Chapter 35 – Two New Homes

"Harry, can I tell you something without you getting offended?"

Harry looked at Ginny who seemed very nervous for some reason. "I guess so Gin. Have I done something wrong or badly that I'm not aware of?"

"No, nothing wrong. I just wanted to let you and Hermione know something."

Hermione came over and sat next to the redhead. She picked up Ginny's hand and stroked the back of it. "So what's worrying those gorgeous brown eyes of yours?"

Ginny ducked her head, slightly embarrassed. "I like and appreciate the things we do as a couple Harry, Nonnie and as a trio with all of us. And I'm certainly not complaining about the attention or anybody's techniques…."

"But…" Harry led.

"I've realized that I'm really quite content and happy to just to be with you and have snuggles and quiet times alone with one or both of you. I hope you aren't disappointed with me."

Instead of the anger or resentment Ginny expected, she was shocked that Hermione just smiled and tightened her grip on her hand. Harry however couldn't contain himself and broke out laughing.

"It's not funny" Ginny protested.

Harry reached for his composure and came over to hug Ginny and, incidentally, Hermione. "I'm not laughing at you Ginny. I'm laughing at myself and a little at Hermione. We've been the ones making the assumptions about you."

Hermione kissed Ginny's temple and snuggled a little closer to her. "I wished you had realized this a little while ago."

Ginny looked at her mates and tried to make sense of their behavior. "I'm confused. Didn't you hear what I said? I don't need to be as physical with you two as I've let on."

Harry knelt down in front of Ginny and stared up into her confused face. "You haven't done anything wrong and I guess we've all walked ourselves into a little trap here. I've always said that I'm just content to have the both of you near and snuggled up to me at night. The things we do are great but it isn't the sole or most important basis or our marriage. I.."

"We.." Hermione corrected.

"We thought you were the one that wanted to be more physical."

"I wanted… want you two to be happy" Ginny grumbled.

Hermione turned Ginny's face so that she could look into her eyes. "We are happy with or without the sex. All Harry and I want is your presence in our lives; it doesn't have to be physical although that's quite nice. And you are not some sort of scarlet woman throwing herself at us for our enjoyment, if that's what you might have been thinking."

Ginny looked to Harry and then to Hermione. And then again. She started smiling and then a giggle escaped her mouth. "We must never let Mum or the twins know about this."

Harry was smiling. "About what Mrs. Potter?"

Ginny started speaking again and her laughter started to catch on with the two others. "That we…"

".. have been so worried about.."

"…making sure that the others felt wanted and good…"

"…that we've been…"

"….going overboard to make sure that everyone is sexually satisfied." Hermione finished both Harry and Ginny's comments.

Ginny laughed as she wiped out her watery eyes. "I'm so sorry you two. I thought you wanted more."

"And Hermione and I both made the same assumptions about the other two in the relationship" Harry said.

"We're unofficially nitwits" Ginny said laughingly.

"No, we're officially married and in love" Hermione corrected. "We just want the best for each other."

Harry pretended to pout just the littlest bit. "I thought I was."

Both girls turned and hugged their husband. "You are dummy but we don't want to wear 'EM' out needlessly."

'There's little chance of that!'

'Little?'

"You two stop that or I won't take you along."

That statement immediately stopped the mental laughter from the two girls. "Where are we going Harry?"

"I'm not sure you two deserve to go after picking on me like that."

Both Hermione and Ginny calmly settled back on their seats and Harry squirmed a little under their combined gaze. "Okay, you know I really can't refuse you two when you both stare at me. There ought to be a law that keeps wives from influencing their husbands like this."

Both Ginny and Hermione smiled and stood up to give Harry a good hug. "You are soooo mistreated, Mr. Potter."

Harry laughed and held up a portkey. "We have a couple hours to go exploring this last Unplottable location the goblins gave us. Dobby was of the opinion that we would enjoy this place."

"I'll wait and see what Dobby thinks is good" Ginny said.

Hermione summoned some jackets for them all from their closet and they put them on. Harry, remembering the muddy landing at Bolingbroke Castle, caste a water repelling charm on their footwear and pants and said they were ready to go.

Ginny held onto Harry's hand but Hermione stood in front of her husband and wrapped his arm around her middle. She turned her head to give Harry a kiss. "Just for luck."

Pressing the portkey, Harry called out the destination. "Kirkcaldy Lodgling"

The three closed their eyes as the portkey magic seized them and transported them away from Potter Mansion.

Xxxx xxxx

A second they all felt the landing in ankle high grass and Harry, Hermione and Ginny opened their eyes. "It's just gorgeous Harry" Hermione beamed.

"This is really all ours?" Ginny whispered.

Harry nodded but all three were distracted by loud cheers that were coming from behind them. They turned to watch a number of soccer games being held on a large open area that started about 50 yards behind the Lodgling. The cheers came from a team that had just scored a goal and Harry couldn't help smiling at the celebration being carried on by the groups of kids.

"They can't see us can they?"

"I'm pretty sure between the wards and the muggle-repelling spells, we and the building are invisible Ginny."

"Thanks Hermione but I don't feel invisible."

"We could pretend you aren't here I suppose" Harry said before he dodged to avoid Ginny's swing at him. "But shouldn't we look around and inside our new place?"

Kirkcaldy Lodgling was a quaint two story building. It was covered by a thatch roof and the walls were a combination of cobblestones, yellowed plaster and wood. There was a brick chimney at each end of the building and the doors and windows were outlined in a darker wood. That darker wood trim was also spread around the walls at various places and seemed to exist as the external framework somehow. There were a few windows up high that suggested there might be a second story to the cottage.

The three walk around the back of the lodgling and commented on how special it seemed. It held a certain grace and timeliness that made it feel very warm and comforting – even from outside. The whole building was only about 60 feet long by 30 feet wide. Harry stood back and took a good look at the thatched roof and wondered how tall the second story would turn out to be. It was obviously built centuries ago when people were generally shorter.

Coming around to the front of the building, Harry and the others paused to stare at the scenery the Lodgling overlooked. They were on the top of a hill right on the coast and the sudden sound of the surf and the gulls rose and fell as both the tide and wind surged and flowed. There were two long wrought iron benches in front of the house and Harry sat down on the closest and just relaxed. Hermione came and sat down beside him while Ginny asked to sit on Harry's lap for a bit. Harry smiled as he pulled the redhead down to get comfortable.

"I could stay here for a year or two and never move as long as the both of you were here with me."

"Me too Harry." Hermione pointed to a cluster of buildings less than a half mile away. "That must be the town of Kirkcaldy. We could pop down there and find a restaurant or pub for our meals."

Ginny smiled into Harry's neck. "I like Nonnie's idea. Could we just spend a week here before we go back to school? No family, no house elves. Just us?"

"As great as that idea sounds, I have to go to Hogwarts tomorrow for the Board of Governor's meeting. If you want to stay here you can but I think Vika really wants to show all of us our new quarters."

"Fudge."

"The Minister has nothing to do with your decision to go or stay" Harry said saucily as he moved his head to kiss Ginny. Her disappointed look vanished and she sprang to her feet. "Let's at least take a look inside and see if it's as cute inside as out."

There was a small discussion of who should open the door but Harry solved it by pushing both girls forward. Both clasped a hand on the door handle and turned it slowly. There was room enough for both Ginny and Hermione to squeeze through together but they stopped when they saw the interior.

Harry peered over their shoulders and whistled as he got a look at the interior. Hermione and Ginny took a couple of steps inside and were joined by Harry at gazing at the space inside. Wide beams of that darker wood ran across the ceiling and supported the second floor. Half the ceiling was open up to the roof and there was a stairway mounted on the back wall that led upstairs.

On the ground floor there were double sets of windows on the front of the lodgling facing the ocean. To the left on the living room side sat a large couch facing the windows where one could sit and watch the sunset every evening. Additionally, a single person could rest on the wide ledge built into one of the window spaces. The large brick fireplace had a large oval braided rug lying about five feet from the hearth with a loveseat and a single easy chair bracketing a table. Oil lamps were situated at various places around the interior and they seemed to be full and ready to be lit.

The area to the right of the door held a simple oaken dining room table and four chairs. The kitchen ran along the side wall to the fireplace that could substitute as a cooking spot with a few wide openings over the hearth. Harry could almost smell the fresh bread that could be baked once the fire was stoked up. Storage lockers took up most of the wall space on that end of the building but there were a couple of smaller windows letting light in from the north face.

Ginny looked the refrigerator and stove and told Harry that they didn't seem much different than what the Weasleys had at the Burrow. Harry opened the fridge door and called out that they needed to thank Dobby when they returned to Potter Manor. Hermione looked over Harry's shoulder and saw that the fridge was filled with food and drinks enough to last the three of them a long while. Dobby must have updated the kitchen and stcked it when he had visited here.

A large open bookcase separated the kitchen area and the living area downstairs. Ginny and Hermione went to look at the books that were on the shelves while Harry investigated the small room that was built underneath the stairs.

"There's half-bath here" Harry said from the open doorway. "A sink and a toilet."

"Just in time" Hermione said as she scooted by Harry and pushed him back a step so she could close the door. Harry shook his head and turned to Ginny. "I don't suppose a little warning could be given to your husband so he doesn't get trampled in the rush?"

"You could always go in with us Jamie. Neither Hermione nor I am modest enough to mind you being there. We did all have to do our business together back at Griffin's Lair."

Harry blushed and went and sat on the stairway up to the second floor. "Thanks but unless you really need me in there, I'll take a pass."

Hermione came out of the bathroom to lean on Harry where he was sitting on the stairway. "We've had this discussion already Harry. If you have something to talk to us about, we don't mind if you follow us in."

"I can't think of anything that's quite that urgent right now. Shall we go see what the sleeping arrangements are upstairs?"

Ginny bolted up the stairs as soon as Harry stood and he snapped his fingers as he missed a lunge to catch her. His lunge however resulted in a brief coughing jag that held him frozen in place momentarily. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder until he recovered. He said thanks and continued up the stairs. He and Hermione were just about to the top of the stairs when they heard a big "Whee" coming from their spouse. Harry started laughing when he climbed the last few stairs and saw what Ginny was doing.

There was a huge feather bed that took up about a third of the space in the bedroom on the half floor. Ginny had kicked off her shoes and was bouncing on the bed trying to reach the thatched roof. Even with her shorter height, Ginny was brushing her hands across some of the straw bundles that made up the ceiling.

Hermione didn't mean to yell but her voice seemed really loud in the small area. "Don't pull anything loose there. It's all woven together to stay leak-proof."

Ginny frowned and flopped down on her back and settled in the middle of the bed. "Isn't the view wonderful?"

The two had been watching Ginny but now noticed that there was a big bay window right next to the bed that had a view down the hill, across the beach and out to the Channel. There was a smaller window on the back wall and Harry could just see that the junior soccer games were still going on.

A small woven wooden railing went along the edge of the bedroom and Harry leaned on it cautiously as he looked over the bottom floor. It was a nice homey view and Harry thought the upstairs room would be warm most of the time. They were almost directly over the fireplace downstairs and the low ceiling would hold the heat in well.

Harry turned again to face the bed and saw that Ginny and Hermione were sitting side by side on the edge. "Question?"

"We were just wondering if you wanted to eat in for supper or walk down to the town and find a restaurant?"

"Let me go down and look through the supplies again. I could probably whip up something edible."

"Okay but don't take too long. We have plans."

"Plans, what plans?"

Ginny had taken off her jacket and was fingering the buttons on her shirt nervously. "You remember what I said earlier about snuggling?"

Harry nodded slowly.

"It's Hermione's opinion that the best snuggling is done without clothes so we will wait until you get back up here for your opinion on that."

Harry wondered if he could safely take a shortcut over the railing to land on one of the sofas. He decided against it but as he went down the stairs he saw that both his wives had turned so they could look and talk about the view they had from Kirkcaldy Lodgling. He already had an opinion about the snuggling question. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to make a meal now or not. Decisions, decisions, decisions. But he did know that he really liked snuggling.

Xxxx xxxx

Hermione, Ginny and Harry flooed into Professor McGonagall's office on Thursday, August 26th about nine in the morning. She, Dumbledore and Vika were all waiting to greet the returning students and Founders Heir.

Vika rushed over to hug Harry like a long lost brother and Harry felt the hair rise up on his head with the small transfer of magic that came with the contact with the magical being. She put Harry down immediately and apologized to Ginny and Hermione for manhandling their husband. They both smiled and just asked that Vika not make a practice of it.

Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall waited for Harry to recover from being welcomed back by Vika. "We're both glad you three seemed to have a nice break and could come by and see us."

"I'm sorry we haven't made the time to come sooner but with all the changes and family vacations, it pretty well took care of most of the summer." Harry looked a little embarrassed in justifying their activities over the summer but Dumbledore and his wife both waved off his concerns.

"Aren't you even a little anxious to see your new quarters?" Vika asked.

Professor McGonagall spoke up a little teasingly. "Vika would like your opinion on her creation. She's only been working on the quarters since she found out you three were going to be the first married Gryffindors in about eighty years."

"I'm sure whatever Harry's niece, aunt… whatever she's defining her relationship as this week, has made will be perfect."

"Thank you Lady Potter."

"Vika, if you're going to hug our husband like that, the least you can do is call us Ginny and Hermione."

"That's one item of discussion we need to work out with you three" Dumbledore said. "What will be the terms of address for yourself and your wives? You are not only a student but a Lord and a member of the Wizengamot."

Harry frowned a little and replied to the question. "We will still be primarily students so Mr. and Mrs. Potter should suffice for classes. As to other titles, we'll keep those to a minimum I hope. I've arraigned a proxy for my vote at the Wizengamot so I won't be missing classes for that."

"We unfortunately have a number of concerns that we need to talk to you about as married students and living in separate quarters."

'The 814 Rules of Proper Conduct while attending Hogwarts.' Ginny's mental laugh was something that Harry tried not to be distracted by.

"Does this mean spot inspections and checking our trunks for contraband?" Harry asked with a little smile.

Professor McGonagall shook her head. "You've earned your right to privacy but if you start hiding Ginny's brothers or their prank materials, I won't hesitate to assign detentions so you end up spending less time with your wives."

Harry flinched. "You sure know how to hit a guy where it hurts. But we've already told those two we wouldn't take an active part in anything they have planned. But speaking of things to talk about – Hermione?"

Hermione reached into her ever-present bookbag and pulled out some papers. She gave a copy to McGonagall and a copy to Dumbledore; both read them quickly with slightly different reactions. Professor McGonagall smiled broadly but Dumbledore had a thoughtful look on his face as he looked through the items Harry planned on.

"I think I will take this back to my office and read it thoroughly. Perhaps I could look at your quarters at a later date."

"You are always welcome to come by anytime Headmaster. We might even be able to find some of those lemon drops you like so much."

"Thank you… Lady Hermione. I hope the professors won't call on Mrs. Potter very much; it could get quite confusing. Excuse me all."

The rest of the five people watched Dumbledore head out from McGonagall's office still reading the papers that Hermione had given them. Minerva McGonagall looked at the papers on her desk. "I think I will find time to attend the Board of Governor's meeting this afternoon. That looks like a pretty ambitious bit of work Harry."

"I'm afraid Lord Gryffindor is rather insistent about making some much needed changes. I don't think he can force everything he wants but maybe there will be some changes this year that will make things a little easier for everyone and especially for the first years."

Professor McGonagall turned to address Ginny and Hermione. "Are you two coming and witnessing the havoc a visit by Robb Loxley will undoubtedly cause?"

Hermione shook her head. "As fond as we are of the big lunkhead, we hoped we could get a start on moving in and setting up our quarters. Do you or the headmaster mind if we have a house elf here on call? He could work with the Hogwart's elves if he isn't busy with us."

"It's a traditional right of the Head of house to have a servant or two while he is here. It would be your decision at to the extent of his duties."

'Big Lunkhead?'

'You know we're kidding Harry.'

'We love you whatever form you take.'

Vika was practically hopping with excitement. "Let's go see your new quarters."

"Of course, Lady H. Are we walking or are you going to transport us there?"

"I think the other occupants of the castle would like to see the newlyweds."

Harry really hoped Peeves wasn't waiting to see him, Hermione and Ginny. They would be easy targets for the poltergeist and Harry hoped he wouldn't have to expose any of their special talents in dealing with him.

The walk up to the seventh floor was a little unsettling for the three Potters. Harry had some limited experience with differential treatment, but Ginny and Hermione were a little overwhelmed by all the attention. Most of the occupants of the many portraits in the castle bowed, curtseyed, or had words of greeting and encouragement for the new Lord and his Ladies. A greeting from one portrait to Lord Gryffindor stopped Harry in his tracks however. He and Vika went to have a quick word with Sir Guifford the Unbelievable and the former knight apologized and said he would spread the word about the titles Harry didn't want to be addressed by in public.

The two returned to continue walking with Professor McGonagall, Hermione and Ginny. "I am proud to hold the title but for safety's sake, I'd rather not make a bigger target of ourselves. Acch- acchooo!"

Harry sneezed so violently that his glasses flew off his face but Ginny managed to catch them before they hit the ground. Professor McGonagall looked at Harry with some concern. "Gesundheit, Mr. Potter. Are you okay?"

Harry shook his head briefly and then took the glasses Ginny offered him. "I think so. I have no idea where that came from."

The group continued their climb to the seventh floor and passed the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. Harry and the others paused briefly to say hello to Winnie who curtseyed to them. Vika motioned them on and they turned a corner and came to a short corridor that wasn't there previously. The corridor was only about eight feet long and had a full length mirror mounted on the end wall. Vika pointed Harry toward it and said "All yours sire."

Harry went up and looked at his reflection. "Open sesame?" got a round of laughter from the females behind him. Harry grinned and turned to Vika. "So what's the password?"

Professor McGonagall just pointed at the mirror again. "Try knocking on the frame Mr. Potter."

Harry suspected he was about to be pranked in some manner but he did as his Head of House suggested. Harry knocked on the frame of the mirror twice and then stepped back. The mirror suddenly frosted over and then cleared to display a familiar scene from outside the castle. It was the Whomping Willow but this picture had a picnic table sitting under it and two figures apparently having a discussion. The figures rose and approached the other side of the frame. Harry and his wives grinned as they saw who it was.

"Myrtle, you're our door tender now?" The grinning ghost waved at the people out in the corridor and responded.

"Yes, well for at least most of the time. There were any number of volunteers for this post but Vika decided I was the one that had the most reasons to stand guard over you and your wives. When I am not available or in classes there will be one or two other individuals that you know."

Harry had noticed that the other figure had come up to stand behind Myrtle Beechwood. Harry recognized the young man as the ghost he had freed earlier that summer.

"Ginny, Hermione – this is Joshua Valcommon. He was the one sacrificed to power the concealment spells on Salazar's Slytherins tomb. Joshua this is Ginny Weasley Potter and Hermione Granger Potter – my wives."

Joshua made a very low bow to the two ladies. "You do me great honor Ladies. I have not had any experience in meeting and greeting members of an Ancient and Noble House. I hope you will excuse my imperfect and common mannerisms of speech."

Harry blinked at the formality of Joshua's tone but before he could reply Myrtle dug her elbow in her ghostly companion's stomach. "We've talked about this Joshua and I hoped you'd remember. You don't need to go out of your way to talk fancy to these three. It's just Harry, Ginny and Hermione. They aren't like the few lords you remember from your time."

Harry tried to ease the worried look on Joshua's face. "Myrtle is correct Joshua. No fancy titles for us but you'll find out when we need to hide behind them. I hope you will come and join us some nights inside and tell us your story."

"I would be honored Lord P…. Harry."

Ginny suddenly had a frightful notion. "Myrtle, you aren't stuck in the portrait are you? I would hate to think you gave away your freedom just to do a favor for us."

Myrtle smiled. "Vika did some special magic in this portrait." She and Joshua walked off to one side and then poked their heads out off the wall across from them. "We can exit the portrait any time we like and a new guardian is summoned to take our place."

Myrtle pointed back to the picture where Sir Nicholas was sitting at the Professor's table in the Great Hall. "Welcome back you three. Are you staying until school starts?"

"Sorry Sir Nicholas" Hermione said. "Today is just a chance for us to see our new quarters and see what room we have to store things."

"Very well. The other ghosts wished me to convey their congratulations on your marriage and their support. Peeves has even promised to leave you alone but I'm not so sure I'd trust that mad person yet."

"Thank you for the warning then Sir Nicholas. We would like to chat but…"

"Of course. The password?"

Harry looked stumped but then he saw the grin from Hermione. "The new password is Jobberknoll."

"Thank you. I will inform the other gatekeepers as they report in." Sir Nicholas waved his hand once as the door to their new quarters opened in front of them. The five stepped through the doorway and it closed behind them.

Xxxx xxxx

The first thing everyone saw was a short passageway that turned left and headed down some stairs. There was a huge flag that displayed the Potter crest at the end of this passageway and Harry saw that the Gryffindor house crest was hung across from the top of the stairs against that wall.

There were a dozen steps down to their living room and Harry saw that while the Gryffindor house colors of gold and red were prominently displayed there were also the colors of blue, black and green that reflected the other houses that Harry and his Ladies ruled over now.

There were two overstuffed couches and three separate chairs that made up most of the furniture in the room. A large table, compete with matching chairs, had room enough for all three to lay out their homework and sat against one wall. There were four doors that led off in different directions like spokes of a wheel. A small fireplace sat against the wall across from the doors and one of the extra-long couches sat right in front of it.

Vika watched with some sense of accomplishment as the new occupants and Professor McGonagall turned approving glances at their new living room. "This is very good Vika. I don't think I would have changed anything. You even provided enough shelf space for all the books we wanted to bring."

Vika bowed her head in response to Hermione's statement but a gruff voice came from the direction of the fireplace. "Hello Grand-people."

Astonished, Ginny and the others turned to see where the voice had come from. Hanging over the fireplace was a large painting of Hogwarts as seen from the lake. At the forefront of the painting, Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff were sitting and waving at the new occupants of the room.

Harry was the first to speak back to the Founders. "Grandfather, Helga – this is a welcome surprise. I couldn't have asked for a better welcoming party. Is this a special occasion or can you visit it on a regular basis?"

Helga Hufflepuff nodded in Vika's direction. "She made the connection up so that we can come anytime we like. We will try not to make a nuisance of ourselves but all you have to do to summon us is to touch the portrait and call out our names."

Hermione turned and enfolded Vika in a hug. "Thank you. This was an extremely generous act. Harry considers the Founders as part of his family even though he won't admit to missing them all summer."

"Godric was the one to suggest the connection. He's happy to have a relative to talk to."

Harry did a little bow to the two Founders and they walked out of the portrait to go back to their own chambers. Harry gave a quick grin to the others and turned back to Vika. "So what's left to see?"

"That door on the far left is a loo for your visitors. The other three doors go to your bedrooms. You might want to start with exploring the middle one first."

"And on that note I shall return to my office" Professor McGonagall said. "Let me know if you need anything else. Vika will come and tell me when you head out for Albus's office."

Harry thanked the professor for her help and got a rare smile in return from the Deputy Headmistress. Hermione and Ginny both came over and told Minerva that she was always welcome to come join them in the evenings.

"I won't be very far away at most times." McGonagall pointed straight up and said that they were located directly underneath the Gryffindor common room. "That does not mean you can take a shortcut straight up if you want to visit Mr. Potter. That kind of surprise might scare the first years."

Harry dropped his mouth in shock but realized that McGonagall was pulling his leg. "And I promise not to make any sudden holes in the ceiling to have our friends drop in."

McGonagall huffed quietly and wagged a threatening finger to Harry. She then turned and walked up the stairway to leave. They heard her give the password to leave and heard Sir Nicholas wish her a good morning.

Ginny and Hermione had already gone ahead to explore the center bedroom. Harry and Vika followed them in saw that the main bedroom seemed to be a decent copy of Harry's old dorm room up in the Gryffindor tower. The only difference was that this bed was triple wide and then some to accommodate the whole family. The curtains were made of nice dark red velvet and there were separate dressers for each person. There was also a wide wardrobe for everyone to store their clothes. Harry's eyes went to the three other doors that led off the master chamber. Two went sideways to the other bedrooms but Harry walked to the other one and opened it.

The bathroom was almost large enough to have an echo. The shower stall had three heads so that Harry, Hermione and Ginny could shower separately or together. There were three sinks and a couple of toilets. But the feature that Ginny and Hermione both cooed about was the sunken tub off to one side. It wasn't a quarter the size of the one in the Prefect's Bathroom but it certainly would be big enough for a family bath. Harry smiled and walked over to give his own hug to Vika.

"This is beyond wonderful Vika. It I didn't think my wives would object, I'd invite you to try the tub out sometime."

Vika roughed up Harry's already unruly locks. "What made you think I haven't already Harry?"

Harry blushed at the notion of another naked female in their bath and Hermione came over and laid a hand on his shoulder. "I'm pretty sure Harry didn't mean to invite you to come try it when it was already occupied Vika."

"No, no, no. I certainly didn't mean that."

"But you could always drop in on me and Ginny if we're having a good soak."

Harry re-blushed and tried to throw a threatening glare at Ginny for her statement. The fact that all three females were giggling at him made the gesture totally useless. Harry fled the bathroom and went to one of the side bedrooms; it (and probably the other one) contained only a single bed and a small closet, dresser and table.

"Is there anything else you would like me to add?"

"Are the bare walls on purpose Vika?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, I thought you would like to decorate this yourself to make it seem more like your own. And I was pretty sure you didn't want any portraits hanging about the walls staring over your shoulders."

"You've certainly got that right" Ginny said as she came into the room. "Can we ask for some help on the rules we have."

"What did you have in mind?"

Hermione looked at Harry and he just waved his hand to let her continue. "Nobody comes unannounced into our bedroom or bath. No ghosts, no Peeves, not even the headmaster."

"That's an easy one but you'll have to be rather insistent with the poltergeist for a time or two."

"I think we can handle that" Harry said.

"You're welcome here anytime Vika but not after curfew unless it's an emergency."

"And sometimes we're not totally dressed in the common areas" Harry blushingly said. "A little warning maybe?"

Vika chuckled but nodded. "Anything else, Lord and Ladies Potter?"

"I hope not" Harry said. "But would you find time to check in with one of us every day? You are already part of the family now."

It was now Vika's turn to blush a little. She kissed him on the cheek and just said "Thanks". Vika gave hugs to both Hermione and Ginny and then abruptly vanished.

"I guess that means it's time to go see the Headmaster and be given our warnings and directives."

"No time to check the beds out Harry?"

"Maybe later, if there's time."

'You start humming 'We're off to See the Wizard' again and Dumbledore will see you in a full body bind.'

'Yes Hermione.'

Xxxx xxxx

It wasn't a long distance to reach Dumbledore's office but the three had some time to discuss how and what they wanted to decorate their new rooms with. There will some individual things Ginny and Hermione wanted to bring from their old homes and Potter Manor but Harry had to be prodded a little to speak up about some of the things he really wanted to have around him.

They were discussing some wall hangings when they turned the final corner to see a new person sitting at the bottom of the revolving stairway. Well she wasn't exactly sitting on the bottom of the stairway; Wilhelmina Gowdie was in a sort of demi-office. There were four walls making a little cubicle but it was split down the middle. A five foot wide gap split the office into two halves but there was a large desk blocking the way to reach the gargoyle and the revolving stairway.

The three cautiously peered around one corner to get a glimpse of Dumbledore's new secretary and personal assistant. Mrs. Gowdie (as Harry spied a ring and band on her ring finger) was sitting at her desk looking over some paperwork that almost overfilled the 'IN' box that sat on her desk. Harry saw an atypical typewriter sitting on a desk corner and it was clacking away writing something with no hands actually typing on the keyboard.

Wilhelmina Gowdie seemed to be a little older than Mr. and Mrs. Weasley but that was just a guess as witches didn't show their age as muggles did. She was still very attractive in sort of way and Harry hoped that the other male students at Hogwarts didn't pester her too much in trying to flirt with her. Much like Madame Rosamerta down at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, there seemed to be ready smile on her face as she looked up from the pile of paperwork that she was sorting.

Harry stepped up to desk front. "Hello, I'm…

"Mr. Harry Potter, of course" Mrs. Gowdie said. "Minerva said you would be along in a few minutes. Now which one of these lovely ladies is Hermione and which one is Ginevra?"

"Ginny" said Ginny as she held out her hand.

"And that makes me Hermione." Hermione was a little surprised at the strength in the woman's handshake but there was no hostility in her features.

"I'm glad to meet you three; there's been a lot of things written about you." Harry rolled his eyes but then smiled as the executive assistant continued. "Not that I believe everything I read Mr. Potter. The headmaster said you might be frequent visitors to his office."

"I hope he qualified that by saying it would be for good reasons, not punishments Mrs. Gowdie."

The older witch thought for a second and then shook her head. "He actually didn't say one way or the other but I took a quick look at all three of your files when he said you would be in the school today for meetings."

Harry held his breath as he waited for the next comment. Both girls were trying not to squirm under her gentle gaze.

Mrs. Gowdie smiled. "I'm pretty impressed by all your grades and accomplishments. If no one else is around you may call me Nina."

"Thank you Nina. We'd better not keep the headmaster waiting. It's been nice meeting you."

"Well hurry on up. The password today is "Ice Mice". I hope to see you later but I'm heading down to the Great Hall for lunch and to start getting ready for the Board of Governor's meeting. It seems I have to record the minutes."

"Oh, that's sounds simply boring."

"It might be fun. The headmaster said that the new Lord Gryffindor might show up and blow the starch out of some of those stuffed shirts."

Ginny and Hermione laughed but Harry had a sudden suspicion that Mrs. Gowdie might know more about what was really going on than she let on. He shook his head to clear it and gave the gargoyle statue the password. This might turn out to be an interesting session with Dumbledore and McGonagall before the Governor's met.