Chapter 1 – Dudley Disturbed
Privet Drive was a quiet suburban street with neat little houses side by side on opposite sides of the road. The lawns were manicured, the gardens well kept and the streets well maintained. None more so than number four, the residents of this home evidently took great pride in outward appearances and cared deeply for what others thought.
The interior of number four reflected the exterior, all the furniture was kept free of dust and dirt, the floors polished to a blinding shine and the sink was always free of dishes.
Dudley Dursley, the only child of Vernon and Petunia Dursley, was sitting at the kitchen table eating his breakfast while he read the Financial Times of London. He was a well-built young man in his twenties with black hair and a vacant expression.
As he finished reading the headlines, his eyes scanned the remainder of the front page, on the bottom right of the front page the picture of a young man, approximately the same age as Dudley was staring back at him.
"MUM, DAD! Come quick!" He bellowed at the top of his lungs.
Vernon and Petunia Dursley ran into the kitchen, half expecting to find a tornado had hit, but when they saw no damage, they just stared blankly at their son. Vernon, a short, overweight man in his mid to late fifties could stand the suspense no longer.
"What is it?" He asked in an annoyed tone.
"Look," Dudley said simply, handing his father the newspaper.
Vernon scanned the front page; angrily searching for the reason his son had disturbed him, when he found it he fell backward into one of the kitchen chairs. Vernon had no words; nothing could describe the shock and anger at what he saw.
"What is it Vernon?" Petunia asked her husband.
Vernon looked up at Petunia, and without saying a word, he handed his wife the newspaper.
She scanned the page as her husband had just done, it took her less time to find, but the shock was even greater.
"Harry Potter," Petunia shrieked.
"I thought he was dead?" Dudley asked his father.
"That's what those people told us, I thought we were rid of him forever." Vernon said.
Petunia continued to read as her husband and son spoke.
"I can't believe he's man of the year." Dudley said.
"Did it say why?" Vernon asked.
"It said he donated a new orphanage in Scotland, it says it cost two million pounds." Dudley answered, still in a state of shock.
"Where did that boy get that kind of money?" Vernon asked to no one in particular.
"Dudley, you didn't read the entire article, did you?" His mother asked tentatively.
"No, of course I didn't, I called out for you." Dudley said dismissively. "Why?" He asked, taking a bite of his bacon.
"I think you should read the whole article." Petunia explained, nervously.
Dudley yanked the paper from his mother and began to read. As he read the article in full, the shock began to increase into anger and his face began to flush a crimson color.
"What is it Dudley?" His father asked.
"He owns my company." Dudley said in a state of shock.
"What?" Vernon asked, scarcely believing what he just heard.
"That's not all; it says here that he's in negotiation to buy your company as well." Dudley explained, handing his father the newspaper.
Vernon read the article, if Dudley's face was flushed crimson, Vernon's was literally smoking.
"Why that little bastard!" Vernon exclaimed.
"Vernon!" Petunia warned her husband.
"Petunia dear, according to this, we'll be working for Potter by this time next week." He said apologetically.
"I know, but watch your language." Petunia warned again.
"It also says that he's making visits to all his companies over the next month, by the time he makes it to mine, he'll own it." Vernon continued.
"What are we going to do?" Petunia asked.
"What can we do? We can't quit, we don't have time to find other jobs." Vernon answered.
"And I don't want to find another job, I make a lot of money, and I like the people there." Dudley added.
"Are you saying our family's going to work for a Potter?" Petunia asked disgusted.
"For now, Petunia dear, we have no choice." Vernon argued.
"But what if he sacks you both? We haven't been good to him over the years." Petunia added.
"He wouldn't dare, after we took him in and gave him a roof over his head, and three square meals a day, and clothes, and an education. No, I'm sure he appreciates all we did for him." Vernon said deluding himself.
"Oh give it up dad, you stuck him in the cupboard under the stairs, fed him scraps and gave him my hand-me-downs. We'll be lucky if he doesn't kill us first." Dudley argued.
"Oh Dudley, don't talk like that." His mother said shocked.
"Well I've got to go to work, hopefully the article was mistaken, if not, we're screwed." Dudley said standing.
"Dudley, watch your mouth." Petunia warned him.
"Oh shut up." Dudley added as he left the house.
"Vernon, there has to be something we can do." Petunia said, sitting next to her husband.
"I'll think about it at work today, we'll talk again at dinner." Vernon said, kissing his wife and returning to his bedroom to finish preparing for work.
Harry was awakened the morning of his twenty fourth birthday by his three children bouncing on his bed.
"Happy birthday daddy," his eldest daughter; Cindy exclaimed.
Harry opened his eyes slowly; he had been up late the night before discussing muggle events with the Minister of Magic; Arthur Weasley. He smiled at the site of his children laughing and bouncing about.
"Now, what are you three up to?" He asked pleasantly.
"Mommy said to wake you." Cindy said, falling on top of her father causing the twins to do the same.
"Whoa, you three are getting too much to handle." Harry said, hugging the three in turn.
"Happy birfday daddy," the twins; Arthur and Molly said.
"So what does mummy have in store for me today?" Harry asked his children.
"We're going to Diagon Alley, I got my Hogwarts letter." Cindy said, brandishing it in front of her father.
"Well, this is cause for celebration." Harry responded, rising up from the bed.
He crossed the large, regal-like bedroom to the dresser at the far end, removed undergarments, and walked towards the bathroom.
"I'm going to take a shower, tell your mother I'll be down in a few minutes." He instructed his children.
"Oh daddy, you know she already knows." Cindy said matter-of-factly.
The three children ran from the room and down to the kitchen where their mother was preparing a new clothing line for her company.
"Mommy, daddy be down in a minute." Arthur said importantly.
"Thank you sweetheart, now go see Winky for your breakfast." Ginny ordered.
The children sat opposite Ginny after they retrieved their breakfasts. Harry arrived a short time later.
"Good morning, my love." Harry said, lightly kissing his wife.
"And a happy birthday to you, my love," she retorted.
"What are you working on?" Harry asked, making himself a cup of coffee.
"Maternity wear, I think it's about time the company expanded." Ginny said distractedly.
"Ah, just like its clients." Harry joked.
"Hey now, what are you trying to say?" Ginny asked jokingly.
"Oh, not you of course; you won't show for months." Harry said sarcastically, remembering how large she was with the twins.
"Hey, no picking on the pregnant lady," Ginny warned jokingly.
"So I hear we're off to Diagon Alley." Harry said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Yep, Cindy got her letter and supplies list. There's much more than when we went to school, I'm glad you established that foundation, a lot of people wouldn't be able to send their children without it." Ginny said very proud of her husband.
"What time should we leave?" Harry asked, taking another sip.
"As soon as you're ready, we don't want to be walking around when the crowds start gathering." Ginny said, knowing her husband hated the attention.
"I'm ready whenever you are." Harry declared.
"Kids, get your shoes on, we're leaving." Ginny said, gathering up her drawings, and rising from the table.
"I got you a gift, but it will have to wait until later." Ginny whispered to Harry.
"Trying to keep me in suspense?" Harry asked.
Ginny opened her robe to reveal the lingerie she had designed the week before. Harry stared open-mouthed at the sight of his beautiful wife wearing such provocative clothing.
"Great, now I don't want to go to Diagon Alley." Harry said, as she closed her robe.
"Now you'll be thinking of me all day long, maybe it's me getting the gift after all." She said in her most tramp-like voice.
"You will, don't worry," Harry said, as she waved her hand in front of her robes, and she was fully dressed.
"Let's go shopping," she announced as the children reentered the kitchen.
Harry picked up Molly, and Ginny picked up Arthur and the group apparated to Diagon Alley. They arrived at a secret room inside Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, that Fred and George had set up for the group to use.
The twins began immediately grabbing everything in sight, this was their favorite store.
"They are so like Fred and George." Ginny said to Harry.
When the twins had bags full of candy and joke supplies, the five vacated the store and ventured out into Diagon Alley.
They first went to Madam Milkin's for Cindy's Hogwarts robes, when they entered, Madam Milkin herself greeted them at the door.
"The Potters, welcome, welcome, what can I do for you all today?" She asked pleasantly, knowing full well how wealthy they were.
"Cindy's going to Hogwarts this year." Harry said simply.
"Wonderful, new Hogwarts robes then." She said, taking Cindy by the arm and leading her to the measuring stool.
"I'm taking the twins for ice cream while she's fitted." Ginny whispered to Harry.
"Have fun," Harry responded as he sat in the corner.
As Cindy was being measured by the magical tape, another group entered the store. The three looked rather large; the father was tall and broad and very muscular, the mother was short but very plump, the daughter was of average height but quite muscular for a girl.
Madam Milkin welcomed them as well, but Harry noticed not as warmly. The mother went over with the daughter, and the father walked towards Harry.
"John Jersey, everybody calls me JJ," the man said, thrusting his hand out.
Harry stood and took his hand, applying an equal amount of strength.
"Harry," Harry retorted.
"Firm grip, I like that." The man said, sitting down. "Is that your daughter?" He asked.
"Indeed, and it looks like they'll be going to school together." Harry added.
"Excellent, maybe even become friends." JJ agreed.
"So what do you do?" Harry asked, trying to make small talk.
"Me, I'm a Dark Auror, one of the best." JJ said, straightening up proudly.
"Sounds dangerous," Harry said, knowingly.
The man began to talk about his work, Harry listened intently, trying to gauge what Ron's troops actually thought of him.
Cindy was talking happily with JJ daughter; Kari, she looked and spoke tough, but Cindy found her very pleasant.
"So what house are you hoping for?" Cindy asked.
"I'll take any, just not Slytherin." Kari responded.
"Why not, my Uncle is from Slytherin, and he's very nice." Cindy said, not really knowing the whole story of Slytherin.
"Too many bad wizards from Slytherin, I'm hoping for Hufflepuff, Gryffindor or one of the new houses." Kari explained.
"Not Ravenclaw?" Cindy asked.
"Nope, not smart enough." Kari said.
"I want to be a Gryffindor like my mommy and daddy." Cindy announced.
"Oh, your parents are Gryffindors, my dad is a Hufflepuff and my mom is from Beaubatons." Kari said as the measuring tape slapped her accidentally in the face.
"Sorry dear," Madam Milkin said.
Kari's mother walked out from behind some clothing racks to where the girls were. When she saw the two talking, she announced her presence.
"Bon jour," she said to Cindy.
"Hello, I'm Cindy, what's your name?" Cindy asked in French.
"You speak French, how wonderful, I'm Dominique." Kari's mother said back to her in French.
"I am pleased to meet you." Cindy continued in French.
"You speak very well, how did you learn?" Dominique asked Cindy.
"My father taught me." Cindy said, now changing to English.
"Ah, I see, is he French?" Dominique asked, now also converting to English.
"No, he just knows the language." Cindy explained.
"See Kari, you will be able to use your French lessons." Dominique told her daughter.
"And nobody will know what we're saying." Cindy added slyly.
"Absolutely," Dominique said laughing.
"All right Cindy, you are all set." Madam Milkin said to her.
"Thank you Madam Milkin." Cindy said, and then turned to Kari. "I'll see you on the train then." Cindy said hopefully.
"Oh yes, definitely." Kari agreed, and Cindy bade them both farewell, and went back to her father.
"It is certainly much harder these days, going international and all, but Mr. Weasley knows what he's doing." JJ was telling Harry as Cindy walked over.
Harry introduced Cindy to JJ, and was about to leave, when Kari and Dominique walked over.
"I understand you taught your daughter French." Dominique said to Harry in French.
"I most certainly did, I love the language, you have a Parisian accent." Harry said to Dominique in her native tongue.
"You speak like a native, and you know accents." Dominique said in English.
"I've had quite a lot of use for the language over the years." Harry explained.
"Mr. Potter, shall I charge your account?" Madam Milkin said, as she walked over.
"Potter, Harry Potter," JJ asked in awe.
"Yes sir." Harry said to him, and then turned to Milkin. "Just inform Gringotts, they'll take care of it." Harry said, making Madam Milkin smile.
"You are THE Harry Potter?" JJ asked again.
Harry waved his hand at his forehead, and the lightning bolt shaped scar reappeared above his right eye.
"The pleasure was mine." Harry said, shaking JJ's hand. "And you madam, enchanted." Harry said to Dominique in French as he kissed her hand.
"That was Harry Potter?" Dominique asked her husband.
"I guess so, but he seemed so normal." JJ said disbelievingly.
"Maybe he IS normal." Kari offered.
The two just looked at their daughter and shrugged. Was the famous Harry Potter just a regular person? They didn't know, but would definitely look for him at platform 9 ¾.
Harry and Cindy met up with the twins and proceeded to the bookstore to purchase Cindy's spell books. When they arrived, there was a crowd gathered at the counter, and a commotion that Harry chose to ignore.
They went around the shop gathering up the books Cindy would need for school.
"I'm telling you Harry, we never had this many books." Ginny told Harry as the last of the books were gathered.
"No, but maybe Minerva's having them teach more these days." Harry answered, now waiting at the cue for the cashier.
"Oh what is going on?" Harry said impatiently as he pushed his way to the front.
Harry saw three very small creatures arguing with the store's proprietor.
"I have as much right to purchase these as anybody else." The tallest of the three was saying.
Harry saw that they were elves.
"If you were buying them for your master, yes, but you're buying them for your offspring." The man argued.
"Come Merd, they don't deserve our patronage." The female said to the male.
"No, I want to buy them here, and he's going to sell them to me." Merd said emphatically.
"Oh no, I'm not." The man yelled back.
Harry could stand no more. "What is the problem here?" He said authoritatively.
"These things want to buy spell books." The man said in a disgusted voice.
"So, sell them the damn books, and let's get the cue moving." Harry said impatiently.
"But they're elves." The man argued.
"I don't care if they're trolls, sell them the damn books, or give them to them free of charge, either way, hurry." Harry said, raising his voice.
"Now see here, I will NOT allow house elves to buy spell books, I don't give a damn about any elf rights, in my store elves have NO RIGHTS!" The man screamed.
Harry composed himself for a moment, he knew the moment Minerva allowed elves as students, they would be met with prejudice.
"Perhaps I'm not making myself clear, either you drop your prejudice and sell them the books, or you WILL have a problem with the Ministry, the Dark Aurors and most importantly me." Harry said threateningly as his scar reappeared on his forehead.
"Harry Potter," the man said in awe as he took two steps back.
The elves immediately bowed to Harry like he was a god, and stood to leer at the proprietor.
"I'm sorry Mr. Potter, I didn't realize I was holding you up, of course I'll sell them the spell books." The man said in a frightened voice.
Harry stared at the man unblinkingly.
"I mean it would be an honor to let them have the books free of charge." The man corrected himself.
Harry turned to the male elf. "I apologize on this man's behalf; please accept the books as a token of his apology." Harry said reverently.
"No thank you Master Potter, I would prefer to pay." The elf said, throwing the Galleons at the proprietor and storming out.
The crowd parted in awe of the famous Harry Potter, Harry paid for Cindy's books, and left with his family in tow.
"Do you believe that man, treating that family like vermin?" Ginny asked in a disgusted tone.
"I hear it's been like that since the 'Elf Rights Act'." Harry said downheartedly.
"Well I'm going to talk to daddy, this has got to stop." Ginny said angrily.
"There's not much your father can do without looking like a tyrant, he can't change people's prejudices." Harry said, sounding like he had had this discussion before.
"Well there's got to be something we can do." Ginny declared.
"There is not Mistress." They heard a voice from behind them.
They turned to see the family of elves that had just been in the book store.
"I don't believe we've been formally introduced; I'm Harry, this is my wife Ginny, and our children; Cindy, Arthur and Molly." Harry said, taking the elf's hand.
"I am honored to meet the great Harry Potter, and the daughter of the great Minister Weasley. I am Merd; this is my wife Merda and our daughter Mirta." The elf announced.
"I see you use the old ways, the wife taking on your name in the feminine." Harry said knowingly.
"You know of our old ways? Well I guess you would, you are the greatest friend to the elves." Merd said.
"I hold the elf community in the highest regard; it was elves that fought along side me and my family in the Battle of Hogwarts." Harry explained.
"I remember the Battle well, I lost two brothers." The elf said sadly.
"I am sorry for your loss, but they died bravely, and to protect those that are now prejudiced towards you." Harry said, sounding more disgusted than even Ginny had ever heard.
"Your words honor me and my people." Merd said bowing. "And I see our children shall be attending Hogwarts together." He added, motioning to the two girls now talking excitedly about attending Hogwarts.
"Would you do my family the honor of attending my birthday party tonight?" Harry asked, getting a strange look from Ginny.
"There would be no greater honor than attending the birthday celebration of the great Harry Potter." The elf said, bowing again.
"Um, Harry, did you forget who'll also be there?" Ginny asked, trying not to sound like she minded the elves.
"It's about time the Prime Minister knew what I was." Harry responded.
"No, if would cost you your anonymity, than I must decline." The elf said.
"Nonsense, I've been meaning to tell him anyway, but the opportunity hasn't arisen. Besides," he added, turning to Ginny, "he'll figure it out when he sees your father there." Harry said smiling.
"Oh yeah, I didn't realize." Ginny said, and then turned to Merda. "I would be honored to have you in my home." She added.
Merda just stood there in tears. "Thank you Mistress." Was all she could spit out.
"Do you know where my home is?" Harry asked, as they started walking to the Apothecary.
"Every elf knows, Baron." Merd said reverently.
Harry smiled at being addressed by his muggle title, he motioned towards the Apothecary shop, and they entered together. With the girls becoming fast friends, the Potters and the elves spent the rest of their time shopping together.
When the shopping was done, they bade each other farewell, and parted ways. As the Potters were walking back towards Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, Harry met up with someone he had not seen, nor thought of in years.
"Viktor," Harry asked, somewhat recognizing his acquaintance.
"And you are?" He asked snidely.
Harry made his scar reappear, and Krum recognized him immediately.
"Harry Potter, how are you?" Viktor asked.
"Very well and yourself," Harry asked, taking Viktor's hand in greeting.
"Very well, thank you," he responded.
"I see your English has improved." Harry pointed out.
"Oh yes, I've been studying, I'm teaching at Hogwarts you know." Viktor said.
"No, I hadn't heard, what are you teaching?" Harry asked.
"I'm teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." Viktor answered.
"Really, is that why you were down in Knockturn Alley?" Harry asked motioning to the alley Viktor had emerged from.
"Oh, yes, that's why." Viktor stuttered.
Harry surveyed him. "Have you met my wife Ginny? The Minister's daughter," Harry asked suddenly.
"Pleased to meet you," Krum stuttered again.
"And my daughter Cindy, she's going to Hogwarts this year." Harry said, now really surveying him.
"Very nice to meet you," Krum said, shaking her small hand.
Cindy said nothing; she just stared at Krum emotionlessly.
"Maybe she'll be in your class, I'm sure she would learn a lot watching you." Harry said, conveying no emotion.
"Um, yes, that would be nice. I have to run, much to prepare for." Krum said leaving.
"That was odd." Ginny said, as the family continued on to Weasley's.
"Indeed." Was all Harry said.
They arrived back at Lee Castle by lunch, Harry found the day quite full of surprises. He wondered whether they were all good, or bad.
That evening Ginny and the kids were preparing for Harry's party. Everyone in the old inner circle had been invited; they were expecting at least thirty people all tolled. Harry was ordered by Ginny to remain in the bedroom until he was called for. Harry obliged happily.
Ginny had the house elves working tirelessly on the celebration; she wanted nothing to go wrong and left nothing to chance.
By seven o'clock, the guests started to arrive. Ginny's parents; Arthur and Molly were the first to arrive. Ginny sent Cindy upstairs to retrieve the birthday boy. Arthur and Molly went into the Ball Room to await the other guests and escort them to their assigned seats.
Harry went to join Arthur and Molly in the Ball Room; he resolved to discuss the elf situation again with Arthur. By the time Harry walked in, several other people arrived.
"Happy birthday," the group exclaimed when Harry walked in.
"Thanks everybody," Harry said embarrassedly.
"You're getting old mate." Fred said, slapping Harry on the back.
"Real old," George agreed.
"Yeah, but you two will always be older." Harry pointed out smiling.
"We brought you some of our new chocolates." George said, handing Harry a box.
"Thanks guys," Harry said, opening and taking a chocolate.
The entire room froze when he did, everyone expected Harry to turn into some odd feathered creature. Harry just smiled at them, and took another chocolate.
"You trust Fred and George?" Charlie asked, surprised.
"With my life," Harry answered honestly.
"I'll be right back." Harry said, anticipating the doorbell.
Harry walked up to the door, and the bell rang. Standing at the threshold was a well dressed man apparently in his fifties.
"Mr. Prime Minister," Harry said officially.
"Baron," the man replied.
Harry let the man into the entryway of the castle.
"Happy birthday Harry," the man said, putting his hand out.
"Thanks Tony," Harry said, taking the man's hand.
"I wanted to talk to you before we go on to the party." Harry announced, motioning towards the study.
"Harry," Arthur called as he came out of the Ball Room.
Harry and Tony turned as one.
"Arthur, is that you?" Tony asked.
"Tony, I didn't know you'd be here." Arthur said, taking the man's hand.
"And I didn't know you'd be here." Tony retorted.
"Well, Harry is my son in law you know." Arthur explained.
"Ginny's your daughter? I should have known, with that hair." Tony said laughing. "Wait, then that means, Harry knows of your world." Tony realized.
"Knows of it, Harry is the most famous of all the wizards," Arthur said, amazed the Prime Minister did not know this.
"Well, not exactly how I wanted you to find out, but it'll have to do." Harry said smiling.
"Harry, I had no idea, you're the son in law Arthur's been bragging about all these years, but you don't have the scar." Tony said confused.
"I'm a man of many faces." Harry said, making his scar reappear.
"Wow," was all Tony said.
"I wanted to tell you ahead of time, because there may be some creatures here you might find surprising." Harry said secretively.
"Like what," Tony asked nervously.
"Elves, witches, wizards and a half-giant," Harry said.
"Elves, I get to meet elves, I feel like a kid, when can I meet them?" He asked excitedly.
"Well, you can start by meeting my closest friends and servants, Dobby and Winky." Harry said, and instantly the two elves appeared at his side.
"Dobby, Winky, this is the muggle Prime Minister." Harry said to the elves.
"We are honored." Dobby said, and they both bowed respectfully.
"It is I that am honored." Tony said, also bowing deeply.
"It must feel great to be free." The Prime Minister said matter-of-factly.
"Oh, we have been free long before the 'Elf Rights'." Winky said.
"Really," Tony pressed.
"Oh yes sir, the Master has always treated elves as equals." Dobby said.
"But you still work as servants?" Tony asked confused.
"Oh, we love Master Harry; we would never leave his side. He has given me and Winky a fortune so we can start our own family, but we won't leave Master Harry." Dobby explained.
"It's Winky and me," Harry corrected him.
"Oh yes, Winky and me." Dobby corrected himself.
"Sorry, I've been working on his speech for the last year." Harry apologized to Tony.
"Oh, no need for apologies, they speak perfect English." Tony said smiling.
"Thank you Dobby, Winky; we'll see you both at the party." Harry said, and the elves disappeared.
"Wow that was an experience." Tony said.
"You'll get to meet other elves, a family of elves, including one that will be attending Hogwarts with Cindy." Harry explained.
"Harry, you've met Mirta?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, we met today in Diagon Alley, and that's what I wanted to talk to you about later." Harry said, giving Arthur a knowing look.
"Well, in the meantime, let's get back to the party." Arthur recommended.
The three men made their way to the Ball Room. When Harry opened the door, it became evident the rest of his guests had arrived. The room was filled with people; Harry went around introducing the Prime Minister to all his guests.
"Draco, Rebecca, it's great to see you," Harry said, hugging them both. Where are my godchildren?" Harry asked.
"Playing with the twins," Rebecca said, and then noticed the man standing next to Harry. "Mr. Prime Minister, it's an honor." She said, shaking his hand vigorously.
"Thank you, but please, call me Tony." He said smiling.
"Rebecca is also non magical." Harry told Tony.
"Good, so I won't be the only, what do you call us Arthur, oh yeah, muggle." The Prime Minister said.
"It's not so bad, everyone treats me special, I kind of like it." Rebecca said blushing.
Oh Bec, you know you'll always be special to me." Harry said, kissing her cheek.
"Yeah but only because Draco made you godfather to both our children." She said playfully.
"Semantics," Harry played back.
"Master Harry," they heard a voice from behind.
"Merd, Merda, welcome to my home, let me introduce …" Harry was cut off.
"Yes, we know who these two great men are. Ministers, we are honored to meet you both." Merd said reverently.
"You know me?" Tony said astonished.
"Of course, our old master had many dealings with you." Merd explained.
"Who were your masters?" Harry asked.
"The Johnson's," he replied.
"Angelina's parents," Harry asked.
"Yes sir, good, honest masters," Merd added.
"Good people indeed." The Prime Minister agreed.
"And Tony, let me introduce the first elf to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Mirta." Harry said, motioning to the small elf that just arrived.
"I am very pleased to meet you." Tony said, sticking out his hand.
"Thank you." Mirta replied in a small voice.
"And how old are you, eleven?" Tony asked, knowing the starting age at Hogwarts.
"Oh no Mr. Prime Minister, we elves age differently than humans, Mirta is three and a half. We mature at a rate of three times that of humans." Merd explained.
"Remarkable," was all the Minister could say.
The party lasted well into the night; the guests didn't start leaving until after one in the morning. Ginny had been the perfect hostess, seeing to the needs of each and every guest right up until the moment they left.
By two in the morning, the only guests remaining were Arthur, Molly, Merd, Merda and Mirta; who was fast asleep on the couch.
"Do you believe what that man did?" Ginny asked her father, referring to the man at the book store.
"Unfortunately Ginny, that has been the common attitude since the law was passed. People just don't want the elves to be treated like everyone else." Arthur told his daughter.
"Too bad Hermione is on her honeymoon; she would have definitely given that man a piece of her mind." Molly added.
"A piece of her mind, Molly? She would have cursed him on the spot." Harry corrected her.
"Who is this Hermione?" Merd asked; intrigued by what the other two said.
"She means Hermione Granger." Harry explained.
"THE Hermione Granger, the mother of Elf Rights?" Merda asked.
"Yes Merda, THE Hermione Granger." Ginny answered, barely containing a laugh at Merda's reverence towards Hermione.
"No harm will ever befall your daughter as long as Hermione is teaching." Harry said.
"Or me," Molly agreed.
"Mum, you took the job?" Ginny asked.
"Yes dear, I gave them my answer last week." Molly said smiling.
"Congratulations Molly, you just made Hogwarts a better place." Harry said standing and kissing his mother in law.
"Here, here," Arthur agreed.
"We always knew Harry Potter was a great man, but we never knew he was such a good husband, and father, and son." Merda said.
"Here, here," Arthur agreed.
"So, what about the elves?" Harry asked, getting their attention away from him.
"Man will be man, there is nothing you can do Master Harry, nothing at all." Merd said sadly.
"That's where you're wrong, I can do plenty." Harry corrected him shortly.
"Harry, don't go off half-cocked, think before you try anything, it's easy for the public to go from love to hate, plan it out carefully." Arthur warned him.
"I always do Arthur, I always do." Harry said distractedly.
Dudley arrived from work that night; Petunia had never seen him look so down.
"What's wrong Dudley? Are you all right?" She asked nervously.
"I'm fine mum, I just found out the Financial Times was not wrong, Harry owns my company." Dudley said dejectedly.
"And mine." Vernon added, entering the room.
"Oh my, what are we going to do?" She asked nervously.
"As I see it, we only have two choices, quit and find other jobs, or throw ourselves at the mercy of Harry Potter." Dudley said astutely.
"Oh my," Petunia said again.