Money Isn't Everything
Chapter 1
DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me. This is all done purely for enjoyment, no profit involved at all.
People have often said that money doesn't buy happens. While this is true, it does buy stuff that brings you happiness. After all, you cannot buy an emotion, you have to buy an experience or item that will elicit an emotion. Another thing that people say is that money isn't everything, this I respectfully disagree with. Money is everything. It controls the world, as much as we might not like to admit it. We use it to buy food, shelter, clothing, comfort, entertainment, and basically life itself. It is a source of power and of status, both of which are so very much important in today's world, especially in the Wizarding one. Money, and wealth for that matter, is something that is so heavily ingrained within us that we cannot simply do without it. The old barter system will never make a comeback, unless we do have a post-apocalyptic scenario, which, though possible, is highly highly highly unlikely. Therefore, money is key to a successful and happy life, at least that's what I think. Take it from me though, I have a lot of money, so I would know.
My name is Harry Potter, though my complete name is.... well, you don't really need to know so I'll just keep it to myself. I am currently sixteen years old, just graduated from school, and am the only son of very wealthy and successful parents, oh and am a member of the Potter clan too. Our bloodline goes waaaaay back, maybe one of the dinosaurs might have even been a relative. I know a few relatives that display dinosaur-like behavior, at least, and that might explain it. Anyway, we're one of the oldest bloodlines around, and that counts for a lot of political weight in the Wizarding world. Oh, right, I forgot to mention. I am a Wizard; yes, that means I can do magic and all sorts of other crazy things. No, I am no Gandalf, but that would be awesome if I was, except without the whole old age and white hair part. (Yes, I've seen Muggle movies - they're quite entertaining, even though you can't really interact with them and its really only in 2D)
My entire family is magical, and we all live in the Wizarding world, in Wizarding Britain to be exact. I'm not entirely sure how my family came to be here, I haven't bothered to read that far back in the archives, all I know is that we're here, I'm here, and it's all going great so far. Oh, and the reason I mention the Wizarding world as opposed to just the world is because we magical people live almost completely separate from non-magical peoples' world. We have established communities within non-magical communities, but through magic we are not only rendered invisible but we also do not take up that much "real world" space. Think of it is an alternate plane on top of an alternate plane... okay that did not really say what I wanted to explain. Nevermind, it matters little how it works, it justsSo does. Accept it. Move on.
I graduated from the presitigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with one of the top marks in the class I might add. I've always had a thirst for knowledge, knowledge is power after all, and combine that with money and you're golden. Hence my formula: Smart + Loaded = Power + Women^2 = good. Being rich as I am, I did not need to worry about having a job. In fact, I never even really thought about it. I imagined that, had I not been wealthy, I probably would have gone for an Auror position with the Ministry of Magic, but since I am wealthy that never became anything more than speculation.
Ah yes, we do have a Ministry of Magic, a complete government system and all, but with a lot of customs and laws and it's all very complex. I haven't really been taught how to navigate myself through it yet, but I will learn more as I grow older. My parents are supposedly experts at it, and they're considered to be good folk. I like to think so, anyway, they love me, I love them, they've given me no reason to work for the rest of my life, so I love them even more. It works out well. Okay, they really are good people, I'm just messing. They're two of the nicest people I know among families with the same social status that we have. I guess it does help that there are only a handful of families with roughly the same wealth and power, give or take some.
But that's enough background for now, I'll explain things as I go along in case there are things that need explaining. Which reminds me, I really do need to get going. Today I officially start the rest of my life after school, and it is an exciting time to say the least.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You want what?" my mother asked, her emerald eyes locking onto mine.
We were halfway through breakfast when I decided to pop the question. I was having some waffles, well okay maybe a dozen waffles (I have a big appetite) when it dawned on me that now that since I was going to officially be an adult soon I should have my own place.
"I'm sure you heard me the first time, mother dearest. I want my own place, my own pad, my fortress of solitude... and partying." I added the last bit under my breath.
My mother was a very protective one, I admired her for it, hell I loved her for it, but all birds eventually leave their nest, and it was my time.
"James?" my mother turned to dad, who was reading the Daily Prophet, one of the more popular of the news sources, "James? What do you think?"
"Absolutely, Lils," he said without once looking up from the paper.
As soon as he said that the paper flew out of his hands, which caused him to elicit a cry of protest and annoyance. The paper, however, rolled itself up and proceeded to hit him repeatedly on the head. Trying to fend off the paper with his hands, he relented, "Okay, okay! I give!"
My mother didn't release the spell until he actually had some thoughtful input. He proceeded to tell her that I was almost of age and that it would be required of them anyway that I start to live on my own. Perhaps not right away, but soon enough, and it wouldn't hurt to already have a place in mind so that it could be set up before I eventually and officially moved out of my parents' home.
Huffing, my mother, Lily, adjusted her flaming red hair for a moment, a sign that she was thinking about it, and the paper gently floated down to the table and remained still. She wouldn't refuse me, goodness no, I was almost of age after all and father was telling the truth. I was merely asking out of habit, aaaand also because I know that my parents, or at least my mom, would have liked it if I finally asked to leave and face the world on my own.
"Well, alright... I guess I can't really stop you now, can I? You have to promise me that you'll come and visit.... often too, not just once a year," she finally relented as she toyed around with her food. I knew I'd have to deal with the whole emotional thing when I eventually leave, but I didn't exactly look forward to that moment.
Smiling at this however, I thanked them both profusely. The rest of breakfast was spent talking about other matters, such as Quidditich and the new Minister of Magic, as well as any news on my friends that I would like to relate to my parents. Once I was finished, I excused myself and, kissing my mom on top of the head and hugging her, I promised that I would come visit as much as I can. It was just as I was leaving that my dad finally put the paper down.
"Did you have a place picked out already?" my father asked curiously.
I turned around, "No, but I have a few ideas." And with that I was out the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I went to one of three apparition spots in the house and apparated out to Gringotts in Diagon Alley. I was one of the few people who could directly enter the bank without having to step foot once outside in Diagon Alley. Not that I disliked the place, as I have been out and about the area before, but it does help to save time and effort. I was quickly approached by a goblin that asked me my name.
"Harry Potter," I replied, looking around the bank. It was still a bit early in the morning, so there were not a lot of people, but it was still a busy place what with all the goblins walking around and working.
I was swiftly led to my family's designated goblin. Being one of the older, wealthier, and more prestigious clans did have its benefits after all. His name was Griphook, a friendly and spirited goblin, much unlike most of his kin. I hazarded I guess that it was my dad who chose him to be our official goblin liaison. He was still a goblin, however, and was specially trained to work at Gringotts, so he was still quite capable and professional. He at least was not dull.
"Well, Mister Potter, I am surprised to see you here without your parents, then again the time does fly by now does it? You must be of age already, if I'm not mistaken," he said as we walked down a few passageways to his office.
"Not quite, but almost. And yes, I do think this is the first time I've been here alone," I tried to recall if I ever did go here before by myself, but I really had not. My parents had always withdrawn the funds for me, and since they always withdrew more than enough than I could spend I had no other reason to go to the bank by myself.
"Indeed, sir, indeed. Now please do sit," he got behind his desk and sat down on his own chair as I made myself comfortable.
The office was moderately-sized, no doubt enlarged magically. It would have resembled a dungeon had it not been lit a little more than a dungeon would have been, as the stone walls, floor, and ceiling had a cold look to them. There were a few paintings on the wall, as well as a suit of goblin armor and weapons, which I found fascinating. The only other things in the room were the furniture: three chairs for clients, a large ornately carved wooden table, the chair for Griphook, and a bookshelf containing a lot of tomes and books. There was also a side door, which was somewhat hidden by the bookshelf, and I wondered what it was for.
"What be your business today, mister Potter?"
"Well, I came here today for two reasons. First, my parents had mentioned something about special cards that you offered for those who did not wish to go to the bank all the time," I replied, "It would definitely help as well with the larger purchases, for even though money pouches can hold a lot of gold, counting them out is still a pain, even if it is done magically."
Griphook nodded, "Of course, of course. I expected as much. We do charge an creation and enchantment fee for creating the card, as well as a yearly service fee, since the card must be renewed every year -- more for security purposes than the magic wearing off really." The goblin paused as he took out some papers from one of the drawers of his desk. "We can have that done by tomorrow," it was at this point I asked for two -- in case I needed a spare --, "If you would just please sign here, it will cost you approximately 424 galleons total for both creating the cards and next years service fee."
After signing the documents, he then placed them carefully aside and asked me what the second part of my business was.
"I am in the market for a house, and I was wondering if you could provide a list of available properties in the area, as well as a list of the highest-valued properties on the market." I might as well see what the best has to offer as well I reasoned.
Smiling, the goblin revealed rows of sharp teeth that looked like they needed a lot of attention, "Ah, that is wonderful. Finally getting your first place eh, mister Potter? Wonderful indeed. I can have those for you by tomorrow as well. Now is there anything else?"
I wanted to withdraw some money for any purchases I might have today, as I had planned on going around the Alley and maybe even muggle London for a bit. I was in the mood for going out.
After thanking him for his time and services (the pleasure was all mine, mister Potter) I proceeded to exit the Wizarding bank, satisfied that my business was done with no problems.
I squinted as the sunlight momentarily blinded me upon leaving the relatively dimly-lit bank. Again, due to the earliness of the day, there were few people about, but the shops were open so I ambled about. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, I was more trying to stay out of the house, after all with my Gringotts business done, and with gold in my pocket, I wanted something else to do.
Ten minutes later I found myself outside the Quality Quidditch Supplies store, where a small group of children not much younger than I was when I first entered Hogwarts were ogling the new broom displayed in the window.
Nimbus 3000 it said on the small plaque underneath it. It looked sleek and fast, but I still favored the Firebolt I owned. Though it did not look as sleek, it definitely was fast, especially since I paid extra to have a few more enchantments and charms placed, as well as lesser restriction on the required speed limit set by the Ministry. Quidditch, was after all, regulated by the Ministry, not only for safety but also to ensure some semblance of order in an otherwise chaotic game.
The broom industry was trying to compete with the big kid on the block, which was the Firebolt, and this new Nimbus broom was no doubt an attempt at trying to take down the popular high-end broom.
"Harry??" a voice called from somewhere off to my left.
Surprised, I turned to see my good friend Ronald Weasley. His family's trademark red-hair instantly gave him away even before I fully settled my gaze on his face, though of course I already knew him well enough to recognize him instantly. He was taller than I by a few inches, well-built from Quidditch at Hogwarts. He was our team's Keeper, and he was pretty damn good at the position.
"Ron! Great to see you here. Couldn't wait to get out of the house either, eh?" I took his hand and we bumped shoulders, patting each other on the back.
He nodded, "Yeah, I see you felt the need too. My mum was bloody bawling today, talking about how proud she was that I had passed my classes and graduated."
I laughed, shaking my head, "So do you have anything planned right now?"
"Not really, no. I was only going to look around, you know, see what's up."
"Actually, I'm surprised you're up this early," I remarked, raising an eyebrow. Ron was notorious for sleeping in whenever he could back when we were students. It feels weird to say that, 'back when we were students,' it makes me feel older than I really am.
"Yeah, well the twins were home and they decided it would be fun to wake me up at an ungodly hour. I couldn't fall back asleep, you know me, so I just ate breakfast anyway, and that's when mum started crying. I knew I had to leave so I came here," he said, scratching his head and shrugging.
We continued to talk for a while, telling me how his family was doing. His dad was doing excellently, apparently, having just been promoted to Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which his old Section was under, the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Along with the rise in rank also came a higher pay-grade, which was definitely welcomed by the family -- they weren't exactly well off, nor were they poor however, but they were a little bit on the edge until now. He said that Mrs. Weasley was already planning some remodeling to their house, which was called the Burrow -- a home made of haphazardly joined together rooms centered around a central spiral staircase that did not look structurally sound; it was held together by magic after all. His mother was, as usual, smothering them with her affections, though she was getting less angry nowadays apparently and more just emotional as she's realizing that almost all her children are out of the nest. Only him and Ginny remained under her wing, not that the others weren't but they were all leading separate lives now, and he was about to leave as well. Only Ginny remained, and she was only a year behind. Speaking of Ginny, she was apparently doing really well in her classes. Ron's expression went a bit dark when he talked about her new boyfriend, some boy named Evan.
His three older brothers were also doing quite well. Percy was still working at the Ministry as secretary for the Minister, Amelia Bones -- Fudge having resigned over allegations of corruption and threats of a criminal trial and investigation -- and he was supposedly enjoying his work. No questions were asked regarding his involvement with Fudge's shady dealings, and he made no attempt to confess if anything did happen. Bill, the eldest Weasley child, was still in Egypt, helping with curse breaking and securing tombs and vaults and whatnot, though he apparently mentioned that he was being referred for some work in China so he might be moving there soon. Charlie was still working with dragons in Romania, nothing new to report there, though he was supposedly seeing this girl there and he wanted her to meet the family sometime. The twins, Fred and George, were doing really well with their business and were already looking for a second location.
"I still wonder how they got the money to start their first shop.." Ron admitted, "They wouldn't tell me or anyone else, even though they were threatened. All they said was that it wasn't through any illegal means."
I hadn't told anyone yet either, so I guess it was a well-kept secret; this definitely scored points in the trust department for the twins. I had been their original investor, giving them a thousand galleons to start. Though I hadn't explained to my parents what I used it for, they never really asked either, so I didn't bother to. Besides, it was for a good cause., which reminded me that I had to visit them.
"Speaking of the twins," I broke the sudden silence, "Mind if we go visit them?"
"Sure thing, I was looking to get a job there while I waited anyways," came the enthusiastic reply, "Besides, their shop is loads of fun."
I wondered what he was waiting for, but decided not to ask just yet, he seemed to not want to tell and I didn't want to push him for it. He'd tell me if he wanted to, and if he didn't, that was fine with me too. I had secrets as well, so it wasn't a big deal. We walked a few minutes to the shop, which was actually full of people, both old and young alike. Though of course there were more youngsters there, I was still surprised to see someone who looked remotely Dumbledore-like in age browsing through the shelves.
"HARRY!" cried one of the twins, I was unsure of who exactly.
"RON!" greeted the other.
They both moved through the crowd and gave us each a hug. They were a lot taller than I, and a bit taller than Ron, and both were identical as ever. They looked a bit heavier than last time I saw them, but they were still wiry, no doubt they gained a few pounds from having a lot more galleons in their pockets.
"What brings you two here-"
"-to this part of town?" finished the other, I still couldn't place who was who.
"I was just wandering around and bumped into your brother here, who I believe wanted to have a word with you. Also, could you please tell me which one of you is which because this is driving me a bit crazy," I pleaded.
They both laughed and high-fived each other before pointing and simultaneously saying the other's name.
"Fred!"
"George!"
"Forge"
"Gred!"
"Get it? Good now-" said Fred.
"-what was it you wanted-" continued George.
"-to talk to us about-"
"-dear younger brother?" finished Fred, or was it George? Crap.
"Well..." Ron scratched his head as he lowered it, "I was... wondering if you could give me a job.. temporarily of course..." he mumbled.
The twins looked at each other, "Gee, I dunno..." said George, "What do you think Gred?"
"I'm not so sure either Forge," replied Fred.
"But I'm you're brother!" Ron exclaimed suddenly.
We were momentarily interrupted as a few customers asked for the prices and descriptions of some items before the twins turned back to us. Grinning they told him that they could probably find something for him to do and that he should come back the next day, since I was with hanging out with him at the time and they didn't want to take him from me right then and there. They both gave me a wink. Taking me aside as Fred talked to Ron about his employment, George told me that I could have "whatever you want, Harry, it's on the house. This was all made possible because of you, and we're not going to forget that!"
I told him it was no big deal and was a sound investment, receiving a clap on the back and a wide smile in return.
"Good man, Harry. Now if you'll excuse me and Fred, we have work to do." With that they bid us good day and went off to other parts of the store, answering questions and giving a few warnings to some people.
We looked around the store for a bit, but there was just too many people so we decided to just come back another day. Squeezing ourselves out, we marveled at how successful their business was going, though I did pity their competitors just down the street, Gambol & Japes. The Weasley twins were probably going to run them out of business in a few more years, maybe even months, if they kept at it.
Walking around some more, my stomach grumbled and I realized that it was about lunchtime. Asking if he was hungry, which I should have already known the answer to, Ron and I looked for a place to eat. We eventually sat down at a small, nice-looking restaurant called The Hungry Horntail -- a five-foot tall, moving, and fire-breathing Hungarian Horntail replica stood atop the restaurant's entrance. Ordering our food, I decided to ask him about when he said he was waiting for something.
He turned a slight shade of red at this and couldn't look me in the eye as he played with his fork, obviously debating whether or not to tell me -- this increased my curiosity immensely.
"Well, I was going to tell you when I got a reply back and if I had gotten it or not... but I guess... well... I applied for.." and he mumbled the next few words and the din in the restaurant was enough that I didn't quite catch it.
Our food had arrived, however, and he proceeded to stuff his mouth, no doubt a tactic for him to not speak. Eating in silence, and my curiosity inflamed, my mind went into overdrive trying to think of what he could have possibly applied for. Perhaps he applied for an Auror position, he had said he was interested before. No, that wasn't it. He hadn't done well in Potions, getting only an A on his OWL, and thus not qualifying him for the NEWT level -- an Auror career prerequisite. Perhaps other Ministry work then? It was possible, though I doubted it because he had seen how long it had taken his father to get to where he was now, and I'm sure he didn't want to wait that long. He wasn't that good at teaching so he couldn't have applied for a teaching position at Hogwarts, not to mention his grades weren't exactly the best -- except in DADA though, but that post was already filled. He was not going to apply for any job that required intense research or study either, so that was out of hte question. That left only one possible career: professional Quidditch. I grinned, I knew that was it. I'd look into the matter later, but for now I enjoyed his company.
When the bill came up he reached to pull out his money but I refused for him to pay a single Knut. After all, I had suggested lunch, besides I wanted to treat him. He thanked me, though he turned a deeper shade of red, as he often did when someone did something generous to him. Ron was embarrassed about his wealth, though I and many others had already told him before that it didn't matter to any of us. Friends are friends after all. Yes, money mattered to me, but that didn't mean I didn't make friends with or care about people who weren't as wealthy.
"Well, I gotta go, no doubt mum's got a few chores for me to do already.." he trailed off as we walked out of the restaurant, our bellies full.
I nodded, "Alright then, Ron. We should get out more often, you know? Now that we're adults and all... well, I'm about to be anyway," I told him.
"Yeah, that would be great mate," he said, "Oh, listen. My family wants to, you know, officially celebrate my entering into adulthood and everything. They're throwing a dinner party of sorts this weekend, and I was hoping maybe you could make it?"
I thought about it for a moment, I didn't think I'd be busy this weekend, so I agreed. After telling me to be at the Burrow on Saturday at around seven, he left. I watched as his his mess of red hair bobbed in a crowd of people before disappearing. There was a lot more commotion now as more people started to bustle through the Alley. Still not feeling any particular desire to head home, I continued to walk around the Alley, heading towards the Leaky Cauldron. I stopped in front of the Quidditch Quality Supplies store again, a thought suddenly coming to me. Brilliant.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next day I headed back to Gringotts, where I met Griphook in his office. He handed me the two cards and two different sets of lists.
"Mister Potter, here are your Gringotts Banking Cards. They will work almost anywhere in the world, even for muggle transactions. The current exchange rate at the time of the transaction will be used to determine the money released from your accoount, of course," he explained, "these cards are keyed to your specific magical signature. They will work for you and for you alone, unless you allow someone else to handle the card. This is in case you wish for your House Elf, for instance, to make a purchase for you. In order to key another being to use the card, you must tap it with your wand and say that you grant access to that person. To remove access, just say the same thing. Either way, you will be the permanent owner of the cards, please do be careful with who you give access to.
"As for security purposes, this card is nearly impossible to duplicate without some serious knowledge of goblin magic, and even then there are special spells that have been cast to make even those proficient in it have a lot of difficulty in completely and perfectly duplicating the enchantments correctly to have a working and usable card. Further, there are some strong tracking charms placed on the card that are activated once someone who is not keyed to it tries to activate it. Upon activation, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will be informed, and the card will be locked from access to your accounts. This charm only lasts a few days, however, and is usually undetectable by wizards and witches due to the nature of the goblin magic involved. There is no guarantee, however, that the card will stay with said suspect or criminal. In the unlikely event that this should occur, you must return here and request that another card be issued, and you must again pay the creation fee," said the goblin, I nodded in response.
"Those are the two lists that you requested, sir. The first list on top there is the list of properties for sale in the London area, both magical properties and potential muggle properties. There are certain Ministry restrictions after all with the purchase and incorporation of muggle homes into the Wizarding world, and some of the homes there are muggle ones that comply with these regulations. The next list has the top twenty properties in Britain, ranked by property value. In order to gain access to these properties you must have a goblin present, in your case I will most likely be accompanying you," he continued, and I nodded again. "Good, now that that's over with, when did you want to go and see these homes, sir?"
"Well, I was hoping to start today, but I think I'll go tomorrow. I have some other business to attend to today that only just recently came up," I said, carefully tucking the cards away in my pocket.
Griphook nodded, "Very well then, mister Potter, I shall see you tomorrow. I am at your service."
Again he bade me farewell and I thanked him for his help before leaving. I still had a few dozen galleons on me, but I didn't want to spend it just in case. I realized that with the banking cards, however, I would need some type of holder for them, so I went to the nearest accessories store and bought myself the highest-quality Wizarding wallet. I didn't realize how handy they were until I got one, because the also had a large pouch attached for which to carry any galleons around, with a maximum capacity of 10,000 galleons, which was well more than enough for pocket change. It also had cardholders, which was why I bought them, and protective enchantments on them so that I was the only one who could use it. The shopkeeper went to great lengths to ensure that I had the best in protective spells and enchantments on it, as well as their best quality. This also provided me the opportunity to test out the banking card, which worked wondrously. One other perk of the wallet was that it was magically attached to me in that if anyone were to try to take it, it would fly about a foot before being 'stuck' as it is anchored to whatever pocket I place it in. Several other pouches and pockets allowed for storage of other items, all this while the wallet looked like any other normal muggle wallet. Ah, the wonders of magic.
I then went to a rather upscale restaurant down the Alley, where I was to have lunch with an old family friend. I had only just gotten there when I saw him and, waving him over, I observed him. It had been years since I last saw Jeremy Hoffsink, manager of the Chudley Cannons after Dorkins was removed from the post. He was assistant-manager back when I last met him.
He was a pretty big man, probably about the Wealsey twins' height, but stockier and he did look quite seasoned. Several scars were visible on his face, whether from fighting or from his Quidditch playing days I may never know. He greeted me with a handshake and a smile, which I returned, and we started talking after we ordered.
"Blimey, Harry! You've grown quite a lot since I last saw you. I remember when you were still a lil' pup, wide-eyed and shy and all that. How've ya been? How're the folks?" he said, his voice a bit rough but friendly and energetic.
I grinned, "I'm a big dog now, Remy. I've been doing well, just graduated from Hogwarts actually. I was first-string seeker for Gryffindor you know, team captain too my sixth and seventh years," which he congratulated me on, "My parents are swell. Dad's still working the businesses and all, but he's much more laid back now. Mother is the same, though she has always done much less with the businesses and more of her own research and studies. She's been helping some of the researches in the Department of Mysteries these past few years, though I think she's doing some of her own research right now. Something about newer and better wand cores, which should be exciting. How about yourself? I hear your manager of the Cannons now!" I exclaimed, gaining a toothless grin from the old dog before me.
"Good to hear, good to hear. And yer right there, they just made me manager a few weeks ago. A shame that they let go of Dorkins, he was a good man. But I've been doin' a'ight, gettin' by, though I do admit it was gettin' a bit dull. Now that I have the reins things should pick up quite a bit don'tcha think?"
"Definitely," and with that lunch was served and we talked about small things, unimportant things. It was after we were done eating that I finally got to the point as to why I had asked him for lunch. The food had been cleared and the bill paid when I started to talk about the team again.
"So Remy, how's the team look this year? I hear you've got some positions to fill as after Dorkins left some of the players supposedly opted out of their contracts and quit in protest. I imagine the owners weren't too keen on resigning them or keeping them, their show of loyalty, or in this case the lack thereof, was more than enough to show that they did not have their heart into the team's success." Testing.
He nodded, rubbing his face with a large, weathered hand. "Ya got that righ', as fer positions, I've gotta fill the Keeper position, two Chasers, and a Beater. I've actually gotten all the applications in from players who are interested, both amateur and professional, just waitin' for some preliminary screenin' from the assistants before I ask those who make it through that to head off to try-outs. Dependin' on the talent we got, it might be a good year or a bad one, can't tell yet."
"Well, I was hoping to ask... but, I don't know... I mean.. oh nevermind..." I trailed off, hoping he'd take it.
"What is it, m'boy? You want to try-out? I could get ya in but we already have a first-string Seeker, you'd have to be second-string for now," he said. Here we go.
I shook my head in response, "Oh, no, no, not me, but my friend said that he applied for the Keeper position and I was hoping that you could at least see him try-out. Just in case your assistants don't get him through the screening process, I was hoping you'd at least give him a chance. He's a good player, really skilled, and with proper instruction he could be great. He had a record number of saves as Keeper for Gryffindor our last season, set the school record for saves for a season. Not to mention he is the biggest Chudley Cannons fan I know." I knew I had him, but in case he needed a bit more to prod him I was set to buy the team new brooms if needed. That would help alleviate the costs, especially since the Cannons weren't doing so well as a team and many of their backers and investors had pulled out. Money would be tight for the next few seasons unless they started winning more games. "Besides, you remember how Oliver Wood turned out fresh out of Hogwarts?"
Jeremy nodded and did think on it, rubbing his chin as his eyes focused at a spot on the table. He "hmmm'd" for a few minutes before he finally nodded, "Well, alright, I'm not guaranteein' him a spot, but I will guarantee a chance fer him to try out and show his stuff. If he's as good as you say he is, he shouldn't have too much of a problem."
Beaming, I thanked him and told him that I'd come and see the try-outs as well as a few games this season if I could, giving him Ron's name. Giving me a wave in farewell he left, and I couldn't have been happier that my mission had been a success. I could get used to this life, the wonders that influence, contacts, and money can bring you are truly limitless. I could just imagine the reaction I'd get from Ron once I broke to him the news. I left the restaurant smiling and, not really paying any heed to my surroundings, resulting in me bumping into a few people, I headed home.
A/N: That's all for now! I hope you like it. I welcome any comments and criticisms, but please do make them constructive or at least helpful. The other characters will be coming in play, and the plot will eventually begin to unfold. Stay tuned.