DISCLAIMER – Harry Potter and its affiliates are the sole property of JK Rowling. The only thing that is mine is the plot and names that you may be unfamiliar with.
DISCLAIMER – This story will mention slash, but I am not one that likes to go into detail with my subjects. Therefore you may not see anything more than a kiss on the cheek, lips, or things like that. I will NOT go into detail about sexual exploits. This is a fan fiction story NOT porno.
DISCLAIMER – I am not foolish enough to think that I will please everyone with this story. Human nature dictates that not everyone agrees with everyone else. Therefore, if this story is not for you, I thank you anyway for at least giving it a chance. I do ask that if this story is NOT for you that you do not badger me to change it and just move on to a story that is more your style and tastes.
Chapter 7 – Hogwarts Is My Home
Around ten the next morning, Harry, Oliver, and Minerva used their portkeys and landed in front of the gates of Hogwarts. They waited for a few moments to see if Dumbledore would grant them entrance. When it was apparent that he wasn't, Harry lifted his hand and opened the gates himself. Together, the trio headed for the castle. Upon arriving, Albus and Severus greeted them at the door.
"Mr. Potter," said Albus in a slightly aggravated voice. "You do not have the right to come here whenever you wish. You have made your decision to turn your back upon the Wizarding World and have gone to your island. You are no longer welcome here at Hogwarts. You are trespassing and I must insist that you leave immediately."
"Are you kidding me?" asked Harry incredulously. "I am the owner of this castle. I can come and go whenever I wish. I have more authority here than you do. So how about we try this scenario again?"
"What do you mean?" asked Dumbledore with suspicion. "How are we to start this again? Start what again?"
"It is a pleasure to see you again Professor Dumbledore," stated Harry cordially. "I was hoping that you and I might have a conversation today. Would it be ok if I entered my second home and we discussed a few issues? I could really use your expertise on a couple of matters. Also, I wish to clear the air between us so that there are no hard feelings between us due to the fact that Godric doesn't want you on the family island."
Oliver and Minerva were doing their best to not burst out laughing. Even Severus was smiling brightly behind Dumbledore's back at the antics of Harry. While the old wizard wasn't looking, he winked at the others to show his amusement of the situation.
"You want to come into this castle," stated Dumbledore testing the waters. "You claim that you need my advice. What advice would you want from me that I would have? You have made it clear that you do not trust me."
"That is correct," stated Harry politely. "I also have other business that I need to attend in the castle as well. Professor Snape, have you dealt with the issue that we spoke of the other day regarding the Diadem and the Locket?"
"Indeed Lord Potter, I have," replied Severus. "Chief Ragnok and I went through Grimmauld Place and we were able to find the locket. It took a little longer to find the Diadem, but in the end it has been destroyed and the Horcrux is gone from both items. All dark items have been removed from the house and the rest has been packed and sent to Gringotts awaiting transportation to your new home. The goblins have given the clear all for Albus to start using the house again as Headquarters for the Order."
"Please come in," said Albus immediately knowing that Harry was going to do what he wanted anyway. "Where would you like to talk and who will be joining us? Minerva, Filius, Poppy, and Pomona have already left. I am not sure that it was such a good idea to take all of my teachers like you did Harry."
"He didn't take anything," snapped Minerva. "He asked if we wanted to leave Hogwarts and retire. We all agreed that it was time for us to enjoy our Golden Years in quiet and peace away from the war. I am sure that you will have no troubles replacing us. There are plenty of people that would be more than willing to come and work at Hogwarts now that it is known that Harry is the owner and the protections surrounding it are going to be at an all time high."
"Shall we sit in the Great Hall where it is more comfortable?" suggested Severus. "We can make a table big enough for all of us to sit and discuss these issues. I have been promoted to Deputy here and I would like to hear what Lord Potter has to say. We can provide some refreshments."
With that, Dumbledore moved so that the trio could enter the castle and get out of the sun. When they entered the Great Hall, Harry flicked his wrist and a table appeared for all of them to sit. The elves appeared a moment later and placed snacks and juices and other drinks on the table.
"Doing wandless magic now?" asked Albus impressed in spite of the situation. "That is very advanced magic. Your training is coming along nicely."
"Since I saw the goblin healers, things have been easier for me," admitted Harry sitting comfortably at the table next to Oliver and Minerva. "I am sure that once I start studying my books again, I will find that most of the magic comes easier now that the soul shard of Voldemort is no longer in my head and feeding off of my magic. I can tell you that it wasn't pleasant to have it removed."
"So why did you come here today Harry," said Dumbledore going straight to the point. "You have already made it obvious that I am not allowed to be on your island. Why are you here? What do you hope to gain from today's little adventure?"
"Knowledge," said Harry simply shrugging his shoulders. "I need information and you are the wisest man that I know. Before we get into what I need, let me tell you something. First and foremost, it was not me that prevented you from gaining access to the island. When it came to protecting me from Voldemort you have gone above and beyond the call of duty. For that I will forever be thankful that you have kept me alive and away from him all these years to the best of your ability. You are far from a stupid man. You must know that you have taught me what to look for when it comes to someone not telling the whole truth about something."
Albus sat there a little floored by Harry's words for the moment. They were laced with respect that no one present could deny. That there was an underlay to his words was also evident to all present. That it was all aimed at Dumbledore told him that Harry was no longer one that would be fooled by shrewd plans and schemes.
"You want on the island for a reason," continued Harry. "Godric told me that it would not be to my best interest to let you on the island. There is something there that you want, and I am afraid that if you won't tell me what it is that you are after then you will never see the fabled island. What is it that you want so badly? I can tell you that you will never be able to control me again. With each passing day, I feel my magic gaining in power. Even as we are speaking, I can feel the wards on this castle. They are strong in some areas, and very weak in others. I would be more than willing to assist you in strengthening the wards here. You as Headmaster, and I as owner, should be able to strengthen them to the point that it will just take a tweak here and there to keep them properly maintained, and not drain you as you have been once a month to keep them powered."
"I still don't understand what it is that you want here in this castle Harry," said Albus taking a deep breath. "Why are you here? You have already stated that you were not going to trust me anymore. What do you want so badly here?"
"I just need advice and information," said Harry repeating himself. "You swore to me that you would help me when I need it. By the time I leave here today, we need to come to an impasse so that I can live my life and enjoy it for what it is rather than wonder if I am going to be hurt again. For that to happen, I need the cooperation of both you and Voldemort."
"Then speak and lets see what can be done," said Albus. "I am at least willing to hear what you are asking. Whether or not I can, or will help you, is a different matter entirely."
"First and foremost, I am going to open the Chamber of Secrets for you and Professor Snape," said Harry. "I will send for Ragnok and some goblins to come and help harvest the basilisk that is sitting in there. With the assistance and knowledge of Professor Snape, I will take just enough of the ingredients for my own collection and potions lab. What you do with the remains will be entirely up to you. I am sure that you can keep some for the school and sell the rest to help fund the war effort. While I have been told that the Dark Lord will leave me alone, I can safely assume that he will not leave the rest of the wizarding population alone. That agreement was solely for me and those in my care."
"You would do that for us?" asked Albus shocked at the generosity that was before him. "That is so generous of you to do that for us."
"And not even bat an eyelash while doing it," concluded Harry. "I don't want to hurt your feelings Professor. Please understand. You have your secrets, Voldemort has his. Severus has his. I need mine. I meant what I said the night that I had Fawkes take you back here. You are the best hope that Britain has. I don't hate you and never will. I just don't want to be a pawn anymore. I don't want abusive relatives. I don't want people sticking their noses where it doesn't belong. I just want to be a person for a change. I have given Severus and Ragnok the means to destroy Voldemort for good. Nagini is the last Horcrux. If you can get to her, then Voldemort is mortal again and can be stopped. It should not be me that has to do it. You are wiser and more powerful than I am in many ways."
"I am sorry Harry," said Albus. "You are correct. I assume that you got to the rest of the Horcruxes or gave the location of them so that they could be destroyed."
"I did," said Harry relaxing. "They have ALL been destroyed with the exception of Nagini. It has been said that it may be in my best interest to tell Voldemort what the prophecy states. It is what he is after more than anything. Why can't we just tell him? What harm will it do to give him the information that he so desperately wants."
"If you do that, then he will no longer fear that someone can stop him," said Dumbledore thoughtfully. "He is basing this whole campaign on the prophecy. If he learns that the only one with the power to destroy him is you, then he will start to act out even more. He will start taking over faster than he is already. He will not care as you are not interested in stopping him."
"He may do that yes," said Harry thoughtfully. "However, you and I both know that I am NOT the only one that can beat him. If you can arrange to get that snake away from him, then anyone with luck or skill can get that hit in that will stop him once and for all. The power the Dark Lord knows not in that prophecy is knowledge. I learned HOW to destroy him. I have passed that information on to you and Severus. What the populace does with that information is entirely up to them. I do hope that it is ok to call you by your given name Professor Snape."
"That is fine with me," said Severus with a shrug. "You have more titles and prestige than I do and you are not being disparaging or disrespectful. Therefore I have no problem with it."
Harry winked at the man and turned his attention back to Dumbledore. The man was sitting there deep in thought for a few moments before he came back to himself. He looked at Harry and smiled.
"After hearing your debate, I think you may be correct," he admitted. "It doesn't matter if he hears it or not. You have already told those that need to know how to stop him once and for all. So in a way, you are the one that has beaten him. If we base it off the prophecy, you don't have to kill him, but have given the means for it to be done to others. The Order of the Phoenix and I will work on a way of getting to Nagini so that we may stop him once and for all."
Harry pulled a scroll out of his pocket and called for the phoenix. When he arrived, Harry handed it to the bird and told him who it was for. With a flash of fire, the phoenix left to deliver the information to the Dark Lord.
"When did you write that letter?" asked Oliver. "I didn't see you do so."
"Last night after you went to sleep, I couldn't," said Harry. "So I got up and wrote that note just in case Professor Dumbledore agreed with us. It basically just says that I am willing to meet him in a neutral spot where he and I, along with you and Professor Dumbledore can talk face to face for a couple of minutes and let the prophecy get relayed. If I had to wager a guess, he will be apparating right outside the gates within a few moments."
"Then let us go and meet with him," said Albus standing up. "The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can tend to the other issues that you were interested in discussing with us."
The quintet headed to the gates of the castle. As Harry predicted, the Dark Lord was standing there with Bellatrix and Rabastan.
"No wands," said Harry looking at Bella with unease. "We are here to discuss the information that you want so badly. From there, I am going to conclude my business here at Hogwarts and then I am going to return to my new home."
Minerva picked up a rock and transfigured it into a table and chairs. Everyone looked suspiciously at one another before Harry took it upon himself to sit and pull Oliver down along with him. Minerva sat on the other side of him and the trio waited for everyone to get them selves situated.
"There are three separate parties here," said Harry indication each party in turn. "We are here for a specific reason."
From there, Harry launched into the prophecy and told the Dark Lord what it said word for word. Voldemort eyed the young man sitting next to his soul bonded and nodded his head.
"Why would you tell me this now?" he asked Harry. "What is it that you want? We are already dealing with your disgusting muggle relatives for you."
"I don't want anything," said Harry shrugging his shoulders. "As far as those three pathetic excuses for humans, I didn't ask for anyone to take care of them. I was fine with them being homeless and jobless. If you have them and are doing whatever it is you do with them, then that is on you. When this is done, I am going to conclude my business here and then I am going home."
"So you ARE intent on staying out of the war," breathed Bellatrix. "So what are you doing here and in this castle?"
"I own it," said Harry dismissively. "I am still responsible for it. Therefore, I came to talk with the current Headmaster about school related subjects and how we can help future generations of witches and wizards. Other business between me and Dumbledore has already been concluded."
"He lies," hissed Bella pulling out her wand.
Harry, Dumbledore, Minerva, Severus, and Oliver all had their wands trained on her. Oddly enough, so did Voldemort.
"Do you think me so inept that I can't tell when someone is lying to me Bella?" asked the Dark Lord in fury. "He speaks the truth. Do not forget we ARE talking to Harry Potter. I have already stated that he is not to be harmed and here you are pulling your wand on him. When we get back to headquarters, you will be punished for your mistake. NOW SIT DOWN AND DO NOT SPEAK AGAIN."
Bellatrix took on look at the anger on everyone's faces and sat down. Voldemort turned to Harry.
"I do apologize for my subordinate's behavior," he said formerly. "You have my word as a Slytherin that it will not happen again. Shall we continue with the discussion? I do have other business that I must attend to."
"I have asked Ragnok to release half of the Slytherin vaults back to you," said Harry taking charge. "As I am the Head of House of the Slytherin family, and you are the last remaining blood relative, I felt that even though I have the vaults due to Right of Conquest, that I can't in good faith keep all of that money. Therefore, I have had the goblins open a vault for you under the name Lord Voldemort and your portion of the gold has been added to it. I'm sure that you can write to them to get your key."
Voldemort and the others were all staring at Harry in shock. Even in the worst of times, Harry was the most generous soul around.
"As for Bella and the two Lestranges, I'm afraid they are shit out of luck," said Harry shrugging. "I am now in control of their vaults as well as the Malfoy vaults. I have annulled her marriage to Rudolphus and have dismissed her from her family tree. Family doesn't kill family no matter who they work for. As for the Malfoy vaults, they were awarded to me when Lucius attacked me in my second year and failed, as well as, the fiasco in the Department of Mysteries. Draco lost the right to claim the vaults when he challenged me to a duel in our first year and never showed up. He also lost to me in a duel in second year and then again in fifth year. Your Horcrux was discovered in the Lestrange vault by people going through it looking for Dark Artifacts. It has summarily been destroyed. So was the one that was in my scar. It wasn't fair to me to have a piece of you in my head."
Voldemort nodded his head at this bit of information. He knew about it already, but he was interested in hearing it from the lips of the one that had won so many of the vaults. To also hear about the destruction of his Horcruxes caught him slightly off guard. It was not Potter's fault about the Cup nor could he blame the teen for getting the one out of his head.
"My war with you is over," said Harry emphatically. "I don't care who wants what anymore. My name is Lord Harry James Potter –Black, and I am my own person."
"Very well Lord Potter-Black," said Voldemort courteously. "Now that we have what we came for, I will take my leave. Good luck in your future and if we ever cross paths again, I hope that it is just because we are shopping in the same area for supplies."
With that, the trio turned on the spot and apparated away from Hogwarts. When they were gone, Harry and his group all stood. Minerva banished the table and they went back inside the castle. Harry led them down to the Chamber of Secrets and opened it. Before they entered, Harry sent a patronus to Gringotts.
"The Goblins will be here shortly," said Harry. "Minerva will you wait for them and bring them down here?"
"Of course Harry," she said before she headed back out.
Albus and Severus were in awe of the place. Harry stepped up to the opening and slid down the pipe. From there, Oliver joined him. It was not long before Harry was leading them to the next door while leaving markers for Minerva and the goblins to follow to join them.
"As you have to be a Parselmouth to open the doors," said Harry. "I am afraid that you will have to wait until I visit again if you ever want to come back down here."
Albus and Severus nodded their heads. Twenty minutes later, the group could here the goblins and Minerva coming through the tunnels to where they were. After a discussion, the goblins went to work with Severus on the basilisk while Harry, Albus, Minerva, and Oliver started to explore the place.
"When I was down here the last time, I didn't have much time to actually explore the place," explained Harry. "I was kind of preoccupied with not getting eaten by the snake."
"I can't believe that you beat that thing with only the Sword," said Albus impressed at the feat. "That is truly remarkable that a twelve year old accomplished something that a full grown wizard would not have been able to do."
"I was very lucky," said Harry. "Fawkes flew in at the right time. Shall we explore and see if Salazar had any hiding spots?"
With that the quartet began looking around. They found a small library, but the books were written in parseltongue. Harry quickly created a chest for them, and with a fluid wave of her wand, Minerva transported them to the castle on Godric's Island.
"I promise to share the information that is in those books," said Harry. "From what I saw from the first few pages, they were potions recipes and his personal journal of sorts."
"Take your time," said Albus. "I am sure that you will be able to learn much from those books. What are your plans for your island?"
"We are currently fighting dinosaurs," said Oliver sighing. "They are everywhere. Right now we have Pomona and Neville working in the greenhouses. We were finally able to get rid of the occupants of the castle so that those of us that are supposed to be there can sleep at night without worrying that we will be killed in our sleep."
"We have the goblins, along with Hermione and Filius working on the area between the castle and the outer wall," said Minerva. "Now that we have the castle cleared of creatures, Fluffy and Grawp can live outside as it is bigger and more spacious for them. We will also build a hut for Hagrid so that he can stay outside as well."
"Dinosaurs," stated Albus thoughtfully. "It seems that all eras are represented on the island. How are you planning on cohabitating with them?"
"For now, we are more concerned with getting them away from the castle," replied Harry. "Our first priority is to get them on the outside of the defensive wall. From there, we will not deal with them except in self defense. The island is plenty big enough to let them roam free without worrying too much about what is going on. Apparently the island is out of sync with the rest of the world. From the shore where we arrived, it doesn't appear to be that large of an island, but the place is huge. It is many miles around in diameter."
"That sounds like something Godric would use to set up his stronghold," said Dumbledore filing the information away. "It wouldn't surprise me that he has all sort of magical creatures on the island as well."
"Shall we head back up?" asked Harry. "There is little that I need to be here for anymore. I will help you power the wards, and then I would like to head home. I am sure that Severus and the goblins will shut the doors and such on their way out or I can ask the castle to do it once the last person has vacated the space."
Albus led Harry to the area where the ward stones were. Together Headmaster and owner powered the wards to full capacity. When they were done, both were winded, but pleased with the outcome. Harry called for Fawkes and they disappeared in a flash of fire. Albus smiled smugly as he had placed a tracking charm on Harry and Minerva that would allow him to apparate directly to the island.
The trio flashed to the bank of the lake. Minerva and Oliver were confused about why they didn't go directly home.
"He placed trackers on us," said Harry taking the ward off of his self and placing it on the boulder by the lake. "I didn't trust him as much as he thinks I did. He is not about ready to give up the prize. When he tries to apparate, he will end up right here."
"Some people just never learn do they?" asked Minerva as she canceled the charm upon her person as well. "He will be in for a large disappointment when he learns that he still can't access the island."
"Shall we go home now?" asked Harry. "The goblins will make sure that we get our share of the basilisk ingredients and such that we are entitled to. They will also make sure that Dumbledore can't get back down there. I set it up long before I decided to go back there."
Laughing, the trio allowed Fawkes to bring them back to the island.
Hermione and Filius were having a pleasant afternoon. They managed to clear up a few areas of broken wall around the perimeter of the castle. They also managed, with the help of Hagrid, Grawp, and Fluffy to clear out a nest of triceratops that were living in the trees.
"These dinosaurs only eat plants," assured Hermione. "However, they do attract the larger meat eating dinosaurs. So it is best that they go outside of our defensive wall. It's no wonder the wall is so high. We should just be thankful that the goblins love Harry so much as they are warding the walls for us personally so that they can not be breached again."
"He is family," said Griphook firmly. "Family helps out each other. I wouldn't be surprised if some of us move to the island to be with him. It is not like he doesn't have the room. That area behind the castle would make a great spot for us to build our dens and such. The stone that we excavate for our homes can be used to build a cave for Grawp."
"Grawp help," said the giant smiling. "Grawp help Hermy and Hagger."
"You are doing a brilliant job of it too," said Harry coming up to the group. "I am glad that you are here Grawp. We will get you a good place to live as soon as we can."
Grawp clapped in happiness and then went about his job of throwing anything living out of the safety perimeter of the wall. Harry laughed at his enthusiasm.
"So how far have we gotten?" asked Harry pulling out his wand to help. "Where are we leaving off for today?"
"We will have it done soon enough," said Griphook. "The outside of the castle is pretty devoid for the most part. The hardest part of it will be to clear out the underbrush. Miss Granger is doing a spectacular job of that. She is skilled with her wand."
Hermione blushed at the praise as Harry and company continued to work on the land. Later that evening, everyone met together to eat dinner.
"Now that we have all of the rooms set up, we just have to move in and get started living," said Narcissa. "We can always work our way down to the dock at our leisure. There is no big hurry to get all of the outer buildings cleaned out. As they are so few, I am not even sure what we would do with them anyway."
"Guest houses," suggested Emma. "The goblins are talking about going back and forth. Once we have them cleared out, we can let the goblins use them for whatever purposes they want. The walls that surround the castle proper also go all the way down to the water. Hagrid said that he saw gates periodically along the walls for entrance and exit to the non animal living areas. "
"That's a great idea," said Harry. "We can tell Ragnok when he gets back. For now, I am going to think about how to get a hut built for Hagrid and a large enough cave for Grawp."
"You are in luck Harry," said Griphook. "We found a nice sized cave in the back of the castle. We can always build a hut for Hagrid not far from it. It is at the rear entrance of the castle, but that shouldn't be that big of an issue. You would have the safety of knowing that no one will risk trying to enter the castle through that door."
"Perfect," said Harry with a laugh. "I noticed something unusual on the walls of the outer perimeter. It is like there are sections that are made for people to stay in and live in the wall."
"I noticed that as well," said Griphook while some of the goblins nodded in agreement. "I also noticed a cluster of houses not far from the wall on the outside. With your permission, we can move a family or two of goblins into those living spaces. This way, you have us as representatives as well as added protection."
"We can provide enough food to feed everyone while at the same time making sure that no one needs anything," added Harry in agreement. "I like the sound of that. Are the elves moving my stuff from my vaults to the castle?"
"They are," confirmed Narcissa. "For the time being, I have them putting everything neatly into the rooms on the first floor that we are not using yet. Once we have everything spread out and put into place, I am sure that we will have everything here that we will need to live comfortably."
"What all is being brought over?" asked Harry curiously. "I would imagine that the goblins will want me to leave any money in the vaults of Gringotts. I am sure that there are plenty of books there as well."
"There are paintings, rugs, furniture, books, tapestries, bolts of cloth, weapons, and many various other items," said Draco producing a list for him. "We have fifty elves going back and forth from the bank bringing stuff in. When we have a room full, we start talking about where we want it all. So far, they have the library nicely set up and filling. I found a good room to place all weapons and such. So I took the liberty of having them set that room up as well."
"Thanks Draco," said Harry with a smile. "That's perfect. I would assume that things like dishes and silverware are here in the dining room and kitchen and such?"
"Yes," said Narcissa. "We have been fortunate enough to not have to buy anything so far other than food. Some of the furniture has been placed in key rooms as well so that we have some format of living set up. Most of the furniture from Malfoy Manor is here and I know for a fact that we have lots of bedroom furnishings. So I would give a guess that all of our bedrooms are set up by now."
"We turned one room of the top floor into a room that will house all of the jewelry and such," said Luna. "While I know the money will stay in the bank, I figured for Christmas and other holidays, we could use the jewelry when we get dressed up for them or for when we go out to the surrounding lands we can look nice while doing so."
"It's all my jewelry?" asked an astonished Harry. "Are we really talking about jewelry that I solely own?
"Yes it is and yes we are," smiled Narcissa. "Not to worry, we all know where it came from and what drawer it has to go back in when it's not in use. I worked on that room personally. You should check it out when you have time. Everything is labeled with a number and what it is. There is a book on the center set of drawers that will tell you what number and what piece it is. There is jewelry for both genders in it. Some personal pieces will of course not go in there, but we all donated jewelry to place in the jewelry room. Mine and Draco's jewelry are in there as well. The heir and heir apparent rings are not in there as we don't know who you want to have what. They are in your personal suite that Dobby will show you later."
"I don't care if you use it," assured Harry to everyone. "I just didn't think that I had that much of it."
Narcissa laughed gaily at Harry for that. He shrugged sheepishly before turning to Pomona.
"How goes it with the greenhouses?" he asked. "Have you and Neville figured out what you want to do with them yet?"
"Oh goodness yes," she said with a laugh. "We will have them done by the end of the week. That way we can stop taking the elves away from Hogwarts, not that they mind."
"We need one room set up like a miniature classroom," declared Harry. "I want to finish my education and I think it is time that we get to work soon. As I am sure the professors will all be glad there is so few of us, we can break it down easier."
"I will work out the details and have a schedule for the six of you," said Minerva. "I can teach you Transfiguration and History of Magic."
"I can teach you potions and etiquette," said Narcissa. "I have a small degree in potions so I can get you through your NEWTS. It is always good to learn etiquette."
"I can teach you Charms and Ancient Runes," said Filius. "It is always a good thing to have as many types of lessons as possible."
"I will teach COMC and DADA," said Remus. "It will be a delight to teach you again Harry. You have made much headway in your lessons already."
"I will teach Herbology and Arithmancy," said Pomona. "I got an O on my NEWT in Arithmancy."
"Two lessons a day," said Harry. "Independent study in our free time as well as independent study for Astrology and Divination should we choose to continue with those subjects."
"I like the sound of this schedule," said Hermione. "It is far easier and much better."
"Dan and I feel like we are rather useless," said Emma. "We don't know what we can do to help."
"Physical training and muggle studies for Draco, Seamus, Luna, and Neville," said Harry pointing at them. "You two are physically fit enough to drop a horse from exhaustion. You can help us for an hour each morning and afternoon with physical conditioning of our bodies. A side study for those four in Muggle relations would be right up the alley for needed information. While Hermione and I are learning Wizarding etiquette from Narcissa, these four can learn muggle etiquette from you guys."
"That is a wonderful idea," exclaimed Poppy. "There is no reason why I can't get involved in this and teach you all healing. Harry Potter does live here after all."
Everyone roared with laughter at that statement. Harry noticed that Hagrid looked a little left out.
"Hagrid," said Harry looking at him. "Would you and Grawp like to do foraging parties and see what kind of magical animals are on this island? I am sure they have to have some kind of magical life here. This island is huge and I can't see that there wouldn't be unicorns and other animals like that here. We can even go back to Hogwarts and let you bring back some of your friends and such."
"Thanks Harry," said Hagrid looking relieved. "I would like ter do that fer ye. It will be like me old job as games keeper. I can help Remus with yer lessons and stuff."
"We will pay you Hagrid," stated Harry worriedly. "We don't want to exclude you from any of this."
"Aye Harry," said Hagrid. "I know yer aren't. Yer will help me with what I need so I aint worried. You are a good person."
"I take it you picked out everyone's rooms for them?" Harry asked Dobby.
"Dobby did Harry," said the excited elf. "Dobby placed name plates on the doors so that you know which be your room."
"Brilliant," laughed Harry. "I think I am going to visit the library for something to read. I am sure that Minerva and the rest will have our assignments for us soon enough."
"We will," said Minerva with a laugh on her face. "You can bet that now that we know how well you can do that we will not take it easy on you either Potter."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," promised Harry standing. "How about we take a stroll just outside the wall and see what is going on? I feel the need to be outside for a bit."
"How romantic," Oliver stated getting up. "I like the sound of that."
One by one the party rose and made their way to the entrance of the castle and from there, to the gates of the outer wall.
AUTHOR'S NOTE – I am going to slow down on updates for this story for a bit. I know what I want to do with the story. I just have to get some of the other stories out of the way so that I don't get mixed up.
