Chapter 14
-oOo-
June 26, 1994
London, England
The door to Harry's room burst open and a cannon blast went off. Harry jumped out of a dead sleep. He dove for the side of his bed, grabbing for his wand. Harry cried out as it flew off his table. His hand shot out, grabbed the wand and he was pulled through the air.
He landed and rolled into someone's legs.
"That was impressive, pup. Nice Seeker instincts. Now, get dressed in some type of workout or loose-fitting clothes. I want you down in the main hall in five minutes," Sirius ordered.
Harry blinked at the retreating form of his godfather.
"Bloody hell! What time is it?" Harry yelled after the man.
"Almost quarter after six," Sirius called back and then did the same to Susan. This time though, just after the cannon boom Susan screamed bloody murder. Sirius barked out the same commands and then walked back down the veranda that overlooked the atrium.
"Why are we up so early?" Harry groused as the man passed his room.
"Training," Sirius called back happily.
"Bloody hell. Is this what it's like for Auror training?" Harry asked himself, knowing they were to start today.
It was almost fifteen minutes before Susan and him were ready. Sirius was tapping his foot on the floor with a smile on his face. "When I say five minutes, I mean five minutes."
"Do you want a new godfather? I have one I'm willing to get rid of," Harry grumbled to Susan.
"You can have him," she deadpanned.
Tired voices were coming from inside the kitchen. When they walked in, Harry was surprised to see more people than he thought he would. Amelia was sitting at the small table with Hannah, Susan and Hermione. Ernie was leaning against the wall, a cup of tea in his hands.
"Master Harry, Mister Neville," Tipsy said coming up to them with what smelled like a strong cup of tea. "Here is your tea, and there is an omelet for each of you on the counter."
"Thank you, Tipsy. Morning," Harry greeted Hermione. She gave him a quick tired smile and went back to her conversation. The dark haired boy that hung out with Hannah and Susan most of the time just nodded.
"Eat up. The last few should be here soon," Sirius said in a way to chipper voice.
"You could have let them sleep in later, and you don't have to start so early," Amelia put in.
"You said you wanted them trained like Aurors and they have afternoon classes twice a week. This way they still get much of their days off," Sirius countered.
Harry gave the man a glare and moved to eat his omelet, as others around the kitchen ate their own breakfast.
It wasn't long before the door opened to the kitchen. Minsy was leading in Daphne, Tracey, Roger and Blaise. Lord Davis followed them in. "Good morning. I have got them all here as you asked, Amelia."
Tracey was leaning against Daphne. "Is there coffee?" Tracey asked.
Her father chuckled and many others gave her sympathetic looks. Daphne looked at him bleary eyed. He gave her a small smile and she just leaned against the wall. It was not like her.
"Right, now that you are all here and it's…," Sirius looked at his watch, "…close to quarter to seven, I will tell you that is unacceptable in the future. If you need, get to bed earlier the night before, but every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings you are mine between six-thirty and nine-thirty." Tracey groaned at Sirius as the man went on. "If you have an issue with this, take it up with your parents or guardians. The alliance has decided it is best to ensure you all get training in how to defend yourself properly. That is where I come in."
The man gave them a big smile.
"Does it have to be so early?" Hannah whinged.
"It's either this or after six at night. Since you will all be at the Greengrasses in the afternoon Mondays and Wednesdays it seems to be better to do it early," Sirius answered her.
"Lord Black, why do we need this training?" Blaise asked.
Sirius looked to Amelia and Lord Davis. Lord Davis looked to Blaise. "There are reasons that all the adults agree upon. Learning to properly defend yourselves is a necessity all wizards should know."
Blaise regarded Lord Davis for a few before bowing his head. "Yes, Lord Davis."
"I don't think we need to be so secretive. They have been exposed to many dangers already, whether they know it or not, Daniel," Amelia said. "I am not sure how many of you truly know what has happened around Harry in the last three years."
Harry frowned. In this room, only Hermione had lived a lot of it with him. Daphne knew most of it now. Neville he was unsure of. Susan knew what they had talked about. Everyone else did not have any clue. Amelia looked to him and he nodded. Hermione did the same.
"In the three years you have all been at Hogwarts, Harry and his friends have faced a twelve-foot mountain troll, deadly traps, a large basilisk, acromantula, and other dangers. With Albus Dumbledore on the run, we cannot be sure that he will not try to kidnap Harry again, or any of you. The goal of this training is to give you a chance to run. I do not want you to stand and fight unless you need to. You are all only thirteen or fourteen right now. You will not have the knowledge or skill to stand against a fully trained wizard," Amelia told them all, looking around the room.
"Don't forget the dementors this year also," Hermione spoke up.
"We have not, Ms. Granger," Amelia replied.
"So, now that we have had the pep talk," Sirius said, clapping his hand. "I want you all to eat. Get your coffee. At seven-thirty I would like the girls to go with Susan up to the drawing room. The boys will go with Harry to the formal dining room. We have an assortment of workout gear. I want you to take a pair of each. We will be running and doing exercises for the first hour or more each day. After that, we will be spending time between wand work and weapons. Amelia will be joining us every Wednesday to practice."
"Are we doing this all summer?" Hermione questioned. "My parents and I are on holiday the first two weeks of August."
"You will all be getting time off and go on any trips you have planned. If you are available, I expect you to be here at six-thirty and be ready to go," Sirius told them. "Now, finish eating and then go get ready. We will do a short run today and then gauge where you are in your basic wand work. Oh, and before I forget, this training will also include how to navigate and blend into the Muggle world. Your training clothes will reflect this."
There were some quirked eyebrows as they split. A little while later, Harry was trying not to stare at the girls, most of them looked a little apprehensive. Like the boys, they, were dressed in shorts and T-shirts with trainers. Having never really seen Daphne, or any of them except Hermione like that, he found his eyes drifting to her legs and like the way her shirt pulled at her chest. It wasn't anything indecent, but it played at his imagination.
Hermione was holding herself like it was nothing. Harry had to admit it was the same type of outfits they used to wear in primary school for gym. The witches and wizards that had not been raised Muggle all looked a little uncomfortable. Hannah and Tracey both had blushes. Daphne was trying to comport herself like this was something she did every day, but the way she would keep pulling her shirt down or straighten her shorts spoke that she wasn't comfortable. Susan was taking it the best. "I wear less when we go to the beach," she had mentioned to Tracey, which Hermione snorted at.
"Wait until you go to France," his bushy haired friend remarked.
Blaise was standing very stiff and had pulled his socks all the way up. Neville had a blush to match Tracey and Hannah. Ernie was just shrugging. "Mum takes me out into the Muggle world often, especially when we visit my grandparents."
"I didn't know your grandparents were Muggles," Hannah commented.
"Grandmum Farrah is a squib," he told them, as though it was nothing big. As Harry was coming to find out, that would classify him as a half-blood, but since his father's family was so old, it was overlooked.
"You will get over your embarrassment soon. There is a park a few blocks away. We are going to jog over to it, do a circuit around the pond and run back. Stay close together. Harry and Susan, don't outrun your guard," Sirius told them. Harry was surprised to see Amelia in more of a tracksuit.
"Why are you in a pants?" Tracey blurted out.
"This is a tracksuit, often worn by coaches. We want the impression you are all part of some Muggle sports team or school. Most won't even look twice if you pass yourself off that way. Shacklebolt, I want you to dissolution any holsters or wands they all have," Amelia told the man next to Harry.
"Sure, Boss."
Soon they were out the door and five minutes later it was obvious who was going to make the entire circuit and who would need to be levitated back. Harry had no issue. Between Quidditch, how much they walked or ran around Hogwarts, and his previous 'exercise' given him by his cousin Dudley, Harry was out in front. Hermione and Neville were next to him. Ernie just behind. By the time they made the park, Blaise and Hannah were clearly not used to this type of exercise. They all stopped to take a breather and both dropped to the ground.
Daphne came up to him, breathing heavy, but a look of determination on her face that she would do this. Neville was supporting Tracey, who was holding onto his shoulders to stay up right.
"That was only a half mile," Sirius barked out. The man looked a little winded himself. Harry suspected he was still recovering some from his years in Azkaban. "Two minutes and then we are moving again."
"How long is the run?" Hermione questioned.
"About a mile-and-a-half for now. It will get longer as we go," Sirius answered.
Amelia helped Hannah and Blaise up. "It's better to stand. After this week it will be only Sirius running with you. Right, you all ready?"
By the time they made it back, Sirius and Amelia let them into the lower parlour for some drinks. Most of them collapsed into chairs or onto couches. Harry sat, trying not to laugh at his friends as many looked half dead. Daphne sat next to him, looking worn. "That was miserable," she stated.
"It's not bad. Wood has us doing about three miles a day, a few times a week as part of our practice," Harry said. Daphne swayed a little bit and he got her a glass of water from the table. "Drink."
She took it and downed half the glass before she stopped and more daintily sipped at it. Most the others had done the same.
"Mum and dad have me jogging with them a few times a week when I am home, and I started to run with Neville and Harry during the last few months," Hermione told them, taking some sips of a lemonade.
Daphne leaned over and propped her head against his shoulder. "Don't move or I might fall over," she warned him.
Susan saw it, and the smirk she gave him had him glaring back at her.
A few moments later, Sirius came in. "Make sure you all drink something. Amelia is just getting the sparring dummies all set up. While here, you all have permission to use your wands. We are going to test you on the spells you should already know, and then see where we go from there."
Tracey groaned, who was quickly echoed by Hannah. "Do we have to?" Hannah whinged.
Daphne just snorted. "If I am doing this, you are too, Abbott."
Hannah looked towards Daphne and stuck her tongue out. "I never asked to do this."
"None of us did," Blaise responded, sitting up straight now and looking better. "I think it necessary though. Lord Black, you were an Auror?"
Sirius nodded. "I was. Wasn't far from making a Hit Wizard. You can all just call me Sirius. No formal titles here. Why do you ask?"
"What was it like?"
Sirius let out a little chuckle. "If you are asking because of what we just did, that was nothing. I think within the next four weeks I'll get you up to what we were doing in the first few days of the Academy. Alright! Everyone had a drink and a little rest? Let's go to the training rooms."
Daphne sat up fast, as though just realizing she had been leaning against him. Harry had liked it. He had never felt her bare arm against his before and his skin had tingled where it had met. She blushed and glared at Tracey, Hannah and Susan who were giving the both of them sly smirks. When they enter the training room, five dummies were lined up against the far wall. Most of the weapon racks had been moved away from the wall they were standing against.
Amelia was clearly in charge. She eyed them. "Right, I'll start going over the weapons on Wednesday. Today, we will start with four of the most basic charms, jinxes and hexes you should know. You should all know the disarming charm, knockback jinx, the freezing charm and the basic fire making charm. These are simple charms, but some of the first ones I work on with Hit Wizards. There are three basic reasons for this. First, they use little power, so you can use them hundreds of times in a row without draining yourself. Second, they are useful - both in the short and medium range. As long as you can point your wand in the direction of your attacker, you can cast the spell. Third, they can be used in combination and quick to learn spell chaining. They may not be the most useful in a fight, but they can get you out of trouble quickly if someone isn't expecting it. Now, line up and I want each of you to fire off five of each spell. Hit the dummies."
They all looked at each other. Harry and Hermione knew all four, but a few of the others didn't look as confident. Neville stepped up first. "Madam Bones, we have not been taught the disarming charm."
Amelia looked shocked for a second. "That should have been a standard third year defensive spell. Do any of you know it besides Susan?"
Harry, Hermione, Susan and Blaise all held up their hands. She pursed her lips. "I see. What about the protego or aegis shields?"
Harry, Hermione and Susan were the only ones to raise their hands this time. Harry, Hermione, and Ron had made sure they learned it after the disastrous dueling club second year. That and the disarming charm. Professor Lupin had taught the others this year. "Right. Let's practice this today, and on Friday we will start going over the eight or so spells you should all have."
"What spells are those, Madam Bones," Daphne enquired.
"Disarming. Freezing. Fire-making. Cutting. Knockback. Protego and Aegis Shields. Stunning. By the end of the summer, you will all be proficient in these spells." Amelia sounded like a hard instructor and none of them dared to give her any flak.
They all nodded and took their turns at the dummies. By the time a stop was called, Hermione, Susan, Blaise and Harry had proven the most accurate and consistent in all of the charms. Daphne, Tracey and Neville were close together, probably from all their time together the second half of the year. Hannah and Ernie could cast them, but more than often missed. It was a tired group of teens that all said goodbye to each other about ten o'clock.
"We will see you all, on Wednesday morning," Sirius called after them.
"Are you staying for a while?" Harry asked Hermione.
She nodded. "Mum and dad are at work. They said I could stay until after dinner, if that is alright?"
"We can ask Amelia, but I'm sure she won't mind," Harry answered her.
Daphne looked a little better to be back in her normal clothes. "Harry?" Daphne asked, pulling him off to the side.
"Yeah, Daph," he answered.
"I wanted to invite you over tomorrow," she offered. "We can go flying in the back field again."
"Brilliant," he returned her smile.
After nodding, she took on more of her even expression and joined Tracey. After they left, Susan let out a sigh. "I'm going to take a long bath and then get some lunch. Maybe Auntie will let me go over to Hannah's?"
Sirius laughed. "And this was an easy day."
Amelia had gone upstairs and was coming back down. "I will be at the Ministry for the rest of the day. I want you and Susan to stay here."
"I was hoping to go over Hannah's," Susan said hopefully.
Amelia looked to think about it for a moment. "Fine. Shacklebolt, keep an eye on her and Hannah." The man nodded.
"Is it alright for Hermione to stay through dinner?" Harry put to her.
"Of course," Amelia confirmed before walking past them. "Don't get up to too much trouble."
"We won't. Daphne invited me to go over for dance lessons and to go flying tomorrow afternoon," Harry put to her.
Amelia gave him a small smile. "As long as it is only Greencross. Shacklebolt, I want an extra Auror on him for now on when he leaves."
"Sure, Boss. I'll let Scrimgeour know," the tall man responded. She nodded and went to the floo.
Sirius was giving him an eye. Harry scrunched his brow. "What? Do I have something on my face or something?"
The man chuckled. "Between you and James, pup. You two have fun. Get some lunch. I'm going out for a bit."
"What is that supposed to mean? What about my father?"
Sirius laughed this time. "I was told not to bug you too much about that girl. All I can say is you have it bad."
Harry glared at the man. It didn't matter that Harry was probably going to be daydreaming for weeks now about Daphne in those shorts and T-shirt...
Hermione laughed. "Doesn't he?"
"Not you too!" Harry groused to her.
She just gave him a knowing look. "Come on. You said you would show me the Bones' library today."
"Fine. Come on," he told her, leading her up the stairs and to the left. His and Susan's rooms were to the right. "I was surprised to see you this morning."
"You trying to tell me you don't want me around?"
"Something like that," he said with a smirk.
Hermione playfully hit his arm. "Harry Potter!"
He chuckled. "I just didn't know. Amelia had said it was only those in the alliance."
"Madam Bones and Lady Greengrass talked to my parents before I got home. My parents asked a lot of questions about what we had got up to when I got back," she said significantly.
He gave her an uncertain grimace. "How much do they know?"
"Pretty much everything. Dad wanted us to move, but mum didn't want to. I had to convince them to leave me in Hogwarts, instead of sending me somewhere else. I think only because Madam Bones offered some Aurors the other day is why they didn't. Do you think Dumbledore will come after us?"
"I think it a good bet. Did Amelia tell you or your parents why?" Harry enquired.
"No. Harry, what is going on? Madam Bones mentioned that she wanted us to be able to defend ourselves. Have you found out something else about..." her voice dropped low, "…Voldemort?"
"I have a lot to tell you. How about I show you the library while I take a shower and then we can talk?" he offered.
She nodded, worrying her lip. "We will talk."
Harry opened the door into the library. It wasn't large, but three walls were covered in books with a ladder to reach the upper shelves. The last wall had a large fireplace and glass cabinets built into the wall. The shelves were filled with more books, trinkets, skulls and other paraphernalia. Comfortable couches, chairs, a few end tables and two desks made up the furniture. "We can't read anything on that wall." He indicated the wall with the fireplace and cabinets. "Everything else is free reign."
"Why can't we read what is on that wall?"
"Bones family books and other stuff. I was told if I tried opening the cabinets then the wards would stun me, and Amelia wouldn't do anything about it until she got back home."
"Oh," Hermione said, her attention already drifted off to the other walls. She moved to a few large leather-bound tomes.
"Did your parents say anything else?"
"They were not happy to find out from Madam Bones what went on, I can tell you that. I've never seen dad that upset. Oh, and they want to say thank you about the troll and you know," she said, taking out one of the tomes. She looked at the title and then opened it. "Lady Greengrass has invited me to join your lessons on etiquette, charms, transfiguration, runes and arithmancy. She said she would run a few potion lessons as well, this summer."
"I am going to skip the arithmancy lessons," Harry told her.
"You should learn at least the basics. I have found it goes well with runes and some of the other classes, especially when Professor Flitwick and McGonagall go into the theory," she told him, starting to leaf through the book.
"Do you think Professor McGonagall will continue teaching if she is Headmistress this year?"
"I hadn't thought about that. Probably not. I can imagine being Headmistress will be busy enough," Hermione responded. "This is a compendium of dark spells and their counters."
"I haven't really explored in here yet."
"We can stay in here all day?"
He chuckled. "Tell you what. You stay and read, and I'll take a shower and bring up some lunch."
"We can eat in here?"
"Amelia said everything is protected. She just doesn't want to find crumbs in the couches," he informed her.
"Brilliant! I'll read this while you go shower. You smell," she teased.
"So do you," he snarked back, turning towards the door.
"I do not!" she called after him.
-oOo-
June 30, 1994
Somewhere in Britain...
"Your name and face is plastered in every wizarding pub, alley or other gathering place, Albus. You can't go anywhere the Ministry touches," Severus deadpanned to the old fool before him.
The smell of the regenerative drought permeated the small hovel that was at the edge of the Irish Sea. The old man finally looked like that: old. Since February, it was obvious that Albus had lost weight. His eyes were not as sharp as they once were, not as blue. It was like the colour in them was fading to a grey.
More concerning for the Potions Master was that the regenerative draft was not performing as it should. In the past, Albus would look spry and healthy for a man of his age within twelve hours. It had now been three days since the first dose and the man looked worse, if not better.
"Once Fawkes returns, I will be able to get in and out before anyone is the wiser. I need that information on the Prophecy," Albus told him.
For days now that was all the old coot had talked about. Severus was starting to wonder if the stay in Azkaban had addled this once great man. That was a worrying thought. Severus had worked with Avery, who still worked in the Department of Mysteries, to determine where Albus had been taken and how to get him out. It was something only possible due to the marks on their arms that Avery was able to get around his oaths to the Unspeakables and tell Severus all he could.
The fact that the DMLE and DoM knew that the legendary cities Camelot and the citadel at Avalon existed, let alone used them at times, had been a large surprise. Why his Dark Master never tried to get in, or even apparently knew of their existence, was troubling. The fact Albus Dumbledore, ex-Chief Warlock and walking font of esoteric knowledge did not know either, was boggling.
"It is too dangerous, Albus. You know the prophecy," Severus snarked.
"I need to know if it is still active. Amelia has indicated the boy has been through treatments that could affect his link to Tom."
Severus pursed his lips. "What link, and who is Tom?"
Albus looked up to him from his chair. There was a long pause before Albus sighed. "I am starting to feel old. Perhaps it is time to let the next generation know what is needed to defeat him. Is your oath still firm to defeat the Dark Lord?"
Severus face had a severe look to it. "You know it is. It is the only reason I have broken you out. The mark is starting to show again, Albus. I need your help to kill the one who killed Lily."
"And what of her son? If he is not destined to destroy Tom anymore, what would you do with him?" Albus questioned.
Snape sneered. "He looks even more like his father now. If it wasn't for those damned eyes, I would have abandoned the arrogant arse years ago."
Albus shook his head. "He is not his father, Severus. He is far from James Potter. He is much more like his mother and grandfather. That is neither here nor there, though. I need to know about the Prophecy before I can make plans on what to do with the boy. In the meantime, there is something you can do for me."
"Before I blindly follow you again, Albus, you need to tell me who Tom is and what this link is between Harry Potter and the Dark Lord," Severus told him as he moved over to the cauldron. It would be another thirty minutes at simmer before it was done.
Albus sighed again. "Tom Marvolo Riddle. You may or may not recognize that name."
Severus frowned. There was something that tickled in his head... a forgotten memory maybe? He would have to use his Occlumency later to investigate. "I do not."
Albus nodded. "He was a brilliant student that went through Hogwarts more than fifty years ago. He was cunning, ambitious, handsome and a very smooth talker. The son of Thomas Riddle, Jr. of Little Hangleton. His family had a long history of being landed lords until three generations ago. He is also the son of Merope Gaunt..."
Severus took in a deep breath. He knew that name.
"Ah, I see you know that name. Yes, he is the true heir to Salazar Slytherin, if there ever was one. But like all the heirs to the founding members of Hogwarts, none of them have a direct enough line to claim their family rights, though the Gaunts were the closest, with only the Potters, Longbottoms and Selwyns being about the same," Albus rambled.
"But that is not the discussion I wanted with you right now. No, Tom Marvolo Riddle, named after his father and grandfather, was a half-blood, the last in line of one of the elder Houses. As he grew, he would one day become known as the most dangerous and hated Dark Lord the British Isles has ever known. I think only Grindelwald could lay claim to be above that in the last few hundred years."
Unable to keep his tongue, Snape uttered, "You are telling me that the Dark Lord is a half-blood and the last of the line of Gaunts?"
Severus wanted the Dark Wanker dead, but this rocked some of his beliefs. He, himself, was a half-blood that had, and still did, believe in the cause his once Master espoused. Many of the Dark Lords followers still believed in the cause. It was how he had convinced Avery to help him, though the man thought Severus was trying to resurrect their Lord, not kill him. Severus just didn't like the methods of killing so many…
"He is. Much like yourself. Understanding his background is the biggest lesson I can give you for the task you must help with now. If I cannot get Harry, then you are my next best option," Albus told him.
The fact that Severus would be doing this in Potter's shadow did not sit well with him.
-oOo-
July 4, 1994
Rotherham, England
Harry looked around the large formal dining room. Eleven others were here today. Hermione, Neville, Susan, Hannah, Ernie, Daphne, Tracey, Blaise, Millicent, Astoria and Amanda Heatherhoc. Amanda was the only one he didn't really know, being one of Astoria's friends. Her family was in the alliance from the Greengrasses, but the Heatherhocs did not have a seat on the Wizengamot.
Starting next week, Astoria and Amanda would be joining them in their three days a week workouts and Defence trainings. He wasn't sure about Millicent. The important thing was that today everyone had made it through without falling or puking, and they had all been taught the eight common spells they should all have. Harry was reciting the incantation and doing the wand movements in his sleep many nights now. It would probably just be a few weeks before they were all proficient enough in them to react like Amelia and Sirius wanted them to.
Today though, it was not the workouts they were going to focus on.
An older woman was standing next to a desk at the end of the hall. The formal dining room at Greencross was set out more like a classroom today. Etiquette lessons were to start. Harry was sitting tall next to Daphne. Hermione and Tracey were at the table next to them. Susan and Hannah sat behind Harry and Daphne, with Ernie and Neville at the back. Behind Tracey and Hermione were Blaise and Millicent, then Astoria and Amanda.
The woman had a hard countenance to her. One that said they were to behave.
"Welcome, students. My name is Dowager Cecile Bulstrode. I have been contracted to train you all in proper manners, how to get along in proper society, and how to recognize the rank and pecking order of those around you. On your table you will find a self-inking quill, a notebook, a book on Society and the known Houses of Britain and its Colonies, another on Dining and Tea Room etiquette and the last on Polite Society Etiquette. I would expect you all to read each book by next Friday," the older woman instructed.
He thought he heard a groan from someone behind him.
"Scion Macmillan, that is not proper. This will be your only warning. Should any of you not act as is expected, there shall be punishments. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Madam Bulstrode," most of them echoed. Hermione and he were the only ones not to respond. The woman looked towards him. "Yes, Madam Bulstrode," Harry parroted, followed by Hermione.
She gave a nod. "Now, as I know some of you have not been through other lessons with me, today we shall be working on proper introductions. Ms. Greengrass, would you start us off?"
Daphne stood. "Yes, Madam Bulstrode. If it would please you, I am Heiress Daphne Greengrass, of the most noble and ancient house of Greengrass, Viscountess of Rotherham and Heiress-secondary to the House of Clearwell."
"Very good, Heiress Greengrass. Mr. Potter, would you introduce yourself to us all."
Daphne sat, her mask up and staring at the front of the room. He stood and held himself straight. Amelia and Sirius had had him practicing this for the last week. He let a small breath out before saying, "If it would please you, Madam Bulstrode, I am Scion Harry Potter, of the most noble and ancient House of Potter, Earl of Glamorgon in Wales, extinct in the English Peerage. As Scion of House Potter, I also present myself as Scion of House Peverell and Glamorgon."
He hoped he got it right. Amelia and Sirius were taking time to go over some of his history. Having three votes on the Wizengamot meant he was Scion, and would be Lord someday, of three Houses. Any of which he could pass to a child or keep with the primary heir.
The woman's eyes rose a little before she inclined her head in deference. "Very nice to meet you, Scion Potter, Scion of House Potter, Peverell and Glamorgon."
He inclined his head back to her and sat down. Daphne gave him a sideways glance. "Now, Ms. Davis, if you would."
"Yes, ma'am," Tracey said, standing. "May I present myself as Tracey Davis, heiress-secondary to the noble house of Davis."
"Very good. And you would be Ms. Granger?"
Hermione stood, not looking quite as fluid as Tracey or Daphne, but passable, Harry thought. Well, that was until Madam Bulstrode said, "Hold your chin a little higher and your shoulders back just a little more. You will get a little more respect from the men if you present yourself that way."
Hermione's face grew a little flush and she looked like she wanted to say something, but held her tongue. "Yes, ma'am," her voice sounded a little clip. Madam Bulstrode gave her a raised eyebrow before Hermione went on. "I would present myself, Miss Hermione Granger, friend of House Potter and House Longbottom."
"Really?" the woman asked, looking towards Harry and Neville. Neville stood in the back.
"Madam Bulstrode, we would have her claimed protected, but Madam Longbottom has not confirmed yet if Ms. Granger's parents have consented to a change in magical guardians yet," Neville said. Harry had been aware of that. He knew Amelia wanted her better protected should the Dark Houses become more 'restless' again, since she was the only Muggle-born in the group.
The woman nodded her head. "A nice play, Mr. Longbottom. Thank you, Ms. Granger. You may sit. Mr. Zabini," the Dowager indicated.
"May I present myself as Scion Blaise Zabini, Scion to House Thatcher."
Harry raised an eye at the boy. He acted the most stuck up of all of them, and he didn't even have any other titles?
"Ms. Bulstrode," the woman called out.
"I would like to present myself as Heiress Millicent Bulstrode, of the House of Bulstrode. Heiress-secondary to the House of Mulciber, Baroness of Westford."
"Thank you, Heiress Bulstrode. Ms. Bones?"
"Please allow me to present myself. Heiress Susan Bones, of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones. Baroness of Longcastle and Tyne."
Hannah stood up next. "I would like to present to you, Hannah Abbott, Heiress-secondary to the House of Abbott."
"And you, Mr. Longbottom?"
Neville stood up, standing taller and straighter than normal. "May I present myself, Neville Longbottom, Scion of House Longbottom, Viscount of Longmarche, extant in the British Peerage. As Scion of House Longbottom, I also present myself as Scion of House Titengast."
Harry didn't know the Longbottoms had two votes. He was still learning so much.
Ernie was called next. "I would present myself as Ernest Macmillan, Scion of House and Clan Macmillan."
"And you, Ms. Greengrass," Madam Bulstrode asked of Astoria.
"May I present myself as Astoria Greengrass, Heiress-secondary to the House of Greengrass, Viscountess of Northam and heiress of Clearwell."
As they all talked, Harry was starting to get questions. Hermione looked to be almost bouncing in her seat, obviously wanting her own questions answered.
"Very good, Heiress Clearwell. And you, Ms. Heatherhoc?"
Astoria gave her friend a nod of encouragement. The light brown haired girl stood up, obviously shy. "I would present myself as Ms. Amanda Heatherhoc, protected by House Greengrass."
"Thank you. I can see you have all been properly trained in how to address yourselves and what titles you should have to your names. Now, what does this mean to all of us? If I was to ask who is most senior in this room, what would be the correct response?" Madam Bulstrode looked around until her eye fell on Hannah. "Ms. Abbott?"
"It would be Heiress Greengrass and Scion Longbottom," Hannah answered quickly.
"Why? Ms. Greengrass," she asked towards Daphne.
"My father is a sitting Lord, and Scion Neville's grandmother is a sitting Dowager-Regent of the Wizengamot," Daphne replied.
"Good. Now, what would the correct answer be if we were not concerned with Wizengamot seats? And would the rest of the rankings change? Ms. Granger?"
Hermione looked at the woman for a moment, clearly trying to formulate a response. After a few seconds, she responded, "Based on the titles and what I know of the British Peerage, Harry would be, if he is an Earl. Then, Neville, followed by Daphne and then her sister Astoria. I do not know who would be higher after that."
"Well reasoned, but slightly wrong. The English peerage does play a large importance in most of the noble houses having hereditary seats, but you are not taking into account the age of the Wizarding blood. Also, when we are in these lessons, I would insist you use formal titles. It is training so you do not slip. That goes for all of you," the woman said.
"Now, as for rankings, Scion Potter or Scion Longbottom would be the highest in the room, if not the highest in the Wizarding world. There are very few houses that could claim a direct line to such an old House as the Peverells or Titengasts. I am unsure if the Titengasts are older than the Peverells, so it would be a toss between Scion Potter or Scion Longbottom as being the highest ranking."
"Excuse me, Madam Bulstrode. Madam Longbottom has found evidence the Titengast were formed after the Peverells," Neville spoke up.
"Thank you. So, Scion Potter is of the oldest known blood, so he would sit first. Scion Longbottom behind him. But, not many would know that far back. Even if we did not go so far back, the Potters and Longbottoms are still some of the oldest houses. Greengrass, Abbot, Mulciber, Selwyn and the old Grangers, before they merged with the Dagwoods. They are all part of the Elder Houses. Only twenty-three remain. Ms. Granger, you should verify if you are part of the Grangers or Dagwood-Grangers. Even if you are of a squibline, you can petition to be accepted back into the house, or in the case of the Dagwood-Grangers, claim it, since there is no current heir and Lord Dagworth-Granger is older than I am."
"Looking at the ages of your primary house, Potter would sit before Greengrass, who would sit before Abbott. The Longbottoms and Bones are about a century younger than the Potters or Greengrasses, making them fourth and fifth, respectively, unless Heiress Bulstrode were to also inherit the House of Mulciber, then she would step before Scion Longbottom. But, since she is only Heiress to the Bulstrodes, she is near the bottom of the ranking in this room," Madam Bulstrode instructed.
"The Bulstrodes were only elevated to a hereditary seat about a hundred years ago when my great-grandfather earned an Order of Merlin, First Class. I would recommend you all write this down. There are about two-hundred houses you should at least recognize by the time we finish this summer, and another two-hundred more that have played a large part in our society in the last few hundred years."
They all scrambled for their pens, well except Hermione who was already scribbling away. The Dowager waited for a few minutes before she went on. "So, that leaves Scion Zabini, who is really Scion Thatcher, and Scion Macmillan. The Thatchers are about the same age as the Bulstrodes, but since he only inherited that House through a partial blood adoption of his mother's third husband, he would be considered lower. Scion Macmillan, on the other hand, is a totally different story. The Macmillan's are hundreds of years old. At one time they were head of a powerful clan in the Scottish Highlands. Where many of you here are descended from Royal lines of gifted nobility, Scion Macmillan is a descendent of a king. Clan Chiefs were recognized as Kings. No matter how old anyone else blood is in this room, the name Macmillan should elevate him above even Scion Potter."
She stopped for them all to take notes. Hermione's hand went up. The woman gave an indulgent smile. "Yes, Miss Granger?"
"What do you mean he should be above Scion Potter?"
"Ah, I was not sure if anyone caught that. He should be considered above Scion Potter, once he ascends to Head of his clan, he will be. The issue is, there really isn't a clan Macmillan anymore. Like everyone in this room, you are all the last of your families. Without anyone in his clan, he cannot be clan chief. His title does give him an honorary status though, one that would rank him as high as Scion Potter and Heiresses Greengrass.
Lastly, there is you, Miss Granger, and Miss Heatherhoc. As being claimed 'protected' by your friends, you gain an honorary rank equal to their Houses. This means any insult or injury to you is the same as doing it to the Houses protecting you. It is not a status given lightly. I would work to maintain your friendship. It will get you both far. Now, if you turn your attention to the board, I would go over proper titles and ranking today. When tea time comes around, we will go to the formal tea room down the hall and I will instruct you on proper manners, both being Scions or Heiresses, as well as when you ascend to your Regency or higher," Madam Bulstrode directed their attention towards the chalkboard as it silently started to write notes.
By the time they were all leaving late in the afternoon, Harry gave out a sigh. "You have been doing this for years?" he asked Daphne as others packed up their notes or talked.
"My first formal lessons were from the time I was eight. This was more of a review. You did well. We may have to help Hermione though. She is too curious and moved more than you do when she wants an answer."
Harry chuckled. "That is Hermione. Thank you for inviting her."
Daphne dipped her head. "I had mentioned to mother about our tutors for our school subjects on Wednesdays. I did not know she would invite her to this."
The same bushy haired girl they had been talking about came over. The light in her eyes screamed her interest in everything they had done today. "I had no idea you two were both of the British Peerage. Did you know before today, Harry?"
He shrugged. "Amelia was describing all this to me this past week. I am not a Lord in the House of Lords. My family titles are like Ernie's. I don't have a title outside the Wizarding World."
"The same with my Viscountess title," Daphne told her.
"This is still very interesting. Does this mean you have three votes, Harry?"
"Yeah," he replied.
"Hermione, we told your parents you will be back before five," Lady Greengrass called to her.
"Yes, Lady Greengrass. I'll see you Wednesday morning," she said excitedly before almost bouncing away.
Daphne smiled at the retreating girl. "She really likes to learn anything she can, doesn't she?"
"You have no idea," Harry agreed.
"Come on, Harry. Auntie will expect us to be home for dinner," Susan said, walking over to them with Hannah.
"I was hoping you may stay for dinner here, Harry," Daphne asked a little shyly. "Mother already approved."
Harry liked it. "Susan, do you think Amelia would mind?"
The friends gave them a knowing look. "I don't think so. Our Aurors should be switching out soon."
"I will let our elves know," Daphne assured Susan.
Soon they followed everyone out to the atrium, and it was just Daphne and him left. "Mother should be back shortly. Would you like to go play cards for a little bit? Supper isn't usually ready until six-thirty."
"Can we go flying? My mind feels like it wants to burst."
"After dinner. Mother won't be happy if our clothes are all mussed for dinner," she told him.
"Sure, then. Cards sounds good."
An hour later Astoria found them laughing and Harry accusing Daphne of cheating as she put down another match of four aces in gin rummy.
"I do not cheat," Daphne scoffed.
"You do to," Harry accused in a lighthearted way. "Let me see your cards."
"No," she said and laughed as he tried to grab them. "Harry! No!"
He moved to put a hand on the table and reached for her cards as she pulled them back to her chest.
"There is no way you had all four aces. I still have one in my hand," he retorted.
Daphne screamed as she tried to duck his reach. It was a scream of delight as she managed to not get caught.
Someone laughed from nearby and Harry froze while Daphne ducked and stood up, taking a few steps back. There was a broad smile on her face. "Are you using that trick deck father always hides in the cupboard?" Astoria asked.
Harry pointed a hand at Daphne. "I knew it," he yelled.
Daphne stuck her nose up. "I was perfectly honest it was jokers wild," she stated in an affected way.
"Wait! The Jokers change card type," he asked surprised, though he probably shouldn't have been.
"How else do you play a wild card?" Astoria questioned.
Harry scrunched his face and sat down. "You didn't tell me that the wild cards change like that."
Daphne sobered somewhat. "I thought you knew," she put to him.
"Obviously not. The only magical cards I have played with are snap cards," he replied before huffing, "You going to sit down and finish this game?"
Astoria looked at him. "You really didn't know they could do that?"
Daphne let out a breath before moving back to her chair. "Harry is Muggle-raised, Tori. I didn't realize you didn't know. Would you like to start again?"
Before he could answer a man's voice came to them. "What is going on in here? It sounded like someone was being mugged."
Harry looked a little abashed. Daphne tried to look innocent while Astoria laughed. "Harry was just trying to tackle Daphne."
"I was not," he shot back before backing away a little when Lord Greengrass rose an eyebrow.
"Harry did not try to 'tackle' me. He was trying to see the cards in my hand not knowing that any card declared a wild card could change type and suit," Daphne said with a pointed look at her sister.
"I see. Dinner will be ready shortly. Perhaps you should clean all this up and wash up before dinner. Are you staying tonight, Harry?" Lord Greengrass enquired.
"Yes, sir. Lady Greengrass said I was invited," Harry confirmed.
The man nodded. "You are always welcome. Allies should have strong ties."
"Harry has said I am invited over Friday night for dinner and to stay for some games. May I go?" Daphne asked.
The man nodded. "That is fine. I'll make sure to warn Amelia to expect a rowdy time."
"Father!" Daphne scoffed while Astoria laughed. "I am a perfect guest!"
Her father chuckled. "I am sure you are, but I know how competitive you are as well. Get along. There is a bathroom just down the hall if you need it, Harry."
"Thank you, sir."
The man walked out and Astoria stayed, bouncing on her feet. "Go get ready," Daphne ordered her sister.
"Why? So you and Harry can kiss?" Astoria said with mirth in her eyes and an evil grin.
Daphne gave her a death glare. "No, not so Harry and I can kiss! We need to put this away and then I will show him where the bathroom is, thank you very much."
Astoria giggled as her eyes moved to him. "Harry may have other ideas. See ya…" Astoria said sweetly as she turned and skipped away.
"I swear..." Daphne muttered something that sounded like 'twelve-year old minx'.
Harry felt himself a little flush and looked at the dark-haired girl across from him. After a moment she turned back to him, anger still on her face before she looked at him. Her eyes took in his face before some colour crept onto her own.
"So, uhm... I know where the bathroom is. I can clean up and meet you in the dining room," Harry told her.
"That... might be best," she responded before standing. They shared a look before she beat a hasty retreat.
"God," he muttered to himself.
When they sat, Harry held her chair out before he sat. Neither of them were looking at each other as Lord and Lady Greengrass shared a few comments about their day. Astoria kept smirking at them whenever she would catch one of them looking at her. He thought Susan was annoying at times, the smaller dark-haired girl across from them was quickly getting to be worse.
"How was Madam Bulstrode today?" Lord Greengrass asked towards them.
"The usual, Father. She went over House ranking and High tea," Daphne responded for them.
"Did you know Harry was Scion to an Elder house?" Astoria asked.
"The Peverells, if I remember?" their father commented as though it was nothing big.
"Yes, sir," Harry replied.
"He is also an Earl. Not even most of the Wizengamot can claim that," she added.
"We know, Astoria," their mother replied, eyeing her daughter. "What is your point besides trying to annoy Scion Potter?"
Astoria shrugged. "None really. It would just mean Daphne would become a Earless if they were to marry like I've..."
Harry had started to drink his milk before inhaling it. He spluttered it out and started to cough. It sprayed across the table and Astoria let out a small scream of surprise and then started to complain about how disgusting it was.
Harry had to lean over as he just about choked as the milk had gone down the wrong pipe and Daphne was quickly patting his back and offering a napkin. By the time he sat back up, Astoria was gone, as was Lady Greengrass. Lord Greengrass was eating his meal. "You have a way to clear a table," the man commented before laughing at Harry's stricken face.
"I didn't mean too. It was... a surprise."
The man chuckled again. "For more than just you. Do you need to clean up?"
"I'm fine," he muttered, his voice sounding strained.
Daphne looked at him. "You aren't going to die?"
He coughed again, sounding like he was hacking up half a lung. "Think I'll make it," his voice was watery.
"Good. I am unsure Astoria will," she said angrily.
"I think she is going to be in enough trouble. Let your mother handle it," Lord Greengrass ordered.
Daphne pursed her lips. "Yes, father."
"Now, I heard you and Daphne were flying in the back field last week?" he enquired.
Harry coughed again. Daphne answered for him. "Yes, father. He was showing me some of the things he does for practice."
Lord Greengrass raised an eyebrow towards her. "Really? Is my daughter a competent flyer?"
"Yes. I think she is better than she lets on," he said, having mentioned that to her last week.
She wiped off some milk that had got onto her robes. He felt guilty about that. "I like to fly, but it is not becoming of an Heiress of my stature to do so."
"Maybe not," her father agreed, "but that does not mean you should not know how, or enjoy it in your free time. Perhaps if Harry helps you more, you can help him with those dance lessons your mother has been talking about?"
Harry looked towards Daphne. "Dance lessons?"
She looked back at him. "As part of our tutoring, we should all know how to dance. Mother suggested I ask you if you would like some private lessons, with me?"
"I really don't know how," he replied.
"I can teach you," she offered.
"Thank you," he replied.
A downtrodden Astoria came back with Lady Greengrass. By now, their elves had very quietly taken all the affected food and dishes away and replaced them. When Astoria sat, she caught his attention. "I would like to apologize for my rude behavior, Scion Potter."
He was about to wave it off, not wanting to bring attention to it, but he had a feeling this was one of those times to be a Scion of House Potter. "Thank you, Ms. Greengrass. I apologize as well."
Lord Greengrass nodded his head as though that was the end of it. "Daphne and Harry have agreed to start their dance lessons. When were you planning on scheduling that?" he asked towards his wife.
The woman looked at them for a moment. "You can start tonight, if you can stay?"
"Yes, ma'am," he replied. Amelia wouldn't have any issue if he stayed a little later. Not if it was for lessons.
His Auror guard had stayed out of everything, politely standing guard outside the dining room. Harry was grateful he did the same when Lady Greengrass took them to a small ball room and started him on his lessons.
Harry tried not to concentrate on how much he liked the feel of Daphne's hand in his or his hand on her waist as he tried to follow directions. He felt it was mostly a success when he only stepped on her feet twice. Luckily many witches wore boots for normal day wear.