SMART ASS (ARSE)

Okay, let's get all of the disclaimers and other neat to know stuff out of the way. We don't own this- we're just having fun with Rowling's creations.

Here's another - We're from the good old USA. So as everyone knows English isn't always English. If we inadvertently use an American term instead of a more appropriate one please let us know. For example call 911 instead of call 999. You get the idea.

Oh, here's a good one- If you really are upset with some of what we write here. By all means respond leave a message bomb we will answer all comments except for the aforementioned bombs, and we may answer those as well. Except in your case - we don't care - really we don't. We hope to write something that everyone else enjoys. If you don't; then stop reading. THERE WILL BE ADULT THEMES IN HERE! Not a lot, but some. If you don't want to read them either stop reading here or skip over them. We promise nothing to overt.

Just a couple more - My last work posted - Extra credit lab - was uploaded twice. The first time I had spell checked it and fixed everything - then I had a computer error (heretofore designated as a picnic error - Problem In Chair Not In Computer), When I discovered it I reloaded it forgetting to load the edited version. being incredibly lazy I never fixed it. If it bothers you- drop me a line. (See I don't care mentioned above).

Finally- that last point with said explanation brings me to this- It's one thing to be lazy and not spellcheck, but we using the English language. Please, please, please make sure you are using the right word - this chapter's example:

There- Go over there.

Their- That is their dog.

They're- They're nice people. (They are).

If we miss one of these please let us know - we Will look it up and either argue or correct.

Thanks for giving this a try- Please enjoy.

There wasn't much to do except to lie on the bed in the small cluttered room and think. First like everyone else he asked, "Why me?" Then in his mind, he went through the entire litany of why me issues. "Why did my parent's have to die? Why did I get stuck with the Dursley's? Why did I get to free my godfather only for him to have to hide?" Each why me was added to the list until the end was," Why did I get this tiny room filled with all of his broken and unwanted stuff?" But anyone who has any sense of self-worth will eventually tell himself to suck it up, get over it, and move on. So he did that, it was just the start of the summer and his why me's became just why?" He questioned everything and when he concentrated he had the intellect to incorporate data, build likely scenarios on what he knew and could guess. He may not have been Hermione smart, but he was no Ron/Dudley hybrid either. Just the thought of that creature made him shudder. That thought process reminded him of just what a friend Ron had been. Focused on Ron's needs and Ron's wants. The broom incident. The duel in the first year. His unasked but still no less a demand that he choose him over Hermione. Harry was honest enough with himself to realize that it was his choices that further fouled things up. He realized his life was in his hands, his to use or his to waste. While he was going to listen to other views his course was his own.

Darkness was falling and he had wasted a week in self-absorbed injustices. His door was locked, again, they weren't starving him but they weren't exactly putting the weight on him either. It seemed as if every month Dudley gained a half stone. "Hey! Let me out of here!"

He pounded and yelled until his Aunt opened the door and yelled at him. "What! Do you want the neighbors to hear?"

This was the 'new Harry,' "I don't care about the neighbors I am tired of being a prisoner. And by the way, I am hungry and am getting something to eat." Pushing past his aunt who more and more reminded him of a pygmy horse giraffe hybrid.

"Vernon, you better fix the freak. He's being rude."

Vernon had a hard day, just like every other day he had spent almost 5 hours of it justifying why his sales were falling. Of course, the rest of the day was spent watching the secretaries walk. They could always feel his eyes on them. Just being in the same room as the walrus made them feel dirty and want to run home and shower. He stood up and undid his belt, being as long as it was it took a while to get it undone. He gathered part of it in his fist and did his best to appear threatening. "You ungrateful freak. We give you a home and this how you repay us?"

Harry hopped up on the kitchen counter and just bit into his apple deciding to enjoy the show instead of fearing the belt. He was no stranger to it. He felt it before and could bear it if he had to. But this was a new Harry. "Go ahead Uncle Vernon. Is this where you tell me you are going to beat me to an inch of my life?" He watched Vernon and really enjoyed the apple. Normally they were only okay, this one was especially good.

"Boy, have you forgotten you can't use magic? We know this we're not afraid of you freak."

Harry put up a finger telling him to wait a moment as he finished the rest of the apple. "No this is different. This is where I tell you things are going to change here and this is why. I'm not afraid of you or the Big D and I am tired of being everyone's whipping boy. If you leave a mark on me I call child protective services. If you starve me I write Grunnings a letter detailing everything. People may not believe me at first but eventually, someone will believe. And then where will you career go? Or your social standing in the neighborhood?" Petunia looked stricken as he said, What would their reaction be if ran outside yelling how I am being abused?"

"They think you are a criminal and belong in St. Brutus'."

"You're right some people believe everything they're told as long as it's said loud enough and often enough. I'll start that today unless..."

This is the part Dursley understood. "Unless what?"

Harry liked this. So far this was going good, he hadn't even been hit yet. He shrugged, "Simple things. I get to do my homework. I get to eat a decent amount, get to go outside to the park, to the library. Oh and Hedwig gets to go out at night as well. It's not healthy for a bird to be cooped up all the time."

Vernon considered this, it was a lot easier to go this far. Calling the CPS or work would make life very difficult for him, and easy was always preferable. "Okay. but you do chores and the bird only goes out at night."

"Of course, I do chores, I'll do as much as Dudley."

Vernon was about to agree when he stopped in mid nod, "You'll do more than Dudley. We like him.

"I'll do a few more than Dudley, I'll not be your slave any longer."

Vernon hesitated, nodded and went back into the den, the freak made him miss a lot of the news.

Harry waited till after dinner. He did the dishes and let Hedwig out for a fly about. She seemed surprised that she was getting out of her cage. "I made a deal Hed and you were the most important part of it. Everything else was negotiable except your flying rights. Enjoy and have a good hunt."

With nowhere really important to go, at least not tonight; he thought he would have just a quick walk to the park and back. He wasn't worried about the big D and the hangers-on, he knew they were up to no good. Snatches of half-heard conversations and loud shhh's while passing the room. That would wait until tomorrow after homework.

"Where do you think you're going?" A male disembodied voice startled him.

Harry's hand went to his back pocket, "Damn I left my wand upstairs. I've got to get a holster. He added it to his list. "Who wants to know?"

"My names is Diggle." The head appeared while the rest of the body stayed hidden by the invisibility cloak. "I'm supposed to watch you."

"Great. My new favorite question is why?"

"Why what?"

Harry almost sighed but decided to go with it and see what he could learn. "Why is my new mantra. Why do you want to know where I am going? Why are you watching me? I am sure there are others but let's start with those."

"Okay. But I have a question first."

Harry nodded and signaled come on with his hand waiting for the question. When it didn't come he finally asked, "What?"

Diggle was confused, "What what?"

Harry looked at his wrist as if there was a watch there. "Look Mr. Diggle before it get's too late and curfew falls like an Acme anvil, What was your question?

I don't know what an Acme anvil is, but what is a mantra?"

"It would take me too long to explain that or an Acme anvil. However, let's get back to my question, Why are you watching me?"

The entire time Diggle's head was seemingly flying and moving on its own. Thankfully it was dark and they were whispering so none could overhear or see anything. Harry didn't want to spoil the freedom he had so recently demanded. "Oh, Dumbledore wants me to."

"Oh? Any particular reason?"

"Oh no just to watch you and keep you from leaving and to let him know if any death eaters come."

It was almost time to go in, he wasn't going to screw this up, but first he had to ask. "So if a few death eaters came, are you strong enough to fight them off?"

"Oh no. I would go tell Dumbledore and then he would call the aurors."

"Mr. Diggle I am learning so much. Before I go in I am curious. Wouldn't it be easier to call the Aurors yourself?"

A hand suddenly appeared and scratched a chin in thought. "You know that would be quicker, but Dumbledore probably wouldn't like it. He wants everything to go through him."

"I see thank you, Mr. Diggle. It's late and I need to go in. But I enjoyed our conversation."

A worried Daedalus asked, "You won't tell the headmaster you saw me will you?"

"I promise, not a word. It will be our secret."

The next couple of weeks passed by quickly for Harry. Each morning he would do his morning chores, even occasionally earning a grunt of approval from Aunt Equine face err ... umm.. Petunia. He would then work continuously on his homework for at least 4 hours. In no time at all, it was done and better than he had done it before. His recent habit of questioning or reviewing everything served him well. It was during this time when Tuney was visiting and Big D was out causing mischief that Harry took the time to nose into Dudley's business. The room was an absolute disaster. With Dudley as the example, he decided he shouldn't follow that example. It wasn't his house and he had almost no respect for the Dursleys but he did have some for himself so he would from now on keep his room neater. Another self-examination that showed him where he needed to improve. Not for anyone else, just because he should. Nosing into the room the first place he hit was the computer. He knew less of computers than Dud, but he gave himself a mini lesson and quickly learned what and how to find the recent history and to open recent files. "Interesting Big D. Hitting the big time. becoming self-employed at your age. I am impressed." Turning the computer off he looked under the mattress where Dud's big hideout is. There he found many little clear envelopes with a white powder in it. Harry whistled and surprised himself. He was having fun, as an idea began to form in his mind. "Okay let's see who my watchdog is today." Going outside he looked about and no one seemed to be watching. "Okay, who's here today. I need a spot of help."

"It's me, Harry. Daedalus."

"Great!" He was happy it was him. He had met many of the watchers. Some never answered but many couldn't see the harm in the boy knowing especially if he knew they were there already. "What can I help you with?"

"I have some packets here I need copied. You know I can't do magic yet."

"What is it?"

"Could be salt, could be sugar. I can't use it, these muggles will kill me."

"Hmm, can't have that, can we? 'Gemino'." Suddenly there were two piles of 'seasoning'. All broken up into individual packages.

"Thank you!" I appreciate it. Hey since we're alone. let me ask you a question. If I was to borrow your wand and do that spell would that set off any alarms in the ministry?"

Diggle thought about it; It shouldn't. The alarms are keyed to the magical signature. And the ministry gets the signature when you first pick your wand up, that's why the ministry wants you to use Ollivander's. If you were to use my wand it should be okay."

"What about it? Could I try?" Harry watched his eyes, he saw the man struggling with this. He needed him on his side. At least for now. "Never mind, that's okay. this is enough for now. I appreciate it." Giving Diggle one of his best smiles eased the situation.

"Anytime you need something copied you bring it to me. I'll help you."

Thanking him again he ducked back inside and quickly put the duplicated bags back under Dud's bed and hid his stash but not in his room. There was another loose panel this time in the corner of the garage. Not 100% sure where he was going with the drugs right now, but everything was a tool if used correctly.
-

The phone rang and the brown eyed girl answered it on the second ring. "Hello?"

"Hi, Hermione. How are you?"

"Harry? Harry! I'm fine. How are you? Whyareyouallowedonthephone?Howarethoseawfulpeopletreatingyou?Areyoueating?WhatcanIdotohelp?"
Harry laughed, it was the happiest he had been this summer, just from talking to her. "Slow down. I'm fine. There is a new understanding around here. We have reached what I think is called an uneasy peace."

"Well, that's loads better than what you had before."

"It really is, and I have been doing a lot of thinking and am making a conscious effort to change some things I don't like about me and about my life. I am planning a trip to Gringott's tomorrow, I wondered if you would like to go?"

Her voice dropped an octave and almost whispered, "But Dumbledore doesn't want you running. You'll be in danger."

Sighing, "Listen 'Mione. Dumbledore says a lot of things. He is my headmaster at school. This is my life however and I want to know things. Many things that are hidden from me. My new mantra is 'why?' Please don't ask me what a mantra is. I spent several hours explaining to several of my watchdogs just what a mantra is."

"Harry are you serious! Of course, I know what a mantra is." Getting upset that I doubted her."But Dumbledore says..."

"Mione Dumbledore says, Dumbledore says. I am tired of Dumbledore saying. Do you know that each of the witches and wizards has a standing order, if a death eater shows up they are immediately supposed to let him know."

"What about the DMLE?"

"No, they each said they are to report to him and he would tell the Aurors. Then I asked if they felt they were powerful enough to take on a DE. Most of them said they are supposed to disapparate."

"That, that makes no sense. It wastes precious time." He could see the gears turning in her head. Someone as logical as her has to find a rational explanation for everything. "Why don't you send Hedwig to him and ask why he has it set that way?"

"No I'm not going to do that, at least not right now. There are other things also and I need more information. I have some ideas but few facts to base conclusions on. Gringott's may hold some information. So I'll ask again, do you want to go?" He could almost see the war going on in her head. Her need to please authority figures versus her desire to solve a growing mystery. He interrupted her thoughts after 30 seconds of silence. "That's okay 'Mione I know this is hard for you. You don't have to go. Just do me a favor and don't tell anyone. This is something I have to do." Reluctantly he hung up the phone, his happiness quickly crumbling. Less than a minute later the phone rang back. "Hello?"

"Harry James Potter don't you dare go anywhere without me. Of course, I am going to go. I'm your friend, and friends stick with each other, and no one has ever called me anything other than Hermione except for my parents, and they don't count." Before he could apologize she continued, "but I like it when you call me that."

The sun once more broke through the clouds. "You're more than just a friend. You're my best friend."

"I thought Ron was your best friend?"

Snorting, "Please. He's a friend but I only have one best friend. Someone who likes me enough to argue with me even when they think I'm wrong. Someone who won't try to get me into a duel even though we didn't know a spell that we could use in the duel. What was I supposed to do send lumos at Malfoy? Hey, I am running out of time..." Quickly they determined that she was going to call the Knight bus at 9 and he would call it at 9:15. She reminded him to take some money for the bus and each looked forward to seeing the other in the morning.

"Well as I live and breathe. It's Neville. How are you doing Neville?"

"I'm well, Stan isn't it? Are you and Burt the only ones who work the bus?"

"Who's Burt? His name is Ernie." Harry didn't miss the snort from Hermione. "No, we work days now. Where are you going Neville?"

"I need to go to the Leaky Cauldron." It had been easy to get out of the house. He had gotten up early gotten all of his chores done even before Vernon had gone to work. Slipping on the invisibility cloak, he walked out the back door as Vernon was going out the front. From there it was easy to avoid everyone and walk the 2 blocks where he waited to summon the bus.

He sat next to Hermione. She was smiling as she hugged him. "You couldn't resist could you?"

He smiled impishly. "No, and from now on I am going to be different. I've looked at my life and examined it every way I could. I've put myself under a microscope and didn't like a lot of what I saw. I will no longer tolerate undue influence in my life. I believe and this is what we are examining, that certain people have been abusing me and my trust." He saw the look in her eyes and she looked scared. This time, he hugged her which surprised her, a lot. "Other people like my best friend, have earned my trust, and at the very least can always be my Jiminy Cricket."

"That's a huge responsibility, are you sure you want me?"

"Mione, I never needed anyone more than I need you. And I mean that in every sense of the word. I want our friendship to deepen and broaden to new areas. If you know what I mean." He had been up all night rehearsing ways he could say that. Every time he said it in his mind it sounded sappy and stupid. But he promised himself that he would be honest both with himself and her. Was he a Gryffindor or wasn't he? If he hadn't said it when he did he may not have ever said it; win or lose he was glad that he did.

"Do you mean that?" Her eyes glinted with unshed tears.

"Yes, 'Mione I do. Do you want to try?"

"Oh, Harry I've wanted to for so long!" She almost screamed throwing herself into his arms.

"Wait I thought you were Neville?" Stan was definitely suspicious.

The bus jerked to a stop in front of the Leaky Cauldron. "Oh, that's just a pet name. She calls me hairy and I call her frizzy." They got off laughing before he could ask any more questions. Ducking in between some nearby cars, Harry ducked down and donned his invisibility cloak. "I'll bet Mr. Whiskers has someone in here and almost everywhere. It' best not to take a chance." Standing up the newest Claude Rains impersonator said, "Lead on McFrizzy."

It appeared the young witch was talking to herself as she jerked open the door a little too hard, "I am so getting him for the Mcfrizzy comment." She realized the few patrons still there from breakfast were watching her. She was both smart and resourceful she knew in an instant that she had to play this out. "You men are all alike, aren't you? Say and do whatever you want?"

A couple of guys snorted and went back to their papers, the rest shrugged. She thought she heard someone comment, Wrong time isn't it?"
She half heard a snort behind her, she knew she was going to have to do something special with, that is to say, 'to' Neville.

"That was perfect."

"I'm mad at you."

"Really?" He breathed on her neck. "All of those people will remember a loud angry witch. A quiet witch trying to hide or sneak they would remember." Harry followed behind her step by step, neither minded the closeness. They had done it the past 2 years. This time, though she was in plain sight. It wasn't long before they were inside the Goblin's bank. The lobby was empty except for 1 little blonde girl. All of the tellers were watching her sitting on the bench kicking her legs. "There you are! I've been waiting on you 2."

The goblins under the best of circumstances barely understood and tolerated people. It really confused them to see one girl looking at another girl and saying she was 2 people. "Umm Luna right?" Hermione tried to bluff.

Not taking offense at all, Luna laughed. "Cut it out Harry. We only have 5 minutes before the next customer comes in. You'll want to be away from prying eyes before then. You're right you know. Dumbledore does have people looking for you. And he figured out that Hermione is involved too."

The air behind the brown haired girl started to growl before a boy appeared there. "I would never endanger Hermione."

"Silly. We know that. Just as you would never put me in danger either. But somehow it always finds its way to us. Come on we need to speak to the goblin in charge of the Potter accounts."

A hushed mini conversation between Hermione and Harry ensued. "Do you know what's happening here?"

He shrugged, "Not at all; but she seems to be on our side."

Luna just smiled brighter, "Come on you 2 let's move it." Then she spoke to the nearest teller. "We need to see the Potter account manager. We prefer not to be seen. So please escort us before we are."

Lockjaw wasn't having any of this. He didn't like humans. "And who are you to Mr. Potter?"

"I'm his mate." Before this could get out of hand. Luna had seen there were several paths this juncture could take she added, "and so's Hermione."

Harry was decidedly faster at recuperating than Hermione. "Umm, Luna don't you think we should discuss this first? I don't really know you."

She playfully slapped at his chest, "I know that, but we will be. Mated that is, the 3 of us." She turned back and spoke to the goblin in his tongue. Moving quicker than he had ever seen a goblin move, he closed his window and urged the 3 to follow him.

"What did you say to him?" Hermione asked as they exited from the very public lobby to a long plain corridor.

"Oh, I said if he didn't move Harry was going to kick his arse."

"I was going to kick his ass?"

"No Harry don't be silly. Goblins don't own donkeys. At least I don't think they do. But I did threaten him."

"I thought all goblins are warriors?"

"They are Hermione. Just as all wizards have wands. But if you were really good at swinging an ax, do you think you would be a teller in a bank?"

Before they could answer, the goblin opened a door and escorted them into an empty room. It had one desk and chair and 3 other uncomfortable looking chairs in front of it. "The Potter account manager will be with you shortly." Without further words, he closed the door and retreated back to his desk. He really did hate humans, especially scary females that could see invisible people and threaten to have their mates cut off parts of the goblin that he was still fond of.

Before the door was fully closed Hermione demanded, "What is with this mates thing? Harry and I just became boyfriend and girlfriend. I am not ready to have sex with him yet."

"Oh good. I did read the time line correctly. Of course, you aren't ready to have sex yet. Neither am I but Hermione we don't have a lot of time here so Hermione, try to keep it clean. okay?"

Once again Harry's brown-eyed beauty was doing her fish out of water routine. "Harry you better help her focus. You're going to need her brain soon. Give her a good kiss will you?"

What boy could resist this, an opportunity to kiss his girlfriend? "Sure." He jumped to it with alacrity. Tenderly he put one hand behind her head and passionately kissed her. He had been thinking of doing that for several weeks now. It felt good. Soon Hermione regained her focus and kissed him back.

"Okay, you two. My turn."

Harry reluctantly let go of Hermione and was trying to figure out how much of a kiss he should kiss the pretty blonde with when she grabbed Hermione and gave her the same intense kiss that Harry did. Once again it took Hermione a moment, her flailing around for a second or two but then she enjoyed the moment as well. "That was very nice. Hermione, you are a very good kisser. But Harry needs a turn also." The next moment saw the blonde sitting on his lap kissing him just as hard as she had kissed Hermione. The next moment it was done and it was Harry's turn to have his brain reboot.

"Listen to you guys. I know this is a lot. There is much to discuss and no time to do it now. But we 3 are meant to be together. Certain forces are at play to try and stop us so I have been given special insight as to this point in the timeline."

Hermione was more than a little surprised. But she admitted to herself that it felt right. Kissing Harry had excited her certainly, but it also seemed as if everything was falling into place. When Luna kissed her, it felt even more so. "If someone had told me a couple of days ago that I was going to kiss Harry I would have laughed at them. And if they had told me I was going to kiss another girl I would have thought them gone round the twist. But I have to say. It just feels right. If it was any other guy; and certainly no other girl but this is the way it is supposed to be."

"I agree. Luna, I don't even know you but I can say that I love you or I am quickly learning to love you. Just as I love my brown eyed girl here."

A small goblin impeccably dressed came in. "Are you three through? Do you need more time to engage in sex? If you do we can rent this room out but it will cost you gold."

"No that's okay. We're through for now. And that was not sex. If you are really interested in seeing humans mate, we can arrange it but it will cost you gold."

He thought that would embarrass them but the yellow haired one was just as forward as he was. "No that's quite all right. I can forgo without that mental image in my head young witch. What do you want?"

Luna still kept control. She knew Harry would be asking questions soon but she knew the starting place, he didn't. "He is 14, almost 15 and the last of the house of Potter. As the last Potter, he should have his head of house ring but he doesn't. Why?"

The goblin drummed his fingers on the desk for a moment before deciding. "My name is Bloodbringer. I am the Potter account keeper. I have many questions for you Mr. Potter. You will undergo the inheritance test?" Seeing Harry nod he continued. "Fine. Let us do this. Gringott's was never comfortable changing the rules and had been told to change them for one family anyways. Since you are demanding this it removes all responsibility from us."

The goblin pressed a hidden rune on his desk. When the door opened a moment later he issued some quick commands. "The Wizengamot used or rather misused several clauses in treaties to order to prevent your assuming your place as Potter of Potters."

Once again Harry started to growl. It was a low thing not really a growl but not a word either. She quickly covered his hand with hers and kissed him only to be replaced a moment later by Luna. "I could get used to that."

"And you will if you keep yourself under control." Hermione couldn't help herself. It was built into her to begin to train him the way she thought he should be.

The younger goblin returned with the necessary equipment. Ceremonial knife in hand, Harry cut his finger and let the blood drop onto the parchment below. In front of their eyes, the blood pooled and formed into letters and then words. "It is as you say. Welcome Lord Potter. Do you wish to don your rings?"

"This is another crucial point," Luna interjected. "This is your decision. If you take up your head of house ring Dumbledore and the rest of the Wizengamot will know almost immediately. But your rings offer you and us protections. If you choose not to then we can remain hidden for a time."

"That is really not a decision Luna. You already said Dumbledore knows Harry and I are here. He will assume right away that Harry at least knows about the Head of house. However, to be honest, you could still remain hidden if Harry doesn't choose them now."

"That is not really an issue." Luna disagreed certain other factors will come into play and interfere with my association with you. But it is your choice Harry." She didn't tell him and almost hid it in her voice that him not choosing in most timelines resulted in her early demise. But she was already in love with these 2 it wasn't her decision.

"Luna, a decision that is not a decision is still a decision. I am not a seer, and I know so little about all of this lordship stuff but I do know it affords people protections. Is that correct?" He asked the goblin.

"It does my Lord." He liked these kids. He was not overly fond of humans but the Potters tended to be exceptions to most humans. He actually liked James and Lilly. The boy did remind him of James.

"I will take up my ring then." The words were just out of his mouth when a box appeared on the desk. In the box was 2 rings one shone with the brightness of day, the other reflected the deepest of night.

"Here is the Potter ring. If the ring accepts you, then you are Potter of Potter's." He watched as Harry nervously put the ring on the designated finger. The magic in the ring immediately resized itself and burst forth with a wave of acceptance that left everyone blinking. "You are powerful my lord. I haven't seen an acceptance that bright in many a year. Here is your other ring."

Harry's hand stopped in mid-reach. "What other ring?"

"You are the scion of the house Black. Your godfather named you so last week."

"You saw Sirius?"

"Not me personally. The house of Black is maintained by a different goblin. But the ring is yours. If you accept it."

"In for a penny..." As he reached and donned the Black ring on the same finger. The two rings almost became one.

Once the ceremony was completed, the goblin once again congratulated him. "Well met Harry Black-Potter you now have access to all of the Potter accounts."

They were in the bank another 2 hours as Harry had to learn all about the Potter accounts. Hermione and Luna were instrumental in helping him with this. There was so much data that he would have floundered. He thought they were done when Luna brought him up short. "Harry, Hermione and I need protection. We need Lord Potter to do this."

Bloodbringer was ahead of Harry and pushed some more runes on his desk. While she was speaking another box appeared. "These are your mates Lord Potter?"

"Yes, they are. I didn't know it until this morning but they both are."

"This is the protection the lady refers to. These are the betrothal rings. Donning them and accepting the magic inherent in them will make them protectorees of the house Potter and house Black."

Luna led the way. "Both of you grab the black ring and place it on my finger." While they did so she intoned, "While I wear this ring I will consider no other than you two." Once again a flash and the magic accepted her vow. "Hermione your turn."

Once again they grabbed the ring. Hermione was happy to speak the words. She had never felt so alive and so right.

Harry, you are already wearing the rings. So while we grab your hand you say the words about considering no other."

He did so and the magic once again accepted his vow. "Are we married then?" He was alright with it if they were.

"No silly we are too young for that we are betrothed to each other and no one has the right to interfere with house Potter or House Black business. It gives us those protections that Bloodbringer hinted we needed. By the way, Harry I need some money. I don't have enough to get home."

Bloodbringer laughed, "yes females are the same all over."