Harry woke up early the next day and prepared himself for what he would talk to the minister about. He had quiet a bit too tall him and wanted to be able to be as pleasant as possible. Mr. Weasley brought Harry up to the Minster's office and left them with Percy in the outer corridor. Percy then brought them into the Minister's office. It was filled with the finest of furniture. There was a raised area with the Minster's massive mahogany desk. The four of them sat around a small sitting area, which was in front of a beautiful marble fireplace.
The Minster shock Harry and Ginny's hand and offered them a comfortable chair and said, "I am hopeful that we might put past disagreements behind given the dangerous times that we all face.
Harry replied, "I am assuming that there is quiet a bit of misunderstanding on both of our sides and I thought a conversation might be better before getting into any needs or wishes from either of our sides can be brought up. I just ask that you let me have a bit of time to explain where I am coming from. To do this I should give you the story of my life and experiences.
The minister than said, "Please begin, I am ready to listen"
Harry began and discussed the limited memories of his early life and the death of his parents. He continued with the memories of life at the Dursley's prior to learning the truth of his parent's death when his letter from Hogwarts arrived and how Hagrid had finally tracked him down. He then continued into detail of each school year he had experienced. He explained how Voldemort had tried to come back by going after the sorcerer's stone. He explained how the Malfoy's with Riddle's diary had targeted Ginny. He explained the adventures of finding out the innocence of Sirius including the use of the time turner that Hermione had used that year. He went into detail of all that went on during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He went into fine detail of the rebirth of Voldemort and named each and every death eater that had shown up and how they were called by use of the mark on their arm. He explained how afterwards Dumbledore at that time had made his efforts to fight against the return of Voldemort, which was blocked by the former Minster. He then carefully went over his fifth year at Hogwarts starting with the attack of the Dementors and how Umbridge had abused her powers to try to get Dumbledore out. He was careful to show his scared hand and the threat she made to use the Crutatious cruse on him as she tried to find out about Sirius. He also mentioned her admission of being the one who had sent out the dementors. He then explained his sixth year and mentioned the special classes that involved learning the history of Tom Riddle's Life. He left out the issue of the Horcrux but ended by saying that Dumbledore had left him a secret project that was working on undermining Voldemort. He also disclosed the first part of the prophecy, which Voldemort had heard and how it had led him to try to kill Harry when he was only a baby.
After Harry had finished, the Minister asked, "May I assume that you know the full prophecy."
Harry answered, "Yes, it was made to Dumbledore and he told me after the events in the ministry a year ago. But I feel it is important that it be kept a secret at least for the time being."
The Minster then asked, "May I also assume that it probably says that you are the only one to be able to get rid of Voldemort. That the rumors of you being the chosen one are true"
Harry answered, "I will nether confirm nor deny anything concerning the prophecy and you are free to come to your own conclusion."
Both the Minster and Percy looked tired and worn out having heard the full story Harry's life. It had taken the whole morning at it was now time for lunch. The minister continued and said, "I would like to say that first I believe what you have told to us. I think I will need some time to understand all that I have heard. I also understand why you are Dumbledore's man through and through."
Ginny and Harry got up and the Minster and Percy shook their hands and wished a good day. Harry and Ginny went down to the ministry atrium and met with Remus and Bill. They went over to the leaky cauldron and had a quick lunch and headed on over to Gringotts.
During lunch Harry asked Bill, "I may be in need for some expert curse breakers."
Bill answered, "I would be happy to help and I could arrange for some co-workers from Gringotts if the need arises for more help."
Bill then them up to the trust services desk and said, "Harry Potter is here is discuss his estates."
The goblin receptionist looked down on a schedule and said, "Your meetings seems to be scheduled in the third floor executive conference room. That is definitely can't be right. Let me check on that. The goblin walked back behind into the offices.
Bill asked, "That is odd. Humans are rarely allowed on the third floor. Not even the minister's goblin relation officer gets to go there. They always meet on the second floor."
Harry could only wonder since he had no idea.
Remus said, "When I asked for an appointment yesterday it caused a bit of confusion for a while but some executive Goblin by the name of Gritton finally came and got things set up.
Bill exclaimed, "Gritton is a senior executive. Even as a bank employee I could never get to even talk to an executive like that. That is strange."
The receptionists came back and said, "It seems to be correct. Please go to the stairs. The guard there will take you on up. They are expecting you."
The three of them walked over to the stairs and Harry asked the guard, " I am Harry potter and I was told I need to go to the conference room on the third floor."
The guard answered, "I can take you and Ginny on up but I must make sure that you want your companions to come with you.
Harry answered, "Yes, Remus was my Dad's best friend and Bill is Ginny's brother and I might need his help with my finances."
The guard then said, "Very well, please follow me up."
After go up two flights of stairs they came across two more guards standing in front of the biggest and most ornate doors Harry had ever seen. The guard said to the two new guards, "Harry Potter and company for his appointment." The guards opened the large doors and they were led down the hall and then the guard knocked on the conference room door. From what could be seen of the third floor, the goblins had spent a fortune in decorating such that it made the public first floor of the bank look poor and worn out. A sound was heard from inside and the guard opened the door and led them in. Sitting at the conference table were two goblins dressed in the finest of clothes. The four of them quietly sat down at the seats that were offered to them.
The man on the left started and said, "I am Gritton and it is a pleasure to meet you Harry Potter. I am the senior executive in charge of trust accounts. I have been managing both the Potter and Black estates for some time. Let me introduce you to the Chairman and President of Gringotts, Gorgock. Before we go any further, I can understand that given the betrothal between your and Ginny Weasley that it is good that she is here. On the other hand I must caution against including any other people. I have heard that Ginny's brother Bill is an excellent employee but your financials are kept in the strictness of confidences at this bank. As for Remus we understand he is a family friend and do not wish to insult him but the Potter family finances are special."
Harry answered, "I guess I appreciate the concern but since I do not know much about finances I thought it best to include some help. I wish for both of them to be here to help me since it could be the estates might be large if I may guess."
Gaprock continued, "It is of course your decision to make but I will require a wizards oath that the information that we go over today is to be kept in the strictness of confidence." He then had Bill and Remus each swear on oath on their wands that caused a strange orange swirl of light to surround them.
Then lets us begin Gritton continued, "May I first congratulate on your betrothal to Ginny Weasley. As a result of that we can give complete access to your gold since we now considered you to be of age due to the betrothal. We will also be giving her access to all your accounts unless you wish to object.
Harry answered while given her hand a squeeze, "I have no objection."
He continued, " As far as the Goblins are concerned you have come into your inheritance even though you are not yet seventeen. You will be given full control of non-goblin assets when you turn Seventeen and will need to come in at that time to sign the paper work. If you have immediate needs then I can make any changes that you want and seem reasonable."
Let's start with the Black Family Estate. You were named sole beneficiary and heir except for some minor bequests. Since Sirius was unjustly imprisoned all those years he was never able to spend much of the income. These are the keys to the Black family vaults at vaults number six and seven. The vaults are currently stuffed with gold due the earnings from the investments since Sirius was unable to spend any of the money while in prison. You may be interested to note that since he was never legally convicted we were able to arrange the purchase of the firebolt while he was in hiding. In this folder is a listing of the vault contents as well as properties and other investments that you can read through at your leisure. You will see that it is large estate. In fact it is the second largest estate that we manage. You have already have taken possession of Grimmauld place since it was his personal residence. There is also Black Manor in the South of England as well as secret resort hide away in the Bermuda triangle that come with a total of five elves." He then handed the folder to Harry that contained the crest for the House of Black. He continued and said, "You also inherit the title of Lord Black, since they are one of the oldest wizard families in Great Britain, which gives you some political influence as well a permanent seat in the Wizengamont."
Bill leaned over and whispered to Harry, "I had a feeling this would be coming to you. The Black House, since the death of Sirius's father, has been out of the political scene. It will give you much needed political influence that can used to your advantage especially with the minister."
Ginny leaned over to Harry and said, "Did you expect anything like this?"
Harry was completely dumfounded at this and could only say, "No I knew nothing Ginny, please continue Gritton."
Gritton continued, "The Potter estate is a bit more complicated. It is for that matter why our Chairman and President is present for this meeting. Let me first state that as the sole Potter heir you also have the Title of Lord Potter. That means you have a second permanent seat in the Wizengamont. This has not happened in many years. Your also have a couple of houses. There is the Potter mansion in north England and a small castle in Switzerland. All other properties and investments are in this folder. You may find it interesting to note that you hold a controlling interest in Grunnings where you uncle works. It seems your parents made that investment before they had been killed. It was the original intent to give that as a gift to your Aunt. But it seems your parents were treated rudely at your Aunt and Uncle's Wedding. When they refused to attend your Parents wedding then the issue was dropped." He handed Harry another folder with the Potter family Crest on top. Now the Potter family vaults do not have a key but are accessed with magic. They are on the right side in the sub basements of Gringotts.
Bill exclaimed at his discovery, "But only members of the Gringotts family as shareholders have vaults down there."
Gritton continued, "That is true, but you see there is a bit of story that needs to told. The Potter family has also been one of the leading families that have fought for the light. That is why the family has remained so small. Many fought in the last war against Grindelwald and died. But many years ago even before the Goblin revolution the Potter family was known for its inclusion and welcome of all magical kinds. The Potters were instrumental in the cease-fire negotiations between the Goblins and humans during the Goblin revolution. They did not discriminate between humans, elves or goblins or other creatures. It was years before the revolution that the Potter family helped found the Gringott Mercantile trading company as an effort to help economic growth and cooperation. That holding company, while owner of other minor assets, founded the Gringotts bank some years later. That same legal entity even today is the owner of Gringotts."
This made Harry practically faint to realize that he owned part of Gringotts. He asked with a shaking voice, "How much of the holding company do the Potters own."
Gritton continued, "It has always been an equal partnership. Your family has always had a fifty percent stake"
Bill, Ginny and Remus where frozen in shock at this revelation.
Remus cautiously commented, "It always seemed a bit of a secret where the Potter family held its wealth. Now I can understand why."
It was at this point that Gorgock entered the conversation and said, "It has been almost sixteen years since your parents death. We have held in trust your family's ownership hopefully to your satisfaction. But now as you become of age you will want to take up your rightful involvement at the bank. The board of governors has seven members. The Gringott family appoints three. The Potter Family appoints three. The Chairmanship is agreed upon and usually has alternated between a Potter and a Gringott every seven years. You are entitled to appoint the three members at your earliest convenience. These members may at there own discretion audit any Gringotts records. We hope you will find that we have been faithful in keeping your trust. Since it has been held in trust all these years there is also a large amount of accumulated earnings from the bank as well as other investments. We have invested some of this income but it needs a more active looking at."
Harry heard himself say, "If the seats need to be filled then I guess it will be me and I think I will appoint Remus and Bill to the other seats for the time being. I am sure Bill will diligently look after the interests that will belong to his sister in the future.
Gorgock answered, "That will be very good and you are free to change your appointments at any time. I wish to offer a welcome and congratulation to Remus and Bill as new board members. To maintain the Potter family privacy I think we can say that Remus is the new goblin liaison officer to the Werewolves and Bill will receive a promotion to vice-president in charge of special trust services. That will give you a cover for your involvement with the bank." You can stay here and look through your other paper work. If you wish you can have personal offices on this floor. The fireplace on this floor can be set up so that you can floo directly here. The Potters normally kept at least one office to handle any necessary work from. The next board meeting is in September. We send out monthly financial reports on magically produced paper so that only authorized people can read them. Let me say it is good to have the Potter family involved once again. We are concerned however given the state of war that exists and the personal danger you face. As a matter of your personal business we need to find a place to put the considerable amount of earnings that have been accumulated all these years. There are a few opportunities that may be good investments."
Harry continued, "Please continue with the management of the estates. Please send any information to the three of us and we can review that and come to a decision."
Gorgock then asked, " If I may inquire is there any truth that you Harry Potter are as they say the 'chosen-one'?"
Being brought back to the reality of his actual life he gloomily answered, "Let me just say that it is basically true."
Gorgock answered, "I am sorry such a burden has been placed on you and I am concerned for you. Given the close relation that the Gringotts family has had with the Potters is there any way that we can help. I cannot speak for all Goblins but given your confirmation you have just given me, I will raise this issue at the next meeting of the Goblin council. The Goblins are reluctant to give any open support to the ministry given our past difficult history, and have not given a formal answer to the entreaties of Voldemort for our support. I will leave you with Gritton to help you with your paper work and any other issues you may have. Gorgock left the room with four completely astonished people
Remus could only mutter, "I had no idea Harry. I knew that Black family had a lot of old wealth. I never knew where the Potter family had its income or assets. They never spent it lavishly or flaunted it. I thank you for trust and will do my best in looking out for your interests.
Bill commented, "Well, Potter it is said that you have had adventurous life but this beats all. It is beyond my wildest dreams to be Board member of the Gringotts bank." He then looked over at his sister who appeared to have fainted.
Harry woke up out of his daze and said, "Ginny, Ginny are you all right."
She gave a startle shake as she woke up, "Oh, Harry I do not know what to say."
Harry replied, "That's okay I do not know what to say either but know this that I still love you."
Ginny than said, "I may have had a crush on the boy who lived but I fell in love with Harry, just Harry, I want you to remember that. I do not need a Lord Potter, Lord Black or especially an owner of Gringotts. I just want a simple life with you as normal everyday Harry Potter."
Harry answered, "You did say you would help me with the burdens I face. This is just another one"
Harry then turned to Gritton and asked, "Now that money does not seem to be problem, I was thinking about buying some elves so that I may use them to protect family and friends. Could you help me do that?"
Gritton answered, "There are many houses that have put elves on the market given the difficulties of this present time and the deaths that have occurred. I am sure we can find some bargains."
Harry answered, "I do want to buy some elves to protect help protect my friends and family but I will not take advantage of the sufferings of other families. If I buy an elf I will pay a fair value. I want one for each Weasley including Percy. I want one also for Hermione her parents, Remus, Tonks, Luna and Neville for starters. My primary concern is safety. The second need is that I asked Bill to help me with some curse breaking work and he said he probably could arrange to get some goblins that might be able to help."
Gritton answered, "I think you should talk to Gaprock who heads up that department. He will be aware of our special relationship and would be eager to supply any personal services you might need."
Harry then asked, "Before I go what is the easiest way to get spending money."
Gritton answered, "So that you do not have to come to the bank all the time we will provide you with a money pouch. It is magical and will provide you with either galleons or pounds to spend in whatever amount you need. It will also have a credit card that can be used in muggle shops. I will have two of them prepared for you and Ginny. They should be ready in half an hour. I will leave them at the front desk."
The four of them wandered down to the second floor and over to the department of curse breaker. They were ushered into Gaprock office. Gaprock greeted them, "It is a pleasure to have a Potter once again involved with the back. How may I be of assistant?"
Harry answered, "I need some help in dealing some very evil objects that were made with dark magic by Voldemort."
Gaprock replied, "If I may be blunt, would it be safe to assume that Voldemort has made use of one or more Horcruxes."
Harry answered in shock but continued, "Yes, that is true Voldemort appears to have made six of them. Two have already been destroyed. We have two more that we need help to destroy but still have to find the other two items. I also plan to revisit the chamber of secrets under Hogwarts and could use some help in doing a complete search." He spent some time explaining how Tom Riddle had opened the chamber fifty years ago. He then explained the events when Ginny had been forced down to the chamber and Ron and Harry and had rescued her."
The goblin's eyes began to shine on hearing of the battle of the Basilisk and then asked, "Would it be safe to assume the basilisk is still there. How big was it. Would you have any idea how old it was by any chance.
Harry surprisingly answered, "I would assume it is there since nobody else knows how to get there and you have to speak parseltongue to open the doors. The animal was sixty to seventy feet long and would seem to have lived there for ages"
Gaprock continued, "It is a side issue but basilisk meat is a rare and expensive delicacy to goblins. The bones and fangs are also valuable for the apothecary while the skin can be used in armor that is better than dragon skin.
Harry replied, "It has been there over four years so it has probably rotted away."
The goblins continued, "It would take a lot longer to decay with any damage. The meat itself has to take at least seven years to cure before it can eaten because of the venom of the beast. The venom in the fangs and glands would keep for an even longer time. The venom may be helpful in destroying a Horcrux as it helped destroy the diary"
Harry said, "Well, if you are willing to assist I would more than happy to let you have the meat."
The goblins continued, "That is extremely generous offer, we are more than happy to assist the Potter family. When would you be making this adventure and I will arrange the best goblins I can get."
Harry answered, " I am thinking around mid July to make the journey. I need to arrange the excursion with the Headmistress of Hogwarts and my friends. This will have to wait until I have spent the two weeks with my aunt and uncle. During that time I will make the final arrangements." As the four of them then left the bank they meet with Fluer as she came off her shift. They all flooed back to the borrow just in time for dinner.
As they entered the burrow Molly asked, How'd things go." The response she got was dead silence since no one knew how to answer the question. Arthur had gotten home early and was sitting in the Living room looking at some muggle contraption. He came into the kitchen and greeted all of them.
Harry finally said, "can we have dinner first before we tell you about today's adventure." He still did not know how much he wanted to disclose concerning his new found financial resources. Would it upset Ron who tended at times to have jealousy? Ginny could only give him a bit of smile not knowing how to deal this.
Molly added, "Ron and Hermione went over to her parents for dinner tonight."
Arthur interjected into the silence, "I think I can say that Harry's conversation with the Minster must have had some sort of impact. By late today the amount of memos and activity coming out his office seemed to be a flood. The aurorers office even called in people who had the day off. Whatever is going on is not being disclosed.
As dinner finished Harry finally got up the courage to at least disclose a little of what had happened that day. Harry said, I am hopeful that now that the Minster has a more in depth knowledge of my life he may being willing to work with the Order or me. I will await his reply before knowing anything further. As for the trip to the bank, I am a bit upset that for my whole life I have had to live at the Dursley's as if I was a pauper. The afternoon's meeting confirmed that not only is the black estate large but the Potter estate is significant. As the parents of Ginny I suppose you have a right to know. Since Fluer is almost family and Bill's involvement will become important than I had thought at first it is right to just disclose the whole story. After first having the three of them swear the wizards oath of secrecy he disclosed his ownership in Gringotts. There were three more completely dumfounded people.
Harry continued, "This all needs to be kept with the utmost of secrecy. The financial resources for this summer adventures will not be an issue. As a result of having both estates, the bank is promoting Bill to help assist me and well as hiring Remus as well on the public side but I have appointed them as board members to care for my interests. One unexpected note is that the Gringotts goblins at least are willing to provide me with political support. They may be able to sway the general goblin population as well as the goblin high council. With that maybe we can push the ministry to do even more changes. The bank also has resources with curse breaking that can assist this summer's project.
Mr. and Mrs. were both without words for a moment until Mr. Weasley asked, "I thought you had just your one vault from your parents. I know the black estate was large but the Potter family has always been secretive even though they have never had money issues. Now we can understand why."
Harry continued, "I also seem to own five or six houses around the world to say the least. It will take some time and effort to still go through all the details. But it is more important to make progress on this summer's special project. I may take the two weeks while at the Dursley's to look at my finances in more detail. "
Harry then got up and asked Ginny, "Let's go for a walk." After they had left the kitchen, the remaining four erupted with questions at one another.
Harry said to Ginny, "First I think I want to spend a day to get myself some of my own clothes both muggle and wizard stores. Do you, Ginny, want to go on a shopping spree to spend some of our money."
Ginny answered. "Now, Harry, is that how you plan to sweep me off my feet by taking me on shopping trips."
Harry answered, "No, but since I am not a pauper anymore I thought that I could afford some of my own clothes. We also should go back to the bank and look at the various vaults for anything that may be useful since I have no idea what is in there."
Meanwhile in the house Bill finally broke in and said, "I am surprised at how well Harry is handling today's news. He is so still so young to face so many burdens. His two weeks at the Dursley's might just give him a chance to digest all of this if they leave him alone. I think he can find strength in Ginny as well."
Harry spent the night tossing and turning as his life once again had been turned upside down and inside out. It was after midnight when He a heard a soft voice in his head say, "You need your sleep Harry. We can talk more about it latter."
He felt a rush or peace come over him and said, "Thanks Ginny."
There conversation was interrupted as Harry's scar began to prickle again," He could feel the pressure of somewhere someone searching and poking to find his mind but never able to find him. As the pressure left Harry followed the pressure again with his own mind and found himself seeing a dark hall filled with death eaters.
He asked himself, "Ginny are you still here. Can you see what I see"
She answered, "Yes I am Harry. I think he can't find you since how can I say it. I think I am protecting you from him with my love and he can't get through or understand love.
Voldemort continued his lecture to his followers, "It seems my friend, Harry, will be unavailable tonight. Therefore let's get on with our plans. Tomorrow night at nine I want the attack on the three towns to begin.
Harry felt himself pull away from the scene and said, "Tomorrow morning we will need to do something."
Ginny answered, "He is trying to threaten the wizard world. Let's put the bad news aside for the moment now why don't we go to a Valentines Day ball."
Harry asked, "What Valentine's day ball."
Ginny giggled and said, "It is my dream and I want to go with you to a Valentine's day ball. Come along, you need time away from all your worries."
Harry answered, "These dreams of yours are a pleasure to attend. Are you trying to get my attentions or seduce me?
Ginny laughed and said, "Well I do not know if seducing you is allowed but I am trying to get your attention."
Harry said, "Thanks Gin, I need these breaks." Harry felt as another goods nights sleep overcame him.
Harry awoke pleasantly refreshed from his dreams with Ginny until he remembered the dangers they would face this day. He cleaned himself up and got dressed in his old hand me down clothes. Today he needed to get some new clothes. He went down tot he kitchen. Arthur and Ginny were sitting at the table while Molly was preparing breakfast.
Harry said, "Good morning"
They all answered, "Good morning"
Molly put an empty plate in front of him and offered him the tray of bacon and sausage. Harry picked a couple of pieces. He knew there was no time to waste and looked over at Ginny who gave him a nod a smile of encouragement.
Harry said, "I unfortunately have some more bad news. It seems Voldemort is planning to attack three villages tonight at 9:00. Do you think the ministry can send Aurors to the three villages," He asked Mr. Weasley.
Arthur answered, "I will tell the Order and notify the ministry." He walked out the kitchen door and popped away.
Harry thought and said, "I still want to due some personal shopping if possible. Then I want to visit the vaults at Gringotts."
Ron had finally gotten up and was starting his breakfast.
When he saw Harry he asked, "Are you already working this morning or what?"
Harry answered, I had another dream and had to give some warnings."
Ron answered, "I think you really need a vacation. You have been going none stop since summer started."
Harry laughed, "I wish I could take your advice but I can't seem to get out of all the activity."
Molly interrupted and said, "I think Tonks and Remus will be here in awhile if you want to do some shopping."
Harry continued, "Well since I have done my work for the day, I think Ginny and I will go do some shopping.
Ron pulled out a bag. He started handing out mirrors to Harry, Ginny and his mother, He answered, "Sure thing, I go over this morning. Hermione made these mirrors based on the ones you got from Sirius. She thought we needed a way to stay in touch."
Harry replied, "That will help but until this evening I want to spend some time being a normal person by doing some shopping since my wardrobe is an absolute disaster."
At nine O'clock both Remus and Tonks tumbled out of the fireplace Tonks was the first to speak and said very sarcastically, "It is not everyday that I am ordered as an auror to accompany my boyfriend so that two young people can go shopping. I guess I will survive." She then handed Harry a sealed letter. He saw that it was from the Minster and tore it open. It said,
To Harry Potter,
I wish to thank you for the warning about the attacks. I am setting up teams to try to trap those involved in these attacks. I hope that you can stay away from these events
As for underage use of magic, I am giving an emergency exception to you and Ginny and your friends. If Ginny wants apparation lessons they will be provided at the ministry.
Sincerely
Rufus Scrimgeour
Minister of Magic
Harry thought this was at least an improvement. But first there was shopping to do so he said, "Let's go shopping. We can worry about this latter. Remus and Tonks with Harry and Ginny flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. They stopped by Madam Malkin's for new everyday robes, dress robes and a set of heavy-duty work robes for both Harry and Ginny. Tonks even insisted that Remus buy himself a couple of robes since he had his new job. After being measured and fitted they asked to have the clothes delivered. They then proceeded through he Leaky Cauldron and entered muggle London. There was a ministry car waiting to take them to the nearest muggle mall. Harry and Ginny were amazed at the amount of goods available and all the different stores. They had lunch in the food court and continued shopping until mid afternoon. After a short trip back to the Leaky Cauldron they flooed back to the burrow. Harry took his stuff up into his room and thought to rest a bit on his bed but fell asleep immediately not knowing how tired he could be from a shopping trip. Ginny had gone up the stairs a bit later and found Harry asleep on his bed. She went over and set on the edge of the bed and just held his hand.
She thought, " There is no telling how tired he might be from all the recent events. She was only beginning to realize how complicated and troubled Harry's life was. She knew her family had at least taken one vacation during the trip to Egypt before her second year. Harry had never had a vacation away from home. Well, Harry had never really had a place to call home either. No wonder Harry had trouble leaning on and accepting help from people. To think that a person coming from such circumstances could still care for others let alone know what love was."
Her thoughts were broken when Molly had come up the stairs and poked her head and said, "Is everything okay, Ginny?"
Ginny answered, "I think he is just exhausted from the past few weeks. He didn't even start to unpack. I am only now starting to see have much stress and pressure he has been under. Mom, do want to know about his life at the Dursley's? I and Remus both saw the cupboard under the stairs they had kept him in for ten years." Ginny then explained about the Dursley household, the one small room filled with broken down furniture. She said, "They had no pictures of Harry. Harry had no really personal items in the room except hand me down clothes left in small pile in the closet. We may not have much stuff but you can tell that all of us live in this house. You couldn't tell that Harry had really lived there. Was it really necessary for Harry to have spent his life in such an environment? Why should Harry even go back?" The last bit was said in a whimper.
Molly merely replied, "It was not a nice place but I guess it kept Harry safe from danger. Harry is an incredible person to turn out the way he has given what he has been through."
After Molly had gone back downstairs Ginny quietly unpacked all of his purchases and sorted out his truck getting rid of the hand me clothes and old robes. She gave the truck a "scourgify" to clean it and carefully packed away his new stuff. He had few personal items. He had his broomstick, the broomstick care kit, the invisibility cloak, and one photo album and old school books. The lack of personal stuff or knick-knacks confirmed the hard life he had had. She gave him a quick peck on his check before heading downstairs to get some fresh air. She felt amazed that Harry had come so far with their relationship.
Harry woke up around seven O'clock as the smell of dinner made it way upstairs. He hadn't realized how tired he was. We rubbed his eyes and wandered downstairs. Sitting around the table were Arthur, Molly, Fred, George, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
Molly gave him one look as he came into the kitchen and said, "You seemed to need a rest. We kept dinner warm for you."
Harry nodded and said, "I didn't realize how tired I was."
Arthur responded, "There is really no reason for to go anywhere tonight. There are a lot of resources being deployed tonight given the warning you were able to provide."
Harry for once couldn't agree more.