Chapter 15: Chapter 14: Order of Merlin
Summary:
Yule break begins for the students and staff of Hogwarts, Harry thinks back to the immediate aftermath of the Gryffindor meeting. Arthur Weasley pays a special someone a visit, Harry finally gets to see Potter Manor and the Wizengamot holds the Order of Merlin ceremony for Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Friday, December 16 marked the final day of classes for Hogwarts for the year. In previous years the students attended classes until at least the 22nd but this was another change made by McGonagall that the students and staff alike agreed with. On Saturday the 17th Hogwarts students were allowed to board the Hogwarts Express and head home just over a full week before Christmas itself arrived.
Those attending the Yule Ball were also allowed to head home being promised port keys that would deliver them back to the castle in time for the ball, which rather than being held Christmas night was taking place on the 23rd at 6 o'clock pm. They would be provided with another port key to take them back home either that night or the next morning.
Students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were also offered portkeys, these international ones that would take them home for the holidays, return them for the ball and send them back home after. As with every year prior students could also elect not to go home and instead stay within the castle for the duration of the holiday season. Harry Potter, for once, would not be one of those electing to stay in the castle. Instead he would be amongst the students who would board the Hogwarts Express to return to London.
To be completely honest Harry couldn't wait to board the express and go home as things in the castle had been weird ever since he'd called the Gryffindor meeting and while he hadn't gotten any pushback he was still happy to be getting away from the school for a while.
Hogwarts being the place that it was it hadn't taken long for the rumor mill to do its work and news of that meeting to spread along with its subject matter. He wanted to be annoyed about that, house meetings were supposed to be private affairs, but considering that he, Neville and Ron had bonded people in other Houses he couldn't really say he was surprised.
The bonded witches and wizards outside of his circle had been furious that such a meeting had even needed to take place. Though few in number there were enough of them that another meeting was requested this time for all of the bonded witches and wizards in the castle, something he personally had no desire to deal with yet unfortunately one that his girls insisted he attend.
The meeting was held in an abandoned classroom on the fourth floor of the East Tower. It was as good a meeting spot as any considering the majority of the corridor wasn't in use the odds of someone stumbling across the meeting were low. The room had obviously seen some work done to it as the air was free of dust and seating had been arranged for the arrivals.
T he room was full of mostly witches as each member of the Potter Coven in the castle was present, as was true with the Longbottom coven and the Weasley's and their bonded. Aside from them were Justin Finch-Fletchley and Tracy Davis, Draco and Sally Sterling, Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang along with two seventh year couples, Rodderick Elms of Ravenclaw, his bonded Cheyenne Oakwood of Slytherin and Adam Evergreen of Hufflepuff with his bonded Camille Silverbell of Gryffindor.
It had been Camille who requested to Hermione that they attend the meeting and while Hermione accepted Harry still wished he'd have been able to skip it. Honestly he felt that this could have been a conversation just between the girls but had been gang pressed to attend and thus here he was.
"Is it true you really threatened to kill them?" questioned Cedric frowning.
"Not at all." Said Harry with a sigh.
"What I said was that I could, not that I would." Said Harry shrugging.
"Don't you think threatening something like that is just a little too far?" Questioned Evergreen.
"He was well within his rights. Could have just killed him and let the body be the warning." Said Draco causing several people to shoot eyes at him causing him to roll his own eyes.
"I said COULD not SHOULD." Said Draco.
"Does the Black Family magic come with bloodlust?" questioned Elms curiously.
"No. We just have a very low tolerance for threats against our family." Said Harry.
"I'd like to know why he even thought to try something like that. Witches can't have sex outside of the bond." Said Cheyenne.
"Yes we can." Responded Hermione, Daphne, Angelina and Tracy simultaneously.
"Wait, what?" questioned Cho surprised while Cedric, Rodderick and Adam looked shocked.
"The bond doesn't stop us from having sex with other people, you just can't hide that you did." Said Tracy.
"It's not a well-known aspect of the bond and its not publicized. But it is possible to have sex with someone other than your bonded." Said Angelina.
"Why the hell wasn't that in the information packet! You can't just leave out information like that!" exclaimed Elms
"Look he's pulling a Hermione." Said Ron chuckling.
"I do not act like that Ronald." Said Hermione immediately.
In response Ron, Neville, the Weasley twins and Harry simply looked at her. Looking for support through the bond she received silence causing her to huff and sit back with a pout and her arms crossed.
"Its okay Mione, Pads does it too. It may just be a nerd thing." Said Parvati any sting removed from the words when she kissed her cheek.
"I'm a bookworm, not a nerd." Said Hermione still pouting.
"Is there really a difference?" questioned Ron.
"Nerds are kind of obsessive about what interest them. Bookworms are people who just like to read. Hermione's magic gives her a sort of natural occlumency that helps her retain what she reads." Said Padma.
"Wait let's back up!" called Adam getting the rooms attention, subsequently Rodderick's as well.
"If the bond doesn't stop witches from having sex with other people why wasn't that pointed out! Hell what's the point of focusing on it so much?" questioned the Hufflepuff.
"That's obvious." Said Draco bringing attention his way.
"They didn't mention it because they don't want witches getting pregnant by someone other than their bonded." Said Draco his boredom heard easily in his tone.
"Exactly and since very little is known about what the bond actually does the ICW was able to omit certain details thus making people believe some things aren't possible." Said Daphne.
"Alright does anyone actually know what the bond actually does?" questioned Camille, considering she'd only been bonded for less than a week Harry didn't hold the question against her.
Hermione's eyes lit up even as she reached down into her bag and pulled out a small notepad. Harry smirked as Susan reached over and handed Daphne a galleon which the blonde accepted without a word.
Harry pulled himself out of the memory, he had no desire to travel down that route any further for the time being. Instead he turned his attention to his current company which consisted of Ron and Neville who were sharing the carriage with him for the trip to the Hogsmeade Station. The girls were all riding together coming up with the final decisions for their outfits for the Yule Ball which they would more than likely continue to do on the train as well.
Truthfully Harry didn't mind, he'd checked out physically and mentally when they started talking about fabric choices. The trip to the station honestly wasn't long but considering how early it was he wasn't surprised that Ron settled in for a nap almost as soon as they were inside. As they came to the path near the station Ron woke up, looked around warily and slumped back letting both Harry and Neville know one of his girls woke him up using the bond.
"Jeez Ron did you even bother to go to sleep last night?" questioned Neville.
"I did, I just left the party later than I thought." Said Ron.
Harry shook his head with a smile, Gryffindor had thrown an impromptu party last night in the common room to celebrate the end of the year. He ducked out himself at around 10:45 last night but those things have been known to go to one or even two in the morning. As the carriage came to a stop Harry was the first one out, he was planning to sleep as soon as they were settled in their cabin.
Arthur Weasley was the eldest of three sons born to Septimus and Cedrella Weasley nee Black. Most people these days tend to forget that Arthur's mother was a Black and though Arthur himself didn't care about that he cared a great deal about his mother. In fact he came to visit with her daily, usually taking breaks from the office or pretending to be busy in his shack at the Burrow.
Currently he was in the sitting room of his childhood home across from his mother sharing a pot of tea. His mother had been sickly ever since he was a child and he'd been surprised when he arrived to find Sirius Black and a Healer leaving.
"So are you going to tell me what that was about?" questioned Arthur.
"Apparently that bitch Walburga placed a curse on me using the Black Family tapestry. Sirius lifted it and brought the Healer to verify that it worked." Said Cedrella almost spitting out the name of Sirius's mother as if it was poison.
"You always said she was a piece of work." Said Arthur scowling.
"Which is why I never wanted you boys around her. Bitch is lucky she's already dead and I can't get to her." Said Cedrella.
"But you'll be alright now?" questioned Arthur.
"Yes, Sirius also reinstated me into the House of Black. According to the healer with Weasley and Black Family magics supporting me I should be back to full health in a week, two at most." Said Cedrella causing Arthur to slump in his seat his relief visible.
"Speaking of bitches, Lucretia came to see me regarding that ex-wife of yours." Said the woman causing Arthur to wince.
"While she's not part of the Main Family her actions had consequences. The Prewitt headship is refusing to be passed on to the named heir. Lucy is of the belief that magic won't allow it to pass to any but one of your children. I suggested she approach Percy. If that boy wants to be important bringing honor back to that house will do it." Said the woman.
"He's not as bad as before. Though I think that has more to do with Audrey than anything." Said Arthur
"Whatever the case I'm just hoping he becomes less of an embarrassment than he has been with all of that brown nosing." Said Cedrella to which Arthur had no response.
"So when are you coming home?" questioned Cedrella after a few silent moments.
"What do you mean?" questioned Arthur warily.
"Whitemarsh Manor is the home of the Head of House Weasley, has been for generations." Said the woman
"True, but I'm not the Head of House Weasley."
"You can't keep putting it off. Your father has been gone for over 12 years now. Besides this House needs to regain its prestige, it can't do that without someone at its Head." Said Cedrella.
"What about the Burrow? I won't just abandon it." Said Arthur.
"Keep it. Maybe Charles or one of the others can live there later on."
"I'll think about it mom." Said Arthur.
"Think nothing, it's long overdue. If you were wearing your damned ring that bitch wouldn't have been able to potion you." Said the woman, a statement Arthur had no argument against.
As Cedrella moved to stand, Arthur was quick to get out of his own seat and help her up. Over the last few years her mobility had become limited, but she outright refused both the wheelchair and the walker that had been recommended for her. From the sitting room they moved to the terrace overlooking the garden and the view of the lake.
"Now Max told me what you left out regarding this LPA business and that you opted out." Said Cedrella.
At this Arthur did his best not to overreact. His youngest brother Maximus had never been able to hide anything from their mother. He once described it as staring into the eyes of a hungry nundu so while Arthur didn't like that he spilled the beans he couldn't much blame his brother.
"Well I already have seven children mom; I don't really want more." Said Arthur.
"I figured that was your reason. I want you to be happy though and you deserve that. If that means you get to have a bunch of meaningless sex until you bond with someone then there are worse fates." Said the woman causing Arthur to wince.
"Merlin knows I might sign up for it once my body and magic is up to it." Said Cedrella causing him to blanch.
"What, why!" exclaimed Arthur.
"I've been alone for 12 years dear. I'll not spent the next century or two on my own. Besides I'm sure half the country believes I'm dying or already dead, this will be a hell of a way to make a return." Said the woman doing her best to hold in a cackle while Arthur shuddered.
"Mother please." Said Arthur causing her to chuckle and pat his hand.
"Don't worry about me dear, just having a bit of fun." Said the woman causing him to relax.
"Save that worry for Ginerva. She'll be eligible soon and prudish as those Prewitt's are I doubt that mother of hers has done anything to prepare her." Said Cedrella.
"I've been trying not to think about that actually." Said Arthur.
"Well you should. House Weasley has its share of enemies and you've made a few of your own during your time in the Ministry. Don't think for one second that someone won't snatch that girl right off of your arm in Diagon Alley if given half the chance." Said Cedrella seriously.
"I know I've seen it happen to people. I asked Minerva how things at Hogwarts are going. She informed me that if Ginny is at least at the level of a Sorceress score wise she'll avoid the worst of it." Said Arthur.
"How is the Potter situation?" questioned the woman
"Handled. The marriage contract wasn't enforceable. Apparently the Weasley sigil didn't have any magic in it nor did my signature on the contract. The auror's believe I was placed under the Imperious Curse and then obliviated which is why I have no memory of ever signing it." Said Arthur.
"Damn that Dumbledore. I'm starting to feel like we had two Dark Lords and not just one running around." Said Cedrella with a scowl before sighing and shaking her head.
"Listen Arthur, in a few weeks after I've regained my strength and the holidays have passed, I'll be taking a trip. When I return I expect to be Madam Weasley and not Lady Weasley." Said Cedrella.
Dora sighed in relief as she entered the Auror Office and made her way to her desk. Things in the Ministry had calmed a fair bit since the first few weeks that the LPA was active, but that didn't mean that people weren't still having open sex in the halls or other offices. The Auror Office was the one place this wasn't the case; Amelia had put her foot down that the Aurors needed to be available at any time and couldn't respond if they were engaging their libidos.
"Tonks."
The call of her name broke her from her musings and following the direction of the voice she saw Frank Longbottom waving her over. Inside his office she saw Amelia, Rufus Scrimgeour and someone wearing the robes of the D.O.M which told her this wasn't a social call.
"Where's your partner?" questioned Frank tone all business.
"Near the Floo entrance with Norah Fudge." Said Dora.
"This damned law." Said Scrimgeour groaning.
"What's going on?" questioned Dora.
"We've gotten a possible sighting of the Carrow Twins in the country." Said Frank causing her to blink in surprise.
"I thought they were shacked up in Romania with a vampire." Said Tonks.
"That was the case. We need to know if they actually are back and more importantly if they brought that bloodsucker with them." Said Frank.
"That's the last thing we need a fucking vampire in our yard." Said Amelia
"Okay, obviously that's bad, especially for the muggles but I feel like I'm missing something." Said Tonks.
"Vampires and werewolves are in a constant state of war. No one knows what started it but whenever they cross paths bodies start dropping. The only reason they didn't join the blood war was because the werewolves were already backing Riddle." Said Amelia
"It didn't stop Riddle from trying to recruit them. Lord Black was undercover at the time and if not for him getting word to the vampires about the werewolves already being involved things would have gotten a whole lot worse." Said the D.O.M garbed individual.
"You got a location?" questioned Tonks.
When the Hogwarts Express pulled into Kings Cross the students were all wide awake though considering it was just nearing 3 o'clock in the afternoon that was to be expected. Aboard the train itself students could be seen getting ready to disembark and in the 4th-7th year cars that meant that many of them were doing last-minute checks to make sure they were presentable. As he stepped off of the train and onto Platform 9 ¾ Harry smiled as he spotted Sirius standing within a large group consisting of at least one of the parents of his bonded.
Surprisingly even the Grangers and Bells were on the platform instead of on the muggle side of the station as they'd been expecting. Also standing with the group were Frank and Alice Longbottom, Mr. Weasley and group of other people who Harry guessed to be the parents of his friends.
Rather than immediately head over to the group Harry stepped to the side and extended a hand helping each of his bonded as they emerged from the train. The last to step off of the train was Susan and rather than release him she linked their arms before they made their way over to the large group of parents and guardians.
"MUM!"
Harry blinked finding Astoria racing across the platform towards her mother. As she neared however she was intercepted and literally swept off her feet as her father stepped into the path and took her into a spin causing her to giggle before they were hugging. Harry was actually impressed, Ernest Greengrass wasn't necessarily a tall man at 5'9" nor was he stocky or muscular but more on the thin side. Despite this he handled Astoria as if it was the easiest thing in the world. As Daphne's mother Eloise stepped forward from behind her former husband Daphne gasped, and Harry felt his own eyes widen at the sight of her while Daphne surged forward abandoning her usual poise.
"Mum you're…" started Daphne words for once abandoning her.
"Pregnant. Indeed and once more your father has appointed himself as my bodyguard as if I haven't done this twice already."
Harry could tell the rest of the bonded really wanted to rush towards the woman but were managing to hold themselves back by making beelines towards their own parents instead. Harry followed their example and made his way to Sirius who greeted him with a big grin and a hug. It didn't take much longer for the group to split and go their separate ways as with the exception of Fleur none of them should be outside of the range of their mental connection thanks to the bond.
While most of them left via floo Harry and Sirius escorted the Grangers and the Bells to the exit of the platform that would take them out to the muggle side of Kings Cross. Once both families were through Sirius led him to the apparition area on the magical side, applied warming charms to both of them and gripped his arm with the next thing he felt being the uncomfortable sensation of Side-Along apparition.
When they settled and Harry felt secure enough to open his eyes he was met to the sight of white all around him. Fresh show covered everything grass, trees and even rolling hills in almost every direction. On the road just ahead of them was a single car with a driver standing by the door waiting for them. The driver was a young man perhaps 20 with chocolate brown skin and at least six feet in height wearing a black chauffeur uniform.
"Um, Sirius." Said Harry lowly motioning softly to the driver who was staring at them.
"Don't worry about him. He's our driver, the company he works for is owned by us and only employs squibs or muggleborn witches and wizards." Said Sirius softly as he began leading him towards the car.
"Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long Jax." Said Sirius
"No sir, you're actually right on time Lord Black." Said the young man opening the door.
"Jax this is Harry my godson." Said Sirius.
"Nice to meet you Harry. My name is Jaxson just call me Jax, everyone does." Said the man
"So where are we?" questioned Harry once he and Sirius were settled in the back of the car.
The heat inside felt wonderful after standing outside in the cold for even that short period of time. Thankfully Sirius applied the warming charms to them beforehand or the cold would have been even worse.
"Wales, specifically Flintshire between Caerwys and Rhuallt if you look on a map." Said Jax causing Harry's eyes to widen.
"In case you're wondering this road just like the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ and the track for the Express is hidden so only magicals can access it." Said Sirius
"As for why we're driving I wanted you to be able to get the full experience for your first sight of Potter Manor." Said Sirius.
"It's finished" said Harry excitedly.
"Not in the way you're thinking. Turns out your grandmother was really impressed by The Retreat. So much so that she put things in motion to redesign the Manor, plans were done, contracts signed and everything. She and your grandfather died before they paid for it to be done but when we went to them they honored that contract and rates. A few things were a bit more modernized considering how long it's been though and I had a few things added." Said Sirius.
"Why did she want to change it?" questioned Harry.
"Honestly the old place was just that, old. There was always something needing to be fixed. I guess after seeing what James was willing to do she was finally able to pressure your grandfather into letting her get the place fixed up instead of just complaining about it." Said Sirius shrugging.
"So why did you need to add to it?" questioned Harry.
"Well you'll need a bit more room than what the original plans called for in the future so adjusted the plans to compensate for that." Said Sirius
In just a few minutes they were passing through a pair of large black gates which swung open at their approach and swung closed once they passed through. Sirius explained the gate was the property line, but it took them driving another five minutes before they passed through another gate, this one mostly metal with a stone archway to which the gate doors were attached. After passing through these gates Harry's eyes widened as he beheld Potter Manor for the first time.
"It looks just like the pictures." Whispered Harry softly getting a small smile from Sirius.
The house itself really did look almost exactly like he remembered it, from the outside at least. The house had the same white walls and tilted grey tiles on the roof, though the house itself was bigger. The driveway was newly paved and the square center with the fountain in front of the house was new as well. Further past that was a garage area with doors for six cars and while Charlus only owned the Jaguar and Dorea couldn't even drive this shows they'd planned for if someone in the future wanted more cars.
"What else is different?" questioned Harry making Sirius realize he'd spoken his thoughts aloud.
"Come on, I'll show you." Said Sirius with a grin as at that moment his door opened allowing him to step out of the car with Harry quickly following after him.
"Thanks for the ride Jax." Said Sirius to the man who was standing beside the opened door.
"Anytime sir, nice meeting you again Harry."
"You too." Said Harry.
Rather soon after that Jax had the car turned around and was driving it back through the gates. Once the car was through the gates Sirius motioned him to follow and led him up the path to the front door. With an encouraging nod from his godfather Harry opened the door and immediately felt his eyes widen at the opulence that just the entrance displayed.
The floor was marble and led to a twin staircase, the center of the stairs were covered with black carpet while the railing was a mixture of black and gold. Before even reaching the staircase he saw embedded into the floor was the Potter family crest. It was a golden phoenix with its wings flared out holding war hammer between its talons with the head pointing down.
"That's real gold in case you're wondering." Said Sirius causing his head to snap in his direction in shock.
"According to the lady Minnie and I did the tour all of the golden accents you see in the house is real 22-karat gold." Said Sirius.
"I kind of feel underdressed now." Said Harry getting a chuckle from Sirius.
"Don't worry I thought the same thing. Now before we continue the tour you'll need to claim the manor first." Said Sirius.
At that Harry hesitated, he hadn't needed to do that with The Retreat. This however was Potter Manor, the seat of the House of Potter since the 4th century and the height of Albion. There was a lot of pressure that knowledge put on him but he took a breath and took a few steps forward before kneeling in front of the crest.
"I, Henry James Potter, Heir of the House of Potter, son of James Charlus Potter and grandson of Lord Charlus Potter do hereby claim dominion of this and all unoccupied Potter Family properties. So mote it be."
For a moment nothing happened and then the emblem began glowing with golden light so vibrant he was forced to squeeze his eyes shut. Finally the light died down and when he opened his eyes he was greeted to the sight of four ornate golden keys with a name inscribed into the length of the barrel. One was for Potter Manor, another Lily's Retreat, the third was for Cadogan Square and the final key was for Sunset Villa a vacation home in Hawaii. Picking the keys up he only barely made it to his feet before multiple pops sounded off and the entrance hall was suddenly full with what he knew instantly were twenty house elves.
"Welcome home Master Harry. I am Winston."
Winston he knew was the Head Elf, the one in charge of not just the property but all Potter Elves. It was a name inherited by each elf that became the Head Elf.
"It's nice to meet you, all of you. Are you all doing well or do you need time to regain your strength?" questioned Harry.
"We are well sir and fit to resume our duties to the House." Said Winston.
"Alright Winston I'll leave things to you. This is my first time here as you know so I'm going to tour the place. I'm sure you all know the place and what needs to be done. If any of you feel like you need more to do feel free to pop over to Lily's Retreat or Cadogan Square." Said Harry, with excited all of the house elves popped away.
The tour that followed revealed this was definitely a magical house as it was much bigger on the inside than the exterior presented. The place has fifty-five bedrooms, all of which have their own in-suite bathrooms and five half bathrooms around the house as well. The center of the house not far from the entrance possessed a Chef's kitchen the cabinets of which was covered in mahogany with more of the gold accent.
As he went about the tour he came across house elves setting things to rights with furniture and portraits popped into place all over the Manor. The library was no exception as books, tomes and scrolls were popped in to fill the empty shelves even as he watched. The one place he hadn't seen was the Portrait Hall, Winston had actually stopped him before he could enter stating it was empty, and he shouldn't see that until the room was presentable. Considering the purpose of that space Harry hadn't fought the elf and moved on to the next place to see.
The library wing was next and was extensive boasting two levels with floor to ceiling windows. There was a game room with six lanes for bowling, a fitness center, a cinema room, an indoor pool complete with spa area and a ballroom of all things. There was a potions lab larger than the classroom at Hogwarts and a dueling room. There were two offices, Lord's and Lady's offices both of which had view of the backyard. The Lord's office, however, is where the ward book was located and as such he spent a bit of time within the office filling that out.
The backyard boasted a custom waterpark with three slides, five waterfalls, a two-story hot tub, a fifteen-foot diving platform, a zipline, geysers, a swim-up bar and a splash park. There was a small river and a stone grotto along with a small shed lined with enough water guns to start the mother of all water wars.
The property was a full 200 acres, which gave it more than enough room to fly around and not be noticed. This was good since Sirius took him on a short flight and showed him that there was a full Quidditch pitch to go with the tennis court and the golf putting areas closer to the house.
"So what do you think?" questioned Sirius as they finished the tour and came in for a landing.
"Honestly Sirius, I think this place is too much." Said Harry his eyes wide from all he'd seen.
"For a typical family with one kid it might be. Aunt Dorea wanted your parents to have at least six though." Said Sirius.
"Six?" questioned Harry.
"The Potters were hit hard during the both Global Wizarding Wars. The cadet branches were decimated and the few that remained were wiped out by Death Eaters." Said Sirius.
The next two days passed in something of a blur for Harry and before he knew it Monday had arrived. He slept an extra two hours since he didn't have to worry about going to class, but he was still showered and dressed by 8:30 that morning. After a quick breakfast he and Sirius stepped through the floo into the atrium at the Ministry of Magic.
Thankfully upon entry he neither fell nor was he launched out, mostly because he'd spent nearly an hour Saturday morning going back and forth between The Manor and Grimmauld Place trying to master the floo after Narcissa witnessed his initial entry and just like port keys there was a trick to using the floo.
Regardless he stepped out of the flames easily and stepped to the side just in time for Sirius to make his way through. Already there was a crowd gathered but he was quickly guided over to the security desks where after checking their wands the two of them were provided guest passes and advised to head down to level 10. While level ten played host to the courtrooms it also played host to the Wizengamot Chamber and while Harry had already been to level 10 a couple of times he'd never visited the Wizengamot Chamber.
There were lines already forming to get to the lifts though the security wizard waved them passed them and onto the VIP lifts which were usually reserved for Ministry department heads and Wizengamont members. The VIP lift was definitely smaller than the other ones so Harry could see why it was reserved.
As level ten was the deepest level of the Ministry below the atrium, it should have taken them several minutes to arrive but they were stepping off of the lift in just over a minute. From the lift area they were directed to right side of the hall rather than the left where the courtrooms were located.
Unlike the other side of the hall with all of the various courtrooms this side of the hall only had a single pair of large double doors at the end of the hall that were already open with a pair of security wizards stationed on both sides. As they walked through the door and into the Wizengamot chamber Harry found standing just to the right of the door as he entered were Hermione and Ron both of whom were clearly nervous.
Hermione wore a set of what had to be new witch's robes that were black with red accents and offered a hint of cleavage in the window between the bottom of her throat and the swell of her breasts while her hair was now purposely curled instead of her usual bushy look.
Ron had also cleaned up wearing a black suit over which was a dark blue wizard's robe that told him Ron could have definitely pulled off the Ravenclaw look had he been in that house and cared to do so. He wondered just how Ron had been convinced to wear anything other than Gryffindor or Chudley Cannons colors but after a few moments he decided he was probably better off not knowing.
Hermione was clearly being distracted over the bond so she wouldn't be overwhelmed while Ron looked like he was ready to make a run for it. Dora, donning her signature purple hair, stood not far from the two of them leaning against the wall in her auror uniform the sight of which had him struggling not to bend her over and fuck her against the wall.
Fortunately or unfortunately depending on who was asked the Wizengamot chambers had rules of conduct that prohibited such actions. That didn't stop him from projecting images of those desires to her over the bond. Dora in response sent him a smoldering look before the image of her on her knees beneath the Chief Warlocks desk sucking his cock came over the bond.
"Stop it, both of you." Demanded Hermione swiftly.
"Um, we haven't done anything." Said Ron slowly.
"I was talking to those two." Said Hermione.
Ron looked slowly between Harry and Dora for a few seconds before blushing so hard his ears turned red while Dora smirked and winked. Turning his attention away from them for a moment to look the room over Harry couldn't help but notice the stark difference between this room and the courtrooms.
Unlike the courtroom which were shrouded in darkness the Wizengamot chamber was brightly lit even possessing a large circular skylight window on the ceiling towards the back of the room along with a narrow window down the center of the back wall as if they were connected. The windows gave all the appearance of natural light, though that's all it was an appearance considering the Ministry was constructed deep underground.
Just in front of the back window was a large three person desk the center of which was the Chief Warlocks seat with the Record Keeper seated to the left and the Minute Taker on his right. In front of that was a circular area for presentations with only one part left open forming a path. There were seats around that area, though those were always empty and symbolized the old Wizards Council.
Pushing out further were the press section which had two desks on either side of the path leading to the presentation area. There were other desks in the area but those were for the Wizengamot personnel who attended the meetings specifically the scribes for the various Houses who would take notes on the meeting, so the Lords themselves didn't need to.
The back left section was reserved for the use of Ministry of Magic personnel including office heads and the Minister for Magic. The rest of the floor was visitor seating, which at the moment was steadily filling up as people entered the room and already Harry recognized several of the faces as current Hogwarts students and staff.
One part of this section, specifically the back right section closest to the Chief Warlock was where the rest of the Potter Coven could be seen along with family members and close friends, with Hagrid in the very back of the section due to his size. The Weasleys were also in this section, which wasn't much of a surprise for Harry. Luna was sitting at a press desk next to her father but smiled brightly upon seeing him before turning back to her father.
"Those are a lot of empty seats." Said Ron looking towards the members' section.
The members section rather than being on the floor was higher up on a balcony, a change made a few centuries back to keep the members from shooting spells at each other according to Sirius. Over half of the seats in the members section were empty showing just how much power the Death Eaters and their supporters had amongst the body until they'd been rooted out by the ICW.
Undoubtedly there were some people who like Harry were too young to claim their seats properly but as it was only just over the bare minimum number of people needed were still appointed members of the Wizengamot. While some of those people were knew to the body their seats were not, but new member seats wouldn't be issued until after the new year.
"You three should get to your seats it's about to start." Said Sirius causing Ron to look towards the door again. Sirius took his own words to heart and moved to the stairway that would take him to the member's section.
"Come on you two. It's too late to run away." Said Hermione grabbing Harry by the hand and leading the way.
The first three seats in the front row on the left of the back right section with Ron taking the aisle seat, Hermione sitting in the middle and Harry taking the innermost seat. This, however, placed him between Hermione and Penny and a quick check with the bond told him they'd arranged it that way. In only a few minutes after they had taken their seats Ministry and Wizengamot personnel began making their way into the room and to their seats. Finally the Chief Warlock entered going directly to his seat and calling for the doors to be closed so they could open the meeting.
"Good morning everyone, thank you all for arriving promptly. Before we begin I'd like to take this moment to welcome the Deputy Minister of Magical France, Jean-Paul Delacour who is sitting in today. As many of you may know his eldest daughter Ms. Fleur Delacour is participating within the Tri-Wizard Tournament representing Beauxbatons Academy and counted amongst the Bonded of Heir Potter." Said the Chief Warlock getting a bit of mummering from the crowd though he silenced it quickly.
"Todays meeting has but one item on the agenda, the induction of three rather remarkable young people, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Ms. Hermione Granger and Heir Harry Potter into the ranks of the Order of Merlin. Such a thing is not nor should it be something that is lightly handed out and while we of the Wizengamot know and understand the full truth behind these inductions we understand many others may not.
As such with their permission Madam Bones, the Head of the DMLE will be presenting memories obtained from each of them to us all via the pensieve." Said Ogden motioning to Amelia who stood from her seat and made her way to the presentation area.
"Before we began I want to assure you all that what you are about to see are verified authentic memories collected from Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger and Mr. Ronald Weasley. The D.O.M has altered them so that they blend together cohesively so we don't have to switch memories out constantly. Nothing has been removed or altered so we will see things the way they did and while some of it may not seem important all of it ties together to paint the full picture. These memories takes place two years ago, starting prior to what would be their 2nd year at Hogwarts and takes up majority of the year from July to May." Stated Amelia.
For nearly the next two hours they watched the memories starting first with Harry's first meeting with Dobby which led to Dobby using the hover charm and Harry receiving a warning letter from the Ministry. Harry watched in something of an out of body experience as Vernon beat him as a result before he was locked in the room. It skipped the next few days until Fred, George and Ron arrived in the flying Ford Angelina, pulled the bars from the window and helped him escape.
From there it skipped forward in time to the day they went to Flourish and Blotts where he was manhandled by Gildroy Lockhart, it showed the Malfoy's arrival and interaction with the Weasleys and the fight between Arthur and Lucius. Then it skipped to September 1st where he and Ron found themselves unable to get through the portal to Platform 9 3/4. It showed Lockhart's disastrous first lesson as DADA professor with him fleeing the room from Cornish Pixies he let loose then skipped to Halloween and the formerly Nearly Headless Nick's death day party and the discovery of the petrified Mrs. Norris and the message about the reopened Chamber of Secrets.
It followed from there going from one important event to another. During this time he did his best to zone out the reactions of those surrounding them since outside of Ron, Hermione and himself only their bonded knew the full story of events until this point aside from Madam Bones and whoever she showed.
The reveal that Dobby blocked them from accessing the portal in Kings Cross and caused the bludger to attack him during the Gryffindor vs Slytherin quidditch game got some reactions, but it was nothing compared to when Colin Creevy was shown petrified as the horrified scream of 'MY BABY' from who could only be his mother shook the room.
Then it was the disastrous dueling club with Harry clearly heard stopping Draco's summoned snake before switching to Ron's point of view and playing the duel again only with the shocked reaction of hearing Harry speaking parseltongue. Then it skipped to Harry finding Justin and Nick in the hallway and being taken directly to Dumbledore's office.
It skipped again to Harry discovering the diary and his first meeting with Tom seeing the memory of Hagrid being expelled. It skipped again to May and into Hermione's point of view with her making the discovery that the creature was a basilisk, her running into Penny and informing her of what she discovered only for both of them to be attacked and petrified.
Then it skipped forward again with Fudge showing up with Lucius to arrest Hagrid so he "could be seen doing something" and removing Dumbledore in the process. It showed Harry and Ron following the spiders, their horrifying meeting with Aragog and the Ford Angelina rescuing them before they could be eaten.
Molly Prewett, while not the only one to scream at the sight of all of the giant spiders had definitely been amongst the loudest. Then finally it was Ginny being taken to the Chamber of Secrets, Harry and Ron discovering Hermione had the answer literally in her hand and the events that followed from there.
The reactions to Lockhart turning on them, revealing himself to have been a fraud who'd stolen the stories of others for himself had certainly got a reaction especially when Ron's broken wand backfired and he obliviated himself. Then Harry was forced to go forward alone finding Tom within the Chamber and his reveal that he was Voldemort, and he was draining Ginny's life force to restore himself to a physical state.
The summoning of the basilisk received more screams, the arrival of Fawkes received cheers as did Harry finally slaying the basilisk by stabbing through the roof of its mouth with the sword he pulled from the Sorting Hat. Those cheers turned into horrified screams when it was revealed that one of the creatures fangs was embedded in his arm.
More than a few people couldn't help but shout back when Tom began taunting Harry and there were more cheers when Harry used the basilisk fang and stabbed the diary causing Tom to explode into motes of light.
It skipped forward to Harry and Ron standing in the headmasters office with Dumbledore behind the desk dressing them down before informing them they would receive special awards for services to the school. It showed his private conversation with Dumbledore after Ron was sent away, revealing his own insecurities and the reveal that the sword he'd pulled was in fact the Sword of Gryffindor.
Then it showed Lucius Malfoy arriving and the full conversation between him and Dumbledore then the full confrontation between him and Harry including his trick that freed Dobby and ending with the familiar scene of Lucious casting the Killing Curse at Harry.
There was a short intermission after this allowing people to quickly use the facilities. There was a short question and answer period upon the sessions continuation during which time Molly Prewett once again made herself known, this time demanding that Gildroy Lockhart be stripped of his Order of Merlin award and demand that was swiftly backed up.
Without a hesitation Chief Warlock Ogden stripped him of the award then informed the crowd they would restore the mans memories if only to discover who he stole his accolades from before sending him to trial and hopefully Azkaban.
"Any other questions?" asked Ogden before quickly motioning to a man Harry didn't recognize.
"Has anything been done about those acromantula? I do not feel comfortable with my children there while an army of those things is so close to the school." Said the man.
"They were already removed by D.R.C.M.C early in the summer when Madam Bones first learned about them." Said Ogden.
There were a few more questions following this but before long Harry, Ron and Hermione were standing in the presentation area. Joining them within the area was the Minister of Magic William Silverthorne and in his hands he held an open wooden box with a gold metal inside attached to a purple ribbon.
"Mr. Ronald Weasley, for services above and beyond your station in a time of crisis you are awarded the Order of Merlin 2nd Class. Congratulations."
At these words Arthur Weasley removed the medal from the box and placed it around his son's neck who was blushing hotly. Once he backed away the Minister picked up a second box and opened it to reveal a matching medal.
"Ms. Hermione Granger, for services above and beyond your station in a time of crisis you are awarded the Order of Merlin 2nd Class. Congratulations."
This time it was a beaming Mr. Granger that removed the metal from the box and placed it around Hermione's neck before kissing her forehead. Once he backed away the Minister picked up the third box and opened it revealing yet another medal only this one possessing a green ribbon.
"Mr. Henry 'Harry' Potter, for services above and beyond your station in a time of crisis you are awarded the Order of Merlin 1st Class. Congratulations."
It was his godmother, Alice Longbottom, who removed the medal this time and placed it around his neck before giving him a soft hug and backing away. Soon enough the photographers neared and Harry knew he would be in for a long day.
Notes:
Harry's Harem: Hermione Granger, Daphne Greengrass, Nymphadora 'Dora' Tonks, Susan Bones, Penelope Clearwater, Katie Bell, Fleur Delacour, Sue Li, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil.