Chapter 13: Return to Hogwarts
AN: Sorry for the late update. I sometimes get plots in my head and I start to think about them and write the beginnings of the stories that contain them.
After the members of the Order of the Phoenix left, or at least those Harry let in on the secret, he saw a bunch of angry Weasleys, an interested godfather, and a werewolf determined to see what was going on.
"Harry James Potter, what do you mean running off with a scarlet woman this summer," Molly demanded to know, her hands on her hips. A younger clone of Molly did the same thing, with fire in her eyes as she glared at Harry.
Harry shook his head and spoke.
"Mrs. Weasley, you have crossed the line I warned you not to cross," Harry said, coolly. "I,…"
"Harry, no," Daphne said, placing her hand on his lips to stop him. "You don't want to do this."
"Why not? I warned her not to," Harry said, looking at Daphne.
"Because it will make certain things difficult for you later on," Daphne said. "And we don't want difficult right now in a time of war. You don't want to spend a week on the sofa, do you?"
Harry paused and nodded. Daphne could be very convincing when she wanted to.
"Daphne, for you," Harry said, smiling at his beautiful bride. He turned to Mrs. Weasley. "You can thank Daphne for keeping me from removing you from the list of friends of the House of Potter,' Harry said. "I would like for you to not comment on things you do not understand," Harry added.
"But she's a Slytherin Slut," Ron said, for his mother.
Harry turned his ire onto his fellow Gryffindor.
"Think with your brain, Ron, not your inbred prejudices against Slytherins. A person's house at Hogwarts doesn't tell you anything. There are people who hide their abilities and so forth in every house and would be considered Slytherin if the sorting hat were to sort them today.
"With your prejudices and your ambitions to have everything handed to you, I'm surprised you weren't placed in Slytherin, because you are just like Draco Malfoy."
"I'M NOT A STINKING SLYTHERIN! AND I AM NOTHING LIKE BLOOD DRACO MALFOY!"
Harry shook his head and turned to Mr. Weasley.
"Mr. Weasley, if you don't mind my interference, I would suggest that you send your youngest son to his room until he can think about his prejudices. I know you tried to teach him better, but some things are just too hard for him to understand."
"I understand, Harry," Arthur said. "Ronald, you are to go up to your room and remain there until you are awakened to prepare for school. I also suggest that you take the time to pack your trunk so we can get an early start to Hogwarts in the morning."
"But Dad…"
"I said go," Arthur said. "Molly, you should go help Ginny with her packing as well. Harry is right. I don't know where you and Ronald get your prejudices from, but I am going to stop it. You represent the Weasleys, who profess to be better than those who hate non-magical people and those who don't have a long lineage of magic users. I cannot have your prejudices against certain people due to superficial titles harm our good name."
Molly and Ron looked shocked at Arthur's commanding words, and Ginny looked as if she was going to protest her father's unfair treatment of her because of Harry.
"Ginevra," Arthur said, heading off his fiery tempered daughter. "I want you to go to your room to pack before you can get in trouble as well. I think there are a few discussions that Sirius will need to have with his Godson about certain issues as well."
Harry nodded, accepting it. It was Mr. Weasley's way of rebuking Harry about his arguments with his wife. Sirius also accepted it, knowing that Harry was in the right, but he would warn Harry against antagonizing the Weasleys, as they were allies, and one didn't needlessly antagonize their allies.
"Harry, if you'll come up to my study? Miss Greengrass, I'm sure that Fleur will escort you to your room while I talk with your betrothed."
Daphne nodded. She knew what this was, and she accepted it. Her parents would be doing a similar thing to her right now, and she accepted it as it was.
"Come Daphne," Fleur said, taking Daphne by the elbow. "Let's go and have a woman-to-woman chat."
Harry followed Sirius into the Black Family Master's Study. Sirius shut the door, and turned to face Harry.
"Harry, I know you are right in this case, but do you need to antagonize Mrs. Weasley and Ron?"
"I'm sorry, Sirius, but I can't help it. They just rubbed me the wrong way, and I tend to jump up in the defense of those I care about."
Sirius paused a moment and looked at his godson. He smiled slightly, as he could see that Harry was the mixture of Lily and James.
"I know what that's like, Harry. Take it from one who knows. Doing that can lead you to a lot of trouble. Look at me. I wanted to get revenge for what happened to you and it cost me eleven years in Azkaban. I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did."
"I know," Harry said, softly. "I'll try to do better."
"I know you can do better, Harry," Sirius said. "You did a great job this summer with things. Another thing, I am surprised you told everything about your summer. I'm sure telling them that you trained was sufficient enough for now. And telling them of your relationships was fine. I am questioning why you told them everything, such as your training and using a time turner. Some people may take it as evidence you did something illegal and should get in trouble for."
"I know. I just can't help myself sometimes, and I'm used to telling Hermione just about everything," Harry said. "I let my Gryffindor side overrule my Slytherin side again."
"That happens to all of us," Sirius said, with an amused chuckle, as he walked over to a cabinet. He opened it and pulled out two tumblers and a bottle of an amber colored liquid. He poured two glasses. "Here."
Harry took it and took a sip.
"Rosmerta's Finest," Sirius said, holding it up to the light. "Molly wouldn't agree with me, but I know you have lived long enough to handle it properly. And with your life, I'm sure you need it every now and then."
Harry took a sip and thought for a few minutes. He cursed himself for not thinking things through. Daphne was sure to let him have it when they were in private. And he was sure Fleur will be disappointed.
"Damn," Harry said.
"What is it, Harry?"
"Daphne and Fleur will take me to task about revealing a large number of my secrets, even if we did get a magical oath of sorts from them."
"Yes, I agree," Sirius said. "Daphne looks like she's a great influence on you. She'll help you think things through. I know that I suffer from the same thing every now and then. It's very dangerous in times like this. Look what happened when I let my sense of revenge get ahead of my planning and upbringing? After that, I don't think I'll ever let myself go that far again without thinking through some plan."
"I guess I should take similar measures myself," Harry said. "And Daphne will have a good way to help me learn quickly."
"Yeah. James didn't like sleeping on the sofa either."
Harry smiled.
"I guess he would know about that."
"Yup," Sirius said. "And I helped him earn it too."
Harry chuckled.
"How did you help him earn it?"
"We still performed a lot of mischief after we graduated Hogwarts," Sirius said. "We tried to prank everyone at Order meetings and Lily was not happy with that. And she wasn't happy with the way we also went out to a bar sometimes in the evenings before returning home after a mission, leaving Lily worried about us. Those were the worst nights, and she would make him sleep on the sofa and refuse to make him a hangover potion."
"Mum made the hangover potions?"
"Our potions skills were useful for pranks, and hangover potions, but only when we were sober," Sirius said. "We tried to keep the potion handy, but it has a short shelf-life and we weren't always able to keep it. Lily would find it and thrown out the old doses because it is dangerous to use an old potion. Sometimes, she would make us hangover potions, but make us suffer through breakfast and getting ready for a day. But she would always provide it to us if we had a dangerous mission that we had to go on, or something like a Death Eater attack came up.
"The only other time that she provided it was when she was pregnant with you and on their wedding day. She wanted James and I sober at all times, and Remus had a hard time keeping us that way."
"What about Pettigrew?"
"Let's not talk about that traitor, Harry," Sirius said, frowning. "I don't like to think about him, nor do I like to think about how I spent about a third of my life in Azkaban because of him."
"I understand," Harry said.
"I know you do," Sirius said. "Now, you should get up to your room and find your lovely ladies. I'm sure they will be talking to you as well."
Harry nodded and left to find his room. He found it and knocked on the door. Daphne opened the door.
"We have to talk," She said, giving him a pointed look.
The next morning, Harry awoke from the sofa. Daphne and Fleur had made him sleep on the sofa because of his actions the night before. The least of which were his arguments with the Weasleys. Daphne was most upset that some of their secrets had been revealed, and she, as a Slytherin, and as a smart person, knew that it was best to keep a lot of things secret. With Harry revealing a lot of things, even to allies, it could get around to Voldemort eventually, even with the precaution of a secrecy charm or oath.
A properly chastised Harry kissed Daphne and Fleur good morning before getting in the shower. When he got out, Daphne was brushing her hair. He walked over to her, after he was dressed, and took the brush from her hands. Daphne let him, and she closed her eyes as he brushed her hair. After all, they had an hour before breakfast, and Daphne loved letting Harry play with her hair. It also let her apply a little make-up while he brushed her hair, shortening the time it took her to get ready.
At breakfast, the youngest Weasleys and their mother ignored Harry, Daphne, and Fleur. Harry thought that was a fine idea right now, as he wasn't in the mood to deal with them. Sirius, who finished breakfast as Harry was starting, stood.
"Harry, I wish I could see you off, but I have a meeting with Amelia to prepare for. I hope you have a good trip."
"Thanks, Sirius," Harry said.
"Oh and Harry, be prepared for something to happen today. We have heard several reports that something will happen soon."
Harry nodded, knowing that this was the most Sirius could legally tell him. But Harry had prepared already for an attack today on the Hogwarts Express at some point. It would be like Voldemort, but then again, he knew the Ministry would prepare for such an event.
What worried Harry more was that the Death Eaters would attack somewhere the Aurors weren't prepared to defend, such as the Ministry of Magic, or Diagon Alley.
"Sirius?"
"Let's just say Voldemort is more likely to attack the Ministry or Diagon Alley."
"We have the major targets covered, Harry," Sirius said. "We have teams out there all the time and we have several strike teams available to reinforce the areas of an attack. That's all I can say."
"And that's all you'd better say, Black," Moody said. "You can tell Potter this because it is public knowledge. Remember, Potter, Constant Vigilance."
"Yes sir," Harry replied.
After Ron and the Twins packed at the last minute, leaving the others rolling their eyes, Harry created the portkey that would take them to Kings Cross. Thankfully, he knew this was legal since he had arranged for the goblins to purchase him a portkey permit from the Ministry, at the price of ten thousand galleons for a lifetime license for personal use only.
He held out the rope to everyone to grab hold of, and Remus, who was their escort, along with Arthur and Molly, nodded.
"Let's go," Remus instructed. "If you don't have everything, we can owl it to you if you need it for school."
Ron touched his finger to the portkey as it activated. They landed in the designated portkey location, and Aurors were there, ready for action. Two of the Aurors examined the newcomers, with one of them nodded at Harry and Remus.
"I forgot my homework," Ron said.
"I will owl it to you dear," Molly said. "We have to get you on the train."
"But Mum…."
"Ronald, you were told to pack last night."
"I had to finish my homework last night," he mumbled, and Molly gave him an exasperated look.
"Harry, did you complete your homework?"
"Hermione," Daphne said, with a smile. "I made sure he had it done so we could play."
Hermione blushed lightly when she realized what she was talking about.
"Fleur, are you going to ride the Express?"
"Non," the French Witch said. "The Headmistress provided me a portkey to get to Hogwarts. I have to be there for the staff meeting."
"We'll see you tonight, then," Harry said to Fleur, giving her a hug. She hugged him back, and then hugged Daphne and Hermione. The Veela ignored the Weasleys, except for a polite word or two. After Fleur left, Ron looked jealously at Harry, and Harry sighed. This would be a long train ride with a jealous Ron Weasley. At least they had their prefect's meeting.
"Harry, we have our meeting soon," Hermione said.
"I know, Hermione," Harry said. "Daphne?"
"I'm with you, dear future husband," Daphne said, not caring who heard it. Their relationship would be public sooner rather than later, so they had decided not to hide it. After all, Daphne proudly wore an engagement ring on her left hand and the Potter Concubine Choker around her neck. Even her parents would be satisfied with this arrangement had they been alive.
Daphne took Harry's arm, and that got a lot of attention, as well as a photograph from a Daily Prophet reporter covering the departure of the Hogwarts Express for a chance to snap photographs of the Boy-Who-Lived.
For Harry, the prefect meeting went well. Due to an order from the Headmistress, the students would patrol in groups of three to make things safer for the prefects in these dangerous times. Daphne, Hermione, and Harry would patrol together, making it an enjoyable patrol schedule for Harry. They had three, hour-long patrols each week, as there were eight patrol teams.
After the meeting, Harry, Daphne, and Hermione returned to the last car to start their patrol of the train, as they had the first hour of the trip after the meeting. It was quite an easy task, Harry found, with the biggest problems facing them at the moment was first years trying to perform magic, and a few scuffles.
With Harry's presence, many of the scuffles seemed to stop, as people seemed to respect his magical abilities after his win in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and his escape from Voldemort and his Inner Circle Death Eaters. Those that didn't stop were quickly stopped with the judicious use of petrifying spells. Those were among the few spells they could use to stop a fight if words wouldn't do.
Each student who was in a scuffle that wouldn't stop had their names and house written down on a charmed notebook that each patrol team had to keep up with and sign. They had to keep up with the incidents during their patrols, or even when they weren't scheduled to patrol, as well as the punishment they gave. Each prefect had to sign it to attest to the veracity of the information.
At Hogwarts, Harry was glad to get there. He had to deal with a petulant Draco Malfoy, who had been refused the prefect position because of his propensity to cause problems. Draco, who hated that Harry and Hermione were prefects when he wasn't, tried to goad Harry into a fight. Harry ignored it, knowing Daphne would punish him for it in her own way.
Ron, on the other hand, got in a fist fight with Draco and his goons, forcing several prefects to break it up with magic. All four were dutifully recorded on the patrol logs of several prefects, and that would mean they would be given a detention and lose points for fighting since the rides on the Hogwarts Express was considered part of the school year as far as punishments were concerned. However, prefects could not remove points until after the Opening Feast. Only the Headmistress or a Head of House could do that.
"What is it with Weasley and Malfoy," Harry asked Daphne, as they rode to the school in a carriage. "They act like spoiled children."
"That's because they are spoiled children," Daphne said, in her characteristic, sarcastic tone. "Both expect to be handed things for various reasons. For Weasley, it's because he's Ronald Bilius Weasley. For Malfoy, it's because he's a Malfoy."
"Stupid reasons to act like children," Hermione muttered. "And people wonder why they don't have many true friends."
"Weasley only befriended Harry because he is famous and wealthy," Daphne said. "And he did try to keep others from speaking with you and taking up what he considered his rightful place by your side."
"I never knew that," Harry said.
"That's because you didn't see anything beyond your immediate circle," Daphne said. "I don't fault you for that with your upbringing, but you should have paid attention to what was going on around you."
"But I did find out from Neville that Ron did bully others when we weren't around," Hermione said. "I shudder to think about what he would do if he were named a prefect or Quidditch Captain. He would abuse the authority to do things he wanted to do, and nothing more and nothing less. His patrol partners would do a lot of the work."
"Then it's a good thing he isn't a prefect," Neville Longbottom said, as he spoke for the first time. "He would abuse it, Harry, and I did catch him telling people that you hated Slytherins or people Ron didn't like so you wouldn't get contacted by them."
Harry shook his head.
"Then I'm glad I don't consider him a friend anymore," Harry said. "He's too childish for me and doesn't want to grow up."
"That's strange coming from Gryffindor's Golden Boy," Daphne drawled.
Harry smirked.
"And Slytherin's Ice Princess knows about friendship," Harry asked, in a playful tone.
"Watch it, Mister," Daphne said. "Or you'll be sleeping on the sofa tonight."
Neville didn't say a word, as he saw the engagement ring and the choker. He was well educated in pureblood social customs and knew that Daphne could legally use the name Greengrass-Potter as long as she was his concubine. And she would change her name to Potter when they wed.
"Harry, do you care to tell me how you and Daphne got together?"
"The short story is that we both needed a vacation from England and wanted to train to prepare for the fight," Harry said, with Daphne nodding her head in agreement. "The long story is a bit more complicated, and I don't think we should get into it for various reasons."
"I understand," Neville said. "I don't want to know the details. I was just curious how you two started to date when Ron wouldn't like it."
"Let's leave Ron out of this," Harry said.
The opening feast was like usual, and, after the announcements by McGonagall, Harry and Hermione stood to herd the first years to Gryffindor Tower.
"First Year Lions over here," Harry said, in a loud voice.
Hermione smirked and copied Harry's call, as the fifth year prefects always had to escort the first years to the tower and tell them the password. It was a tradition older than the combined ages of everyone at the school, dating back to the time of the Founding.
Once they had all of them, Harry spoke.
"Please pay attention to the route we take," Harry said. "It will help you tomorrow when its time for breakfast."
"And we will give you hand drawn maps that show the best ways to get to each classroom, the library, the common room, and the Great Hall," Hermione said. "But you have to remember the stair cases, and we have included a list of tricks that are commonly seen on the paths you should take."
Harry smirked at Hermione, who he knew would be thorough in helping the first years.
After they got to Gryffindor Tower, Harry stopped in front of the Fat Lady.
"This is the Gryffindor Portrait Guardian," Harry said. "We affectionately call her…"
"The Fat Lady," The portrait said, primly. "It's nice to meet you. Mr. Potter, do you have the password?"
"The current password, which will change at least once a week, is Unity," Harry said. "Remember this, and don't write it down. It is against the rules to tell your friends from other houses the password to the Common Room. But I do encourage you to have friends from other houses."
The portrait had swung open at Harry saying the password. The first years entered and saw the common room for the first time.
"Boys are on the right and girls are on the left," Hermione said.
"Boys cannot get into the girl dormitories. If you try, let's just say that everyone in the tower will know."
"What will happen?"
"What's your name," Hermione asked.
"Blake," the boy said.
"Walk up the stairs and find out," Hermione said, smirking.
The boy walked up the stairs, which turned into a slide and a gong sounded.
"That will happen," Harry said. "And you will have a lot of angry upper years if you wake them up."
"And Harry is not a person you want to have without his morning tea," Hermione teased.
Harry saw McGonagall smiling at them as Hermione helped Blake up from the floor.
"What's going on here?"
"Just a warning not to go up the wrong staircase, Professor," Harry said.
"Good," McGonagall said. "The same thing will happen if a girl tries to go up the boys staircase this year. Mr. Potter, I would like to show you to your rooms."
"Hermione, can you handle it from here?"
"I'll pass out the maps and hints," Hermione said, pointing to a stack of parchment. McGonagall smiled as she knew that these two prefects would be thorough. "Have a good evening," Hermione said to Harry, and the Headmistress.
"You too, Hermione."
"The same, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "Mr. Potter, you are aware that I will need you to spend time in your common room, aren't you?"
"Yes Professor. Hermione already talked to me about it, and we're going to discuss having a prefect who is not patrolling in the common room at all times to help the first years with questions for the first week or so."
"Good," McGonagall said, with a smile. "If you'll follow me, Mr. Potter, we will speak in my office."
Harry nodded, wondering if this was more about what McGonagall had told him the evening before.
"What do you think of the train ride? I saw in my book where you had to stop several scuffles, especially Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy."
"I think it was decent, Professor," Harry said. "Ron and Draco will be a problem this year. Ron will be jealous of me, and I am afraid he will argue more with me and Hermione. And Draco, I'm sure that part of it is because his father was killed earlier this summer attacking my relatives. He will take it out on me and anyone else he can think of. I also fear that this will lead him to taking the Dark Mark."
"I am afraid of that as well, Mr. Potter. I want you to know that anyone with the Dark Mark will be expelled and turned over to the DMLE for interrogation. We are going to take no chances with security this year. Albus would have allowed them to remain thinking he could redeem them. Personally, I don't trust them and I don't want to allow them the chance to harm any of the students. My job is to protect the students, not allow a Death Eater to redeem himself or herself."
"I understand, Professor. I will let you know anything I hear."
"I would appreciate that, Mr. Potter. For all of the portraits and elves that report to me, there is a chance that I won't be able to understand everything. And without your betrothed in Slytherin, I have lost a source there as well."
"Daphne reported to you?"
"Yes," McGonagall said. "She did it because she felt it was the right thing to do, and she knew that it would help slow down problems if I could do something about them. But with Severus and Albus, I was unable to do anything to prevent any problems. We don't have them here to gum up my plans to secure the school."
"Yes Professor," Harry said. "I know what they did. Speaking of Dumbledore, how is he doing?"
"Not well, I'm afraid," McGonagall said. "The Healers don't think he will survive through December. I hate to think that such a great man is reduced to this."
"We all make mistakes, and his were greater," Harry said, in a somber tone. He may not have liked what the man had done in his life, but he respected him for his previous accomplishments and sheer magical abilities. "And our society believed he was infallible for decades. For that reason, if I defeat Voldemort, I want to be a behind the scenes person, putting out my support to the causes that need it, but leaving the day-to-day work to others. I don't have a desire to work in politics, but I know it will be a part of my life."
"It will, Mr. Potter."
They reached the gargoyle and McGonagall gave the password. "Wronsky Feint," she said, and the Gargoyle opened. Harry smiled at the password.
"Please, after you, Professor."
McGonagall smiled and led the way up to the office. She opened the door and Aberforth Dumbledore was there.
"I've closed the bar early tonight for an hour or so," he said.
"Thank you for coming, Aberforth," Minerva said. "Mr. Potter, this is Aberforth Dumbledore, the Barkeeper at the Hogshead and Albus' brother."
"It's nice to meet you, sir," Harry said, holding out his hand. The bearded man shook it.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Potter. You sure do have the spirit of your mother in you. She was quite mischievous when she put her mind to it."
Harry smiled. He was compared to his father more than his mother, and this was a welcome change.
"Please, have a seat," McGonagall said, waving her hand. "We have several things to discuss."
"Mr. Potter," Aberforth began. "Minerva has told me that you have been informed of your training schedule."
"Yes sir," Harry said. "I am to take non-spell classes and will have my spell classes taught by others."
"Indeed you will. I will be teaching you twice a week in the mornings when the bar isn't so busy. Filius and Minerva will also teach you, or at least give you guidance as to what to learn since I have heard you studied a bit over the summer."
Harry nodded.
"I did train a bit over the summer, sir."
"I hope you enjoyed it, Mr. Potter. After all, you now have two concubines to support, and a soon-to-be-wife. That will greatly restrict your freedom."
"But it's a good way," Harry said, smiling wistfully. "Daphne and Fleur are good for me, and I think I agree with the family life."
Aberforth gave a hearty chuckle.
"I'm not surprised at all," he said. "With the way you were raised, I am happy you want nothing more than to have a family, even in these times."
"We are not here to socialize," Minerva said. "It is getting late, and we all have things to do."
"Mr. Potter, these things are what my brother wanted you to have. I have added a few of his books that I want you to have to study by."
"I don't know what to say, sir. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Mr. Potter. I do know that my brother left copies of several memories he wanted to go over with you at a later date. I do not know what the contents are, but I am sure they will pertain to this Dark Lord we're facing.
"The books that you have include Albus' notebook on the war, and my personal notebook. My notebook is my recollection and beliefs about the identities of Death Eaters and their tactics. I have a copy of this book I keep up to date at my place, and when I add something, it will be added to yours. This is also a direct link to the intelligence I gather from listening to patrons.
"It's quite amazing to find out what people will say when they think I'm a shady barkeeper."
Harry smiled.
"I really appreciate it. Does Sirius know about this?"
"Alastor Moody has the other copy," Aberforth said. "He adds in his own intelligence, when he can do so without breaking Ministry oaths or laws. And I should think that you would do the same. All three are linked, and when one is updated, the cover will show a phoenix visible only to you.
"If you'll allow me to show you how to key it to you, we will continue our business and you can join your lovely ladies for a nightcap."
Harry smiled and then Aberforth helped him secure the notebook.
An hour later, Harry was in his new quarters, with Daphne and Fleur waiting on him wearing nothing but silk lingerie. Harry placed his new things on the table and, with a wave of his wand, was as naked as the day he was born.
Chapter 14: Oh Bloody Night
AN: Thank you for all of you who read the story and those who have reviewed.
While Harry was enjoying a night with his lovely ladies, Ginny Weasley was lying thoughtful in her bed. She knew that she wanted Harry, but to get him, she had to get him away from those two sluts. However, with the warning her father gave her, and the talk her mother gave her, she knew that she wouldn't have an easy time of it.
As she thought about it, Ginny started to cry. She realized that she couldn't live her dream of marrying the Boy-Who-Lived. Even if he did marry her because of some potion, she would suffer because she could be charged with line theft if it ever came to light. And with a betrothed and a concubine, the best Ginny could hope for was concubine status.
After her tears dried up, she decided that she would try to become one of Harry's concubines, even if she had to act like a scarlet woman to seduce Harry into signing a concubine contract with her. But first, she had to make him want her, and the best way for that was to date someone and let him catch her in compromising positions without any clothes on.
Ginny fell asleep with a large grin on her face. She knew the perfect person to help her, and he would not balk at her offer of sleeping with him.
Sirius Black was concerned about how things were going. He knew that Molly and Ginny wouldn't give up easily, as the Weasley women were nothing but passionate about getting things to go their way. He worried about how Ginny would attempt to get Harry away from his two women. Sirius wouldn't want to ruin the Weasley name by arresting young Ginny on charges of using a love potion and line theft, which was the usual charge if the Ministry determined it was done for nefarious purposes.
If Ginny used love potions, nothing stopped him or Daphne from bringing all of their power and the law to bear on the youngest Weasley. And it would fracture the light side at a bad time in this conflict.
Sirius sighed as he realized that he had to prevent this.
With that thought in mind, Sirius went to speak with Arthur about his concerns. Arthur would be able to use his patriarchal power for the Weasleys to somewhat control his wife and daughter. And Sirius was sure that Arthur would want to prevent this major problem. After all, losing the trust of the Potters would be a major blow against the Weasley Family as a whole.
The first day of classes back at Hogwarts was quite interesting for Harry. He had the specially scheduled classes, and the other students were somewhat surprised he was getting to have guided lessons with professors on an individual basis versus sitting in class and doing homework.
Ron was quite jealous again, and Harry knew he had to find a way to stop that, but that would be a hard job.
"How was your first lesson, Harry," Daphne asked.
"It was very good," Harry said. "Aberforth knows what he's talking about."
"What did you study?"
"We actually discussed where I was in my training with the Headmistress so we could prepare the lessons," Harry said.
"Did you tell him the truth?"
"I felt that it would be wise to do so for him and McGonagall. I can trust them."
"I hope so, Harry," Daphne said. "Weasley was not happy that you missed Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"It's not my fault, Daphne."
"Maybe it is," Daphne said. "You were the one who went to train over the summer."
"I agree with her, Harry," Hermione said, piping up. "And there were quite a few questions about you missing Defense Against the Dark Arts since it's your best class."
"If it's my best class, then people shouldn't be surprised," Harry said.
"Some thought you were kicked out of the class," Hermione corrected.
"I see what you mean now," Harry said. "I can promise you that there will be an announcement made this week about a study group."
"What kind of study group?"
"Professor McGonagall asked me to be the student leader of the group. Professor Vance and Professor Flitwick have agreed to be the faculty sponsors, but they wanted a student leader. So they came to me."
"I see," Daphne said. "And is it open to all students?"
"Fifth year and above to limit the number of students," Harry said. "But that's all I will say about it until I know more."
"Are you planning the lessons?"
"It's a student-run group, Hermione," Harry said. "And that's it."
Hermione smiled.
"I know you'll do a good job, Harry. If you need help preparing lesson plans, let me know."
"I will," Harry said. "But for now, I don't need any help. Professor Vance and Professor Flitwick are meeting with me this evening to discuss how to go about this. And this is a requirement to allow me to miss the OWL Defense Against the Dark Arts Class. I felt it was a reasonable request after they're allowing me to have individual lessons."
"Why are you getting those lessons, Harry," Neville asked. "Is it because the press is calling you the Chosen One?"
"Voldemort has a habit of attacking me," Harry said. "So they decided it was better to prepare me for the eventual attacks again."
"Why does he attack you so much?"
"Dark Lords don't like reminders of their failures around," Harry said. "So I'm sure that is the major reason he continues to attack me."
Daphne nodded. She knew the truth.
"But why did he attack you in the first place?"
"My parents defied him several times," Harry said. "And they helped take out nearly two dozen Death Eaters between the time they graduated Hogwarts and when my mum got pregnant with me. I think your parents were the same, Neville."
The pudgy boy nodded his agreement.
"I know. Gran has told me all about them," he said. "But she wants me to be as good as they are."
"Neville, you can do great work. You've just had a hard time with bullies and believing in yourself," Hermione said, smiling at her friend. "If you want help, just let me know. I'll be glad to help you study for the OWLs this year."
"Thanks, Hermione. If you don't mind, I would like to study, especially potions," he said.
"We can arrange the schedule, Neville," Hermione said, giving him a smile.
Harry and Daphne shared a look. They recognized the look on Neville's face, as well as Hermione's. Neville and Hermione was an unlikely couple, but it seemed like they liked each other somewhat and could be a great couple if they worked out in the long run.
Harry hoped that his friends would start to come out of their shell even more. Neville needed a lot of help because he was often bullied by people like Snape and Malfoy. With Snape gone, Neville would have a chance of showing more of the man he could become. And Harry made a decision that he would do his best to help that.
"We wouldn't mind joining your study group either, Hermione," Daphne said, with a smile, understanding her husband's thoughts. "I know Harry can use the help in potions, and we can all use the review before the OWLs start."
Hermione beamed at Daphne, and Neville smiled as well. Harry nodded his agreement at their looks and they spent the rest of lunch discussing the scheduling for the study group and if they were going to invite others in.
By the time they left to go to Potions, they had decided to leave it just the small group for now and make a decision about letting others in later.
For Harry, Potions without Snape was interesting. He and Neville partnered with Daphne and Hermione respectively, and they both had a lot of help with their respective partners. Harry, who would have done well with the OWL level potions anyway due to his training, knew that having Daphne with him would show an excuse for his grades in potions to get better. And Daphne had known it when they had partnered together.
The Professor, Daniel Sutherland, started out by teaching them about the potion they were going to be brewing. Since the potion only took a half hour to brew, they would have more time to study the potion and learn about how to brew it.
Professor Sutherland showed them how to brew the potion first, and then set them to work brewing the potion. This teaching method was better for Harry and quite a few others, and there were relieved smiles of the students, especially the Gryffindors, as they left potions.
Some of the Slytherins, like Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson, were not happy with the way potions class had gone, as they had been docked points and given detentions for attempting to cheat and for attempting to sabotages the work by other students.
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Parkinson, I expect you in my office at seven sharp this evening to serve your detention."
"Professor, but Potter…"
"Mr. Malfoy, this isn't about Mr. Potter, who completed his work and stopped you from throwing an explosive ingredient in the potion. It's about your actions in this class. I am appalled that Severus would let such atrocities occur. And I am not surprised why the grades are this way because Severus is a Death Eater and very biased against certain people. I am not going to be biased, and I will be fair to everyone. And I will punish everyone who deserves it. Now get to dinner, as you will spend the entire evening with me."
"Yes Professor," Malfoy said. The blond haired teen then sulked out of the classroom, followed by an equally sulking Pansy Parkinson.
At the end of the first week of classes, Harry was meeting with his tutors to discuss his progress.
"Mr. Potter," Minerva said. "I daresay that you are well prepared to take your NEWTs in Transfiguration."
"As well as in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts," Filius said. "I would suggest that you start independent study toward a mastery certificate in those areas, if you are so inclined."
"If you don't seek a mastery certification, then I will require that you become a teaching assistant in those areas," McGonagall said. "I am inclined to make you a teaching assistant to give you more authority for the Defense Against the Dark Arts study group you will be leading. Aberforth, what would you say to that?"
"I think that Mr. Potter needs to continue to study advanced spells," he said. "I can teach more advanced spells, and I am known for work in charms."
Minerva rolled her eyes.
"Infamous is more like it," she said to her old friend. "Mr. Potter, I will give you a week to decide if you wish to seek mastery certification. I am willing to take you on as an apprentice in Transfiguration since I know that you will earn the mastery before or soon after you graduate from Hogwarts. This way, I can teach you advanced spells, and we can discuss adding a transfiguration study group under your tutelage."
"I, too, extend the offer for an apprentice, Mr. Potter," Flitwick said. "Your work in charms reminds me greatly of your mother, and you obviously had a great instructor over the summer. I won't ask who your instructor is because some of them require a non-disclosure agreement, but I do commend you."
"Thank you, Professors," Harry said. "I'm not sure what to say about this. But I would like to seriously consider it for the future."
"Good, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "If you are good enough, then, when you graduate, I wouldn't mind hiring you as a full time professor if we have an opening. I am also looking at options to increase the curriculum to include dueling and an advanced elective in both Transfiguration and Charms to allow for students who wish to study beyond the NEWT level. Those courses would require more work than our current staffing requirements could meet, and, if you happen to have masteries in three areas, I could hire you to take some of the work load."
"I'm honored you would consider me for a job like that at this stage in my education, Professor," Harry said. "But at this stage, I wouldn't be able to decide on a career path. After all, I do have a family to consider with my decisions."
"I agree, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "I would be most vexed with you if did not consider your family. But for what we are offering at the moment, there is no question that Miss Greengrass will encourage you to accept the offers."
"All I can promise right now is that I will seriously consider it. I will also need to discuss it with my Godfather."
"I will ask Mr. Black to come up this weekend to discuss it with you," McGonagall said. "I'm sure he will also encourage you to seek a mastery in these subjects. Even if you did nothing in the field, having the certification will go a long way to assuring you of employment in the field of your choice post Hogwarts. Even fields such as Curse-breaking would like to have their people to have masteries in other areas than Curse-breaking and warding. Many fields require a well-rounded education, and you would, no doubt, have that if you can obtain masteries in the spell subjects."
"Professor, is there any way I may study spell creation and modification? It's an area I'm interested in, but I had little time to study with my schedule."
"Spell Creation is a field that is difficult to get into. I know you aren't taking Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as electives, but those would be required, if my knowledge of spell creation is correct."
"You are correct, Minerva," Filius said. "Though Arithmancy is more concerned with divination using numbers, it is important in spell creation, as there are techniques to calculate spell parameters. If you can take and pass the OWLs in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes at the end of the year, I would feel better about offering you an enchantment elective as long as you take the NEWTs in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."
"Enchantment is an elective we are going to offer next year, Mr. Potter. I can also safely say that we will also offer Warding, and possibly a spell creation elective for the NEWT students. I don't know where you stand in those subjects, but I am looking for professors who have experience in the area."
"And if Hogwarts cannot offer it due to staffing concerns," Aberforth said. "I am sure that we can arrange for a private tutor to assist you in studying the fields of your choice. The Ministry will not frown upon students hiring personal tutors in other areas during the summers once they have their OWLs. They even allow personal tutors in the OWL subjects over the summers now."
"MINERVA MCGONAGALL!" a voice came out of the Floo.
"Yes, how can I help you, Sirius?"
"Hogsmeade is under attack."
"Very well," Minerva said, standing. "Hogwarts, emergency lockdown," she instructed. "Mr. Potter, you should return to your common room and remain there."
"Daphne and Fleur are in the hospital wing with Madam Pomfrey."
"Then you may join them, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, thinking. "In fact, I think I would like you to be there, just in case. You are trained in field medicine, are you not? We will be receiving casualties I'm sure."
"I am, Professor," Harry said.
"Good. Then report to Madam Pomfrey. I'll have the rest of the staff secure the school."
Harry nodded and McGonagall showed him how to use the internal Floo Network to get to the Hospital Wing.
"What's going on," Daphne asked. "We were here and the doors were shut."
"Death Eaters in Hogsmeade," Harry said.
Madam Pomfrey nodded.
"And you are here to assist us, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes ma'am," Harry said. "Where do you need me?"
Madam Pomfrey paused.
"Miss Greengrass, I will need you to brew blood replenishing potions, burn creams, and dreamless sleep draught. Miss Delacour, would you please assist her for now until I call for you?"
"Yes Madam Pomfrey," Fleur said.
"Mr. Potter, I want you to take an inventory of all of the bandages we have. If there are fewer than a hundred bandages, contact Dobby the House Elf and ask him to find more."
Harry nodded and went to the bandage cabinet. He started to count the bandages while Fleur and Daphne went to brew potions. A few minutes later, Professor Sutherland arrived and started to work with Daphne to brew potions in the hospital wing potions lab.
Fleur entered the main part of the hospital wing when the first injured arrived via portkey since Hogwarts was a medical evacuation area due to Madam Pomfrey's presence.
"St. Mungos is at capacity, Madam Pomfrey," Harry said, getting the message from McGonagall. "More wounded are on their way here from other attacks as well."
"Mr. Potter, I will need your help," She said. "Can you take care of the injuries?"
"Yes ma'am," Harry said.
"Good," she said. "Alert me or Miss Delacour to the cases that need immediate attention. Do your best to stop bleeding and assist breathing. And practice triage."
"Yes ma'am."
Harry soon was at work stopping bleeding on the patients and giving blood replenishing potions as the dozens of patients flooded the hospital wing.
The patients flooded out into the halls, and many of them were bleeding, in shock, and had deep cuts. Those who were bleeding severely were treated first, and all of the Hogwarts professors were doing their part in stabilizing the wounded.
When the sun rose, a bloodied Harry Potter sat in a chair, nearly exhausted. The last of the wounded had been cared for and they were either in beds or sent home to rest, if they had a place to go. Madam Pomfrey and Fleur had their attention on the seriously wounded and were waiting for word that St. Mungos would accept transfers from Hogwarts.
There had been a dozen other attacks that night in Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and in several other magical neighborhoods.
"Mr. Potter, are you ok?"
"I'm fine," Harry said, looking up wearily at the Headmistress. Daphne walked over to Harry and sat by his side. She'd spent the entire night brewing potions or healing patients. When the rush had come in, Daphne had abandoned brewing potions because Professor Sutherland could handle that. Daphne was a certified healer, and she treated patients just as effectively as Madam Pomfrey.
In fact, Daphne, with Harry's help, was able to remove dark curses from quite a few patients who would have normally been left to die in the rush since the St. Mungos healers were nowhere able to send additional healers.
Madam Pomfrey had been shocked that Daphne had revealed her status as a fully certified Healer, but the woman had accepted the help gratefully.
"Miss Greengrass, you did a great job tonight."
"Thank you, Headmistress," Daphne said, stifling a yawn. "If you'll excuse me, I think my fiancé and I need to rest a bit."
Sirius walked up to Harry and saw him bloodied.
"Harry, are you ok?"
"It's not my blood," Harry said, waving his hand to indicate the blood on the floor. House elves were trying to clean up the blood already, and Sirius nodded.
"How many, Minerva?"
"Poppy said six died of their wounds, and ten more need to be transferred to St. Mungos."
"Unfortunately, St. Mungos cannot handle them right now," he said.
"Why is that?"
"Voldemort himself attacked St. Mungos and we lost a lot of healers and patients there. Most of our casualties in the Auror Corps was at St. Mungos."
"How many?"
"We estimate that over a hundred died last night," Sirius said, sadly. "Most of them were healers, Aurors, and Hit Wizards. Though there were quite a few civilian deaths as well."
McGonagall sighed and closed her eyes.
"So I have to have my hospital wing filled with patients for a while?"
"Yes," Sirius said. "Two floors of St. Mungos had to be evacuated. We will do what we can, Minerva, but I am afraid that you will have to bear the brunt of this."
"Poppy and Fleur can't handle it all."
"Then I'm sure Harry and Daphne will assist," Sirius said. "You know as well as I do that they are more than qualified to help."
"Yes, I agree," Minerva said. "Mr. Potter, Miss Greengrass, you will assist Madam Pomfrey as much as possible. I will excuse you from your classes until they do not need your assistance. And then, I would suggest that the two of you assist when you have the free time."
"Yes Professor," Daphne said. "But we will gladly do our homework to turn in when we get the chance."
"Let me worry about that, Miss Greengrass," McGonagall said. "We are in need of your skills to save lives, not write about animal to animal transfiguration."
"Harry," Sirius said, looking at the teen. "I know what you can do, and I know what Daphne can do. We may call Fleur or you to go and assist us in the field if necessary during another attack. I won't like to do that, but I will if I must."
Harry nodded.
"They'll be better off staying here and letting Madam Pomfrey go in the field with Miss Delacour," McGonagall said.
"I can't do that," Sirius said. "Minister Bones said that we are to protect all of our healers, so we will, more likely than not, send casualties here under stasis charms. I know we will lose some that way, but we will lose more lives if the healers are turned into casualties."
"Quite right," McGonagall said, not happy with the prospects of what was happening. "Mr. Potter, Miss Greengrass, go and get your rest. Then you can spell Madam Pomfrey and Miss Delacour to rest."
"Yes Professor," Daphne said.
Harry and Daphne headed to their rooms, and they cleaned themselves up. Their clothes were vanished after everything important was gotten from them. Then they ate a small breakfast before cuddling in the bed, falling asleep immediately.
In the Great Hall, McGonagall spoke.
"May I have your attention please," she said, as the students hushed to listen to what she had to say. "Last night, Death Eaters attacked several places, including Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, St. Mungos, and the Ministry of Magic. Due to the damage at St. Mungos, and a number of healers being seriously injured or killed, the Hogwarts Hospital wing will serve as a casualty collection point and hospital. You are forbidden from going to the hospital Wing unless you are in need of medical help.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Daphne Greengrass, who were trained in field medicine this summer, are assisting Madam Pomfrey and her Apprentice, Miss Delacour. They will be excused from classes, and you are to treat them with all of the courtesy as you will Madam Pomfrey since they will be the ones most likely seeing students unless there are serious injuries.
"Unfortunately, I do not know the names of the casualties or the numbers as of yet. I know that many of you are worried about your loved ones. Rest assured that we will do our best to let you know if your loved ones are among the casualties."
McGonagall paused.
"Due to this emergency situation, all Hogsmeade Visits and Quidditch Games are canceled due to the attacks. Some of the older students will be asked to assist Professor Sutherland in brewing potions for the hospital wing. Some of you may also be asked to help Professors Sprout or Hagrid harvest potions ingredients. The rest of you are asked to remain out of the way and help when asked.
"I thank all of you in advance for your cooperation."
McGonagall sat down and the students started to chat about this.
"Why are Daphne and Harry helping the injured?"
"They are trained in field healing, Ronald," Hermione said. "You heard Professor McGonagall."
"Do you think they'll be allowed out of classes?"
"Most likely," Hermione said.
"I should be allowed out of classes," Ron exclaimed.
"Miss Granger?"
"Yes Professor," Hermione asked McGonagall.
"Can you go assist Madam Pomfrey? She needs people to help administer potions and prepare supplies."
"I can do that, Professor," Hermione said. "Where do I need to go?"
"The Hospital wing is sufficient. Madam Pomfrey or Miss Delacour will give you instructions."
Hermione nodded and stood to go help. Ron looked jealous, as Neville and Susan Bones followed Professor Sprout to the greenhouses, as the Twins followed Hagrid to help. Ron felt left out.
When Harry and Daphne relieved a weary Madam Pomfrey, they still had two dozen patients in the care of the hospital wing. Most were now in stable condition and were just waiting transfer to St. Mungos or release.
"This is a list of the patients," The weary hospital wing matron said. "None of them are in bad condition, and most will be discharged within twenty four or forty eight hours. I ask that you alert me if St. Mungos is able to accept transfers, or if we get more casualties."
"Yes Madam Pomfrey," Daphne said, as she was going to take over as the lead person on the shift.
"We will be ready for dinner and we will discuss the shifts we should take. I only think one person will need to stay awake and manage the night shift. Most likely, that will be Fleur since she has more training than the two of you."
Both nodded, but knew that it was officially because Fleur was the Healing Apprentice.
Madam Pomfrey then left to her quarters while Fleur went to sleep in a room that was off to the side for her use.
Most of the patients were surprised to see two students caring for them, but they knew Madam Pomfrey was exhausted, so they allowed them to care for her. And it was now obvious that the two were trained in field medicine, as the Daily Prophet had carried the story in a special edition, which detailed the attacks and the Ministry's official response.
After the patient rounds, Daphne and Harry continued to take stock of what the Hospital wing had.
Professor Sutherland arrived and he looked around for someone.
"Where's Poppy?"
"She and Fleur are sleeping," Harry replied. "How can I help you, Professor?"
"Do you need any more potions right now? This is the last batch she asked for," he added, setting a box of phials on the table.
Daphne walked up and handed him a list.
"This is what we need," She said. "We want to stock up, just in case. Most of these potions can be shelved for several months to several years."
Professor Sutherland nodded. He was quite pleased with Daphne's knowledge of potions. And, of course, she was easy on the eyes.
"Miss Greengrass, I would like to offer you an apprenticeship in potions," the man said, giving her a look.
Daphne's eyes narrowed, as she had seen how his eyes were glued to her body when they were working together.
"Unfortunately, Professor," Daphne said. "I will have to discuss this with Harry, my betrothed," she added.
"I understand," the man said, catching her not-so-thinly-veiled hint. "I will start on these potions and get back to you. It may not be this evening, but they will be ready within a day or so."
"Thank you, Professor," Daphne said. "You have been a great help so far."
With that, the Potions Professor knew that he'd been dismissed by Daphne. He shook his head, and he saw Harry looking at him with a slight coldness in his eyes. With Harry's eyes being without glasses due to his contacts, the professor shuddered thinking about the pain and suffering the eyes promised him if he didn't leave Daphne alone. With that, the twenty four year old Professor decided it was best that he leave the students alone and get back to his job after his brush with a lot of pain.
Daphne smirked as the professor left the room, especially when she saw Harry's eyes.
"Harry, darling," Daphne said. "You don't have to stare down the Professor."
"I know, luv," Harry replied. "I didn't like how he looked at you."
"I think he got the message," Headmistress McGonagall said, dryly. "I will speak with Professor Sutherland to ensure that he has his mind on his job and not inappropriate things. How are things?"
"We're doing well here, Professor," Daphne said. "Just restocking while the patients rest. Madam Pomfrey left a list and we don't have to do much other than to clean wounds and apply a few slaves or potions before she'll be ready again."
"I understand," McGonagall said. "Please let me know if you need something. The house elves are ready to help as well."
"We could use a few more bandages," Daphne said, consulting a list.
"What kind," McGonagall asked.
"This is the list of what Madam Pomfrey noted, and what I noted," Daphne said. "Would it be amiss if we prepared for another night like last night?"
"No, it would not," McGonagall said. "I will get Miss Granger and a few students to work on this. They will help you stock the shelves when we get the supplies."
"Thank you, Professor," Daphne said. "If you'll excuse me, I have to administer a few potions."
With that, Harry and Daphne went to administer the potions that would heal the injuries of their patients. McGonagall watched with interest, and realized that these two students were leagues ahead of their fellow students. The only thing she regretted at this time was that she couldn't do anything to reward them since this wasn't really a Hogwarts event. It was more of a Ministry event. With a thought in her mind, McGonagall smiled and left to continue her rounds and to recruit several trusted students to help.