The next morning Harry woke early and immediately everything from the day before came flooding back, but before he could be overwhelmed, he realized that he was ensconced in his very comfortable bed with his amazingly soft wife wrapped around him. She was making just the slightest wheezing sound and the rhythm was soothing as he planted a light kiss on her forehead and watched her sleep while his mind worked through everything. Now that he had his allies working on helping him, the next order of business was to help Sirius. The Wizengamot was reconvening after the summer holiday the following day and Harry was going to make his first appearance to claim the Potter seat. The idea had been overwhelming when he first discovered that he had a seat waiting for him, but he'd talked to Sirius and researched a bit with Hermione so it wasn't as daunting. Normally the Wizengamot met twice a month to do business and often much of it was mundane, with measures to adjust the percentages allocated to different Ministry departments and similar boring business. Occasionally a new law would be presented, but those required one month warning to all members. There were also trials that were sometimes held in between sessions, but those also came with sufficient warning. Many of the members opted to be choosy about which sessions to attend. Reassured that he wouldn't be leaving Hogwarts every week to attend to Wizengamot business, Harry felt he was ready and hoped he would only have to average an appearance once a month at the most.
The next day though would definitely be important. Harry had studied the procedures over the summer and sent in a request before school started, announcing his plan to introduce a motion to repeal Sirius' conviction. Since he wasn't introducing a new law or attempting to repeal an existing law, the guidelines around the procedures were much less defined. The plan was to officially take his seat, deal with any other business that came before him on the agenda, and then speak briefly before submitting himself for veritaserum recall. Once that was done, the Wizengamot would decide on three options: decline his request completely, agree to send the case to the DMLE for a full trial (which Sirius had been denied previously), or dismiss all charges immediately. The first two options would require a standard majority vote, while the third option would require a two-thirds quorum. While Harry wished for the last possibility, he knew that the two thirds requirement would be very difficult. Sirius had also warned him that many of the old crowd on the Wizengamot would not take kindly to having a teenager in their midst, hereditary seat or not.
The other issue that Harry had been worrying about was his entry to the Wizengamot chambers. He could hardly walk down Diagon Alley without stares and had been under heavy security all summer. He supposed it was a bit cynical to worry about security within the halls of the Ministry, but Arthur had mentioned that he even was more cautious around his office lately. Perhaps he could ask for an Auror escort? But wouldn't that be a conflict of interest since he was pursuing Sirius' freedom with the DMLE?
Perhaps you can hire a goblin guard dear.
Harry tipped his head over and looked into his wife's sleepy eyes.
Morning dear, I hadn't realized you were awake. I wanted you to sleep.
That's nice love, but my brain is bound to yours and once it started churning with you, my body followed.
So, goblin guard? You can hire them?
Of course dear. The goblins will help with just about anything for a price. It would definitely make a statement.
Alright, I like that idea.
Harry's thoughts drifted again, this time to his plans for the day. He still had a fair bit of homework and was woefully behind with Runes. As his thoughts churned, Hermione rolled into him tighter and began to run her hand down his chest. Shaken from his thoughts, he turned his head and started kissing his wife long and deep. He was at full rise as Hermione reached and grabbed him, causing him to startle and then continue snogging her. Slowly he rolled over and then slowly entered her as she groaned his name. He set a slow pace, kissing her all over as he reveled in the amazing feeling of being one with her as their minds linked and he felt her slowly start peaking. They stared into each other's eyes as no words were needed and she began to meet his strokes. Many long minutes later he felt her closing in on her climax as he felt his bollocks began to tighten. He continued his pace, while pushing in a bit harder, driving himself a bit deeper as the end finally claimed them both as they called out to each other mentally while the only audible sounds in the room were their matched breaths and subsequent moans. Harry felt as if he was floating on some cloud with the sun beating down on him. Making love to his soulmate was euphoria. He had heard of people using drugs and describing a feeling somewhat like this, but he couldn't imagine how anything artificial could ever match the purity of his and Hermione's joining. As their climax finished, he softened and Hermione whimpered as he slipped out. He wrapped her in his arms and they lay together for another half hour before finally agreeing that it was time to face the day.
After calling Dobby and enjoying a lazy breakfast, they showered together. There were plenty of touches and kisses, but nothing more. Just being together was enough. Once Harry was dressed, he decided it was time to send a letter to Silverstaff to inquire about hiring a couple goblin guards for a few hours. He knew the bank was closed, but hoped to receive a response early the following morning. With the letter sent, he and Hermione gathered their books and headed for the library. Once there they met up with Ron and Luna. They were both surprised to see Ron voluntarily in the library on the weekend until they saw the occasional regular glances at the blonde who sat across from him. Hermione suppressed a smirk and soon the four of them were joined by Ginny, Neville and Parvati. They studied for the rest of the morning and then headed down to lunch together. The weather was glorious and the guys decided to go for a fly in the afternoon while Hermione was heading back to the apartment to read some of the books Dumbledore had loaned her. Just as lunch was finishing, Hedwig swooped down and landed in front of Harry. The note she carried was brief and Harry was surprised at the quick response.
Harry, what is it?
A reply from Silverstaff. He wants to meet as soon as possible to arrange the guards for tomorrow. Looks like our afternoon plans have changed.
Hermione nodded while Harry turned his attention to Ron, who was looking back and forth between the two of them.
"You two were mind speaking to each other, weren't you?"
"Yes Ron, its second nature now. We were just discussing the note I received. I have to leave on a bit of house business for a while. It shouldn't take long. I'll find you out at the pitch when I get back."
Ron grumbled a bit but just nodded. Parvati seemed curious and was about to start interrogating when Ginny interceded.
"Vati, please don't ask. If Harry said its house business then it's not something he needs to share."
Parvati seemed a bit shocked as she stared at Ginny and desisted. Harry and Hermione said goodbye to everyone and left the hall to head for the headmaster's office. The gargoyle let them in, but the office was empty. Proceeding to the floo, they quickly made their way to Gringotts. The bank was unnaturally quiet with only a couple of guards around since the bank was actually closed. The guards seemed to expect them and led them to Silverstaff's office without a word. They stepped into the office and goblin looked up at his patrons.
"Good afternoon Lord and Lady Potter. Thank you for your prompt response. I wanted to ensure that arrangements are in place before tomorrow. Now, I know you said you needed a guard for the Wizengamot session, how much resistance do you expect?"
"Actually honorable Silverstaff, I don't expect resistance necessarily. I can't deny the fact though that one or a couple Death Eaters within the Ministry may wish to take advantage of my presence at such a well-publicized event. I would expect any attack would be opportunistic. And it will just be myself, my lady will not be in attendance."
"Alright, I see. In that case three guards should be sufficient. Perhaps two, but no, I think I'd prefer three since you are so high profile. I'd considered sending a full patrol, but that would most likely be excessive and draw attention. The cost for each guard is 20 galleons an hour. Will that be agreeable?"
"Yes sir, that sounds quite sufficient. Thank you."
"Very good. I understand the session starts at 10:30 in the morning. It is best for you not to arrive too early, so I would suggest you floo here at ten and then floo to the Ministry atrium with the guards."
Harry nodded and Silverstaff provided the contract hire form, which he quickly signed. With the business completed, they thanked him again and floo'd back to school. The entire errand had taken less than a half hour and Harry was able to grab his broom and go find Ron. He spent several hours enjoying the afternoon and working some of the rust out of his flying, which was good since the Gryffindor Quidditch team would be convening for their first practice later the following week. When he returned to the apartment, Hermione was buried in several tomes and gave him a quick peck before shooing him to the shower while she continued her research.
The following morning they attended their Charms class during the first session of the morning and then headed back to the apartment, where Harry changed from his school robes to his house robes and prepared to head for his first Wizengamot session. Hermione pulled him close and they kissed for a minute before she pulled back and looked at him.
"Alright love, we both need to get going. I'll have notes and assignments for you when you return. Now don't be nervous! You are the Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I know you will be brilliant."
Harry grinned and squeezed her once more as he headed for the headmaster's office. This time when he arrived, Dumbledore was in the office.
"Ah, good morning Harry. Or I should say Lord Potter since we are on our way to the Wizengamot. I was just going to leave in a few minutes. I assume there will be Aurors arriving to accompany you soon?"
"Actually sir, I declined the Aurors. I didn't want any apparent conflicts of interest today since I hope to pursue clearing Sirius' name with the DMLE. Instead I have hired goblin guards. I will be stopping at Gringotts first to meet with my escorts."
"Oh my. Well, you will certainly be protected. It's been some time since I've seen goblin guards at the Ministry. This will definitely cause a stir, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised about the prodigious Lord Potter anymore. Well, I'll let you be on your way. I'll see you at the Wizengamot chambers."
Harry nodded and went to the floo. As soon as he arrived, he saw Silverstaff was waiting with the guards. The guards were each dressed in shiny scale armor and appeared even more impassive than the usual goblins Harry had worked with. The largest of the three had a massive bastard sword strapped to his back, while the other two wielded large and nasty looking halberds. Harry greeted them and then they headed back to the floo. Two guards went through first, followed by Harry and then the third guard. When they arrived in the atrium, the three guards surrounded Harry and began marching him through the crowds that parted to make way for the entourage. The usual din of noise in the busy arrival hall was suddenly hushed as everyone turned to look at the three goblins guarding the young Lord Potter, who strode quickly, chin up and robes swirling. Harry lightly rubbed his signet just enough to let a bit of the house magic encompass him. He didn't pay attention to those he passed, but he was noticed by all. A few observers from the old purebloods were also arriving and wore conflicting emotions when confronted with the young lord passing by. They had expected a fumbling child, learning the ways of his station. Here was a young man who commanded the space.
Harry and his guard reached the security station near the lifts and the guard was momentarily taken aback as he stared at the three goblins. Eventually he collected himself and asked Harry to present his wand. Once the wand was registered and Harry stated his business at the Ministry, he proceeded on to the lifts. The two forward goblins quickly commandeered a recently vacated lift and Harry and the rear guard stepped on after them. Others were waiting for lifts, but held back to wait for the next one to arrive. A minute later, the lift reached the lower level with the Wizengamot chambers and Harry strode forth to the end of the long hall. Just as he was about to reach the chambers, he spied a familiar face. Lucius Malfoy was talking in quiet tones with a man about his age wearing finely crafted robes adorned in gold. They each turned their gaze on Harry and Lucius grinned maliciously as he assessed Harry.
"Ah, yes, the young Lord Potter. Come to play with his title. I'm afraid though that you won't find the Wizengamot session very amusing. It's really a place where the adults come to conduct the business needed to keep our society running."
The guards bristled and moved their weapons forward as they faced Lord Malfoy, but Harry exercised his occlumency and forced himself to remain controlled.
"Yes Lord Malfoy, I am quite aware what the business is of the Wizengamot. While I am sure I might not find it entertaining, I do hope it will be enlightening. And, I am well aware of the type of business you specialize in conducting. Now, if you will please excuse me, I wish to speak to my allies before we convene."
Lucius seemed a bit stunned at Harry's control, but quickly asserted his own again as he watched Harry brush by. Allies? That was intriguing. Perhaps this day would yield information for the Dark Lord.
Harry entered the large bowl shaped chambers that had housed the Wizengamot for close to six hundred years. Seats were arrayed in tiers around the walls. In the center across from the entrance was the large seat for the Chief Warlock. Arrayed on the same central row, sweeping out from the Chief Warlock's seat, were an arrangement of elaborately carved chairs. Each was fashioned differently and each featured the crest of Ancient and Noble Houses. Harry quickly found the seat with the Potter crest. It was six to right of the Chief Warlock and appeared to be carved out of warm cherry. Looking further around the room, he spotted a small grouping of chairs, low and to one side, with signs for the Daily Prophet, the Quibbler and several other publications. Several chairs were already occupied. Apparently the press arrived early to watch the social interactions prior to the opening of the session. Then he spotted the first of his allies and stepped toward Augusta Longbottom.
"Good morning Matron Longbottom, I hope you are well today."
"I am indeed Lord Potter. And might I say you look quite distinguished this morning. I see you wisely came prepared for possible trouble."
"Yes. I felt that in light of my request and the potential conflict of interest with the DMLE that I should not utilize Aurors, even on a volunteer basis. I think Madam Bones will have a fine enough line to walk with the alliance and my business here today."
"Did I hear my name? Good morning Lord Potter, Matron Longbottom."
Harry turned and smiled at Amelia Bones. She had a spark in her eye and he got the distinct impression that she was looking forward to what was scheduled to occur during this session.
"Good morning Madam Bones. I had hoped to speak briefly before we begin. You know the business that I will be petitioning for today. This is a case where our alliance could cause you a potential conflict. I trust your fairness and ask only that you seek justice. I would never wish for our alliance to sway you from that cause."
"Thank you Lord Potter. That is always my intention anyway. Sometimes justice is elusive, but we must always strive. Ah, here comes Arthur. I must say it is amazing to see him in chambers. I don't think I've seen him since that grand debate four years ago. I know he detests the conflict and petty rivalries that too often come to play."
Arthur Weasley joined the small conference, glancing briefly at the three goblins who widened their circle just enough around Harry and his allies. He really did look uncomfortable as he tugged at his collar and kept looking around the room.
"Good morning Mr. Weasley. Thank you for coming, I know this isn't your usual preference."
"Of course Har..Lord Potter. I may not sit an Ancient or Noble seat, but I hope I can still provide some support. Are we all prepared for the alliances to be a matter of public record?"
"I don't think that can be avoided Arthur. This is just a first small step in the alliance, but a critical one. What happens here may very well allow another ally to come out of hiding. Ah, but it looks like Albus just arrived and we have only a few minutes. Perhaps we should take our seats."
Harry nodded at Augusta and the others before turning and making his way to the Potter seat. As he took his place, he felt a surge of energy in his house signet, leaving it pleasantly warm. It seemed the house magic was pleased with to have one of the blood return to the chambers. As Harry settled, two of the goblin guards stood on either side of him, while the third went to stand guard at the door. As some of the last stragglers entered, they startled at the sight of the guard, but then hurried on by. When the clock reached the appointed half hour, a ringing issued forth and Chief Warlock Dumbledore stood. Taking his wand, he inscribed briefly around the room to bind the room in magic before addressing the chambers.
"Good morning to you all and welcome to the initial fall session of the Wizengamot for the year nineteen hundred and ninety five. You have all been presented with an agenda for the proceedings. After our long break, there is much to attend to, so let's begin."
Harry checked his agenda and saw that there was quite a bit of boring business that came before him. First was a request from the Department for International Magical Cooperation for a budget increase to allow the hiring of two additional translators. Following that was the introduction of a small, but interesting law that was to standardize the alcohol and magic content of any drink branding itself as firewhisky and ban any alcohol not meeting the standard. Apparently a recent surge in poor quality import firewhisky had sent several individuals to St. Mungo's for minor poisoning issues due to the poor manufacture of knock off alcohol. Harry knew he should have researched some of this before he came, but made an on the spot decision to vote for the law. If the cheap alcohol was making people sick, then he figured it should be banned. While he hadn't studied the specifics around the day's agenda, he had read a bit on the Wizengamot structure itself and now observed carefully how business was being conducted. First, for the budget increase, the entire chambers had voted on the measure, including those in the upper tiers like Arthur who held seats, but not titles. When it came to voting for the law, only those who held titled seats were allowed to vote. It definitely showed the hierarchy of the assembly.
Harry spent the next two hours trying to stay awake as a number of small governing details were argued and fretted over. It was second only to one of Professor Binns' classes in boredom. Finally, his turn came around on the agenda as he mentally shook himself and refocused when the Chief Warlock mentioned his name.
"Next on the agenda is a motion presented by Lord Potter. First, it is the distinct pleasure of this body to see the seat of House Potter filled once again and we welcome Lord Harry James Potter. Now, the motion he presents has been made a matter of record, but we will now allow Lord Potter the chance to state his motion."
Taking a quick breath, Harry ran a quick occlumency exercise to calm himself as he stood and looked around the chambers.
"Good afternoon everyone. I motion and petition this esteemed body today to right an injustice in regards to the heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Sirius Orion Black was falsely imprisoned for a crime he did not commit nearly fourteen years ago. He was sent to Azkaban without a formal trial due to the laws of wartime and an apparent preponderance of evidence. During events of the last two years, I have personally been made aware of his innocence and the circumstances that allowed this travesty of justice to occur. I now wish to offer forth my testimony under veritaserum to lay forth the facts and will also submit memory evidence if required. I hereby petition this under the ancient house laws whereby the rightful lord or heir of any house may have their case singularly petitioned by the rightful lord or heir of another house without secondary measure from any other house or representative."
Harry paused and turned to look at Dumbledore, sitting in the Chief Warlock's seat. As he was about to speak, another voice interrupted from farther down the row.
"I object! This is a waste of our time. Sirius Black is a criminal who does not deserve our consideration."
Dumbledore turned from Harry to address the speaker, an older wizard who also sat on the row of Lords.
"Lord Yaxley, while I understand your desire to shorten our workload here today, you do not hold any grounds for objection. Lord Potter is quite correct in his petitioning under the old laws. Now, under those laws, we are bound to accept his motion and take his testimony. Decision upon that testimony can be discussed once it is gathered. Undersecretary, please hand me the serum. Lord Potter, please step down to the chamber floor for the administering and to give testimony."
Harry made his way down to floor and a clerk stepped forward to hand Harry the serum. Once he drank it, the clerk cast a spell that caused Harry's head to glow for a moment, indicating that the serum had taken effect. The Chief Warlock then asked Harry to proceed with any testimony he had in regards to Sirius Orion Black. Harry proceeded to give the details from the end of his third year, about seeing Pettigrew forced out of rat form and his admission to his former friends of the betrayal he had engineered. Then he told of how Severus Snape had interfered and ultimately caused Pettigrew to escape. Next he told of what happened at the end of the Tri-Wizard tournament, about seeing Pettigrew and his role in returning the Dark Lord to physical form. As he spoke of these events, a chorus of objections were shouted around the hall. Dumbledore finally had to stand and cast a silencing compulsion around the chambers.
"SILENCE! There will be time for discussion after. Lord Potter is under veritaserum and will continue his testimony unimpeded. Everyone here should be aware of the laws of testimony. I warn you that, as Chief Warlock, I can find any or all of you in contempt and fine you accordingly."
With the chambers forced into silence, Harry continued his testimony, detailing the final events that allowed him to escape and how Barty Crouch Jr. was uncovered. Once he finished, he grew quiet and looked to the Chief Warlock.
"Thank you Lord Potter for your testimony. Now, in accordance with the laws of this body, individuals may raise their wands if they wish to question Lord Potter about any pertinent details. I warn you though that I do not want our time wasted with spurious questioning and I will not allow harassment in these chambers. I can still issue contempt charges."
As Dumbledore spoke the last, he looked at Yaxley, Malfoy and several others. Malfoy looked incensed and raised his wand. Dumbledore nodded to allow him to question Harry.
"Lord Potter, regarding all these supposed events that happened at the end of the tournament, weren't you injured at the time? And how well could you actually see since it was well past nightfall?"
Harry was glad for the tempering influence of the serum that still coursed through him as he turned to respond.
"Lord Malfoy, the only injury I initially suffered was a sprained ankle. The night was also one day past the full moon and there were no clouds. So my mind was quite clear and I was able to see fine. My ears also were in good working order and I heard every voice that issued from behind the Death Eater masks. In fact I've heard some of those same voices in this chamber."
That remark brought another round of protests as Malfoy's lips became pinched even further. The goblins at Harry's sides moved in closer and brandished their weapons in warning. Dumbledore called the room to order and asked if anyone had any other questions about the events. The next wand to raise was from Lord McNair.
"Lord Potter, you've told us plenty about the events surrounding Black's innocence, but what about his escape? What was your role? Where is Black now?"
Harry felt a sinking feeling. This was something he had feared and the potion now compelled him to answer, but before he could, another voice spoke up. It was Amelia Bones.
"Lord McNair, as head of the DMLE, and as head of the Ancient House of Bones I object. The questions you raise are not in regards to the events in question. Need I remind you that we are not currently convened for a trial? Also, as the head of my house, I wish to now declare that House Bones is allied with House Potter and I personally lend my support to his testimony. I will also have it made known that upon taking the alliance vow, it was with the understanding that my first allegiance is to the office I hold and Lord Potter has agreed to that."
A number of exclamations were made around the chambers as the news of a new house alliance was made. Then Augusta Longbottom stood to speak as well.
"I also wish to announce that House Longbottom is allied with House Potter and I am in full support of Lord Potter's testimony."
The volume in the chambers rose again so that, when Arthur stood, he had to cast a sonorous charm to be heard.
"I also wish to announce the alliance of the Lesser House of Weasley with House Potter and lend Lord Potter my full support as well."
As Arthur sat, Dumbledore had to cast a couple canon blast spells to regain order so that he could speak.
"Madam Bones is correct in her statement. Lord McNair, your questions are spurious. Lord Potter, you are not compelled to answer by the rules of these chambers. Also, I officially acknowledge the alliances that have been spoken of here today. Are there any others who wish to announce an alliance before we proceed? Lord Potter?"
"Chief Warlock, House Potter is also allied with House Black. For obvious reasons the present Lord Apparent cannot be here today."
"What? Sirius can't rule his house. He's a fugitive!"
"Lord Yaxley! I have already warned you once."
Harry turned to the objecting Death Eater.
"Lord Yaxley, since Sirius was never given a trial, the goblins do not recognize his guilt and he is indeed Lord Apparent. With no other heirs available, he is quite capable of forming alliances."
Harry glared at Yaxley and then and Malfoy as Dumbledore tried to take control again.
"Alright, thank you Lord Potter. The alliance with House Black is also duly noted. Please take the antidote that the clerk is giving you. We will now discuss the actions to be taken regarding the testimony you presented."
Harry eagerly downed the antidote and returned to his seat. The chambers were buzzing as everyone discussed what they had heard. Once he reached his seat, Dumbledore called the chambers to attention.
"Now that Lord Potter's testimony has been submitted, it is the responsibility of this body to decide how to proceed. There are three courses of action. First, let the charges against Sirius Black stand and maintain his fugitive status. Second, clear him of all charges immediately. Third, remand the decision of further action to the DMLE pending further investigation. I believe we've heard enough to proceed with a vote immediately. If you believe otherwise, you may raise the objection."
When no one objected to an immediate vote, the Chief Warlock nodded and continued.
"Alright, all those in favor of letting the charges against Sirius Black stand as they are, please raise your wands."
Harry held his breath as a smattering of wands were raised throughout the chamber. When the tally was taken, it was well below the number needed to let the charges remain and Harry had to withhold a cheer. There were still two more votes to be taken and the Chief Warlock next took the vote to clear all charges. Again, a smattering of wands came up, but again the numbers were too few. Once the third vote was taken to remand the decision to the DMLE for investigation, it was obvious what the majority vote was. The Chief Warlock noted the number and whispered to the clerk before making the tally official.
"Thank you everyone. It is the decision of this body to remand the investigation into the charges against Sirius Orion Black to the DMLE. In conjunction with this vote, the body will accept the decision of that investigation."
As Dumbledore was concluding, a wand went up across the room, but also in the Lords' row.
"Yes Lord Nott, do you have a question in regards to the vote?"
"No Chief Warlock, I saw that the vote was fairly obvious. My concern is with the alliances of House Potter. Since both Houses Bones and Black are allies now through House Potter, I do not feel that Madam Bones can fairly investigate the charges."
Before Dumbledore could respond, Amelia spoke up.
"Lord Nott, I understand the reason for your doubt. While I assure you I can remain impartial, I do not want any hint of a conflict of interest. Therefore, I will personally be stepping aside and assigning oversight of the investigation to my deputy, Lord Kingsley Shacklebolt, who also sits here in these chambers."
Kingsley nodded to Amelia and then turned to stare at Lord Nott. The Lord nodded and waved his hand in acquiescence. Dumbledore looked at each party and then took back control.
"My thanks to Madam Bones for her integrity. I am personally well assured of the fairness of an investigation led by Lord Shacklebolt. Now, this was the last item on the agenda for today. Our next meeting will be two weeks from today. Does anyone have anything else to add?"
No one replied to the last question, so Dumbledore took his wand and released the spell he had started several hours earlier, closing out the session of the Wizengamot. Harry felt relief that it was over, but also knew that all eyes were on him so that he had to maintain his composure. He stepped out of his seat, flanked by his two guards as the third guard stepped forward from the door and the three surrounded him. Several people came up to greet Harry, mostly curious and generally just wanting to make introductions. The goblins watched each warily, but the Death Eaters he was most concerned with left quickly. Harry was doing his best to remember names, but knew that some occlumency meditation would be needed later to help with that. His allies also stopped briefly to say goodbye and Harry thanked them each. Eventually the social niceties were complete and Harry and his guard was able to exit. They made their way back to the atrium floo and arrived back at the bank four and a half hours after leaving. Harry thanked his guards and left compliments to Silverstaff before then floo'ing back to Hogwarts. He wasn't surprised that Dumbledore still wasn't back. The session had taken longer than planned and his last class was already halfway through. He had also missed lunch and was feeling drained from lack of sustenance and the emotional toll of the day. Calling Dobby, he had the elf pop him back to his apartment and then had Dobby bring him a late lunch. After he ate, he settled back on the sofa to work on his Runes reading.
About a half hour into his reading, Harry felt Hermione approaching and then she entered the apartment. Setting the book aside, he stood and took her in his arms. Holding her, he felt the tension in his body lessen as he clung to her. Sensing his need for her, she let him hold on quietly for several long minutes before he stood back and led her to the sofa, where he filled her in on all that had happened. As he detailed everything, she was able to feel each emotion through their bond and understand why he looked so exhausted.
"So, that's about all for me love. I have to say that I won't be running to attend every single Wizengamot session. I understand why Arthur hasn't attended in years. Of course, since he isn't titled, there is less for him to vote on."
"Which is completely unfair, but we have bigger issues right now. I suppose since the press was there, you'll probably be on the front page again?"
Harry groaned and nodded.
"Well, we need to study and you should probably let your allies here at school know what happened. We can find them, give them the news and then study after."
"Sounds good love, but can we have them come here to study? I'd prefer the privacy."
"Of course. You stay here, I'll go find everyone."
A few minutes later Hermione reappeared with the Weasleys, Neville and Susan. Harry once again gave the details from the Wizengamot session and how each of their families had risen to support him. Susan was incensed that her aunt's integrity had been questioned, but Harry assured her that Amelia had not been surprised and was ready with a solution. After they talked, the group was settling down to study, but Ron seemed antsy and kept looking off in the distance. Ginny was sitting directly across from him and finally had enough.
"Ron, really? You need to talk to the girl. Harry, Hermione, do you mind if Ron fetches Luna to study with us now that house business is done? She was with us when Hermione called us away."
Harry smirked and was about to tease his friend when he saw the pained expression Ron wore. Grabbing his friend by the arm, he dragged Ron to the bedroom to talk.
"Alright Ron, so what is going on with you and Luna?"
"Nothing! Well, I mean, we've been studying together and well we went for a walk around the lake, but well, I don't know."
"So do you fancy her?"
"Um, well, yeah, I think so. Bloody hell Harry, this is hard. Sometimes she leaves me baffled and other times she's positively brilliant. I mean she is Ravenclaw. But even when I can't understand her, she smiles and it doesn't seem to matter. What the hell? You had it so easy Harry, you just bonded and it was done and now you can read each other's thoughts."
"Wow mate, you've got it bad. As for me, I did have to summon the courage to tell Hermione how I felt and then kiss her before the bond happened. Summon some Gryffindor courage already. We've got a lot bigger problems right now. This is Luna, she may say she just wants you as a friend, but she isn't going to leave completely."
Ron was fidgeting so much it was making Harry nervous.
"Yeah, alright, maybe I should just tell her what I feel. Or as best I can figure out what I feel."
"You go and talk to her. When you're done, bring her back here and we'll study."
Ron nodded and they left the bedroom. Ron exited the apartment and Harry went back to study.
Everything alright love?
Yes. Ron fancies Luna. Not a big surprise. Just gave him a pep talk.
Ron was gone for close to a half hour, but when he returned, he was holding Luna's hand and grinning. Ginny looked up and smiled at her friend.
"Finally! So my brother decided to stop swallowing his tongue and ask you?"
"Yes Ginny. He was awkward and sweet, but I've agreed to be Ronald's girlfriend."
"Brilliant mate. Welcome Luna. Come, we've all got an insane amount of homework."
The rest of the evening passed quietly. The group of friends retreated to the Great Hall for dinner and then took a break after to play some games. It was all a bit surreal to Harry. Half his day had been spent in the Wizengamot chambers, petitioning for justice for his godfather, and the other half of his day was spent at school studying with friends and convincing his best mate to get a girlfriend. Only Lord Harry James Potter could manage a day like that.