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Power Plays Chapter 29
🕑 Added 2024-02-04 16:59:01 +0000 UTCAN: Sorry for the slightly shorter chapter! Some stuff came up in my personal life and I had to head out of town for a few days to help out with family, so I had to cut down on my plans for Power Plays this month. The next chapter will conclude the cliffhanger of this chapter and push us along to a more action-filled set of chapters.
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The Auror Office was caught up in a flurry of activity as word quickly spread about Harry’s new mission in France. Sending the Head Auror out internationally like this was highly unorthodox, but then again, so was Harry’s situation as being the sole vanquisher of a Dark Lord in Britain. Everyone understood the logic behind having him going out to hunt down the remaining Death Eaters, especially after he personally killed Bellatrix Lestrange only a few months ago, but it would still be a drastic change to the department’s activities.
While most people seemed to understand the situation and accepted it for what it was, there was one who was protesting it.
“Tonks, you know why I need you to stay here,” Harry sighed.
Tonks’ hair turned a neon red, a sign of her anger. “I should be with you,” she insisted as she slashed through the air with her hand. “Last time you went into combat—”
“Last time was different,” Harry interrupted her sharply.
Tonks quickly bit her tongue and stopped herself from saying something that she’d regret. Susan’s name wasn’t one that came up frequently between them anymore, and any discussion about her was treated with the utmost caution on Tonks’ part. She knew of Harry’s relationship and feelings towards Susan, even if he’d chosen Daphne in the end.
“I’m just worried is all. You’ll be going into unfamiliar territory to hunt down people who’d want nothing more than to dance on your corpse. Without…” Tonks sighed as she tried to find the right way to express herself that wouldn’t lead into a larger argument. “You don’t have a partner anymore to watch your back. You haven’t even let me join you since you’ve become the Head Auror.”
He hadn’t let her join him for good reason, he wanted to say. He knew that Tonks was a capable fighter, sure, but everything was more dangerous wherever he was. Death seemed to congregate around him, and on the battlefield, he couldn’t protect everyone.
Perhaps he was wrong. Maybe Tonks would be safer with him. Maybe what had happened to Susan would have still happened if she’d gone out with another Auror partner that night—their line of work was very dangerous after all—but the personal guilt that Harry felt over all of it made him freeze up. He couldn’t have that happen in the middle of a fight.
“I’ve been fine handling myself,” Harry replied, not unkindly. “All that’s left are the scraps that remain from when we ran the last Death Eaters out of Britain. There isn’t anyone close to Bellatrix’s skill level left.”
“That doesn’t mean you won’t get caught out by a trap,” Tonks argued. “All it takes is one spell.”
Didn’t he know it.
“I promise you that I’ll be fine,” he assured her. “My team I’m taking with me and Sebastian’s team are full of good people, and we’ll be safe. I’ll be back every couple of weeks to check in on you here, and I’ll make time to go see Teddy too.”
“He’s going to be inconsolable after you leave,” Tonks sighed.
“I know,” Harry grimaced. That wonderful little boy was one of the brightest spots in his life. “I’ll tell Daphne to come visit him too while I’m away. He’ll like that.”
“As much as he likes her, she’s no replacement for his godfather,” Tonks said as her hair shifted back to its normal, soft brown colour.
“Then it’s a good thing I’ll still be around to visit,” Harry pointed out. “I’m hoping this job will only take a couple months anyways. It won’t be that long.”
“I suppose not,” Tonks sighed again. “Running this place is going to be a nightmare though; I don’t know how you manage it.”
“It’s not that hard really,” he smiled encouragingly at her. “Just try to keep things running smoothly. Our current schedule should still hold up while I’m away, and you can always get one of the senior secretaries to help you make adjustments if you need it. You’re a good enough Auror to know how to prioritise any issues that pop up.”
“Just good enough?” She raised an eyebrow at him.
“The best Auror,” Harry amended.
“And don’t you forget it,” Tonks grinned as she poked his side, but then her look faded when she glanced out the window in Harry’s door and saw how many people were running around to get things done. “Why did you pick me to be the Head Auror in your place? I don’t know that I’m exactly management material.”
“It was actually Amelia who recommended you to Kingsley,” Harry informed her. “He didn’t give me a choice, but you’d still have been at the top of my list.”
Tonks looked surprised. “Amelia picked me?”
“She did,” Harry nodded. “You worked under her for a while; you obviously made quite the impression on her.”
“Most of that was me tripping over myself or spilling her late-night coffees,” Tonks admitted.
Harry shrugged. “She wouldn’t have recommended you if she didn’t think that you could do it.”
“I suppose,” Tonks mused, but Harry could see that something was still nagging at her. Before he could ask about it though, Tonks’ eyes went wide and she quickly unlocked the door and threw it open wide.
Hermione stood there with a nervous smile on her lips as she looked in between Harry and Tonks. “Hi,” she said.
“You’ve been gone for nearly a year and all you’ve got to say is ‘hi’?” Tonks shouted, drawing the attention of several workers nearby. “Come here you big dolt!”
Tonks swept Hermione up in a massive hug and swung her around as she laughed. It only took a moment before it became obvious that Tonks was using her metamorphmagus powers to make her legs much longer than they naturally were. Harry watched in amusement as Hermione’s feet left the ground, and then he burst out laughing when Tonks took it too far and her head smacked off of the ceiling.
“Bloody ceilings,” she groaned as she shrunk back down to her normal size and released Hermione back onto her feet.
“That’s what you get for playing around with your powers inside,” Harry joked, but his attention quickly shifted back to Hermione.
“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Hermione asked them.
“Just a meeting about how I’m supposed to wrangle this office while the big boss is gone,” Tonks said dramatically.
“I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Hermione assured her. “Kingsley said that Amelia will be around to help out if you need.”
“Right,” Tonks nodded and that same look of contemplation from when Amelia was mentioned before came across her face. “Well, I’d best go check in with the other Senior Aurors and see if they need anything before we make the transition in a few days. Now that you’re back though, we have to do supper sometime.”
“I’d love to,” Hermione beamed at Tonks. “But maybe in a week. Things are pretty hectic for me right now.”
“It’ll be the same for me, so that works perfectly,” Tonks replied. “I’ll see you around then. Harry, I’ll stop by your office in the morning to update you on the Senior Aurors.”
“Thanks, Tonks,” Harry said.
Tonks left with a wave and shut the door behind her.
“It’s good to see you again, Hermione,” Harry smiled at his best friend. “But what are you doing here? I thought that you were swamped with work.”
“I was—am,” she quickly corrected. “But since you’re leaving for France so soon, Kingsley gave me the night off.”
“I bet you hated that,” Harry smirked.
Hermione blushed lightly. “He only had to insist once before I agreed.”
Harry laughed at that. “I’ve really missed having you around.”
“From what I hear, you’ve had plenty of company keeping you busy,” Hermione wiggled her eyebrows at him. “First there was Parvati, and then I heard about Daphne Greengrass? I’m impressed.”
“Didn’t think I could snag a bird that pretty?” Harry joked.
“She just didn’t seem like your type,” Hermione answered honestly. “For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always gone for the sporty, athletic type. I don’t know Daphne well—other than from a few brief chats in the Hogwarts Library—but she didn’t strike me as a Quidditch star or an Auror-in-training.”
“Well, you of all people should know that I don’t always go after the sporty, athletic types,” Harry pointed out.
Hermione’s cheeks went red again. “That was just a temporary thing though while we were both single,” she murmured.
“I wouldn’t call our nights together in the tent and those weeks you stayed over a few years ago just a temporary thing. Those photos you sent me of you in your flat in America didn’t seem to be a part of any temporary thing either,” Harry countered. “I find more than just your mind attractive, you know.”
“And what would your girlfriend have to say if she heard you talking to me like this?” Hermione asked him with a slightly serious look.
Harry took a step closer to her. “I think she’d agree with me. She’s been wanting to meet you for a while now. Do you want to come over for supper?”
Hermione bit her lower lip and glanced up at him. “How much does Daphne know about us?”
“Everything,” Harry said. “I don’t keep any secrets from Daphne, and that includes telling her everyone I’ve ever shagged. I told her all about our time together on the run, huddled in that cosy tent. I told her how you slipped into my bed one night to cuddle and how I kissed you. I told her about the taste of your cherry lip balm and how you flipped me onto my back and climbed on top of me.”
“Merlin,” Hermione shivered. “I remember that night. It was so cold and…”
“We warmed up together,” Harry finished for her. “You’ll always be my best friend, Hermione, and Daphne knows that. She and I have an agreement: I’m free to shag anyone I want as long as my heart remains hers.”
“And she knows that there’s never going to be anything more between us?” Hermione asked him.
“I told her all about the talks we’ve had about starting a relationship together,” Harry confirmed. “She knows that we’re just not the right people for each other like that, and she’s told me that she’s open to having you over.”
“For supper or sex?” Hermione asked.
“Both,” Harry grinned. “Do be warned though, Daphne likes women just as well as she likes guys.”
“And does she invite men over too?” Hermione asked him.
“No,” Harry shook his head. “She’s told me that she’s a one-wizard type of woman, and I do my best to keep her fully satisfied.”
“That you do,” Hermione giggled.
Harry gently placed his hand on her arm. “France is going to keep me busy for a while, so this might be our only chance to spend some time together. I’d be more than happy if you just want to come over for food and to catch up, but everything else is on the table too.”
Hermione’s eyes sparkled as he said that. “I wouldn’t mind having a bit more of an intimate evening. It’s been a while for me…”
“I suspected that was the reason you sent those photos,” Harry laughed. He offered her his arm. “Grab on and I’ll take you to Greengrass Manor.”
“You’re living with Daphne there?” Hermione asked as she took his arm.
Harry nodded. “Most of the time. I can work anywhere, but she likes to keep everything in her office. I’ve grown to really love it there.”
Hermione smiled at him. “I’m glad that you’ve finally found a place for yourself. We were all so worried about you after the war and then when you started as an Auror. We thought you were unhappy.”
He was. The violence and corruption that continued to plague the wizarding world was depressing beyond belief, and the lack of drive within the Ministry to change things had only cemented Harry’s belief that the wizarding world needed more of a push than it was being given. It took some time, but he was finally making a difference now as the Head Auror, but his ambitions didn’t stop there.
Arresting pure-bloods who kept dark artefacts was a good start, but there was more change that was needed. Muggleborns still faced discrimination, and he wasn’t so blind as to think that the pure-bloods that remained were satisfied with their lot in life. They’d always want for more, and they’d take it at the expense of others. A Head Auror could only do so much, but the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement or the Minister for Magic could do so much more.
But rising too quickly would draw too much ire towards himself. People who felt he hadn’t paid his dues or worked his way up through the system legitimately would be a thorn in his side. He needed to be patient and rise through the ranks smoothly to limit the resistance against his grabs for power.
At least the changes he’d made so far in his tenure had shown him that there was still hope left for progress.
“I suppose I was,” Harry admitted. “But things are better now, and Daphne’s a big part of that.”
“I’m happy for you,” Hermione told him sincerely. “She must be a wonderful woman.”
“She is,” Harry replied with a dreamy smile on his face. “And I’m sure she’ll think you’re just as wonderful.”
With that, Harry pulled on his magic and apparated the two of them out of the Ministry.
A second passed, and then they suddenly landed in the expansive entry hall of Greengrass Manor. Right on queue, Hobsy popped into view just in front of them.
“Welcome home, Lord Potter,” she squeaked excitedly before she noticed that Hermione was there too. Quickly, she dipped into a low bow. “Welcome to Greengrass Manor, Madam.”
“No need for any formalities, Hobsy,” Harry assured the house-elf. “This is my friend Hermione. She’ll be joining us for supper.”
“Excellent,” Hobsy beamed. “I’ll go make the preparations right away. Lady Daphne is in the western parlour reading.”
Hobsy disappeared with a pop, and Harry quickly turned to face Hermione.
“Please don’t try and give her any clothes,” Harry joked.
Hermione hit his arm playfully. “Shut up,” she chuckled.
“Come on,” Harry gestured down the corridor. “Let’s go introduce you to Daphne.”
Hermione seemed as impressed and interested in Greengrass Manor as Harry was on his first visit here. All of the portraits that lined the walls denoted the long history of the Greengrass family, and Hermione was even able to point to a few notable and influential figures in the wizarding world more broadly. All of the bright and delicate decor also helped to lift her mood since Hermione had generally been wary of manors ever since their imprisonment at Malfoy Manor.
She was well aware of his close ties with Narcissa and Draco now, but he didn’t know how she’d react to hearing about his visits over to their manor. It was a topic best left undiscussed for now though, Harry supposed.
Harry swiftly guided Hermione through the manor with an easy familiarity that spoke to just how much time he’d spent here, and after a couple minutes of a leisurely walk, they arrived at the western parlour.
The large double doors were already open, revealing a cosy-looking room with an expansive window overlooking the gentle hills and setting sun to the west. Daphne was reclined back on a sofa, holding a book over her face while a bright candle flickered on the table beside her. She glanced down under the book at them, and then quickly sat up when she realised that Harry had brought a guest with him.
“Daphne, love,” Harry smiled as he hurried over to her side. She got to her feet, and he planted a quick kiss on her lips before he gestured back to the doorway. “This is Hermione.”
Harry stepped back and watched as Daphne gave Hermione a genuine smile.
“It’s been a long time, Hermione,” Daphne said gently as she started walking towards her. “I’m glad to see that you’ve been doing well.”
“Thank you,” Hermione smiled back and held out her arms, assuming that Daphne was getting in close for a hug. “Your home is lovely, and I’ve been ever so looking forward to meeting you again now that—”
Her words were cut off as Daphne planted her lips on Hermione’s. Hermione froze in shock, and it was only broken when Harry’s laughter began to ring out.
Daphne pulled back with a mischievous grin on her lips. “You were right, Harry. Her lips do taste like cherries.”
Hermione spluttered in surprise. “You just kissed me!”
“So I did,” Daphne nodded. “Would you like another?”
“I…” Hermione looked over at Harry with the most perplexed look on her face.
Harry reached inside of his robes and revealed a small, familiar mirror within. The mirror didn’t show a reflection like a normal one would; instead, it showed the parlour from a different angle.
Instinctively, Hermione’s eyes snapped over to the table beside where Daphne had been sitting. A matching mirror sat there, showing Hermione from much closer up than that mirror should have been able to.
“We each have our own two-way mirrors so that we can talk whenever one of us is stuck late at the office,” Harry explained with a sheepish grin. “I might have called her on mine once I realised where tonight might go.”
“So, you heard everything then?” Hermione asked Daphne.
“Not everything,” Daphne answered. “Just the last bit of the conversation, I presume. Something about wanting to enjoy a more intimate evening.”
Hermione blinked in realisation and then let out a quiet chuckle. “Should’ve known dating a snake would’ve made you more sneaky, Harry.”
“I’ll ask again,” Daphne said. “Would you like another kiss?”
Hermione bit her lip and glanced over at Harry, who nodded his approval. “What about supper?” She asked.
“I think you can be a good enough meal for Harry and I,” Daphne replied sultrily.
Lust came over Hermione’s eyes and she leaned in close to Daphne. “In that case: yes.”
As Daphne and Hermione kissed again, Harry silently sighed in relief. He’d honestly been a bit worried about introducing the two of them like this, but seeing as how Hermione just slipped her tongue into Daphne’s mouth, he figured that everything would be just perfect.
Comments
Kevin Thunder
Yeah, Gabrielle should be legal now, or just about.
Nova Sana
Wonder if instead of Harry harem building his way through France on his own, he and Daphne together seduce their way through this chapter…
