The trip was almost on them. He may have been travelling much of the summer but he was anxious. He hadn't travelled before this summer. The job was only for a year but United travelled. And when he took over for Filius he would have summers off. Even without his estates he could travel. One of the perks was free room and board on top of pay at school as well as this was picking up the tab including a pouch which would refill to cover food and such. They were meant to have dinner with Lucius and Xeno two days before they left. They would be getting the last of their supplies and rest of their team would be locals who knew the area. Harry found his homework for this job was far better then school.
He was a bit surprised when he was told it was a family dinner. Lucius and Xeno had worked it all out with Charlie before. It would have been a simple matter of collecting the supplies and portkey. But to the surprise of Harry Lucius was the one to suggest more.
Harry was happy his dad was coming "It seems so odd."
Remus laughed and shrugged "I have a sneaking suspicion it may be as much about me as you."
Severus saw his confusion "Narcissa has been trying to get me to bring him to dinner. She hasn't had a chance for the third degree."
Harry smirked "You think she cooked up this and dragged not only us but Charlie and the Lovegoods just to have you."
Draco came up behind them "Sounds like mum to me. The job was the perfect excuse."
Draco was living at their town house so he was newly arrived with Pansy. He was doing law school before following his dad. Harry and he got along since the war but to be dinner guests was odd. But he assumed if his dad and Severus ever wed this might be more common. Severus called them his family after all. It was Charlie and even Luna who came in soon after who felt the most odd.
Harry had been surprised to learn Lucius and Xeno were paired. He thought the only thing they had in common was blonde hair. But Lucius was always looking for new business and since the war muggle items or attractions were huge. He had been to a small magic zoo in Canada once.
Luna smiled when she saw them "Hi Harry."
Harry kissed her on the cheek "I am happy to see you before I go. A bit surprised."
Luna confirmed what Remus said "Narcissa invited me so Charlie and who ever he brings doesn't feel left out. She has plans for you too."
Pansy nodded "I believe I heard her refer to you as her future step nephew. And some young men she has in mind when you get back."
Harry flushed "Men? I am dating Ginny."
He was saved for now by the arrival of Charlie and the twins. It was little surprise they were the ones to come. If things had been tense at home before Harry's birthday sure helped none. Besides the old family feud was resurrected after a few years. The families made peace during the last months before war. But of course Lucius was known as the one sending Harry off on this trip. Poor Arthur was unfortunately caught in the middle.
Narcissa did indeed have it on mind. Her and her husband saw Severus as a brother. Even if an adult that would make Harry family when the men wed which she was sure they would. She wasn't opposed to all Weasleys but Ginny was another matter. Besides her son let on his suspicions.
Narcissa appeared "I am so happy we could all get together before the boys leave."
Severus looked to his brother "I assume you checked the tent. She didn't switch out for a one bed one."
Lucius smirked "Severus you should know my wife better then that by now. She is far more subtle."
Remus laughed "I usually would not be happy but if she helps point him away from Ginny I won't complain."
Fred over heard their comments "You make my sister sound like a hyena." And with a laugh "More like a rabid wolf as of late."
As they sat down for dinner Remus looked at his son. It wasn't the simple fact he was certain his son was in the closet. Even if straight he would never be happy with Ginny. He wasn't certain any thing may happen with Harry and Charlie but wasn't opposed. It was a much better match for his son. He didn't have too long to dwell on it as Narcissa soon moved on to her main targets for the night. Remus suddenly wished to go back to the topic of his son.
Narcissa smiled "You know your son will be back just in time for a nice summer wedding."
After a long dinner no one felt like apparating to Spinner's end. The wards on it for floo travel were still closed. Remus laughed at Severus pointing out even the school ones were open now. But Severus had no intention of making it easier for people to come. In war time it was like a little fortress to keep him safe as a spy. It was still to keep him safe but now from the meddling of those with good intentions. Both Albus and Narcissa liked to stick their nose in things. Charlie came with them for a proper bed as they went to Grimmauld at least for one night. Harry ensured the top bedrooms that even the order never used couldn't be entered by the other two. In fact he warded the entire floor. It still left six bedrooms and the main floor. Severus had taken the library. Harry went to his master suite while Charlie took Regulus' old room for the two were in Sirius'. There were three other bedrooms up there.
In the morning he knew he would see the other two. Remus told him they hadn't been too proactive in finding a new place to live. He and Harry both knew they were holding off as they were sure Harry would come to his senses. Remus was at school any ways and they needed the house more.
He could have fainted when he came down in the morning and Kreacher was singing "I am either still asleep or have a fever."
He hadn't noticed Charlie till he pinched him "Nope not asleep. And it doesn't feel like a fever."
Remus who was next to Charlie noticed why his son was asking "Oh nothing to worry about. Unless you are the other two."
Severus came up from the cellar where he kept stocks "He is singing again. Kreacher should we worry about the food?"
Kreacher motioned them to sit "No worries. Kreacher cook Lord Black breakfast. This morning be Dobby's day for fun."
As funny as it sounded the two elves bonded. They had made it their goal to look after Harry and his things. And even Dobby was convinced that meant all out war on the other two. Remus doubted the twins had any idea how far the elves would take their little plan. But he thought they wouldn't complain either. Dobby was going to Brazil with Harry since Remus had Winky. And Kreacher would stay here. Without the mad painting Harry knew he would be fine.
Ron and Hermione wouldn't keep them guessing for long. The two appeared not long after the four of them dug into coffee and pancakes. He could see their shock to see Harry in the house. They had either been asleep or out when he came in.
Harry noticed she was picking leaves out of her hair "New fashion trend Hermione?"
Hermione stomped her foot "Ask your demented house elf. Dobby hung my mattress out the window. I landed in the bushes."
Dobby appeared "Master be telling us to air out the rooms you be using. Dobby be leaving soon so got started early."
Ron pointed at the shampoo still in his hair "Or me. He not only shut off the hot water but cast a cleaning spell on the shower. A sponge went up my ass."
Charlie shrugged "Mum always did complain you never washed well enough. We should have taught her that when you were little."
Hermione was fuming "Aren't you going to do any thing? They could kill us."
Harry sipped his coffee "Neville felt out a window I recall. But if it makes you feel safer I'll have him aim for the pond."
Ron was soon washing his hair out in the sink while Hermione made toast. She bought food not needing to remain cool and kept in her warded bag at all times. Again they looked at the food the others ate in envy. This time they remained in the kitchen with them. It seems their need to try and convince Harry to change his mind won out in the end. Harry didn't mind at al.l He found he felt a lot better when he stood up to them before and the feeling continued.
Remus was happy to see it as well. He had been happy when his son kicked them out but not for the reason. Harry had only done it because they went after him. He had snapped at school but for himself always backed down. Is was nice to see things change a bit.
Hermione looked up from her toast "Harry we wanted to talk to you about this moving idea."
Harry smiled "You found a place? I will send one of the elves to help you move if you like. Perhaps I can see it before I leave tomorrow."
Ron cut in "See that is the thing. You're leaving and this house is just empty. And it makes sense to have us keep an eye on it while you're gone."
Harry smirked "Actually I am renting out some of the rooms. But I doubt you could afford the price."
Hermione went pale "Since when? You didn't tell us."
Severus was the one who spoke up "I don't recall you having any say in the matter. But last night."
It seems Tonks had out grown her little apartment. She knew Harry was worried about Kreacher and about these two. She offered to pay rent but he turned her down. In her case she was helping him out besides she was family. She was going to save and when he got back find a new bigger place. If Narcissa was right Tonks was casually seeing Moody of all people. But then again the woman was sure he was into men and convinced Charlie liked him.
He could see even more steam rise from the two when he heard. They had not been told Tonks would not pay rent to him. He knew Ron was hoping since the wards would be connected to the tree they could sneak back in. But not with an auror here. Besides the Weasleys weren't among those he reinstated.
Harry stood "Tonks is welcome to have roommates of her choosing while I am gone. But they will pay rent too."
Ron called "We can't find a cheap place in a week's notice."
Harry turned back "I gave you two. It's not my issue you wasted them. I am sure you can move home for a time."
They could but Ron was pissed with the thought of it. He had moved out and he had sworn he would never move back. Charlie was the only one who had and because of the war. He stayed on after but still Ron had no such excuse. As they left the two so they could do some last minute errands before the trip Charlie asked Harry how he felt. Until now he had been so careful. He only lost his cool totally over his dad.
Harry actually was smiling "Quite good. The twins were right I should have done that long ago."
Today was the day they took off to Brazil for any where from a few weeks to a few months. It would not be their only destination they hoped. Lucius was hoping to have at least two rare species. He would be happier with more and in heaven with breeding pairs. They had other people working on other animals as it was a zoo not dragon sanctuary. And they got some small Tibetan dragons in which were not so rare. Lucius and Xeno didn't only want the first in the UK but the best in the world. Xeno loved his newspaper but animals were a passion.. He once thought to be a zoologist as his daughter planned.
They each had a personal bag as well as the tent and one for work stuff. They also had the pouch from Lucius. They spent the night before checking they had it all before dinner. Remus made a crack about making sure Ginny hadn't snuck in. In the morning they were off.
Harry was relieved beyond his dad only the twins came "I was worried there would be an ambush."
Fred winked "Some how the family got the impression you weren't leaving until tomorrow."
Remus laughed when his son mentioned the two obvious "Oh something about Kreacher locking them in a wardrobe."
Severus shrugged "He will find the key when you're gone. Wouldn't want Tons to have to live with them."
Charlie clapped the twins in hugs "Tell the others bye for us. I know dad and likely Bill will appreciate it."
The twins promised they would pass it on from both. They reminded Harry to take plenty of photos and send a letter when he could. Hedwig was staying in the school while he was gone. She wasn't used to such flights. He would send the odd international owl back home. But he had his journal to keep in contact with his dad while gone. Remus made him promise to keep in contact at least once a week.
Finally they felt the pull of the portkey and Harry knew the adventure was on. It almost began with a face plant though. He got much better at the use of them but it was his first at such a distance. Charlie looked a bit pal too.
Charlie pocketed it "We will find a taxi. We are staying until tomorrow here."
Harry was too tired to argue "I thought we were heading right there."
Charlie took him out as the pouch had a spell to provide them wit proper currency "We need rest before we apparate into the Amazon and set up camp."
Harry pointed "I thought that was a wizarding tent."
Charlie smiled "It is but like the ones for the cup it needs to be set up."
There was jet leg even with a portkey so Lucius booked them a room. Their local team wouldn't expect them until lunch time the next day. For now they would check into a room and after some rest perhaps see some of Rio. For now they arrived at an old colonial hotel and were shown to a room on the fourth floor. It was one room but had two beds and a small balcony with a nice view. They both lay down and were out quite quick.
Luckily Charlie set an alarm so they only slept a bit. They didn't want to have problems that night. Because of the time difference it was still breakfast time when they got up a few hours in. They went for a bite to eat and then did some sights in town.
Over dinner Charlie made a toast for them "To the start of what I know will be an amazing adventure."
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