Harry Potter and the Ties that Bind

Chapter 33

Getting ready to host a party took a lot of work. There was decorating the house, determining what meals should be prepared, getting outfitted in a wardrobe fit for the occasion, and helping his friend choose a suitable gown.

The first few problems were easy, as Harry had Professor Lupin and Kreacher to help. Sirius could have helped too. However, Harry wasn't sure he trusted that old dog not to do something potentially disastrous for his own amusement. That was why, while Professor Lupin spent time decorating Grimmauld Place and Kreacher prepared the meals down to his exact specifications, Sirius was running errands.

His godfather might have grumbled about being worked like a dog, but Harry knew that Sirius was pleased to be doing something, as the smile he'd been wearing hadn't left his face. It really must have been tough on him, being locked up in Azkaban. That was another reason why Harry had tasked Sirius with running around London and Diagon Alley to gather supplies.

Of course, there was another reason why he'd had Sirius out of the house.

"I'm not sure I understand," the portrait of Walburga said. "Are mudbloods not the enemy? If we let them into our society, they will ruin everything."

While Harry wasn't the only person currently in the house--Lisa was also there--his guest was still asleep. Really, that girl could be so lazy. He couldn't complain, though. This would suit his purposes just fine.

"Only if you let them," Harry replied. "You see, the issue between purebloods and those who come from a non-magical background is that we don't understand each other. The purebloods don't try to teach those who come from the mundane world, and the ones who come from a mundane background don't bother learning about our society because they think they know better."

Harry had been doing this from the moment he'd come to Grimmauld place, slowly subverting the beliefs of Walburga's portrait. Every day he spent his mornings slowly trying to broaden her understanding. She was, in all regards, the greatest test subject he could have asked for; stubbornly clinging to her opinions.

"However, that is why it is up to us to help them see the light," Harry continued. "As members of an ancient and noble house, of a founding house, we are duty bound to help those who come after us understand our culture. In doing so, we indebt those we aid. They'll be grateful to us for showing them the correct path, which strengthens our position in society."

Walburga's cupped her chin and frowned. "So you are saying that we make the mudbloods indebted to us by teaching them. By doing that, we become more powerful."

Harry didn't like how Walburga used the term mudblood. It wasn't just because it was derogatory. It was a banal insult used by purebloods who lacked originality and could only spout the same vitriolic tirade of their forefathers. How could he ever bridge the barrier between purebloods and first generation witches and wizards if they were too busy spewing this sort of tripe? Still, he put up with it, for now. There was little to be done but slowly change the opinions of those who saw people like Hermione as blights on society.

"That's exactly it," Harry said. "However, we need to go even beyond that. You see, by teaching those from a non-magical background, we also expand our own knowledge of those who can't use magic."

Walburga's eyes widened. "Know thy enemy..."

Harry wanted to moan in frustration. This wasn't a matter of knowing the enemy, because there was no enemy to know. He knew that saying something wouldn't change Walburga's ideas on the non-magical community, however. That was why he kept quiet.

The doorbell suddenly rang, bringing an end to their conversation. Harry went over to the door and opened it. Andromeda Tonks stood on the other side.