Harry's Future, Part 37
"Alright everyone, let's get started. I hope everyone has their essay completed," Harry said from his stool at the front of his first year DADA class. "Yes? Good. Please hand them forward."
The parchment rolls were handed forward and Harry unrolled them and placed them face up on a desk that was in front of him. He looked at the titles and then leaned back and looked at the faces looking up at him.
"Now for the second and most important part of the assignment, we are going to read them aloud. Let me see. Here's one for you and one for you," he said as he handed rolls to students as he limped around the desks. "You'll notice that you're not getting your own essay back. One member from your team will read the essay that I've given you. Let's see, how about the Hufflepuff non magical team first."
As Harry and the rest of the class looked at the two, the young witch nudged Rhys-Jones and nodded to him. He stood up and held the roll in his hands and began in a halting voice to read what it was like to be young witches and wizards in a world full of muggles. As he read his voice steadied and got a little stronger. When he finished he sat back down and got a smile from his partner.
"Nicely done, Mr. Rhys-Jones. And a very well written essay. Who's next?"
This question was met with a number of hands raised. The youngsters read their way through every essay and since this was their double session they had plenty of time to discuss them. The one common theme that seemed to run through the comments was that no one really understood the issues that someone different from them had. Several of the magical born students thought it must be really tough for a muggle born to suddenly discover they were a witch or wizard and then have only a month or so to get used to the idea before coming to Hogwarts where everything and everyone was magical. Rhys-Jones' partner, one Catherine Biggsby, thought it must have been pretty hard to be magical kids and not be seen doing magical stuff by muggles. The discussion became self sustaining and Harry just sat back and watched and listened. There was some real wisdom in what he was hearing. Eleven year old wisdom, to be sure, but it was there none the less.
When there was just a few minutes left he called them all to attention and asked,
"Ok, now. I believe I owe someone an answer to a question. Can anyone tell me what that question was?"
The same young witch raised her hand and said,
"I asked what did our doing the essay have to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Have you been able to figure it out yet?" Harry asked.
"Well, sir. I guess it's made us realize that even though we grew up in different ways we've all had to deal with similar kinds of problems but I'm still not certain how it would help us against a dark witch or wizard."
"Well said, Miss Willowby. You got the first part of it very well. As to the rest of it, it might interest you to know that Lord Voldemort used the rather arbitrary line between so called pure bloods and muggle borns as a way to gather followers and promote his ideas for pure blood dominance of the magical world and, he hoped, the muggle world as well. The things that were told to you by your house prefects gave you an idea about what had happened in the past and how Tom Riddle almost won. But did you know that Tom Riddle had no more magical blood then you or you?" he asked as he pointed at the children of mixed parentage. "His father was a muggle. But he chose to focus on his magical heritage and his decent from Salazar Slytherin. The ideas that you have just shared with each other completely escaped Riddle and eventually led to his demise. In order to defend yourself against the dark arts you must first be able to resist using them. Ridding yourself of the notion that you are somehow better then someone or someone is better then you simply by who their parents or grandparents are or were is a good first step. Alright, that's enough for today. Off you go."
Harry watched as some very thoughtful young witches and wizards made their way into the corridor. They weren't the only ones being thoughtful.
Harry had to admit he was enjoying himself immensely. He found the interaction with his students every bit as satisfying as it had been when he was a seventh year and assisting Bill Weasley. His first years were enthusiastic and receptive to his ideas about the basis from which to establish a true defense against the dark arts. The carriage rides were taking most of the stress off his knee and having Ginny to talk to in the evenings made for a great end to the day.
They were finishing up breakfast on the second Saturday of the new term when an unexpected visitor arrived at their doorstep. It was Hermione. Even in the small house Kreacher insisted that he be the one to answer the door and announce whomever it was that was seeking admittance.
"Hermione Weasley wishes to see Master Harry and Mistress Ginny."
"Of course, Kreacher, have her come in," Harry said from the kitchen table.
"Hi, Harry, Ginny. It's great to see you again. How are you both doing?" she asked as she took a seat at the table.
"I'm doing great, Hermione," Ginny replied. "Would you like something? A cup of tea?"
"Thanks, that would be terrific. What about you, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"I'm doing pretty well, Hermione. The knee is not too bad since I'm not doing a lot of walking and the classes are going great. It's been a lot of fun so far."
She just gave him a knowing little smile that got a smirk in return and then she said,
"It's the knee I came about, Harry. Here's the name and address of the doctor I was telling you about. An appointment has been set for next Saturday at nine in the morning if that's alright with you. My dad said he would be glad to meet you outside the Black house and drive you there. It's on the outskirts of the city."
"That will be great, Hermione. As to your dad, that's really nice of him, but I could have gotten a cab or maybe even a Ministry car," Harry said.
"My parents figure they owe you a favor or two, Harry. Yes, I know what you're going to say but they still think of it that way so let them do this for you, please? Alright? Good," she said as Harry first began to object and then accepted the offer.
"So, now that that's settled tell me what's been going on. It seems kind of strange with you two being here at Hogwarts and me not being with you. I sometimes think our seventh year was about the best time of my life," she said a little wistfully.
Harry gave her a little smile and began to tell her what he had been up to. She got very excited when he mentioned what had transpired with the Centaurs. He didn't give any details but explained that they had entrusted their life story to him. Ginny added some things about working on the books with Hagrid, Charlie and Abagail. Hermione found this very interesting.
"What a great idea, you two. There's so much information between Hagrid and Charlie and having Abagail do the illustrations would make for a really terrific book. Do you think they'll have you pose for the cover art for Charlie's book on dragons?" she asked with a little grin.
"Very funny, Hermione," Harry said as the two ladies started to laugh.
"Um, Harry?" Ginny said around a giggle.
"Yes, love?"
"It was already suggested but since you don't appear to fit in with any particular type of dragon it was decided not to ask you," she said.
"You mean there's no place in the book for 'draconis harrypotteris'?" he asked, his voice heavy with disappointment.
This got even more laughs out of the two. Later that afternoon someone else special put in an appearance as Harry and Ginny had suggested Bill and Fleur come to dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were more than happy to baby sit Victoire and in fact showed up around noon at Shell Cottage and all but pushed the parents out of the house by mid afternoon. Harry and Ginny were just as happy to have their guests there early.
As could be expected Fleur made a big fuss over Harry and gave him the once over, twice. When she was done she nodded her head.
"You are lookeeng much better, 'arry. You are enjoyeeng your time 'ere, yes?"
"Yes I am, Fleur. It's been a very good couple of weeks so far," he replied.
Harry had the feeling that no opportunity would be lost to remind him that Hogwarts was a good place for him to be. It was something he already knew. What he needed to do was figure out whether or not it was the right place for him to be.
As the four sat in the small parlor the discussion ranged from class work, Quidditch, babies and the impending vacation trip for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"'arry, before we left the cottage, Muum asked me to tell you again 'ow 'appy she ees to be going to my aunt and uncle's 'ouse and 'ow much she appreciates you arrangeeng eet for them."
"Hmm, I seem to recall that you had the most to do with it, Fleur. I just asked if it could be done and made sure that they had some nice surprises," Harry said.
Fleur shook her head and fixed Harry with a beady eyed stare. Harry ducked his head and warded off her evil eye with both hands. Bill and Ginny could only laugh.
"Harry, if I could get a bit serious for a moment, I'd like to ask you a favor if you would," Bill said.
"Sure, Bill, as long as it's not running in a race or anything."
"No, you should be able to handle it. I checked your schedule and you have a free period during one of my NEWT candidate sessions. Would you consider coming in and talking about what you went through during your NEWT? I know it was a tougher one then usual but I thought it might give them an idea of what to expect and some expert advice on getting through," Bill said.
"Sure, Bill. I'd be happy to," Harry said.
As he said it he could feel Ginny shudder at his side. He knew she was remembering how her NEWT exam ended and he put his arm around her and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
"When would you like me there, Bill?" Harry asked.
"Your late Tuesday morning free period," Bill replied.
"I'll be there. I'll have to think back on it and make some notes."
"Just remember, 'arry. Theese ees about teaching them, so do not theenk that you are boasteeng. Tell them what they need to know," Fleur said seriously.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied solemnly and then gave her a slow wink.
She rolled her eyes and then laughed. Dinner was a wonderful if somewhat odd affair. Kreacher had gone out of his way to prepare a sumptuous multi-course meal that was at odds with the simple surroundings of the small house. It didn't matter in the least to the diners, especially Harry who did his best to clean his plate, the serving platter and the vegetable bowl.
When he was finished he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile. He looked over at Kreacher who was cleaning up and said,
"Kreacher, my friend, that was about as good a dinner as I can remember. You keep this up and I might actually start putting on some weight."
"Master Harry is most welcome. It is Kreacher's pleasure to cook for Master Harry. And Master Harry's family as well," the little elf said with a smile.
"I can't imagine what it's going to be like once you get your house built with that big kitchen and dining room. Between Mum and Kreacher you should be able to feed half the student body," Bill said.
"Don't give Kreacher any ideas. But I guess we should give some thought to a housewarming. Maybe not all the students but something. We'll have to give it some thought, don't you think so, Ginny?"
"Absolutely, Harry."
Tuesday morning found Harry sitting on his stool in front of the class of DADA NEWT candidates. Bill was sitting off to the side and he was as interested as any of the students since he had never heard the details of Harry's test, only that it was long and tough.
"I'd like to start off by saying that since I only went through the test the one time I can't say that you'll face the same thing. In fact, I know that my test was intentionally made more difficult but at least you'll get an idea of the kinds of things you might have to face and what I did to overcome them. I don't believe any one obstacle I faced would be beyond the capabilities of a truly competent witch or wizard, but the way some were combined and the total number might prove daunting."
A Hufflepuff wizard raised his hand.
"Yes?" Harry responded.
"Excuse me for asking, Professor, but were they trying to make you fail?"
"I don't believe so. I know that there were some at the Ministry that weren't particularly thrilled with the idea of me wanting to be an Auror but I don't think the Test Director would have allowed something like that. I think it was more that they were making sure that they weren't going to be accused of going soft on me so that the 'famous Harry Potter' could become an Auror. Don't forget, to pass the exam I only needed an Acceptable so if I didn't make it all the way or had a few problems I could still get in."
"Could I ask what your grade was, sir?"
"It was an 'Outstanding'," Harry replied evenly.
This got a number of raised eyebrows and nods. Harry then began to describe the types of obstacles that he faced and what techniques he used to overcome them. He talked about the environment that was created with alternating darkness and bright light, heat and bitter cold and seemingly random changes in direction.
"I think at the very bottom of it all is not so much a test of your particular skills so much as it is a test of your confidence in your abilities, how well you can maintain your composure under stress and to a certain degree, your mental toughness, your determination. The way it was structured it was no academic exercise but more a simulation of what real encounters would be like," Harry said and then looked over at Bill. "Professor, was that similar to your experience with your NEWT exam."
"Yes, although not to the degree and severity that you've just described," Bill said and then he looked at the class. "What Professor Potter has said is very much to the point. It's not enough to know a particular charm or how to defeat this creature or that curse. You have to know you can do it under difficult situations with all manner of distractions and have the confidence that it will come out right in the end. With that in mind as the year goes on we will be conducting a series of simulations in the Room of Requirements to help prepare you."
Harry nodded and then continued,
"I have to admit to something and I hope you take it in the spirit that it is offered. By the time I had gotten to my exam, I had been through so many situations and so many encounters that what I experienced in my test wasn't all that bad. It was long and it was exhausting but it wasn't particularly harrowing I'd guess you'd say. Now, I'm not suggesting that you go out and find some evil wizards and dark creatures to fight in preparation for your test, but I do suggest that you approach these upcoming simulations seriously and with the intent of learning about yourself as much as learning the magic. You do that and I'm sure you'll do very well with your exam. That's about all I have, so why don't we start with the questions."
There were quite a few. Harry was happy to see that the questions were serious inquiries into the details of the things he faced and what techniques he used. The students wanted information and not just to engage in some form of hero worship. He particularly enjoyed several questions that challenged him on why he chose one response over another when faced with a particular threat. He was pretty sure that when the time came these witches and wizards would acquit themselves quite well. When the time came, Bill dismissed the class and they all made their way to the Great Hall, still talking and asking questions. Before they broke up to head to their tables Harry told the students he would be available for further discussions both formally in classes and informally during off hours. As he and Bill made their way to the head table Bill looked at him and said,
"Well done, Professor. I think they learned a great deal today and with some more work this year they should be very well prepared for their exam."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said with a small smile. "I think having had a steady and capable DADA instructor for all but one year has a lot to do with that."
"You're too kind, Professor," Bill replied with a little bow.
"Not at all, Professor," Harry replied in kind and since they had reached the steps up to the table he gestured for Bill to go ahead. "After you, Professor."
"Oh, no, after you, Professor," Bill replied, a small grin beginning to show on his scarred face.
"Are you sure, Professor? By the time I get up there the food will have gotten cold," Harry responded with a smirk.
"No problem, I assure you, Professor. I can just wave my wand and float you right to your seat," Bill offered, his smile growing.
"Now wouldn't that be a sight," Harry said and then he started to laugh and climbed the few steps one at a time.
Bill followed behind laughing as well. Professor McGonagall was already seated and had watched the entire exchange with raised eyebrows. As the two brothers-in-law came to their seats she said,
"And what may I ask was that all about, Professors?"
"Oh, just a couple of overgrown schoolboys playing at being professors, Headmistress," Bill said with a smile.
The Head just shook her head with a small grin. Privately she wished she had more such schoolboys on the faculty. Harry looked along the table and a thought occurred to him.
"Excuse me, Professor McGonagall. I was just wondering why we never see Neville Longbottom here. Isn't he staff, more or less?"
"Indeed he is. However, it is my understanding that either he Disapparates back to the Cauldron to eat or Mrs. Longbottom brings him something herself."
Harry nodded and smiled a bit. He looked out over the rapidly filling Hall and out of nowhere another thought occurred to him. He looked back at Professor McGonagall.
"Excuse me, Professor. But what ever happened to Peeves? I don't think I've seen or heard about him since I came back for my seventh year."
"We have no idea, Harry. He hasn't been seen since the Last Battle. At first we thought he was hiding somewhere until the smoke cleared, as it were. But after a while we began to grow concerned so the castle was searched from top to bottom. We checked with all the ghosts and portraits and no sign of him has ever turned up. I must admit he was never my favorite Hogwarts resident but I wouldn't wish him any harm either. We just don't know where he got to."
The rest of the week progressed according to schedule and soon Harry found himself preparing to leave for his doctor's appointment on Saturday morning. He was dressed in muggle attire and he was leaving his wand at home. He assumed he wouldn't run into anything that would require that level of conjuration. He kissed Ginny good bye and Disapparated to the porch of the Black House. He went down the steps and onto the pavement just as a small four door sedan pulled up to the curb nearby. Mr. Granger waved him over.
Harry walked slowly over to the car and opened the door and carefully folded himself into the front passenger seat. He shook hands with the muggle dentist.
"Thank you very much for this, Mr. Granger. I hope I'm not putting you out or anything," he said.
"Harry, it's the least we could do for you. It shouldn't be too bad a drive on a Saturday morning," Hermione's dad said with a smile.
He pulled away from the curb and began to negotiate the traffic. It had been a number of years since Harry had been in an unmagicked automobile and he had a sudden realization. In his entire life he had never been in the front seat of a car. He leaned back into the seat and enjoyed the ride. It took perhaps half an hour and then they were pulling into the car park of a moderate sized building. There were only a handful of other cars.
"Doctor McLeod is an old friend, Harry. When the wife and I were first starting out we shared space in the same building. A number of his patients were and still are sportsmen and often whatever mishap brought them to him for treatment also required dental repair. We treated more than a few who had casts on their legs or arms."
They parked the car and Hermione's father led Harry inside the lobby to the lifts. They rode up to the third floor and when the doors slid open Harry could see they were across from a large suite of offices. Mr. Granger opened the door and gestured Harry to go in ahead of him. They were in a moderate sized waiting room that contained far fewer chairs than the often crowded room he was used to at St. Mungo's. Mr. Granger waved him into a seat and he went up to speak to the woman behind the receptionist counter. Harry couldn't hear the conversation but he saw the woman look at him and then nod to Hermione's dad.
"Mr. Potter, the doctor is ready for you. If you'd just come this way please," she said.
Mr. Granger smiled and said he would be waiting here for Harry when he was through. Harry smiled and followed the woman down a corridor. She opened the door to a room and said,
"If you would, Mr. Potter."
Harry made his way into the room and the woman followed in behind. She gestured for Harry to sit down and she picked up a clipboard that contained some forms.
"My name is Amanda Williamson, Mr. Potter. I'm Dr. McLeod's surgical assistant and sometime receptionist. You are our only patient today so the regular receptionist has the day off."
"Oh, I hadn't realized. I hope I'm not putting you out," Harry said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"Not at all, Mr. Potter. We do this a couple of times a month. Many of our clients have hectic schedules and we do this to accommodate them. Now, I just need to get some information if you don't mind."
And she began to ask questions about Harry's age, height and weight, any health issues, next of kin and so on. Then she asked Harry to sign a couple of pages and finally instructed him to change into one of those omnipresent little gowns while she fetched the doctor. When she returned she found Harry sitting on the examining table with his hands folded in his lap. She saw the look on his face and said,
"Yes, I know, silly things aren't they. Doctor, this is Mr. Harry Potter."
"Good morning, Mr. Potter. I'm Doctor McLeod. The Grangers are old friends and I'm pleased to meet you," he said, holding out his hand which Harry took. "Although I'm sure you'd rather it be under more pleasant circumstances. I understand your left knee is rather buggered up. Would you tell me about what happened?"
"As much as I can, sir. You see, I work for the government and it was injured while I was on duty," he said watching as the Doctor's eyebrows rose a bit. "The first time I fell on it in, I guess you could call it a semi controlled crash," and he used his hands to indicate the shallow dive that resulted in his crashing to the ground in the low brush. "That's where I got these burns as well," he indicated. "The second and more serious injury came when I was a little too close to a building that collapsed. I got hit by some debris."
Both the Doctor and his surgical assistant were regarding Harry with more than a little interest. The big round glasses, the unkempt hair and slight build were not in any way consistent with what they thought should be the look of someone being in those situations. Harry looked back at them with a studied neutral look on his face. He had been giving this moment some thought and he decided since he did work for the government, in a way, that he would use that as a cover.
"Well, I see. So two traumatic injuries, the second worse than the first. Let's take a look and then we'll take some pictures."
The doctor felt around Harry's knee and made some notes on a chart and then added some scribbled lines near the bottom.
"Alright, Mr. Potter, if you'd go along with Ms. Williamson she'll take you to our imaging area and we'll do some x-rays and MRI scans. I'll go out and have a chat with Mr. Granger, I haven't seen him since he and the missus returned from Australia."
"Yes, sir," Harry said as he gingerly got off the examining table and went to follow the assistant.
"Oops, not so fast, Mr. Potter. We'll take you for a ride in this," she said as she pulled a wheelchair from the hallway.
Harry was about to object but then shrugged and sat down and allowed the surgical assistant to wheel him down to another area of the suite. Going through another door brought him to the first of two rooms, separated by a single door. A large machine sat near the far wall. A middle aged man in plain medical garb, often referred to as 'scrubs', was waiting. He took the clipboard from Ms. Williamson and then looked at Harry.
"Ok, guv, up ya come. If ya'd sit up 'ere and make sure yer knee is right over this section 'ere. Now ya can lay back," the man said and then he draped Harry with a heavy protective blanket. "Ok, now stay right still and I'll be back."
The imaging technician and Ms. Williamson left the room and then there was a brief buzz from the machine and they were back. The technician repositioned Harry several times to get images from different angles. After the last shot he was back and Harry said,
"Don't you have to change films or anything?"
"Oh, no sir. We're all up-to-date 'ere. It's all digital, no more processing film. Just snap a pitcher and it goes into the computer and right to the Doc's desk. If you'll come with me it's time for the MRI."
Harry followed the man into the next room where a larger machine was located. Harry had to lay down and he was slid into the large ring section of the machine and he was told to lay back and relax because this would take more time. But it wasn't all that long before the technician came through the door and said,
"Alrighty, Mr. Potter. Yer all done. Ms. Williamson will take ya back to the exam room. It's been a pleasure."
"Thank you."
Harry was wheeled back to the original exam room and he was left by himself for a while. Then he heard footsteps approaching and the Doctor and assistant came through the door.
"Well, Mr. Potter it is a bit of a mess but I've seen worse. Had one fellow in here, about the only thing holding his leg together was the skin around his knee."
"What happened to him?" Harry asked, slightly horrified.
"He was an amateur rugby player, ran into some fellow that weighed about twenty stone and they fell together, the big one on the other's knee. They said the sound of it going away could be heard all over the field. But back to you. You have fragments of cartilage and I believe some bone floating about in there as well as tears in the ligaments and tendons. I would also say that the ligaments have been stretched more than a little bit as well," the Doctor said.
"Here's what I'd like to do," he continued. "I understand that you are a teacher in a boarding school up north. We'll set a date for right after the present term ends and we'll do an arthroscopic procedure where we make small incisions and use small equipment and viewers to clear out the rubbish and repair the worst of the damage. Sew up the tears and so on. This way we get most of the damage taken care of with the least amount of disruption to your leg. You'll be braced up again for four to six weeks, then we'll bring you back for further evaluation. At that point we'll see about beginning physical therapy to tighten things up. I'd prefer that to additional surgery."
"If that's what you think is best, then that's what we'll do," Harry replied.
"Excellent. Why don't you get dressed and we'll get you set up with that appointment," the Doctor replied.
Harry shook hands with the doctor and watched him leave. Then Ms. Williamson said,
"For the arthroscopy, Mr. Potter, we use an outpatient surgical clinic not far from here. I'm sure Mr. Granger knows the location. We'll make all the arrangements and notify you of the time and date," she said as she was writing something on his chart. "I'd imagine you're looking forward to getting back on your broom once all this is taken care of."
"Excuse me?" Harry said evenly.
"Flying on your broomstick. The famous Harry Potter, star seeker for Gryffindor House at Hogwarts. My youngest brother is a wizard, Mr. Potter. The only one ever in our family. He was a seventh year when you were in your first year. He used to write to me the whole time he was up at school. The last year, you were all over his letters. After he graduated he used to keep tabs on what was going on. After that hideous Voldemort re-emerged my brother went into hiding, he was so scared, being muggle born as you folks call it. In many ways I have you to thank for making sure my brother could lead a full and happy life. Thank you for that," she said the last looking straight at Harry, a small smile on her lips.
"It wasn't just me, you know," Harry said quietly.
"I suppose, but I've read the full story. My brother lent me a book that has it all down. Plus you're the only other wizard I've ever met so..." she shrugged. "But don't you worry, Mr. Potter. Your secret is safe with me. We'll get you back in one piece and flying high again very soon. I'll leave you now to get dressed," she smiled and then stepped outside.
Harry shook his head as he got up and slipped off the examination gown and got himself dressed. He wondered how many muggles were out there that knew about the magical world and managed not to let it slip. Then he laughed to himself and thought that many probably had and others just thought they were crazy. When he was done he left the room and walked out into the waiting area.
"Harry, so, how did it go?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Well, it's as bad as we thought, but the doctor seems pretty sure he can get it knitted back together again. They are going to schedule something right after we finish the fall term."
"Excellent. Well, rest assured we'll be available to help you get around."
"That's very kind of you, sir."
"Not at all, son. It's the least we could do for you," Mr. Granger said with smile.
As they made for the door, Ms. Williamson watched them from the other side of the counter and gave Harry a little smile and nod. He responded with the same. The drive back to the Black house was uneventful and he left Mr. Granger with handshakes and more thanks. He was back to Hogsmeade in a matter of moments.
"Harry, sweetheart. How did it go?" Ginny said from the kitchen table.
"It went well, love. Let me sit down and I'll tell you all about it. Hello there, little one. Keeping Ginny company?"
"Hiya Harry, sorta. We're talking about the book, too," the young witch said with a smile.
Harry moved over to the kitchen table and sat down.
"The doctor said the knee is as bad as Dr. Antimony thought. But he also thought he could get most of the damage taken care of with a procedure that doesn't require cutting up the whole knee. We can do it right before Christmas. I'll be in a brace for a few weeks more and then they'll look at it again and then I'll start some form of physical therapy. He wants to avoid any big surgery."
"Hmm, I can agree with that, I think. You have enough scars as it is, my hero," Ginny said with a smile.
"Just as interesting though is the doctor's surgical assistant knew who I was," Harry said.
"What do you mean? Was she a witch?" Ginny asked.
"No, her youngest brother is a wizard. Apparently the only one in the family. He was a seventh year when I was in my first. He used to write to her all about school and I guess I was in some of the letters. He went underground when Voldemort came back. She thanked me for helping him live a full and happy life," Harry said and he couldn't help but shrug.
Abagail leaned over and gave him a little tap on the arm.
"That's from Ginny since she can't reach you," she said with a grin.
Harry just smiled. He frowned a bit and looked toward the front door.
"Is all that noise coming from the students?"
"Yup, first weekend for Hogsmeade. The place is packed," Ginny said.
"We're we that loud?" he asked.
"Oh, I'm sure. Not that we cared," she said with a smile.
"So, what do you say we have some lunch and then take a walk down to see George? I'd imagine he'd be up here for the big day," Harry said.
"Kreacher will have lunch ready in just a few moments more, Master Harry," the little elf said.
"Thanks, Kreacher."
After they finished eating, the three went out into the street, their robes just enough to ward off the slight chill of late September. The street and pavements were crowded with students and Harry received a number of shouted 'hellos' and waves. He returned them with smiles and waves of his own. Ginny and Abagail got more than a few greetings themselves. Despite the close quarters, students took care not to jostle Harry as he maneuvered through the roaming packs of witches and wizards. He noticed that there were also a number of paired off boys and girls walking hand in hand. He looked down at Abagail who was walking to one side of him, her arm hooked in Ginny's, their heads close in whispered conversation.
As much as his fatherly instincts made him a little edgy where boys were concerned he was also a little worried about how she didn't seem to have any close friends or a boyfriend for that matter. He understood that she was different but wizards and witches were different by definition so he wondered what the issue was. He also wondered about the relationship between his ward and Tom Medford, if it could be considered as such. The sound of a dull roar interrupted his thoughts as they neared the shop of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
Students were backed out the door. Harry noticed a little remodeling had been done. There was now a door for entry and one for exit. Harry, Ginny and Abagail came to a stop at the end of the queue for those trying to get in. A student sensing someone behind him turned and when he saw Harry standing patiently he edged aside and tapped the wizard in front of him who likewise turned and did the same. In short order Harry had been able to move forward into the store proper, thanking the students as he moved past them. Ginny and Abagail grinned as they followed along in his wake.
"Harry," he heard George call out. "Good to see you, Professor. Try and come up to the front. That's it ladies and gents, please let the Professor through."
Harry waded through the mass of bodies like a tug in Portsmouth harbor. Ginny and Abagail were like small barges being towed along behind. When he made it to the counter, George flipped up a section and let them through.
"Hi, Harry. I heard you were to the doctor today. Everything alright?" George asked.
"It's not at the moment, but they figure they can get it pretty well fixed. They'll do it over the holiday break. Business looks good," Harry said.
"Yeah, the first Saturday is always the worst, or best, depending on how you look at it. Go in back and I'll be there in a few."
The three made their way back into the store room/office and found places to sit down. Harry and Ginny in chairs and Abagail on a box. Harry was looking around the collection of boxes and bags, some on the floor, some on shelves. It looked a little disheveled.
"I'm thinking they need Mum or Hermione to come in here and get the placed organized," he said.
"It does look a little untidy, doesn't it, sweetheart. But it looks like they might be having staffing issues. I think at least one of the clerks out there is from the Diagon Alley store," Ginny responded.
Just then George came back.
"It's nice to see you guys, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to talk long. As you saw it's a madhouse out there. I had to bring two people up from London to handle the volume. We don't do enough business during the week to justify additional full time staff and it's hard to find part time help up here," he said, looking harried.
"Would it be possible to hire a sixth or seventh year for just the Saturday? Maybe two, working split shifts so they aren't gone all day," Harry suggested.
"Hmm, that might not be a bad idea, Harry. They'd be able to leave when all the other students go back to the school. I think I'll go put up a sign right now. Thanks, brother," George said with a grin.
"You're welcome, brother, and I think we'll leave you to your customers. We just wanted to say hi. Let us know when you and Angelina feel up to a visit," Harry said.
"Sure thing, Harry. Most likely in a couple of weeks, I'd think," he said as he headed back to the chaos.
Harry nodded to his two 'ladies' and said,
"I think it would be a good idea to leave by the back door. I don't want to have to fight my way out through that crowd."
"Good idea, Harry. They do a nice job of getting out of your way but an accident can still happen," Ginny said as she held her hand out to Abagail.
They quietly left via the back door, making sure it locked when they shut it. They walked up the alley and back into the slowly thinning crush of students. Again there were many greetings and waves as they made their way back to the house. As they closed the door behind them, Harry let out a big breath.
"Wow. I don't recall it being that big of a crush when we used to come down."
"That's because we were causing the crush and having a good time being out of the castle. You tend to overlook things like that when you're a kid," Ginny said with a grin. "Now that we are mature adults we are more observant of such things. And not nearly as tolerant," she finished with a laugh.
Harry just smiled and went to sit in the parlor. Abagail came in and sat down across from him while Ginny went into the kitchen to see about some tea. Harry looked at his ward.
"So, little one, you didn't want to stay out and spend time with any of your friends?"
"I dunno, Harry. It's not like I haven't been out there dozens of times before. Plus I don't have any really close friends to spend time with. If you and Ginny weren't here I'd probably be back at the castle working on some art for the book. That's what we were talking about when you came back from the doctor's. Don't worry about me like that, Harry. I'm in a lot better shape then I might have been, thanks to you. I'm happy," she said with a bright smile.
He smiled back and then waved her over to sit next to him on the small couch and when she did he gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head.
"I can't help it, little one. I'm being parental at the moment," he said.
Ginny came in at that time bearing a tray with tea and biscuits. Harry looked up and said,
"Is Kreacher alright, Ginny?"
"He's not here right now, Harry. While you were gone he popped up to the castle to visit his friends and get some advice on a new recipe he was thinking about. So I get to play homemaker for a little while," she said with a grin.
She placed the tray on the little table and they served themselves. Abagail looked at Harry as she sipped her tea, her face thoughtful. She set the cup down and nibbled a biscuit and then said,
"If you don't mind, Harry, there is something I wanted to ask you and it's kind of what you were talking about a minute ago."
"Ok, ask," Harry said.
"Um, I was thinking that for the Halloween Ball that I might invite Tom to come up. If that's alright with you?" she said, biting her lower lip a bit.
"Hmm, really? I wasn't aware that Tom was much of a dancer," Harry said evenly.
"I don't know if he is either. It's just that we had a nice time talking at your birthday party and with you up here all year I thought it would be a chance to get to talk to him some more," she replied her eyes a little wide as she looked at Harry.
"What do you think, Gin?" Harry said.
"I don't see that it would do any harm, Harry. As long as you promise not to talk work with him," Ginny said from behind her tea cup, trying to hide a little smile.
"Ok, I guess it would be alright, little one."
"Thanks, Harry," she said brightly.
Harry smiled back and looked at the petite young lady, who's face was showing signs of maturity that were at odds with her small stature. Harry's 'little girl' was growing up, was in fact almost an adult. He looked across at his wife who was regarding him with a warm smile and a tilt to her head. He just smiled back, but refused to add the shrug.