It's been a while, but for those of you still following, here you go

Thanks to Drew86 for helping with this story and getting me back to writing

Enjoy

(blah, these characters belong to JK Rowling, ect)

Chapter 7

Harry and Bill explored the list of properties and Harry checked off several that he didn't like. One was in such bad condition, it would be 1 year just to get it in an acceptable condition! With the list dwindling smaller, Harry decided on Skylight Manor for his medical retreat and magical block removal. For residency, Harry just couldn't resist Magic's Hold property.

When Harry and Bill first arrived at Merlin property -Magic's Hold- they both stood rooted to the spot and gazed upon the grandeur and magnificence of the mansion.

"Wow!" they both exclaimed in disbelief.

Beyond their stance, stood a gigantic 4 story mansion, a basic (but giant) rectangle in design, with towers jutting out at each corner, two floors higher than the mansion. In front of the mansion were gardens filled with every color of flowers, terraces, a medium sized pond, and a hedge bush as a barrier from the rest of the yard. Around the entire property was a large stone wall. It seemed to encompass the whole property, at least, but the wall disappeared into the distance.

"Bill, I own this?!" Harry exclaimed

"Says so right here, Harry" Bill said, pointing to the deed in his hand "Man, you are lucky" he sighed in disbelief.

"Let's check it out!"

While exploring the mansion, it was clear that magic had kept it in pristine condition. The marble floors shined, the crystal chandeliers were sparkling in the light, and the air seemed fresh. The entry way was large and housed a grand stair case to the upper floors. To the left and right of the entry way there were identical archways, each giving entrance to formal sitting rooms. behind the staircase, stood a larger archway, in which Bill and Harry entered.

"It's so amazing! But why so many sitting rooms, Bill? This seems a bit much." Harry asked skeptically

"I would assume that these rooms could be used to entertain guests that you wouldn't want entering your main living area. See, this room is a bit larger than those other two. It possibly could be used for a large group. In fact, I'm sure there are sub-wards preventing unwanted entry to the main halls."

"Oh, ok" Harry said, not really understanding but going with it

"See these doors?" Bill asked, indicating a double-doorway on the right of the room. Harry nodded. "I bet you a ball room is behind them."

"A ball room?" Harry questioned, as Bill approached the door. "Whatever for?"

"It makes sense, Harry, just listen. You are rich, probably politically powerful. You create an event to gain or strengthen ally relationships, which traditionally is a Ball. You have these sitting rooms to entertain guests with food, and they probably mingle. Some people may be early for the Ball. The guest of honor may come down the grand staircase, or a child to be presented to the community would. This would indicate the Ball has begun." Bill explained

"Alright then, Bill. When I need to know more about this, I know who to come to."

"Ok, Harry" Bill said with a smile

Indeed, the next room was a ball room, housing. The door to the left of the largest sitting room was a large kitchen. From here, the rest of the house could be accessed.

"I'm not sure, Bill. I would have to go through all these rooms just to get to the living room! It seems a bit ridiculous, if you ask me."

"I'm sure there is a different way to access these lower floors. Possibly another entrance from the outside. Also, the grand staircase is a direct way to your upper private floors."

Beyond the grand kitchen, a large formal dining room was located and connected to the largest sitting room off the entry way, a room off the dining room held comfy arm chairs and a kitchen.

"That's the scotch room, Harry" Bill indicated "You can entertain men here, after a dinner or Ball. Political plans could be created with allies, or enemies could negotiate with you, here."

"Oh, ok" Harry filed that information for later.

An empty room was next, it seemed to be a buffer room because the room it connected to was another entry room. This room housed a more modest door to the outside, a grand fireplace, and an archway to another sitting room. From here was the basic set up of a house but larger. A living room, great room, smaller kitchen, formal dining room, breakfast room, and it seemed like a play area. So far, Harry had counted 4 hallways which all went different directions. Upon later inspection, Harry would find that there were 7 hallways, each hallway lead to a set of suites, and in some cases more hallways. The magic of the house isn't just the size, but the intertwined architecture of material and magic itself, to create pathways that shouldn't exist, and aspects that shouldn't be possible. One hallway led straight back to the main living, as if you hadn't left.

"This is great, Bill! But it doesn't feel right to have this all to myself. Maybe I'll fill the halls with children when I'm older!" Harry replied

"So you've made your decision, then? Magic's hold for your residency?" Bill asked

"Yes, this is perfect. I think I even saw out buildings in the distance! But it is so large, Bill. How will we ward the entire property?! I mean, there has to be something on this property that can help?"

Bill looked pensive for a moment, and then looked at Harry with a smile and a chuckle. "The ward stone for the entire property! I am sure that we can find it. The ward stone is usually on a fireplace mantle or hidden underneath the building it is warding. Is there any info in the paperwork that can give you a clue as to where the ward stone is?"

Bill and Harry looked in the paperwork and found info as to where the wardstone is.

They headed to the basement and found a door that they couldn't open. Bill told Harry that he needed to place his hand on the door to open it since it was tied to the Potter bloodline and magic.

Harry put his hand that he wore his signet ring on against the door and felt the Wards wash over him. Harry pictured the door open, and they both heard the lock click open.

There was a staircase that led further down into the basement. They both headed down with Harry in the lead.

They soon came upon a circular room with a pedestal with a obelisk looking stone that was black as night. They could feel the air was thick with magic emanating from the stone itself.

"Wow, there is strong magic in these wards" Bill exclaimed.

"So what do we need to do to make them strong enough to withstand the blocks on my magic?" Harry inquired.

"Wards are quite like computer programming. The runes set the rules, and as long as they do not contradict each other, it should work. For example, we have a ward that repels magic, yet allows magical artifacts. In itself, it sounds contradictory, however it isn't quite the case. The ward includes a blanket rune which stops magic in the area, however, if seven more runes are added, in a specific order with a specific ward incantation after each rune is placed, magical artifacts will be able to siphon magic from the original 'magic repelling' ward. Does this make sense, Harry?"

"Not quite, Bill. How do you know about computers? I only know they can go on the internet, write documents and play games, and I am from a muggle family!?" replied Harry.

"Well, you know my dad. He's crazy for muggle stuff. Besides, my ex-girlfriend knew a lot about them. She was a muggle."

"Oh, is that why you aren't with her anymore? Couldn't tell her your secret?" asked Harry

"Wow, you are more curious than my brothers! Although truth be told, they didn't even know about her. It was a fun thing, ya know. I didn't ever expect for it to go far." Replied Bill with a chuckle.

"Oh, sorry!" Laughed Harry. Mentally, Harry couldn't understand being with someone just for fun, but he didn't voice his opinion. In fact, he couldn't really see himself with anyone. He pushed to thought of Ginny aside. 'why am I thinking of her?' he thought with a blush.

Bill misunderstood the embarrassed blush "No worries. Besides, I prefer my own gender. Having a girlfriend was something to tell the parents, ya know, and a bit of fun. They would be disappointed if I didn't continue the family name, being first born and all. Now, we are done with your selection, correct? You'll live in the Merlin property, and have your medical procedures completed at the Hufflepuff house?"

"Uhh..yeah, That's right, Bill. I can't wait! But..I'm afraid that leaving Hogwarts for a year is going to put me behind. It's going to make everyone mad at me! What if I chicken out?" asked Harry, avoiding commenting on Bill's declaration. It seemed odd to think of the same gender for Harry. But then again, it felt odd to think about girls too! Wasn't this the age he was supposed to be interested in dating?

"I have faith in you, Harry. If you explain it to your friends, then they should understand."

"That's just it, Bill. I'm afraid to trust anyone! I have this weird feeling about Professor Dumbledore, I can't explain it. If I tell anyone, they will tell him. What if he stops it and forces me to stay as I am now?" Harry had finally voiced his fear. Who could he really trust? Right now, Bill was bound to secrecy by enchantments. He could trust those enchantments. Could he trust the free will of his friends? Of Dumbledore?

"I…I'm not sure what to tell you, Harry. Maybe just go with it, go with your instincts. If you don't tell them before hand, send a letter once you are safe in Hufflepuff Manor. Once you are there, nothing but your own choice will stop the process."

"Yes." agreed Harry "I just would rather tell them in person. I'll just see how it goes."

"Ok, Harry. Over the next 2 weeks, I will be warding these properties. Starlight Manor and Magic's Hold. After two weeks, you will be able to move to Magic's Hold if things go south at my parent's place."

"Ok, Bill. I suppose I should go ahead to The Burrow. They know I left. Ron probably knows now that I do not have a job, either anymore or never did. As much as I hate to face the music, I'd rather see my friends before Hogwarts starts."

"Wise choice Harry. It'll also just seem like you just had a tantrum and left. It doesn't make you look good but also is a cover story..ya know?"

"I suppose I could go with that. Thanks so much for your help, Bill! Will you be around the Burrow at all?" asked Harry.

"Probably, but remember, you can't act like we have met during this summer!" replied Bill

"Of course! Our secret!"

"I hope so…" replied Bill "Ya know I could die if I talk about it, if you told them then they'd ask me questions…"

"Oh, of course! I'll take it seriously, no problem" replied a sheepish Harry.

"Let's go back to Gringotts, shall we?"

Together they left the magnificent property of Merlin.