Harry replied, "Justin, I'm a Lord of Noble and Most Ancient House, One of the Seven. Do you know what that means?"
"I do, now," he replied. "I didn't before all that which happened as a result of the First Task. As soon as I could I practically raided the library, here, for all that I could on the subject."
"In other words, you also did your homework," smiled Harry. "Could you think any less of me to do the same as soon I learned of your lineage?"
Finch-Fletchley smiled and replied, "Of course not."
Harry turned serious and said, "Justin, there are some people I really need you to meet. May I organise a meeting to take place, here in the castle, for some time over the next week? It will probably be held in the Headmistress's office, so there's no need to worry anything untoward is going to happen.
"I also swear to you this is not to do with your father or grandfather. This is about you."
Finch-Fletchley frowned back for a moment, before he said, "On your honour?"
Harry immediately replied, "On the honour of my House and the memory of my fore-bearers, Justin."
As Fleur and Daphne both gave little gasps of shock, Finch-Fletchley gave a single nod back and replied, "Then I look forward to your missive."
Harry smiled and said, "Thank you."
Now he needed to speak with the Alliance. With everything that had been going on he'd not raised the issue at a meeting yet. And he needed to 'formally' let them know.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
After lunch, Harry was quick to escort Fleur back to the apartment before running to the Headmistress's office. Neville escorted the other Heirs up to the office, direct.
Arriving in Green Fields, Harry only staggered a little getting out to the floo.
He was the first through, after Daphne.
Once all the members, their partners and heirs arrived, the meeting was quickly started. This time it was chaired by Samuel. After all, it was his home.
When the issue of new business came up Harry raised the issue of Justin Finch-Fletchley and his lineage.
"You mean to tell me," said Miles Ogden, "At the school, right now, is a young man who is second in line, in direct line of succession to a Dukedom; and no one knows about it?"
"Well, other than he and us in the group unofficially called the Heirs," said Harry, "There's also Law-wizard Ted Tonks; who did the due diligence for me to confirm it.
"Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley is the Viscount of Lonsdale, Heir Apparent of the Earldom of Bedford and Heir Secondary, as the first born son of the first born son, of the Sixth Duke of Kendal. On the death of his grandfather his father will become the Seventh Duke of Kendal and he will become the new Earl of Bedford. Then, on the death of his father, he will succeed to the Dukedom as the Eighth Duke.
"Sweet Merlin!" exclaimed Ogden. "We need to speak with him."
"I have not informed him of what I've been aiming for," said Harry, "Ultimately, his succeeding in gaining a new seat on the Wizengamot representing the Noble and Magical House of Finch-Fletchley. That is, after all, how the Noble Houses were first created. We just haven't had a Noble and Magical House in many generations, even though the Malfoys have been demanding they be recognised as such.
"I believe... and Ted Tonks assures me I'm correct... that particular ancient law is still on the books."
"It is," breathed Ogden. "And, yes, for that purpose."
"When can we meet with him?" demanded Samuel.
"I have told him that I hope that he would be open to a meeting of importance to him. And strongly suggested it would take place at the castle, most likely in the Headmistress's office, within the next couple of weeks.
"Others, in the past, have attempted to use his connection to the Duke of Kendal or the Earl of Bedford, for self-serving purposes. He is, understandably, quite wary. Might I suggest no more than two people, plus Lady Marchbanks, meet with him?"
"Definitely," said Ogden.
Harry added, "And might I also suggest you come armed with evidence of how such a meeting... with an option to join the Alliance... will aid him, rather than hinder him? You might also suggest you visit with his muggle father or anyone else he deems appropriate."
Ogden thought a bit before he looked to Samuel. "Samuel?"
"You, at least, should attend, Miles," said Samuel. "You're the Chief Warlock, after all. I also think the other should be Amelia."
"He's right," said Madam Bones. "It should be you and me, Miles."
Ogden nodded before turning to Marchbanks. "Gris? Any problems using your office for this?"
"None," she immediately replied. "However, young Lord Finch-Fletchley has developed a level of trust with Harrison. I suggest he escort the young Lord at least to the first meeting."
"You might also want to extract a temporary secrecy oath from and inform Professor Sprout of this," suggested Harry.
"I don't think we need to go to the extent of a secrecy oath," said Marchbanks. "But, I see your point about informing Pomona. I'll just ask her not to speak of it. She'll understand."
The next item of business was on bringing in the Venerable House of Delacour as a member House of the Alliance. No one had a problem with it, other than it was not a British House and had no roots in wizarding Britain.
Frank said, "Check the Charter. There is no requirement for a House to have any roots in Britain, wizarding or otherwise."
With that resolved, Jean-Paul would be approached by Frank and Samuel with the intent to offer an invitation. It would be based on Fleur's acceptance as concubine to Harrison, Lord of House Potter.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
In with the spouses in the 'Ladies' Lounge' of Green Fields, Adeline was almost dancing with joy. As soon as the girls entered the Lounge, Adeline had cast a minor charm on both. Moments later, she grabbed both and dragged them aside before then erecting a quick silencing field. She'd cast the same at the previous meeting, but neither girl knew of it at the time.
It was that quick discussion, following by both girls blushing and being angry about it, that had everyone else know what had happened; neither Daphne nor Hermione were virgins any longer. The younger witches among them were immediately 'sworn' to secrecy by the expedient of being told, 'This is both not for any rumour mill, most especially Hogwarts's, or for your fathers or brothers to learn of. Period.'
However, Hannah was also one of those 'spouses' due to her betrothal to Neville. So, she took both girls aside, herself, a little later to ask for certain information. Her mother saw it, of course, but hid her knowing smirk.
Susan didn't know of it, because she was 'shadowing' her aunt at the meeting of the Heads. However, Pauline had no doubt she would by that night.
For the others, none of them would talk. They knew the penalty on first offence would be a permanent ban from any future discussions. That meant they'd get left at home, or ordered outside to 'play' on their own. Boooring.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
With the meeting lasting a little longer than what many expected, the post-meeting fellowship didn't last all that long. And the heirs were back at the castle well before dinner.
When Harry returned he returned a little confused, though, and nearly crashed head first into the wall of the Headmistress's office opposite the floo. He'd almost completely missed his exit, because his mind was on how Adeline Greengrass had taken him aside, laid a massive hug on him and kiss on his cheek, looked him dead in the eyes and said a clearly heartfelt, "Thank you."
Though very curious and confused, he waited until they were back in the apartment until he asked Daphne why her mother had done that.
Daphne blushed and replied, "Mother pulled a fast one on Hermione and me. Without warning us first, she cast a purity detection charm on us both."
Fleur, who had overheard, gasped and exclaimed, "She didn't!"
Daphne firmly nodded back. "So, mother now knows Harry and mine, and Harry and Hermione's, agreements each have certain clauses no longer applicable. That's her claim as to why she did it."
Hermione asked, "I take it that's quite the rude thing to do?"
.
.
.
🎉Subscribe and get access to all PDFs🎉
🎉ko-fi.com/gokublack444🎉