At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my reviewers! Harry Potter is still not mine!

Ironing Out Details

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(Thursday, August 29th)

As the end of August drew nearer, it saw Harry and Alicia closer than they believed possible. They thought they new and loved each other before the attempted rape, but since the night Alicia came back to Harry, they had found, after many heart to heart talks, that they shared similar wants, needs and fears that both had been apprehensive to share before. There was an openness and a clarity to their newly reformed relationship. It was only the night before that they had shared their first kiss since the incident, and as Harry lay in his bed, awakening slowly, a small smile graced his chiseled face as he recalled the memory of it.

FLASHBACK

“Do you want another drink, Harry?” asked Alicia, getting up from her lounge by the pool, heading to the bar. They had, again, spent the evening talking, and it was the first time Alicia had truly described what she had been thinking and feeling as first, Ernie bound her and then proceeded to start stripping her. Though tears had been in her eyes, she had refused to cry any longer over that monster.

“Yeah, can you get me a firewhiskey…I think I need one.” said a tired Harry. After Alicia had finished recounting the horrific events of that night, Harry just started rambling about his childhood. It was as if something took over him and compelled him to talk about it. He told Alicia all about living in the cupboard under the stairs, the abuse his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley had heaped on him since he was able to walk, about the locks on his door, the cat flap that was occasionally used to feed him when he was locked up. He told her about the game of Harry hunting, the lashings from his uncles belt, being hit with a hot frying pan from his aunt after he let the bacon burn when he was four years old. He left nothing out.

When he was done, she held him as he let the demons of his childhood go, and when they pulled apart, she caressed his right cheek, wiping the stray tear that was making its way down his face, and told him that she loved him.

“Harry. Harry?” she called out to him, and after touching his shoulder, he finally came back to himself, reaching up to squeeze the hand that was comforting him.

Taking the glass of firewhiskey from her, he said, “Sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment. Thanks for the drink.”

“Are you okay?” she asked, and after receiving a small smile and nod, she continued, “I never expected you to be so forthcoming about you childhood. I knew you had it hard, but I could never have imagined it was that bad. I’m sorry you had to go through it. It brings everything into a new light….why you so adamantly treat everyone with respect and never try to take advantage of anyone. I know some would say that you sleeping with several women before me was taking advantage of them, but you never pushed or did anything they didn’t want first. I know this because, believe it or not, women love to talk trash.” she ended with a chuckle.

Laughing with her, he said in mock horror, “You mean to tell me that you guys share all the kinky details about us men….I’m horrified! Well, this will certainly make Neville and Blaise happy. I would never go into detail, nor would they about you fair ladies….that is about to change!”

“Oh no you don’t, Mr. Potter….it is a women’s prerogative to share….men aren’t suppose to! It’s just the way of the world! You keep your kinky little secrets to yourself, mister, or I’ll….I’ll…well, I’ll find someway to torture you!” Alicia exclaimed in exaggerated theatrics, as she jumped into lap.

When they were both done laughing at the drama playing out, Harry tentatively put his arms around her waist, and said, “I missed your laugh and smile…I missed just being with you.”

“I miss it, too, Harry. Is it me, or are we much more open than before….like something has changed in our relationship, but for the better?” Alicia asked while looking deep into his eyes.

“I agree. I’ve never shared half the stuff I do with you with anyone else. You make it easy….your not judgmental….I don’t know how to put it into words, except that I can just release and be myself around you.” said Harry, giving her a little squeeze.

“It took me a while, but I feel the same way now. It’s kinda sad that it took the dirty deeds of a monster to bring us closer….but knowing how things are now, I wouldn’t change a bit of the past if we had to give up this closeness we have now. Does that make any sense?” she asked, looking at him shyly.

“Perfect sense. Baby, I know it’s been a tough couple of weeks, but I love where we are at right now….there’s only one thing I wish I could do from before….” Harry trailed off, looking at her with apprehension.

“Harry? What? What is it that you wish?” asked a worried Alicia.

“I don’t want to push you, Baby…..but I miss kissing you….the fire you ignite in me every time our lips meet. I miss that.” he quietly said.

“Oh, Harry…..it never crossed my mind, but your right, we haven’t kiss since the incident. I didn’t even realize it before now. I’m sorry.” she said, a little sheepishly.

“It’s not a complaint, I haven’t wanted to push you….” Harry said.

“You’ve been wonderfully patient with me, Harry. I’ve missed you kissing me, too.” she said, as she leaned in just a little closer.

Taking that as his cue, Harry tenderly lifted one of his large hands from around her waist, lifting it to place his palm on her cheek, his fingers able to wrap slightly around her neck, and gently pulled her down to him. Looking into her dark brown eyes, he kissed her lips as if they were the softest petals that would crumble if touched to hard. When he felt her respond to his touch, he deepened the kiss. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he ran his tongue over her lips, seeking entrance, which she lovingly agreed to by opening up to him. This kiss was like none other they had ever shared. It was a kiss that spoke of a new and deeper love that they shared, a renewed passion, understanding and a complete rightness with them, that it left them both crying softly as they broke apart, foreheads resting against one another.

Alicia gave him another soft kiss, then whispered, “That was the most beautiful moment of my life, Harry….Thank you.”

“No, thank you. You mean everything to me….you do know that, right?” he asked as he caressed her soft brown locks.

“How could I ever doubt that. You show me every second of every day. I love you, Harry.”

“I love you, too, Alicia. Don’t ever leave me.” he finished, and recaptured her lips in another passionate kiss, embracing her tighter.

END FLASHBACK

Deciding he’d been reminiscing long enough, he crawled out of bed, did his morning routine, showered, dressed, then made his way to Hogwarts. He was meeting Neville there and the both of them were going to lay their claims formally. They were also meeting with Headmistress McGonagall to discuss the renewing of the wards around Hogwarts, the new teachers, and any possible changes that would be needed to the curriculum or facilities.

Once he glided into the entry hall, he saw Neville looking over a few plagues that lined the floor. “Hey Nev. How’ve things been lately? I haven’t spoken much to you and ‘Mione these last couple of weeks.” Harry said, giving a manly, but affectionate one arm hug to his best friend.

“We’ve been good. Worried about you and Alicia, but other than that, things have been going really good. How are you two doing?” asked Neville.

“We’re great….really great. Better than before, actually. Thanks for asking. Well, shall we get this over with?” said Harry.

“Yeah. I’ve got the procedure right here, and it says that we have to find our heritage plaque and stand on it while we recite the Right of Ownership. You do realize, that once we are done, the Board of Governors will be absolved, and all matters pertaining to the school will fall to us?” Neville said, a bit overwhelmed by the prospect.

“I know, but it’s time this school be brought back to its former glory….we need to do this. Dumbledore has made many changes over the years, most of them have lead to increased house rivalry, a poorer curriculum and teachers, and some of Hogwarts looks to be going to ruin from lack of use. I don’t know what went through that man’s head, but we are going to fix his mistakes.” said Harry with conviction.

‘Then let’s do this.” said an equally assured Neville.

As they both found their family plaques, they began to speak the Right. It had been more than 150 years since anyone had claimed ownership of Hogwarts, but that was about to change.

“I, Harry James Thurox Potter, do stake my claim to Hogwarts, by the Gryfindor line, till the day I leave this plane of existence, forever known as Harry James Thurox Gryfindor Potter. I swear to protect Hogwarts from all outsiders willing her harm, and to protect all who reside within her walls. I swear to uphold the traditions of the founders to the best of my abilities. So mote it be.”

“I, Neville Franklin Longbottom, do stake my claim to Hogwarts, by the Ravenclaw line, till the day I leave this plane of existence, forever known as Neville Franklin Ravenclaw Longbottom. I swear to protect Hogwarts from all outsiders willing her harm, and to protect all who reside within her walls. I swear to uphold the traditions of the founders to the best of my abilities. So mote it be.”

When each had finished his claim, they felt a warm rush of magic embrace them and a welcoming presence in their mind. Staring at each other with wide-eyes, they were brought back to reality by the applause of most of the teaching staff, who were present considering school started in a couple of days.

“Very well done, you two. I’ve never been prouder of both of you.” said McGonagall, giving them each a warm hug.

“Thank you, Headmistress. Shall we adjourn to the staff room for our meeting.” said Harry.

“Only if you stop being so formal, and call me Minerva. You are both well past graduating this fine institution, so lay off the Headmistress crap!” she said teasingly.

“Harry, have we entered into another odd warp or something….I could just swear that Professor McGonagall just told us to call her Minerva and used the word CRAP! That was the oddest daydream I’ve ever had…..scary really!” Neville said playing with the woman who would help run his and Harry’s school.

“Nev, mate, I just had the same dream…and your right…SCARY!” Harry said, faking a horrified look.

“Okay you two! Knock it off! I’m not your superior any more, so I can relax and be myself. I swear….BOYS!” declared Minerva, much to the uproarious laughter of the rest of the staff.

After settling into the staff room, Neville said, “So, who do we have teaching Potions and DADA this year?”

Minerva spoke up, “We’ve hired Ms. Daphne Greengrass for Potions, and Arthur Weasley is going to take over the DADA position. They are still tying up loose ends, and will arrive later today. I would like to add a couple of new courses, with your approval. The first is Advanced DADA, that focuses on advanced magic, warding, dueling and hand to hand combat, the second, is a class I would like to call Wizarding Life. This class will offer a wide variety of study that includes everything from household management, wizarding culture, to learning about personal finance. What do you two think?”

“I like the idea a lot. What do you think Harry?” said Neville.

“I, too, like it, but would like to see it broken down more than that. I think the physical, non-magical fighting should be its own class, offered to those 3rd year and higher, Advanced DADA to fifth year and above, as well as grouping wizarding culture with wizarding law, and making it available to all years. That would make four new classes: Advanced DADA/Dueling, Wizarding Life, Wizarding Culture & Law, and Non-Magical Combat. What would that do to your scheduling and recruitment of teachers? Could we be ready in just a few days?” Harry stated.

“Well, if you had said yes, we had already tentatively talked with a couple of people.” said Minerva, giving Neville a little smirk, she continued, “We asked Hermione, and she is willing to come in and teach Beginning Charms to the first three years, freeing up Filius to do the Advanced DADA/Dueling class. Mrs. Weasley would make a wonderful professor for Wizarding Life, and if you want to separate the hand to hand combat class, Harry, you and possibly Mr. Chen Li could be the instructors. Neville, I was also hoping that you would agree to taking on some of the Herbology classes, as Prof. Sprout would like to start doing some experimental research using the new greenhouse we had set up over the summer. As far as the Wizarding Culture & Law class, I really don’t know who to ask for that.” said Minerva.

“Minerva, when did you sneak behind my back and scoop up Hermione? I’m going to have a long talk with that woman….she’s going to be the death of me!” said Neville in mock exasperation.

“Well, she was recommended by Filius, so I talked to her last week. She said if any thing firm came of it, then she would talk to you….she is hoping you take the Herbology position, by they way.” Minerva said, still smirking.

“Okay, you two! Minerva, I’d have to talk to Alicia first, but go ahead and offer Chen the lead instructor position. I’m not sure I actually want the job anyways. Let me talk with Tony Rooks and see who he could recommend to teach Wizarding Culture and Law. Filius, I think that Bill Weasley would be a great guest instructor for the wards part of the class, and considering that Neville and I were hoping you’d become Deputy Headmaster, Remus would make an excellent co-instructor for the class.” said Harry, giving the little professor a sly smile.

“Harry, Neville, are you sure? I never thought I’d make Deputy considering I have some goblin blood in me.” squeaked a stunned Flitwick.

“Absolutely! One of the things we hope to change over time is the employment of more magical beings as professors. I think the variety and knowledge other magical beings can offer our society will only improve us and hopefully stop some of the gross bigotry we have now a days. Just look how much I learned from Paole, who’s a vampire, Remus, who’s a werewolf, and yourself during the time warp.” stated Harry.

“I agree with Harry, Filius. Not only are you a charms genius, but your damn scary when it comes to dueling. You have always treated all students fairly, even though you were head of Ravenclaw. Being Deputy will still leave you head of your house, but will also expose you more with the other houses, and that can only be a positive thing. So, if you’ll accept, we, and I’m sure the staff, would love to have you as Deputy Headmaster.”

“Yes….yes, thank you! I promise to do the best job I can. Thank you!” said an excited Filius.

“Thank you, Filius. Congratulations!” said Minerva, everyone joining in and giving hand shakes and pats on the back. When the all took their seats again, Neville asked, “Who is going to head Gryfindor House, and is Daphne going to be Head of Slytherin?”

“I’m hoping that you or Hermione will head Gryfindor House, and yes, Daphne is going to head Slytherin.” Minerva said.

“I’ll leave that one to Hermione, if you don’t mind….can’t see myself as Gryfindor’s Head, but thank you anyway.” said Neville, shuddering at the thought.

Chuckling, Harry asked, “What’s next?”

“Neville, Harry, I would like to suggest utilizing the portion of Hogwarts that is vacant at this time. From as far back as the Founders, and when I went to school here, they had all the NEWT Level classes in that part of the castle, as well as an upperclassmen dorm called Hogwarts House. This dorm housed all four houses, and really helped prepare us in associating with all types of people once we left Hogwarts. The environment was more like that of a university, each 6th and 7th year student taking 3 core classes, but the other 4 classes were geared toward their future careers.” explained Filius.

A short pause later, Flitwick continued, “I suggested going back to this way of running things several times over the years, but was always brushed aside. I really think that animosity in our society has only increased since Dumbledore started teaching here, and influenced Dippet into starting the changes, and then when he, himself, became Headmaster, implemented his own system. It’s been over 75 years since anyone has had the benefit of the old ways. I’ve lived a long time, and have never seen our world in this much upheaval.”

Harry, feeling very excited by this new process said, “Filius, I really like this idea. How do we go about making these changes and….” and the conversation over the next couple of hours involved getting everything set up for the under and upperclassmen areas, assigning teachers to those areas, how the prefects duties were accomplished, and so on. Neville had agreed to be the assistant Herbology Professor as long as Hermione was still interested in the Charms position. Harry promised to send the extra training equipment they had used in the time warp for the new Advanced DADA class, as well as the Non-Magical Combat class.

Soon after the staff meeting had ended, Bill Weasley showed up and along with Minerva, Harry, and Neville, they went over the wards, strengthening the weaker ones, and adding a few new ones. One of the new wards would take anyone with the Dark Mark that entered the wards and send them to the schools dungeons. Tonks and Shacklebolt agreed to be waiting in the dungeon on the first night to intercept and arrest those who bore the mark. Satisfied that they could do no more for Hogwarts at the moment, Harry and Neville left and headed out to relax and have a few drinks. Who knew that ward work could be so exhausting.

The next day, Harry told Alicia about the offer to teach at Hogwarts, and how he had reservations due to wanting to try professional Quidditch. When Alicia suggested that she could be the head of the NEWT dorm along with working as an assistant instructor to Chen and Harry, they fire-called Minerva, Filius, and Neville to come over. Exchanging greetings, they all sat down to discuss Alicia’s idea.

“Minerva, after Harry told me that you wanted him to be a co-instructor for the Non-Magical Combat class, I thought that maybe I could become Head of Hogwarts House, and become and assistant for the Combat classes freeing Harry to pursue a professional Quidditch career. He has received some invitations to try out from a few of the teams, and I really want him to have this chance.” Alicia said, giving Harry a proud look.

“Filius, I don’t know about you, but I don’t have any problem with this. I spoke with Chen this morning, and he had reservations because he also had his own private tutoring schedule to uphold, so as long as Chen agrees to being head instructor of the class, this could solve his time problem as well.” said Minerva.

“I couldn’t agree more, Minerva. I also know Alicia to be a fair minded person, and believe she would suit Hogwarts House marvelously.” Flitwick said. Then putting on a devilish smirk he looked to Alicia and said, “I’ve seen you fighting too….your going to set some of these students on their heads….I can’t wait!” finished Flitwick, rubbing his hands together maniacally.

“Filius….WHAT did they do to you during the time warp?” asked a shocked Minerva.

“What? You spend 24 hours a day with the likes of Harry, the Weasley Twins, Chen and Paole, and see if you don’t change! Really, its their fault!” Filius said, looking innocently.

“HEY! Don’t you play innocent with me, you were bad before we went in! Heck, you taught me most of your menacing ways!” yelled Harry, gaining the laughter of everyone else.

After ironing out all the details, and getting Chen, who they had fire-called, to agree to the new arrangement and become head instructor, Harry and Alicia were left alone again. They spent the rest of the day just relaxing as they would be busy tomorrow moving into Hogwarts, getting the classroom together, and attending the welcoming feast. The young couple spent their last lazy summer day just…being.