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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
- 79
- 80
- 81
[Note: conversation =: “speech” & ‘thoughts’ & *telepathy* & #Parseltongue# & {telephone}]
~~~ NEW CLASSES ~~~
It was Sunday once again. Church uplifted them, Lunch satisfied them, and seeing Teddy fulfilled them. As far as Harry was concerned he wished to prepare for his first warding course which was starting before the school term commenced. Draco was not unsympathetic and sat with him and Hermione whilst they discussed items in the syllabus.
“I shall know what you learned over the following night anyway,” Draco remarked, with a chuff and a lift of his shoulders: “We both know what our brains do when we are asleep. So I may as well help in the preparation.”
“Um … Of course … I should have remembered. Both of us will have four courses worth of knowledge by the end.”
“Do be careful,” warned Hermione: “I know what it was like when I used that time-turner. It’s not an experience I want to go through again.”
“You had both the extra knowledge and the expansion of time to deal with, Herms. Besides, with us, it’s an unconscious learning process, but we will be careful.”
*Very diplomatic, Partner*.
*Only echoing what you were thinking*.
There was an amount of banter and once the other tutors cottoned on to what was happening, they also joined in with the preparation. Later, for most of the couples, there was a long loving liaison before they went to sleep.
~~~ MONDAY ~~~
The morning had Harry and Hermione using the newly revealed connection to The Island where Melissa waited for them.
“No need to apologise, I’ve only just arrived. Now, tell me about these daffodils, please … … …?”
At the cottage Draco went down into the potions lab where he was joined by Blaise, Pullet and Phealey. They had a discussion about the first potion to be made and then went out ingredient gathering. After coffee they ported to Diagon Alley to buy certain other elements.
Blaise came back fuming at the cost: “It’s all very well saying: ‘Commodities are short because of the war’, but that lot are rubbing their hands all the way to their Gringotts account.”
“Very well … Why don’t you and Gilda set up a joint pharmacy and apothecary shop when you’re qualified?”
“Mmm … Good idea Draco … One of my dads left me a legacy ‘to set me up in business’ he said. Now where do I find a shop?”
“Keep an eye out here in the village.”
“Mmm … Good idea!”
The next two days would be spent making their exhibition potions.
Both Harry and Draco were practicing their occlumency, so as to be able to function without distraction. They found this easier when they were apart, Draco was best at it.
~~~ TUESDAY ~~~
Today had Harry taking Justin to the island and introducing him to the staff there, incidentally getting him accepted by the wards. Then it was a trip to the Ministry and a mooch around the Auror-bunker. This was the Brigade’s name for their training facilities. There was a big enclosed area, larger than the practice room at Hogwarts, with a warded gallery so that onlookers were not hit by stray hexes. Next-door was a lecture theatre with raked seating, and then one or two ‘teaching rooms’ suitable for practical tutorials and private written work. They returned home after lunch.
~~~ WEDNESDAY ~~
Being fine and sunny this day had a large mixed gathering amble over to the tarn for a splash around and picnic. Some of the mages tried their hand in finding left-over land-mines with their thaums. There were many failures, but the successes had spectacular results. Their magic helped them to stay a safe distance away, but even then they were showered with soggy peat from the explosions. Under Ronald’s direction they completely cleared one awkward patch of peat bog, hoping that it would no longer block the direct path.
As the ventured in, they had reckoned without nature. The first few tentative steps were alright, but then as the next step was taken the disturbed crust gave way. No-one was hurt because immediate levitation charms came into play. However, it was a pity that the levitation charms did not extend their efficacy upon loose clothing because, when Ant and Sam were lifted out of the mire, the suction drew off their shoes and lower garments. It was no shocking exposure; all of the party had been skinny-dipping together in the reservoir or the pool many times. Nevertheless, the other three Stamps ragged their compatriots unmercifully whilst a second bathing session got underway in the tarn.
~~~ THURSDAY ~~~
Draco and co took their newly-made potions with them to their first potions lesson.
“You’ve made them already?” Remarked Chief Mixxett jocularly: “I feel quite redundant. Oh well, while I test them maybe you could start on next week’s assignment.”
~~~ FRIDAY, SATURDAY ~~~
This was another Draco day – plus Neville, Hannah, Blaise and Justin – Cadmus Jorkins came over to the cottage and they spent a further day out on the moors, plant hunting. It was more a mapping exercise so that the habitats of the various rare and magical plants were known for careful harvesting later on. They also used the portal to go and see Neville’s collection at the mill.
Harry, meanwhile, had summoned up the courage to look inside his recently acquired Auror’s Codex. He expected it to be boring and hard going. Instead he became gripped by the new possibilities outlined. Whilst Draco was on the moors Harry was in the practice room at Hogwarts trying out his new learning. So much so that when he went to see Kingsley on Saturday it was more like a practical examination than a lesson.
“I would like us to try out the Parkinson’s Defence, Harry.”
“Which one, Kingsley, primary, secondary or tertiary?”
“Oh … Primary first!”
With Kingsley as the supposed aggressor, Harry had him incarcerated within five seconds. Secondary and tertiary had seven and nine second responses.
“Do I take it you’ve been practicing?”
“Yes, I got through the first two chapters, yesterday. Those defences are quite amazing. I wanted to work out a few angles for when I’m instructing.”
“Just a minute!” Kingsley had a quick look through the Codex: “Right, duelling time based on previous knowledge and those two chapters.”
The Auror-bunker reverberated with shouts and bangs of hexes and defence charms. Harry did not win all of the bouts, but acquitted himself ably, getting generous praise from Kingsley afterwards whilst they showered away the sweat. As with Draco’s group the teacher upped the ante, putting more pressure on the Potter student. Over lunch they discussed the ways Harry thought he would teach the various Parkinson’s Defences.
“You’re back early,” was Draco’s greeting.
Harry chuckled: “Whilst you were plant mapping I had some practice at Hogwarts. I managed to tie up Kingsley twelve times. He was quite surprised!”
“I bet he was. You have this unassuming way about you, outsiders think you a little light in the cognitive area. Voldie thought you were a pushover, and lost out. Now Kingsley’s found out too. Did he manage to beat you at all?”
“Yes four times.”
“Good – at least you’re still not the Mister Perfect Potter your adoring fans imagine.”
“Well,” Harry giggled: “I had to keep up my side of the partnership. After all you surprised Adolphus with your potions, didn’t you?”
“Touché! You can rest awhile before we go to the village dance.”
“I’d forgotten about that, are we officially partnering Ginny and Tor?”
“Tor did drop a broad hint.”
“Fine … I met a couple of the Old Codgers when I was at the Ministry; they were making oblique remarks about my marital status.”
“It’s not them I worry about, politically that is; some of our progressives still hold reactionary sexual views. We can’t afford to alienate them at the moment.”
“Fine … I like the girls’ company; they’re good to talk to. So shall we go round and ask them?”
“I think we ought to.”
The two Blakes went to see their friends at Bagshot cottage. Net result was that they stayed for tea and for some time after that, until the girls shooed them out, preparatory to putting on their finery for the dance. That evening, they and many of the Dumbledorians enjoyed themselves immensely.
~~~ TANTRUMS ~~~
Sunday was as usual, Teddy was now upright and able to balance properly and so Draco presented him with a toy broomstick.
“It has cushioning charms on it, Aunt Dromeda,” Harry confided, as they watched Draco and his nephew trying it out on the lawn: “I read about me breaking a vase with my first one. If Teddy falls the charms will deposit him gently on the ground. Unless he deliberately aims at something, the charms will also avoid anything breakable – it’s one of the experimental charms I’ve been working on recently. These play-brooms only rise to two feet off the floor, so it’s almost impossible for him to nosedive into the floor, even then the cushion should work.”
“He’s already had a few bruises from falling; it helps him to learn to be careful.”
Teddy fell off and flopped on to the ground giggling. At least that’s what it looked like. Harry scrutinised his charm and perceived and inch of air between the child and the earth, which then subsided gently. Teddy was still slightly muddy when he arose and sat astride the hovering broomstick. A few more falls and the young man seemed to be becoming quite proficient. There was a tantrum when Draco said it was time to go indoors.
Draco looked worriedly at Andromeda whilst Teddy snivelled and yelled.
“Teddy, stop that squalling,” Andromeda said firmly: “Have you thanked your uncles for that broomstick?”
Teddy blubbed and shook his head.
“Well do so now, and with a smile on your face. Otherwise they might think you didn’t appreciate the gift.”
Teddy sniffed, wiped his eyes on his sleeve, plastered a smile on his face and went to give his uncles a thank-you hug each. He still whined slightly when the broom was placed on its stand. He soon was diverted into knocking down wooden-brick towers, however not with the stuffed kneazle. He hugged the soft toy whilst he used his feet on the wooden blocks.
There was another tantrum when the two uncles said they had to go.
“Don’t give in,” Andromeda whispered to Draco: “Teddy has to learn that tantrums don’t get him what he wants.”
Slightly worriedly, the Blakes flooed back home. Over dinner they discussed it with their friends.
“It’s a phase they go through,” counselled Astoria: “They’re testing out the limits that surround them. If you gave in, the tantrum would be worse next time. In a way, the adult being firm, but pleasant, gives the child a feeling of safety.”
“You were right to divert his attention,” added Hermione: “But be careful. After a time Teddy will realise what you’re doing and then start a tantrum about one thing when he really wants something else. Just to see if he can get it.”
“That’s a Slyth argument Herms.”
“Of course it is; we all use diversionary tactics occasionally. Not just Draco’s school-compatriots; or their parents, for that matter.”
Their table chuckled and went on to more adult topics.
Monday was much the same as the previous one. Except that Andromeda got in touch to say that Teddy had fallen off his broom many times and she doubted he had the skill at all. To Harry’s worried enquiry she said that broom riding was not a universal skill in all mages. Remarking that most of her husband’s family had not been talented in that way.
~~~ BUNKER ~~~
For Harry Tuesday was different. In the Auror-bunker he met his cadet-class for the first time. Most of them were pleasantly surprised to see him, two or three were slightly less enthusiastic; nevertheless, there was no obstructive behaviour. In his welcoming speech to the recruits Kingsley laughingly referred to being incarcerated by Harry as well as reminding them that they were under an army-like discipline. He also referred to the many Aurors killed or incapacitated by Voldemort’s troops and that Lucius was carrying on that same lawless tradition. He invited anyone who was afraid to apply for an immediate discharge. There were grim smiles, but no takers.
Fairly soon it became obvious that Justin, Pullet and Phealey were still regarded as Harry’s assistants so The Potter arranged with his chief that they also would attend on alternate Saturdays. With Kingsley’s agreement Harry put off the Parkinson’s Defence teaching so that they could practice first. Some of the session that day was revision of any NEWT’s charms that they participants felt they might have fluffed and the rest about the flexible train wards in preparation for the following day.
The evening had all the professors and tutors gathered at Hogwarts for the weekly staff meeting; in preparation for the influx of students the following evening.
~~~ STEAM ~~~
At precisely eleven hundred hours, the big red engine blew its whistle and began to move up the platform. As well as his Auror-class from the previous day the new seventh-years – apart from the patrolling prefects – were also in the rear carriage on protection duty. The train did slow to a stop in a secluded valley. A stream of broom-flying Aurors issued from the open back corridor connection and went into defensive formation.
It was a false alarm, there was a faulty signal showing a red aspect and, once the driver had been given telephone permission, the train started to move accelerating rapidly, because the driver was determined to make up the time lost by the inadvertent delay. Harry was last in and only just made it as the train-speed had almost equalled his safe broom-speed. Beyond stopping to take on water, there were no more halts until they drew into Hogsmeade station and surprised Hagrid by being five minutes early. Harry was a little worried about the train crew having seen flying-mages and cautiously approached the engine, hoping that the Oblivators were not needed.
“Nice defensive formation, Mage Potter,” commented the fireman, “Not to worry, this crew and a couple of others are made up of squibs; we know when to comment and who not to tell. This is a good turn to be on, and we’re all in the top link, roster-wise. We get quite a nice bonus for working the maximum hours allowed.”
Draco and Harry sat at the top table, next to Filius: “The Fluence is infecting more mages-to-be this year,” he remarked quietly, whilst they were watching the sorting. There are some dorms of sevens expected. “A good thing too, Voldie depleted our population by nearly a third.”
~~~ TEACHING ~~~
Harry had a full timetable for teaching school students on Thursday and Friday whilst Draco attended his two courses. The new seventh-years were introduced to the school’s portal and spent time exploring Milk Wood; they also assisted Harry in erecting an occluding dome so that thaumic training-battles could take place without the muggles being aware of them. The first group set up the skeleton dome and the second group refined the obscurers. After lunch the sixth-years in two separate groups also had a portal experience in order to try out various scenarios.
Friday had tuition in the DADA room for two groups of fifth-years in the morning and two of fourth-years in the afternoon. He retired to the cottage with Filius for dinner, but his day was not yet finished. By arrangement he, Filius and the annex tutors had their meeting over the meal. Their class numbers were smaller and a number of support problems arose. Harry noted them down and afterwards he and Filius went to see Minerva, making some suggestions as to how the problems might be solved. Minerva had ideas too so a package was created which Harry could present to his tutors on Monday. Fairly exhausted he retired to bed, being content to let a less tired Draco make the running in their usual sexcapades.
The next week was spent consolidating the learning of the students and trying out new teaching techniques.
~~~ TRIAL 11/09/99 ~~~
Ported to Ollivander’s it was a short walk to the Ministry entrance in Physic Alley. Five recently captured satraps were arraigned for besieging Longbottom Mill. In their defence they all implicated Glanville D’Arcy Gulbenkian as being their leader. They received short custodial sentences, because they had not actually harmed anybody, or much property. During the private sentencing discussion, some of the staider members felt that the sentence was too light, whilst others – the Old Codgers among them – argued for a shorter one. The argument entailed the fact that all of them had lost their valuable broomsticks and had learned their lesson.
After the five had been sentenced the court heard about Glanville. How, being a trusted agent, he had betrayed that trust. He pleaded for mercy and narrowly missed being kissed. Instead the court sentenced him to the Oblivators’ attentions, with a proviso that all security knowledge should be expunged from his memory. He was then to serve the same custodial sentence as the others.
*Hmm … Mac predicted the Oblivators when I told him about the arrests*.
*Well, he couldn’t be allowed back on the island, could he? I just hope your father has not leeched any more information from him*.
*I agree … Hmm … Didn’t one of the satraps say something about it being a trial of D’Arcy’s loyalty? Knowing my father, he won’t trust any other information he got out of the defector. It might land him in the same awkward position*.
*Possibly, perhaps we should suggest to Kingsley that a rumour be started that it was a deliberate trap*.
*That’s a Slyth argument … Hmm … no need to tell Kingsley. I’m sure our friends could start that rumour quite successfully. Just hints, no outright lies, I bet a certain gaudy reporter will soon get wind of it. She’ll charge the Minister or Kingsley with it and their truthful denials will only fuel the idea. Father will drop any information obtained from D’Arcy, very quickly*.
*Fine, I’m happy with that*.
The Wizengamot’s other business was finished by lunchtime so Harry summoned Justin and his two assistant elves for a session on the Parkinson’s Defences. Draco joined in too.
Sunday was as usual, with Teddy eschewing his new gift, showing off his bruises to his uncles. Monday started the routine that would last until the half term holiday around Halloween. However, what happened at weekends was different. Within five days of the plot being hatched there was a headline in the prophet: ‘Minister set trap for the Seignior.’ Beneath the heading was an imputation from Rita Skeeter that the Minister’s denials did not ring true. Even the Quibbler managed a few sentences in an inside page mentioning recent rumours but backing the Minister’s and his chief’s denials.
~~~ WIDE GAMES ~~~
The next Saturday was to be the first of the wide games. Draco and Harry felt that as supervising professors they should welcome the participants and Harry said so to Hamish and his helpers at the Annex staff meeting after tea on Thursday.
“There’s a problem with the camping idea, Harry,” reported Horrty: “The field slopes too much and when it is raining a trickle of water comes down. We oughtn’t to put the students at risk. However, since Milkwood Hall isn’t being fully utilised we propose taking over a wing and using that as a base. When we asked Minerva she said she’d back whatever decision you made.”
Harry felt Draco’s positive feelings through the link and said that those arrangements were acceptable. It was agreed to bring the first batch of twenty-four second-years in on Friday evening and return them on Monday morning.
At half-past-five on Friday evening an excited group of second-years gathered in the hall outside the portal closet.
“Do you know where you’ll be going” asked Harry looking at the eager crowd.
“YES PROFESSOR POTTER,” they chorused back: “THROUGH YOUR PORTAL.”
“Fine … And where does that lead?”
“TO MILKWOOD HALL ANNEX, PROFESSOR.”
“Fine, now don’t rush, it’s just like opening a door, you’ll feel a slight tingle as the Fluence whisks you through ninety-one magi-leagues. Do you know how far that is?”
One young lady with the eagerness and a slight resemblance of a younger Hermione stuck her hand up in the air.
“Well Miss Dingle?”
“About halfway to London, Professor. Approximately two-hundred and fifty muggle miles. Maybe less if there’s some magical interference …”
“… Very good Miss Dingle, well researched,” Harry interrupted; suspecting a long explanation of what was meant by magical interference in the offing: “Ten points to Ravenclaw.”
Miss Dingle smiled, overcoming her chagrin at not being able to exhibit all her erudition.
"Right now! Let's have the first seven ... ... ..." Harry smiled to himself, remembering and Old Testament Lesson about Noah's Ark.
Hamish and Draco met the groups outside the Annex Portal and Harry brought the last set through: “This path leads through a friendly forest. It’s nothing like the forbidden one at Hogwarts. Follow me. Bobby, Dochart and Monach, please remember you are not at home; you are here to take part in the student activities. I would be most pleased if, for this weekend, you stay with your elfin colleagues in the upper elfin snugs. When we arrive at Milkwood Hall please conduct your friends to the ones in the west wing and then meet us in the veranda.
Ganymede and Probert, if you and your male friends would go with Dean he will show you the bunk rooms assigned for your use. Likewise, the ladies please go with Seamus because he has other bunk rooms for your use. We’ll see you all in the veranda in quarter of an hour.”
“YES PROFESSOR MALFOY.”
The horde departed chattering excitedly and questioning their guides.
“Will you be staying in one of the staff rooms here, Hamish, or going home?” Draco asked.
“This weekend I think I’ll be here, just in case. After that we’ll see.”
“As you wish! Horrty and Murdoch, Seamus and Dean say that they will be here for the briefing, they’ll be the ones organising the battles royal tomorrow with you.”
It was quite warm under the veranda whilst Hamish outlined his ideas.
By the time he was finished the horde had put away their things, and were gathering around the chatting group. At the same time the Annex team and the muggles arrived.
Harry called the students together. “As you may have realised this is a new project, in a newly repaired building. Tomorrow you are going to use the woods we walked through; where we will give you an insight into what magical warfare is about and why we need to protect people. Professor Holderness, plus Tutors Arator, Thomas, Finnegan and Murdoch will tell you more of that at breakfast time. On Sunday morning we go to church, those of you who wish to come will be most welcome. These other three gentlemen are our muggle friends who sing in the church choir. That brings me to the next point. Church is a muggle environment, we humans and the goblins will pass un-remarked, for the elves you can learn a transformation charm from Elder Kreacher, or you can apparate into the upper balcony. Transformation would be better, as we will then all go to the pub for our Sunday lunch, there you will definitely be mixing with unknowing muggles. The Sunday afternoon programme has yet to be decided. Any questions?”
Complete silence greeted Harry’s query. He noticed surreptitious glances towards the stream at the other side of the lawn.
“Okay, we have three-quarters-of-an-hour before dinner; those who wish may go swimming. However, the one you can see over the fence is for the ducks, the open-air swimming pool is over the lawn, across the bridge and turn right.”
Many of the students had hoped for that permission, and stripped there and then; revealing bathing costumes of all sizes, colours and patterns hidden beneath their scholarly gowns. Hamish, Horrty and Murdoch went off to view the wood. Dean, Seamus and Co said they would watch the youngsters, so Harry and Draco went back to the cottage and up into their room.
They sat in the bubble watching the splashing throng of partying Dumbledorians and being waved at, once they had been spotted.
“How did you fix the Farmers Arms lunch?” asked Draco.
“I asked Richard if he could accommodate the young hordes, and he said yes,” replied Harry.
“No, I meant with McG and the Hogwarts-elves.”
“I didn’t. My little voice said that it would be a good thing for the students to mix with ordinary muggles; most of our lot will not really have met any, and a meal helps to break the ice.”
“Oh …! I see! But who’s paying for it?”
“I think it’s a reasonable charge on the Trust, don’t you?”
“Why not, we seem to be accruing money and not spending it.”
“Yes, my salary goes there, I have more than enough from other sources?”
“I doubt I shall spend much of my salary either so mine goes into the kitty. Like you I have a liveable income from the Snape resources.”
“How about getting Dean and Seamus to introduce the students to some practical uses of magic? A lot of what we do at Hogwarts is about combat, protection and changing things. They’ve done wonders here and, I bet, with a little thought, Horrty could demonstrate things agricultural too.”
“Mmm … Good idea Lover … It might broaden their horizons and obtain some more students for our annex group. The take-up wasn’t as overwhelming as we expected. However, I think we should run it by Hamish first; he may have other plans.”
“Fine … I’m happy with that.”
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