Somewhere Safe - Chapter 21

Somehow, Harry and Rose made it back to the Gryffindor dorms without getting caught. They had decided in advance that they wouldn't spend the night together. Having Rose stay in his private room once resulted in plenty of whispers, a second time would get people talking even more.

Harry could feel his mind trying to overthink what had happened. Luckily, the afterglow powered through that little voice. He couldn't remember the last time, if ever, he had felt so good. It wasn't just the sex, though that was awesome, it was the feeling attached along with it.

He wondered how the coven thing worked, and if he was actually building one. Did the girls realize it before Luna mentioned it? He was not going to argue if they were interested. There were still questions, of course, but they could wait.

Was there a limit on the size of the coven? Was it a permanent thing? Did covens have more than one wizard? What benefits, aside form copious amounts of sex, were there? How did he bring this up without sounding like a giant pervert?

Slightly connected to that line of thought was another question. What was going on with Hermione? The one here. He knew his Hermione would be scouring the seventh floor trying to find the mirror. She would most likely work herself into exhaustion. One of the elves would have to take her to the medical wing. Harry may have had a bed reserved for his injuries, but Hermione had one of her own for when they found her asleep in the library.

This Hermione had started out wary, then borderline hostile, and now was almost cordial. She kept sitting near the group during meals. Wednesday. there had been around five students between them and her. Yesterday, there were only three.

Harry knew he couldn't judge people here by the way they had been back there. Still, it was hard to see the same faces and not attach memories. That was one of the reasons he hadn't reached out to this Ron. Having his 'best friend' turn on him made it hard to want to be around this one. The fact that Ron wasn't friends with Rose helped in keeping his distance.

The situation was another headache inducing tangle of thought. He had good memories with Ron, and spending time at the Burrow. It felt like the home he had always wanted. Now, with his family alive, he didn't need it anymore. Here, he would be an intruder in there home. There wasn't a connection.

There was another though that-

Harry woke up as the morning light hit the perfect angle on his window to shine on his face. He tried to block it out with a pillow, but the damage had already been done. A lazy smile crossed his face as the memory of the day before played through his waking mind.

He rolled out of bed. The usual morning fugue was absent as he strolled over to his private bathroom. He sang one of the few songs he knew as he showered. His exposure to music in the magical world was rather limited. The mundane songs he knew were ones he had heard in passing.

The sound of soft applause greeted him as he stepped out of the shower. He pulled his towel tight around his waist as he scanned for whoever it was. Lavender, Rose, Parvati, and Katie stood in his small sitting room clapping politely.

"I didn't peg you as a Spice Girls fan." Katie giggled.

"How did you get in here?" Harry asked as he hurried over to his wardrobe.

"Rose knows the password." Parvati explained as she looked around the room.

His new enchanted glasses were amazing. He had slept with them on without an issue and had completely forgotten about them when he was in the shower. Harry looked over at the group as he set out his clothes for the day. For some reason they weren't in uniform.

"Why aren't you dressed?" Harry asked.

"You're the one not dressed." Rose chuckled.

"No." Harry sighed. "Well, yes, but you're not wearing uniforms."

"It's Friday." Lavender replied.

Harry waited for her to explain further. She didn't.

"And?" Harry prompted.

"There aren't any classes on Friday." Lavender stated.

"Since when?" Harry asked.

"Forever." Lavender chuckled.

"Wait." Rose cut in. "The other Hogwarts has classes on Friday?"

Harry nodded.

"How do you get anything done?" Rose scoffed.

"I was going to ask you the same thing." Harry shrugged.

"Monday to Thursday are for classes. Friday is the start of the weekend." Katie sounded bewildered. "That gives everyone enough time for homework and activities."

"Huh." Harry shrugged. "Nice. Can you leave so I can get dressed?"

"Do we have to?" Lavender teased.

"Sorry." Harry laughed. "You're not getting a free show."

"What about a paid one?" Lavender wiggled her eyebrows at him. "I'm sure we could discuss your rates."

"Down, girl." Parvati poked her friend in the ribs. "We'll leave."

"We will?" Katie pouted. "Lavender was just starting negotiations."

Rose and Parvati chuckled as they led the other two out.

"We'll see you at breakfast." Rose called over her shoulder.

She looked back at her friends to make sure they couldn't see her, then she winked at him. Harry blew her a kiss as the portrait closed.

"Yet another reason I'm staying." Harry whispered as he set out his clothes for the day.

He went with a comfortable set of dark blue jeans and a snug grey T-Shirt. Though they were muggle in design, they were made in the magical world. That meant they could adjust to fit as he grew, had minor temperature control charms, and were self-mending. He found that he preferred his clothes to be a bit snug after years of oversized castoffs. It also allowed him to move about unhindered by excess fabric.

Harry took a look at himself in the mirror before he left. He wasn't going to spend time fighting against his hair. A few passes through with his hands would accomplish just as much as struggling to style it. Seeing his father and siblings with the same hairstyle made it worth it.

Holding out his hand, his wand leapt across the room to settle in his grip. Harry twirled it idly along his fingers as he walked. Putting it in his pocket didn't seem like a good idea now that his pants weren't hanging off of him. The thought of accidentally snapping his wand when he sat down was mortifying. He would have to ask around.

He made it to the Great Hall to find a spot between Iris and Rose waiting for him. A small smile crossed his face as he sat. Katie, Parvati, Lavender, Luna, Delphi, and Ciri were all grouped together. Hermione was separated by a couple of people off to the left of them today. He put her actions down to curiosity rather than interest. Ciri nodded to him in greeting and went back to the conversation she was having with a student he didn't recognize.

"Good morning, lover." Delphi smiled brightly at him.

Harry stifled a chuckle as Iris bristled beside him.

"Good morning, Delphi." Harry replied. "Ladies."

Luna watched him for a moment. She flashed him a broad smile.

"Yay!" Luna clapped. "When do I get a turn?"

Harry raised an eyebrow as he looked at her.

"What are you talking about?" Iris asked with barely restrained aggravation.

"Rose and Harry had sex." Luna replied wiggling in her seat. "Can I be next?"

"What?" Iris snapped.

"No!" Delphi yelled.

Lavender leaned back in her seat. She waved a hand to get the attention of someone farther up the table. Harry saw a flash of ginger as Fred and George hurried over.

"Rose." Lavender stated.

Fred took out a booklet and made a note. George pulled out a patched money pouch. He pulled out a couple of coins and handed them over to Lavender. Katie and Parvati grumbled as the other girl made a show of putting her winnings away.

"You made a bet?" Harry asked.

"A bet?" George scoffed.
"We've got a spread on you, Mister Potter." Fred replied.
"Number of ladies in your coven." George counted off.
"The members." Fred added a finger of his own.
"And their order." George finished with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"No!" Iris snapped. "You are not derailing this conversation."

Harry turned to face Iris.

"I agree with little Potter." Delphi cut in. "Clearly, I should have been first."

"No way!" Iris rolled her eyes. "It was obviously going to be me, or Rose. You're like fifth."

"Fifth?" Delphi growled. "You'll be fifty. I'm going to be second, third, and fourth."

Rose was blushing like mad. She hid her face against her shoulder. He put his arm around her, pulling her closer. Fred and George moved along the table stopping to address multiple students along the way. Harry shook his head.

Luna met his eyes. She gave him a happy look before pouring some chocolate milk over a bowl of marshmallow cereal. He took a cue from her and began to eat his own breakfast. The conversations around him were still going as he ate with one hand. Rose did the same. Eventually, the conversation died down. Delphi and Iris were glaring at each other while the rest of the group looked on with amusement.

"Do you have a way to carry your wand around?" Harry asked now that things had calmed down. "I don't want to keep mine in my pocket."

"Wrist holster." Delphi answered rolling up her sleeve to show a long strap of leather. "I've got an extra back in my dorm if you want one."

"Nice try." Lavender snickered.

She tapped the table three times with her wand. A moment later a house elf popped in place beside her.

"Miss Student calls?" The elf asked.

"Could you get the wand holster from my trunk, please." Lavender asked.

The elf popped away. A moment later the holster appeared on the spot before Lavender. It was a simple light brown strip that looked more like a misshapen tie than a holster. She scooped it up and held it out to Harry.

"Here you go." Lavender winked at him. "I've got like ten of them. My aunt and uncle send me one every year for my birthday."

"Thanks." Harry said with a smile. "How do I put it on?"

"Here." Iris leaned over, taking her time lining it up on his forearm before fastening the straps.

She trailed her fingers along his arm, extending the touch for another moment. The holster shifted and stretched to fit his arm perfectly.

"Now." Iris whispered. "Just, slide your wand right in."

"Stop." Parvati groaned. "You're embarrassing yourself."

"At least I'm talking to him." Iris stuck her tongue out at the girl.

"I never said I was interested." Parvati countered.

That stumped her.

Delphi studied Parvati for a moment. The Gryffindor witch looked back at her. There was a silent conversation that Harry didn't understand, but it ended with the two sharing a slight nod. Now that he looked at the group, he could see that while Parvati was with them, she was next to Lavender on the outside of the number. Katie sat on the other side, between Luna and Lavender, placing her among the group rather than orbiting it.

"Today is considered the weekend, right?" Harry asked.

Rose nodded.

"Does that mean the Dueling Tournament and Quidditch try-outs are starting today?" Harry asked.

"Yes." Delphi's eyes flashed as she spoke. "I can't wait to introduce you to my mother."

Rose stiffened against him. Even Iris seemed to tense up.

"Your mother is going to be here?" Harry asked casually.

"She never misses it when I duel." Delphi answered with a feral smile. "She's trained me since I could hold a wand. My father is the only wizard, or witch, to ever best her. She fell in love with him the moment he held her wand." She let out a dreamy sigh.

"That's so romantic." Luna chimed in.

"It's the top twenty for the school." Harry continued after a moment. "Will there be enough people for it to take all three days?"

"Are you kidding?" Lavender asked shaking her head at him. "Exhibition matches mean everyone will be interested. Gyms from all over the world will be begging to scout out potential duelists. They get a big payday if one of their duelists gets picked up by a team. Not to mention any independent winnings."

"Hm." Harry considered the information.

Delphi and Lavender began to discuss the various gyms that would likely show. The details were lost on him, so he turned his attention to Rose.

"Are you ok?" Harry whispered.

She nodded. "I didn't expect everyone to find out like that."

"Me too." Harry squeezed her hand. He dropped his voice to a whisper. "Are you afraid of her mother?"

"Afraid is a strong word." Rose said after a moment. "Kind of. She won't hurt anyone, but you can feel that she could and there is nothing you can do about it."

Harry wrapped an arm around her and gave her a squeeze.

"It'll be ok." Harry whispered. "I'm here now."

Rose rolled her eyes.

"What are you whispering about?" Iris asked as she leaned over to join the conversation.

Harry pulled her into their hug. It was awkward with the table, leading him to pull her onto his lap.

"I'm just telling Rose that I'll keep you safe." He said.

Delphi cleared her throat. The trio looked over to her.

"You need to learn to share." Iris stuck her tongue out at the older witch.

"Careful, little Potter." Delphi glared at the girl.

"Delphi." Harry warned.

"I can share just fine." She grumbled. "It's time to go to the Dueling Auditorium."

"Thank you for letting me know." Harry replied.

"I get to sit in your lap next." Delphi added quickly.

The group mingled among the crowd as they made their way out of the Great Hall. They split as the duelists entered the locker rooms while the others went to get a seat. Delphi slid into place beside Harry once Rose and Iris stepped away. She snuck her hand in his as she led him through the hallway. He didn't make any more to push her away. The idea of a coven was rather appealing and having her as a part of it was too. She was a little intense, but she was also sexy and devoted to him.

Unlike the Quidditch locker room, the dueling one was broken into multiple rooms as well as a medical section just in case. There had to be expansion charms because the hallway was almost as big as the Great Hall. Students from almost every year were waiting for the tournament to start.

"Next weekend." Delphi whispered; her voice sounded less confident than before. "Will you go to Hogsmeade with me?"

"Next weekend?" Harry asked.

"There's a trip every month." She answered. "Twice in December."

"Yes." Harry said with a gentle smile. "You could have skipped a lot of tension if you asked before ambushing me in the halls."

Delphi blushed, then glared at him and fled.

"Duelists, your attention please." Flitwick called; his voice reached the stretch of the room easily.

He waited a moment for the crowd to calm down.

"The match schedule has been posted." Flitwick announced. "Due to the number of entries, the competition will be arranged into five brackets with sixteen duelists each. Matches will have a ten-minute time limit. The brackets have been assigned letters. Duelists in C, D, and E are free to join the audience. Those in A and B will need to stay in the waiting area, otherwise they will be disqualified."

The match schedule appeared on various framed paintings around the room. A quick look through showed him that he was in Bracket B. His friends were spread out among the others as well. Delphi was in Bracket A, Luna was in C, and Lavender was in E. Harry was glad about that; he didn't want to knock any of them out of the competition. It only took two wins to make it to the top twenty. After that, it was bragging rights.

Harry moved to the side as the other duelists filed out of the waiting area. He saw a few familiar faces among the crowd, but most of them were strangers. Even the ones he did recognize were those he knew in passing. Susan Bones from Hufflepuff was the only one he knew by name. Delphi returned to stand beside him once the crowd had thinned.

"Who is this, Riddle?" A familiar stuck-up voice asked.

Harry turned to see Draco Malfoy approaching them. This version looked exactly the same. Delphi shot a dismissive look at Malfoy before scanning the rest of the remaining crowd.

"Aren't you going to answer me, Riddle?" Malfoy's voice rose as he spoke.

"Didn't you hear, Draco?" A younger witch asked as strode up to them. She had the same blonde hair and slight build, it had to be his younger sister. "This is the fabled wizard from another world that bested our dear cousin twice."

Harry knew he should step in and prevent Delphi from hurting them. Finding the desire to match that knowledge was the hard part. Much to his surprise, she didn't lash out at them. Delphi stared at him with desire so obvious it made the two newcomers fidget uncomfortably.

"Aureum Malfoy." Harry addressed the girl.

She inclined her head in acknowledgement.

"Harry Potter." She said in turn. "This is my ever-so-polite brother, Draco."

Harry spared him a brief glance.

"What bracket are you in?" Harry asked.

"B." She replied as she sized him up.

"Me too." Harry said. He paused to scan the list. "My first opponent is Miranda Abbot. It doesn't look like we'll be dueling unless you make it to the finals."

"And you will?" She asked with a challenge.

Harry nodded. He shifted his attention to Bracket A. Draco was scheduled to duel with someone Harry didn't know. Unfortunately for him, if he won the next match would be facing Delphi.

"What is your rank?" Aureum tried to sound casual.

"A." Harry replied with a smile. "You?"

"B." She grumbled. "I'm three wins away from challenging for Rank A."

"That's great." Harry said with a smile.

The witch studied him for a moment. She looked over at Delphi who was still staring at Harry with an expression that approached worship. Aureum shrugged.

"Thank you." She said carefully. "Do you have plans to continue to compete in ranked matches?"

"I'm interested." Harry answered with a shrug. "This will be my first tournament. We'll see how it goes. What about you? Are you on the international circuit?"

"Next year." She answered with conviction. "Once I'm Rank A, then I can start the international circuit."

Harry spared Draco a small look. The blonde wizard hadn't spoken beyond the first bit. Draco was glaring at him for some reason.

"Delphi Riddle to the platform." Flitwick called.

Harry turned to wish her luck. Instead, she stole a quick kiss. Delphi smiled wickedly at him before scampering off. Harry moved to follow only to be stopped by Aureum.

"You can't watch the matches while in the wings." She motioned to the area around them.

Harry shrugged. Draco was still glaring at him. Delphi returned a minute later.

"Did you forget something?" Harry asked.

"I won." Delphi purred as she snuggled against him.

"Draco Malfoy to the platform." Flitwick called.

Draco stomped away.

"Why was he glaring at me?" Harry asked Aureum.

"He's had his heart set on Delphi for years." She rolled her eyes as she spoke. "Draco is a Rank A duelist. Never could beat her."

Draco didn't return after a few minutes. Flitwick called out another name.

"Where did he go?" Harry asked.

"The losing duelist is escorted from the auditorium until the tournament is completed." Aureum answered. "Too many bloody backstage brawls."

~ § ~ § ~

Hermione sat with her back against the wall. She had scoured the seventh floor the entire day and well into the night. It wasn't exactly clear when, but at some point, she passed out. Madam Pomphrey threatened to dose her with a sleeping draught if she didn't take a break. Professor McGonagall told Hermione that there would be a prefect assigned to shadow her if she ended up in the medical wing for exhaustion again.

She knew Harry wasn't lying about this. Would he try to hold back information from her? Yes. But an outright lie? No, he would never. She didn't think that even Luna's acting skills would be able to pull off one of his lies.

It was all too frustrating. The only one who seemed as upset as her was Hedwig. Everyone else had moved on and started mourning. Her and an owl were all that were left trying to find him.

Hermione hopped to her feet.

"Hedwig!" She yelled.

She ran through the halls, something she would never do normally. It didn't matter now, she needed to get to the owlery. Hedwig could always find Harry. If Hermione took her to the seventh floor, there was a chance they could find him by working together.