I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, this is merely a work of fanfiction.

Thank you for coming back to this story! Long story short, I received a flurry of homophobic and anti-semitic comments that wrecked my mental health for a short time. I am feeling much better now. I am not going to commit to a posting schedule yet, but I will get these chapters out as quickly as I am able while maintaining my mental health, and obligations to my family. I really appreciate everyone's love and support! You made my days better with all your messages and comments!

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Headmaster Igor Karkaroff set down his paper as Professor Severus Snape walked into his office.

"I take it you have seen the headline? Two new Founders' Heiresses have claimed their titles. One more Heir and your country will return to an Oligarchy. "

Professor Snape sneered, "They do not have complete control."

"Not yet," the Headmaster conceded.

He had studied British history briefly when he served under the Dark Lord, and had learned a bit about the Oligarchy. They had the most power when there were four heirs. They could vote as one and pressure the families of the Wizengamot to agree with them. If they were united, there was very little they could not do.

"Will she be like her predecessor?" Igor asked. Professor Snape shook his head.

"No, I don't think so, but it is hard to tell. I only knew her very briefly before I came here. She took after Lady Malfoy, if anything."

Igor nodded his head and thought. He knew they were locked into the Triwizard Tournament for next year. The preparations had been years in the making.

With the rise of the Founders Heirs, they were sure to have their own input about the Tournament. That could be useful, perhaps they could avoid any casualties this time. Besides, he was eager to meet the new generation that would soon take Britain by storm.

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The Ministry was in an uproar, and Lord Malfoy was enjoying every second of it. Everywhere he went, all eyes were on him. He didn't think he had ever looked forward to going into his Wizengamot office more.

He ignored the whispers, though they fueled his ego. He knew his wife would be having a field day as well. No doubt those of any acquaintance would be suddenly wanting to have tea, and get the inside gossip, not that Cissa would debase herself to such things.

They knew who their true friends were, the ones who had been there for many years. Lord Malfoy entered the lift, and was pleased to see Lady Shacklebolt enter behind him.

"Ah, to what do I owe the honor Lady Shacklebolt?"

"I'm having lunch with my husband, and thought I might pay you a visit. You're sure to have people swarming you with the news."

Lord Malfoy nodded his acknowledgement as the doors to the lift slid closed.

"There will be those who want to say all manner of things about a new Lady Slytherin. Not all of them will be kind. Best you have a witness on your side to keep things transparent."

Lord Malfoy nodded. He wasn't ignorant of what she said. He knew people spoke behind his back about bribes in the past. It was one thing for people to talk about him and his empire, but quite another for them to implicate Holly or Draco.

He had dabbled in bribery, most wizards of means in the magical worlds had, but it was by far the least of his crimes. Money was so blasé. Almost everyone they knew had money aplenty. Lord Malfoy preferred to deal in influence, in favors. When necessary, he dealt in blackmail, and violence. No, very rarely did he debase himself to bribery.

It was, however, a popular gossip piece, and it was up to Holly and Draco how they wanted the Slytherin family name to be perceived. He would be careful to not give the wrong impression.

No doubt people would be bowing and scraping to win his favor even more than usual in hopes that he would give them an introduction to his future daughter in law.

"Follow me then," Lord Malfoy instructed as the lift opened at the level of the Wizengamot offices. Halfway down the hallway he noticed a young man that looked like a Weasley staring at him.

"Can I help you?" He asked.

"Uh...yes...no," he thrust out his hand, "I'm Heir Percival Weasley."

"Yes, of course."

He took the boy's hand and shook it as was due his position. The oldest boy was of course now Lord McKinnon, and the second boy had claimed the title of Lord Prewett just a few weeks ago. That left Percival as the Weasley Heir. He looked like a annoyingly by the book sort.

"Headmistress McGonagall has allowed me off grounds to do an internship in the Ministry twice a week, since I will take over the lordship at some point. She's opened the opportunity to all Heirs and Heiresses that are Sixth Year and above."

Lord Malfoy knew that, of course, these opportunities all had to be approved by the Board of Governors. They had approved several new internships for this year, so students would have more hands-on training.

"Wonderful. If you will excuse me, we have a very busy day ahead of us, I'm sure you understand."

For the first time Heir Weasley seemed to notice Lady Shacklebolt, and he gave a little bow. It was nowhere near as formal or respectful as the Lady deserved, but she let it slide. The boy would soon learn as he sat in Wizengamot meetings how things were done.

Floors above them, in the office of the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge was having a crisis. He wasn't sure what this business with the Founders' Heiresses meant for his future, but he was sure it couldn't be good.

He had deferred to Dumbledore in the past, and they had easily run him out of Hogwarts, and indeed the entire Wizarding world. No one had seen him in months. At least with Dumblefore he knew what he was getting, or he thought he did. He never would have suspected him of using Occlumency against students.

He had no idea what to expect of the upcoming Oligarchy families. Would they try to oust him?

He couldn't be sure of his position with them. He could try to divide them, to dilute their power, but it was near impossible the way they were linked. There were familial relations between several of the couples, and close friendships between the others.

He could try to smear them in the media, but he was certain that could be traced back to him. Lady Ravenclaw technically could be classed as a magical creature due to her Veela heritage, but no one would dare attack a member of the Black family by suggesting such a thing. They were wealthy beyond belief, and ruthless. It would be political suicide to bring it up now that the Black Heiress had claimed the title of Lady Ravenclaw.

Still, he wasn't comfortable leaving this alone.

Surely it wouldn't hurt if he sent just one letter to Dumbledore?

No, surely not. If he got caught he would just say he was hoping to be able to track the letter and find out his whereabouts. Yes, that would do.

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"I don't understand, what does this mean?"

Neville sighed and looked at Ginny. They had been approached in the courtyard by a group of first years after breakfast. If he had to explain what this meant one more time, he was going to lose it. He motioned for everyone to gather around so they could explain it once, and be done.

"My godsister, Lady Holly Potter, is now 'Lady Holly Potter, Lady Slytherin.'"

The little girl who asked the question shook her head in confusion and scrunched up her nose. She was a Gryffindor muggleborn and was having a hard time wrapping her mind around all of this. This is why they needed the magical culture & etiquette classes.

"How can she be both at the same time? I don't get it."

"She just can. She's a Potter by birth, so when her mother died, who was formerly Lady Potter, she became Lady Potter. She is also a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, so she was able to claim that title. She will also be Lady Malfoy one day."

"That's a lot," another first year muttered with wide eyes.

"It is," Neville nodded, "it happens sometimes, though not usually to this extent. If they had lived longer, Lady Slytherin's parents might have had more children, and then they would have been able to share the title's amongst themselves."

"Well what are we supposed to call her?" A Ravenclaw muggleborn asked.

"Lady Slytherin is the highest title, so use that, but I doubt she would resent you calling her Lady Potter if you slip up. In formal settings, such as Wizengamot meetings, she will be introduced by all her titles, and then referred to as Lady Slytherin thereafter."

"And this includes Lady Ravenclaw and Lord Hufflepuff too?"

Neville nodded his head.

"What happens when they have children?" A mousy looking Hufflpuff asked.

Neville blushed a vibrant red, and Ginny laughed at him. She would take this one.

"My sister's children will each receive one title from her. Lords and Ladies can choose to pass on their title to their children once they are of age, or wait. It is up to them. If they have less than three children, then they will have to give more than one title to each child, or they could magically adopt children and pass on the titles that way. Magical adoption is seen as absolute by magical law, and magical society."

The first year's eyes had grown wide, and turning over her shoulder, Ginny was surprised to see Draco standing just behind her. Sally was draped over his shoulders, and wrapped around one arm. She rested her head on his left shoulder and watched the scene unfold lazily. He looked terribly intimidating to anyone who didn't know that Sally was the laziest snake in existence.

"Ginny, why are you talking about my future children?"

Ginny laughed as the first years scattered around the courtyard and tried to look as if they hadn't been discussing the intimate affairs of her future brother-in-law. The truth was his life was more or less public record now, as theirs all would be very soon. Such was the nature of being an Oligarchy family.

"The first years and the muggleborns are confused, Draco. They don't know what this means. They saw the headline, but don't understand the implications, or how to interact with Holly or Luna."

Draco wrinkled his nose, and looked around the courtyard haughtily.

"No one seemed this shaken up over Lord Hufflepuff claiming his title."

"Yeah well it's Zach," Ginny rolled her eyes.

Neville chuckled at her side. He liked Zach but he wasn't exactly attention grabbing. He fairly radiated sunlight and happiness. Draco and Holly however, were already quite famous before this news broke. That and Luna's Veela good looks made for good headlines.

"I suppose you're right. People think he's perfect, just because he's a Hufflepuff. What a joke."

"Where's my godsister, anyways?" Neville asked.

"She's gone back to bed, actually. She was exhausted after last night, and the Headmistress gave her the day off classes. She had to give the day off to Vince and Greg too. They wouldn't go without her. They're sitting in the Common Room to guard her."

"Good," Neville nodded approvingly.

Ginny shook her head in amusement as they all waved goodbye, and Neville walked her to her first class. Draco had a reputation for aloof and intimidating among the student body. If only they could see how he doted on Holly in private.

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Holly woke again around two in the afternoon.

She knew Vince and Greg would be still sitting guard, out in the Common Room. She ignored the grumbling of her stomach and turned to look at the portraits she had commissioned. They were smiling out at her, and Sirius' bounced excitedly when she opened her bed curtains.

"She's awake James! She's awake!"

"I can see that," James grumbled. Lily shook her head at the men and smiled kindly at Holly.

"How do you feel?" She asked.

"Overwhelmed. This is a lot of magic," Holly admitted.

James squinted at her worriedly, "Quidditch will help. I understand if you don't want to play in games, but you should really make sure you keep playing in practice. It will help with the extra power. That's why Sirius and I played constantly after my parents died. It helped us to manage our magic until I got married, and shared the Potter magic with your mum."

"Right, any other tips?"

"Ask Remus to teach you dueling. He fought in The War with us, in the early days. If you could duel him even once a week, it would help a lot."

Holly nodded her head. She sometimes forgot that James and Sirius had borne the Potter magic on their own after his parents died. Holly got out of bed and retrieved her mirror from her trunk. She returned to her bed and pulled the blankets up against the Fall chill, and called her mother.

"Holly, my dear one, how are you?"

Holly gave out a sigh of relief at seeing Cissa's face. There was something so comforting about seeing her, and hearing the soft tone of her voice.

"Exhausted, but I'm okay. Headmistress McGonagall gave me the day off class. I'm ashamed to admit I've been sleeping all day."

"Don't be ashamed, dearest. You must rest after such a big ritual. Mipsy and Trixie are already on their way to feed you. They are absolutely determined. I understand they fed Crabbe & Goyle while they were guarding you."

"Thank Merlin, I was worried they would starve themselves."

Mipsy and Trixie popped into the dormitory with a full service cart between them, laden with a teapot, a pitcher of water, and all manner of food and treats. She noticed the vitamin potion on the cart and took it when Mipsy pushed it under her nose.

"Trixie would never allow them to starve. They need to be well fed to protect you. My mistresses safety and happiness is my sole priority."

Holly smiled at the elf who was now arranging a tray of food for her. A thought occurred to her suddenly.

"I haven't even looked at gown designs for the Yule Ball. Speaking of which, how are preparations going?"

"Wonderfully sweetheart, thank you for asking. Don't worry about your gown, Blaise has created you a masterpiece. He designed it this summer, and the tailors will have it finished within the month. We had to have something magnificent for your debut as Lady Slytherin. I do hope that's okay?"

Holly took a deep breath of relief. There were so many intricacies of magical society that sometimes escaped her. Blaise had been raised with the finer things in magical society, and he had a magnificent eye for design. She wouldn't be surprised if that's what he chose to do after school.

"It's perfect," Holly admitted as she took the food Trixie placed in front of her.

They talked as she ate, and by the time she was done, she felt much better. The food, tea, and vitamin potion had energized her body, while the quality time with Cissa had helped clear her mind.

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Holly and Luna approached the Headmistress' office. The statue turned for them of its own accord. It would appear that the castle wouldn't bar them from entering any room they desired. Greg and Vince followed them at just enough of a distance to give them the illusion of privacy.

They knocked at the door, and heard a call from within. Greg and Vince stayed outside the door.

They entered to find the Headmistress working at her desk, parchment and quills littered her desk, and there were several owls loitering as if waiting for a response. She pushed the parchments away from her, and nodded at them in greeting.

"Lady Slytherin, Lady Ravenclaw, welcome. Please take a seat. What can I help you with?"

"Well Headmistress, we find ourselves in a bit of a conundrum. We received owls from Gringotts this morning, detailing the contents of our estates, our updated estates, and we were hoping you could help us."

The Headmistress was surprised they would come to her for help, but honored. She would do what she could for the girls.

"What seems to be the problem?"

"First, we were hoping you would provide permission for my mother and father to visit me at Hogwarts. I would prefer to confer in person about everything going on."

Professor McGonagall agreed easily, it was no bother at all. Lord Malfoy was already keyed into the wards since he was a member of the Board of Governors.

"The second is, when there are important Wizengamot meetings, I would like to be able to attend. I know it's uncommon for students to come and go in such a way. If it is something you feel unable to accommodate, I will withdraw and finish my studies privately."

Professor McGonagall's forehead scrunched in consternation. She set down her glasses and looked at Lady Ravenclaw in surprise. She could have easily asked her father to have this discussion with her, but instead she had come herself. That showed remarkable maturity.

"That won't be necessary, Lady Ravenclaw. I understand that you have duties outside of the school. You would have been eligible for an internship at the Ministry next year anyways, due to your Heiress Black status. It's been so long since there was an official Founders Heir, that we're not sure exactly what this means, but I think you'll find that the castle will be eager to aid you in your duties. The Founders poured some of their magic into the castle, and it is sentient to a certain extent. Feel free to come to me with whatever you need. Your success is Hogwarts' success."

Luna beamed back at the Headmistress. She could work with her.

"To that end, there have been long term plans for a Triwizard Tournament to be held at Hogwarts next year. Perhaps you should be at the next Board of Governors meeting over the Yule Break so we may receive your input."

Holly and Luna nodded eagerly. They were excited to get to work.

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"Why do you have a girl's cloak?" Theo asked as he entered the boys dorm. Blaise was standing with his wand out, casting charms on a black velvet cloak with a large bow in the front.

"First of all, cloaks are gender neutral. It's a piece of fabric, and this one is fabulous. Second, it's for Holly. She's tiny and she'll freeze on the visit to Hogsmeade without these charms. My mother taught me. You know she's petite too."