What happened next chapter 7

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The morning came with Hermione's much wanted sleep in and then breakfast in bed cooked by Harry.

'If there is a better way to start the day, I don't want to know about it' Hermione thought happily to herself.

Hermione's good mood continued. After lunch she and Harry went to see the newly finished magic/muggle hybrid house that they would be showing as an alternative to living solely as either a magical or as a muggle.


Arriving at the house Hermione could only be impressed at the thought that had gone into it. The house looked like it's neighbours but she could feel the wards as she stepped through. She could see several common magical plants that were used in potions growing happily beside muggle plants that were also thriving. There were also some small decorative looking stones that had runes carved on them, that kept harmful pests out of the garden and tied the wards to the property, scattered around the yard.

Entering the house, Harry took her on a guided tour, pointing out where magic was involved.

"The solar panels on the roof do provide a small charge but the majority of the power comes from magic. Magical washer/dryer and dishwasher uses Scourgify spells. Both are good for 10,000 uses before needing a magical tune-up and recharge. Using them once a day they will last for over 25 years before needing a tune. They turn green on the inside to tell you when it is time for the tune-up. The twins have prank add-ons that you can buy from WWW and the counter to it is also for sale to parents.

"The TV, DVD player and stereo are operated by remotes that work like wands and all use muggle broadcasts and discs so there is nothing to hide there, just make sure they are plugged into the wall to avoid suspicion. Anyone wanting a set top box or cable TV will need to contact the twins to get everything shielded against magical energy.

"The refrigerator and freezer have a cooling charm and a preservation charm inbuilt so there is little to no spoilage. The oven and stove tops are heating charms controlled by the knobs like a muggle one would be. They are all good for 5 years before needing top-ups to the charm work. Water is conjured with runes on the tap handles to control the temperature and banishing runes are on the pipes and toilet bowls. They look and act like the muggle ones do but we hid the magic.

"Lights are turned on and off by switches that power a lumos spell. None of us are sure how long this one will last. We will have to wait and see, I guess. If they last less than 5 years the twins or I will come and re-do them and redesign the system we used for any future models. Anything else plugged into the sockets will be powered by the solar electricity unless the twins can shield or charm it. We will be offering the service for a small charge. The laptop computer is shielded and can be hooked up to the internet with no bills and has a battery that will last for 2 years."

"The thermostat controls heating and cooling charms for each room. There are heaters in each room that work but they are only for radiant heat if you want it."

Finishing his tour and talk, Harry grinned. "So… what do you think?"

"Wow! I think you guys have thought of just about everything. This is amazing! I want to move in right now." Hermione gushed. "This is just so much more than I ever expected. What about floo travel?"

"Ahh, I wondered if you would ask. In this hall closet is the fireplace in a space enhanced room, hidden behind a false wall, and a ward will alert the adults of the house about calls and arrivals. No-one can enter without permission from the home owner anymore. It is also the apparition point for the property."

"I can't think of anything else. When are you going to start showing the house to people?"

"Arthur is coming later today with Prime Minister Blair to look it over. If they have no complaints then we will be advertising tours at the classes. They will be limited in number to avoid notice and increase security."

Hermione started giggling.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked, offended.

"Sorry love. I just had a thought. Can you imagine any of the Malfoy men sitting on the couch with a beer watching football on a weekend in a house like this?"

"No, but I can see Arthur wanting to move in."

They both laughed.


A car door slamming alerted them that someone had arrived. Two men walked up to the door and rang the bell.

"Here we go. Our first tour!" muttered Harry.

Opening the door he welcomed the two ministers into the house. Introductions were quickly made.

"Welcome Ministers. Would you prefer to look around by yourselves or would you like me to give you a tour?"

"Thank you Harry. Why don't you show us the tour that you are going to give the classes? That way we get an idea of what type of message you want to convey to the people." Said Minister Blair.

"Very well. This house is the very latest in magic-muggle blended technologies…" Harry said as he started the tour.

An hour later both ministers were impressed. They had both come with the expectation of rooms shielded from magic or limited options on what could work, but to have everything that would be in most muggle houses across the country being used incorporated with magic blew them away.

"I can see that you have given this a great deal of thought" said Minister Blair. "I do have a few questions. How readily available are the machines like the TV and the dishwasher in the magical world? Are they just for the rich or can the common person afford to buy them? What happens when new technology comes on the market? What about mobile telephones?"

"All of those are good questions. The magically shielded products here are all produced, sold and patented by Fred and George Weasley and will be a part of their non-prank line at their stores. Many of the items can be pranked by things bought at their stores but the counter to the prank is available as well. We are planning on giving a small supply of the prank antidote with all purchases. As to affordability, the cost is only slightly more than a non-magical person would pay." Answered Harry.

Hermione spoke up "I know that George has been asking me questions about different items available in the non-magical world and about how many people tend to use different types of things. Mobile phones are one item that we are working on at the moment. Unfortunately they are not quite ready yet. Another week or so and they think it may be ready."

"As to new technology, the twins and I are keeping in touch with a few squibs that work in those areas. They let us know about updates and new items that may be released in the near future so we can work out ways to shield or adapt them before the release date." Finished Harry.

"What about the miss-use of muggle artefacts laws?" asked Arthur.

"They will still be in effect for the most part. We are not charming the things to do anything but what they were made to do. The dishwasher washes dishes, the stove heats up food, and you if you don't take care, and the TV plays shows. Nothing they do is out of the normal range of uses, except they are quicker and quieter than the non-magical versions. Once they are installed then the owner is the person responsible for using them appropriately." Harry explained. "We, meaning Weasley Wizard Wheezes, take no responsibility for the miss-use, additional spell work or abuse of the products after they have been installed in a home."

"Fred and George are Arthur's sons, correct?" Asked Minister Blair.

"Yes."

"What do you plan to do about the allegations of nepotism? If people can only buy these things at their shop, people will think that Arthur specifically gave them the 'inside edge', if you know what I mean."

"The twins have held the magic/muggle patents for nearly all of these items for over 2 years. They took them out before Arthur was even considered for the Ministers position. They had already planned to be introducing these things into their product line-up. This just brought the release date forward. They, and I, believe in fair competition and anyone else who wants to sell things like this will have to go through the same channels that they did. All charm and rune work has to be approved and registered and ours is on file at the ministry and all items to be sold have to pass a rigorous screening process by the ministry and by us before it is approved for sale to the public." Harry said.

"Just one more question, Harry." Arthur smiled.

"Yes Arthur?" Harry responded with a smile.

"When can I move in? I can be packed and ready by tomorrow morning." Arthur said earnestly.


TBC