before Runes?" Daphne asked Hermione.
Hermione smiled. It was usually like pulling teeth to get Harry to go to the library with her. "A quick lunch and then I think we can get it done."
Ron looked like he was wincing. "Yeah. We are playing chess tonight though."
"Did you complete the Transfiguration work due tomorrow?"
Ron groaned. "No."
"Then let's go to the library now. Neville, you are welcome to join us after lunch," Hermione told him.
Neville nodded.
The three of them started towards the greenhouses while Ron grumbled to Hermione as he followed her. They were out of the dungeons when Neville asked, "Harry, what happened to your scion ring?"
Harry stopped. "You knew what that was? You knew what that ring meant?"
Neville stopped and looked at him. "You sound like you didn't?"
"Harry was never informed what it meant to receive his ring. I assume you thought he did, Scion Longbottom?"
"Well, yeah. Gran has told me all about it since I could remember. If I knew Harry didn't know... I just thought he didn't care. He's never acted like he cared about his parents' fortune and his titles. Gran used to worry about it," Neville told them.
Harry was confused. "Why would your Gran care?"
"Grans parents were your great grandparents," Neville told him.
Harry's mouth dropped. "You never told me we were relatives," Harry heard the disbelief in his voice.
"I just thought you never wanted to be involved with me," Neville said. "When you started to hang out with me this year, I thought you knew."
Harry pinched his nose. "How much more didn't Dumbledore or anyone tell me?"
Daphne frowned. "Much apparently."
"Did you give up your ring? And why are you a consort to Daphne? And I never knew the Blacks had an alliance with the Greengrasses," Neville stated.
Harry looked at Neville after straightening his glasses. "I am not a Potter anymore. If we were cousins, we aren't now," Harry said bitterly. How much more could be stolen from him?
Neville looked shocked. "How could you be made House-less? Only Gran and I would be eligible after you and I know Gran was hoping to see you preserve the House of Potter."
"It was stolen. We won't say more than that at the moment," Daphne spoke up. "Being a descendent of the Potters, I would have thought your Gran would have been notified?"
"Gran didn't say anything. Is that why you agreed to a betrothal to Daphne? I know Sirius Black is your godfather," Neville put to them.
"Can we walk to the Greenhouses. We don't need prying ears," she nodded towards the stairwell that led to the dungeons.
Neville nodded and they started to walk again.
"The Blacks are not allies of the Greengrasses and this was not a result of a betrothal. We are not old enough to be married per a normal contract," Daphne stated.
"Oh, right," Neville said. He gave them a sidelong glance and didn't ask anything else. He wondered how much Neville knew of these things and was able to reason out something bad had happened.
When they got to the greenhouses, Daphne stopped before the station that had her project. The plants, bottles and other supplies were all gone. She just stood there, looking at the empty spot.
"Daph?" he whispered to her. He felt the way she was torn up inside.
Neville stood behind them. "You need to tell Professor Sprout," Neville told her.
She just stood there for a moment before turning and walking towards the door. Harry went to follow her. "Harry, you should tell Professor Sprout. Someone stole her stuff. Those plants were really rare and worth hundreds of galleons each," Neville encouraged him.
Harry let out a breath. "She told me before Christmas they were a family secret. I don't think they were stolen."
Neville's eyebrows furrowed. "I hadn't realized you two had become that close."
"We hadn't," Harry replied.
After a moment Neville said, "She was cast out of her House and your godfather took you both in, didn't he? I know our guardians can approve a marriage before we are seventeen. Why not claim her your consort? It would have given her more protection from whatever she is running from."
Harry shook his head. "That wasn't an option. I need to go find Daphne. I'll help you Saturday."
"Harry," Neville called after him. He turned to Neville. "I didn't know. Can I let Gran know what you told me?"
Harry shrugged. "It won't make a difference. I'll see you later."
Harry wondered where Daphne had gone to when he walked outside. Looking around for a moment, he sighed before heading towards the school. Harry wandered for a bit, getting more nervous as he didn't find her. He wasn't sure if he wanted her wondering by herself.
He eventually found himself on the third floor, heading towards their secret entrance.
When he passed by Umbridge's office he shuttered at the rage he felt. He had to keep it in check. He couldn't lose his cool tomorrow. He hadn't really thought that the door to their small apartment was on the same floor as the DADA room and Umbridge's lair. That might pose an issue.
That was tomorrow. Right now he was supposed to be finding Daphne. The greenhouses had been a large shock for her. Thinking about her calmed him enough to realize there was a pull. That was why he had ventured towards the third-floor broom closet.
"Circes," he whispered. There was a stone corridor, perhaps ten feet long, when he opened the door.
Daphne was on the couch. She wasn't crying, just staring at the small fire in their hearth. The bedroom door was open and much of the contents of her trunk were strewn across the floor. He put his bag down and sat next to her. She leaned over and put her head on his shoulder. "I won't be as weak for now on," she promised.
He turned his head and kissed the top of her head. "I can't imagine what you feel. I never knew my parents."
"I miss my mother and Tori some. Tori is too much like the Lord Greengrass at times but she was never mean to me. I should have known the plants I took to work on would have been taken back. They aren't mine anymore. I just hoped he loved me, even a little," she told him.
"I will love you. You have other stuff missing too, don't you?" Harry asked in a caring voice.
"Most of my jewelry, my fancy hair combs, some books and a few other items. They belong to the Greengrasses. I am a Black," she told him. She sounded emotional, but he had a feeling she didn't want to cry over it anymore.
"I'm sorry, Daph. I will get you your own collection."
She turned her head and buried her face into his sleeve. "Why are you so kind to me? I know we say we love each other. I just don't understand. I took your freedom away and it's been such a short time. Why do I want you to love me so much?"
Harry kissed the top of her head again. "I am yours, Daph. I do care for you, but if you want me to leave you alone, I will."
She sat up. "I didn't say that. I am being selfish when I say I want you, Harry. I used you, though. Why be so caring and understanding?"
He shrugged his shoulders. What other option did they have? He could hate her, but that would lead to a miserable life for both of them. "I have the feeling you didn't have a good life. You deserve a good life. Everyone does. I only hope I can give it to you."
She smiled and moved onto her knees to have her body face him and gave him a brief kiss. "You should have a good life as well." Daphne looked into his eyes for a few minutes. Merlin! He liked her eyes.
"I have a confession," she told Harry.
He took her hand. "I'm not going anywhere."
She dropped her eyes. "Tori is only my half-sister."
Harry just nodded his head. "One of your parents had an affair?"
"Father remarried when I was two. Tori was born soon after."
"Where is your real mum?"
Daphne took in a breath. "She died in childbirth."
He reached out his arms and pulled her in. It made more sense now. Daphne melted into him. "I will be stronger for now on," she whispered into his chest.
"You never have to pretend with me." Harry didn't want her too.
"I love you," she whispered.
-oOo-
Before Dinner...
Madam Pomfrey sent them all a note to meet in the hospital after classes ended. So, Daphne, Hermione, Ginny and him were in the hospital about quarter past four. "Thank you all for coming. Professor McGonagall has told me the arrangements you have made. For the next few months I would like to do a check up on you."
"Are you afraid something is wrong with the bonds and arrangements?" Daphne asked.
"Not at all, Mrs. Black. It is standard protocol. I also like to monitor such bonds and offer counseling if I need. It is surprising how many do not understand these types of debts and bonds," Madam Pomfrey told them.
"I have been doing reading in books from the Black's library. There hasn't been much research done of life-debts or bonds, has there?" Hermione put to her.
The Matron nodded. "There is, but it is not a subject that is typically talked about outside of Healers or those that perform bonding or have a Mastery that would look at such. You will not find much on this in the Hogwarts library, either Ms. Granger. Before you get to far into this subject, I would like to meet with you about what you have found."
"Ms. Granger is using books from the Black Family library. I would not like those used outside the family," Daphne said firmly.
Before Hermione could protest the Matron nodded. "I promise not to use or look in any book presented from the Black Family library."
"Daphne, Madam Pomfrey is offering to talk about this. You know why I am researching this," Hermione looked upset.
Daphne didn't budge. "I understand, Hermione, but most of the books you took with you are not published books. I do not know all the information in them and they belong to our family. I will not allow that knowledge out without knowing what it is," Daphne told her.
"But why?" Hermione questioned. "Sharing knowledge is the best way to conduct research."
"Sharing some knowledge can be extremely dangerous," Daphne countered.
"But what if Madam Pomfrey has knowledge we need? What if she knows another way for us to pay back you and Harry, or our, you know," Hermione said significantly.
"Ms. Granger, I can assure you that the options that Mrs. Black, Ginny and you have used for your debts are probably the best options available. Magic is not forgiving in these situations," Madam Pomfrey told them.
"But if it is so dangerous, why didn't the bond require me to act before? Harry and I have been in life-threatening situations and I didn't throw myself before a werewolf or in a half dozen other situation," Hermione countered.
"You ran into the danger with him. From what you and Harry have told me, it sounded like you both helped each other," Daphne tried to soothe her. "I also get the sense Harry tends to throw himself in before anyone can react."
Harry just held her gaze.
"Yes, I still find it hard to believe you chased after Professor Lupin that night," Madam Pomfrey huffed. "Ms. Granger, why don't you come by my office about four every Thursday. We can talk about what you want. I will respect all Black Family magics, Mrs. Black."
"But if I can't talk about what is in the books," Hermione complained.
"Hermione, I am not restricting you to talk, just don't use the books outside of our rooms or yours. Can we talk about this later? I really would not like to air out House business like this," Daphne cut her off.
"But..."
"Hermione, that is enough for the moment," Daphne snapped.
Hermione glared at Daphne.
"Can we just get this done?" Ginny asked.
Harry moved next to Hermione. "Let it go for now. We will have a talk later," Harry told her.
Hermione huffed. "Fine. We are talking."
Harry felt that Daphne was upset. It was written all over Hermione's face how upset she was. Hermione wasn't used to people telling her she can't.
"Ms. Granger, I know you are muggleborn. I do not believe in the faiths of my parents, who were pureblood, but I recognize the significance of family magic." The Matron held up her hand to keep Hermione from retorting. "Many families that have been in our world for generations have amassed knowledge or cultivated certain talents. It is important to understand what that knowledge and talents are before you decide to talk to just anyone. There can be real danger in knowledge. It may not come from me, but what if someone were to find a way to have me tell your secrets. Your head-of-house, or the Heiress you have sworn to be a ward too, can demand you not to share. They can even demand an oath. If you go against their word, you risk the blood adoption and your vow to give the House of Black another heir."
Hermione's face went from defiant anger to concerned apprehension. "I was told Daphne couldn't control me that way."
"I can't, but if you go against what Sirius or I say is the law of the family, you risk breaking the bond of family. It is your choice," Daphne said in a calmer tone.
They stared at each other for a moment. "I don't understand why we would hide this? You said you wanted a better solution. What if I can find one?" Hermione asked.
Daphne let out a long breath. "I can tell you that what you found in the Black's Library is probably four times the information you could have gotten from the Greengrass Library. That probably means that this is a line of magic the Blacks specialized in at one point. I don't know what is in those books. They may be harmless. There may be some truly scary dark magic, which I wouldn't doubt knowing the reputation of our House. It you get permission from Sirius, I will not oppose you, but until I know what you have found and we are certain there is nothing bad in those books, I forbid you from showing those book to anyone not of direct blood."
Hermione looked ready to argue some more when Ginny put a hand on her arm. "Hermione, you know our family. You know how we view magic and that we view everyone as equal, but there is certain magics we know that I will never share with anyone but my husband and children some day. This is a secret of your House. Guard it."
Harry looked at Ginny. He wondered if this was why Ginny chose to be a handmaiden.
"Ms. Granger, all of us who have grown up pureblood or half-blood in families that have been around have secrets. I have my own," Madam Pomfrey told her.
Hermione looked between them and finally looked at him. "Harry, do you agree?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I was never taught what my family might have had. Sirius mentioned there were items in my vaults that were dangerous and only someone of the blood of the Potters could touch them. For all I know, that was some of the Potter's secrets. If they were as dangerous as Sirius suggested, I don't think I would have told anyone about them."
Daphne bowed her head. "I have secrets from the Greengrasses that I will tell Harry some day, but I won't share with anyone else. Please, just trust me on this, Hermione. I am not trying to be mean."
After a moment, Hermione nodded.
"Now, if you will, I would like to check the bonds," Madam Pomfrey informed them.
A moment later Daphne was the center of the four threads. The one between him and her looked more solid, and more a pleasant yellowish. The one to Hermione had the same hue, but a blue mingled with it. Ginny's was a pale white with a red strand. The one to Pettigrew looked just the same.
The matron nodded. "Would you like me to go over what is here, or would you like me to do it in private?"
Daphne looked to them. "If no one has objections, I would like to discuss it with just the person involved," Daphne told them.
"Daphne," he so wanted to call her 'Daph' but thought that might push her too far before Madam Pomfrey, "you don't always need to keep everything so guarded. I agree with you on the books for now, but not this," Harry told her gently. Harry knew why she was so guarded, but he wanted her to open up a little more.
Daphne looked at him, her eyes slightly magnified in her glasses and the green and gold flecks seemingly reflecting his own green eyes.
After a moment, she nodded. "Are you two in agreement?"
Hermione nodded. "I think it best we understand what is going on with us together."
Ginny nodded. "It is no secret between us why we are here. Mind as well we all know what is going on."
Daphne met each of their eyes again. Reluctantly she regarded the Matron. "I agree. But if there is anything truly personal, I would like to keep it that way."
The matron nodded. "Ms. Weasely is your handmaiden for now. The white symbolizes the pledge she has made, while the red is the bond of a servant. It has taken the proper way it should and now Ms. Weasley must freely sacrifice some of her life, or more specifically her time, to serve you and keep you in the utmost health and happiness."
Ginny pursed her lips. "I can still say no and can't be forced?" Ginny asked.
"You have your own free will as a handmaiden, though every time you refuse reasonable requests or neglect your duties, it will reverse some of what you have paid back."
"Lord Black said about a day for each reasonable request denied?" Daphne asked. She was very worried about this, not liking the idea of bonding Ginny more like she had Harry.
"That is about right, from the strength of this bond. If Ginny sacrifices twenty hours or more a week, I could see this being paid off in about fifteen months," the Matron informed them.
Ginny paled some. "Fifteen months? Sirius said about twelve."
The Matron clicked her tongue. "I am fairly certain fifteen to sixteen months. If you wish to be a full servant, say waiting on your charge all day when you are not in class, it may be about eleven months, but I would not recommend sacrificing your studies that much. You would fall behind."
Both girls looked dissatisfied.
"Ginny, I want you to have a life. Let's talk later," Daphne offered.
Ginny nodded.
"Now, Ms. Granger, the blood adoption seems to have taken well. I would still like to monitor it for the next few months," Pomfrey told her.
"What do you mean it has taken well? Aren't I partially a Black now?"
"Yes, but when doing a partial blood adoption, if you or the new magic to you don't agree, you can reject it." At hers and Harry's confused looks, even a slightly confused Daphne, Madam Pomfrey went on. "You accepted the new line. In this case that means the magic of the Blacks. It now exists besides your inherent magic. Over time it will be absorbed and you will have traits of both lines, but the Black magic will be second to yours."
"Given how strong the Black line is, there was the possibility it would fight for dominance, eclipsing your natural abilities. I can say in this case your magic is the dominant strand."
"What would have happened if I reject it? Or do in the future? Will my magic be damaged?" Hermione asked afraid. "Why aren't we taught this in school!"
"Relax, Ms. Granger. Your magic will not be affected, but your oath to Daphne would be broken and you would have to find a different way to pay your debt," The Matron told them in a calm voice.
Hermione and Daphne let out a breath. Harry was wondering about himself. "My grandmother was a Black. Do I need to worry about the same? Or Daphne?"
"For you, Mr. Black, there is no danger. You were part Black by birth. Their magic is already yours. Being partially adopted only reestablished the link already there."
"And me," Daphne asked.
"You, Mrs. Black, also don't have much to worry about. As sad as it was that you were cast out of your House, it essentially made you a blank slate. Not having any link to another family and having your blood ties severed, it is more of a full adoption. Your status as Heiress helps to solidify this link." Madam Pomfrey gave them a satisfied nod.
"Do you have any more questions, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Now, for you two. Your bond has strengthened in the last week. Mr. Black does not have any link to that foul thing that was in his head. Until you claimed Mr. Black, it never occurred to me to check for any debts or bonds. I always just thought it a relic of the magic used on you, Mr. Black," the Matron told him.
"It's gone now," Harry told her, still bothered at what had been in him.
"It is. I do have some discussions that would be more of a personal matter, Mrs. Black."
Daphne nodded and they waited for Hermione and Ginny to leave.
"Now, I see your bond is rather healthy. Are you feeling anything from each other?" the Matron asked.
Daphne had a small smile. "I can tell Harry's emotions most of the time and know when he is telling me the truth."
"And you, Harry?"
"The same. Sometimes I can tell when she needs or wants something," he admitted. Daphne's smile turned a little sad.
"I was suspecting as such. Daphne has accepted you as her full consort and husband. If nurtured correctly, it will make more of a traditional marriage bond. I see signs of that here. How long has it been since your first coupling?"
They both looked abashed. "December thirtieth," Daphne sounded like she didn't want to say anything.
The Matron just nodded. "If you need the monthly pregnancy prevention potion, advice or any other education, my door is open. I prefer active couples to be safe and not be afraid. As much as I would prefer chastity before graduation, your couplings help to reinforce the bond, especially if he is your husband. I can also tell you do not force your will often, Daphne. I would encourage you to continue that. The less you do, the less subservient he will be. Though I have a feeling Harry has enough force of will on his own to overcome much of that."
"I do not like to order my husband," Daphne responded.
Madam Pomfrey nodded. "Something I applaud you for. It is not often I see couples with this type of bond try to make it equal. As for you, Harry, there will always be that little pull to satisfy Daphne's needs. It is part of the bond. The consort is to take care of their bond holder. Again, by the force of your bond, I can tell you are taking care of each other. Mrs. Black, I will schedule another appointment for a month from now and check on you four again."
"Yes, ma'am," Daphne replied.
-oOo-
After dinner...
Hermione and Ron led them up to the seventh floor close to eight. "We are only meeting for an hour tonight before curfew. Usually we meet about seven," Hermione told them. "You need to sign our club charter before you can stay."
"You've been doing this since October?"
Ron smiled. "Yeah. Though I think things will get better with you here now."
"Why is that?" Daphne asked.
"Harry is the top Defense student in the school," Hermione told her.
"He's also the only one to face You-Know-Who," Ron added.
Harry pursed his lips. "It's not as cool as you make it sound," he said a little upset. These were memories he really didn't want to bring up. He still hadn't told Daphne or anyone what really happened that night.
Daphne moved in closer.
Hermione frowned. "What was it like?"
He tightened his lips. "I didn't want to talk about it when you asked me that when you proposed this idea in October," Harry told her.
"Harry, you know what is out there. You know what it is like. We are trying to pass our OWL's, but what if we meet Death Eaters?" Hermione was earnestly concerned as they stopped before a blank section of wall across from a painting of a wizard trying to teach trolls to dance.
"I don't want to talk about it," Harry told her.
Daphne moved in and wrapped her arms around his left arm. "Harry, she has a point. I don't know what it was like. Your best friends don't. Could it give them a better chance if you told them what it was like and what to expect?"
Harry looked at Daphne. Her eyes were looking at him with understanding and hope. GOD! He was never going to be able to say no to her, was he? "Perhaps."
"I think we will have the whole group tonight, would you tell us all," Hermione questioned.
Harry turned back to her and was surprised to see a large set of double doors. "That wasn't there before."
Ron smiled. "Thank that barmy elf you saved from Malfoy."
"Dobby?"
There was a soft crack and an elf with odd socks and a hat on his head appeared. "The Great Harry Potter call Dobby?"
"Ah, not really," Harry responded.
Daphne looked at the elf. "Mr. Dobby, why did you come to Harry like that?"
"Can we talk about this inside. We are supposed to be keeping this from Umbridge," Hermione encouraged with her head for them to get inside.
"Dobby always come for the Great Harry Potter, Mrs. Black," the small elf said as they moved into the room.
"You do know he is not a Potter anymore?" Daphne questoined.
Harry stopped paying attention as he looked around the vaulted room. Pillars made a wide walkway down the middle of the room. A half dozen practice dummies were lined up against the wall to their left. A wall with waist high shelves, an area full of pillows and a few desks were to the right. Mirrors lined the walls here and there.
"What is this place," he asked.
"Dobby calls it the Come-and-go room," Ron told him.
"There is a book in the shelves that calls it the Room of Requirements. I think Helena Ravenclaw developed it."
"Brilliant," he said. There was a crack of apparition and he turned, his hand going for his wand.
"Jumpy," Ron chuckled. Harry was always cautious about odd sounds.
"Very interesting elf. How long before others arrive?" Daphne walked over to them.
"What were you talking with Dobby about?" Hermione queried.
"An employment opportunity after his current contract is out. I'll tell you later," Daphne told Harry.
Hermione pursed her lips. "You aren't going to bind him, are you? Dobby very much likes being a free elf."
"So he said. I would offer fair pay. I just don't understand how he is surviving if he is unbound. We can figure that out later. So what is the plan?" Daphne asked.
At this, Hermione looked a little abashed. "We have been just getting by. I was hoping to talk to the group and have Harry lead us?"
Harry felt his annoyance pique. He wanted to do well on his OWLs, now that he was in a better place, but he wasn't a leader.
"I think that an excellent idea," Daphne said next to him.
"You what?" Harry looked incredulously between the two girls.
"Slytherin and Gryffindor had the same DADA class third and last year. Can you think of anyone else that was faster than you, or picked up on the spells easier?" Daphne asked confidently.
"Hermione," he answered Daphne.
"Hardly. I may get the spells, but you beat me every time Moody had us duel last year. I think you only lost once to Zabini," Hermione told him.
"Yeah. I can tell you it hurt a few times with the force of your spells," Ron pipped up.
"You also dissarmed Dumbledore the other night. I don't know if anyone has ever done that," Daphne added.
Harry felt slightly flustered. "I thought he was going to curse everyone."
The door opened and Ginny, Colin and Dennis Creevey came in. "We saw Susan and Hanna on our way up. Filch was looking at the wall in the main entryway. I think a new decree will go up soon," Ginny told them.
"Bloody hell," Ron whinged.
"Speaking of which, I heard all Umbridge's classes were canceled today," Colin said.
"I heard that too," Hermione agreed.
Others started to filter in one, two and three at a time. By the time the bell rung eight, about thirty people were in the room.
"Right, this is going to be a shorter meeting tonight. I wanted to introduce two new members and then we can get into what I planned," Hermione stated.
Harry noticed they were all looking at him though. "Is it true?" a boy in Ravenclaw colors spoke up.
"Is what true, Michael?" Hermione inquired.
"I know you and Weasley have said he saw and faced You-Know-Who. It is true?"
"Cedric didn't die on his own," Harry replied.
"How do we know you didn't kill him?" Kevin Entwistle accused Harry.
"I didn't." Harry snapped at Kevin. The boy may have apologized to Harry after Hermione was petrified, but he had never been over kind to Harry. Harry sort of understood. If he wasn't a Parseltongue, Harry could understand why it looked like the snake wanted to attack Kevin.
Cho Chang, an attractive dark hair girl with Asian descent spoke up. She had been trying to talk to him all year about Cedric and Harry had been avoiding her. Like he had been avoiding most everyone. She looked like she was ready to break down half the time, he also didn't like the way she was looking at him. "It wasn't Potter."
"That is Black," Daphne corrected her.
"Harry didn't kill anyone and he faced You-Know-Who," Ginny defended him.
"I don't care. Why would he all of a sudden want to come here? I remember him telling us to sod off in October," Michael stated.
"He's here now, Corner," Fred replied.
"You don't have to be," George added.
"Enough," Harry stepped forward. Hermione stopped, as though she was going to do the same. "We can't fight amongst ourselves. I wasn't in a good place in October and didn't know I would be asked to do this. I want to be part of this group now."
"What was it like?" Katie Bell asked.
He looked at the dark hair Gryffindor Chaser. Katie and the rest of the team had always backed him and been kind to him. Daphne put her hand into his. He wasn't sure why that would give him the courage, but he started to speak. "It was fast. You don't have time to really think. You just cast anything you can." Daphne squeezed his hand.
"It was scary," he admitted. "I didn't know if I would live or not. The key is to not give up."
There was silence.
"I vote Black our new leader," Fred shot out.
"I second," George followed.
"Third," Katie and Angelina yelled after them.
"I don't," Anthony Goldstein spoke up. "How do we know Harry is as good as he says?
"My Auntie said he can cast a corporeal patronus," Susan Bones pipped up.
Zacharias Smith snorted. "I doubt that."
"I've seen it," Hermione told them.
She must have had some respect from the group because the two boys didn't look as challenging.
"Come on, show us," George egged him.
Many wanted him too.
"I would like to see it also," Daphne whispered behind him.
Harry shrugged, wanting to please Daphne. Taking out his wand, the first thing that came to his mind was Daphne last night. He very much liked her athletic frame and the way her bare chest felt against his. "Expecto Patronum!"
His heart filled with warmth to see his familiar stag prancing before him. He didn't think it would affect him so much. He hadn't been totally separated from his parents. He missed the surprised expressions or comments on the stag. It walked up to him, lowered its head in a bow before turning to Daphne. After a moment, it extended its neck, brushing her face and then lowered its head to her before dissipating.
Daphne looked a little shocked.
"You alright," he asked.
She shook herself, a smile breaking her mask.
"What did it feel like?" Angelina Johnson asked curiously.
Daphne didn't drop her smile. Her voice was almost dreamy with a certain hint that pulled at him. "That is for me to know."
The twins laughed and half the girls looked envious of Daphne.
"Anyone else don't want Harry to lead this for now on?" Ron looked around the room.
"That is impressive, but we are learning O.W.L. spells and defensive maneuvers," Michael challenged once again.
"Some of us are NEWT level," Angelina retorted.
Harry shook his head. "Line up," he responded.
Michael's eyes widened. "What?"
"You want to learn defensive maneuvers, then let's duel like in Moody's class," Harry challenged back.
"Harry," Hermione started and stopped with a hand from Daphne on her forearm.
The older Ravenclaw boy didn't look as certain. When it was apparent Michael wasn't going to back up his words, he asked, "Does anyone want to duel me?"
With a grin, Fred and George stood. "We will."
Harry took a look at them and nodded. "Line up."
They both smiled as they stepped out in the alleyway between the columns. "This isn't fair. Only one should face off," Hermione protested.
"It's fine, Hermione," Harry assured her.
Between the Triwizard Tournament, a summer on his own and many more hours in the library the last few months than he thought he had in the last three years combined, Harry thought he might be up to the challenge. The fact he had bested Dumbledore was on his mind. He couldn't be overconfident though. Voldemort had handed his balls to him on a platter in June. Harry had been a plaything to the Dark Wanker. Harry was determined not to be that way again. He had a family that wanted him.
"Daphne, you give the signal?" Harry asked. The twins shrugged their shoulders and took up a stance like one Moody had shown them. Harry stood tall, wand loosely held and his body ready for action. They bowed and waited for whatever the signal would be. "On my sparks," Daphne called out.
He felt her magic before she cast the spell. "Hycinthillious," Daphne called out and purple sparks flew across the run.
Harry thought the twins would work together so his first spell was to separate them. "Seprensortia trio!" The twins had started with some silly spells that looked like tickling hexes and jelly leg jinxes. Harry stepped to the side as three large boa constrictors at least a yard long jumped out of his wand. Wrap up George but don't harm him, Harry hissed at the snakes as he dove away from what looked like stunners.
There were a few screams and the twins' eyes just about bulged out of their heads, especially once all three went for George. "Oh, bloody hell," Fred cried out, his next spell being a banishing charm that threw one of the snakes towards the dummies.
Harry used the distraction. "Stupefy! Stupefy! Incarcarous! Stupefy!" He was being very conscious not to use anything that would hurt them.
George tried to hit one of the snakes with a cutting hex. He didn't block the stunner, which caught George in the chest and he dropped. Fred scrambled to block the other spells. The other boy, Harry commanded and the two snakes changed direction. Harry cast a few more rope binding and stunners before Fred was hit trying to kick one of the snakes away. Come here, he ordered. The third snake came to him with the others. It looked hurt. Harry couldn't let it suffer, even if it was just a conjured animal. "Vipera Evenesca."
The hurt snake burned up.
He banished the other snakes before walking to Fred and George. "Ennervate," he casually flicked his wand at both of them.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron blurted before Fred and George could say anything. They both looked at him cautiously. Harry furrowed his brow. He didn't like any of his friends to look at him like that.
Harry turned and saw Hermione with a hand over her mouth. Many others looked scared. Daphne had an unreadable expression, but he thought we felt awe through their bond.
"What was that about, Harry," George asked.
"You summoned snakes!" It was Ernie MacMillan. "I was convinced you weren't the Heir of Slytherin."
"I summoned boa constrictors which I instructed to only bind but not hurt them," Harry defended himself. He wouldn't be afraid of his abilities anymore.
"Harry, you just leveled them in less than thirty seconds. None of us could beat them," Susan said in a small voice.
"Six months ago I was beat within an inch of my life before coming back to Hogwarts with Cedric's body. I will not be beat like that again. In here, I will not use any spell that will hurt you, but out there, if I meet a Death Eater, I won't be unprepared," he told them with a steely determination. "I have friends, family and my wife that will not be taken or harmed."
Harry jumped when a hand clapped his shoulder. Fred backed up quickly, his hands out as Harry's wand shot to Fred's face. "Right, don't touch you."
"Bloody bint! I vote Harry for our leader," George said.
There was a general murmur of agreement.
"So what now Professor?" Ron asked. Much of the fear was now being replaced with respect or awe at him. He didn't like being the center of attention, but this would be the best way to make sure Daphne, Hermione, Ginny, Ron and the others were as prepared as possible.
He had not really prepared for this though. "Ah, we only have about twenty minutes left. Ah," he thought back to Remus' and Moody's lessons, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you have a list of what you have been practicing," Harry asked Hermione.
He wasn't surprised when she pulled out a paper from a book. He looked at it. "Right, lines before the dummies..."
"Whose calling who a dummy," Fred shouted out.
"Care to find out," Harry shot back, used to their bantering.
George laughed as Fred got up, "Oi, watch it Black." Fred and everyone lined up. He had lots of practice with many of the spells on the sheet. There were also some rather advanced ones he had read about but hadn't tried yet.
"Start with the disarming hex," Harry told them. Most of them were pretty decent. As much as he hated the fact a Death Eater had taught them last year, Harry couldn't deny the man had actually taught them. Even Neville did decently.
By nine, Hermione and the twins were organizing people to leave. "Harry, do you have your map," Hermione asked.
"Yeah," he told her. Besides being lonely, Harry had become paranoid at times and always kept his cloak and the Marauders' map on him.
"What is that," Daphne asked from behind him as Hermione touched it with her wand.
"I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good," Hermione stated.
Daphne stepped around him. "How many other secrets do you have? How did you make that?"
"My father, Sirius and Remus figured it out."
When it was their turn, it was only the twins, Ron, Hermione and them. "I don't see anyone between hear and Gryffindor. It should be safe to go."
"Why are we sneaking around? Curfew isn't for another fifteen minutes?" Daphne asked. She hadn't had to deal with Umbridge the way they had yet.
"The Pink Toad is suspicious. She asked Cho and Marietta some questions before we left for Christmas," Hermione told her. "Fred and George, why don't you go first and then we will be just behind you."
"Sure, second boss," George commented.
"How about assistant Professor," Fred offered.
"She reminds me to much of McGonagall then," George retorted.
Ron chuckled and Hermione huffed. "Just go."
"We are going to sneak in through the third floor if it is clear," Harry told her.
"I see no sign of Umbridge. I don't she is in the school yet. You go. You mind if I return this when we get back?"
"Just bring it down," Harry told her.
It was an uneventful journey back to their small suite. Inside the door, Daphne slammed the door shut before suddenly launching herself at him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her lips crashed into his and she crushed her body into him. He wasn't sure what brought this on, but he quickly returned her sloppy and hormone filled kiss. They were in their own place, so he ventured his hands up her side, over the grey school jumper and to her breasts. She moaned into his mouth.
When she pulled back, he saw the excitement in her eyes. "What was that for," he asked, not really wanting it to end.
"Merlin, Harry. I've never seen anyone move that fast. How do you cast a patronus?" she asked.
"You have to think of a very strong happy memory, or more the emotion behind it," he told her.
She kissed him again but pulled away quickly. "What memory did you use?"
Harry blushed. "Last night," he told her.
Harry was still wearing his tie. It had been a busy day and they had only come back quickly before dinner to drop off their robes and bags. Daphne grabbed his tie. "If you feel that way, I think we need to make more memories."
Harry gave a goofy grin. "Was it that nice?"
"I wanted to go find a broom closet right then," she told him.
He let her pull him. He tried to kiss her and she pulled back. "Come to bed," she told him. She kept backing up and hit the wall next to the door. Harry kept going, pinning her to the wall and met her lips. Both their hands roamed this time. He sucked in a breath when her hand went to his crotch. She hadn't done that yet and a hot heat raced through his body. He just managed to get the shirt out of her skirt and his hand on her stomach, eliciting an excited hiss from Daphne, when a knock came at the door. They separated and Daphne gave him a very attractive and sultry smile. He liked how her jumper pulled a little tight as her chest heaved. "Sleep with me tonight?"
"Always," he told her, his own heart hammering in his chest.
The knock came again. He looked over his shoulder, "Just a moment," he called out. She used the opportunity to slip into the bedroom door. He looked back to catch her pulling her jumper over her head with a saucy smirk.
How had they gotten here in only a week?
The knock came once more. He reached in and pulled the bedroom door closed as she shimmied out of her skirt. He grit his teeth to suppress his groan. When he opened the door to the landing, Hermione looked a little put out. "I would like to get my Rune work started." Her eyes landed on him and after a second they widened a little. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, Hermione. We'll see you in the morning. Daphne wanted to get her Runes work done too. Library after breakfast?" He sounded like he was a little out of breath.
Hermione blinked. "When did you start wanting to go to the library so much?" Harry shrugged. Hermione got a small smile. "I see. I'll see you in the morning."
"I want to have another meeting Friday night," Harry told her.
"Will you teach us how to do a patronus?"
"Let's see how everyone is doing in a few weeks. I want to see if we can meet three times a week."
She blinked. "Ah, we have been doing one or two days."
"I am not going to let Umbridge win," he said with determination.
Hermione nodded and held out his map. "Harry, when did you learn to conjure snakes? And I've never seen you so comfortable with your parselmouth."
Harry shrugged. "I meant what I said. I am not going to be beat like that again and if I can prevent it, Daphne, Ginny, Ron, you, everyone we love, won't have to be beat either."
Hermione gave him a concerned look. "I don't know if you should do that with dark spells like that."
"It's not a dark spell," Harry told her. "It's like the avifors spell. The casters intent is what makes it dark."
Hermione pursed her lips. "I don't know..."
"Hermione, I agree with Sirius. We can't be gentle if we meet a Death Eater."
After a moment, she nodded. "I won't kill anyone."
Harry nodded back. That was her choice. Harry wasn't sure if he would either, but he didn't want to go into a duel with a jelly-leg jinx. In the classroom that was funny. Against Voldemort or a Death Eater, that could be deadly for the one casting such a simple hex.
"What did Daphne feel when your stag touched her?" Hermione asked after a moment.
"You will have to ask her."
Hermione eyed him, she still looked wary, but not as much. "Ah-huh. Maybe I will. You may want to fix your clothes if you are not getting changed."
Harry's cheeks heated some. They said goodnight before Harry shut the door and leaned his head on the cold wood for a moment. His heart was still pounding from the memory of Daphne's lips on his.
He stood to go join his wife when another knock came. Harry let out an annoyed sound. He opened the door, "What did you forget, Hermi... oh, Ginny," he said surprised to see the red head before him.
"Hi, Harry," Ginny said looking at him. He thought to hastily tuck his shirt in, but figured that would bring more attention to his clothes. "Uhm, I just wanted to say that was a good meeting."
"Thanks, Gin. Anything else?"
She looked a little uncertain. "I was wondering if I could talk with Daphne for a few?"
Harry sighed. "Come on in. I'll see if she is up to talking."
He opened the door and she took a seat in one of the chairs. Harry slipped into their room and Daphne met him as soon as the door closed, her hands grabbing his shirt and pulling him in for a kiss as she pushed him against the wall. It took him all of two seconds to realize she was only in her knickers.
The heat in her eyes as he pulled back sent a hot heat through him. He had totally fallen for this girl. "Ah, uhm," he stammered at the way her eyes shown with more green tonight and his hand resting on her bare skin of her sides.
Daphne smirked. "I like I can make you speechless."
Harry blushed some, enjoying his hands on her narrower waist. "Uhm, Ginny wanted to talk. She's in the sitting room."
Daphne's smirk fell and then she huffed. "Can you hold this thought?"
Harry smirked. "Sure."
Harry followed her around with his eyes. He hadn't really appreciated her long legs, bottom and smooth back yet. She went to the bed, took up a jersey that hadn't been there this morning and pulled it over her head. It was his quidditch jersey from this year. The one he never really got to use outside a month's worth of practices.
Harry was just about the same height as Daphne, so it only covered a little down her calf. He liked it on her narrow frame. "Do I need to get you your own?"
She came up and pecked him. "You need a new one anyways."
He looked at her perplexed. "Why?"
"I'm not giving this back," she told him matter of fact before running some of the emotion out of her face. "Did Ginny say what she wanted?"
"Just that she wanted to talk with you," he told her. "I like that shirt on you."
Her smile returned briefly. "Good. I am going to cheer on my husband once you can fly again."
Daphne pecked him and slipped out the bedroom.
Harry, unsure what to do while he waited, decided now was as good a time as any to get his workout in. He hadn't yet today.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone