Harry Potter and the Heir of Slytherin

The Head of the DMLE smiled.

"You're right. I don't," she leaned back in her chair. "I actually used to live in a small cottage that got destroyed during the war. When Susan's parents were... lost to us and I ended up taking the mantle for the House of Bones, I started living here. It's not only tradition for all Head of Houses' to do so, Bones Manor is one of the most secure locations within wizarding Britain; third only to Hogwarts and Gringotts."

Harry nodded and, out of the corner of his eyes, noticed that Susan was gripping the arm rest of her chair tightly. A look at her face showed that she was distressed, her nose and brow scrunched up as she forced tears back from her eyes.

Realizing that it was probably hearing about how her parents had been killed that was bothering her, Harry reached out and placed a hand over hers. The action served to make Susan relax. She looked down at the hand, then over to Harry, before looking back at the hand. After a moment, she smiled and carefully turned her hand over so she could squeeze his in thanks, before allowing Harry his hand back.

Amelia saw the exchange, but didn't say anything. Harry wondered if he had stepped over his bounds, but since she wasn't speaking or looking at him disapprovingly figured she was just observing the moment.

"I have read that the Ancient and Most Noble House of Bones were well known for their wards and defensive enchantments," Harry said as he placed his hand back on his own armrest.

"We are," Amelia informed him, then grimaced. "Or were. I was never that good with warding, though I am talented at defense. It's the reason I was able to become Head Auror during the war. However, with Susan and I as the last of our house, I am afraid warding might become a thing of the past for our family."

That was a sobering thought, and one that he did not like to think. The loss of knowledge always bothered Harry. While he was not like a Ravenclaw, seeking knowledge for knowledge's sake, he loved learning and finding practical uses for what he learned. The idea that knowledge that he could have probably used at some point may be lost to the ages was depressing.

"I wanted to thank you, Harry," Amelia said, changing the subject smoothly before the silence that had descended upon the room could get awkward.

Harry blinked.

"For what?"

"My niece has told me of how you helped her in her classes and with her homework. In all of the letters I received from Susan during the year, most of them were on how helpful you were."

"A-Aunty!" Susan gasped, her face flushing red in embarrassment. She looked like she wanted to sink into her chair.

Harry looked over at Susan, who noticed his gaze and quickly diverted her own. He almost chuckled. This girl was even worse than Lisa when she was embarrassed.

"I may have given some help, but you did all the work," Harry told her. His words merely made her blush more. "Even if I hadn't given aid, you would have been fine."

"Maybe with my Transfiguration," Susan admitted as she did her best to get over her bashfulness. "But my Charms work isn't that good. I don't think I would have done a very good job if you hadn't helped me with those spells."

"Maybe, maybe not," Harry shrugged. "Personally, I think you would have excelled whether I was around or not."

Before Susan could try to refute his words, food began appearing on the table. Harry looked over at the food with interest. Most of it was what someone would expect to find at your average, English meal; Roast Lamb, boiled vegetables, baked potatoes, bread, and all of it bathed in gravy. It was nowhere near as healthy as the foods Harry liked to eat, but he did not want to be a rude guest so he made do.

Small talk was made during dinner, mostly between Harry and Madam Bones. Susan for some reason remained very quiet, only speaking when Harry asked her a question or tried to bring her into the conversation.

Harry didn't know why, but his friend seemed to be more interested in listening to the conversation between himself and her aunt then she did actually partaking. It wasn't all that unusual, as Susan was very shy. But several times he had caught her staring at him with a strange look on her face that did not match the normally kind, if a bit bashful, girl at all.

"This was an excellent meal," Harry replied, speaking only half honestly. It had tasted good, even he would not deny that. But he wished people would eat a little healthier.

"I'll be sure to pass on that compliment to our house elf," Madam Bones said, standing up. "Now why don't we adjourn to my study?"

Realizing that they were finally getting to the heart of the matter as to why he was here, Harry and Susan both stood up and pushed their chairs back. They followed Madam Bones as she led them down one of the many hallways and into her private study.

.

.

.

👌If you want to get early or advanced chapters, subscribe to my Patreon.👌

🎯patreon.com/Aiko123🎯 .