Rising Phoenix
by
Herman Tumbleweed
The author sat quietly in the afternoon breeze blowing mildly through the modest home. Fans and a television made soft noises in the background, as did someone picking out tunes on a guitar in the next room. He looked around suspiciously as he began to type a new chapter of his infamous story, and waited… he knew someone would show up; they had to. Each time he'd started the last eight chapters they had… surely they'd come this time… Finally he sighed, smiled a little smile and began to move the cursor down to begin the first of many succeeding paragraphs of his next chapter…
"What do you think you are doing," came a cold and sinister voice from behind him.
The author was startled so badly he nearly tipped over his really nice, ergonomic, all leather chair he'd recently bought himself for his birthday, the infamous double nickel one.
Turning, he beheld a rather unkempt man with long stringy, greasy black hair and a hooked nose, looking like… "Oh my God," he thought, "not that one…" "Tell me you aren't really the greasy git, now," he said politely since the man was holding a stick pointed at him.
The man answered with a sneer, "Some have called me that, and if I ever get my hands on Kinsfire, and Old Crow, and some of the other bds who write the same filth as you do… I can't promise they will live through the experience."
The author gulped… twice. "Uhm, er… what… what can I do for you Mr. Greasy Git?" he asked politely, but shakily.
"I want to know, you bloody fool, just when I can expect to have a role in this stupid story of yours."
The author relaxed somewhat, "Oh, not to worry. I have that set to be in this chapter, or maybe the next. Erm, I'm afraid it won't be a very big part just yet, but I do plan to have you play a much bigger role in the future. Is, uhm, that okay with you?"
"Yes, you slacker, I suppose that will have to do. Goddess knows I get absolutely no respect out of most of you fools. It's either that or they pair me up with some little bimbo like that pug-faced troll, or the know-it-all. Yuck. Couldn't they once, just once, put me with someone like Narcissa, or even…er, no, let's forget that. Even I'm not that depraved. Oh," he added, sounding rather despondent, "don't forget the other things. Gotta go now, I think…" and just like that he wasn't there.
The author scratched his head in continued bewilderment and started typing again:
Disclaimer: You know the drill, a very nice lady in Scotland owns this, yada, yada, yada. I'm doing this for fun and don't make any money, the Secret Service frowns on that.
A/N: Yes, I have ripped off plot points, characters, scenes, and all manner of other story elements from other authors to create this beast, er, I mean great story. Most of them know it and applaud my paltry efforts to PARODY them. Please don't accuse me of plagiarism, I didn't do it, and if I did the devil made me do it. Please note the word PARODY above. A great many people have completely missed the point that while I am trying to tell a good story here, there is also a large element of poking fun at some of the great fanfic authors I hold in high esteem. In other words a lot of the components of this story are meant to be odd and over the top because of the wee bit of PARODY I'm inserting. I feel that most fanfiction takes itself way too seriously. (But then I think the world takes itself way too seriously, so take my not so humble opinion for what it is worth.) Please, as you read this, keep in mind the word PARODY.
Chapter Eleven: The Very Secret Plots
(Previously at WWW: "I want to pull the ultimate prank and I need all of you to help. This is a brainstorming session of the highest priority," he then added in a stage whisper, "the fate of the Wizarding World could depend on the outcome." Then he smirked and further added, "Or at least the fate of the current Minister of Magic and his cronies.")
Dead silence met his pronouncement, except for a chuckling Hermione who naturally knew the topic of discussion. It took only seconds for Fred and George to catch the entire meaning of what Harry wanted, or at least to have a very good idea. The two master pranksters looked at one another, then jumped up and danced a quick jig around one another holding arms, hooting and hollering.
After a few moments of celebration during which Ron and Neville looked slightly confused, Ginny had a slowly dawning look of comprehension come over her face, and Luna looked positively feral. The twins plunked back in there seats and assumed looks of fawning hero worship as they gazed at Harry.
"What, dear partner and honorary brother…" started Fred,
"Did you have on your beady little brain…" George smirked,
"That would require the assistance…" Fred also smirked,
"Of the greatest pranking minds in history…" George buffed his nails,
"And our august and talented apprentices?" Fred finished, and waved a hand around the room.
Harry smirked, as well. "My dear friends, partners, and honorary siblings, I have a plan for how to get even with a certain Toad, harass a certain ex-Minister unmercifully, and cause the current Minister no end of frustration. In return for your assistance, you will all get the satisfaction of having front row seats, as it were, for the festivities, and to participate in a veritable bloodbath of mischievous Ministry mayhem. Anyone interested?"
The explosion of sound would have been heard all the way to Gringotts' vaults had George not cast silencing charms on the room before they began their "meeting". Everyone in the room was laughing raucously as they contemplated what could only be thought of as the prank of the millennium, and were voicing their desire to participate.
Harry held up a hand again and said, "Okay, I assume that means everyone is in?" He got nods all around, so he asked, "How long would it take for the eight of us to devise a strategy and sufficient pranking capability to accomplish our goals? Hermione and I have our own ideas, but we want your input as well."
The meeting went on through the lunch hour, finger foods being happily supplied by Dobby and Winky, and the group was still plotting when it came time to reopen the shop. They decided to continue over dinner at the Grangers. The twins determined that since it had been a really slow day anyway, they could close an hour early, at five instead of six, then all apparate to the Grangers in time to restart the plotting. They would all, at Harry's insistence, be going to the Order meeting that night anyway, so a working dinner with good friends – and fellow plotters - sounded like a lot of fun.
Harry and Hermione strode from Twin's shop, meeting up with Tonks and Remus, who'd taken the time to do a bit of their own shopping. As they all turned to meander over towards Elphias' office, Harry having thought of something he wanted to ask the wise Barrister, there was a disturbance further up towards the Leaky Cauldron end of the Alley. They didn't pay much mind to it since it was clearly not any kind of attack. However, just as they reached the office door and Remus entered, there was a shout and Harry turned to see Scrimgeour, Fudge, and Umbridge hurrying towards them.
Stopping in the door, Harry told Remus, "Quick, get Elphias out here, the Three Stoopids have arrived."
Remus grinned wolfishly and strode toward the inner office, nearly mowing down Miss Green who had started moving that way as soon as Harry spoke. He pulled up short to allow the secretary to inform her boss of what was going on, just hovering in the doorway. The old Barrister and his young solicitor partner both hurried out, following Remus to the street.
Harry turned and smiled at Tonks who moved to stand between her two young friends and the approaching Stoopids. Harry reminded himself and Hermione to hire her away from the Ministry, and perhaps one other Auror as well, for personal protection. He was sure he could provide a better salary, not to mention a great benefits package. In fact, they decided in a flash of talk between their minds, to speak with Tonks later about how many people they'd need for a permanent protection team, figuring in vacations and the like. They also decided to offer Remus a job in some capacity as well, leaving it until later to decide what his duties would be, exactly.
Just as the Three Stoopids arrived in all their huffing and puffing glory, Harry thought, "Wizard folk should really get more exercise", and Hermione giggled. It was only this morning they had discovered they could communicate even better this way when close to one another. Earlier in the day it had only been emotions and fairly simple thoughts, but now it was becoming strong enough to convey everything they wanted to, and they loved it.
She thought back to him, "Oh, I don't know, it is rather fun watching them try to keep up with those of us who do," and smirked broadly at him. They had definitely been exercising the past few nights and days.
Harry stifled a laugh, not wanting to give away their ability to the gathering crowd. As they paused a moment, awaiting the Minister to announce his intentions, Elphias and Quillian moved up to bracket the teens and Remus moved forward to stand next to Tonks. The positioning of people around the teens had the look of a prearranged grouping, even if it was not. Feeling a presence behind, Harry looked over his shoulder to see Miss Green, who he knew to be a very capable witch, standing in the doorway just behind them, with her wand held downward, but ready. He grinned at her.
The Three Stoopids seemed quite taken aback by the united front presented to them. They'd obviously expected to catch the teens with only a couple of minders, at most. Scrimgeour looked them all over a bit disdainfully. Fudge, as usual, appeared to be ready to bluster something inane. And Umbridge looked at Remus with loathing, and then eyed Tonks with not much more respect. It seemed she hated everyone who wasn't normal by her standards. It reminded Harry of a certain horse-faced aunt.
Just as the Minister puffed himself up to start speaking, Harry cut him off in a cry of sarcastic surprise, "Why Minister Scumbucket, disgraced ex-Minister Fudgepacker, and Undersuckatary Umbitch. How very unpleasant to see all of you this fine day. Now just what sort of dragon shit covered Ministry stupidity have you come to spout today? Let me guess, you have finally come to your senses, ceded the Ministry to someone with some common sense, let Stan Shunpike out of Azkaban, where we all know he doesn't belong, and have come to tell me you are all leaving the country and that I am free to go on with my life. Does that about cover it, Minister Scumbag?"
Despite the relatively small crowd that had gathered, the laughter echoed off the walls of the Alley quite resoundingly. Hermione was giggling next to him, and Harry could have sworn he heard both Doge and Quirrell snort a couple of times during his opening barrage. The normally very reserved Miss Green could be heard snickering behind them, as well.
The Three Stoopids just stood there for a moment with their mouths agape, the Minister flushing slightly. Fudge looked absolutely wounded, and for a change Umbridge was speechless and apparently had no flies to eat. The laughter slacked off, and Scrimgeour again looked ready to say something.
Hermione and he had a quick mind exchange and he said, "Oh, sorry, Minister I guess you couldn't have ceded the Ministry to someone with common sense, since everyone knows that anyone with any common sense would never go to work there in the first place."
The laughter nearly doubled in intensity this time. So Harry just stood there smirking at the Three Stoopids, and could see Hermione doing the same out of the corner of his eye. He wished he could see the looks on Remus and Tonks' faces, because they must be beetroot red by now, both their necks were. Their shoulders shook a few times each, and it was clear they were both barely holding in their laughter.
As the hilarity started to abate this time Elphias stepped forward to stand slightly ahead of Remus and Tonks, and addressed the three Ministry Officials. "Is there something my client and I can help you with, Minister?" He spoke formally, and politely, but there was no doubt the Three Stoopids were going to have to go through him to get to Harry.
All three Ministry officials seemed to take turns glowering at each member of Harry and Hermione's entourage, especially them, but it still took the Minister a moment to catch his breath. He was huffing, still, from charging down the alley, and apparently from being embarrassed by the pesky kid in front of him. Harry intended to keep the fool off-balance as much as possible, but he also knew that Doge was considerably better at it than he was, so he let the man work his magic. Harry noticed a squad of five MLES officers hurrying toward them from further up the alley and had to suppress a groan.
Seeming to at last get himself under control, the Minister reached into a breast pocket of his robes and pulled out an official looking parchment with the Ministry Seal on it. He slapped the parchment against Doge's chest and said forcefully and loudly, with a growl of an undertone, "This is an order from the Ministry making Harry James Potter a ward of the Minister of Magic until his seventeenth birthday." He looked smugly at Doge, then smugly gleeful at Harry.
Doge looked down at the order the minister was still holding and made no move to accept it. He said over his shoulder, "Miss Green, would you find the parchmentwork we filed with the Ministry yesterday concerning Mr. Potter. I believe you know where the copies are which we made for such things."
With a curt, "Yes, sir," Harry heard her do an about face and march back into the office. It was only moments later when she returned and handed a sheaf of parchment to Quillian. The solicitor stepped forward to stand next to his boss while he riffled through the stack until he found the one he was looking for, which he held out to Elphias.
Doge ignored his associate for a moment, as he finally took the parchment from Scrimgeour and held it gingerly, like it was dirty and contaminated. He opened it, scanning the contents briefly. "I see," he said in the general direction of the Minister. "Hmm, he continued, "I see lots of official looking verbiage in here, but this," he slapped the parchment back against the Minister's chest, whose hand seemed to clutch it automatically, "I'm afraid, Minister, is superseded by other documents filed yesterday, and not to mention quite illegal." He took the parchment from Quirrell, but just held it at his side for the moment.
"You see, Minister, that piece of scrap parchment you hold in your hand is worthless. It violates several different statutes of wizarding law, not the least of which is British Wizarding General Statute eighteen-eighty-six, dash 43; section eight, subsection one, which states, quote: Any and all questions of underage guardianship shall be adjudicated by the Department of Children's' Welfare, and their determination shall be final, except as countermanded by a full vote of the Wizengamot in regular session, In no case is the Minister allowed to intervene in any case of child welfare, unquote. A bit later on it states: All children over the age of six, and in some cases even younger, shall be given the opportunity to appear before the adjudicator and voice his or her desire as to custodian. Such may also be done in writing if said child is at least age twelve… etcetera, etcetera."
Doge went on, in a lecturing voice, "This department was specifically mandated into existence by the Wizengamot after the Minister of the time, and several previous to him, were castigated for taking bribes from wealthy families to get rid of children they did not want, or to gain influence over children for nefarious purposes. If you look closely at your organisational chart, Minister, you will notice that the Department of Children's Welfare reports directly to the Wizengamot, and another part of that statute makes it a criminal offence for anyone, the Minister included, to attempt to circumvent that law. Furthermore, it clearly states a Regular Session of the Wizengamot so a special session cannot be called by the Minister in an attempt to override the department."
"In addition to that, several checks and balances have been provided for in the law which are strictly adhered to by that department and other involved agencies, including your own DMLE, and the Wizengamot's investigative arm. Those sections provide for investigation into any attempts at wrong doing. Now Minister, what were you saying about that piece of privy wipe you hold in your hand?"
"Oh," he added as an apparent afterthought, "I just thought you'd like to have a copy of an official Department of Children's Welfare mandate, for future reference of course. This one, it just so happens, places Harry James Potter into the custody of the Muggle parents of his fiancé, Dr. Keith Granger, and Dr. Dorothy Granger of Crawley."
Scrimgeour, Harry thought, looked a bit shell shocked. He obviously did not recall having been ripped to shreds by Doge in the previous alternate reality. Fudge looked a bit green around the gills, as did Umbridge who apparently had swallowed a bad batch of flies again. Harry and Hermione were gleefully trading happy thoughts and they both had extremely happy, though slightly devilish, smiles.
Scrimgeour nodded imperiously at Doge, grabbed the parchment out of the Barrister's hand, ignoring Harry this time, and did an about face. Unfortunately his toadies were standing so closely behind him he nearly knocked them all to the street. Eventually untangling themselves, amid general laughter from the small crowd, they puffed themselves up, pulling their bruised dignity around them like cloaks, and strutted back up the Alley. Scrimgeour held his walking stick like a club he'd use on anyone who got in his way, banging it on the cobblestones causing a spark to fly now and then. The five MLES officers turned to follow the Minister and company with confusion written all over them.
The crowd of onlookers dispersed as Doge turned back to the group around Harry and Hermione, and motioned into his office, indicating everyone should adjourn there. Harry could not recall ever seeing a look like what was on the man's face. Hermione sent that she couldn't either, and it wasn't until they were all safely behind the closed door and the permanent privacy and silencing charms of the inner office that they understood the man's odd expression.
As soon as Miss Green closed the door and leaned back against it, starting to snicker loudly, all hell broke loose. Tonks started braying her signature laughter, Remus was laughing just as hard, though not quite as loudly, and Elphias collapsed into his desk chair with the loudest guffaws any of them, including his associates, had ever heard from the man. The odd look had been the poor man suppressing his mirth.
Naturally, everyone joined in the hilarity, and it was several minutes before everyone was able to regain their composure. It was Quirrell, still chuckling, who finally managed to choke out, "Harry, Scumbag? Fudgepacker? Undersuckatary Umbitch? I, for one, am forever in your debt." He could go no further, for he started chortling again, joined by all the others.
When he was done laughing, himself, Harry managed to effect his best innocent look and voice to say, "Why my dear friend Quillian, do you mean to tell me I used the wrong names for the Three Stoopids?"
That, naturally, brought down the house again, though everyone was out of breath and starting to get sore from laughing so hard for so long. It was several minutes of relative silence before Elphias pleaded, "Please folks, lets, erm, try to limit the levity any further. I'm not sure my old ticker can take much more." Quirrell snorted and a few chuckles were heard around the room, but everyone basically maintained their cool.
Miss Green then stated, "I thank you all for the wonderful afternoon entertainment," and promptly went back out the door, presumably to return to her duties.
After a few more chuckles everyone else sat quietly for a couple of more minutes, trying their best not to look at each other for fear of setting off another round. When it looked like things were under control, at last, Doge commented, "Harry, I do apologize that we forgot to mention that custodial matter to you. It was in the parchmentwork you signed, and I did clear it with Mrs. Potter's parents on Sunday. However, we hadn't gotten around to actually talking with you about it. I assumed, correctly it seems, that the Minister would seize that opportunity as soon as your relatives were arrested. I incorrectly presumed he would go thru the department and thus be stymied by our having already filed. The parchmentwork does not require the custodians' signatures, thankfully, but I did slip that in with your other documents when you were signing things yesterday. Forgive us for failing to mention it, but there have just been so many things, I'm afraid it slipped my mind."
Harry laughed lightly, as did Hermione. "Elphias," he smiled warmly, "I don't mind a bit, as I'm sure you know by now. I am, however, very glad you thought ahead on that one issue. Frankly it had not occurred to either me or my beautiful bride to say anything. So, thank you. You can rest assured, my dear Barrister, that had you asked you would have gotten the same answer."
He smiled softly at Hermione, who was smiling brilliantly and warmly at him. They shared a moment of love between their minds, which warmed both their hearts. He turned back to see Doge smiling fondly at the two of them.
"Well, thank you, Harry. I'm glad you aren't upset over it. I had meant to mention it several times yesterday, and it always seemed to take a back seat to everything else. Now, is there anything else we can do for you today?"
Harry looked to his love, who nodded. "As a matter of fact, Elphias, there is another matter I'd like you to assist us with at this time." He turned then to Remus and Tonks. "Remus, I know your life has been hard, and frankly I'm uncertain why Sirius didn't provide for you in his will. However," he held up a hand as the werewolf started to protest. "Please hear me out." Remus nodded, though he looked rather mutinous. "Listen, I need someone who can do a lot of different things for me. For one thing, you are a great teacher, so I know there are things about the dark arts you can still teach Hermione, me, and our close friends. Second, I know how organized you are. The only person more so, that I know of, is sitting nearly in my lap." He grinned at her, and she smirked back.
Turning back to Remus, who by now looked thoughtful and somewhat nonplussed, Harry went on. "Listen Remus, besides being a good friend, you have a lot to offer the world. That you are treated the way you are is a disgrace upon our society. Now, having said all of that, I hope you know I would not and could not ever offer you charity, you and your friendship mean too much to me. What I would like to offer is a job, and probably the most important job in the organization I plan on building. I would like to ask you to be my, well, I'm not sure of the exact title for it, but I'm thinking chief of staff is probably as close as I could come to a good description."
The werewolf was stunned, that much was obvious. So Harry continued, not giving the man time to come up with rebuttals. "Remus, I need a few people close to me, people I can absolutely rely on to give me good advice, especially when I don't want to hear it. A few folks may consider me hard headed, and stubborn, and even impetuous at times…" he was interrupted by a snort and an elbow to the ribs from his wife. Ignoring her, except for a mental caress, which she returned, he added, "And you, Remus my friend, are just the man for the job. There are few people I admire, trust, and respect as much as you and most of them are in this room right now. So, what do you say? Can we come to an agreement on your employment by Rising Phoenix Industries, Limited in whatever position Elphias deems appropriate. We asked him and Quillian to set up the company over lunch to handle the Potter and Black estates, which he advised me to do as a way of distancing ourselves from certain things."
Taking his cue from something he heard from Cuinn at that moment, Harry just sat back and let it all sink in to his father's and godfather's best friend. He was Harry's best link back to those two men, especially his father, not to mention his mum, and Harry did not want to pressure him to much.
Remus was well beyond astounded, but his first inclination, from long years of "making it on his own and just getting by", was tempered by all that Harry had said. From what he knew of Harry's current situation, it was clear the young man was going to need all the help he could get. So he took his time and thought seriously about the offer, and what Harry had roughly outlined in the way of duties. It truly sounded like it was not only a job he'd love, but something he could sink his figurative fangs into as well. He liked the idea considerably, so he looked to the woman who was becoming - had become - so very important in his life. She nodded encouragingly at him, which didn't surprise him at all. Tonks was a very smart woman, despite her clumsy exterior, and she knew him very well.
Remus cleared his throat, "Alright, Harry, I suppose we can sit down and discuss precise duties at another time, but I think I like the idea of being your third in command, so to speak." At Harry's slightly confused look, he snickered and said, "The lady sitting nearly in your lap is your second in command and we all know it. For that matter, if she's like most women, she's actually in command, and you only think you are." That earned laughter all around, as well as an elbow in the ribs from Tonks and a haughty "Harrumph", from Hermione, who then grinned knowingly at him. He smiled back at the young couple who so delighted everyone who knew them well.
Harry was still chuckling when he answered, "Perhaps tomorrow morning we should hold a staff meeting at home then; an organizational meeting with you, Hermione, Dorothy and me. Dad has to work, but the rest of us can get things going and get his input and ideas later. Sound good?"
"Yes, Harry," Remus replied, "I think that would be very good. And I can negotiate you down from the exorbitant salary I know you have in mind at that time." He smirked at the young couple, who only smirked back. He got the feeling then, those negotiations might be harder than he thought.
Next, Harry turned to Tonks as if he did this kind of thing every day. She looked inquisitively at him as he smiled winningly at her. "Now, as to security, I would like for you, Tonks, to be on my security team. If you wish to stay with the Ministry, I will understand, but I truly need a top notch security team and I happen to know you are one of the best Aurors the Ministry has. Therefore, I wish to discuss with you now just how many people you think it would take to maintain security around Hermione, myself, her parents, our home, and her parent's surgery at all times. It occurs to me that the Muggles have some top notch security systems which could be a real asset in this case, if augmented with magical protections. What do you think?
Once Tonks got her feet under her, she was able to talk rationally and informatively with the rest as they hammered out a rough plan for building a security force for RPI, Ltd, and its officers and employees. Unlike Remus, who had not been to the vault yesterday, she had a pretty good idea what Harry could probably afford, so had no qualms about suggesting appropriate staffing requirements and pay scales.
Harry laughed at Tonks when she suggested they go on a sliding scale based on experience, and then gave some figures she obviously thought suitable. He looked at her red face, as she started to splutter, and said, "Tonks, those figures are fine, and I can see that Elphias thinks them to be fitting. But there is one factor the both of you seem to have forgotten. I and anyone associated with me go automatically to the top of Voldemort's Capture-Torture-and-Kill-Horribly list. Now, I propose that until such time as old Snake Face has truly and finally shuffled off the mortal coil, that all security personnel receive a monthly bonus for… What would you call that, Death Eater Fighting Pay? Or how about Dark Lord Evasion Pay? Whatever label you want to put on it. Hermione, Elphias, what would be appropriate?
Elphias looked amused at Harry as he considered what the young man had said. Hermione was chuckling at the look on Tonks' face. She had apparently considered the figures she quoted to have taken that into account. Hermione assumed, correctly as it turned out, that the proposed salaries were already above what Aurors were paid. But she also knew Harry would not scrimp on security, that he could well afford it, and that he truly felt people deserved that bonus.
Tonks finally found her voice and said, "Harry the numbers I just gave you are Hit Wizard salaries. What do you think you are doing?"
"Tonks, you know only too well that whoever is guarding me and mine are going to face Death Eaters, and probably Voldemort as well. And all of you had better stop flinching at the name, dammit. It is, after all, something the slimy git made up while he was still at Hogwarts as I told you all on Sunday. Now, back to the salaries; Elphias, Hermione just told me Muggle soldiers get what's called combat pay, or hazardous duty pay over and above their regular salary. They also do not pay taxes while in a combat zone. So I would say, since we can't offer that second benefit and the Ministry is going to take its unfair share, that we offer twenty-five percent of the regular salary."
Elphias nodded, knowing Harry was absolutely right on both counts. "I agree, Harry. You are correct in all of your assumptions and it would only be fair. I would suggest we also put together a benefits package for all personnel employed by the company." Turning to his assistant he asked, "How's your schedule for tomorrow morning, Quillian? Could you perhaps join the Potters and Mr. Lupin for their organizational meeting to help iron out these kinds of details?"
Quillian looked thoughtful for a moment, and replied. I have nothing pressing on my desk at the moment. A few motions you asked me to file for the next Wizengamot session, so those can be put back a bit."
Doge smiled and nodded. "Very good, so if you don't mind, Harry?"
Harry smiled at the wily Barrister, knowing there were good reasons to get this done quickly. "Fine with me; as I've told you before, I value Quillian's counsel nearly as much as your own." He grinned at Quirrell, who grinned back. They understood each other perfectly.
Turning once more to Tonks, Harry asked, "Are you free in the morning, Tonks, and could you get hold of Mad-eye, oh wait, he'll be at the meeting tonight. I can talk with him then."
Tonks grinned, "Sure, I just happen to have a day off from my current day job… Boss."
Harry raised an eyebrow at her and smiled broadly. "Welcome aboard, Tonks. You too Remus, nothing like keeping it in the family, so to speak." That brought a few chuckles. After the pause he asked, "Can we make this a breakfast meeting and get an early start? I think we are going to have a lot to go over, so, how about half seven; that work for everyone?" He got thoughtful nods all around.
Hermione immediately got on her cell phone to her Mum, only to find it didn't work with the spells in the office, so she decided to wait until they were done then walk out to Charing Cross Road to call. She needed to make arrangements for dinner tonight, as well. She and Harry had decided to provide dinner for the plotters from the local pizza restaurant. It only seemed right not to stretch their parents' budget any more than they already had recently. They shared a momentary silent conversation and decided to do something similar in the morning with pastries and such from the bakery not far from the house.
Harry then asked Elphias about the one thing he'd had on his mind when they'd ambled over to the office earlier, before being accosted by the Three Stoopids. Elphias sat back and looked at the young man with a gleam in his eye. Everyone else was looking slack-jawed at him, except Hermione, of course, who was beaming her full love at her husband.
Elphias knew the young man was very intelligent, and that he had a devious streak, but this was positively Slytherin in nature. It smacked of the wisdom of a man of many more years than not quite seventeen, and an understanding of business and politics well beyond his current understanding of Harry's knowledge. This was something no one had ever thought to try against a dark lord. Not only that, it was the most audacious idea he'd ever heard of. It would probably only work this once, and that because of Harry's wealth, but work, it could, and likely would.
He nodded at Harry, and said with a feral grin, "I'll request a meeting for later in the week. Friday be good for the two of you?"
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
Keith and Dorothy Granger arrived home to find eight young witches and wizards, a blue haired Auror, and a werewolf in sheep's clothing having a raucous good time on their patio, over a wide variety of pizza, fizzy drinks, Butterbeer, and assorted other comestibles. Quickly trading their work clothes for more comfortable togs, they joined the kids for dinner and discussion. Hermione had finally reached them at around four to confirm the evening's plans. They, of course, both looked forward to meeting more of their kids' friends, and having this much fun in the middle of the week bothered them not at all.
Harry was in his element, from all appearances. They hadn't gotten to see him this relaxed and so thoroughly enjoying himself very often yet; and that was not to mention that Hermione was just as happy and carefree. It did their hearts good to see the two youngsters enjoying friends and throwing outrageous ideas about with abandon.
After a while, Fred and George stood and told the group, in their usual alternating twin-speak, "Friends,"
"Partners,"
"Siblings,"
"Adopted siblings,"
"Adopted in laws,"
"Adolescent Aurors,"
Tonks booed at them, but they went on unfazed,
"Addled Associates,"
"It is with great pleasure…"
"And considerably distended bellies…"
"We formally announce…"
"The formation of…"
"The new, and totally secret…"
"At least amongst the twelve of us…" then said together, "Undercover Underhanded Ubiquities, Ltd, a Division of Weasley Wizard Wheezes, Ltd." and then they bowed. The announcement was met with loud cheers, a few catcalls and lots of whistling.
Through it all Keith and Dorothy sat back, contributing where they could, but mostly gaping in amazement at the creativity of a group of people bent on changing the world, or at least their little part of it, for something infinitely better. Even though there was so much fun being had, there was an undercurrent of seriousness as to the ultimate goals. And those were not hard to figure out. This was the core of a group of young people about to upset the apple cart of the Ministry of Magic, permanently, and ultimately bring down a certain dark wizard with delusions of grandeur. It was a sight to behold, and left absolutely no doubt as to who would come out on top, at least in their well educated and practical minds. They liked being with winners, and these were indeed the most winning people they'd ever seen.
MMMMMMMMMMMMM
At the Order meeting that night, the first spot of contention was when Mundungus Fletcher showed up with Moody, and was summarily ejected by Harry and Hermione. The only person to stick up for the smelly drunk was Mad-eye, and even he wasn't overly enthusiastic in defending said personage. He merely pointed out that the man was useful in gathering intelligence in certain circles. Harry listened carefully to what Moody said, and then Hermione cast Mobilicorpus on Fletcher, hauled him kicking and muttering imprecations out the front door, depositing him unceremoniously on the front porch, and slamming the door behind him. Filius not only smiled at Hermione, he gave a small cheer, joined by a few others.
Moody looked properly chastised when Harry glared at him while Hermione was taking care of putting out the trash. Hermione had sent written invitations with the Grimmauld place address to only the members they felt they could trust. Mad-eye had shown his to Fletcher and brought him along. No one would make that mistake again.
Before they got into the meat of the thing this time, Harry told everyone they required an oath of silence to keep the Order's secrets, especially what they were going to talk about tonight. Only two people left at that, citing they didn't have time for grandstanding. As they got to the door, Hermione met them and, with a muttered incantation, rescinded their knowledge of the secret as they left. Filius smiled broadly at her again when she returned.
Some interesting things about the Fidelius Charm they had learned from Filius earlier in the day were that if someone was ejected from the house by the secret keeper, they would lose the secret automatically. Further, the secret could be rescinded by a simple incantation as a person left.
Strangely, no one seemed to be at all disturbed by there being two Muggles in attendance, and most greeted them warmly. Filius, in particular, had been quite taken with the Grangers since Sunday and seemed to monopolize most of their time until the meeting started.
Being as so many members had been at the Sunday meeting, there weren't a great many to bring in on the secrets Harry and Hermione had to share from their experiences. However, there were several key people plus their young friends from the earlier meeting. Minerva, with Arthur's help, had to override Molly's objections to the inclusion of Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna.
The pair once more went through their story, though a considerably condensed version. As Harry and Hermione both assumed would happen, that was when things got interesting.
Naturally Molly rose to start in on her normal rant, "This is not a war for children to be fighting," she claimed rather shrilly, "Harry, Hermione, you don't have to do this, despite what the headmaster said. You should be able to enjoy your last year at Hogwarts and be preparing for your NEWTS; the same with Ronald and Neville. Ginevra and Luna are just way too young to be involved in this. I won't have it, I tell you!" Arthur calmed his wife after a moment, pulling her back into her seat.
Harry then stood to speak, where they'd remained seated before, and he did so directly to Molly, though he included the rest of the room. "How many of you have fought or even faced Death Eaters? How many of you have faced Voldemort?" At the flinches around the table, he snorted. "Look at you, most of you still can't hear his made up piss-poor anagram without being frightened. And yet, you sit here and try to tell us that we have no part in this war? You have all heard what I have gone through to be where I am today. You have all heard the prophecy and know now the big secret that Albus was hiding all last school year. Now ask yourself this, Mrs. Weasley, and all of you," he looked around the room, "who the hell is going to fight if we don't? You? The Ministry? Bah! What have they done but put innocent men like Stan Shunpike in Azkaban so they look like they are doing something.
Harry was on a roll now, "I doubt there are more than a dozen or so Aurors who can presently say they have fought Death Eaters," Moody nodded in affirmation, his good eye gleaming and his magical eye fixed on Harry. "Now, there are eight people in this room who I know have faced those cowards at least once, not counting Moody, Tonks, and Remus. And there are six people in this room who have taken them on twice. There are only two people in this room who have faced Voldemort. Now who, Molly Weasley, is that? Who are those eight, and six, and two? Who in here has had the stones to do all that and more and still keep coming back to do it again. I'll tell you who, the eight people under the age of twenty, that's who; most of us under the age of eighteen. Your very own innocent daughter, Molly, faced that evil monster at the age of eleven and lived to tell the tale. Your own sons, Fred and George have faced those cowardly beasts at least once, you youngest son, Ron, twice now. The young man who you say is as "good as a son" has faced more death eaters than I can remember, and lived through encounters with Voldemort five times to date. Now who in this room would you say is the most qualified to talk about what to do with the growing menace that is Voldemort? Who in this room is most qualified to carry the fight to him and his bigoted cowards?"
Harry sat down then and glared around the table as most sat there in shock or gaped at him. Molly was shocked into silence, though she looked on the verge of tears. None had ever seen him so passionate. Fred and George looked ready to cheer, not to mention the five from the Ministry raid. Hermione put her hand on his and smiled at him. She sent love and soothing thoughts to him, and he smiled tenderly back.
Harry then spoke more softly from where he sat, "There is one more thing those of you not at the house on Sunday must know. I have been chosen as the Leader of the Light to replace Headmaster Dumbledore. I was chosen the same way that he was, by a phoenix joining with me. We have had about two months of subjective time to get to know each other, and for Hermione and me to learn a great deal from him. I would now like you to meet my friend and Human Companion, Cuinn."
And with that the room was filled briefly with phoenix song as the large avian flashed into view, flew once around the large room, and landed on Harry's shoulder. Hermione thought he looked especially smug, since she'd heard him occasionally prompting Harry's speech moments before.
Molly looked at the phoenix, then at Harry, and then at Minerva, her mouth opening and closing, but with nothing coming out. Even the young people who had been at the earlier meeting did not yet know about Cuinn and were gaping. Harry had not intentionally left them out of that secret, just hadn't had time to work it in with all else they'd had to discuss.
Harry spoke again, "There you have the final secret I hold, well there is one other, but it is of no consequence at present. When the time comes for it, which will be a few years away yet, you shall all know, as will the entire Wizarding world. Now, since I have been chosen as Leader of the Light, and accepted, it is my proposal to you that I be designated now to head of the Order of the Phoenix. As this organization was formed, from what I understand, by one of my predecessors many generations back to be activated in times of need in combating the dark forces it is only logical that I now assume its leadership."
Cuinn chose that moment to send, "There you go mixing logic and wizards in the same sentence again."
It was all Harry and Hermione could do not to laugh, as he sat down, picked up her hand, and kissed it right over the ring he'd place there only a day previous. He was rewarded with a huge bright smile and a strong feeling of love from his wife, which he returned just as ardently. She gave him an image then, and a sultry, burning look which caused a slight tightening of his boxers, so he returned another image which caused her eyes to widen a bit and he could see her nipples harden under her shirt. They smirked at each other with a shared promise of "later" in their heads. Fortunately for them, Cuinn chose to remain silent this time.
Minerva stood, studiously ignoring the goings on between her two young friends, and spoke firmly, "I would be the first, then, to encourage this meeting to accept Harry Potter as the Order's leader. He is, as you all now know, the one who will have to ultimately face…Voldemort," she rather spat the name, then continued. "He is, as you can see from his being joined by Cuinn, the Leader of the Light. As such, I believe it is the duty of this organization to follow the Leader of the Light, no matter who he or she might be, so long as that person is following a correct and good path. You all know that Harry has always done so, despite the fact that he was hampered in many ways by our previous leader. Yes, I am sad to say, that in his later years Albus rather badly mishandled Harry's situation, not the least of which was in leaving him under the dubious protection of the Dursleys. As temporary Head of the Order, I call now for a motion to that effect."
Surprisingly, or perhaps not, it was Arthur Weasley who rose next. "I have known Harry longer than most of you. Having had him in our home on several occasions, staying with us for part of the summers, I probably know him better than most, as well. I know Harry to have the moral compass to lead this organization in the finest traditions and in the ways which will always seek to better the wizarding world. I therefore, formally move that we accept Harry James Potter to lead the Order of the Phoenix and confirm him as the Leader of the Light, as is his rightful place."
Harry was a bit dumbfounded by the man's speech, but very pleased as well. He could see Molly glaring at her husband, but he just smiled at her and patted her hand as he retook his seat. Harry had always known Mr. Weasley was a lot stronger than he seemed most of the time, even though it was rare for him to stand up to his wife. He knew that when the man did, it was for the most important of reasons, and that he was always most firm when he did so. It warmed his heart that his adopted dad from his younger years felt so strongly about him and he smiled at Arthur. It was returned broadly.
Moody stood next and to almost no one's surprise added, "I second Arthur's motion. Though in reality I have had relatively little contact with Mr. Potter, I still have observed him considerably and can readily attest to the qualities Arthur has mentioned. I hope, sincerely, that young Mr. Potter will be the last Leader of the Light and of the Order of the Phoenix it will be my pleasure to know."
His short speech also warmed Harry's heart, in that he held considerable respect for the retired Auror. Hermione smiled warmly at the old man as he took his seat, while Harry was surveying those around the table. Most seemed to accept what had been said, but a few still looked sceptical. Harry knew he would not receive total approval. One never did in a group such as this, especially when replacing a beloved leader. But everyone who was here were valued members whom Harry knew could be trusted. He might have to win a few over, but was sure he could in time.
Minerva opened the floor for discussion and there was some debate as to whether Harry was ready to lead them, which was countered by those who knew him, but the debate never did get very heated. After about five minutes the Headmistress called for a vote. The results were nearly unanimous, with only three voting against. It was those three Harry knew he'd have to work the hardest on, though Molly, he was sure, would soon come around on her own.
With that out of the way, Harry rose once more "Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for placing your trust in me. The next order of business then would be the acceptance of new members. I ask that you approve the membership in this Order of Hermione Potter, Ronald Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Ginevra Weasley, and Luna Lovegood." He left no time to allow for any argument to start by firmly stating, "These are some of the people I trust the most to watch my back. I also see them as valuable resources to the Order in that they can be places where you cannot, namely Hogwarts. As we all now know, it can be infiltrated, although I know the new Headmistress will work hard to prevent that in future. I need members of the Order available to me at all times, and therefore ask that you approve these nominations."
Without waiting for anything else, he said, "All in favour?" Most hands went up. "Those opposed?" only a few hands were raised, including Molly's, of course. And with that he said, happily, "Please make welcome our new members. Let's take a break, it has been a long meeting already, and there are a few more things we need to cover. I apologize for keeping you longer, but this cannot wait and it will take a bit of time since there are assignments to hand out and some may require discussion."
No one said a word in opposition, though he did receive a few looks ranging from disgust to open curiosity. Meanwhile Hermione had been scribbling madly in a notebook, and seemed to be rearranging their lists of people assigned to specific projects. With a satisfied sigh and a little smile, she closed it and stuck it in a pocket.
Nearly everyone came up to congratulate Harry and many added their thanks for all he had done so far. They then moved on to congratulate the other new members, after having a good look at Cuinn naturally. He was in his glory, of course, and preened happily for the members meeting him for the first time.
At the back of the line were Molly and Arthur. She looked to have been crying, but when she reached them, she only hugged the stuffing out of each of them. Very quietly she said in a sad tone, "Would that things could be different, my dears," shaking her head the whole time. "I understand in my mind everything you have said, Harry, and you too, Hermione, but my heart still wants it to be different." I will do my best, loves. That is all I can tell you for now. Please promise me you'll do your best bring all my babies home as safely as possible, and that includes both of you."
Harry pulled the woman into a gentle hug then and said softly, while looking straight at Arthur, "I promise to do my very best to bring us all home safely, Mrs. Weasley. And thank you for at least trying to understand. Believe me, this is not what we want either, but it is what we all have to do."
She sniffled a couple of times, squeezed him again briefly, then stood back. "We all feel the same, I think, Harry, but thank you for saying it anyway. It will help a little to put my mind and my heart at rest."
Arthur stepped up and gave Harry a brief fatherly hug, then stood back also, and said, "We can ask nothing more of you than that Harry, and I thank you also, from the bottom of my heart."
Harry smiled, a bit sadly and nodded, wiping moisture from his eyes. Hermione sent him comfort and put her arm around him then, his going automatically around her. Harry then grinned a little self-consciously and told Arthur, "Thanks, Mr. Weasley, for the nomination speech. That was very kind of you."
The redhead smiled proudly back at him, saying, "Ah, Harry, you and Hermione are as much Weasleys as any of us. I could hardly not do that for one of our sons, even if he isn't ours by birth."
Harry could only bob his head and smile in reply; no words could get past the lump in his throat. The arm around him tightened and he heard a slight sniff from beside him. Before he could articulate a word, though, Hermione spoke up, her voice a bit choked, "Thank you, both of you, for all your kindnesses over the years. We will remember that, and," she looked at Harry for a moment, a silent message going between them, "I don't think my parents would mind us having another pair of parents." She smiled hugely at the Weasleys, who didn't know that the Grangers had come up to stand right behind them.
Keith said, smiling widely, "I for one agree wholeheartedly. One can never have too many people to love them like a parent, born to them or not." He was, of course, looking straight at Harry.
The young wizard flushed a bit, as Dorothy added, "And we think you could not have chosen a better young man, not to mention young woman, to accept into your family."
There was a big group hug then, where Harry and Hermione got fussed over a lot, and then the Grangers and Weasleys moved off leaving the pair wondering just what the four were up to, until they heard the word wedding. Harry froze, and Hermione giggled.
"Oh, Merlin!" He exclaimed softly, "Not Mrs. Weasley too!" Hermione just laughed and looked lovingly at him and then at the retreating parents.
Turning about then, they found Moody standing not far off. Harry gestured to him, and he walked toward them as they moved in his direction. Harry reached out to shake the man's hand, and grinned at him. "Thanks for the vote of confidence in seconding Mr. Weasley. I really appreciate you doing that."
"Potter," the man growled around what appeared to be a grin on his gnarled countenance, "I was glad to do it. I know Albus thought highly of you. There's no doubt you are a natural leader, what with how you've kept your friends alive, if somewhat injured in several battles now. The thing with the Diggory boy was in no way your fault, I might add, and the same with Sirius. We both know those were well outside your control. Now I see you as a righteous young man who can and will lead this Order much better than the old man did. I loved him like a brother, but he was definitely getting short-sighted in the last few years. Ah well, potion down the sink, eh Potter? Now, you seem to have something on your mind, so spit it out, lad." He grumbled a laugh at his own joke. Harry couldn't have gotten a word in while the man talked.
Harry grinned at the grizzled old Auror, and chuckled. "Yes, sir, I do have a request for you."
Moody cut him off for a moment, "None of that sir or mister crap, you two. I'm Alastor, or Moody, or even Mad-eye if ye want."
Harry smiled at the man again, answering "Only if you use Harry and Hermione, then," he glanced sideways at his smiling bride. His attention back on Moody, who nodded, he continued his original thought. "Alastor, would you be available in the morning? There is a meeting at our home we'd like you to attend, if possible."
Hermione added with a grin, "It includes breakfast," the man's proclivity for accepting a free meal was legendary.
Alastor chuckled, and asked, "What's this meeting, and why do you want me there. I am available, by the way."
"It is a business meeting to organize the company we have set up to manage our financial affairs. One of our biggest concerns, right now, is security. We'd like your input on what we can do, and what we need, to maintain top grade security for our parents, the company officers, and us."
Moody nodded his head and grimaced his smile, "Good thinking," he growled. "I'll be there. What time?"
After giving him the time and instructions on apparating into the enchantments, they talked a bit more with him for a few minutes. Harry looked at his watch and decided it was time to finish up the meeting, since everyone seemed to be milling about now.
Stepping over to the table, he rapped on it loudly and called, "Alright, everyone, let's come back to order and get on with things. It is getting late and I know we would all like to get home." Everyone took their seats quickly, so he added, "I'm going to turn this over to Hermione now, who has drawn up a plan to give each of us an assignment." With that, he took his seat, and his wife stood, albeit somewhat nervously.
He sent calmness through their bond, and she visibly relaxed, letting out a small breath. "What we propose to do," she said, with her confidence growing as she continued, "is divide the Order into teams with the aim of accomplishing certain goals over the next few months." She then outlined the goals of training for the younger members and any older ones who wanted it, security for the Order and its members, researching what Riddle might have used as the final two unknown Horcruxes, and, of course, finding the remaining Horcruxes and destroying them.
Most importantly, Hermione then made the team assignments and asked that each person verify they thought they could contribute to that group adequately and that it would not interfere too much with their home life. She received assurances all around that she had done well in choosing, and beamed at the members when all agreed.
As Harry had predicted, there was considerable discussion on the various teams and their duties. There were actually three more minor ones suggested and added. A few folks who felt they didn't have enough to do volunteered to take over those duties, minimal as they were. Molly Weasley, despite being a researcher, insisted on heading the meeting refreshments committee, to many knowing smiles around the room.
Harry noted that even the ones who had not been in favour of him leading, or of the younger members joining, were happy with their assignments. It was a good step in the right direction, and many comments were made that at last the Order was truly contributing to the war. Harry and Hermione were quite well pleased with that.
The last item of business Harry brought up was that he had Elphias Doge, who'd not said much through the meeting, setting up a foundation to cover expenses incurred by the members, which Harry insisted on funding. Members were free to contribute to the fund if they wished to, but it was never required. "I hope this will help to keep each one's personal expenses to a minimum, so that when we bring down Voldemort, we are not all broke." Certain people in the know chuckled at the thought of Harry being broke, though they got odd looks from some others.
The meeting finally ended a bit after ten, and everyone left quickly, Harry and Hermione right behind using a ready made Portkey from Elphias to take them and their parents home. They were all exhausted, and tomorrow looked to be just as busy, at least much of it. At home, they all bid each other good night, meandering off to their bedrooms. Harry and Hermione showered, delighting each other with a lengthy mutual groping session followed by a long and lazy love making under the warm water. When they climbed into bed shortly after, they were both asleep within minutes.
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
The next morning, Harry woke and stretched lazily, even though he knew it was very early. They had another full day ahead, but when he glanced at the clock he saw it was not quite six yet and the alarm had not gone off yet. He shut off the alarm, and carefully rolled his love onto her back as he stroked her pleasure spots carefully. After a few minutes, she started moaning in her sleep and he crawled under the covers, as she had done for him on occasion. Situating himself between her legs, he began to pleasure the woman who was the love of his life.
Hermione was having a wonderful dream. Harry and she were floating on a cloud and he was doing the most wonderful things to her body. She smiled and wished she could kiss him, but his lips were currently engaged elsewhere on her body, and that she would not interrupt for anything. As he slowly built her up to a climax, she tightly gripped the cloud, and then, in a burst of clarity, came awake to realize this was no dream, and she was well over the edge as her body was wracked by the spasms of what the French call the 'Little Death'.
Smiling like the Kneazle in the empty birdcage, Harry crawled up her body and caught her lips with his, just as she came down, all the while inserting tab P into slot V. Her arms had automatically gone around him and she held him tightly to her as they began to move together in what had become almost a morning ritual for them. She loved waking him up that way, and even more being awoken by him in the same manner.
Harry pulled from her lips slowly and smiled his warmest smile as she thought to him, "Harry James Potter, you can wake me every day of our lives like that," and smiled her warmest smile back at him.
His silent reply was, "That, my dear Hermione Jane Potter, is the only way to awaken the one I love above all others. Even if she does make me spout cheesy…" and they both cracked up, even though he didn't finish. The line was getting old, but it still made them happy to remember the first days of their love.
They murmured to each other, and sent thoughts back and forth until they both finished a short time later. He then rolled them over so he could stroke her back for a while before they got up to get on with the day.
After a quick shower, they finished getting ready and were downstairs a bit after half six. While Harry started cooking, Hermione went to the backyard and popped out to the bakery, arriving in an alley just behind it. Looking around carefully, she then went inside and purchased two dozen assorted pastries. Once more making sure no one was watching, she ducked back into the alley and apparated home. She did not notice the rat hiding under some debris which took notice of her.
By the time their guests started arriving, a bit before half past seven, the breakfast of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, pastries, and assorted beverages was laid out on the dining room table, with warming and freshness charms on everything. Moody was the first to arrive, and stumped his way across the yard to be met by the smiling Potters at the back door. He was followed closely by Quillian, with Tonks and Remus not far behind. They escorted them all into the dining room and were met by Keith and Dorothy, who were smiling at all the food and at their youngsters. Everyone exchanged greetings and pleasantries as they found spots at the table.
Dorothy knew Harry could cook well, but was astonished he'd managed to make all of this in less than an hour. She couldn't help but say, "Harry, this is amazing. I couldn't do this nearly as fast as you did, and still keep everything fresh."
Laughing lightly, Harry replied, "Magic, Mum; helps considerably. But in truth, I had to make nearly as much for the Dursleys for years in about the same amount of time." His offhand comment elicited several scowls and muttered imprecations around the table.
Moody looked thoughtfully at the young wizard to whom he had, in essence, sworn fealty last night. He'd help him learn every thing he was capable of teaching that the lad needed to know, but he would also follow this kid into Hell and back if he had to. He didn't know how the young man could engender such loyalty, but it was a trait he knew few in the world possessed. It spoke well for the outcome of the war. As he chewed his way through a marvellous breakfast, he held his own counsel as the others started talking over what they needed to discuss this morning and built an agenda.
As the others began talking about corporate structure and the like, the old Auror couldn't help but think about what young Potter had said about his relatives, and recalled what had been described on Sunday, and again, in less detail, the night before. An idea began to form in his mind which could, perhaps, exact a bit of revenge on the slime who'd abused a fine young man. He had several friends who, like him, had considerable time on their hands and wouldn't mind helping him with his little project. He grinned maliciously to himself as he let his mind wander to some interesting things he could do.
Harry found he was quickly over his head much of the time, as Quillian, Keith, Dorothy, and Remus talked about the best ways to manage the company, its finances, and other assets. Since asset management was primarily what the company was all about, Hermione had to constantly keep him up with the conversation by quickly explaining what she could in their heads. It helped him considerably.
It turned out that Keith didn't have any appointments until ten that morning, and would only be there for a couple of hours before returning to drive to Greater Whinging with his wife and kids. He was glad he could spend some time helping his son-in-law in this manner, and only regretted he had to leave when he did. As he was pondering how much he could contribute if he stayed, Dorothy leaned over to him.
"Honey," she said softly, it is only just past eight, why don't you ring Alan and see if someone in his surgery can cover for you this morning?"
He took his wife's hand and told her, "I was just thinking something along the same line, so I think I will. Much as I hate to, I feel I'd be just as valuable here this morning."
"I agree, love, go ring him."
Keith excused himself from the discussion and went to make his call. When he returned to the table he smiled broadly and announced, "I've managed to have someone cover my appointments this morning, and can stay. I hope that meets with everyone's approval."
Taken aback, slightly, Harry smiled at the older man and told him, "Thank you, Dad, that's brilliant. You know how much I value your input, and you are, at the moment, probably the most knowledgeable about my portfolio."
Smiling back, Keith replied, "My pleasure, Son, and I'm glad to do it. Dorothy suggested it when she noticed how involved I was getting in the discussion, so here I am for the morning."
There were smiles all around, and the others agreed with Harry, that Keith's input was invaluable at this stage. And so they went back to finalizing the agenda. Of course, first on it was the discussion of security, so as not to keep Tonks and Moody any longer than necessary, if they wanted to leave.
From his position in the middle of the table, Harry grinned at the grizzled old man. "Alastor," he began, "yesterday we spoke briefly with Tonks on this topic and she had some good suggestions, though we sort of disagreed on salaries." Tonks glared, playfully, at him then stuck out her tongue. Harry laughed and went on telling Moody what they had talked of the day before. They spent more than an hour discussing security and finally decided to approach some Aurors and people both Alastor and Tonks knew for the jobs. It would require the largest number of people to staff in the company for the time being.
And so the meeting went through the morning as they hammered out position names, what the jobs were, especially Remus', and suggestions were made as to who could be asked to fill various jobs in the company. There weren't a lot of positions to fill, outside of the family, but a few needed very good and trustworthy people.
They spent considerable time discussing benefits for employees and came to a consensus loosely structured on what the Grangers had for the people in their surgery. Of necessity it was different, because most of those employed by the company would be witches and wizards, but similar nonetheless. They made sure to cover medical expenses, something nearly unheard of in wizarding society, paid holidays, a type of life insurance which was not well known in the wizarding world either, and bonuses for various positions based on performance or hazard, as with the security team.
Surprisingly, even to the two of them, Tonks and Alastor had found the discussion more interesting than expected and stuck around all morning. It was while they were discussing whether to hire a full time accountant or to put a firm on retainer that Moody rejoined the discussion.
"There's a good accounting firm just down from the Cauldron, on Charing Cross, that you might want to talk with. Belongs to Molly's cousin, he's a Muggle, second generation without magic, see, and works mostly in the Muggle world. But he has some good contacts in the Wizarding world as well, and a good working relationship with the goblins. Name's Sterling Prewett, and if memory serves that's the name of his office as well. He just so happens to have a back door onto Diagon Alley, but you have to know where to look for it. Best thing is to ring for an appointment with him, and go in the front door the first time. After that he'll likely let you use the back way. His staff are all squibs and muggles who know about magic, so there's never a problem that way."
The old man wasn't done yet, as he made one more comment that really piqued Harry's interest. "Now here's the thing about Prewett. He was close to Molly's brothers and he hates Death Eaters as much as any of us, maybe more. I suspect that with some of the dirty tricks I've heard mentioned this mornin', Harry, he could be an invaluable resource." The old man grimaced a very wicked smile, and Harry returned it in kind.
Remus volunteered to meet with Mr. Prewett and sound him out, then Harry and Keith could likely meet with him to finalize any arrangements if necessary. While the Goblins had always treated Harry fairly, he decided to follow the advice from Keith and Dorothy in having an outside accounting firm to audit and keep track of all that the company was involved in. Harry's holdings were vast, to say the least, and he reckoned he could use all the help he could get. Besides, if Mr. Prewett could help track down certain other holdings, it could work well with their overall plans.
The meeting finally wound down by around half past eleven, and Remus now had the title of Assistant to the Director and CEO, namely Harry. Keith had been named Treasurer, Dorothy was now Secretary, and Hermione was Vice-Director. Since it was a wholly owned and family run company, that was all they needed to comply with current laws in both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. After that the guests all went off on their appointed tasks, leaving the family to get on with their own day.
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After a pleasant and leisurely lunch while they talked about anything but business, the Potters and Grangers readied themselves for the trip to visit with, and give statements to, Jamie McGonagall. The hour long drive was pleasant and they all kept up a light, teasing banter talking about things they'd like to do for the rest of the summer, including the wedding, and perhaps a family trip for a week or so prior to that. Plans were fairly loose yet, and Harry and Hermione had wisely chosen not to make a firm and tight schedule. They wanted to enjoy as much as they could before the very busy school year ahead.
They were ushered into Jamie's office by a polite young constable, and took the seats indicated by the rather harried looking Chief Inspector. He seemed to take a moment to gather his wits, then smiled at them all and said, "Well, welcome to the Surrey Police, glad you could keep our appointment. What we've decided to do is have the four of you all interviewed. However as you, Harry and Hermione, are technically minors in the Muggle world, I have to have an adult with you for your interviews. So, Alyx and Bob will take statements from Keith and Dorothy first, then from each of you with Keith or Dorothy sitting in with each of you youngsters. That work alright for all of you?"
They all nodded, so he took the adult Grangers out to meet with Bob and Alyx who took them to interview rooms, with a uniformed constable assisting each. Harry and Hermione sat in some fairly comfy chairs awaiting their turns talking quietly and holding hands.
Their parents finished at almost exactly the same time, so Alyx took Hermione in with Dorothy and it only took her a few minutes to make her brief statement, though somewhat longer than her mum had. She talked about how Harry had spoken off-hand of conditions at the home at times, and described how he would be depressed and looking underfed when returning to school. She also told of the oversized clothes he was given to wear, other than his school uniforms, and told Alyx that so far as she knew they were Dudley's cast-offs.
When she was done, all they could do was wait for Harry and Keith to get done. It was quite a long wait, since Harry had to go thru the whole sixteen years he had lived with the Dursleys. She watched him thru the window and could see him hang his head, seemingly in shame at times, at which point she would send encouragement and her love. He'd buck up then and go on with his story. She tried not to listen too closely to what he was telling the Inspector, but she kept catching parts of it when she and her mum weren't talking. She tried to keep up a running conversation, but as always there were lapses and that is when she would hear what her love was talking about. Some of it nearly broke her heart, but she just kept sending her love and support to him, and hoped it helped and was enough.
By the time Harry finished relating everything he could remember to Inspector Higgins, he'd gotten used to Keith growling and grumbling about things like dental picks and dental drills in places he hoped he'd heard wrong. He also felt like a limp flannel. Emotions running so close to the surface, he didn't know whether to laugh, cry, hit something, or run, it was only Keith's nearby support, and the mental connection to his love that kept him in check. When the family gathered around him after he finished it was the longest group hug they'd had yet, and he greatly appreciated it.
The mood was lightened considerably when they rejoined Jamie in his office and he gave them an off-the-record update on the Dursleys' situations. Petunia had been released on bail, Marge had been remanded in custody for cursing at the Magistrate, who'd added a couple of more charges to her already long list, and Vernon was still in hospital. It seemed he had another attack a few days later because someone asked him something about his family and mentioned they had a kid brother who might know his nephew. Dudley was in the custody of Youth Services, and wasn't expected to be released any time soon, as they were still investigating his activities and people kept coming in to swear out complaints against him and his gang for attacking children in the area.
The family drove home that afternoon, talking happily and joking, trying to put the experience behind them. It occurred to Harry how very happy he was to now have a family that he knew he could rely on to keep him grounded; it made all the difference in his world. It occurred to him that Albus had been right and wrong at the same time. It was not just love, it was the abiding love of family and friends, and all the people he cared for, and who cared for him, that would bring about victory.
More to come soon
I am, as always, grateful to the betas who help make my stories look so much better. On this chapter Mike picked up the pieces I left scattered about and Randy fine tuned it to purr like a kitten, with a throaty roar. And, my good friend and Brit-picker extraordinaire, Tumshie1960, straightened me out on British law and some spelling errors. And yes, I love to mix metaphors, since I can't mix drinks any longer.