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Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34417 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or films. I do not make any money from the writing of this story, just enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 187
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- 189
[Note: “x-x” = speech & ‘x-x’ = thoughts & *x-x* = telepathy & #x-x# Parseltongue]
~~~COERCION~~~
The following morning Leo came downstairs to find the breakfast area full of accents from his own country. He expected to be besieged by autograph-hunting fans, but his presence was noted with courtesy. The usual greetings were exchanged as he sought a table. There was one with two people sitting at it.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
“You’re welcome. I don’t remember seeing you on our train. Have you just joined us?”
Leo remembered Draco telling him of the absent tour train when they were looking around the quarry. He therefore supposed the train had arrived: “I am just visiting and stayed here overnight. And you?”
“We stay here over the weekend to enjoy the English hospitality and experience some of rural England. On Sunday afternoon we join the tour train to see the rest of Britain.”
That confirmed Leo’s surmise and he asked where their itinerary would take them. Some of the places he had visited and some he had not. The chat was interesting, but it became obvious that their world was not his. After a time the conversation faltered.
“You know, I recognise you from somewhere, you’re not one of us, are you?”
“If you mean that I do not share the magical gene, then you are correct. However I used to be friends with Marcus C. Bloxham before he gotten himself killed helping the Brits against Voldie.”
“We knew of others who came over too. We’ll be visiting the memorial to their fallen dead; will you be coming too?”
“I wasn’t aware that he had a memorial.”
“Not him personally but to all those who fell recently in the Battle of Hogwarts and the skirmishes beforehand, so that includes him.
“Mmm … I think I’d like to see that. When are you going to see the memorial?”
“On Sunday, after we’ve attended divine service. We’re told it has magical properties.”
That statement rang a bell with Leo: “So it must the one in the village square that Harry told me about.”
“Harry? Do you mean Harry Potter?” the visitor enquired breathlessly, looking awed.
Leo suddenly realised what Draco had been saying about his mate. He saw hero worship from the other side. It was quite an eye-opener. “Yes! He and his mate Draco rescued me from some guys who were holding me for ransom.”
“Wow! Aren’t you the lucky one? Meeting him in person. Does he live around here?”
“Yes!” Leo drew on his own dislike of being mobbed: “But he’s quite a private person. Doesn’t like too much publicity.”
“Oh we wouldn’t invade his privacy, but it would be nice to meet him personally.”
Leo blushed, remembering exactly how personally he had met Harry and his friends yesterday.
While Leo was composing himself the other person at the table was musing: “I know now where we’ve seen you before.”
Leo steeled himself for the gush.
“We visited Bel Aire about a month ago and went to the ‘Pres’ you were sitting in the congregation with some film-stars. Do you know some of them too?”
Leo contained his mirth and wondered how to answer. Luckily for him the four seers wandered in. Harry wore what Leo recognised as a fixed but pleasant smile. One that he adopted when dealing with the adoring public. He sensed the brunet steeling himself and saw Draco’s hand stroking Harry’s back.
“Good morning fellow mages, welcome to Godric’s Hollow. I’m Harry Potter-Blake and this is my mate Draco Malfoy-Blake. Our two wives are Ginny Weasley-Blake and Astoria Greengrass-Blake. We have a conjoined household at our cottage here where we bring up our four children, all of whom carry the Blake patronym signifying our complete unity. We hope you enjoy your visit here and look forward to seeing you in Saint Godric’s Church on Sunday morning. You will have no difficulty knowing when the service is about to start because our bell-ringers give you at least half an hour’s warning.” Harry smiled: “You would have to be totally deaf to miss their call to worship. For those of you who are Arithmancers, some of my colleagues would love to induct you into the intricacies of change ringing. For the herbologists, I believe there is a plant hunt arranged. As the village is on the site of an old monastery there will be an Antiquarian party. Our goblin friends will show you around the mine where elphinite is extracted and you should visit our muggle friends who run a woollen mill and a lapidary workshop. To that area there is a thaumically propelled train leaving in half an hour’s time. The station is on the other side of the church. As I said before; greetings from the mixed community of Godric’s Hollow and we hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
The Seers party broke up and, coffee mug in hand, visited each table in turn.
“Good morning Leo, did you have a good night’s sleep?”
“Yes thank you Harry. I thought you were shy of crowds”
“I am. But I’ve learned to hide it and get the thing over as quickly as possible; then I can relax.”
“My idea exactly. Do you mind if I stay for a couple more days?”
“That’s up to you, as long as Richard has a room.”
“I’ve checked that out already, and he has.”
“Got any plans, have you?”
“I rather fancied the plant hunt, if I was allowed to join the party.”
“I’m sure you could.” Harry looked around the company: “Horrty?”
“Hi Harry, how can I help?”
“Did you meet Leo last night?”
“Just a nod … Hello Leo,” Hortulanus extended his hand, which Leo shook. “Do I take it that you’d like to join in the plant hunt?”
“Yes please.”
“You do realise that it will have a bias towards thaumic potional uses, don’t you?”
“I hadn’t, but I still think it would be interesting.”
“I’ll join in as well, if I may,” said Draco: “I need to replenish certain stocks. If Leo feels out of his depth, maybe I can explain. I’ll also describe our green harvesting procedures, aimed at not injuring the plants.”
Leo gave Draco an amused look: “A personal guide would be most welcome.”
Draco winked: “Not that personal, I hope?” he whispered: “We are in mixed company, after all.”
The various parties went towards their designated leaders. It left Harry free to post to London and speak to his Inquisitor’s report at the Watch Committee meeting.
~~~ WEEKEND ~~~
The village dance was due to take place that weekend. It was one reason why the Zellers had booked their dozen mages into the Farmers Arms early instead of just visiting during the tour. They had also obtained permission for their party to use the Postern from Gringotts. Aggie and Maggie had met the visitors at Heathrow airport and used the tube into central London. With the aid of a couple of squib taxi drivers they had ferried their charges plus luggage to the Leakey Cauldron and from thence into Diagon Alley.
###
The dance took place in the barn, because it was bigger than the village hall. As well as the villagers and the visitors there was a sizable contingent of older students from the academy. Some of the Irish mages liked the ambience as did a party from the Zabini connection; including Maximiliano and Vittorio. Despite his lack of Italian Leo was drawn to this party and sat chatting to them. The others had St Georges because of attending the Mediterra Academy so the conversation appeared to be in English.
“You have Italian ancestors, yes?” asked Vittorio.
“On my father’s side yes, but more from Germany.”
“My bisnonna was a Casella what was your bisnonno’s name?”
“Salvatore, he married Rosina Casella could they be from the same family? I’m told they came from your region.”
“My bisnonna was called Rafaela I think. Perhaps they were sisters. Maybe you have the thaumic gene. It is supposed to be recessive.”
“Maybe! It would be fun to find out if we’re distant cousins, wouldn’t it?”
“How about you visit us at Uncle Niccolo’s and we go to explore?”
“That’d be fun.” Leo got out his PDA and started to search: “I have three days at the beginning of December, would that suit?”
“I could offer you a place to stay in my Patrimonio, should you like that?” suggested Niccolo.
“To stay in a traditional Italian hilltop village sounds very enticing, so yes please.”
They got down to fixing dates and times and then went to see Draco to get permission for Leo to use the portals. One that was willingly extended – in fact Leo received a permanently charmed amulet – an equivalent to the Smarts’ and Yates’ amulets. Vittorio and Maximiliano were shown how to recharge Leo’s amulet.
###
On Sunday after the church service. Timothy went with the American party and said a few prayers at the war memorial. Leo was pleased to find that his magely friend’s name had been recorded there. Parish lunch was followed by the visitors departing on the Zeller’s train and Leo being escorted to London and via the tube to Heathrow Airport for his flight back home. He rather enjoyed being englamoured in public and thus being free from intrusions. From then on, the seers would see Leo every two months or thereabouts. When he was close to one of the Harco establishments he would ask to stay, because it kept him away from his adoring fans’ depredations, which could be extremely personal at times. He also kept Millicent up-to-date with his recent releases and let Hortulanus and Neville know of the new environmental initiatives, as he became aware of them.
During the next few weeks Millicent received some DVD’s of the films Leo had appeared in and together with Dudley held a number of evening shows at the Mill. Because Michael had the space and was full conversant with DVD players, and they wanted to include the muggles within the village society.
~~~ NEW YEAR ~~~
Almost too soon Christmas was upon the Dumbledorians. The usual round of Balls – Wizengamot and Hunt – Services – Midnight and Carol singing – Present giving and receiving – which all the seers’ children enjoyed greatly; so did their parents. Before the village school broke up, Dolores had the children present a nativity play. The audience was full of cooing parents, even if the little darlings forgot their lines and improvised wildly. There was snow and snowmen, skating and sledging available; either locally in the village and on the surrounding fells, or at the Schwartzberg. Giuseppe found some places for a marvellous concert in Venice and, a couple of days later, there were the traditional WWW Fireworks to see the New Year in. Not forgetting Grandmamma’s box to be used for the New Year’s Day concert.
January seemed fairly tame after the jollifications; but livened up when the seers’ children plus the Weasley-Granger and Zabini kids had a joint birthday celebration. That party over, things settled down only to be disturbed by Draco’s father and his horrific Machiavellian machinations.
~~~ DROWNING ~~~
When Draco and Harry arrived back at Chantry Cottage after a late-running Watch Committee Meeting their wives were with the children in the nursery and a very upset Narcissa was sobbing on the sofa with a very concerned Petunia trying to cheer her up.
“Oh, Draco, I’m glad you’ve turned up. I need help with Narcissa.”
Draco’s immediate reaction was to go over to his mother, sit beside her and put his arm round her shoulder.
“Get off me. Don’t touch me. I’m evil.”
“No, you’re not, Mother. Those days are long gone.”
“Yes, I am … I tried to drown your babies in the bath …”
“… It’s all right,” Petunia hastily interposed: “She didn’t manage to … The children are perfectly safe.”
The two male seers looked shocked and Narcissa recommenced sobbing.
“I think I’d better tell you what happened,” said Petunia: “I was in church cleaning some of the brass-work in Saint Godric’s side chapel. You know the one with that lovely brass cross.”
The male seers nodded, mentally urging Harry’s aunt to get on with the story.
“Well I heard someone talking to me. I thought it was one of your friends playing a practical joke at first, but the voice repeated what it said. After I got over the shock of the saint talking to me; I rushed over to the cottage with the cross in my hand, as Godric had told me to. I went up to the bathroom and heard voices. One was a man’s who was talking forcefully, the other was Draco’s mother pleading for mercy. I rushed in and there was this ghostly male form leaning over Sissy. Prompted by Godric’s instructions I struck the spectre with the cross. It swore at me and then disappeared. I looked in the bath and the children were happily splashing. I’m not sure they even knew what had happened.”
Narcissa had recovered slightly: “It was your father, Draco. He was trying to use some form of Imperio on me. I-I-I c-could feel my will diminishing.” She burst into sobs.
*Astoria and Ginny, do you know Mother tried to drown the children in the bath?*
*Not really, Draco, but we’ve been listening through your ears, so we know now. The children seem to be okay; we’re supervising their meal at the moment and they’re making the usual happy mess. Your mother was too distraught when we arrived.*
*Okay, we’ll comfort her now she’s cogent.*
Narcissa had recovered somewhat: “You know that married mages have their magics linked in order to produce children. Despite the divorce that link is still there. He’s using it somehow to try to control me and get at you. I’m afraid that he’ll do it again and I may not be able to resist. I think for the moment it would not be wise for me to go near the children.”
“There must be a way of severing the link,” Draco looked puzzled.
“I’ve not heard of one unless one of us dies, but I’d rest easy if it were gone. There’s a little part of me that seems to hear his evil laugh, even now. It’s horrible! I’m going to the Grunrasenhof, to be well away from the children.”
Petunia secretly nodded to the two mages: “I’ll come with you Sissy, Harry please tell Vernon where I am?”
“Of course; let Otto know if you need anything.”
The two older ladies wandered off through the portals.
*We need to do some urgent research,* sent Draco: *I’m going to raid the Manor’s library.*
*I’ll do the same at Hogwarts,* volunteered Astoria.
*I’ll have a go at the Black library.*
*You must be worried Harry, to want to do research. I’ll stay here and watch the kids,* put in Ginevra.
*I’ve had a spirit prompt,* replied Harry.
The mages dispersed. When he arrived at Grimmauld Place Harry did not enter the library immediately; going to sit in the solar. He sank into a deep chair and closed his eyes with a worried expression on his face and his mind in turmoil. He sat there for some long time.
Someone cleared their throat and Harry mentally came back into this world.
“Harry, dear boy?”
“Yes Albus?” Harry opened his eyes and looked at Dumbledore’s portrait.
“Lucius is using Necromancy.”
“Is there a way to counter it?”
“Temporarily or permanently?”
“You seem to suggest that permanently is difficult by your tone.”
“Yes, it is … It would mean another visit to the other Kings Cross.”
“Oh … I see … Um … Will you be there?”
“Probably not … I’ve moved on from there … But a lot depends on the circumstances.”
“I see … and the temporary counter defence?”
“Have someone with her until he gets tired and stops; someone who can hold a blocking shield. The Seers may need to boost her every now and again and she’ll feel not trusted. Narcissa’s already had enough blows to her self-esteem.”
“Fine … so it’s me visiting the other King’s Cross … isn’t it … How do I do it?”
“I don’t know … Ivanova might … You may have to go and find Cadmus’s Hallow because the use of the dead in this way can only be countered by the dead or seemingly dead. I’ve asked Sonny to place the books that you should peruse on the library lectern.”
“Thanks, Albus … I’d better start reading, hadn’t I. I suppose I could accio the Resurrection Stone if I went into the forest near where I lost it.”
Before Harry started reading, he sent a message to his fellows: *I’ve had a chat with Uncle Albus. Lucy’s using necromancy … It looks as though I’ll have to visit the other Kings Cross. Uncle mentioned a couple of books I have to read.*
*At least we’ve narrowed down the field of research,* came back from Astoria.
*I don’t want to lose you again, Harry,* from Draco.
*The children need both their Fathers,* from Ginevra.
Then there were many hours of silence whilst the trio read and made notes with Ginevra looking after the children.
Once they had read all that was relevant and with Grandmamma looking after the babies; the four seers spent an equivalent day with Ivanova before any modus operandi could be worked out. With the results they returned to the Solar.
“It seems to me,” Draco started out: “That we need unlimited time to sort this out. I, for one, don’t want to be hurried. I’ve trained up competent forensics aurors. I need more time to develop new potions.”
“I find the Inquisitor’s job almost as time consuming as being an Auror and on top of that I have to be the nominal headmaster of Mediterra,” Harry stated: “It’s more like being a referee than being in charge, the professors know their subjects better than I do.”
“Dorothy and Kreacher come and chat to me about the mechanics of the Wizengamot,” offered Ginevra: “Now most of the major reforms have been passed, it more about keeping the ministry machine ticking. They’re very suited to that.”
“I like my political agent’s job,” affirmed Astoria: “I know I can call on you to help out when necessary. I think with Kreacher’s and Dorothy’s help we could keep the progressives in line. A few special appearances would keep Harry’s charisma glowing. It’s still very useful to trot out the-saviour-who-lived when we need to stir things up. Once they get too used to you your political clout will wane, Harry.”
“Don’t forget that the Guardians left you a remit of all of Europe, Sages,” reminded Ivanova: “I know that your homes are in Britain, but you should now be expanding your interests beyond the excellent work already started.”
“It seems to me that we should tell Uncle Arthur.”
“YES HARRY!”
~~~ INTERVIEW ~~~
Astoria was chosen to let Arthur in gently. She was as diplomatic as she could be.
“I can’t say that I hadn’t seen this coming. You’ve been spending so much time away recently. Zandra was saying recently that she thought that the Wizengamot was in the mood to appoint you plenipotentiaries. As it is, you act that way already, so they’re just applying their writ and making it official.”
“No, Uncle Arthur, the time for being beholden to the Wizengamot is passed. We wish to become free agents. We will make reports to the British Wizengamot when we feel it necessary. As you know we have done to other European Wizengamots.”
“Oh … I hadn’t considered that … I’ll have to talk to Zandra and see if we can swing it.”
“No need Uncle … We intend to become private citizens … We will be running the Blake trust and deriving our income from that. You have our representatives in the Wizengamot now. There can be no ignoring Dorothy anymore.”
“Does that mean you’re resigning from the Wizengamot?”
“Not yet, but we will be like the other members; mandating our votes to a representative and only attending when important debates take place. You really don’t need our presences for all the mundane items. Dorothy or Kreacher will wield our votes when Astoria is unable to attend.”
“Oh … I see … That’s very awkward … Oh well … I suppose I can deal with it … I’m going to have to, aren’t I. Will I be able to call on you as expert advisors?”
“Most probably … You’ll have to ask first from now on … And it will depend on our own work schedules as to whether we’re available.”
“As far as I’m concerned you will keep your present high security ratings. Please don’t do anything that might put them at risk.”
“No, Uncle, we won’t and, of course, we still remain friends and workers for the light, you know. We will help out in emergencies, so you’re not losing us entirely.”
“That’s good! May I use your floo please?”
The seers nodded approval and Arthur threw some powder into the fireplace: “Chairman’s residence … Hello Zandra we need to talk …”
“… I’m free … Is it as we suspected?”
“Worst case scenario, I’m afraid.” Arthur disappeared up the chimney.
The seers looked at one another: *So they were prepared,* a relieved Harry sent.
*I can see what Bertie means about schemers,* added Ginevra.
*At least they were making plans,* added Astoria: *Shows that they’re planning properly.*
*I wonder who will be appointed?*
The floo flared and Kingsley’s head appeared asking to speak with them.
“Come through Kingsley.”
“Thanks - - - - - - Well, did you tell him?”
“Tell who what, Kingsley?”
“Don’t go all coy on me, Draco. We’ve seen your resignations hovering on the horizon for some time. Are you ambassadors now?”
“No; we’re just directors of the Blake Trust.”
“You haven’t resigned from the Wizengamot, have you? We need your votes now that they are developing a more liberal outlook.”
“No, but we’ll be appointing proxies, Astoria usually, or Dorothy and Kreacher.”
“Oh well, Ron is doing much the same; he wants to spend more time teaching and on ward research. Peter’s a bit young to take over the whole department officially so we’ll appoint Mackenzie; he already does most of the work and the Aurors all respect him. A couple of seniors will moan but the chief moaner, Dawlish, is now deskbound since his accident. Peter’s very good with him and asks his views. The old bugger hasn’t yet realised that it is just diplomacy on Peter’s behalf.”
“I’m glad Mac’s got the job. We hope to work with him in future and we see eye-to-eye on most things.”
“He’ll not be your lap-dog, Harry”
“He isn’t now. He just turns up when he’s needed without being asked. He’ll be kept in the loop as to what we’re doing here, as you would expect. Anyway, he still has a connection to us via the praetors just as you do.”
“What are you going to do about Sissy?”
“More research first. That was the catalyst that brought this change about.”
“Arthur guessed it would when he heard. At least you aren’t cutting yourself off completely; many of our Aurors are Dumbledorians anyway. In a way we’ll have more money because your salaries will be available. Theodora will take over forensics, Draco; she has the seniority and respect. All I have to do is find a suitable Inquisitor. Ah well, good luck in your researches. May I use your floo, please?”
“Of course.”
“Mackenzie hearth,” Kingsley left to break the good news.
Almost immediately Ronald and Hermione appeared and were updated.
“That’s what we have done too,” Hermione informed them: “Gran Augusta agrees that my job as Principal at GIFTS is to be full time. I am still responsible to the Hogwarts Governors and they’ve found the extra money and confirmed the appointment. I’m taking my accumulated leave from the Ministry, in lieu of notice. Doing both jobs part-time was getting too much. I began to feel as though I’d been using a time-turner.” Hermione saw the blond’s alarmed look: “Don’t worry Draco, I haven’t used one since my school days and I have no intention of doing so.”
“Congratulations Hermione!” The others hugged her in turn.
“What about you Ron?” asked Draco.
“Blaise’s retiring; I’m taking over as Flying Coach at Hogwarts. My hip doesn’t hurt when I’m in the air. I’ll still be doing some training at the Aurorbunker, but on a consultancy basis.”
The others shook hands with the redhead.
“So … If you want to do more research we’ll look after the children,” put in Hermione: “Great-Grandmammas Lily and Augusta will keep an eye on Narcissa if Petunia will let them. You just find an answer; I’m trying but have drawn a blank so far. I think you should talk it over with the ancestors.”
“Uncle Albus is already helping us, thanks Hermione. He thinks necromancy is involved.”
“I’ve researched the herbs taken from Teinamoray,” said Draco, I strongly suspect that there’s some dark blood-magic involved. Here’s a list of the likely curses he’s been using.” He handed the manuscripts around.
Hermione perused the list briefly: “I’ll have to raid the extra restricted section for some of those. At least I know where to look now; thanks Draco. Portrait Professor Duindhu will also have some ideas, no doubt. Now not to worry; Uncle Ron and Auntie Hermione will look after the kids, okay?”
A number of thank-you hugs took place, plus various admonitions about diet, favourite toys, etc.
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