Chapter 37
-oOo-
December 23, 1996
London, England
Harry felt at home to be back at Grace Hall. Susan and Hannah were giggling at something as he left his room and closed the door. Later today they would go to the Greengrasses to celebrate Yule. The Bones would host Christmas this year. All the Greengrasses, the Grangers, the Longbottoms, the Danforths, Sirius and Remus would be joining them as well. Harry was looking forward to it.
The house had been decked out for Christmas. Dobby and Tipsy were overjoyed to do so. There twin elflings were attached to one of their backs almost all the time in some type of carrier made out of twisted cloth. Mopsy and Wiggles -Harry was still trying to figure out why they named their son Wiggles - were cute. They were also part of the discussions that were going to happen with Auntie Amelia and Sirius today.
They sat in Amelia's study. Sirius was lounging in a high back chair. The man looked relaxed and happy for once. He wasn't sure if it was because they didn't need fear the likes of Dumbledore and Voldemort, or the new woman he was going to be taking to Christmas dinner. She had not been able to attend the Yule Celebration.
Auntie Amelia poured a small amount of amber liquid into two tumblers and offered one to Sirius. Harry got a butterbeer and was more than happy with that.
Auntie Amelia sat behind her desk. They had put this off for the last few days, but Harry didn't want to wait on this anymore. "Auntie Amelia, I don't want to give the Unspeakables any of the magic that is in Peverell Keep," he started with.
"I quite agree," she replied.
"What exactly is this all about? I know you two have been talking with the Unspeakables," Sirius said.
Harry made a face. "Croaker is using Hermione to get at my library. I have told Harssess and Sahassa that only you, Auntie Amelia, Remus and Daphne are allowed in the tower without me, and none of you are to use any of the artifacts or look in any of the books behind the desk," Harry told them. He had visited yesterday and talk to the basilisks. The two basilisks were very pleased to see him. They had also talked about the use of their shed skins and possibly some harvest of their venom. Very powerful anti-venom and poison potions could be made from their venom. Harry just wasn't sure he trusted anyone to only use their venom for that.
Sirius held up a hand. "You know we won't violate your trust, pup. Remus only made sure there wasn't any bad magic on anything."
Harry let out a huff. "I know. I'm more worried about Hermione. She can't let it go that there is something really important in those books."
"Yes, Croaker came by again the other day. While dropping off a few books from the Chamber of Secrets, he stated again he is very intrigued to find out what you know. I am getting a little worried. The Unspeakables are tasked with protection of the Wizengamot and our world, not to mention research and even intelligence gathering. To do that, they will push our laws at times to get what they think important," she told them.
Sirius nodded in agreement. "Yes, they do have a reputation for being mysterious and not forth coming."
"Indeed," Auntie Amelia said.
Harry, having thought about this for a bit, said, "I am going to tell Daphne." Auntie rose an eyebrow. "Listen. I have been thinking about what Croaker said last time we met. Hermione and I have actually talked about it. I don't think Croaker is wrong."
"About what, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"About the Statute of Secrecy being shredded?" auntie asked.
Harry nodded. "I don't know everything, but I do know that cameras are starting to be used everywhere. With how many Muggles are out there, there are less magical places to hide than a hundred years ago. The books from the Peverells, I think they may hold secrets on how to really hide us. Wizards that is. I think that is how my cloak was made. I don't want those secrets to get out, but I think it would be bad to keep them hidden if it really could protect everyone."
Sirius looked pensive as auntie mulled over her glass. After a few, it was Sirius to ask, "What are you thinking?"
Harry took in a deep breath before releasing it. "We get our OWL's this year. Next year, I am thinking of only doing four NEWT classes," he told them. Auntie looked to want to say something when Harry held up his hand. "Please, let me finish. I think I will pull off an outstanding in runes, astronomy, charms and transfiguration. They are the basis for the magics in the Peverell library. I don't see the need to go onto a NEWT in Astronomy, so I want to take Advanced Runes, Ancient Magics, Charms and Transfiguration. In my spare time, I want to really get into my family magic and keep up our training on the side so I can take a NEWT in Defence also, then look to use my family magic to set up areas that could hide all magic from the Muggles to make protected enclaves. We should still learn how to live in the Muggle world, and I think anyone should live in it that wants to, but if the Muggles do find out about us, I don't think they will be that accepting."
"Harry, if this is about your relatives," Auntie started.
Harry shook his head. "Auntie, I love both worlds, but since I have lived here, I find that I don't want to hide what I am all the time. I want a place where I, where everyone, can just be who they are. If we want to use magic, and allow those underage to practice freely, we need safe areas. Wards can also be tailored to allow electricity, so we could look at integrating Muggle technology. I really love living in both worlds."
Auntie leaned back in her chair, thinking over what he had said. Sirius nodded at something none of them knew.
It was Auntie who queried, "What do you want to do?"
"Make a few places like Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest. I want to go to Gringotts before we go back and look at buying all the lands around Peverell Keep, and maybe a few other places, especially if there are forests. After that, I want to see about protecting them," Harry told her. "What use is my fortune if I don't use it. Then I could always sell the land to magical families or rent it."
"You should make a guild," Sirius suggested.
They both looked at Sirius, who looked up from his thoughts. "If this works the way you want, and you want to protect your family magic, you will need more help. A guild will allow you to do both. There are still several in existence and I think there are still laws on the books to protect anyone in one. You don't have much family right now, so you could take in others that will be sworn to keep your secrets, that way it stays 'in the family', so to say."
"Would that really work?" Harry questioned him.
"That is not a bad idea," Auntie Amelia said. "Harry, it means that you could bind people to work for you or a council. They would learn what secrets you wanted, and then could be contracted to ward or whatever it is your magic does."
"Oh, brilliant," he said. "And they couldn't tell anyone?"
"No. A guild is different than magical vows. There is nothing that can break a bonded guildsman of his guild secrets. They also wouldn't be a risk of the person losing their magic for breaking a magical oath," Sirius told him. "The secrets are bound to the guild, so they can only talk about the secrets with other guildsmen. No exceptions."
Harry nodded. "Auntie, I want to talk to Daphne about all this. If she is going to be my betrothed, I think she should know what is going on."
Auntie Amelia nodded. "I would caution how many you tell or talk to, but if that is what you want, it is your secrets for you to tell."
"I may not be a crack at runes, but I can provide monetary and guard support," Sirius offered. "I could put some of the Black moneys behind this, especially to get charters from the Wizengamot for more protected lands."
"Maybe. I need to know more about guilds and my magic. Auntie, are you alright if I don't do more NEWTs?" Harry asked.
"Harry, if this is what you want to do, I will support it. It seems a solid plan and I feel Croaker is correct. We can go see the goblins Wednesday to talk about finances and how much it may cost to get more land around Peverell Keep. Are you looking to contract them to rebuild the castle?" she put to him.
"Yeah. Daphne also mentioned some greenhouses. I thought making it so that the lands were worked again, it might be nice," he replied.
Sirius gave him a grin while auntie jotted something down in a book.
"Do you have anything else?" auntie asked.
"Do we need to separate Wiggles and Mopsy? I know Dobby and Tipsy are from separate houses, but I don't want to see them separated," Harry told her.
"It is a few years before we have to worry about them being old enough. Are you planning to leave soon or forbid Dobby from coming here?" she asked.
Harry looked horrified. "Merlin, no! Dobby is free to come and go as he needs. If he wants to stay here, I won't stop him."
Auntie nodded. "Tipsy is free to travel between here and where Dobby is when she needs. I think the elflings should be allowed to decide what they would like to do when they are old enough. They need to be at least six to bond, and can live without one until they are about ten."
Harry thought about it, then nodded. "I like that path."
"I do too. Anything else?"
"I don't think so for now," Harry told her.
"Good. Now, go get ready. The Greengrasses have invited us to celebrate a late Yule this afternoon," she told him.
"I'll meet you there later. I am going to take Erica over tonight," Sirius said in a conversational tone.
"Erica?" Harry asked. "Is that her name?"
Sirius gave him a cheeky grin and winked. "You aren't the only one that can have a pretty girl."
-oOo-
December 24, 1995
London, England
Harry was playing snaps with Daphne and Susan in his room. She had come over for the day and they were enjoying just hanging out.
"So, what did you think about Erica last night?" Harry asked Daphne
"I liked her. I didn't think you could tell a Muggle about us though, unless you were engaged or married," Daphne commented.
Harry stopped midway putting the card down. "I didn't think about that," Harry said.
"She did have a nice ring on, but it was in the position to be in a courtship. Do you think she is a squib?" Susan put to them. "Are you going to play that?"
Susan was starting to look worried as her hand was starting to give off small wisps of smoke.
"Oh, right. I didn't think that would matter to any of us?" Harry asked.
"I don't care," Susan commented, playing the card that was smoking the most.
"I never said I did, but there are laws. I will admit, I don't know what an engagement ring on your left hand would mean," Daphne remarked, quickly placing a card.
Harry looked at the stack a little apprehensively. He quickly played the only card he could, leaving three cards in his hand that were also starting to heat up. "Madam Bulstrode never went over that, and I didn't read anything in our etiquette books."
Susan was playing a card before he even stopped talking. Daphne was almost as quick. Harry swore under his breath as he had to draw a card.
"It's not. It could be an old form or something the Blacks do," Susan speculated.
"Maybe," Daphne agreed.
Harry was anxiously looking at them, as Susan looked to be regarding her hand. Meanwhile, Harry's hand of cards was starting to smoke more, and he felt the heat rising. He was about to goad her into going when a voice came from the door. "Or I just put the ring on the wrong finger, and she finds it so funny that she keeps it there," Sirius said with a grin.
The girls started and Harry had his wand pointing at the man quicker than anything. Sometimes he still acted that way when startled. "Bloody hell, Sirius!"
Sirius chuckled at them. Susan giggled as she processed what Sirius had said. "You didn't?"
A chuckling Remus stepped to the other side of the door. "Oh, he did."
Daphne laughed.
The cards in Harry's hand suddenly exploded and he swore as he shook his hand. They all laughed at him. "Oh, yeah, that was really funny," Harry groused.
"It was, actually," Susan said, giving a scream and then laughing harder as he grabbed for the pillow he had behind his back.
Daphne laughed. "I'm not saving you if you start it," she told his cousin.
Susan was still laughing. "Harry is a push over. He would never hurt us."
Harry just glared at her.
"His father was that way too. Big old softy when there were girls around," Sirius said, putting a hand up to block the pillow that was still in reach.
"I like him that way," Daphne said with a grin.
Harry gave her an exasperated look. "What are you buttering me up for?"
This brought another round of laughs and teasing. When they settled down, Sirius took on a more serious look. "Pup, Moony and I are going to go to Godric's Hollow. You want to join us?"
The mood in the room turned.
"It was something your dad and mum did every Christmas Eve. They would go visit their parents and grandparents' graves to put flowers on them," Remus said.
"Yeah, I would like that," Harry said.
"Susan, if you want, Amelia said she would take you to your parents', brother's and sister's graves, if you want," Sirius offered. "We'll all go if you want."
Susan looked to them. "Would you come with me?" she asked.
"Of course," Harry replied.
Daphne shifted to give him a kiss on the cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Or you can come too?" Harry offered.
Daphne looked at him for a moment.
"Daph, I wouldn't mind if you came also. I haven't been to their graves in a while and I could use to be around Harry and you," Susan said.
Daphne gave them both a sad smile. "Let me just go Floo my parents so they know."
Harry nodded.
"Why don't you all get ready, and we'll leave in about ten minutes," Remus told them.
"Sure," Harry replied.
It was a short time later that six people popped into existence behind a large crypt. The late December day was brisk, with a pale winter sun. Shivering at the sudden cold, Harry moved from Remus to Daphne and put an arm around her shoulders. She took the hand over her shoulder. Amelia was holding Susan's hand. "It's been about two years since we last came," Amelia told them.
Susan looked rather subdued to her usual character. "Will my heiress ring open the crypt?"
Amelia nodded and Susan moved to the large circular building. A marble angel was on the top and a marble door was just before them. Susan took in a breath and then pressed her ring against the door. It lit in an array of runes before noiselessly opening. They followed Amelia and Susan in, keeping their quiet.
Inside, Amelia moved around the sides, slowly tracing her hands over marble stones covering the dead. In the center of the room was a raised basin that looked like it had held fires in the past. Harry was amazed at how many there were. "Eight generations of Bones are buried in here. My father used to take me here once a year so that we could pay homage to our ancestors. I shouldn't have forgotten that," Amelia said.
Susan had moved to four slots off to the left. Daphne shucked out of his arms and went over to Susan. Looking around, Harry asked, "Does my family have anything like this?"
"Outside of Nottingham is an old church. There is a crypt similar to this. I remember seeing Uncle Fleamont and Aunt Euphemia buried there. James had made a comment it was the most sacred place to the Potters," Sirius said. "The Potters originally came from Nottingham."
"Why weren't my parents put there?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, Harry," Sirius remarked. "How could I forget that?"
"Dumbledore," Remus replied and they both looked to him. "Dumbledore thought it was more significant to bury them at Godric's Hollow, where they made their last stand so everyone could come and pay their respects. I forgot that was his reasoning."
Looking around again, Harry came to a decision. "They should be moved to where my ancestors are," Harry told him.
"What about the Peverells in Godric's Hollow," Sirius enquired.
"I may be a Peverell, but it's not right if my father isn't buried with his parents and our ancestors," Harry said. He thought he was done being angry with Dumbledore, but apparently the man could be an arse even from the grave.
"We'll get it done," Sirius assured Harry, looking upset himself. "I really should have thought about that."
"Sirius, you know, as I do, how much Dumbledore messed with us and we were told we may never remember everything," Remus reminded his godfather.
Sirius ran a hand through his hair. "I know, but I should know how important it is to be interned with your family."
Remus put a hand on Sirius shoulder. "We can do it now and have the proper rights done."
Harry turned to see Amelia hugging Susan as Daphne stepped back.
"I have the offering. Would you like the honours this time?" auntie asked Susan after a moment.
Susan was sniffing. "I can't use my wand outside of school or the manor," she said.
"Family rights are an exception. You know this, Susie," auntie said softly.
Susan took in a deep breath, then nodded.
Harry watched as flowers, some herbs and a wooden talisman was placed in the basin. Daphne came over, her wand in her hand. Harry noticed that Sirius and Remus had drawn their wands as well. Following their lead, Harry did the same.
"We honour my parents, Edgar Romulus Bones and Ophelia Roberta Bones. May they rest in peace and watch over us," Susan said. She twirled her wand over the basin as she talked. "We honour my brother, Tiberius Edgar, and my sister..." Susan's voice cracked before she went on. "... my sister, Janet Eloise."
As she spun her wand, silvery wisps started to come out. Susan took in a deep breath. "We honour all those that have come before us. May they all rest in peace as they watch over the House of Bones and let us honour them by our actions, our words and our magic."
As she said the last, a tear ran down her cheek. "Accept our blessing to the dead and living," everyone else said, holding up their wands. Silver wisps came from their tips. Harry copied them, a few seconds behind them. All the wisps collected above the basin, collecting into a cloud. When the cloud lowered in the basin, the items caught fire in silver flames, before it turned red and orange. Harry felt the magic the simple
Daphne took his hand. "When this is done, we will do the same at your family's crypt," Daphne told him.
They wouldn't be able to do this today, but they would soon.
-oOo-
December 25, 1995
London, England
Daphne walked through the emerald fire to see the emerald eyes she liked so much. Today was not a day to worry about pomp, thus, she went straight to him and wrapped him in a hug. Harry hugged her back and kissed her temple. She felt silly for missing him so much after seeing just yesterday. The fire flared behind her. Astoria stepped out and made a retching sound.
Daphne gave her sister a glare as she still hugged Harry.
"Did you get some soot or something in your mouth? I can get you some water," Harry offered, pulling his wand.
Astoria's eyes widened as her father walked through the fire. "You wouldn't! Daphne!"
She just shrugged, pulling away from Harry. "He is only trying to help. You did sound sick."
Their father just rose an eyebrow. "I would prefer to still have you all look presentable. Has your other company already arrived?" Anders asked, extending a hand. Harry's wand slipped back up his sleeve before he shook her father's hand.
Her mother was last today.
"Happy Christmas, Anders. The Danforths are already up in the family room. If you and Iliana want to head up there. Remus was playing with some bubbles. Perhaps Astoria would have some fun with that," Harry said. Daphne tried to hide her smile as her sister stuck her tongue out. Harry was becoming like family so her whole family acted more normal around him.
"Perhaps she would like the bubbles. She still acts quite young," her mother commented.
"I'm not that young! I'm thirteen," Astoria whinged.
"And you act six. At least Harry tries to be witty," her mother said.
"See, I'm witty," Harry teased, earning another display of Astoria's age.
Her father chuckled. "Perhaps you should take us up and introduce us?"
"We can go up, Anders. Hermione and her parents should be joining us in about an hour, and the Abbots and Longbottoms were planning to join us for dinner about four. Dobby offered to take them here today," Harry told him. His excitement at the day was unmistakable.
Laughter floated down to them from upstairs. Daphne was a little anxious to meet Harry's new relatives. They sounded like good people, but she was not very forgiving to anyone that might cause her Harry any harm.
When they were all done greeting each other, they went up the stairs. The laughter coming from the room was not only from the children. Hermione was smiling. "Sounds like a party," she commented.
"It's a day of fun," Harry told her.
"Are they good people," Daphne enquired, just to make sure.
"Yes. They are nothing like the Dursleys, Daph," Harry assured her.
When they walked into the room, a small girl with messy black hair was jumping around, trying to catch a dragon made of bubbles. She was laughing as it kept slipping out of her hands. Another girl, who looked to be around eleven with dark brown hair, was talking with two people that looked like her parents and Madam Bones. Daphne smiled to see the huge smile on Harry's face.
"HARRY!" the little girl yelled happily when she noticed him. "Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus made all these."
A few more bubble animals flew by.
Her mother laughed behind them. "Some never really grow up, do they?"
"Apparently not," Anders replied.
Terry's yell had everyone turning to them. Harry pulled her into the room and the Greengrasses followed. Terry ran after the bubble dragon as it charged him and Daphne. Daphne laughed as it turned just before them and Terry stumbled into Harry, who caught her by one arm. When she stood up, the girl looked up to Daphne. The laugh on her face became pensive. Harry had told Daphne about Terry's abilities, so she just seemed to wait.
"I like your colour. It's a nice blue and looks like the sea where it meets Harry's. Why don't most others mix like that?" Terry commented to Daphne.
Harry had not told Iliana or Anders. "What do you mean their colours mix?" Iliana asked, crouching down to the girl.
Terry looked to Iliana. "You look more purple, like Dani. Do you want to be a cat too?"
"A cat?"
"Oh, Dani talks about it all the time since the Professor Kitty came to tell us we had magic. I really want to be a squirrel. Do you want to be a cat since you have a purple colour? Dani and the Professor Kitty both have that colour," the girl said without any fear.
Iliana laughed. "I'm sorry, but I have never tried to become an Animagus. Daphne will be the first in our family in many generations."
"I want to be a hawk," Astoria said.
By now, the Danforths and most of the others had come over for greetings. "Please excuse Theresa. She has no fear of talking to strangers. Gary Danforth."
The man held out his hand and Anders took it easily. "It is nice to meet you, Mr. Danforth. Anders Greengrass. We have heard some about you from Harry."
"It's just Gary. This is my wife, Reba, and our eldest, Danielle, though most just call her Dani," Gary said. "This other ball of energy is Theresa, or Terry."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Reba," Anders said, taking her hand and pulling it to kiss it instead of shaking it. He did the same with Dani.
"I didn't know this was going to be such a formal affair," Reba commented with a little laugh. "That is the third time my hand as been kissed today."
"I just wanted everyone to have a nice day," Harry said a little self-consciously. As much as he had grown and gained confidence, he was still a little unsure about gatherings like this.
"There is no pomp and show today," Iliana said, standing up.
"If you would, this is my wife, Iliana. Daphne is our eldest and intended to Harry. Where is Astoria?" he said, turning around. Astoria was already in a corner talking with Susan. Anders frowned.
"Let it go today, Anders," Iliana said.
"Intended?" Reba asked.
Aunt Amelia, Sirius, a dark hair woman and Remus came over. They had not told the Danforths about this yet and Harry wasn't sure how they would take it. Before Madam Bulstrode's lessons, he knew he didn't have a good opinion of the relationship he was now in. Hermione had thought it slavery. Now that they knew, Harry was actually happy with the protections it afforded Daphne.
"Happy Christmas, Anders," Sirius said, as though knowing this was a conversation for later.
"Happy Christmas, Sirius," the man replied. Harry knew the Greengrasses celebrated Yule over Christmas, but the man was just as cordial as usual.
Terry moved a little closer to Harry as the adults started to talk. "She is pretty. Is that why her name is Daphne? I like those flowers."
Harry chuckled. "I think she is pretty like the flower too," Harry replied.
Daphne took on a pleasant smile. "You are pretty too."
"I like that my hair looks like Harry's," Terry said in a small voice. "It's like mummy's, but sometimes Eugene at school is not so nice. When he isn't, I just think of Harry."
Harry wasn't sure that his little cousin didn't have a small crush on him. Daphne leaned down though. "I like how messy his hair is too."
Terry giggled. "You have white ears. But Harry has more reddish ears."
Harry laughed at his cousin while Daphne looked a little confused. "So, I finally find out her form."
Daphne suddenly realized what was said and gave him a baleful look. "I wanted to surprise you later," Daphne told him.
Harry was a little surprised. "You completed the transformation?"
Daphne gave a slightly smug smile. If she had, she would be the first in their group. Harry was getting close but couldn't get the shrinking down yet. "Wouldn't you like to know," Daphne teased.
Harry, knowing today was a fun day, moved fast and started to tickle her side. "You said you wanted to surprise me?"
As he talked, Daphne gave a squawk, before laughing and trying to pull away. "HARRY!"
Sirius chuckled. "I see the games are about to start."
At Sirius' side was a woman almost as tall as he was, with thick brown hair, dark brown eyes and with an attractive form. She commented, "Do we get to play to?"
"Later, luv," Sirius said with a wag of his brow.
Anders shook his head. "It's good it is a day to just relax."
Reba stepped up to them. "What is this about intended and do I need to worry about Dani and Terry?"
By now, Dani had drifted back and was talking with Astoria and Susan.
Dobby showed the Grangers in a little while later. When the Abbotts showed about one, with the Longbottoms, that was a surprise they were so early, but Harry thought the more the merrier. For the second Christmas in a row, he was surrounded by family and friends.
A little after dinner, Harry and Daphne snuck into the ballroom. Daphne dragged him into the middle of the room. "You have to close your eyes," she told him.
"Why?" Harry asked her.
Daphne's cheeks took on an uncharacteristic blush. "I can't change my clothes yet," she admitted.
Harry raised an eyebrow. He had seen Daphne in some forms of undress, but never fully nude or without underclothes. Well, there was one time... He tried to calm his beating heart at the thought, and he couldn't keep the typical fifteen-year-old boy response from coming out. "Really?"
Her cheeks became even brighter. Daphne would be sixteen in three days and had told Harry she wouldn't go further until they were betrothed. Harry found his hormones pushing more lately, but was being as respectful of her as he could. "Just turn around," she ordered.
Harry at least looked contrite as he turned around.
"No peaking," she told him.
"I'll be good," he promised.
He closed his eyes. A moment later there was a yipping bark. Not able to help himself, he turned to see a screen and a snow-white arctic fox bounded out. Harry laughed to see her. She ran around him for a moment. "Your adorable," Harry said.
She barked at him. Harry knelt down to pet her, and she jumped up on his knees, licking his face before hopping back and running around the room. He noticed that her front paws were darker. He had to admit he was a little jealous of his intended, but she had been able to find her form two months before him. Daphne's occlumency was better than his and she was able to find her true character before he could. He didn't miss that they were both foxes. Daphne being a cute smaller arctic fox while he was a larger red fox.
"What is going on in here," Auntie asked opening a door. "Is there a dog in here?"
Daphne yipped and ran behind the screen again as Harry twirled around. "Auntie!"
"Amelia, what was that noise?" he heard Iliana.
Auntie met his eyes. "Is that Daphne?"
Harry nodded. "She wanted to show me her Animagus form."
Amelia opened the door and was followed by Iliana. "Did I hear Daphne had achieved the transformation?" her mother enquired.
There was a small call from behind the screen before a fluffy head of white fur stuck out from behind it. "Oh, aren't you precious," Iliana said, looking at her daughter
Auntie nodded her approval. "Very nice, Daphne. Why the screen though?"
This time Harry's cheeks blushed a little as Daphne started to run around the room again before going to her mother. "Daphne can't transfigure her clothes yet," Harry said a little sheepishly.
Iliana looked at him while Amelia rose an eyebrow.
"I was a gentleman. I swear!" Harry said quickly, his face heating more. "She even had me turn and close my eyes."
Auntie shook her head, a small smile on her face. "You know my rules."
"And mine," Iliana said next. Daphne did something that sounded like laughter. Harry glared at his girlfriend. He would get her back later.
"Do you want to show everyone else?" her mother asked the cute fox she was petting. The shake that Daphne did made it clear that she wasn't comfortable with it yet. "I will keep your secret for now, but you know your father will be proud of you for this?"
Daphne licked her mother's face and then took off towards the screen. Harry followed her. Just as she got behind it, Harry watched as she grew and morphed back into a girl. His eyes widened to see that the screen showed a shadow outline that left little doubt to her curves.
"Ahem," someone cleared their throat.
Harry turned, his face burning now. "I'll, ah, just be in the dining room."
"I think that best at the moment," her mother said. Harry didn't see the smirk the woman had as he closed the door.
-o-
Iliana turned to Amelia and whispered, "Do you think they need the talk again?"
"No, but I think if we keep them away from each other like that for much longer we may not like it when they finally decide they can't wait," Amelia replied as Daphne got dressed far enough away to not hear them.
Iliana sighed. "I just want them to wait until they are betrothed."
"Then we should make that clear. They were following my rules, but I walked by Harry's room yesterday after we got back and they were being heated with each other, with enough clothes on to not get into trouble," Amelia confessed.
"You didn't stop it?" Iliana asked.
"I figure if they blow off enough of their hormones that way, we won't have to worry about children too soon," Amelia commented. "I have the same rules with Susan. I won't be naive about what their magic and hormones are doing. I heard Terry comment about how their magic is mixing. They are already bonding."
Iliana gave a small smile. "I am going to enjoy having him for a son-in-law someday."
"It will be nice to have another niece," Amelia agreed.
When Daphne stepped out and vanished the screen, she looked at them. Her face looked a little flushed. "Are you going to tell father and Astoria?"
"I think this is your achievement to tell them. Why don't you want to tell them now?" Iliana asked.
"I want to show you all when I can do the transformation with my clothes on," Daphne told her.
Amelia gave a knowing smile. "I will not tell anyone."
"Nor shall I."
"I should go see how Harry is," Daphne said, looking a little more red. Iliana had a suspicion that having Harry see her change like that may not have been an accident.
"He's in there," Amelia said. It sounded like she was trying to keep a laugh down.
As Daphne passed them, she quietly said, "I find I can hear more than I used too. You will not have grandchildren before we are ready. I don't want any for a few years. I don't know if I will be able to hold long to give myself to Harry after we are betrothed. It's hard not to go too far already," she told them, the girls neck heating as she talked. After a moment she looked up to look in her mother's eyes. "I love him."
Iliana met her daughter's eyes for a moment. She was starting to really understand that Daphne was growing up. She was on the verge of becoming a young woman in the next year or two. To stand up to her, and Amelia, like this, she knew Daphne was really in love with the green-eyed boy that was becoming family. Harry's elf was already listening to Daphne as though she was Harry's family. "When you decide, let me know. I will handle your father."
Daphne nodded. "Thank you. I hope I do not offend you, Madam Bones."
The woman gave her a smile. "You are getting to an age that you both can make your own choices. Just understand the consequences of your actions."
Daphne nodded.
"I also think you can either call me Auntie or Amelia. I have the feeling we will be family in a few years," Amelia told Daphne.
Daphne gave a smile. "Yes, Auntie Amelia."
The two woman watched Daphne walk away. The girl was always confident, but there was a different way she held herself now, even if she still did look a little flush. Iliana leaned over towards Amelia. "I would never have told my mother what my daughter just told me at her age."
"I would never have even dreamed of it. I have noticed how much Daphne has influence Harry, you think she has taken some of his Gryffindor courage?" Amelia put to her with a laugh.
Iliana laughed some as well. "I think it is just Harry. I should go find my husband and daughter. It's about time for us to leave."
"I'll go flush them out of the dining room and meet you upstairs. The Danforths, Hannah and Hermione are staying over tonight," Amelia told her.
"I am going to invite Reba over next week. She has many questions about her daughters and our world," Iliana informed Amelia.
Amelia sighed. "Yes, she is not as understanding about Harry and Daphne or Hermione and Blaise."
"Yes, I do forget at times how different our world is from the Muggle," Iliana replied.
"With how well Harry is adapted now, I do myself. I'll have them up in a few," Amelia promised. Iliana nodded, a small smirk on her face as she thought about her daughter.
Daphne was growing up into a beautiful woman that would have a good partner in life and would be strong enough to reach the goals she knew her daughter had. Now, she just had to figure out how to handle her husband. He knew the possibilities of what could happen, but he still had a very rosy view that Daphne would hold herself for their wedding night. She might have to remind Anders of what they did before they were married...
-oOo-
December 28, 1995
Rotherham, England
Everyone was singing as the cake was levitated to the table by Ginger. The little elf looked very pleased to have so many around and to have had to make such a large cake for Daphne. Yes, Ginger was a happy elf.
She loved her family.
She loved her mistress, Lady Iliana.
She loved the misses, Daphne and Astoria.
She loved the masters, Lord Anders and Harry.
Yes, she loved her family, and it was growing. She could see the way Missy Daphne looked and felt for Master Harry.
Putting the cake on the table, Ginger stepped back to watch the Missy Daphne blow out her candles. Her Harry helped, earning him an admonishment for the Missy. The master laughed and she huffed while many others showed mirth at them.
Ginger was pleased to see how the Missy Daphne laughed more and didn't hide herself with the Master Harry around.
"Get off," Daphne laughed as the master tried to steal some frosting. Many in the room laughed.
"Ginger, please cut the cake," the mistress requested.
"Yes, Mistress Iliana," Ginger said in her calm voice, as a good house elf should.
While she cut and served the cake, she listened to voices.
"Are we going to the Ministry ball again on New Year's?" the missy's friend Tracey asked.
"Do you really want to go to something that stuffy? We got an invite to the Longbottoms," Lord Black said to the girl.
"It is not stuffy," Master Anders said in his proper tone.
"It is stuffy," the Madam Bones said. "I'd rather go to Longmarche. The Longbottoms used to through marvelous New Year's balls."
"I would think so. Benjamin loved people and loved to have all our friends and allies around," the Minister Longbottom stated.
Daphne leaned over to her Harry, "What are you planning to do?"
"Go to Neville's. You?" he asked.
"If that is where my intended is going, I don't think father will have a say," the missy said in a sly way.
The master Harry laughed. "I get the feeling I am being used."
"Oh, definitely, but I will make it up to you," she said in a slightly sultry way.
Ginger would not say anything. Their magic and nature said they were meant for each other. She would uphold her master's word though, to keep them separated in the way that could make babies until they are betrothed. It would be only proper. Ginger put a plate of cake and ice cream before Missy Daphne. "Thank you, Ginger," Daphne said with a smile.
Yes. Ginger was happy with her family and the people that now filled the house.
-oOo-
December 29, 1995
Redhill, England
Hermione was looking out the window, a book and notebook in her lap. She was twirling her heiress ring on her finger as she thought about the research that Croaker and her were doing. Blaise had told her the other day that she was becoming obsessed when she had tried to convince him to let her tell Croaker about the two families that were related to Le Fay. It was the last piece that her mentor was missing.
She had pressed too hard and Blaise had actually become upset with her. She understood it was family secrets of the Zabini's... well, really the Thatchers, but the Thatchers were going to be absorbed into the Zabinis when Blaise came of age.
All she was trying to do was see the revolution they needed come to life, but it couldn't happen in the way that she wanted. There were seals, covenants and pacts between wizards and other magical races that required magic to hold. The way that was done was to bind magical families to the roots of the Wizengamot, which led back to the roots of magical Britain, first established by Merlin Aurelius, Arthur Pendragon and Morgan le Fay.
By the way she interpreted some of the research that Croaker had shown her, the families bound to the Wizengamot acted like batteries, or small generators. As the nation grew, and the magics required to keep things from the Muggles that the Ministry maintained, it took more power, and thus more people. It was why the Wizard Council went from twelve families to almost three hundred when the Wizengamot had been founded.
By seventeen-oh-seven, many of the families on the Council had gone from multigenerational, multi-children per generation to much less. The magic was spread across hundreds of people, but when the Council was disbanded, it had shrunk to less than thirty people, and the Muggles had started to encroach on lands that once were just magical.
The encroachment, the witch trials, and sometime outright war had forced the strengthening of the protections around places like Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Thus, the Wizengamot was founded, and two-hundred and eighty-three houses were bound to the seal of the Ministry, and thus the magic that protected them all was reinforced and grew. That was until about thirty years ago.
The Grindelwald wars really hurt Europe, reducing, or even eliminating, hereditary governments that were set up like Brittan. If war hadn't been so rampant at the time, then some of the major breaches of the Statute of Secrecy would have been found.
How could you miss dragons fighting alongside wizards on a large battlefield?
Convince Muggles they were new tanks with flamethrowers. It would make perfect sense to soldiers.
When Diagon Alley remained intact when most of London that stood around it was turned to rubble by the Germans, what did the wizards do?
They repaired the buildings around it and claimed that the bombs all just missed it. That seemed sort of reasonable with the small pockets around the city that were all similarly untouched... all of them around wizarding residence. Liberal use of confundus and obliviate charms by Aurors and Obliviators also helped.
There were dozens of instances like that, but there were enough wizards and the general wards maintained by the Ministry were strong enough because more than two thousand people, all linked to Wizengamot seats, where charging them.
Then came along Voldemort. In his hubris, he killed many, many of them on the Wizengamot or linked to those houses. Where more than three-thousand three hundred were known to be linked to the Ministry wards in nineteen-sixty, there were only eighteen-hundred and five by nineteen-seventy-five, and only a little over nine hundred by nineteen eighty-one. Voldemort and his followers had killed far more than the Ministry reported.
Most of those killed were half-bloods. It was a true culling to get down to only purebloods related to the Wizengamot, with those that gave real descent against Voldemort, or those that supported the half-bloods and Muggleborn eliminated.
It was horrific as she understood the magnitude of what happened.
This was why Blaise and her wanted a revolution, but it couldn't happen in the way they wanted. They couldn't get rid of the Wizengamot houses with how their magic was bound to the Ministry.
Thus, she rolled her ring around her finger.
She was now part of that oligarchy that was required to maintain their world.
This was where Harry's family magic and Blaise's family knowledge came in. There was a way between them that could lead to a change in their world. She knew Croaker was using her to try to get at this link between her intended and her best friend. She was trying to use him for all the knowledge she needed to chart her revolution through magic that was deeper than she ever could imagine.
"What are you thinking about, princess?" her father asked.
Hermione shook herself out of her thoughts, putting a hand to her chest in shock. "Dad, I didn't hear you coming."
He chuckled. He was holding two mugs in his hands. "I figured. Hot cocoa?"
She smiled at him. "Please," she said, taking the mug held out to her.
"You look to be burning the gears in your head with how hard you are thinking," he pointed out, taking a seat at the other end of the couch. She pulled her feet in closer to make room for him.
"I'm just thinking," she said, unsure if she should talk with him about this.
"So, I noticed. Is this about why you were upset when you got back from your boyfriend's place yesterday?" he enquired.
She frowned. "It's related."
"I may not be your mum, but I can listen and try to help," he offered.
She gave him a smile. "It's not a boy or girl only thing, dad."
He let out a breath. "Oh, good. I am not good at that type of talk."
She laughed at him. "No. This has to do with my apprenticeship."
"Care to explain? I did like my government courses back in Uni," he told her.
She bit her lip for a bit, thinking about it. As she did, she started to spin her heiress ring again. The House of Granger would come into a full Wizengamot house when she turned seventeen next fall. In a little under nine-months, she could claim her seat and be Lady Granger. Until she was twenty-one though, Amelia would still need to be her regent, but Hermione could sit on the floor and vote with her regent's permission. She wasn't sure how she still felt about it, but with what was in her notebook, it was a significant thing to be a hereditary house of their government.
"Dad, you know how I have told you and mum that I want to change things in the Wizengamot?" she put to him.
He looked to her for a moment, his eyes moving to her playing with her ring. "Does this have to do with you becoming an heiress? Amelia has been really good at explaining everything and we've read all the books you have both given us. I still don't feel comfortable signing that contract between you and Blaise."
"It's an agreement, dad. Either of us can break it," she reminded him.
"I know, but you are only sixteen. I feel like I sold my daughter," he said with a little frown.
"You didn't sell me. I am doing this of my own accord. We don't have to decide on anything until we are nineteen," Hermione remarked.
"I know, but that is still young," he countered.
She didn't want to talk about this again. It had taken her weeks to convince them to sign the agreement last summer. She was happy with Blaise and the agreement had no penalties if either of them decided to walk away. She had to agree though with their training from Madam Bulstrode, the agreement gave them both protections, especially with her being a brand-new House on the Wizengamot. There were those that would try to snag her before she understood everything. "Dad, I am happy with it. Do you need anything else to make you happy?"
After a moment, he gave her a small smile. "I guess not. You just seem to be growing up so much between each visit home. Sometimes I still see you as the six-year-old that loved to chase bubbles around the yard."
Hermione gave him a smile. "I'm not that young anymore, but I still love being around you and mum."
"I know. I got us off topic though. What is so important about the Wizengamot and that ring you keep playing with?" He looked ready to have a serious conversation.
Hermione looked at her notebook. Finally deciding to dive in, she said, "Blaise and I want to change the Wizengamot, but we can't."
"Change is not easy for anyone, but you seem to be surrounded by friends and people who want to change things. It can't be that impossible, can it?"
She shook her head. "You don't understand, dad. We can't change the Wizengamot like we wanted." She bit her lip again before saying, "Dad, we want to get rid of the Wizengamot and go to an elected system. But we can't."
He looked at her for a long moment. "I see. Jane has really done a number on you."
"Dad! Mum has done nothing to me," Hermione said a little angrily.
Her father laughed. "When we met at Uni, do you know how we really met?"
Hermione rose an eyebrow. "Mum said you met at a rally."
He chuckled. "Oh, we did. But your mother wasn't just there to protest, she was with a group of people that wanted to overthrow the government. She got into it real deep for about two years, before I told her I was going to leave her. I wasn't trying to give her an ultimatum, but I just couldn't follow her. I really wanted to be a dentist and just find a quiet life. I saw what the war did to my father and uncles and didn't want another war."
Hermione's eyes had gone huge.
"Three weeks later, she showed up on the door to my flat, saying she didn't really want war, just change. So, she settled some, started the activism you have seen her do at times, and became my wife," he said.
"Mum did that because she wanted too?" Hermione asked. Her mum had gone off on the government and other things at times, but on the whole, she seemed like a happy woman that liked her life with her father.
"I don't think your mum regrets her decision, if that is what you mean. I would never keep her from doing what she wants. I think Jane is happy with me and she still adores you, and all the friends you have. Personally, I think she sees the same spirit in you, and that is why she likes Blaise so much. He has the same spark," he told her.
Hermione gave a small smile. "I like him quite a bit too."
"I can tell. So, you and your boyfriend want to start a revolution?"
Hermione sighed. "Maybe not something so bloody, but a change. The problem is, the magic that protects more magical places requires it to be connected to someone. Any ward will fail within a few years if it is not connected to a witch or wizard. Most bind it to bloodlines, that way there is always someone, or many people, to power it. The Wizengamot is the largest body of magicals that are linked to the very magical foundations of our country. This ring," she said, taking it off and holding it up for her father to see. "It represents my commitment to lending my magic, and that of all my family members, to protect all of the wizarding world. Dad, it's not just a commitment while I wear that, or live in the Wizarding world, it binds me, you, mum and any children I have, even their children, until either the Wizengamot disowns my blood or there are no members of our family. Croaker thinks most have forgotten that and its damaging many of the wards, seals and covenants that keep us mostly separated from the Muggles when we use magic or live on protected lands."
"The magic used to protect everyone is what also gives the Wizengamot power to govern everyone. The magic of the families will bind the laws. It doesn't always mean they are enforceable if they contradict other laws or treaties if they are not canceled, but with this ring, I am recognized as one of the rulers of the British magical world."
She put the ring in his hand when he held it out. Her father regarded it for a moment. "This ring binds you to all that? That is a heavy responsibility."
"It is," she said rather solemnly.
"Why is this causing issues with Blaise, and even Harry? I noticed you two having a heated conversation when we picked you up from the train," he put to her.
Hermione sighed. "Most magical families develop traits or become extremely adept in some aspects of magic. If Blaise and I want to change how things are, I need information from Harry. The problem is, its family magic and he doesn't want to tell me."
Her father gave her a rather penetrating stare. "Princess, tell me you are not pressing him for that information?"
"Dad, you don't understand..." she started.
A hard look from him had her clamp her mouth closed. "Hermione, I just told you a very personal detail, a detail that could still get your mother into trouble if it was known. Would you consider telling anyone else?"
Hermione frowned for a bit. "It's mum. Why would I tell anyone?" she said, squirming, despite being sixteen. She could see where her father was going with this and didn't like it. She didn't like not knowing something.
"And if the bobbies or MI5 came looking for her because of her past associates or associations?" he pressed.
"What was mum involved in?" Hermione asked, suddenly feeling a little alarmed.
"That is a secret that you can't be trusted with if you want to go tell everyone," he told her.
Hermione scrunched her eyes. "I've been a prat, haven't I?"
Her father chuckled. "Only you can decide if you have been or not and then apologize to your friends. I know how much Harry and Blaise mean to you."
She huffed. "But what they know is really important," she said.
"Have you explained that to them? Have you had a conversation like this and put everything out there, so they understand?" he asked, finally reaching for his hot cocoa again.
Hermione scrunched her nose. "I've talked with them quite a bit," she stated.
"Hermione, have you really talked to them or demand and lecture? I love you, but I see how you get when you want something. Have you really explained why you want the information and what you will do with it? Could that be why they are so resistant?"
She sat in thought for a moment. After a few, she said in a slow candor, "I don't think I have. Croaker says not everyone needs to know everything."
"Then why try to explain to me? I know we are not done going over everything in that head of yours, but I feel you haven't really told them what is going on," he commented.
Hermione gave her father a thoughtful look. "No. I don't think I have."
"Oh, and if Croaker tries to keep you going down this path of trying to get information from people without telling them why, we are going to rethink your apprenticeship. Do you understand?" he told her.
"Yes, dad," she said, shifting so she could put her head on his shoulder. She really loved her parents and missed them when at school. He shifted to put an arm around her shoulders. She may be sixteen, but she still liked spending time with her father.
Her father had made her think though. Why did Croaker really want this information? He was very keen to know all the lines that led back to the Court of Camelot, and the magics around it. Being able to hide from Muggles, as much as she loved living in the world she grew up in, was important. She could see the argument that if magic was known, they would be looked at to solve many problems that were just beyond their power, or governments would want to take them, or many Muggles would just be so scared that a new round of witch hunts would occur.
That being said, could knowing and uniting the old Camelot court be that important? Was there a way to change the Wizengamot with that knowledge?
With a sigh, she took up her hot cocoa and they started to talk about her upcoming OWLs, which she had to admit she had fallen off her study schedule due to her newest obsession. That would have to change.