A/N Weddings are supposed to be a time of joy. So Harry is trying to relax. Can that EVER happen for Harry Potter?
Chapter 10
The next morning he went to visit the Weasleys. He was only halfway up to the door when a red blur came and tackled him. Ginny acted like she hadn't seen him in months. "Miss me much?" he asked. "You have no idea." She replied with a mischievous grin. As they walked in Harry prepared for the traditional hug from Molly that would crack ribs, but for once it didn't happen. Instead he saw the results of possibly the greatest prank pulled in the Weasley clan. Molly and Winky were both trying to cook and clean the Burrow while Molly prepared for the wedding.
Instead of just letting the elf do the cooking, or the cleaning (or both under the circumstances) Molly was following Winky every step and often overriding the elf. Both were going insane. At this particular moment the battle was over the soup, Molly was telling Winky she added too much onion and Winky was telling her she put in the exactly what the recipe called for. "Mum's been helping so much, they probably both put in the onion the recipe called for." Ginny whispered. Harry laughed out loud which brought Molly's attention to him.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Molly was actually yelling at him. "This is your fault!" Harry wasn't sure if he should run for his life or laugh at the irony. "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley. I thought with all the wedding preparation you could use the help. Winky could take care of the normal cooking and cleaning while you focused on the wedding." Harry gave her a look like he had failed her and was ashamed. Ginny leaned in and whispered "Smooth Potter, very smooth." The ploy worked. Molly immediately felt ashamed of herself and wrapped up Harry in one of her hugs. "That was very thoughtful dear. I shouldn't have yelled at you for trying to help. It's just the stress I suppose."
Ron and Hermione walked in. "We thought we heard you." Hermione said to Harry, then gave him a hug. Ron followed in the same fashion. They went to the sitting room and chatted for a while until Mrs. Weasley broke it up. "I'm sorry kids, but we still have a few chores to be done to get ready for our guests." They groaned at the thought but Harry put his plan into action.
"Actually Mrs. Weasley, that's part of why I came over today. It seems I have a small team of elves now." Hermione was glaring at him at that revelation. "If you sit down and map out exactly how you want the house set up, I can have the elves take care of it all. You can oversee everything, and everyone can stay at my place until you're done. That way there is nobody in your way. Then, once the Delacours arrive, you can use my place for extra guests, or you guys can stay with me and the extra guests can stay here. On the night before the wedding, all the men can stay at my place and you ladies can have the Burrow all to yourselves."
Molly was thinking over Harry's offer. It did make sense. It would give her a chance to make everything perfect for Bill's wedding. Ron and Ginny were already looking very hopeful she would accept. Hermione was put out that they would overwork the elves. Molly looked like she might decline so Harry added the trump card. "Really Mrs. Weasley, I now have three elves and nowhere near enough work to keep them busy. You'd actually be doing me a favor by giving them something to do." He looked at her with his best puppy-dog face. That broke Molly. "Alright harry. I accept your offer. But I don't think we should impose upon you like that the night before the wedding." Ginny shot up at that. "Mum are you mental? We only have the one bathroom! Using Harry's house would get rid of all the gits and let us have time to get ready for the ceremony!" Ginny was almost shouting but the fact was she was right. Molly had to accept Harry's offer in full. She then left the kids to their own devices.
At lunch Harry noticed that Molly had taken his plan to heart. Winky was doing all the cooking and Molly was busy making wedding plans. Dobby was busy cleaning, though he had issues with the resident ghoul. Harry told Molly if she finished the plan by tonight, he would have everyone come over for dessert and go over the plan with the elves. He asked if anyone had seen Remus or Tonks lately to which most of them snickered.
"Am I missing something?" Harry asked. Hermione answered him. "Remus and Tonks went on their honeymoon. They waited until you agreed to visit again before they left. They'll be back in time to meet the Delecours." Harry was surprised but happy.
The next morning he got a floo call from Molly and she and Ron & Ginny came over. Each had a trunk with them and Harry told them to pick a room. The elves were assembled and Harry and Molly went over the plan with them. The Delacours would get Bill's room, Fleur and would have Charlie's. Hermione would use Percy's old room. Charlie and Bill in the twins' room, Ron (and Harry) in his own and Ginny would share with Gabrielle.
It was Monday, days before the wedding and everyone was moving back to the Burrow. Harry still expected refugees from the wedding madness at his house as the day drew closer. Tonks and Remus had returned and Harry spoke with them about the book. There was little that could be done. There were no real laws for libel in the wizarding world. It's why so much in the Prophet wasn't accurate. 'One more thing I have to fix.' Harry thought.
Everyone marveled when the saw the Burrow for the first time. The elves had outdone themselves. The beds were as good as, if not better than those at Hogwarts and the house was absolutely spotless.
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Monsieur Delacour arrived with his wife Appoline and daughter Gabrielle by port key the next day. Fleur was ecstatic upon seeing them. Molly was pleasantly talking with Fleur's father so she barely noticed the effect Appoline was having on Arthur due to her being half-Veela. Gabrielle looked as if she were closer to Ginny in age than the eleven year old she was.
As the introductions proceeded Harry realized he was going to be happy to return to Grimmauld Place that evening. The Delacours already knew of Harry due to their daughters. Appoline was hoping to convince Harry to take Gabrielle as a bride. Gabrielle was quite happy to see Harry once again. Ginny was very irritated by the looks Gabrielle had been giving him. The fact that this wasn't the Harry she had known actually made her look at him even closer. He was all that their Harry was, with an edge that told everyone that he was the alpha. She had gotten past the crush, but this was a new Harry and even more desirable that before. Judging by the looks she was giving him, Hermione had realized the same thing.
That night Molly looked quite distressed. Harry knew it was because she had just remembered his birthday and let it go. He had something planned. Harry called all the Weasley men together. "Tomorrow morning, half past eight, you are all to be ready to join me for a few hours. Wear light clothing because we will be outside. Anyone not ready gets stuck here helping the women-folk all morning. Don't worry Mrs. Weasley, I'll have them back in time for the rehearsal, and I'm loaning you Winky for the day. I just want to have a little fun on my birthday." Harry had Dobby find a quiet muggle golf course that was out of the way. He figured that Mr. Weasley would enjoy the muggle game the most of all of them and Voldemort would not look for him on a muggle golf course.
At quarter after eight the next morning, Harry came through the floo dressed in khaki shorts, a polo shirt and trainers. All the guys were ready but not dressed anything like Harry so he quickly transfigured their clothes to match his. At half past eight the men port keyed to a golf course. The course was not pristine but was in good shape. Better still was that it was a smaller and older course, and it didn't draw many players anymore so Harry was able to rent it for the morning without disrupting anyone. The course was well paid for the time and made more money that day than they had all month. Harry had them all rent clubs and each bought a glove and visor to commemorate the day.
They changed their shoes into golf shoes and that was the last Magic they were allowed for eighteen holes. It turned out, Ron was actually good at golf, but he was the only one. The twins of course found great delight is causing each man to fall in water hazards, until the rest ganged up and threw them both in. They drank some muggle beers and Dobby took plenty of pictures, while the entire group had an enjoyable morning. When they returned to the clubhouse Harry pulled Charlie aside to see if there was anything he needed to do for Bill's stag party. Charlie assured him everything was all set.
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When the men returned to the Burrow they were feeling quite happy and the party continued since the ladies had prepared a birthday celebration for Harry. They did a rehearsal for the wedding first then proceeded with Harry's party. Harry took a moment to have some fun with Remus and Tonks. "I just realized something" Harry said. Tonks here is a daughter of the House of Black. Did you get the head of house's permission to marry her? I would swear I would remember if I gave permission for someone to marry into my house." The look on their faces was priceless, especially when the Delecours berated Remus since they were not aware of the people involved.
Tonks tried to defend her husband. "Mum was disowned when she married Dad. I'm not of the Blacks anymore Harry." Harry realized nobody had informed her of the stipulations in the will. "Nymphadora, in Sirius' will, he reinstated you and your mum into the Black Family. Didn't anyone tell you?" She shook her head, the confusion preventing her from getting angry at her full name. "Um, your mother was not only reinstated, but was given twenty-thousand galleons as a belated wedding gift. I guess that means you don't know about the trust set aside for you either."
Tonks went wide-eyed and again indicated her ignorance. "Sirius set you up with a trust fund of ten-thousand galleons to be collected on your thirtieth birthday or when you got married. If the marriage is all legal, you might want to visit Gringotts and collect." They both began looking between Harry and Bill, who was nodding that it was all true, in shock. It took Remus to remove Tonks from the hug she wrapped Harry in, only to wrap Harry in a hug of his own.
Everyone ate and laughed. They all reviewed the pictures of the morning especially the one Dobby took of the twins which followed from release to entering the water. Mrs. Weasley brought out a cake that looked like a giant snitch and everyone joined in a round of Happy Birthday Harry. Harry received presents but only cared about the fact that he felt like he had a family around him. That's when the wards flashed. Remus and Tonks apologized but left in a hurry and a moment later Harry saw why. Minister Scrimgeor had arrived. He greeted Mr. Weasley and acted surprised when he saw Hermione and Harry were also there.
"Well this is quite fortunate. I came to see young Ronald but since Ms. Granger and Lord Potter are here I have saved myself a few trips." The minister exclaimed. "Would you mind joining me privately Lord Potter?" Harry shook his head. "Everyone here is family to me. If you would speak to me, then you can speak in front of them." Ron and Hermione stood with Harry and nodded to the same. The minister was not pleased but accepted the stand and began his business. "Very well. I am here regarding the will of Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore."
Harry questioned why it had taken so long to get to it. Hermione informed him that the ministry only has sixty days to contest bequeaths or it must follow out the order. Their time was up so he had no choice. The minister was not happy to see Hermione understood the laws as well as she did but continued.
Ron was given Dumbledore's deluminator. The minister tried to interrogate him over the item and why he received it but got nothing. Hermione received ancient copy of Tales of the Beedle and the Bard. The minister thought about questioning Hermione as he did Ron but decided against it. Finally was Harry. Dumbledore had left him the snitch from Harry's first quidditch match. Harry took off his glove and took the golden orb. It's wings began to flutter but nothing else. The minister was expecting more and was dejected at the sight. "Is there anything else Minister Scrimgeor?" Harry asked, knowing damned well there was.
"Well he also left you the Sword of Gryffindor, but that wasn't really his to give so…" Hermione cut him off "The sword chose Harry in his second year. He left it with Dumbledore but it chose him so it is his!"
"The sword may present itself to any worthy Gryffindor Ms. Granger. It is also a national treasure, therefore it will reside in the ministry." The minister said with all the authority of his office.
Harry was not as easily dismissed. "Actually minister, you've proven to be ignorant as well as arrogant. Look closely at my rings. You'll notice that I am the current lord of the House of Potter. That makes me the last descendant of Gryffindor. The goblins have already validated that claim. The Sword is mine and you have no right to keep it from me. Now where is my sword?" Several people gasped at Harry. He had not revealed to anyone he was Lord of Gryffindor as well.
The shock of that, plus the commanding tone he used with the minister was frightening to all. The minister was trying to find the words to explain. "B-be that as it may, I cannot give you the sword at this time." Harry asked why not and the minister balked. Hermione realized why. "They don't know where it is Harry! Dumbledore hid it and they can't find it." Scrimgeor said nothing but was scanning the trio. Harry put the snitch in his pocket before he spoke. "I assume that once my sword is found it will be returned to me right minister?" Scrimgeor didn't like to be pushed. Even less so by a boy, and his temper flared. He stood and reminded Harry who he was and that Harry was just a boy.
Harry would have none of it and stood face to face with Scrimgeor then heard Hermione and Ginny both scream for him to stop. "Realize that you're not talking to just anyone boy? That Dumbledore isn't here to protect you? That I am the Minister for Magic and I can have you thrown in Azkaban with a snap of my fingers." Scrimgeor was poking Harry in the chest as he spoke. Harry held his ground and pushed back.
"No, You have attacked the lord of five houses in front of over a dozen witnesses and your power as minister would be worthless if I challenged you right now. I don't need money. I don't need a job at the ministry. I hold four seats on the Wizengamot and have several more votes that will side with me. How much pull do you think Lady Longbottom has? I know because the next Lord Longbottom, Neville, is a friend of mine. You don't have my respect Minister, and you won't have my support as long as innocent people like Stan Shunpike are in jail and criminals like Snape and Malfoy are still on the loose."
Harry was pushing Scrimgeor back as he spoke and his last sentence was punctuated with a shove. Scrimgeor looked around before he spoke. "You have much to learn Lord Potter. I hope you live long enough to regret your mistakes." Then he left.
Harry calmed down and returned to the group. "Well now that was entertaining wasn't it?" Monsieur Delacour was the first to laugh and the tension broke as the all followed suit. The party wound down around seven but the night was not over. Harry called all of his elves together. "Dobby you and Kreature take the men's things to Grimmauld Place. You two prepare everything for our arrival tonight and make sure we are ready for the wedding tomorrow."
They bowed to Harry and went about their task. "Winky, I need you to help the ladies tonight and tomorrow morning. Don't overdo it though. Make sure you get proper rest." Winky curtsied and went to Mrs. Weasley for instructions As soon as they were together each guy grabbed Bill and dragged him away for his stag night with Charlie leading the pack. Arthur and Monsieur Delacour decided to hide in the shed for a while and avoid the insanity for the evening.
The next morning proved that harry's offer was possibly the greatest gift ever. The Burrow only had one bathroom and there were a half dozen women getting ready for a wedding. Thelack of males fighting for the loo as well, restored a semblance of sanity.
At Grimmauld Place it was a different morning. Kreature had prepared hangover potions for them while Dobby made breakfast. The elves did their best to motivate the men into getting ready for the wedding. Harry was the first up and had a great idea on how to wake everyone. He called the elves together. In moments several buckets of ice water hovered over each man and all at once dumped. There was a collective roar as they were rudely awakened but as they went looking to kill Harry they found him in the dining room behind a wall of almost a dozen elves. "You can either try to get me for the ice water, or you can get some breakfast. I would recommend breakfast." Harry told them cheekily. Before they left Harry told the elves to clean up the house and take the rest of the day off.
Harry still thought, and they all agreed, that he should disguise himself. It would keep the focus on the happy couple instead of the "Chosen one" for a while. Harry went with a few minor changes. Just enough to keep people from recognizing him. With lighter hair and his scar hidden behind some muggle make-up he went out to the ceremony. The wedding itself was beautiful. Harry helped the Weasleys seat the guests. Then found a seat for himself right after leading Victor Krum to a seat before Ron did something stupid. After the ceremony was done and the reception began, Harry found an empty table and sat down. It was only a few minutes and Victor Krum joined him. They struck up a conversation. Krum was annoyed that he was not having his normal luck with the ladies.
Harry leaned over to Victor. "Victor, It's me Harry. Krum was in shock. Harry's disguise had fooled him. They talked a little longer before Krum spotted Xenophillius Lovegood and he became extremely angry. Luna's father was wearing an amulet that Krum explained was Grindlewald's mark. Harry assured the fellow seeker that Xenophillius did not support Grindlewald and that it was likely that he believed the amulet was for snorkacks or wrackspurts. Krum excused himself when he saw a friend of Fleur's and went to try for her. It wasn't long before Harry found himself at the table with Eliphias Dodge.
Harry took a chance and introduced himself. Elephias was insistent that Harry not believe Rita Skeeter and her slander of the headmaster. Harry had no intentions of believing that parasite. He knew the truth now. It was during their conversation that Aunt Muriel joined them. She was very much on Rita's side and began a debate over the accuracy of Skeeter's upcoming book. She was pure venom. She didn't care who was hurt anymore than Skeeter did. Eliphias was holding his own until Muriel brought up the funeral of Arianna Dumbledore and the fight between her brothers Albus and Aberforth.
Eliphias was trying to recover the argument citing Bagshot's poor mental status when Harry interjected. "You can't really believe Rita Skeeter. When the truth isn't sensational enough, she makes up the story and throws out fact." Muriel took the challenge. "And how would you know young man? You're barely out of school." Harry smiled.
"Just look at how many times she has ignored the facts when she wrote about Harry Potter." Muriel heard this and began to discredit Harry and went so far as to chastise him for not being at the wedding even though he was best friends with Ronald.. Harry was about to respond when Muriel looked to her and commented that Ginny's dress was cut to low and she was showing too much. That was enough for Harry. He dropped the disguise and rounded on Muriel. He was calm and he kept his voice low, but his tone and the energy coming off of him set her in her place.
"You may believe that lying slag Skeeter. That's your choice. You can side against me. It's stupid and will likely get you killed but you're old enough that maybe you don't care anymore and are ready to move on. But you will not spew any of your self-righteous venom around me." Harry stood tall now.
If you had a tenth of Ginny's courage and determination you might be respectable. As it stands you're just another pureblood who thinks she's above everyone else. Your money doesn't make you anything more than a bully and I have more money than you will ever see. How many Death-Eaters have you faced? How many Basilisks have you killed? How many dark lords have you beaten? Ginevra has battled the death-Eaters and won. She faced Voldemort and survived. What have you done? Even young Luna Lovegood is worth more than ten of you. Self-centered old prune"
Harry turned away from a stunned Muriel and a smiling Elephias, nodding to the latter, and walked confidently to Ginny. She was next to Fleur. Harry hugged Bill, and gave Fleur a kiss on the cheek, and turned to Ginny. "May I have this dance?" She followed him onto the dance floor. As they began to dance Harry noticed all eyes on him. He no longer cared. Ginny was confused. "Harry what happened?" she asked him. Harry smiled. "Well let's just say that you Great-Aunt Muriel is not likely to invite me to tea after today."