Chapter 53
Harry was awoken by someone jumping on his bed.
"Get up, it's Christmas Day!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Go away… Let me go back to sleep..." Harry said grumpily. He had never really enjoyed Christmas before. It reminded him of all the extra cooking he used to have to do for the Dursleys around that time of the year.
"Get up so we can open the presents." Hermione said as she vigorously shook Harry.
"Alright, I surrender" Harry said. "What time is it anyway?"
"It's 7 o'clock and everyone is up and waiting for you. We cannot start opening presents until everyone is there and that includes you sleepy head." Hermione said as she left to give him some privacy. A little while later, Harry headed to the dining room. He was warmly greeted by everyone before getting his breakfast. At the end of the meal, Dan stood up.
"I have an announcement to make before we start opening our presents." Dan stated. "Emma, Hermione, Harry, and I will be moving to the states next year."
Everyone who did not know already was in shock. Once they recovered Robert asked "What is going to happen to this house? We would be willing to act as the caretakers for the property."
"We are keeping the property and Harry's godfather will be moving in. He cannot be here right now due to work commitments." Dan replied.
"Have you found a place yet?" Diana asked.
"We found a building we like in New York yesterday." Emma informed them.
"When are you going to leave?" Diana asked.
"This summer." Dan replied.
"Do you need help moving?" Robert asked.
"We are going to use a professional service that is going to take care of everything." Dan said.
"Let us go and open some presents." Emma suggested. Harry, Hermione, Amy and Bryce were all for it and rushed to the entrance hall where the Christmas tree with the presents were located. The adults arrive quite a bit later. It seems they had a discussion amongst themselves before they had re-joined the kids.
The presents were handed out and opened. Hermione as usual received more books from everyone while Harry received a photo frame set with photos from Robert, Shirley and Diana. Dan and Emma gave Harry a non-magical watch. Then it was time for Dan and Emma to hand out their presents. Amy and Bryce were first up. A big box with lots of little boxes on top of it was rolled out on a trolley.
"This is our present for both of you." Emma announced. "Remember to share."
Bryce immediately started removing the wrapping paper with Amy soon helping. It was the latest personal computer with a lot of software including games.
"Thank you, Uncle Dan, Aunt Emma." Amy and Bryce said excitedly. Amy hugged both of them. Robert and Shirley started looking at the software titles with interest. Shirley picked up a software box and asked.
"Is this Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel?"
"It has everything you need including word processors, database management and publishing programs." Emma replied.
"I have heard about this program. It is said to potentially revolutionise our industry." Robert said as he looked at a computer aided design program.
"We have invested some money with that company to help further develop that software." Dan replied.
Emma leaned towards Dan and whispered.
"I told you we should have brought them a second computer."
"I admit you were right. We can buy another computer during the Boxing day sales." Dan replied.
"Some of these game titles have not been released yet." Bryce said eagerly.
"Not officially… It's one of the benefits of being a part owner of these companies." Dan said.
"Is this a CD Walkman?" Amy asked.
"Yes. I know that your brother is probably going to hog the computer so we thought we should get something just for you." Emma replied.
"We can buy you a few CDs during the Boxing day sales." Dan offered.
"We cannot accept all these gifts, they are too expensive." Shirley stated.
"It is alright. We are doing very well so this is us spreading the wealth." Dan countered.
"Our children are now set for life. We are just sharing some of our good fortune with the rest of our family." Emma assured them. Shirley was the first to hug Emma and Dan as a thank you but they were quickly followed by the rest of the family.
"Why don't we move onto Mum's present?" Dan suggested. Everyone agreed even though Amy and Bryce both wanted to play with their new presents.
"Mum, we don't think it is safe for you to drive that car of yours. So we hope that you accept the Volvo that we use to drive. It is only three years old and in perfect working order." Dan said as he handed his mum, the keys to the car.
"Thank you, Dan and Emma." Diana said as she hugged them.
"Finally we have you two." Dan said to Shirley and Robert. Robert had his eyes closed and chanted Bentley loud enough for everyone to hear.
"No you are not getting the Bentley. Instead a BMW is in Garage. Why don't we show you?" Dan offered as he gave the keys to Shirley.
They all went down to the garage where the cars were stored.
"Now we have a lot extra space to store books." Amy said as she looked at their new car.
"But remember we don't have that much free space at home." Shirley reminded Amy.
"We will do some spring cleaning when we get home." Amy suggested. Bryce face fell at the thought of spring cleaning.
"Can we borrow your cleaning service for a few weeks?" Bryce asked Dan and Emma jokingly.
"Sorry but you already got your presents." Emma replied.
"Damn. Can I swap?" Bryce countered.
"No exchanges allowed." Dan replied with a smile.
The rest of the day was spent playing with the various presents. Diana and the other adults were playing with the new cars. Amy was listening to her new CD player. Bryce and Harry were playing with the new computer. Hermione was reading the new books she received. At dinner time everyone gathered for the formal Christmas Dinner. It was a massive meal with twelve courses. Each course was more scrumptious than the last, culminating in a chocolate dessert richer than gold. After the meal, everyone was too stuffed to do anything so they spent the rest of the evening talking.
Boxing Day was devoted to shopping, much to the disappointment of Dan, Robert, Harry and Bryce. They were dragged from store to store complaining constantly. When it came time to purchase the second personal computer, they were close to a revolt as the guys wanted to remain at the electronics store while the girls wish to continue shopping. It was not until the girls used the "Don't you love me anymore" technique with the big eyes that the boys relented. For the remainder of the trip, the boys could be heard cursing their decision.
They collapsed on the couches in the sitting room when the elderly Weasley owl flew straight into the window closest to Harry.
"What was that?" Robert asked with concern.
"A bird must have flown into a window again." Dan said quickly.
"Does it happen often?' Robert asked.
"When we first started renovating this place, it use to occur once a day but as time progressed it happened less frequently. These days, it only happens once in a while. Harry, do you mind coming with me to check." Dan explained. Harry got up reluctantly and made his way outside with Dan. As soon as Harry recognised the owl, his tiredness left him. Using Dan as cover, Harry took the letter attached to the unconscious owl. It was just as well since, Amy had arrived to help.
"Do you need any help?" Amy offered.
"It is alright. We have a special shed which the owl can use for tonight and in the morning we will take him to the vet." Dan said. "Why don't you go back into the house?"
"Alright, Uncle Dan." Amy replied before she went back into the house. Once they were out of sight of the occupants of the house, Dan asked.
"What does the letter say?"
"Dear Harry/business partner/benefactor
Could you please help us? We are starving. Ever since our mother's accident she has become an awful cook. Anything she cooks tastes horrible even the bacon and eggs. We don't know how she can wreck such a simple dish but she has. It is possible to have the opposite of the Midas touch.
We have eaten all the snacks we took with us including every single last Bert's every flavour bean. Even ear wax flavoured beans taste better than her cooking. If you do not send us some food quickly, we will have to resort to eating our prank supplies. That is how desperate we are. We will even swear that none of the food you send us would be given to Ron or Percy (knowing how much you dislike them). Is it alright if you provide extra so that we can give some to our father, older brother, Bill and sister, Ginny? They have been sustaining on fruit from our orchards and we don't know how long it last.
Something that might interest you is that Ron and Ginny begged to be allowed to be home schooled. But both our parents were adamant that they should continue with Hogwarts. We cannot really blame Ron and Ginny for trying. The various incidents they have been involved in throughout the year so far had left them fearful and ostracised.
Regards
Forge and Gred.
"Why don't you tell Hermione about the letter and organise a care pack for them while I take care of Errol the owl?" Dan suggested.
"Okay." Harry said as he went inside.
It was decided that New Year's Eve was going to be a day of relaxation before a big celebration was held. Dan, Harry, Robert and Bryce woke up early so they could make their way to a nearby golf course. The girls remained in bed as they were going to head to a day spa at a more earthly hour.
Dan signed them in and got them all a day pass for the club. He then led the group through the clubhouse politely greeting various other members and staff. A persistent member stopped Dan as they made their way to the teeing ground for the first hole.
"Mr Ganger, how good to see you again." The member said as he blocked Dan's path.
"Good to see you too, Roger." Dan replied with no enthusiasm.
"Do you want a game?" Roger asked.
"Sorry but today I am busy. Maybe some other time" Dan replied.
"Do you mind introducing me to your guests?" Roger asked.
"How rude of me, this is my son, Harry. Robert, my brother and Bryce, my nephew. This is Roger, the deputy police commissioner." Dan said in introduction. "Sorry Roger but we have to go if we are to complete two rounds before we have to go home for New Year's Eve celebrations."
"I will let you go but you owe me a game." Roger said.
"Okay. See you later Roger." Dan said.
"Nice to meet you all." Roger said as he let them pass.
"Nice to meet you too." Harry said. The others made similar comments.
"I can't believe my brother is rubbing shoulders with the rich, powerful and famous." Robert said as soon as they were in the clear.
"What did Roger want?" Harry asked.
"I have been giving leads to his rival. He is hoping to build a relationship with me so that I will give him tips to help his career as well. But I find him a suck up and generally a not very likeable character." Dan explained.
"So you come here frequently?" Robert asked.
"Somewhat. It is a great place to meet people in a relaxed environment." Dan said.
"How much does this membership cost?" Robert asked.
"Quite a bit but not as much as some other clubs." Dan said evasively.
"What other courses?" Robert demanded.
"If you let it go. I will get you a round at St Andrews sometime." Dan offered.
"Deal." Robert replied shaking Dan hand sealing the deal. Bryce thinking this was a good opportunity to get something from his uncle.
"How did you get the membership at these clubs? Membership is very exclusive and the waiting lists are legendary." Bryce asked.
"Not that it is any of your business but if you get senior members to endorse your application then approvals is practically guarantees." Dan replied.
"How did you get the endorsements?" Bryce asked.
"A number of different ways but the most common one was to give their favourite charity a certain amount of money." Dan said.
"You bribed them." Bryce said in fake shock.
"We never gave them any money directly. There are always other ways." Dan replied.
"What other ways?" Bryce asked suspiciously.
"Nothing you need to know about." Dan stated.
"I agree." Robert added since he suspected that his brother did things that were morally questionable such as blackmail.
At the tee box, an attendant had two golf bags set up and a golf cart.
"Thank you." Dan said as he gave the attendant a tip.
"Do you need anything else, sir?" The attendant asked.
"No, we are fine." Dan replied which the attendant took as his cue to leave. Robert tried swinging the clubs from the inferior looking golf bag.
"I wish I brought my own clubs." Robert complained.
"Try mine. A golfer from the US pro circuit helped me put together this set based on my game. It is not custom made but it is close since he picked clubs from a variety of different manufacturers to ensemble this set. My game as improved exponentially after I started using these clubs." Dan offered. Robert took a club from the expensive looking golf bag and took a swing.
"Nice." Robert said.
"Harry, Bryce, have you guys played before?" Dan asked.
"No." Harry said immediately.
"We will teach you." Robert assured Harry.
"I have but dad usually makes me carry the golf clubs so I never really enjoyed it." Bryce admitted.
"Well we will not have that problem today. We will be using the golf cart." Dan said.
Harry lost eight balls during his first round of golf. He kept hitting the trees and losing track of the balls. Bryce was Harry's partner and he was more interested in talking to Harry then playing the game. Dan and Robert were trying to outdo each other. It soon became a competition between the two to see who could get the better score. In the end, Dan's familiarity with the course gave him the edge to beat his brother.
Before the second round began Robert kept suggesting a father and son play off seeing how pathetic Harry was at the game. Dan absolutely refused and teed off immediately for the second round. This time, Harry only lost two balls as his swing improved. He was still bad in comparison to the other three. At the end of this round, Robert claimed victory for his "team" while Dan kept saying it was one on one and he won. As they drove home, the two brothers were still debating who won.
When they arrived home, Robert, Bryce and Harry were shocked to see the house buzzing with activity. People were erecting signs and decorations. Security guards stopped them as they drove down the driveways.
"Your invitation please." The Security requested. Before Dan could respond a woman waved off the security guards.
"Sorry about that Dan." The woman said in apology.
"No problem, Diana." Dan said. "Let me introduce you to some of my family. This is my brother Robert, my nephew, Bryce and my son, Harry. Everyone meet Diana. She works for Greenpeace who are holding their New Year Eve's celebrations here."
"Nice to meet you all." Diana said. Sentiments that returned.
"Dan thank you again for allowing us to use your home and providing the food and refreshments." Diana said.
"No need. It was our pleasure." Dan said.
"I've got to go. A lot to do." Diana said as she left.
The party was a hit and everyone got to meet a few minor celebrities. It was too far away from the fireworks and other events for any major stars to make an appearance. However, it was still enjoyable for the attendees. Harry enjoyed it the most, since for the first time in his life he was spending New Year Eve with a family that liked him.
Diana left a couple days after New Year's. Robert and his family were supposed to leave at the same time but they decided to stay a few extra days in order to take advantage of the Grangers' library. On the day of the departure, Robert woke to an empty bed. He made his way to the library where he found his daughter, Amy and his niece, Hermione having a conversation.
"Good Morning Dad." Amy said.
"Good Morning Uncle." Hermione said.
"Good Morning Amy, Hermione. Amy, have you packed for our trip home?" Robert asked.
"I packed my bags last night and the books I want are in the boxes in the Entrance Hall." Amy replied.
"Good. Have you seen your brother or your mum?" Robert asked.
"Bryce is probably in his room playing with the computer we got for Christmas. He has not stopped since New Year's. I saw Mum was in the dining room using the other computer earlier this morning." Amy replied.
"Thanks Amy. We will be leaving after dinner." Robert said. He found his wife in the dining room like Amy suggested. Shirley was completely focused on what she was doing. Robert kissed his wife to inform her of his presence.
"Are you ready to go?" Robert asked Shirley.
"Almost." Shirley replied.
"Do you know where the car keys are?" Robert asked.
"You have them." Shirley replied.
"I am talking about to the new car." Robert said.
"Why are you asking for those?" Shirley asked as she turned to her husband.
"I thought I will drive the new car back home." Robert replied.
"I thought I was going to drive the BMW while you drive the old car. You do claim the old car was your baby." Shirley countered.
"The BMW is my new baby." Robert said. Shirley seeing the signs of an argument developing, decided a different approach.
"We flip for it." Shirley suggested.
"Okay. I will get a coin." Robert offered.
"I don't trust your coins. We let Dan or Emma select the coin and do the toss." Shirley said.
"I think they were sleeping in. Hermione is up." Robert said.
"Okay." Shirley said.
Shirley won the toss so she was driving home in the BMW. Robert reluctantly conceded and walked off in a huff. He went to Bryce's room where is found his son on the computer with nothing packed.
"We are leaving after breakfast. Start packing buster." Robert said threateningly.
"In a second." Bryce said totally focused on the computer.
"Now, Bryce!" Robert said forcefully.
"Okay." Bryce said as he started shutting down the computer.
Robert decided to move the boxes of books from the entrance hall to the car. When he arrived at the Entrance Hall, Robert was shocked by the number of boxes that Amy wanted to take with her. He was about to scream Amy but decided against it since he might wake up Dan and Emma. Needing to calm down before he talked to Amy, Robert decided to move his and Shirley's luggage into the car first.
After completing that task, Robert headed to the Dining Room for breakfast. Shirley was still packing away the computer when he arrived.
"Do you mind taking this to my car after breakfast?" Shirley asked.
"It is not your car. It is our car and you're only driving it back home." Robert said.
"So are you going help me move it?" Shirley asked expectantly.
"Yes. After breakfast." Robert replied.
Amy and Hermione arrived a little later for breakfast. As soon as Amy had started eating Robert asked.
"Are you expecting us to take all those books in the Entrance Hall home with us?"
"No. Not all of them. That is why I numbered the boxes so the more important ones are in the box labelled one." Amy replied.
"If you want we can send you the rest of the boxes?" Hermione offered.
"Can you?" Amy asked with delight.
"I don't think we have the room back home to fit all the books." Robert added.
"We could have a big shed built in your backyard with one of our power panels by the time you got home." Hermione stated.
"That must be expensive." Robert said uncertainly.
"Not really. We have people who owe us quite a few favours." Hermione said.
"Let me talk to your dad when he gets up." Robert said.
"That might be a while. He, Mum and Harry are sleeping in to avoid getting in your way." Hermione said.
"Where is Bryce?" Shirley asked a little later.
"Hopefully, in his room packing." Robert replied.
"He is still packing?" Shirley said in surprise.
"Yes. He was on the computer again." Robert said.
"I will help him pack after I finish my breakfast." Shirley said.
Dan, Emma and Harry came down for Breakfast just as Robert was finishing up.
"Hermione informed me that you can have a shed built cheaply." Robert said. Dan looked at his daughter who began whispering in his ear.
"Yes, we can. All it would cost would be some nails and some paint. But it will have to be today." Dan replied.
"Are you sure?" Robert asked.
"We have a few installers of our power panels in the area today. They can build the shed and install one of our demonstration models before you get home." Dan said.
"Okay but if you do this I owe you lunch." Robert said.
"Agreed." Dan said. Amy was ecstatic. While Hermione quietly went off to get Dobby and the other house elves to build the shed.
Bryce took so long to pack that they delayed their departure until after lunch. At lunch, Bryce asked.
"We have so much stuff to take home that not all of it is going to fit. Would it not better if I drive grandma's old car, so we can have extra space?"
"Not happening." Shirley said.
"Why not? It is the perfect solution." Bryce said.
"The car is a wreck." Robert said.
"I think I can manage." Bryce said.
"It is not safe." Shirley said.
"Then dad can drive grandma's car and I can drive our old car." Bryce suggested.
"I am not letting you wreck that car." Robert said.
"I am not going to wreck the car." Bryce said.
"What I am trying to say is that you are not experienced enough behind the wheel for us to trust you with such an expensive vehicle. If it was your vehicle that is another matter." Shirley said.
"Uncle Dan, Aunty Emma. Any chance of you getting me a cheap car?" Bryce asked.
"Keep us out of this." Dan said quickly.
The argument continued until they got into the two cars and drove off.
A/N Sorry for the long delay. I got busy then came down with the flu. Thought I recovered only to develop a cough.
I wish to thank old-crow (a fellow writer who is way better than me so check out her stuff) for her advice. Next chapter will either be a summary of what has happened so far or include a summary.
I would also like to thank my beta for sticking with me.
Thank you for all your reviews and comments. They are appreciated.
