The first week back after the holidays was the worst yet for assignments and schoolwork. Now that they were in the last months until OWLs, all professors seemed manic to stuff every last bit of information into them. Harry and Hermione also had an unusual, but not wholly unexpected development when they arrived back from the holidays. After their first Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall asked them to stay after the rest of the class. Harry was nervous, but Hermione was curious. When they approached the professor's desk, she wore a strange expression that made them both wonder.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter, please sit. I need to talk to you about your test results from the end of last session."
Hermione blanched as images of test failure flashed through her head and her stomach did flips. Harry's voice calmed her before true panic set in.
Really love? You would never fail a test. It's more likely that you scored higher than any student in the history of school and they want to award you.
Before Hermione could retort, the professor continued.
"Here are the results of your tests. You both did quite well, but there is an issue. I suppose it's not surprising, but it does leave us in a quandary. Mr. Potter, no offense, but your scores have never been as high as Mrs. Potter's. At least until now. Mrs. Potter scored top for her year once again, but you're only two points behind her due to one slight miss on your Transfiguration exam. I've looked at that question and your handwriting seems strangled, almost as if you were forcing something. Then, when I received the rest of the results, I decided to review each test and was quite startled. If I had seen the same results with anyone else, I would suspect cheating, despite the protections we put in place to prevent that. You see, in reviewing your tests, I find many of the answers to be nearly the same. The wording changes slightly, but the ideas and the order of the answers are identical. I think it is obvious that your bond makes separating the two of you for exams a near impossibility. I have a suspicion with my exam since it was one of the last one taken that Mr. Potter was perhaps trying to force his own answers and that is the reason for the change in his writing. Am I correct in my assumptions?"
Aw shite love, what do we tell her? I really tried to keep my mind on my own tests.
I know, I did the same. Even when I was ready to write my usual two feet of parchment answers, you were in my head and I had this feeling that I had done enough and moved on. And some of your insights on the questions were so fresh and interesting that I couldn't ignore them. I think we just need to tell her.
The silence caused the professor to raise an eyebrow as she looked back and forth between them. Harry gave Hermione a small mental nudge and she took the lead.
"Sorry professor, Harry and I were just conferring. You are correct in your assumption. We both tried to block each other out during the tests, but it's quite difficult to do so. Will this be a problem, especially with OWLs? Will it be considered cheating?"
"Well, it's not a problem for now. I've talked with the other professors and the headmaster and they all understand. Professor Babbling was actually quite excited that Mr. Potter has caught up completely in Runes. Professor Flitwick even suggested that we may want to save time and have you two test together, but I don't believe that is wise. The headmaster suggested that you might try working on your mind magics to block each other better, but even he isn't sure that would work. For now, we will continue with testing as we have been and all of the professors will allow for your unique link. If it continues the same up until OWLs, we will need to talk to the examination department at the Ministry to see how they want to handle you. Honestly, soul bonds are so rare that no one has experience in this regard. Anyway, you've got plenty to keep yourselves occupied. I wouldn't worry too much on this for now, but I did need to bring it to your attention."
"Thanks professor. I guess we will try to block more, but that will be hard."
The professor nodded and they let the office. While they didn't talk to each other, their thoughts swirled together with many of the same musings.
Over the next couple weeks, they fell back into a routine of study, research and Quidditch. Gryffindor was due to play Slytherin at the end of January and the entire school was anticipating the match. They often retreated to the Gryffindor common room for class study, and then went to the Potters' apartment for their extra studies among the allies. Now that the Lovegoods were allies and Luna knew everything, it made things easier because the others didn't have to be careful about saying something they shouldn't. She also had a calming effect on everyone and a surprising tempering effect on Ron that was made evident one day in the library. Everyone gathered one evening after dinner, filing in and claiming their usual table toward the back of the library. Ron and Luna were the last to arrive and Ron was busy stuffing the last of a roll in his mouth. When he saw everyone, he spoke without thinking, although much of it was unintelligible since his mouth was full. Luna let go of his hand and turned to stare at him. She didn't scowl, but her gaze bore into him as his eyes met hers.
"Ronald, please! Chew then talk. If you keep doing that, the mergimblies are going nest and I'm going to have to leave."
"Yes Luna."
Properly chastened, Ron approached the table and set down his and Luna's books. Luna was standing behind a chair, just waiting. Ron seemed to suddenly get the hint and reached to pull the chair out for her. He was rewarded by a brilliant smile and a quick kiss that made him grin. Hermione watched the exchange and tried not to smirk.
Well, it seems all that Ron needed was a good woman to refine him a bit. And Luna has the patience.
Which she'll need.
Hermione suppressed a laugh at Harry's parting comment and turned her focus back to their Charms essay. After a couple hours in the library, all of the friends retreated back to the Potter apartment for a session of meditating and occlumency practice. The first half hour was spent with everyone sitting on the rug in front of the fireplace as they worked in a group. They would first bring up their shields and then have a partner try to get past the shields. When that was done, each person went to find separate areas around the apartment to meditate and rebuild their shield strength before retiring for the night. While each person was supposed to be on their own, the three couples all decided they wanted some personal time. The only person not paired among the group was Susan. Once she finished her meditation and brought herself out of trance, she heard a variety of unusual noises and stood to look around the room. The sights that met her made her shake her head. Harry and Hermione were still on the rug in front of the fire. Harry's shirt was gone and Hermione's blouse was half unbuttoned while they fondled and snogged. In another corner, Ginny was perched on Neville's lap on a love seat and her top was also off while they locked lips. In another corner, Luna straddled Ron while they devoured each other.
"Alright everyone, my meditation is done and I think it's time for bed. I guess I'll leave all you couples alone."
A sucking sound came from the corner where Luna separated from Ron. Next Harry pulled away from Hermione while she closed her blouse. Then Neville and Ginny separated. Ginny stood up and looked at her friend.
"Oops, sorry Susie. We need to get you a boyfriend so that you can have some fun of your own."
Susan shook her head and looked away, only to find herself staring into Luna's too perceptive eyes. Luna looked at her queerly and then smiled.
"Who is he? Or she?"
"What Luna? I…I don't know what…what you're talking about."
"Ha! You couldn't even say that with a straight face. Which means Luna is right. As usual. So, male or female? Who is it Susie?"
By this time her six friends had all gathered and were looking at her curiously, while Ginny waited for an answer. Susan was at a loss. She had hoped to keep it a secret for a while longer. Then again, this group held far greater secrets among themselves.
"Alright, fine, yes there is someone. I am not in a position to tell you who HE is yet. I need to talk to him. It's complicated. It's only been going on for a few weeks. Really, when I can, I'll tell you. Now, I'm going. You may all return to your snogging and other activities."
Harry looked concerned and stepped forward.
"Susie, I won't push you to talk, but are you alright? Whoever he is, he better treat you right."
"Harry, thanks, but you don't need to protect me in this case. He is quite wonderful with me."
Susan's slightly dreamy look as she said that mollified her friends. It was nearly curfew and they all agreed that they needed to get back to their dorms.
Three days later, Susan caught Hermione and Harry in the hallway and surprised them when she asked if she could bring someone with her to their study session that night. They readily agreed, looking forward to finding out who the mystery man was. That evening, the other six friends were all gathered in the Potters' apartment when Susan entered. As she stepped in, the man who came in behind her caused Neville to drop his book while the others looked on, stunned. Susan smiled at her friends as she made the unnecessary introductions.
"Hi everyone. I'm sure you've all met Blaise Zabini, at least casually. Blaise, do you know everyone here?"
"Yes Suse, at least I know of them, although several of you I haven't spoken with directly."
Harry's feelings were roiling as he regarded the Slytherin. He trusted Susan, but still. They had a lot going on that he didn't need the general population of Slytherins to learn about. Hermione felt his confusion and tried to comfort him.
Let's give them a chance to explain dear.
Hermione stood and held out a welcoming hand.
"Hello Blaise. Please, come sit. We're all a bit stunned. You've never paid us much attention in the past. I know several of us have questions."
Blaise bowed his head and then responded.
"My thanks for the welcome Lady Potter, I am indeed aware that my presence has caused distress, although I would wish it otherwise."
"Please Blaise, here we are all friends. My name is Hermione. If you insist on using titles, then I think I would need to call you Scion Zabini."
"Actually no, you wouldn't, but that is part of the story."
Blaise took an offered seat and Susan sat on a chair next to him. Everyone could see he was nervous, but he lightened when Susan gave him a warm smile It was obvious the feelings between them.
"Alright everyone, I know you've got a lot of questions. Susan has told me that House Bones is allied with House Potter and I know that it is probable that she is privy to certain knowledge due to that alliance, but I want to assure you that I know no specifics. But, you all are important to her, and she is important to me so that's why I'm here. First, just to reassure myself, can I ask that you each take an oath to not reveal what I am going to tell you? Even to professors."
Harry nodded and drew his wand, as did the others. Each said their oaths in turn and then Hermione laid very heavy privacy wards around them. Blaise's eyes went wide as he felt the wards laid down.
"Wow, I heard rumors that you and Harry were powerful. Anyway, thanks everyone for the oaths. I have some very dangerous enemies, many of whom are the same as yours. This all started about six weeks ago, just after I went home for the break. Perhaps though, I should go back further. As you know, my family is very old pureblood. I was raised strict under all the old laws. I know my mother cares for me, but to my father I was an asset to the house, to be cultured and grown to benefit House Zabini. My greeting to Lady Potter may have sounded formal, but that is the way I was raised. From the time I can remember, every action I presented in front of my parents was scrutinized. This is the way with the old purebloods. We are to be paragons of society, to show no emotion, but to remain devious and cunning underneath. Once I reached the age of fourteen, my early training escalated as my father prepared me for adulthood. This also coincided with the new rise of the Dark Lord and he considered it fortuitous for me to be coming of age during this time. In the past two years, I have been present at several meetings with the Dark Lord, his followers, and those of us in the next generation. I cannot say that I enjoyed these meetings, but then again I also did not enjoy when I was betrothed last year to six year old Agnes Bulstrode. Over the last two years, I have done my best to maintain the facade my father required and have tried to understand the reason for the passion he has in following the Dark Lord. I have found this quite difficult though since I have gotten to know his followers and most of them are spineless idiots. Then I come to school and I see an absolutely brilliant muggleborn who grasps concepts of magic that most of us are still fumbling over. Then I look to the other side and see those that are called blood traitors who stand braver than any of the Dark Lord's followers. I have been trying to resolve these internal conflicts for over a year, until everything came to a head during the holidays."
Blaise let out a long breath and took a swig of the pumpkin juice he had been handed before continuing.
"The day after I returned home, my father called me to his office for family business. Realizing by his tone how serious he was, I put on my dress robes, combed my hair and presented myself formally to him. He then informed me that the following day I was going to be accorded the honor of meeting personally with the Dark Lord, who had a task for me. Once that task was complete, I would be given the Dark Mark. I cannot tell you how proud my father seemed. Prouder than he has ever been with me before. He didn't ask what I wanted, because in pureblood families, children always want what their head of house desires. I was horrified at the thought, and did something stupid when I told him I wasn't sure I wanted to follow the Dark Lord. He reprimanded me with his fists and then dismissed me and I returned to my wing to figure out what to do. I knew I could not go through with it, so that night I ran away. I took my school trunk with me, as well as several pieces of jewelry and a good bit of cash from my allowances that I had saved. I had no idea where I was going, so I stuck the trunk to my broom and flew for a while. Before I knew it, I found myself at Bones Manor. I knew the place from a social function that I attended when I was ten, and of course everyone knows Madam Bones. I had been at a loss about what to do, but figured if anyone could help me, it would be the head of the DMLE. As soon as I landed just outside the wards, alarms went off and Aurors appeared. I laid down my wand and told them I was seeking asylum. Madam Bones appeared and questioned me, as well as having the Aurors search me and my trunk. Once she was assured it was safe, she took me into the house. I'll be honest, I was scared and was having a hard time covering it. She realized this and sat me down with tea and biscuits so that we could talk. This was at one in the morning. I couldn't believe the kindness she was showing and that only made me more sure that I was right to have left. I offered to take veritaserum, but when she refused, I swore on my magic and told her everything. She immediately called the legal department, as well as social services and a healer. The healer came by and took care of what my father had done to my face. By the next afternoon, I was officially a ward of the Ministry and was placed in Amelia's care as a foster. When my father was notified, I received an owl the next morning indicating that I was officially disowned. I am now Blaise No Name. If you had told me I would have no name a year ago, the thought would have terrified me, but compared to what the Dark Lord had planned, it's nothing."
Blaise paused and the group all had a bevy of questions. Harry decided to start.
"Wow Blaise. I feel for you. That was incredibly brave to do what you did. What does Slytherin think? They must know."
"Yes, all of Slytherin house knows. My father's associates informed their children, who spread the word around the rest of the house. The professors all know of course, although the headmaster decided not to change my name on the rolls yet and the news has amazingly stayed within the house."
"So, if the house knows, how do they treat you? Are you still staying there?"
"The house has shunned me. The headmaster gave me a small one room apartment nearby and formally met with the entire house with Snape present. He made it clear that anyone who even threatened me would be expelled. I was actually rather amazed that he stood up for me like he did. I'm still technically a Slytherin, but I don't truly have a house anymore. You would have noticed during the match on Saturday, because I won't be playing."
"Alright, I guess that explains a few things, but what about you and Susan? How long has that been going on?"
Blaise and Susan smiled at each other as he reached to squeeze his hand. He nodded and she took over.
"Well, when the alarms went off two days before Christmas, I woke up and went downstairs to see what was happening. After Blaise was questioned and searched, he came in the house with Aunt Amelia. I was standing in the living room in my house robe and still looking a bit stunned. Aunt Amelia stopped to introduce us and it was strange, like I was paralyzed. When he reached to shake my hand, we both just stood there holding hands and staring at each other. Aunt Amelia told me later that she found it a bit funny. Anyway, I eventually found my brain and had tea and biscuits with him while Blaise told his story. Over the next couple days, we talked a fair bit and found that we have a lot of similar interests. Then, on Christmas afternoon, we got caught under some mistletoe together. As soon as we kissed, I thought I would pass out. It wasn't anything like when you and Harry bonded, but I've never had that happen before. And, yes, I have kissed a couple other guys. That night we talked and decided to pursue something more than friendship. Aunt Amelia wasn't surprised at all of course, although she made sure that we understand her house rules."
"Okay, so that means Blaise was at Bones Manor on Christmas Eve? Why didn't we see him at brunch?"
"Yes, I was there. Amelia thought it best to not make a scene, which my being there would have. I agreed and ate in the kitchen. I had only been gone for a couple days and she was still working on the legal paperwork."
"So that means you and Susie have been dating for about five weeks."
"Alright Blaise, thank you for being straight with us. I can understand that you're in a unique position. As you know, Susan is allied with House Potter. This gives her access to certain house secrets. While you can't be privy to those, I can tell you that a war is imminent, not that you're surprised I'm sure. We meet to study, as well as work on defense and mind magics training. I'll be honest, I'm still a bit leery of you, but I trust Susan."
"That's fine Harry, I understand. I want you to know that I support what you are doing, even if I can only guess at most of it. From what I've heard over the last few years, if anyone can defeat the Dark Lord, you seem to have the best chance."
With a tentative acceptance reached, the group began their studies. When it was time for their meditation and mind magics, Hermione gave Blaise a bit of an introduction, but soon found it unnecessary. As part of his training as a scion of pureblood society, occlumency had been a critical part of his early training. As the evening progressed, everyone became more comfortable with him. They were also appreciative of his subtle deference to Susan, from fetching her an extra drink, to giving her a hand when she rose from the floor. The two of them also traded small looks and it was obvious how much they already cared for each other. At the end of the evening, Hermione brought up something else that had been concerning her.
"Blaise, I've been thinking. I haven't paid attention to where you sit during meals. Are you still with the Slytherins? I haven't seen you with Susan."
"Yes, I usually sit at the end of the Slytherin table near the first years. No one talks to me, so I eat fast and leave. I've been afraid to be seen with Susan. I don't want her to be targeted because of me. I will admit that has become increasingly difficult."
"Alright, well I don't see any reason for you to sit where you're not wanted. You're welcome to sit at Gryffindor with us. I could put you under the protection of House Potter if you wish. Then you could sit with Susan. Draco and his cronies have been more careful with me since we claimed Founders' rights."
"Really Harry? You'd put me under house protection? Why? I have nothing to offer you."
"And there is another part of the old mindset you need to change Blaise. Not everything has to be traded for favors. You can accept an offer strictly out of friendship."
"My lovely wife is correct Blaise. I believe we have started a friendship tonight. You are obviously important to Susan and she is already under my protection, so this will be an extension of that. If you wish of course."
"Thank you Harry, I will happily accept the protection. I can swear an oath of fealty to you. It's a bit old-fashioned, but it's the oath that knights used to swear to their lord and liege. It doesn't hold the power of a house alliance, but I can bind myself to your house as an individual."
"Blaise dear, do you think you should do something public?"
"Hmm, yes, I think Susan is right. How about I swear the fealty oath at breakfast in the morning?"
Harry did a quick mental conference with Hermione, who readily agreed.
"Alright Blaise, I can agree to that. I personally don't need it, but I suppose it's necessary. Won't that divulge the fact that you don't swear under the name of Zabini?"
"Yes, but I honestly don't think that secret will last much longer. I will swear as Blaise No Name, although in times of yore a fealty oath would never have been accepted from someone without a name."
"Whatever. I've decided we need to start changing things. This is just another step. Now, until we get you under house protection, I'm going to ask Dobby to pop you back to your room directly. We'll walk to breakfast together in the morning. Everyone, are you in this as well?"
"Aye Harry, we'll go in united as allies."
Everyone said goodnight and Harry called Dobby to get Blaise while everyone else filed out. That night sleep was elusive as Harry and Hermione lay in bed, discussing their newest soon to be ally. The next morning they were awake early and dressed carefully, finalizing their uniforms with their House Potter dress robes. Harry included the cuff links and clasp that he'd received for Christmas. Even he had to admit he looked quite important and put together. Hermione agreed whole-heartedly and snogged him for a good minute before she reluctantly realized they needed to leave. When they stepped out of the apartment, their five allies were waiting. They walked to the dungeons and found the tapestry that Susan indicated. She pulled it aside and tapped lightly. Blaise appeared a moment later and said good morning before accepting a fortifying kiss from his girlfriend. The group formed up with Harry and Hermione in the lead, followed by Neville with Ginny at his side, as House Longbottom was second to House Potter in stature. Next came Ron with Luna, and finally Susan walked hand-in-hand with Blaise.
When they reached the Great Hall, Harry rubbed his signet and took Hermione's hand. They strode into the hall and the magic that swirled around them quieted the tables as the eight of them made their way to the front of the hall. Harry gave a brief nod to the headmaster, who seemed curious, but gave a bare nod back. Then Harry turned and cast the sonorous charm on himself and Blaise. Hermione stood by his side, while the others stood slightly off to each side, forming aisles, as Blaise stood, facing Harry as he began the pronouncement. When they saw that something significant was occurring, Fred and George quickly joined the group and stood in the two aisles of allies before Harry.
"Attention to all citizens of the realm! I, Lord Harry James Potter, of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, stand here now to accept an oath of fealty. Come now and witness!"
Neville was familiar with the old rite and spoke up immediately.
"I hereby do witness!"
Neville looked at the others, who took the hint and also made the same pronouncement. Once the hall was quite again, Harry continued.
"Who comes before me to offer the oath of fealty? State your name and purpose."
Blaise had been standing, but dropped to one knee with head bowed as his voice magically projected through the hall.
"My lord, I, Blaise No Name, do come to offer you an oath of fealty. My purpose is to serve my lord as he would deem fit of me and my abilities."
Harry stepped forward and placed a hand on Blaise's shoulder as his eyes looked around the hall, briefly pausing on the Slytherin table.
"I accept your oath of fealty, Blaise No Name. Come now and swear oath to your lord."
Blaise stood and raised his wand as he began an incantation even older than the fealty rite.
"I, Blaise No Name, do hereby swear on my magic and my life to be true to my lord, Lord Harry James Potter, in all matters of house and honor. Let my life be his as my lord rules and let my life be taken if I should betray him."
Blaise then took his wand and sliced his palm. As he set his wand in the palm of his hand over the blood, Harry placed his hand over the wand. Blaise then looked in Harry's eyes and finished the oath.
"So mote it be!"
A brief light flashed over their hands as the ancient wizard's oath took hold. Harry had been a bit surprised at the particular oath that Blaise had chosen. It was something he had read briefly, but it was quite old and hadn't been used in at least a century. It was also one of the strictest individual oaths possible. Any doubt he had was erased. Blaise was an individual ally to House Potter now, bound as tight as the house alliance oaths. As the oath finished, Harry nodded at his friend and Blaise stepped to Susan's side, where she cast a healing charm on his palm as Harry addressed the hall.
"All of you here now have witnessed the oath of fealty. Let it be known that Blaise No Name is allied to House Potter and is under the protection of my house. Any person who places a threat on the allies of House Potter will be declared an enemy of the house and I will seek recompense. So say I, Lord Harry James Potter!"
Harry said the last as he rubbed his signet and let a wave of house magic pour out of him and around the hall. He glared at the Slytherin table and saw quite a few looks of displeasure, as well as a couple very pale faces. Satisfied, he cancelled the sonorous charm, turned and nodded to Dumbledore once again and then proceeded back to the Gryffindor table, with all his allies following. His housemates shuffled quickly to make room and all of the allies sat to eat among the Gryffindors. The hush in the hall eventually turned normal as the usual breakfast conversations began. Glad to be done with the show, Harry heartily dug into breakfast.
Later that day, when Harry arrived in Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall smirked and shook her head at him. Harry just smiled back and shrugged. The following day, the headline on the Daily Prophet declared the double news that the Zabini heir no longer carried the house name and that he had sworn fealty to House Potter. Blaise took it in stride, happy that the secrets were done and pleased that he now had truer friends than those in Slytherin house had ever been.