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Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34430 -:- 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
- 64
- 65
- 66
[Note: conversation =: “speech” & ‘thoughts’ & *telepathy* & #Parseltongue# & {telephone}]
~~~ BOOKS & TOYS ~~~
Sunday’s service seemed to have more meaning. The creed definitely had, so did the Lord’s Prayer which they had studied during the second session a week ago. The gospel reading had two or three references which had been one or other of the candidates’ verses, Draco and Harry were reminded of what those people had witnessed and they could feel their faith deepening.
Sunday lunch was followed by the third session. This studied the great canticles, Te Deum, Magnificat, Gloria in Excelsis and others. The praise element lifted their spirits and sent them out prepared for anything. It helped the young professors settle down and work out their assignments for Augusta and apportion the work so that in a week’s time they did not feel rushed. They carefully paced themselves throughout the week so that when the next Saturday’s Wizengamot session came around everything had been prepared. In the end Mundungus was not tried and the aurors applied for an extension of the warrant, plus a permit under the new accords to approach Gringotts for his vaults to be opened without his permission. This was granted and Seneschal Hangdog asked to present this to the bank’s governors.
It was a short session so during a slightly delayed coffee break the trio sat with Kingsley.
“The Order is being disbanded, Harry, so there will be no need for us to use Number Twelve any more. Not that there that many left. At my insistence the Aurors have magically removed the permission from Mundungus. There’s little doubt that he’ll go to Azkaban, but not into the assassination section.”
“Who does that leave, Kingsley?”
“Minerva, a number of Weasleys, Hestia and myself. Daedelus is in no fit state, Arabella needs a home, Hagrid and Aberforth want out; the rest are dead. The Dumbledorians have taken on our mantle now.”
“Well … They’re all friends so that doesn’t affect them using it if they want to.”
“Thanks, it’s useful for a bed if I have a late evening due to an emergency.”
Prompted by that conversation the trio went to have a look at Harry’s London house. Grouchy and Huppert had been diligent in their cleaning and upkeep. The house smelt fresh and felt welcoming. The elves showed them their new apartment under the stairs including a set of leprechaun bathroom fittings. The trio went downstairs to the roman bath and used the smaller rooms to cleanse themselves; even using oil and strigils. They chatted as they swam.
“I have the feeling Grouchy and Huppert feel neglected here.”
“Perhaps we can stay over on Friday night before a Wizengamot meeting. We’d not have to get up so early.”
“Hmm … Good idea … Maybe host a few dinners.”
“Dinners?”
“Yes … Useful things for influencing policy, Harry.”
“Oh no!”
“Harry, you cannot rely on your continuing popularity to get the unequal and discriminatory laws repealed. There are a number of your supporters who need encouragement and you need to listen to their concerns too.”
“I agree with Draco,” put in Hamish: “Hugh and I need support; two of us in a sea of humans are only tokens of equality. The old codgers ignore us pointedly; the pure-bloods condescend and look down their noses at us. Sometime the subject of elfin representation must be addressed.”
Draco chuckled: “Herms means well, but if you took up her stance in the Wizengamot they’d think you were joking. I must say, there are a number of times when I have to check myself, when dealing with the Hogwarts elves. Ours are different, especially Pullet and Phealey; we work alongside each other, we’re friends … Hmm … That’s it … create new friends … Dinners with mutual themes … Hmm … Potions, flowers, Art, etc.”
“Um … Perhaps I’d be less inhibited if there was a mix of ages. That lot all seem to be ancient. I’m still worried about it, though.”
“We could start informally. Say ask those ones we shared a lunch with at The Three Keys for a meal. They had some ideas that were worth exploring. Get Pullet and Phealey involved. Emmeline and Sturgis are open enough, even if we shock them at first.”
“Um … D’you think we could involve Tor … Herms would overpower them.”
“Maybe later … See how things go … slowly introduce our people who are relevant. You have an enormous resource in the Dumbledorians. Some have parents or grandparents who are seneschals.
“It’s not just me, Hamish, you’re a Dumbledorian too.”
“But you’re our leader, Harry; like it or not. You can act as a catalyst, without having to take the lead all the time.”
The conversation maundered on until they were ready to eat lunch and vacated the subterranean waters. Over the lunch table a conversation continued about the use of Number Twelve.
“We’re likely to run out of accommodation for the Dumbledorians soon, especially if we make some more up from the present seventh years. So the portal could provide access the bedrooms here.”
“Got the idea … It’s useful for our Wizengamot visits too. I think a chat with Herms’ group is in order, I don’t fancy that degree of exhaustion.”
“You weren’t that worn out when you repaired the cabinets, were you?”
“No way, but it was repair, not manufacture.”
“Um … Beltane is six weeks away and the holiday will be longer because of an early Easter, so we’d have recovery time.”
Other practicalities were discussed, including chatting to Uncle Travis, who suggested a number of books. Harry was surprised how well the original library looked and made a remark.
“Bookworm helps a lot now,” replied Travis: “She puts books into that lectern in front of my portrait and I can read.”
“Who’s Bookworm?”
“Maybe you should talk to your Reeve.”
“Kreacher!”
Pop: “Yes Master?”
“Who’s Bookworm?”
“The new library-elf.”
“Fine … Don’t I have to shake her hand, or something?”
“Not since you made me your Reeve.”
“Fine … How many more elves have you taken on?”
“The number fluctuates, but about eighteen. Erm …”
Pop; Dorothy appeared: “The old Ministry Reeve died a week or so ago, Masters, Kreacher is truly the Elder Elf now. So when elves are displaced they come to him for placement.”
“Elder Elf?”
“Yes Harry,” explained Hamish: “Like our Hierophant, he’s the nominal head of the elfin community. That’s why the elves followed him at the battle of Hogwarts; Second-in-line is the Elder’s Commander.”
Kreacher was staring fixedly at the floor and absent-mindedly polishing his locket.
“Congratulations, Kreacher. Does that mean you’ll be going to the Ministry?”
“Only if you order me to … You won’t, will you … Please.” Kreacher clamped his mouth shut and looked pleadingly at Harry.
“Will you explain please, Dorothy?”
“Being Elder Elf is not tied to the house he or she serves. I think the new Ministry Reeve would feel put out if you sent Kreacher there. But she’d shrug her shoulders and go back to being an ordinary elf again.”
“I see … Kreacher you’re very welcome to stay with my household. Who’s your Commander?”
“Thank you Master, it’s the Hogwarts Reeve.”
“What are you doing with the other new ones?”
“If they’re of a reasonable age they attend classes at Hogwarts. Some we do family research for and offer them to the next of kin. The problem is that some no longer have houses or families to serve.”
“What happens to those?”
“They eventually wither and die. Being within your household helps them a lot. It slows down the process greatly. One of the reasons that Winky took to drink was her rejection by her family. She’s back to her former self now you’ve accepted her. In fact, she’s better off because she’s not beaten any more. Mistress Hermione’s ideas would result in a gradual elfin genocide. That’s why Dobby attached himself to you; it immediately quadrupled his life expectancy because he had a magical purpose to fulfil.”
“So if I’d formally accepted him …”
“… He’d have had a full term of life to look forward to.”
“It’s why we didn’t want clothes when Master Draco offered them to us,” added Dorothy.
“Um … I see … Should I offer places to all of the displaced ones, then?”
“No Harry,” Draco interjected: “That wouldn’t work either. The elf must have a particular place within the household; not just be a general helper. I suspect that Kreacher added Bookworm to our establishment because Uncle Travis needed an elf to fetch books, place them on the lectern and turn pages for him. Am I right Kreacher?”
“Yes Master Draco; she’s also improving her own knowledge as well and looking after the whole library. The new legislation helped; now we have a new position of student-elf, although that presents a fresh problem when they graduate. The Reeve’s Council is looking into this. With Pullet and Phealey becoming tutor-elves that has opened up all kinds of options, but they still have to be part of a household. The present situation works well because they are your assistants. However, your plans for them as ‘professor-elves’ opens an entirely new can of worms.”
“Perhaps the ‘professor-elves’ post could be part of the Hogwarts establishment.”
“We’ll bear that in mind, thank you Master. Hrm … did I hear a reference to another portal?”
“Yes. Why do you disapprove?”
“It’s not my position to approve or disapprove.”
“But as my Reeve you can advise, can’t you.”
“Yes.”
“So … Advice, please?”
“The one from the cottage to Hogwarts helps, and having one to this house is much better as long as elves are allowed to use them. We have the displaced ones staying in the attics and coming over each day to the academy. Our apparition is much like yours and some of us feel dizzy afterwards, especially the youngest and the ancient doddery ones.”
“Are the doddery ones older than you? If so, shouldn’t one of them be the Elder?”
“Yes and no. You have to be the most senior Reeve, not the eldest elf. Once Snagglepuss of the Ministry died, the other reeves were younger in service to one family than me, so I got the job.”
“I think we’ll go back to the cottage.”
“Do you intend buying flowers, Masters?”
“Flowers, Dorothy?”
“Yes, it’s Mothering Sunday tomorrow.”
“So?”
“Many of the villagers will be giving their mother’s the traditional flowers.”
“I don’t have one, anymore.”
“I cannot contact mine, either.”
“But you do have people who act in that capacity, don’t you?”
“My flowers will go on my wife’s and children’s grave,” Hamish looked solemn.
“Mine could go on my parent’s grave also, now I know where it is.” Harry’s face was sad.
“The celebration’s more about the living, Masters.”
“Well … Auntie Molly, then … I suppose, Aunt Dromeda too. Draco you could give her some. She’d be chuffed if her nephew sent her some. I’ve been a bit remiss, not going to see Teddy.”
“We could visit in the afternoon after the induction class.”
“Fine … C’mon there’s that flower seller in the square.”
While they were out Harry had a quick thought: “Um … What’s the date Draco?”
Draco looked at his watch: “13^th, why do you ask?”
“It’s Teddy’s first birthday on Monday, I’d better get him something.”
Hamish went home with his flowers, but the two professors went to talk to Lee and George; however, it was Percy who suggested building blocks:
“Hygienic and washable and not proscriptive,” he said: “Teddy’s imagination will be roused and if they’re colourful it will enhance his colour identity. I think ‘Infanticide’ has a suitable range; they’re on the corner of Fizzic Alley.”
“Thanks Percy,” Harry went to the shop.
Both Seneschals were greeted warmly and would have had an assistant fussing around them all the time. Neither of them had had toys in their upbringing and spent a happy two hours browsing. They nearly bought a train set for themselves, but not having anywhere to put it deterred their enthusiasm. A set of building blocks and a cuddly washable-fabric kneazle were their purchases in the end.
~~~ SUNDAY 14/04/98~~~
John’s sermon was about motherhood, the pain of childbirth, the joy of a new life, the toil of looking after children, the joy in seeing them achieve, the pain of separation when they grow up, the joy of grandchildren. He also touched upon Mary’s pain at seeing her son crucified. The choir’s anthem that week was Stabat Mater, beautiful and yet doleful. Harry came away from the service with a determination to be a better Godfather to Teddy. Both of them came away with a bunch of daffodils each, to be given to the person who cares for you and feeds you. They sought out Winky and Dorothy and gave them the flowers before going to the parish lunch.
It was easy to present the flowers to Molly, because she came to the church service with Arthur. The big bouquet was from both of them although Harry actually gave it. Naturally they were both smother-hugged by way of a thank you.
After their preparation session the two Blake/Duindhu heirs hurried to their floo and went to see Aunt Dromeda. Harry had met her before but Draco had not. As they stepped out of the fire Draco gasped and drew his wand.
H: *I told you she looked like Dirtitrix. Her hair’s lighter*.
D: *Very well, but the likeness is very close*.
Andromeda was chuckling: “Hello Draco, Nephew, did you think Bellatrix had risen from the dead?”
“Yes, Aunt Dromeda, but now I look at you, you have kindlier eyes.” Draco bent to kiss his aunt’s fingers.
“A very proper young gentleman, but I think I prefer a hug and a kiss.” Andromeda caught hold of Draco’s hand and pulled him towards her. This was not a Molly smother; neither was it too distant.
Draco presented the flowers: “Happy Mothering Sunday Aunt Dromeda, from both of us.”
“Thank you, I imagine from the other parcels that this isn’t just about me, is it? Teddy’s in the other room in his playpen. He’s not allowed in here with the open fire and I cannot guard it because of flooing.”
There was a banging noise coming from the room where Teddy was. Harry looked worried.
“He’s found a way of banging the playpen when he wants attention, it’ll stop when we go in.”
Harry went in and lifted the youngster out of his enclosure. The Gryff sat on the floor and held Teddy’s hand as he walked unsteadily in a circle around his godfather. That done, the youngster became extremely interested in the parcel he was given. The brightly coloured bricks and shapes fell out of the box on to the floor, mainly ignored by Teddy who was using the box as a kind of hat and playing peek-a-boo with Draco from behind it. Then the rustling paper took the child’s attention he started to tear little bits off it some of which he put in his mouth. Diversionary tactics were called for; the multi-coloured ribbon did that whilst one or other of the adults quietly removed as much paper as they could find. The soft toy was in a fabric bag; that was another interesting thing to explore. Teddy ousted the kneazle and climbed inside. A number of clumsy manoeuvres had the adults’ hands preventing nasty bumps on furniture and Teddy sitting inside with his head poking out of the top. Only when Harry started to build a tower did Teddy take any notice. Once the minor edifice was about five or six bricks high, Teddy seized the stuffed toy and walloped the bricks with it. That became an absorbing game. Harry and Draco would attempt to build towers and a Teddy-propelled kneazle would knock them down. Teddy’s actions became less co-ordinated and soon he cuddled the soft toy and, using it as a pillow, went to sleep.
That was the cue for Andromeda to find a blanket and the three adults to tip-toe out for some late tea. They stayed chatting for half an hour or so, followed by our two flooing back to the cottage. That set up a pattern which the two mages tried to keep weekly. Occasionally only one would go if the other was busy but it was usually a joint trip to see their family.
The Augusta week went well. The tutors had come to grips with these four weekly occurrences; timetabling in the hours needed each week to complete their assignments. They could see their tutoring NEWT looming ahead and needed no Hermione-hectoring to make them sort out revision schedules etc. The forthcoming long Easter holiday would be a godsend for the extra work needed.
~~~ FRIDAY ~~~
Friday owl-time had many Dumbledorians smiling, Draco and Harry included. Their NEWT’s results came through. Draco had a Herbology O, and Harry a Magical Creatures O. Dean and Seamus followed suit, and judging from the glow of contentment around Hermione and the other tutors, they had also obtained good marks.
Week over, they relaxed around the pool on the Friday evening of the weekend of the equinox.
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