"I think that was extremely romantic," Pansy said. "Let me be the first to congratulate you both and wish you a long and happy life together, Lord and Lady Potter."
"Lord Potter?", "Lady Potter?" both asked.
Pansy smiled and motioned both to sit down. "I thought you knew, Harry, that as the head of a Most Noble and Ancient House, you are a Lord in our society and you probably hold at least one seat in the Wizengamot. As for the Lady, there was a bright golden glow engulfing you when you kissed. As far as I know, this is the manifestation of a magical wedding. Under normal circumstances, you should have expected an owl from the ministry, confirming your wedding. As it is now, I doubt there's anybody to handle this, but I'm sure your wedding has been recorded and would be confirmed, once the ministry returns to normal."
Hermione seemed to understand it immediately. She smiled and hugged Harry more possessively than usual. "Well, dear husband of mine, I think it's time we go to bed."
This brought Harry out of his stupor. He seemed to recall being with Pansy in bed. She didn't know if there were no signs left, and he probably felt reluctant to tell Hermione about it, yet it wasn't right to keep it a secret from his wife.
"Hermione, you should know that I've…" he started reluctantly.
"You've already slept with Pansy. Is that what you wanted to say? It was natural, as you gave her your protection," Hermione cut in. "Have you discussed her position already?"
"Not really. She said I could do whatever I wanted with her, but she'd like to be my concubine."
Hermione shifted her gaze to Pansy. "Concubine?"
"It is not known among muggles, but a concubine is more than a mistress yet less than a wife. Her children are legitimate, although they are last in line for an inheritance," Pansy explained, looking a bit apprehensive.
"We need to talk about it some more, but not now. You may wait here. I'll call you to join us when we are ready."
Pansy had no chance to answer. Hermione grabbed Harry's hand and rushed to the bedroom, leaving Pansy alone with her thoughts.
She had already heard that things around Potter tended to be a bit abnormal, yet witnessing it was something else. That morning, less than twelve hours earlier, she was a distraught girl, trying to make sense of the world that had just changed around her. Now she was under Potter's protection, possibly his concubine, and friendly with Granger. No, that was Hermione, who turned into Lady Potter with merely a kiss.
She had once been at a Muggle amusement park and taken the roller-coaster. Now she felt as if her life was becoming a roller coaster. She could only hope it would be as exciting and as safe as that ride had been.
Pansy was almost falling asleep on the couch when she heard Hermione call her to join them in bed. She was surprised to see both Potters absolutely naked. "You can undress and sleep on Harry's other side," Hermione said as she cuddled into Harry, both looking happy and sated.
It seemed weird to Pansy. As her mother had taught her, nudity was reserved for the bathroom and occasionally – for sex, although it was not necessary to be nude during sex. Hermione seemed to have a very different opinion, though. Although her sex session with Harry was over, as evidenced by her slight limp and her sated smile, they both seemed to enjoy staying nude. Well, she had also been nude when falling asleep with Harry after their outdoor-indoor fling. Besides, she had nothing to be ashamed of. Her body was just as enticing as Hermione's and her tits were even a bit bigger. She just cuddled into Harry's other side and fell asleep feeling quite content.
Harry woke up, seeming a bit confused. Two naked ladies were cuddling with him, both smiling. Pansy was sure he thought he was still dreaming. He kissed Hermione tenderly and lovingly before turning to Pansy, giving her a tender "good morning" kiss. It may have been less passionate and not full of love, but it was much better than she dared to hope even a day earlier.
If it wasn't for Kreacher, they would have started some fun in bed, but the old house-elf insisted that they needed to get up and be seen in the Great Hall.
They couldn't keep their good mood for long, though. Professor McGonagall announced the schedule for the funerals soon after everybody finished breakfast. Harry had lost some dear friends during the battle: Remus Lupin and his wife Tonks; Fred Weasley; Colin Creevey and several others. There were also numerous victims he didn't know personally, yet it was evident that he felt he needed to attend their funerals. Last, but not least, Harry needed some clothes for attending the funerals, as most of what he had were no better than rags. "As a hero and a Head of House, you're expected to dress appropriately," Pansy told him.
"I'm not sure we can go to Gringotts," Harry said, "and I have no money with me."
"I can get some muggle money," Hermione offered," but it won't help us with the magical shops."
Pansy felt lucky that she could help. "I have enough to buy us all new formal robes and clothes fit for the funerals, but why can't you go to Gringotts?"
Harry looked uncertain about himself. Hermione spoke. "We robbed Gringotts the day before yesterday. We had to destroy a dark artefact stored in a Death-Eater's vault before going to battle."
Pansy could believe it about Potter, although barely, but Hermione Granger had always been a symbol of doing everything according to the rules. She had robbed the goblin bank? Impossible! And yet they both looked afraid of going even close to the bank.
"We can shop at Hogsmeade, then. I can still access my vault and even get some more money for you, if you need any," Pansy offered.
"We'll pay it all back as soon as we can," Harry promised.
Hogsmeade didn't have as many shops as Diagon Alley, but it had some very good clothing shops. Both Potters found all the clothes they needed, including some suitable for muggle funerals. Pansy bought herself a set as well. She wasn't sure if her presence at some funerals wouldn't be problematic, but she didn't feel like staying alone at Hogwarts for the duration and she thought that her presence at Potter's side would help her reclaim her social position.
Pansy suggested that lunch at The Three Broomsticks would be a nice change. Neither Harry nor Hermione opposed the idea.
Madam Rosmerta was ecstatic when she identified her customers. "It's an honour to see you here, Mr. Potter, and you as well, Ms. Granger. Whatever you want to order today is free for you."
She then noticed Pansy, walking a step behind them. Her demeanour changed completely. "What do you want?" she asked in an almost hostile tone.
Harry looked like he wanted to say something, but Hermione held his hand tightly. Pansy was sure they were somehow communicating. She answered, trying to let her sincerity show in her voice, not an easy task for a Slytherin. "I want to apologize for anything I said or did that offended or harmed you, Madam. I was not free to act as I wanted until now. I hope you can understand why I had to act the way I did and can forgive me, just like Lord and Lady Potter have forgiven me and agreed to take me under Potter's protection."
Madam Rosmerta looked surprised. "Well…" She looked at Harry, as if trying to get confirmation. He grabbed Pansy's hand, holding her just the way he was holding Hermione. "…I think I should accept your apology."
They sat down at a table and Madam Rosmerta tried to give them her finest meal. Both Harry and Hermione looked a bit uncomfortable with all the attention. Pansy thought they were just cute. "You should learn to deal with such attention, as you're surely going to keep getting it for a long time. Better learn to enjoy it than fight it."
"But I didn't do anything special. I only protected myself and my friends," Harry insisted.
"Well, we have some time until our meal arrives. Why don't you tell me a bit about your adventures?"
Pansy wasn't really ready to cope with their story. All she had known before were merely rumours. Harry thought she should know everything important since the first year…
\/\/\/
It was more than an hour later that they finished their meal, yet Harry's story was far from complete. Pansy had been unable to keep her emotions under control while listening to the story, and the tear tracks on her cheeks were testifying to how touching she found it.
Madam Rosmerta didn't accept any payment. "It's an honour to serve you and your companions, worth much more than the price of a meal," she insisted.
With Pansy and Hermione urging him to accept the honour, he offered to sign the guestbook and recommend the place. This offer was accepted gladly.
They were already standing up, intending to go back to Hogwarts, when a large owl flew in and landed in front of Harry. Pansy recognized it immediately as one of Gringott's owls. Harry seemed to recognize it as well, judging by the apprehensive look in his eyes.
Hermione flicked her wand at the letter attached to the owl's leg, muttering some spells. "It is safe to touch," she said a moment later. Harry untied it from the owl, who took flight immediately, and looked over the parchment.
"What is it?" Hermione asked.
Harry gave her the parchment silently.
Hermione read it out loud, so that Pansy could also hear. "Dear Lord and Lady Potter,
Let us first congratulate you on your wedding, which was recorded in our files last night. You are also invited to come at your earliest convenience and take control of the Potter vaults, as well as the Black, Peverell and Gryffindor, among others. Due to the current changes in the political and economical structure of magical Britain, we need your updated instructions about handling your investments.
We are also sorry to inform you that we had to fine your accounts for two hundred Galleons to show our displeasure at your breaking into the bank. You should know that had you exercised your right as the Head of House Black, you could have accessed that vault legally.
Your main account manager, Crushbone, is awaiting further instructions.
Please pass by my office, if you have some time, as I believe we have some private matters to discuss.
This letter may be used as a portkey to take you to the bank. Just tap our emblem with your wand and say 'Gringotts'.
Sincerely yours,
Ragnok,
Head of Gringotts."
It was quite amusing to see the bewildered expressions of both Potters, but Pansy didn't allow herself to laugh. Instead, she thought she could instruct them on proper etiquette in this case. "I believe you should go to Gringotts as soon as you can. Ragnok, despite signing as the head of Gringotts, is actually the leader of the Goblin Nation. One shouldn't make him wait."
"But… We broke into the bank. They may only set this as a trap to capture us and punish us, making it an example to others," Harry insisted. For the vanquisher of the darkest dark lord, he sounded quite frightened.
"No, that's not the way Goblins act. They stated they had fined your account for it and also suggested the right way you could act. They would not have done either had they been after your head. They would have confiscated all your accounts, destroying you financially and politically. Now I'm even more eager to hear the rest of your story, though."
It took only a silent conversation between Harry and Hermione to reach a decision. "I think we should put on some of our new clothes and then portkey to the bank," Harry said.
Pansy was dressed well enough, especially for one who wasn't part of the family, yet she urged the others to change into the finest clothes they had just bought. Ten minutes later, the three held the letter and Harry activated the portkey.
\/\/\/
"This is the incoming portkeys room," Pansy told Harry as she helped him to his feet after arriving. There were several guards positioned along the walls and at the door. The look they gave Harry was very unfriendly, yet once they identified him and the girls, they moved politely aside. Another goblin was waiting near the door. He bowed deeply. "Lord Potter, Ladies, if you will kindly follow me, I believe Ragnok would like to see you."
Pansy was somewhat reluctant to join the Potters, yet Harry was holding her hand and she didn't think it was proper to discuss this in the presence of their goblin guide.
They passed through several guarded doors, going deeper into the bank until their guide stopped in front of a very ornate door. He knocked twice, waited for a reply, and then opened the door, standing aside and announcing "Lord and Lady Potter here, along with Lady Parkinson, sir."