Concentrating to understand it, she said, "I need to read up on this. I just assumed―"
Harry nodded and called, "Dobby!"
"Yes, master Harry?" said the little elf immediately after it popped in.
Looking to it, Harry asked, "Can you get Hermione a couple of books on wizarding traditions associated with hand-fastings and concubinage? She has a new study project."
"Yes, Master Harry," he replied, popping away again.
Moments later, two books from Pottermore, they had the book-plates that showed them as such, appeared on the coffee table before her. She was quick to pick them up and look at them.
Turning back to Neville, he said, "You know you're effectively going to have two wives, don't you? And those two have been together since they were toddlers. You're going to be out-manned"
Neville chuckled and replied, "I know."
"Any idea on when the negotiations are going to be finalised?"
"Dad told me he hopes to have both done by Friday; before the weekend," he replied.
"When will you know?" asked Hermione.
Neville grinned and replied, "He will send me a note to that effect by Harry's house elf express."
"After the girls, I expect to be the first to be informed," Harry mock-scowled at his mate.
Neville laughed and said, "That's what I planned, yes."
Harry sat forward and said, "Good. Because there's something I want you to consider, when it's finalised."
"Oh?" Neville carefully asked.
Harry firmly replied, "I want you to consider asking Headmistress Lady Marchbanks if you and your two can have your own Lord's Quarters up here with us."
Neville seemed to slump in disappointment before he said, "Though I'll be betrothed and have a presumptive concubine, I still won't be a Lord. These are 'Lords' Quarters', remember?"
Harry shook his head and replied, "That's just the name for them, Neville. Just... promise me you'll ask. Even if she says, 'No,' that's all that will happen. You won't get in trouble for it.
"Besides, I'm pretty sure she'll say, 'Yes.' Don't forget, she's also Lady Marchbanks of the House of Marchbanks; a member House of the Alliance. I also think your father may hint at it to her, too."
Neville thought about it for a long few moments before he said, "Alright, Harry. I'll do it because I owe ya. But, I'll run it past the girls, first."
"I've told you before, you don't owe me; and I'd be cross with you if you didn't ask the girls, first, anyway. But, I really don't think they'll say, 'No'."
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After morning tea, which they had in the apartment just to keep Dobby and Betsy happy, they headed down to Care of Magical Creatures and yet another of the new Professors. This time it was with Professor Oliver Senkinhall; the professor who was charged with caring for Errol after he was stunned by the new Defence Professor while carrying a Howler towards Ron.
Professor Senkinhall was a 'retired' exotic magical creature reserve worker; born and raised in wizarding Britain, but worked on the reserve in Africa. Thankfully, he retained his British accent but, at odd moments, used a distinctly different idiom. At least, after seeing the looks of confusion on the faces of his students, he'd apologise and correct himself.
When Hermione asked about what had happened to the Blast-Ended Skrewts, the Professor calmly replied, "Euthanised. They were illegally bred, so had to be put down."
Harry was surprised Hermione wasn't upset about that.
After class and as they walked back up the castle he asked her, "Why weren't you upset to learn the Skrewts had been euthanised?"
"They were dangerous, Harry," she replied. "Because they were... effectively... a new species, no one had any idea what they would eventually grow into. Not even Hagrid, who bred them.
"They could have proven to be even more dangerous than, say... a one thousand year old basilisk. That sort of thing should never be anywhere near a school. And he had about two dozen of the things."
Pleased, he gave her a nod and smile back. "My thoughts, exactly. I'm pleased you realised that. Especially after what you said to Malfoy about them."
She smiled back and said, "You know I just said that to annoy... the little ferret, don't you?"
He laughed.
As they continued to trek back up the grassy slope to the school, Ron came trotting up.
"Errr.. Ha- Lord Potter, may I have a quick word?"
Surprised the boy was being polite, he replied, "Walk with us."
When Ron appeared relieved he quickly stepped up next to Harry and said, "I was... hoping we could have our talk before this afternoon."
"Oh?" he asked. "Why the rush?"
Again, the hesitation. "I need to let Aunt Muriel know I've... talked to you; and you've heard me out. I don't think Pig will be able to fly back later this afternoon and make it before dark."
Surprised at the boy's candidness, he thought for a moment before he replied, "Very well. We shall head for the antechamber where we all gathered prior to our Sortings and speak there.
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