A/N: To be honest it is a lot harder than I expected to get through the dryer political stuff, but I'm almost done with that part. Next Chapter will have a little more in the way of action. I also hope to speed up the timeline of the story some. I will definitely try to not take a year to get the next one out.

This story was adopted from EmeraldGuardian7. The original idea was theirs.

I don't own any franchises. I am not that creative, or rich.

Madam Amelia Bones sat at her desk massaging her temples, praying to anyone listening to let her have an easy day tomorrow.

"Tell me again, Shacklebolt," She finally acknowledged the big man squirming nervously in his seat. "What exactly happened?"

"We... aren't exactly sure, Ma'am," he answered. "We arrived in Godric's Hollow to find the street frozen, Dumbledore looking like he had been slapped across the face, and the Potter Cottage Wards were stronger than ever. But the weirdest part was the Cottage itself. It was completely rebuilt, with the Potter Crest on the door. Dumbledore said that the new Lord Potter did it."

At that, Amelia snapped her head up. "Harry Potter took up his Lordship?"

"Apparently, Ma'am"

"That's just great," Amelia said. First we find out You-Know-Who has returned, now this, what more can make this month?

"I want a full report on what happened by lunch tomorrow. If Dumbledore won't talk then we will bring him to an interview room for impeding an investigation," She ordered.

"Ma'am," Kingsley snapped to attention, and promptly left to get started.

As he was leaving, Scrimgeour entered in.

"Rufus sit down," Amelia said by way of invitation.

"Amelia," He growled out. "Internal investigations are being handed over to Robards as you requested. Everything I need to hand over before the election is done."

"Good."

"I also sent out Williamson and Proudfoot to investigate an anonymous tip about werewolves attacking a muggle village near Kent last night."

"What?!" Amelia shot up. "Why am I just now hearing about this?!"

"It was an anonymous tip," Rufus dismissively replied. "We were going to inform you if there was something to tell."

"Next time the tip is about something that big and you don't tell me first, I will-" alarm bells going off cut Amelia off.

Williamson's Patronus of a boar trotted up to Rufus. "Eight muggle families dead, none missing. Request support. No known hostiles in the area."

Amelia immediately charged out of her office. After sounding of two cannon blasts from her wand, she turned to look at her Aurors.

"Rufus take three Auror First Classes and below, start investigating the dead families' homes. Make sure no traps or other magic is present, and then hand it over to the muggle authorities. Tell them what you need to."

"Aye."

"Shacklebolt, Savage, Malcolm, with me!"

"Ma'am," all three called out.

"The rest of you, I want six pairs with one Senior apiece to set up a perimeter around the village. No one is to be able to sneak up on us. Everyone else, stay here to handle the rest of the work," orders given Amelia turned to her three backups. A nod from each told her they were ready to go. With one last look around to make sure the other teams were leaving, and to make eye contact with Robards to ensure he knew to take charge, Amelia turned to her office for the Floo. A quick Floo trip to the Auror Office in Diagon Alley that served as an Apparation Point for any wearing the Auror Badge that matched their magical signature, and they were off to see this village.

Crack! With an almost simultaneous arrival, Amelia and her group began their investigation. Walking along the road towards the village square, Williamson and Proudfoot quickly joined them.

"Report," Amelia quickly ordered.

"All of the muggle families to the immediate north of the village were wiped out," Proudfoot began. "Eight families in total. Over thirty muggles dead. We started there, because of the tip. Got there before any muggles could come snooping. That wasn't the weird part, though. When we got to the village itself, well…"

At this point they had entered the village and were making their way to the centre. As they cleared the last corner to enter the square, Amelia stopped cold.

There in the middle of the square, stood twenty three werewolf corpses. Each one was strapped to a conjured wooden pole. As they approached, each of the Aurors felt the anti-muggle wards they walked through.

"Is that…?" Kingsley began.

"Greyback." Amelia firmly replied. His body stood in the middle of the pack.

Shaking himself, Savage eventually spoke up. "That is going to piss off some very bad people. We should get rid of this before the Death Eaters hear of it and decide to retaliate."

"Good idea," Amelia said. "Since you brought it up, you get to take care of it."

"Shit. Yes, Ma'am."

Kingsley and the others showed their support for Savage in the form of snickers.

"Shacklebolt," Amelia continued. "Bring the muggle law van. Set up the curtains to block the view of the square. Set mild notice-me-not wards to deter muggles from getting too curious."

"Aye, Ma'am."

"Williamson, go get our Ministry to Muggle team to prep for handing over the victim families. Use glamours as needed to make them look more like break-in victims. We will use the threat of a terrorist attack as the cause of the murders."

"Won't the curse from the werewolves cause the bodies to reject glamours, ma'am?" Williamson replied.

"No," Proudfoot answered for her. "The curse feeds off of the life-force of the victim. If they are dead, they have no life-force to sustain the curse."

"Huh," was all Williamson could answer with. "Okay. It will get done, Ma'am."

"Good. Proudfoot, I want forensics here to determine the attackers now."

"Ma'am."

All four Aurors, having received their assignments, immediately turned and headed out to carry out their orders.

"Ma'am," Malcolm timidly spoke up. "What about me?"

"You are going to stay with me to learn what goes into coordinating the movements on a crime scene. I need more Senior Aurors and you are past the point of eligibility."

"Oh. Yes, Ma'am." With that, Malcolm stood up straighter and began to try to look confident, as if he were in charge of the entire scene already. Madam Bones could barely keep the smirk off her face as she rolled her eyes at the young Auror.

After about an hour, the curtains had been set up, and the forensics team had arrived and started analysing everything in the square. The bodies had been scrutinized, photographed and brought down onto stretchers for removal. Sheets were placed on them with mild sticking charms to prevent the wind from carrying them off. The bodies were awaiting transport after the forensics team finished searching for traces of magic.

As Madam Bones waited outside she explained each step of the procedure and what it took to get everyone on the same page to Malcolm. She questioned him as she went and corrected him every now and then on small mistakes.

Finally, the forensics lead exited the curtains and walked up to Madam Bones.

"Well?" she prompted, as soon as she saw her approaching.

"Not much to say, really," The analyst replied. "Aside from Greyback and two others, they were all taken down by each other's spells. There are faint signatures signifying that the spells were reflected back at them, and not by a shield. But all of the remaining magic is clouded so that analysis is impossible. I've only seen a few Unspeakables with that kind of capability. It has to be warded into the wand itself and is dangerous to do. One mistake and boom. No more wand, or hand for that matter," she finished with a shrug.

Madam Bones was nonplussed. She had never heard of anyone being able to do that.

"Ma'am," Malcolm nervously spoke up. "You don't think it was Death Eaters do you?"

Madam Bones gave herself a shake of the head to refocus on the task at hand. Turning to her current shadow, she said. "No, I don't. The werewolves would be too powerful of a weapon to take out like this. Even if it was, we would likely have never found the bodies. This would be too public a show of in-fighting. Add to that, we know that this isn't the work of Dumbledore's 'Order'. They stand too publically against killing an enemy."

"So who else could it be, Ma'am?"

"What about the Unspeakables?" the Forensics witch asked. "They are the only ones I've seen to be able to use this kind of Magic block."

"I don't think it was them either," Madam Bones answered. "They usually give at least a heads up after the fact. What is there to hide about this?"

"The anonymous tip could have been them?" Malcolm suggested.

"Good idea, but no," Madam Bones replied. "This was likely Hunters, another group of vigilantes, or someone…else."

"What about Enforcers, Ma'am?" Malcolm asked, almost fearful of the answer.

"I won't rule that one out, but I doubt it," She replied. "That could either be the best, or worst, scenario."

"If they are half as good as I've heard, Ma'am, they could wipe the floor with all but You-Know-Who, himself," The other woman said.

"Yes, but then the ICW would probably seize the entire Ministry in the process while it was happening," She replied. "That would take our entire Department out of the picture. Not to mention the institution of Martial Law."

"That would suck," Malcolm said.

"Indeed," Madam Bones agreed. "Now, let's leave speculation to later. For now, Malcolm I want you to take charge of the Scene. I will stop you from making any major mistakes. Otherwise I will debrief you on how well you do after we get back."

"Yes, Ma'am," Malcolm said, puffing out his chest. He immediately asked the Forensics head if her group was done, and when she affirmed that they were, asked them to go ahead and clear out. That done, he gave the order for the bodies to be transferred. Once they were, he ordered the square to be repaired and prepped for reopening to the public.

A few hours later, Madam Bones returned to the Ministry. She left Malcolm's training in Kingsley's hands as soon as he was done with his tasks.

Walking into the Department's office, she stopped short as she saw who was waiting outside of her office.

Lord Greengrass stood waiting with a nervous looking Auror Tonks.

"My Lord," She greeted him. "How can I help you?" Turning to Tonks she added "Why are you here, Auror Tonks? Isn't this your only day off this week?"

Tonks answered first with a shrug. "We kinda need to talk about something that happened today, Boss. It's not bad, I don't think."

"And I," Lord Greengrass added. "Need to talk to you for some help for my Heiress. You would be the best expert to come to. Before that, however, might we move into the office for privacy?"

"Of course," She answered. Opening the door, she added "But, I will need more details than that."

"Of course."

Madam Bones sat down at her desk and barely held back a relieved sigh. No matter how magically comfortable your shoes were, five hours walking around a village giving orders is still tiring. All the same, it would not do to show weakness in front of a Lord. Especially when a large chunk of the nation's Lords are of questionable loyalty. Looking over at her guests, Amelia noted the nervous Auror standing at the back wall, at an angle from the door, as trained. She then looked to Lord Greengrass, who was seated in a chair looking proud and perfectly at ease.

"How can I help you, my Lord?" She finally asked, after they settled.

"I will actually let the Auror go first," He replied. "Her business is shorter, after all. And it is only loosely related."

"Vague as ever, I see," Amelia dryly replied. "If you were manipulative as well, I'd almost call you a second Dumbledore." At his darkened expression, she merely shrugged and turned to Auror Tonks. "And what is your business, Auror Tonks?"

Amelia watched the young Auror twitch nervously, before she took a deep breath and stood straight.

"Actually, Ma'am, I'm not Auror Tonks anymore," She began. "It's become Auror Black, now."

Well, that was not what I expected. Amelia thought. "Care to explain?" She asked.

"The new Lord of House Black has accepted me into the House, due to planning to reinstate my mum."

"New Lord?" Amelia asked. As far as she knew, the new Lord should be Potter, but he didn't want it. Dumbledore said so himself. If it's not him, it would be the young Malfoy. She seriously doubted he would be willing to bring in his Aunt and her family. She gave her head a shake, and refocused on her Auror. "Who is the new Lord?"

"Lord Potter," Lord Greengrass interjected.

"So he took up both," Madam Bone stated, more to herself than anything. "So were you involved with what happened at the Potters' Cottage, Auror Black?"

"That's still so weird to hear," Tonks said to herself. Then she did a double-take. "What happened at Potter Cottage, Ma'am?"

"I guess not. Reports are, your new Lord of House has reclaimed and repaired the Cottage using Family Magic. He also decided to freeze half the street when Dumbledore showed up. I think he may have taken exception to the Headmaster's manipulations. About time if you ask me."

"Actually, Madam," Lord Greengrass spoke up. "Lord Potter did not freeze the street. That would be my business with you."

"Oh?" Amelia replied. "And what was Heiress Greengrass there for?" she asked, ensuring that no accusing tone entered the question. She didn't see the young girl as a troublemaker. She was always friendly to her niece, after all.

"She and her friend, Heiress Davis, have made friends with the new Lord," was his reply. "They were the ones to escort him to Gringotts to help him claim his Lordship. It appears that the Headmaster lied about Lord Potter's insistence of not taking up his Lordships. They have informed me that he was unaware that he even had said Lordships for the taking, or what any of it meant in our world. It appears that his staunch thumbing of our traditions is born from being intentionally kept in the dark instead of willingly refusing to follow said traditions."

"Circe," Amelia said. "What is Dumbledore thinking? Taking away those Lordships and handing one over to the Malfoys is virtually handing the country over to You-Know-Who. Not to mention the forced political suicide of refusing traditions."

"That, I don't know. And I doubt we will ever find out. More to the point, I wish to invite the Regent and Heiress Bones to join my family, House Davis, House Black, House Longbottom, and House Potter for dinner tonight. It is my hope that you can use the time to talk with Daphne to confirm whether she may be showing Sorceress capabilities. From what Lord Potter and Heiress Davis said, it sounds much like what you went through during your Hogwarts time."

"Really?" Amelia was intrigued. "Temperamental? Subconscious magic usage? Releasing a powerful burst of magic?"

"Yes to all. Heiress Davis said that she froze the street without drawing her wand. The ambient temperature was low enough to see their breath, she said. Then, as they returned to the Manor, she released enough magic to freeze the entire Entrance Hall, and collapsed of magical exhaustion."

"Hmm," Amelia went deep in thought for a moment. "I will have to see her to tell for sure. My own Showing was very different, but that is most likely due to being different classes."

"Indeed. I remember your outbursts vividly. I thought at the time that all of us would be able to do magic like that."

"You were a First Year then, correct?" Amelia smirked. "A much better time for our entire nation."

"I don't think I ever saw Minerva so scared. And I was there for the first four years of Potter and Black."

Both adults sat back with a wistful look of a time before either war.

"I don't know if I can come tonight," Amelia finally said. "I will try but after the attack near Kent, I probably will be here until late evening."

"What happened near Kent Ma'am?" Tonks asked.

With a side glance at Lord Greengrass, Amelia shrugged. "It will be in a special Evening Prophet anyway. There was a semi-successful attack on a small village by Greyback's pack. Thirty eight muggles were killed.

"THIRTY EIGHT!" Tonks exclaimed. "How is that semi-successful?!"

"Because, Auror," Amelia sharply replied to remind Tonks where she was. "All known werewolves from the attack were found dead in the village square."

"And Greyback?" Lord Greengrass asked.

"Dead."

"Dead?" Lord Greengrass responded. "Who could have done that?"

"I don't know. I have a few guesses but I will hold off for now. If we have the opportunity and I find out more, I may discuss what I can at the dinner. If I can make it, of course."

"Of course," Lord Greengrass replied with a nod.

"Now, I am sorry to end this, but I have work I must be returning to," Madam Bones stated. "How may I respond to whether I can make it tonight?"

"Floo," Lord Greengrass replied.

"Okay. That I will do. If I cannot make it, I will be sure to inform you. I hope you take no offense, but I am quite busy."

"Thank you, Madam Bones, for your time," Lord Greengrass said as he stood to leave. With a final nod to both women, he left the office to return home.

"Anything to add, Auror Black?" Amelia asked.

Tonks sheepishly looked down at her badge and then at her Department Head. "I will need to replace my badge, Ma'am. As much as I hate to, I require one with my House name."

"Of course," Amelia replied. "And, Auror Black?"

At this Tonks finally looked to Madam Bones in the eye.

"Stand tall. Not only are you a member of a Most Ancient House, but you are a member who has already brought honour back to that House."

Tonks gave a firm nod and began to stand up straight. "Yes, Ma'am. I will need to head out as well; I have to let my parents know of tonight's dinner. I hope to see you there, Madam."

With that, she waited for the dismissal, and when it came with a wave of the hand, left the office.

"Merlin that did nothing for my head," Amelia said, once she was alone. After a moment to allow herself to wallow in misery, she pulled out a migraine relief potion. Having downed it in one gulp, she sat up and began to work on the endless mountain of paperwork of her job.

At Potter Manor, Harry reappeared and instantly called for an elf to take him to Daphne. Following Tokby, he ended up in the first guest room at the top of the stairs. There he took a moment to catch his breath.

Okay let's do this, he thought, then knocked.

"Come in," Tracy replied.

As he stepped in, Harry noticed Daphne was still out of it. Tracey had moved the desk chair to beside the bed and was holding her hand.

"Anything change?" He asked.

"No, but her hands are still a lot colder than normal. I asked Gilley and she said it was Daphne's magic doing that."

The two sat and talked some more, with Harry explaining what happened at the Dursleys. Tracey mentioned how she would not have been nearly as nice as him.

After a while, a soft moan brought their attention back to Daphne. As she began to stir, Tracey looked more worried. Then, with a gasp, Daphne awoke. She gave a quick look around the room, in a near panic until her eyes rested on Tracey and Harry.

"Hey," Tracey greeted. "Nice nap?"

"Almost," Daphne weakly replied. "Now everything feels sore."

With a groan, she stretched out. "What happened? I remember yelling at Dumbledore and returning here. After that, nothing."

Harry and Tracey told her what happened after she passed out. Harry then explained what happened at the Dursleys.

When he finished, Harry noticed Daphne looking uncomfortable. "What is it?" He asked.

"Well," She started. "I wanted to ask. How are you really coping with all of this? I mean, we show up on your doorstep and you just kind of went with everything we said. Even with the Betrothal Contracts, you barely even questioned anything. You just kind of cleared up anything we didn't fully explain and went with it."

Harry took a minute to figure out how he was going to answer then he looked up. Both girls could tell even he didn't really like what he was going to say.

"I guess the first part is neither of you had a reason for me to not trust you. You were sure of yourselves and didn't look like you were up to some nefarious plot," He started with an awkward chuckle. "After Gringotts, well, I didn't know what to do or to think. The only thing from yesterday I was sure of is that I was going to help protect your families. As far as the marriages, well, I figured the chances of me making it through this war are really small. So if I could leave behind a way to protect you two and ensure my families' wealth stays away from Malfoy and the like-"

"What? It'd be worth you throwing it all away?!" Tracey snapped at him. "Do you mean that little to yourself? We are here because we believe that you will win. We aren't going to take you planning this out as if you will drop dead any minute! If that's the case, don't waste our time!"

"Trace!" Daphne called. Tracey quieted and turned to her. "Thank you," Daphne said softly. "Harry, while Tracey was letting her anger talk, she did have a few valid points. Even if you don't see a way for you to survive this war, we will always hope for it. You need to plan out as if you intend to survive." She reached out and held his hand. "We do care about you. We intend to stand by your side throughout this war. That includes when you face him."

"But-,"

"No, Harry," Daphne overrode him. "We will be there. We will train with you. We will fight with you. And we will beat him together. So your plan of providing for us if you fail is moot. If you fail, we all fail together."

"Don't you dare give up," Tracey added, tears shining in her eyes. "If we lose, all the money in Britain is forfeit anyway. So that idea wouldn't even work."

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," Harry relented. "It was stupid of me to assume I would die. Regardless, I still understand enough of Wizarding tradition to know that this plan of Betrothal with you two is more beneficial all around. I just basically cut all ties to Dumbledore, and will need support. If this is the best way to get that, there are far worse things to me than being engaged and married to two of the best looking and smartest witches in Hogwarts." He finished with a teasing smirk. "Besides, can you imagine the look on Malfoy's face when he finds out? It will be epic!"

Daphne let out an uncharacteristic giggle. "If you thing that's bad, wait until your friend Weasley discovers you are going to marry not one but two 'Snakes.'"

For the first time Harry felt as if a block of ice slid down his chest. "It will be priceless," He carefully said. "But I really hope our friendship survives it. I don't even want to think about losing him or Hermione."

"If my plan works, you won't" Daphne replied softly.

"So what is your plan?" Tracey beat out Harry in asking.

"Harry, you said you intend to return the Tonks family to the House of Black, right?" Daphne started.

"Yeah…" Harry slowly replied.

"Good. So this is my plan. It started with that banner and cloak we found in the Potter Vault. I want to revive the Guardians of the Realm."

"Circe!" Tracey gasped. "If you do that every pureblood House will take instant notice. But who would take Merlin's place in the heart of it?"

"Easy," Daphne replied as if the answer was obvious. "The one that everyone already thinks will win this war for them. And the one that we know is descended directly from one of the original Houses."

"Me," Harry said. He leaned back to take in the thought of even more weight on his shoulders as everyone would expect him to have an answer for everything then.

"Yes and no," Daphne corrected. "House Potter. Not just you. Eventually you will be able to have a proper House again. And as Lady Presumptive, Tracey will be part of that House after the Parchment work is signed. As I will be for House Black."

"Who would be the twelve Houses, though?" Tracey asked. "Do we have that many Allies between us?"

"Not official Allies, I don't think," Daphne mused. She began counting on her fingers. "House Greengrass has the Houses Davis, Carrow, and Dunbar."

"Carrow," Harry interrupted. "Aren't they Death Eaters?"

"The twins that are cousins to the Head are," Tracey answered. "Lord Hector married a Half-Blood and declared neutrality of his House late in the war, after his father was killed in retaliation for his marriage."

"And Fay Dunbar of Gryffindor is the Heiress to her House," Daphne added. "Her mother and older brother were killed in the crossfire during a Death Eaters attack on Margadh Draíochta in Ireland. That's the Irish's equivalent to Hogsmeade."

"House Davis," Tracey continued. "Has House Greengrass and House Carrow, but also House Bell, like Heiress Katie from your Chasers."

"You have Gryffindor Allies?" Harry asked.

"Houses don't matter outside of Hogwarts," Daphne reminded him. "Besides, my father broke tradition by being a Slytherin. We were all Ravenclaws before him. And house Dunbar used to be Slytherins."

"Right, fair enough."

"House Potter," Tracey continued counting. "Has House Bones and Longbottom. I think that's it."

"Yeah, it is," Daphne confirmed. "House Black only has House Turpin left that isn't loyal to Riddle."

"As in Lisa Turpin from Ravenclaw?" Harry asked.

"Exactly," Daphne said. "She is Lady Apparent. Her father was killed by Death Eaters. It's rumoured it was for refusing to follow Riddle with the others. But their money is invested in the trade from us to the Muggle world, so it was foolish to think they would."

"Why do all of these Houses have someone right around our age?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Well," Daphne started. She looked like she was going to continue but then, she blushed and looked down.

"Oh, Daph get your Occlumency back up," Tracey teased, tossing a pillow. Then she looked to Harry. "So you and your wife are in the middle of a war. You minimize going out. No more Quidditch, very little shopping, no more Balls, nothing."

"Okay…" Harry hinted.

"Okay, so what are you and your young wife going to do?"

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh."

"Anyway," Daphne spoke up. "We need three more families."

"What about Allies of Allies?" Harry asked.

"Not a bad idea," Tracey agreed. "But who?"

"Wherever a Bones is, an Abbot isn't far away." Daphne replied. "Their History goes way back. Besides, Hannah and Neville have been betrothed since birth."

"Wait, what?!" Harry interrupted. "Neville is betrothed?"

"He never told you?" Daphne asked. "Oh, well now you know. I guess he didn't want to rub it in to the rest of your dorm."

"He is a private person," Harry relented. "I barely get to talk to him, and we've shared a dorm for years."

"Well, that's gonna change," Tracey grinned. "I can't wait to see the rabble's reaction to a confident Heir Longbottom."

"Who else?" Harry asked, bringing them back to the topic at hand.

"House Fawley is an Ally of House Bones and Abbot," Daphne replied. "Sullivan is in the year ahead of us in Hufflepuff. His family is old and heavy Traditionalists. They will aid their Allies, but give you a hard time. Most Traditionalists will not like a Half- Blood running House Black. Even if they don't believe in blood supremacy. It goes against everything that the House stood for."

"So make a strong front," Tracey continued. "If they see that you will broker no contestation to your authority as Lord of House, they will fall in line. Just expect them to test you."

"Gotcha," Harry answered.

"I don't have anyone else," Daphne said. "The only other Ally I can think of is Prewett, but that House will go extinct with Madame Muriel's death."

"Prewett?" Harry asked. "As in Molly Prewett?"

"Of course!" Tracey bounced up. "Harry is a genius! We use the same laws that allowed him to take over House Black."

"The Law of Acknowledgement," Daphne spoke softly. "Perfect. The Weasleys have a few spare heirs." She cringed. "That came out wrong. They have enough sons that we can try to convince one to take the Lordship of House Prewett." She thought for a minute. "It won't work though."

"Why not?" Tracey asked.

"Harry was acknowledged as Sirius Black's heir until he produced his own from his birth. James Potter had to agree to it as Lord Potter. There is no Head of House Weasley. It's why they are treated so poorly. And probably the source of their money issues."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"The Lord of House must release you to take up another inheritance," Tracey explained. "If there is no Lord, no one can release you. House Weasley's last Lord was Lord Septimus, Arthur's older brother. He was killed as one of the first in the last war, with his wife and two young children. Arthur refused to take up the Headship. That means they don't have access to the Family Vaults, and they don't have the rights of a Lord. We need to get one of them to take it up first. Then another Weasley to take up House Prewett."

"That sounds like a lot," Harry replied. "Can we do that? That sounds like we will be interfering into their personal business."
"It is," Daphne answered. "If we come across as trying to set up an alliance with House Weasley and House Prewett in response, then it may be overlooked. Along with that, it will endear the Traditionalists to us by rejuvenating two Houses thought lost."

"Won't that give us too many Houses, though?" Harry responded.

"No," Daphne replied. "House Weasley is a Fealty House to House Prewett. There are Houses that are in Fealty to other Houses. That is part of why we have to really dig to get the right amount of Houses. Between the Houses listed, I know that the Fealty houses are: Houses Brown, Wood, Weasley, Macmillan, and Lupin."

"Lupin?" Tracey asked. "Like the Professor? Who are they pledged to?"

"Remus Lupin," Daphne started. "Is the last of his House. He pledged himself to House Potter before James Potter's death."

"It sounds like we have a sizable group to side with us," Harry noted. "Much larger than Dumbledore's Order."

"Not to mention the political pull," Tracey added. "That group has most of the top Neutrals and Light members of the Wizengamot."

"Enough of a group to stop any of Riddle's attempts to sway legislation," Daphne put in. "We have a starting plan then?" she looked to the other two. Tracey immediately nodded. Harry thought about it for a little more.

"We have a political starting point," He eventually said. "But we also need a way to fight this war as well."

"We will have the Ministry," Tracey pointed out. "And most of the Heirs will be willing to fight. Weren't most of them in your little vigilante group this last school year?"

"True," Harry conceded. "But a bunch of schoolchildren against the Death Eaters? I don't like those odds."

"The parents will obviously help," Daphne added in. "But you forget that others will follow as we gain steam. Especially if we don't hide like Dumbledore."

"Besides," Tracey said. "We can use our new pull to request outside aid. Aren't you friends with the French Champion from fourth year?"

"Fleur? Yeah, what about her?"

"Well, House Delacour is one of the highest ranking Houses in France. Their system isn't based on age like ours, but rather wealth and political power. That's why the Malfoys always flaunt their wealth."

"She didn't act like a high ranking heiress," Harry remarked.

"She wouldn't need to," Daphne pointed out. "In France, your name speaks for itself. Some think that system works better, but it doesn't matter. If she were to flaunt her name, it would actually hurt her House's reputation."

"We are getting off track," Tracey said. "We can ask her to help convince her Father, who is a known close friend to their Minister, to request to provide aid to Britain. From there and with any other friends we have, we can try to bring all of Europe in to fight, instead of risking all of our society's highest ranking members."

Before they could continue, a house-elf appeared.

"Missy Daffy!" it called out. "Master be wanting you to know, we's be hosting many guests tonight. An informal dinner. With Houses of Davis, Potter, Black, Longbottom, and maybe Bones. He be saying to make sure mister Harry Potter be getting help to get ready. But miss is not to stress herself."

"Okay," Daphne responded kindly. "Thank you, Shirly. We will be there."

After the elf left, Tracey checked the time with a tempus. "We should get a light lunch," she pointed out. "We can scheme later. First let's eat. Then, it's time for Harry to play dress-up." She said with an evil grin.

"Merlin, help me," Harry pleaded to the ceiling.

Across the Atlantic, in a museum of American Magical History, not a soul was moving. Dawn was approaching; the museum was closed and warded.

Without any warning, the floor in the lobby burst open. A single figure emerged. He was a mountain of a man, just shy of two metres, huge, rippling muscles made him appear as bulky as a rugby player. He was completely bald and he had no sign of facial hair on his scarred face. His only apparent weakness was his missing right hand.

He approached a single display case from the Grindelwald's War section. Without a care for the wards, he punched through the glass and grabbed the item within.

"Mein Meister," he spoke in a voice hoarse from not being used.

As he turned to leave, three Aurors appeared.

"Stay where you are!" the leader ordered. "Drop the Fist, and place your hands on your head, slowly."

The quiet man looked down at the item in his hand. A hand of wood, covered in runes that he had not seen in years greeted his eyes. A label plate was affixed with a weak sticking charm. "Faust von Bastian/ Bastian's Fist," it read. The man smiled at it as an old friend. "Mein Meister," He said.

Looking at his cautiously approaching enemies, Bastian reattached his old hand. Immediately all of the runes began to glow, along with hundreds of runes tattooed throughout his body. As it calmed down, he began to flex the hand as if it were flesh.

The Aurors had stopped in complete terror. Only one person could use the Fist. "Oh fuck," one of them said.

Bastian looked up at them with his hands glowing softly. "I will return to my Master," he said in German. Not understanding him, the Aurors began to fire curses at him in a desperate bid to put him down. One used the chance to send a messenger Patronus. "Bastian has come for his Fist; we need help!" he cried to it.

Not a single spell came close to hitting Bastian; he swatted away everything they threw at him with the wooden hand. He then raised the wooden hand and pointed. What appeared to be a wand tip stuck out from the index finger. A single spell flew and impacted the floor in front of the terrified Aurors. An explosion ripped apart the room. Shrapnel of marble flooring flew everywhere. Two of the three Aurors were completely torn to shreds by it all. The third had managed a shield to protect himself. He could not help the first couple of pieces that embedded into his side before he got up the shield, though. He hid from view as best as he could before the dust settled, thinking it best to wait on reinforcements.

With heavy steps, Bastian made his way to the hole he arrived in. he completely ignored the last Auror, knowing he was no longer a threat. Bastian jumped into the hole and left.

Harry and the girls spent the afternoon drilling Harry on enough etiquette to get through the dinner. While they were working, the elves found and laid out proper robes with the Potter Crest on them out on his bed. By the time Harry was cleaned up and dressed, he felt more nervous than his trial the previous year. He came down to wait by the Floo and saw Daphne sitting at the couch. She was dressed in a simple blue dinner dress. She still looked a little pale and tired. Harry still had trouble taking his eyes off of her.

"Wow," he eventually said. "You look great."

"Thanks," she replied. "You cleaned up pretty well, yourself."

"Where's Tracey?"

"She went home to let her family know what is going on. She hadn't seen her father yet to explain everything from the last few days. She will meet us there."

"Okay. Ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Almost," She replied with a small smirk. "I need a certain gentleman to escort me properly to the Floo."

"Oh, yeah."

As Daphne stood, Harry noticed her sway just the slightest bit. She was obviously still exhausted, but he had already learned not to treat her as fragile. He took her arm into the crook of his elbow and led her to the Floo in the Parlour. As he released her arm so that she could go first, she turned back to him for last minute advice.

"Remember what we taught you today," She said as she grabbed the powder. "No one expects you to be the perfect show of a Lord, yet. But, my father will expect some show of class. I believe you will do great." She finished with an encouraging smile. "I'll see you on the other side. Please don't dawdle. I won't admit it again, but I am still tired. I will probably cling to your arm all evening. Tracey already expects it."

"No problem," Harry replied with a crooked grin.

With a cry of "Greengrass Estate!" Daphne disappeared in a flash of green flames. Harry took a calming breath and quickly followed her through.

Unlike Potter Manor; where the Floo is in the Parlour, Greengrass Estate kept its Connection in the main Entrance Hall. To the right of the main doors along the diagonal wall of the octagonal Hall, Harry exited the Floo with a small stumble. Looking around he noted that the Greengrasses knew how to make a statement in their entry way. The entire floor and walls of the entrance hall was made of white marble, with green marble columns holding up the walkways of the first and second floors. Vines made of gold formed the head and base of each column, holding them in place. Overhead, a large domed window made up the ceiling, its framing forming the shape of the head of a rose. A single stairway made its way from the ground to second floors, with a single lazy twist in it. Its frame was made of a light oak, while its steps were made of white marble with a simple yet rich green rug running up its centre.

At the base of the stairs, Harry saw the rest of what he assumed was the Greengrass family. As he retook Daphne's arm and escorted her over, he noted what he could about them. Lord Greengrass stood tall and proud with a welcoming smile on his face, his relief at seeing Daphne feeling better was obvious to everyone. At his side was who Harry safely assumed was Lady Greengrass. She looked almost identical to Daphne save for her chocolate coloured hair and matching eyes, as well as the faint sign of laugh lines forming near her eyes. Lastly, in front of the Greengrass parents, a younger girl stood with her hands clasped almost daintily in front of her. She looked prim, proper, and (Harry was glad to note) absolutely annoyed at being there. It was easy to tell that she hated having to dress up for a dinner like this. That helped put Harry more at ease than anything else.

"Lord Potter," Lord Greengrass welcomed them. "Welcome to our home. I thank you for caring for my Daphne, and for escorting her back to us." While he spoke with all of the propriety required, his eyes belied his amusement of everything happening.

'He's already testing me,' Harry thought before speaking out loud. "Thank you my Lord. Your home is quite beautiful and speaks well of your family's well deserved history."

"Thank you, Lord Potter," Lord Greengrass returned. "Allow me to introduce my Lady wife, Eirene, and our daughter, Astoria."

"It is my pleasure, my Ladies," Harry replied with a bow and a quick kiss to each of their knuckles. Astoria even managed an interesting mix of a giggle and an annoyed eye roll. Harry noted she didn't seem to care at all for the Traditions, yet was willing to go through the motions.

"Shall we adjourn to the Dining Hall?" Lady Greengrass asked. "House Longbottom and Davis have already arrived. We are still awaiting word on if House Bones can manage to get away from the Ministry long enough to come."

"Understandable, Mother," Daphne said. "Astoria and I will escort Lord Potter, while you wait."

"Thank you, Daphne," Lord Greengrass said with an amused glint in his eye.

Without another glance, Daphne began to lead Harry to the left exit. Astoria followed at a slight distance, remaining just close enough to be included in conversation. As soon as the doors from the Entrance Hall closed behind them, Astoria let out a suffering sigh.

"Okay," She said. "Thanks for getting me out of that, Daph. Now what is going on? Why is Potter here? Not that I despise you or anything. I just am confused." She added to Harry, who for his part just chuckled and glanced at Daphne. With a worrying thought he noticed what he was quickly learning to be her smirk when she was about to be mischievous.

"Why Astoria," she began with the haughtiest voice Harry had heard yet from her. "I have decided that dearest Draco was right after all. I have become the verbal intended of the Lord of House Black."

"What?" Astoria's confusion was obvious. "That makes no sense. You hate Malfoy. And that still doesn't explain Potter."

"Of course it does, dearest sister," Daphne returned in a condescendingly sweet voice. "The last Lord Black was Sirius Black. He just so happened to have been Harry's sworn godfather. Do you think he would let a Malfoy claim his house?"

"But that means…" Astoria's sentence faded as a look of dawning comprehension came across her face. After a pause, she took on an evil grin. "I can't wait to see you break the news to poor Draco. That you finally give in to his suggestion just in time for his rival to steal it all away will make it so glorious."

"Yes it will. Now hush, we are here. Astoria, behave. Harry, remember what I have taught you and you will be fine."

"Alright," Harry said as he drew himself up and took a deep breath. "Let's do this."

"I see he loves this stuff as much as me," Astoria commented. With a deep breath of her own, she wiped her face of all expression except for a confident smirk.

Harry took one last look up the hallway they had been walking through, taking in the suits of armour flanking every doorway they had passed. With a final nod he led the way to the large double doors in front of them.

Back in the Entrance Hall, Cyrus and Eirene continued to wait for word from Amelia.

"Daphne looks happy to be on the young man's arm," Eirene commented softly.

"She does," Cyrus agreed. "I was worried she would only wish to stay with Tracey."

"Cyrus," Eirene warned.

"I would have no problem with that," He quickly added. "As long as one of our girls can provide us with a biological heir for the House. And with Astoria's condition…"

"I know," his wife said. She took a moment to wipe the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief from her husband. "I know it won't happen, but I wish there was something we could do for our baby."

"I will continue to look for a way," Lord Greengrass replied. "If it takes every knut I have, I will find an answer."

"Yes, well, let's try not to dwell on that for now. Amelia is uncharacteristically late. I'm beginning to worry."

"She said she might not be able to come, Love. I would not be surprised if she couldn't."

Before their conversation could continue, however, the Floo lit up again. This time a well-dressed Susan Bones stepped out with grace and moved to the side for her aunt to stroll out.

"Madame and Heiress Bones," Lord Greengrass greeted. "You are most welcome to our home."

"Thank you, my Lord. Perhaps we can skip to the walk to dinner, however. I am very sorry for running late."

"Not a problem at all, Madame," Lord Greengrass replied with an easy smile. "You are busier than most, these days."

As they began to walk towards the dining room, Lady Greengrass spoke to Susan. "How has your summer vacation been, Miss Bones?"

"Very well, all things considered, My Lady," She replied. "I have spent some time with my friends heiress Abbot and Heir Longbottom."

"The Longbottoms were invited last minute tonight, as well," Lady Greengrass told her. "We were glad they were able to join us."

"Neville is here?" Susan seemed surprised. "He didn't mention anything earlier to Hannah and I,"

"He probably didn't know, dear," Lady Greengrass placated. "Like I said, it was very last minute."

"Oh, okay then. Thank you, My Lady."

"Of Course."

At the same time, Lord Greengrass escorted Madame Bones.

"I thought I wouldn't make it tonight," She began. "Until Yaxley all but kicked me out of the office. He seemed to care an unusual amount today. Told me I needed to go home and rest. Kept saying I looked ready to keel over."

"That is odd," Lord Greengrass said. "He usually only cares about his wife like that. What does he do for your office?"

"Yaxley is the Head of Legal Advisory. Technically I am his boss, not the other way around. I will have to remind him of that tomorrow. I was just glad for the excuse to come here tonight."

"While I am glad," Lord Greengrass started. "I still can't shake how strange that is for him. Considering these times, I might have to watch out for him."

"True," Madame Bones replied. "It does seem weird. I just didn't want to think about it by the time I left."

By this point the group made it to the doors to the Dining Hall. With a glance back to make sure everyone was ready; Lord Greengrass pushed the doors open.

The Dining Hall was modest compared to the Entrance Hall. Warm, light coloured oak lined the wall to waist high. The rest of the wall was a rich mint green colour. The table was made of strong oak with a marble top. As they sat down, Amelia took note of who was there. Harry sat at the tail of the table. The Tonks family sat next to Daphne on Harry's left side. The Davises sat between the Tonkses and the head of the table. On the other side; the Longbottoms and Susan sat to Harry's right. Finally; Astoria, with an empty seat for Lady Greengrass sat to the left of the head of the table.

After everyone was seated, the table immediately filled with food and drink. Lord Greengrass gave a toast to his guests' health, and everyone dug in. Harry watched the others and joined in on the small talk, always with Daphne's lesson in the back of his head. Dinner is always left informal with small talk only. Serious topics will be held after in the Parlour or Conference Room, depending on the Manor. The Greengrasses have a Conference Room in their Manor. As dinner wound down, they all moved to the Conference Room, through one of the doors in the hallway leading to the Dining Hall. First business is for announcements like Betrothals, Births, Deaths, and Marriages. This is when Daphne will show the Draft of the Contracts for House Davis and Potter, and House Black and Greengrass. Then will come alliance business where we will discuss our main plan. Finally will be Political and Financial business where everyone else can discuss the war in general. After everyone sat in the Room, Lord Greengrass immediately gave the floor to Daphne. She laid out the cause for the Contracts, and explained the ease of termination without insult in the writing. After she finished, she passed copies to every Regent or Head of House, and everyone else gathered around them to read. Everything was gone over with a fine-toothed comb for any mistakes or unclear clauses. Harry was surprised it was so plainly written. He asked Mrs Tonks about the lack of legalese in it. "That's so that it's harder to hide underhanded clauses," she explained. "If it's plainly written, it's plainly understood. There is also little magic involved. That way if the words are confusing if read out of context, magic won't punish you by taking it literally."

"Okay, I think I get it," Harry replied.

After they were all done; Madame Bones began the feedback as House Potter's Ally. "This is very well written, Miss Greengrass," she said. "Do you see any problems, Susan?"

"No," Susan said. "Not even minor spelling issues."

"I agree," Madame Longbottom went next. "Our House has no issue with this Contract. Do you have anything, Neville?"

As Neville voiced his agreement, Harry leaned back to Mrs Tonks. "What is this part? Daphne wasn't able to explain this to me."

"They are speaking as your Allies," She answered. "As the 'receiving party' of the Contract; or the party that didn't write it, your Allies will go over it first to voice anything unfair or confusing they see."

"Okay. Thank you,"

"Of course, my lord."

"Harry to you, Madame."

"Not Madame, yet. And even then, Andy"

"Agreed."

By this point Lord Davis was finishing agreeing to the Contract as written. The process was repeated, with Mrs Tonks and the Greengrasses agreeing to the Black Contract. After they were done, it was agreed to go ahead and sign it before word of Harry's Lordships reached public ears. At this point Lord Greengrass went to his desk in the corner and pulled out a blood quill. Immediately, Harry flinched and backed away from it as far as the chair would let him, almost tipping it over.

"Harry?" Tracey asked worried. "Are you okay? What's wrong?" At her side, Daphne had risen to check on him as well.

"That Bitch! The rumours from the Common Room were true, weren't they, Harry?" Neville asked enraged. All he got was an ashamed nod. "NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM!" Madame Longbottom reprimanded him. "Do not use such foul language here! Now my young Lord," she turned to gently speak to Harry. "Can you explain what has my and House Bones' heirs so incensed?"

Harry covered his right hand with his left and looked around wide eyed. He noted Neville's look of pure rage at the table in front of him, and Susan's tearful, outraged face. Andy turned to him and with slow, gentle movements pulled his hands apart. As they saw the scars forming "I must not tell lies," across his hand, the ladies in the room gasped and the men all cursed under their breath.

"My Lord?" Amelia spoke up. After no response, she tried again. "Harry?"

His eyes snapped to her. "Who did this?" she asked. "Who would be so evil to put anyone through this to a student?"

When Harry didn't answer, Neville spoke up. "The High Inquisitor. Madame Umbridge," he growled out. At Harry's subdued nod, Amelia sighed. "We didn't hear of any breaches of law while she was at Hogwarts. We will be investigating immediately. She will not get away with this, I promise you. House Bones will ensure justice will be met."

"I hate to ask this of you, Harry," Lord Greengrass said, reluctantly. "If we are to continue forward with the Contracts, you will have to sign with this quill. It will not be anything like what she had you do. It will only be two signatures. Barely enough to itch. I promise, and I and Lord Davis will go first if that makes it easier?"

As this was going on, Tracey and Daphne had moved to Harry's sides and began to whisper encouraging comfort to him. After a minute, he took a deep breath and nodded. With a murmured thanks to the girls, he watched as the two Lords each signed their respective Contracts. With another deep breath and a sigh, Harry took up the quill and signed each Contract. Once done a soft flash of golden light appeared, sealing the Contracts. As they finished, Amelia had called for one of her elves to bring her evidence camera. "Lord Potter," she began. "I just need to get a picture of your hand, please." At his nod, she gently took his hand and turned it to get the right angle. After everyone had calmed down and taken a minute to relax, congratulations were given to the three newly betrotheds.

"On to the next topic," Harry said. He let the Family Magic of House Black guide him and turned to Mrs Tonks. "Andromeda Tonks, do you accept my invitation to re-join the House of your birth? To bring honour and respect back to your family?" A gasp came from many in the room, not the least of which from Andy herself. She knew it was coming since her daughter had told her of Harry's intention. But she still could not help the doubt that it would come to be. With tear filled eyes, she gave her affirmative and felt the Family Magic wash over once more, like a blanket of comfort she had forgotten long ago. "Then welcome, Andromeda Black."

Harry then turned to Ted Tonks, who could not help but shrink back slightly. "Edward Tonks, do you accept to enter into the House of your wife? To bring Honour to the House of Black? Understand that to deny will have no effect on the legality or condition of your marriage."

"What?" Ted said dumbly. Quickly with a shake of his head, he sat up tall. "Of course, my Lord. I am at your disposal"

"Then welcome to the House of Black, Edward Black." Having finished Harry sat down and released the magic in him. With a moment of hesitation, the others began to clap and welcome the new Blacks into the fold.

"My Lord," Ted turned to Harry.

"Harry."

"Harry, then. I would like to offer my services as a prosecutor for the House of Black and Potter against Delores Jane Umbridge, upon completion of Madame Bones' investigation."

Daphne looked as if Christmas had come at this. She leaned to Harry. "Harry, Tonks and Tonks is one of the most prolific solicitor firms in Britain. Or I guess it'll be Black and Black now. He is one of the best, especially at prosecution, while she specializes in defence. Both are fantastic at the other parts of a solicitor's job."

"I will accept on one condition, then," Harry said with a small smirk.

"What would that be, Harry?" Andy asked.

"That Black and Black be the official solicitors for the Houses of Black and Potter for the foreseeable future."

"Of course, Harry!" Ted replied with a grin. This would definitely help their reputation greatly.

"Next I wanted to let you in on the main reason we asked for this meeting," Daphne said. She began to outline her plans for House Weasley and Prewett, and the plans for the Guardians of the Realm. By the end of her explanation, the adults were stunned. The first to recover was Lord Greengrass. "Clever girl," he said as he leaned back in his chair. "The only problem I see is that no one is of known direct lineage to the original Order. Without that, no one will follow us."

"We have evidence that House Potter is," Daphne said. "We found a cloak bearing the crest alongside another we didn't recognize, and a banner belonging to the Order."

"What crest?" Lady Davis asked. "Can you describe it?"

"It was a buckler shield, with two red quarters on the top right and bottom left, with the other two quarters being blue. In the centre was a golden lion with two crossed wands behind it." Tracey said as she drew a rough sketch.

Lady Davis looked intrigued. "I know this one. That's the crest of House Perevell."

"Another House?" Harry asked. "Please tell me I don't need to revive this one too."

"No," Lord Greengrass replied. "It is considered extinct. There is no way to bring back a House from that. Everything they would have had is gone. Taken by the Goblins, Ministry, or passed on to another House, like yours. Besides, this isn't enough proof to say that the Potters are descended from the Perevells."

"How would we not know?" Tracey asked.

"Besides being centuries old," her mother began. "The Potters came about in the middle of the Great Purification. At the same time, House Perevell died out in the early stages of it."

"What is the Great Purification?" Harry asked.

"I'll explain tomorrow," Daphne told him. "It is getting late."

"If House Perevell were to have decided to rename themselves in secret, that would have been the perfect time," Andromeda said. At this all of the adults began to think of a way to prove House Potter's claim.

"What about the Title?" Astoria spoke up. When everyone looked at her, she blushed but pressed on. "Every Noble House that existed before the Statute of Secrecy had a proper Title, right? Like we are The Lord of Magical York. So, if House Potter has a similar Title that happens to be the same as House Perevell's…"

"More evidence in support of them," Madame Bones agreed. "Both together might just be enough to solidify a claim."

Before they could continue; a frantic house-elf popped in. "Mistress! Oh Mistress! There is being bad men in the London Villa!"

"Blinky?!" Susan exclaimed.

Madame Bones went into immediate "war mode."

"Lord Greengrass," She said looking across to him. "May I ask for shelter of the Heiress Bones?"

"Of Course. There is no need to ask."

That done, she turned back to her terrified house-elf. "Blinky, go and gather any heirlooms ad important books from the Villa. Move them to my vault. Your life is more important; stay hidden, and get out of there if they spot you."

"Yes, Mistress," Blinky bowed and disappeared with a pop.

"Rosey!" Lady Greengrass called. A young house-elf appeared and bowed to her. "Go to the Bones Villa in London and help the house-elf Blinky. Keep each other safe. If you come under spell fire, make sure to get both of you out of there."

"Of course, Mistress."

"I must make my leave," Madame Bones said, standing up. "I'm headed to the Ministry."

"We will join you," Lord Greengrass said, indicating himself, Lord Davis, And Ted. "Just to make sure it is not a trap."

"Thank you," Madame Bones replied. "Once I get a core group of Aurors in, you should leave. I will be instituting a Lock-Down."

After a moment she continued with a confused look. "This is the first night I've left so early. How would they know that?"

"Was anyone acting oddly?" Harry asked. "Like they were eager for you to leave?"

"No, not that I'm aware- Wait! Yes! Yaxley was extremely worried for me appearing tired. He insisted I should go home to rest."

"Yaxley? Is he an Auror?" Daphne asked.

"No," Dora replied. "He does a lot of the paperwork. Evidence organization, witness statements, pay checks, the works. Bit of an arse, but no outward prejudice or Death Eater signs."

"I'll send Shack and Robards to immediately check his residence," Madame Bones added. "Let's go, Black."

"Ma'am!"

"Thank you for your hospitality, my Lord and Lady. I hope next time to discuss with Heiress Greengrass about her show in Godric's Hollow. I'm sorry to not get to it tonight." With a bow, Madame Bones and Dora moved to the Floo. After a brief hesitation, Lords Greengrass and Davis, and Ted moved to follow.

A/N: Another down. Next up will be a little faster paced. I will also explain a few background things mentioned here, but will try to start lowering the expositions. I will try to speed up my postings. Till next time.