April 4, 1994
Rotherham, England
Harry managed to step out of the fireplace and not fall this time. Counting his trips to and from the Burrow last year, the trip to Grace Hall and the trip to Diagon Alley earlier today to see the goblins of Gringotts, this was only his fifth time using the insane green flames.
He was quite proud of himself that he was able to just stumble a few steps and then stand. His bookbag had almost pulled him over anyways though. He just had time to register a relatively tall woman with dark hair and eyes like Daphne, Daphne herself and a younger girl he recognized as her sister, before the fire flared behind him. He moved to the side so that Amelia could step out behind him.
Daphne was dressed in a nice set of green witches' robes and her long hair perfectly straight down her back. She was prim and proper, making him thankful Amelia insisted on him wearing one of his new wizard robes. A small smirk teased at the edge of her mouth for a moment when he met her eyes.
Doing as instructed, he stepped to Amelia's side and bowed as he was introduced by Amelia. During the introductions, he had enough time to take in the dark marbled stone of a large atrium. Far above their heads was a dome of glass, letting natural light flood into the open space. Columns held up a balcony above their head, with a double set of stairs leading up to it. The mansion was easily two or three times the size of Grace Hall, and Harry found his new home huge.
Lady Greengrass and her daughters curtsied. "It is a pleasure to have you at our house, Scion Potter, Madam Bones. I hope you will excuse us, but Lord Greengrass was called out for business and won't be back until later."
"I am sorry to miss him today. I trust it is still acceptable for Scion Potter to be here?" Amelia enquired.
"Scion Potter is very welcome. Daphne has been getting ready for their study session and I have made the family tearoom available. If you would like, Daphne can show Scion Potter where they are to study. I would also wonder if you would like some tea as well before you go, Madam Bones?" Lady Greengrass asked.
"That would be most agreeable. Harry, why don't you escort Heiress Greengrass?"
"Yes, Madam Bones," he replied. He was told in settings like this he should not call her Amelia. Auntie Amelia or Madam Bones would be much better.
Daphne stepped forward, her mask up and nodded slightly to her left. "Astoria, you can go do your own thing for now. Dinner will be at six," Lady Greengrass commented.
Harry extended his arm and Daphne took it before she led him away.
The family tearoom was a smaller room with a table that had two chairs along a wall, with a small tea area by a window with a circular table and four chairs, a sofa and a small fireplace. Shelves and a small bookcase lined the walls and held various knickknacks or books. Daphne's stuff was on the table against the wall.
"Mother said we could have this place but she wanted the door to remain open," Daphne told him in a significant way, acting more formal than normal when they were alone.
"Alright." They settled in, not talking much, until Harry caught a small form slipping out of the room. Once the house elf was gone, Daphne let out a breath.
"I thought Winchester would stay the whole time. He tells father everything he overhears," Daphne informed him.
"Is that why you didn't want to talk?"
"Yes. I am very happy you came. Father and mother won't let us go anywhere or allow anyone else to come over until after Wednesday. There is something big going on with the meeting, but I don't know what," Daphne told him, shifting in her chair to get more comfortable and pulling a parchment towards her. "I have the Astronomy charts and the essays for Herbology and Potions completed. I was hoping to get charms and transfiguration done this afternoon and have us review everything Friday."
"I have the charms, transfiguration and History essays done," said Harry. Before they really got going, he had to talk to her about Wednesday. "Do you really not know what your father wants to do Wednesday?"
Daphne had been about to dip her quill when she looked up at him. Her eyes searched his for a moment. It wasn't often Harry knew something she didn't. "You know? Mother and father usually prep us for important teas or other meetings, but they have said nothing so far."
"Amelia had a talk with Susan and I," Harry answered. He figured anything directly affecting her and him would be fine to talk to her about. She continued to look at him, her eyes asking him to go on without verbalizing anything. "So, uhm, I think your father wants a formal alliance between my House and yours."
Her eyes grew a little wide. "A formal Alliance? I wouldn't think father would want to so publicly align us. I thought it was just an informal alliance with the Bones. The Potters are one of the best known Light Houses out there. Why would you want to ally yourself with us? It might cause issues for both our Houses."
Harry shrugged. "I still don't get it all, but I have no idea where I really fall in this yet. My family hasn't voted or staked out any side in the Wizengamot for almost twenty years now. Everyone just assumes I am for the Light faction. Amelia was saying that my grandfather and many other generations of Potters have actually been more neutral, we just don't put up with berks that want to take things over. I can't support the Blood Purists or those that follow Voldemort. "
She shivered and hissed, "Never use that name in this House." She looked around for a moment before looking at him again. "Father has forbidden any mention of that name here. There was real danger in the last war to use that name."
He held up his hands. "I didn't mean to offend you," he stated.
After a moment, she calmed. "Just don't mention that name in this house again."
"Alright," he replied.
They looked at each other for a few minutes, her dark eyes searching his for an answer he wasn't sure he wanted to give yet. "What is father or Madam Bones looking for to secure this Alliance?" She sounded hesitant.
He let out a long breath. "I don't know, but she thinks the tea will open negotiations between my family and yours. Amelia is my regent now. Daphne, I really have no clue what all this means. I believe Amelia that she only wants the best for me and Susan, but I feel she really wants this alliance and we are, me and you, well, our families, are at the center of it. Having a more neutral-dark house align with a Neutral-light House could have other's flocking to us. Or that is how Amelia makes it sound."
Daphne frowned. "Harry, I told you we are not part of the Dark families anymore."
"I know, Daph, but Amelia says many families still see you that way. Most see my family as one of the most light families out there. Except for our penchant to fight to keep things neutral, it sounds like my history is as neutral as yours is now," he replied.
There was a silence for a few. "Harry, when you say you can't support any blood purists, does that mean my family?"
"Does your family kill muggles for fun, call people mudbloods or try to kick anyone down that isn't pureblood?" Harry asked. Up until a few months ago, he hadn't even really understood the differences between the different 'blood' status, and was just starting to learn about the different views.
"Never," Daphne answered firmly. "At one time we might have, but that is not who my family or I am. Father does believe in the power of blood though."
He smiled at the resolute tone in her voice. "Then you are not the type of blood purist I am talking about. You told me your family has changed. Amelia trusts your father in that or she wouldn't be having tea over here on Wednesday. Daph, I just need help in understanding all this. Susan, Amelia and Neville are trying, but I just don't get why this is all that important and why it has to matter? It's so different from where I grew up."
She reached her empty hand to the table and took his for a moment. "I can help you if you want. Father and everyone understands that you were denied training in all this. From what I hear, it is something that Dumbledore is going to have to answer to when he goes on trial in a month or so. Father is going to sit on the trial board for your godfather Friday. He has indicated Sirius Black is innocent of at least the crimes of Heritage Denial in the killing of your parents."
Harry let out a breath and squeezed her hand. "Amelia won't tell me the details, but she is allowing me to attend the trial on Friday. I may be over here late."
"Father is allowing me as well. The fact a Lord of the Wizengamot went to Azkaban without a trial has riled a lot of people, including father. If you rather, we can rearrange our study session Friday?"
Harry shook his head. He was already looking forward to spending time with her again. "I want to come over. Amelia thinks that even if he is found not guilty, he will still need some more time in St. Mungos. He was in a bad way when they brought him in last week."
"Will he be alright?"
The genuine concern in her voice was nice. "He will be. I hope."
She squeezed his hand and then let it go. "We should get this done. Mother will check if we made any progress in a little while."
He smiled at her and didn't like it when she took her hand away. "Sure. You want to just work on what you were or go over what is done?"
"I want to get this all done," she stated before reaching for her pocket. "Maybe you should have this. At least until after the trial," she offered, holding out the snitch he had given her in February. Harry reached over and folded her fingers back around it.
"I think I get better luck if it stays with you."
Daphne gave him an attractive smile and put it back in her pocket. "Work now. Talk later," she commanded.
It was a little while later when they both missed the quirked brow when her mother had peeked in the room with Harry sitting close to Daphne and their heads just about touching over a book as they diligently worked.
-oOo-
Later that night...
His door was open and he had parchments all over his bed. A knock came at his door and he looked up to see Susan. "You mind if I come in?" she asked.
"Sure," he told her.
His head was spinning. He only half understood what they had gotten from the goblins earlier. He wanted Hermione, or even Daphne, to go over this with him. For now, he had Susan and just needed someone to talk with. Somehow in the last month he had forgiven Susan and felt like she was someone he could trust.
Harry held out a stack of parchments. "Are these what I think they are?"
Susan took them and sat towards the end of the bed.
"Offers of Courtship or betrothals?" Susan put to him as she looked at the top sheets of parchment.
"That is what I thought," Harry gripped. There were eighteen in that pile. "Two of them came in the day after my parents were killed. Who does something like that?"
Susan cringed. "That is disgusting... one of them is from Lord Selwyn! Auntie says he only avoided Azkaban because he claimed he was under the Imperious curse. His daughter is eight years older and he wanted you married by thirteen!"
His stomach rolled. "I know. It also stipulated that I would have gone to live with them. Amelia has declined them all. Chang. Selwyn. Clearwater. Carrow. There was even one in there for Lavender. Merlin, half of them were Death Eaters. Who in their right mind would have done that?"
"Not Auntie. Was there anything else bad at Gringotts?"
He let out a breath. "No. Just lots of paperwork Amelia needs to go through. Apparently, my father knew nothing about investments and my accounts have been tended by the goblins since my grandfather passed. I have two houses I still own that Amelia wants to check out Thursday if we have the time. What is a 'Terms of Loan' for a mining company have to do with all this," he huffed, throwing the paper.
Susan giggled. "Why are you going through all this and not Auntie?"
He took up another parchment detailing the dozen or so businesses he still had stakes in. Half of them were in Diagon Alley and one in Knockturn Alley.
He huffed again, dropped the paper and flopped back on his pillows. "I wanted to see everything. I've never really had money or anything like this before and Daphne and Amelia say I should know how to handle all this for when I get older."
"Auntie was going to start going through how to handle all our finances this summer. Maybe you should wait until then. It might give her time to straighten all this out," Susan offered.
"Amelia said the same."
"So?" she asked.
"So what?" he snarked, putting his arms over his eyes.
"Soooo, how did it go with Daphne today?" she asked innocently.
Harry raised his arm up enough to look at her with one eye. "And have you go tattling off to Hannah?"
Her smile turned into a beady glare. "I will not tell Hannah if you tell me not too. I didn't say anything to her today about everything else."
He snorted. "Fine. We just did our work. Talked some. I got to know her mother a little when she brought us some refreshments."
Susan's eyebrow rose. "That was rather boring," she sounded disappointed.
Harry laughed at her. "I enjoy spending time with her. I had fun. I have been invited to stay for dinner Friday."
"Really?"
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Harry queried, moving his arm so he could look at her with one eye.
Susan looked at him as though he should already know. "It is no secret that Daphne and Astoria are protected by their parents. The fact that Daphne will be coming over Hannah's Wednesday night is huge. I have never seen Daphne outside of the balls and Ministry events Auntie and I attend. The whole family is rather reclusive outside their alliance."
"So, having Lady Greengrass asking me to have dinner with them is big?" he questioned. "Gah! I just want to spend some time with her, not worry about politics."
"If you spend time with Daphne, there is no way to avoid that," Susan informed him.
"Why should we care!"
Susan shook her head. "I don't, really, but Auntie wants me and you to know what it is like. I need to learn all this for when I take up my family's seat on the Wizengamot. You will too if you want to do that."
He sighed. "Fine."
Susan took on a smirk. "So, Auntie said Daphne was all dressed up for you today. Did you think she looked good?"
"She was fine," he said, a little colour coming to his cheeks. Daphne always looked good, though he liked her robes better than the school uniform. There was something about them that brought her figure out more.
"So, you think her pretty," Susan goaded with a smirk.
"If this is what a sister is like your bloody annoying," Harry groused at her, his blush deepening.
Susan laughed. "Cousins. We are cousins. You are grumpy."
He stuck his tongue out at her and she returned it.
"I'm glad to see you two getting along," Amelia said from the door.
Susan started and turned to Amelia. "Auntie, I didn't hear you. How long have you been there?"
"Long enough." She leaned against the door frame and crossed her arms.
Harry groaned again and put his hands over his face again.
"I take it your study session went well?" Amelia asked.
They hadn't seen Amelia at dinner, having been called into the Ministry for some reason for a while. "It was fine. Lady Greengrass has invited me to stay over for dinner Friday. Is that alright?"
"That is fine. You can send off a letter confirming it tomorrow."
He took his hands off his face again. "Thank you. Do you have an owl I can use? Hedwig is still at Hogwarts."
"We have two family owls that Minsy or Tipsy can show you where they are tomorrow. I did overhear some of your conversation, and I can agree, having siblings can be annoying," Amelia stated, a smile coming to her face as Susan turned to her auntie with an open mouth.
"Auntie! I am not annoying! And you always say you and dad got along," Susan accused.
Amelia chuckled. "All siblings have their moments, even if we did get along. Now, go get ready for bed. Harry, clean all this up and we can talk tomorrow. I'll also help you understand why you act the ways we are training you and invitations to dinner from people like the Greengrasses are important."
"I don't have a bedtime at Hogwarts," Susan whinged.
"Go, young lady." The voice was a command.
Susan huffed and marched out of the room.
"Amelia, is it a big deal that I have been invited to dinner? I just like spending time with Daphne and would like to get to know her family," Harry requested, looking up at her.
She sighed. "I will not lie. Lord Greengrass will regard this as a political and House meeting. He probably wants to get to know a boy that could be a strong ally, and possible match for his daughter. Understand, he has been raised and trained to be a Lord of a Noble House and to be a Pureblood, and acts accordingly, even if his political leanings are changing."
"When you go Friday, just be polite and let him get to know you. You come to this potential alliance with much to offer Lord Greengrass. Until you, your line was pure for many generations. That is something that even Blood Purists respect. It is not uncommon for new blood to be introduced every so often. Second, your House is known to be neutral until the death of your grandfather. Since that time, the Potters have become a relative unknown element. That gives Lord Greengrass an opportunity to influence you."
Harry made a face. "Bloody hell! So he just wants to use me?"
"That is something I will not allow and will help you with. I just want you to understand so you can be aware."
"What else do I have to offer Lord Greengrass?" Harry put to her, feeling there was more.
"Wealth and power. Even with your accounts in shambles, I can tell you that you are probably one of the wealthiest persons in our world. You have power in your Wizengamot seat. Not many houses can cast more than one vote, let alone three. Only five other Houses can claim that. That is a strong position to bring to any alliance."
"Lastly, Lady Greengrass has noticed that Daphne is attracted to you. Should you and Daphne ever decide to progress beyond friends, the gain to the Greengrasses would be immense. To her, If Daphne could find a good union and love, she would fight for you and have Lord Greengrass do the same."
His face flamed again. As had happened earlier when Daphne took his hand, he felt a fluttering in his stomach. "We are just friends and study partners."
Amelia shook her head, as though she saw something he didn't.
He mulled over everything for a few. "What do I gain?"
There was a smile on her face. "Wealth, power, prestige and a strong alliance. The Greengrasses are a wealthy and powerful family. They have two votes on the Wizengamot. If you do not want to stake your lot with the Light alliance, you couldn't do better than the Greengrasses."
"Do people really think that way?" he asked.
"Yes. We have time to talk about this. I want to see how Wednesday goes before we decide on a path. Now, get ready for bed. It's close to ten and lights out," she ordered.
He sat up, looking at all the paperwork spread on his bed. "Will you go over all this with me?"
"Yes. Let me get it in order and I will go over everything when you get back for the summer," Amelia replied.
Harry nodded. "Sure."
He went to bed that night thinking about everything Amelia had told him in the last few days, and what he and Daphne had discussed. He wanted to talk with Hermione, but wouldn't see her until Saturday. Until then, he had his annoying new cousin to talk with...
Well, Susan wasn't bad. He just wasn't used to someone like that, or family actually liking him.
-oOo-
April 6, 1994
Rotherham, England
Harry sat to the right of Amelia, Susan on her other side. All the other young people here sat to the left of parents or guardians, meaning he was next to Neville. Across from him were the Greengrasses with Daphne to the left of her mother. The dark skinned Zabanis were to the right of the Greengrasses, and the Davises were to the left.
Harry recognized the relatively tall fourteen-year-old Blaise Zabini. His face looked like he was bored, while still maintaining no emotions. Daphne had her emotionless face on today. At the end of the table was an older boy Harry recognized from Ravenclaw. Roger Davis had dark hair, in contrast to his mother but much like his father. Amelia said that it would only be the scions or heiresses present, which was why Astoria and Tracey were not here.
Roger had nodded to him. They were enemies on the Quidditch pitch, the boy had never been mean or said anything bad to him off the pitch.
Everyone waited until the Greengrass' house elves served everyone tea and many took some small finger sandwiches or biscuits from the trays on the table.
"So, Scion Potter, I hear you are quite skilled at quidditch. Scion Davis told us you have beaten Ravenclaw to the snitch the last three years," Lord Greengrass put to him.
"Yes, sir. Quidditch is something I like," Harry replied.
The man quirked an eyebrow. "I was at the last game. I don't think I have ever seen such reflexes, not even from your father when we were in school."
Harry tried to keep an even face. "I couldn't let Chang drop after I scared her like that. We must have been sixty feet up."
Roger eyes narrowed, but he didn't say a word.
Lord Greengrass chuckled. "Yes, I am sure Scion Davis is happy he didn't lose his seeker."
"I am, Lord Greengrass. Ms. Chang is very talented and we would be in real trouble when we play Slytherin in two weeks without her," Roger answered.
"Yes, that would be a shame to see you lose," Lord Davis added. "I always like the look on Lucius' face when his boy losses. I think it's been three out of five matches so far?"
"Yes, sir," Harry replied, unable to keep a smirk off his face. Harry had beaten him two of those three times. Diggory the other, with Cho coming very close.
Lord Greengrass and Davis chuckled at him.
"I hope you two keep up the fine work," Lord Greengrass commented. "Though I still support Ravenclaw."
"Yes, Lord Greengrass," Roger answered.
Harry nodded. "I won't let my team mates down." Harry felt a little confused why the man would support Ravenclaw though. Both his daughters were in Slytherin.
Lord Greengrass must have picked up on his confusion. "Unlike my daughters, my wife and I were Ravenclaws, so I prefer to support my House from Hogwarts. I do not think Daphne or Astoria mind."
"No, father," Daphne replied. "I think my support has leaned towards another house lately."
There was a raised eyebrow from Lord Greengrass towards Daphne.
"Well, from what Susan has said, it sounds like Daphne would have fit in with Ravenclaw. Is it true, Heiress Greengrass that you sit third?" Amelia asked.
Daphne inclined her head. "Yes, Madam Bones. Michael Corner currently sits second, though he is losing that spot as Scion Potter helps Ms. Davis and me. I think by finals I may finally be able to take second in class." The pride in Daphne's voice was evident.
"Yes, it would appear that Scion Potter and your group have helped Neville as well. Professor McGonagall has sent a few letters telling me of his improvement in transfiguration thanks to Heiress Greengrass and Ms. Davis. I must thank them, and Scion Potter for his help in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts," Madam Longbottom praised them.
"Yes, Susan has benefited as well, thanks to Scion Potter and Heiress Greengrass," Amelia agreed.
"As has Tracey. Her grades show a marked improvement and she actually shows some enthusiasm for school work now," Lady Davis remarked.
"So I have heard. I would like Blaise to join you in your group, but I think we need to talk about how that would be possible without negative consequences," Lady Zabini put in.
Lord Greengrass nodded. "I agree, Phoenicia. If no one has objections, I would propose we drop our titles and have an earnest discussion of why we all came today?"
"That is fine with me, Anders. There will be plenty of time for pomp and show at another time," Madam Longbottom replied.
"Yes, I do find myself intrigued, Anders. You have been pretty vague about this meeting besides saying it could get us what we have wanted for years now," Lord Davis supplied.
Lord Greengrass motioned to Amelia. "It is not I that made the initial proposal, Daniel. I would propose Amelia start, since she did approach me first."
Harry looked towards her. Everything that she had said so far led him to believe the Greengrasses had been seeking this.
Amelia nodded. "I did, but I did not think it might lead to this meeting. As you know, my family has long stood towards the Light, but we have worked with many of the Neutral Houses for generations. Seeing the current deadlock in the Wizengamot and the quality of the Minister and the Ministry workers meeting substandard levels, I had a few proposals presented to Anders."
"Yes, we have read them and are not opposed," Lady Zabini replied.
"Let her finish," Lord Greengrass placated.
"With those proposal, I am also going to declare the House of Bones no longer align with Albus Dumbledore and his block. For now, my niece and I have decided we will become an unaffiliated Neutral-Light House," Amelia stated. There was real surprise from the other side of the table, except from the Greengrasses.
"That is... a dramatic shift," Lord Davis commented.
"The Longbottoms are doing the same. I do not like how divided we are and it has only become a greater divide in the last few decades. Standing with the likes of Dumbledore or You-Know-Who has made it worse. I think we can all agree that there is something wrong with the Ministry, the Wizengamot and even the way magic herself seems to support us. Like most of us sitting at this table, I have only my grandson to carry on my name, and most of that is due to the politics of many of our families, the feuds that have only been resolved with blood and Dark Lords. I will stand by Amelia to see this change," Madam Longbottom stated.
After a moment, Lord and Lady Davis nodded their head. "Yes, it has not been missed that those classified as half-bloods or muggleborn are becoming the dominant population. My wife and I do not oppose this, but we fear that all the traditions of our world will soon be lost, as will many of those that founded and kept this world alive for countless generations," Lord Davis remarked.
"Yes, there are far fewer witches and wizards now than there were at one time. At once, not too long ago, it was unusual to see a pureblood family with less than three children. Now it is uncommon to see more than one," Lady Zabini replied before sighing. "I always wanted a sibling for Blaise, but it appears my families curse has prevented that."
Harry looked from adult to adult.
"Yes, we have seen that as well. The last two great conflicts between Grindelwald and Voldemort has changed something in our world," Amelia agreed.
Lord Greengrass' expression became hard. "Amelia, you will never repeat that name in this House again. I will not risk my family like that."
Amelia eyed him for a moment. "You know?"
Many confused faces were around the table. "My family has not survived all this time by keeping blinders on."
There was a pause. "Amelia, what are you two talking about?" Lady Longbottom enquired.
Amelia frowned before turning to Susan and then him. "Anders, as much as I would like my niece and Harry to be part of these discussions, I would ask them to leave or we talk about this at a later time."
Lord Greengrass nodded his head. "Yes, I would like to open the possibility of an alliance and we can discuss this later."
Lord Davis looked between them. "So, that is what this is about? A new Alliance? Why be so secretive about it and what are two on about?"
"I would like to know as well," Madam Longbottom demanded.
"When this discussion gets more into the details and our heirs go off, then I will discuss it. Until then, I would like to ask what your intentions are and what you may want, Anders," Amelia stated. It was apparent that Amelia and Lord Greengrass were the real powers in the room right now.
"That is agreeable. As for what I want, I want a way that we all can find a happy ground to work together within the Wizengamot. I think we all recognize that what is being proposed here would be a large to do and may upset many if we are not prepared to fully commit," Lord Greengrass stated.
"You are not thinking of aligning us with Bones and Longbottom? Anders, you must know what that might do, even if they do become unaligned Neutral Houses. The families like the Malfoys will be calling for our blood and those that support Dumbledore will do the same," Lady Zabini stated.
"That is not the proposal we are thinking of, Phoenicia. I am actually looking towards Scion Potter. His family was once highly respected between the Neutrals and the Light. It is a place I think his family could hold again. My proposal would be a formal alliance between House Potter and House Greengrass. That would allow others to ally with either Potter or Greengrass, without getting directly involved in a formal way," Lord Greengrass proposed.
Lady Davis chuckled. "Is this why your daughter has made friends with Scion Potter?"
Harry looked to her and then Daphne, who looked totally surprised.
"No, I never told Daphne to do anything of the sort. To tell you the truth, Illiana and I almost ordered Daphne to stop associating with Scion Potter as soon as she told us," Lord Greengrass stated.
"I am glad you did not put your foot down on that, Anders, " Lady Greengrass commented. "I think the study group that Daphne and Harry have started has shown that Houses on different sides of the lines in the Wizengamot can work together. I am also pleased with the results."
"I quite agree," Madam Longbottom stated. "If what you propose comes to pass, the Longbottoms will support Potter."
Daphne was looking at him with pleading eyes. He wasn't sure if this was a ruse or just them all being candid. When they could, he would have a talk with Daphne.
"It is a relationship I would like to see continue," Amelia added. "Now, we all know what the desired outcome is. The questions now are when would you like to make this shift. What House Potter and Greengrass would like to give for the alliance. And, what the alliance will entail. I would see Harry protected in all this and would not settle for less than a political and mutual protection for both Houses."
Lady Zabini took in a sharp breath, while Madam Longbottom chuckled. "You always are amusing, Amelia."
Lord Greengrass shook his head. "No, that is what the Greengrasses are offering and will negotiate on. As some have brought up, there are far fewer Purebloods or Half-bloods that adhere to our ways, or are even still left. I think it is weakening the magic of our whole society. Even among those new to us are not as strong as once we were, and how many squibs have there been in the last few generations among those that already had magical blood?"
"If we can come to an agreement and we both find this beneficial, I would have my House as protected as could be. That protection would be extended by the House of Potter, and in turn the House of Greengrass would reciprocate," said an impassioned Lord Greengrass.
Harry scrunched his brow. "What does this all mean," Harry enquired.
Amelia pursed her lips. "Nothing you need concern yourself with at the moment. I will explain everything later."
Daphne's eyes had grown some. Susan was looking between them, as was Neville and Roger. Lord Greengrass looked at Amelia with a raised eyebrow. "Daphne, could you please take our guests to the game room? You should all enjoy yourselves while we talk."
Daphne nodded and gently pushed her chair back. Neville, Blaise and Roger all moved quickly to try and be standing before she did. Harry was a little slow, and moved to Susan to pull her chair out as he was told he should.
Daphne pulled up to his side as he waited for her and the others to come around the table. "Scion Potter, would you escort me?" Daphne asked. Blaise gave his first real emotion as his raising eyebrows indicated surprise.
"It would be my pleasure." Harry offered her his arm. He felt like a child playing a grownup game before the grownups. He didn't like it and had a determination come over him to understand all this and learn how to be able to stand before the grownups. If he was going to become allies with the Greengrasses, he would not be used.
Harry would also like to sit at the table to understand what was going on. He trusted Amelia, but he liked to be involved. He may only be thirteen, but he was ready to start doing things on his own terms.
Harry just needed to know how.
Daphne led them out of the room and to the other side of the ground floor. Harry had not been on this side when he was here Monday.
"Oh, you have magical billiards," Susan said happily as they walked into the room.
Roger chuckled. "Just be careful not to scratch the felt. I did that once and thought Lord Greengrass was going to curse me."
Before they could do anything, Harry disengaged his arm from Daphne's and held his hand out. "Roger, I know we have played against each other, but I don't think we have ever properly met."
The tall blond boy smiled. "You mean you totally crushed us every time we have played against you. You're a bloody menace on that broom."
Harry smiled as they shook hands. "I just like to fly."
Roger snorted his laughter. "Fly my arse. You just about dropped Cho in that match. I hate losing, but it was a good catch."
Harry liked this boy. He had never seemed snooty on the pitch and he didn't here. "Thanks. Anytime you want a rematch, I'm sure I can convince Wood to a fun game. He always wants me to get more practice."
Roger eyed him. "If this is some ploy to get Cho off her game before our last, that isn't funny."
"Harry does not joke about that. If he says it's for fun, then that it is what it is," Daphne interrupted them.
Roger nodded after a moment. "If Daphne is willing to support you, I'll give you a chance."
Susan nudged him. "Told you they were alright," she said smugly.
Roger laughed. "You ready to lose again, Suzie? I wish my sister was here. Last time we cleaned you and Hannah."
Neville drifted off with them. Harry was left facing Blaise. The dark skin boy was the same height, with close cropped hair and dark eyes. He had the emotionless mask that so many Purebloods seemed to be taught from a young age.
Harry took a gamble and held out his hand. He knew bowing was probably better, but a handshake was more personal. "Daphne says you would like to study with us?"
After a moment, Blaise reached out his hand. "My mother would like my grades to improve. I would like to know if any of the rumors are true. I know that look from my mother and the adults are talking about something serious and I think that something is you."
"Blaise, that is not polite," Daphne chastised the boy.
Blaise tightened his grip on Harry's hand and Harry responded. "I don't know which rumors you are talking about. There are so many and I really don't listen to them anymore."
Blaise didn't move. "About you killing Slytherin's Monster and what ever happened with Professor Quirrell? Also you growing up with Muggles? What Potter would do that?"
Harry's grip tightened this time and he saw the slight mar of pain on the boys face before it was gone. "You mean the sixty-seven foot long basilisk that the goblins will be harvesting this summer? Yeah. I killed it. I have a scar to prove it too. As far as Quirrell goes, I am not talking about that. And Muggles... yeah, I grew up with my relatives."
The basilisk was something Amelia had made sure they handled when they were at Gringotts Monday. He had claim for killing the beast and the chamber was still sealed, as far as they knew.
Blaise's eyes didn't waiver from his, but he looked slightly shocked Harry would admit that.
"I told you, you prat," Daphne put in towards Blaise. "Do you have any other stupid questions?"
Blaise released his grip. Harry opened and closed his fist a few times. They had gripped each other's hands extremely tight. Blaise rubbed his knuckles. "No. I think I will go join Roger. A few galleons should make this interesting."
Blaise walked away and Daphne tapped her foot. Harry turned to her. "What did I do? I tried to make sure I did everything you, Susan, Neville and Amelia have taught me."
Her brow rose. "You have acted the proper Scion all day. I have no complaints about that. What is this basilisk? You have not mentioned that to me before? Are you Slytherin's Heir? And what scar?"
Of all the things to come out now, he had been so careful not to really get into any of his adventures with Daphne yet, not wanting to scare her off. His hand drifted to the back of his neck. She obviously wanted answers and he had mentioned it. He could talk about this. "So, you know I'm a parselmouth?"
"I think everyone knows about that, but you have never brought it up so I thought it a sensitive subject," she said, her voice taking on more heat, not as cool.
"So, I can talk to snakes. Healer Anne has been telling me that is not a bad thing. I don't think it dark, do you?"
She shook her head. "I rather doubt there is a dark tendency in you. What is so important about you being a parselmouth and supposedly fighting a sixty-seven-foot-long basilisk?"
"Well, Hermione figured out it was a basilisk because of that, before she was petrified. I had to use my parselmouth to get down into the Chamber of Secrets and I killed the basilisk while trying to save someone. No one told me that by law the dead creature was now mine to claim. Amelia helped me to clear that up. Only a few people really know all this," Harry told her.
There was a slight hurt and concerned quality to her eyes. "And you didn't think me trustworthy enough?"
"God, no, Daph. I didn't want to scare you. I do trust you but you also say we shouldn't be that close until all this alliance stuff is ironed out. Also, it's not like most people believe me when I tell them what happens. Having Amelia believe me, I think she is one of the first adults that has. All thanks to Healer Tonks," he admitted.
It took a moment, but she finally nodded. "I do hope you can trust me."
Harry needed to know he could trust her. He knew he did, but the conversation earlier had stung a little bit. "Daph, were you told to make friends with me or was your father honest that he didn't want you around me?"
It didn't take long to answer, but Harry felt like she was choosing her words carefully. "Harry, understand that most of us are taught to obey our Head-of-House. They have powers over us until we are of age, and even beyond that. I went against my parents' wishes. Astoria and I were told not to do anything controversial or associate with anyone that was not of our own standard."
"Then why did you decide to ask me to study with you?" Harry put to her, understanding enough of what she didn't say from their other conversations.
"I am a Greengrass. I am the heiress to one of the oldest and wealthiest Houses in England. I am also a Slytherin. I have set a goal to be top of class and to be everything my parents want me to be so that I can represent my House to my husband. I do not want to see our name die, and to do that I need to be powerful, well-educated and not cow to the pressures out there. I saw you as a means to get there," she honestly said.
Daphne had never really told him her dreams like that before.
"Is that all I am now? A means to get there?"
Her brow furrowed. "In January, yes. Now, I like to see you as my friend. I also see you as someone that could share the same goals and we work well together."
Harry smiled. "So, that is what they mean by Slytherin ambition? Not Ravenclaw cunning?" he teased her.
It brought a smile to her face. "The sorting hat said I was too ambitious to be in Ravenclaw."
Harry chuckled. "To think we could have been friends from the first night."
She gave him an odd look. "What do you mean?"
"The sorting hat said I could be a Slytherin," he confessed.
She gave out a soft laugh. "You are no Slytherin. A Slytherin would never race to face a basilisk. Was it really that large? I don't see you brag usually."
"That is the estimate from my memory, and it was Slytherin that had that monster," Harry reminded her.
"Had. From what father said, there is no record of Slytherin ever using it. The fear of something is more of the sly way. How were you not afraid or killed?"
"I was terrified, but if I didn't do it, someone would have died. The hat said I wanted to prove myself. That was my ambition. I think I still do. Could you help me prove I deserve to be what everyone seems to want me to be in this alliance?" he put to her.
Her smile was more broad. "Is this another deal you want?"
Harry smirked a little trepidatiously. "I am not sure what I can offer."
Her smile turned a little predatory. It was one of those times she showed him some of her true self. He didn't feel any fear, it was more like she was finally getting something she wanted. "I am sure we can work out something. Now, I am not a billiards fan, but I do like playing cards. Would you care to join me?"
Harry eyed her for a moment, trying to figure out what he just got himself into.
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