As always, JKR owns everything canon.

Summer Fun

That turned out to be the longest Harry had ever 'slept on the couch'. Ginny was furious when Slashkilter told her the vault was magically set up and could not be changed.

As Spring moved into a hot, clear Summer, Harry's lilies were blooming. His father had planted some of them. Others had been in the manor gardens for a very long time. Some were quite unusual, rare, even unique. Harry had taken an interest in them, and over the years had expanded the beds until they were a true showplace. There were other flowers in the Potter gardens, but the lilies were the focus. Harry found it peaceful to walk among the brightly colored, ever-changing beds in the early mornings before going to work, watching the birds and butterflies. There were always tall vases of fresh blooms in the corners of his study and downtown offices. Harry could name every variety and tell you every detail about them. He used clones or seedlings as very special gifts. He had a small hothouse Neville had helped him set up, where he personally cared for some of the rarer varieties. The view from his balconies over the gardens was breath-taking.

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The second Thursday in May, Harry asked the elves where Ginny was, because he hadn't seen her in several days. Friday was the scheduled release date for the Black. (Pre-ordering had been available since May 1.) There was to be a big Press presentation, and Harry thought Ginny might like to be there if she didn't have practice. Hermione, as the factory Manager, was going to be there, and bring all of the pre-ordered brooms to deliver in person. More cases of brooms would be delivered to sports shops while they spoke, to meet the expected immediate demand.

"Missy Weezy has gone to France with the Harpies. They has an game on Saturday morning, and are doing tourist things with photos today." Well, that was a bit of news. Harry wondered why he didn't know the Harpy schedule, and resolved to call the office today and ask for it.

Harry decided to call Ron, who was not going to be at the Press Release. "Hermione is going to be here and I thought we could go out to eat? Or, maybe have something delivered?"

Ron agreed. "I'm busy all day setting up this weekend's Chess Tournament. How about I order Indian delivered to my new flat? I'd love to show it to you. I've bought an office building on Charing Cross Road near the Leaky, and am going to live in the penthouse. We need a lot more office space, and this solves both problems. The Chess Tournament will be held in the Hilton Hotel, just down the road. I'll meet you in the Leaky at 7 and we can walk."

Ron had made his way into computers through playing chess. As he got older Harry and their friends gave Ron everything chess - books of famous games, biographies of famous Masters, and magazine subscriptions. By the time they finished their NEWTs he had begun to use computers to play online. He was quickly recognized as a rising prodigy, attending tournaments and accumulating points. He was President of the local club, elected by people who had no idea what he did for a living.

While Ron had finished his NEWTS reluctantly, because the Auror program insisted on it, he had continued to work for George. By graduation he was fascinated by computers, and instead of going into the Auror program he had signed up for computing classes at London College. The rest, as they say, was History. Ron had taken to Science and Math as though he had been doing it all his life. Figuring out the cobalt wiring that grounded magic was just the beginning.

As a contrast, Hermione had moved to Australia with her parents, and taken her Mastery in Runes and Arithmancy at Ayers Rock. Because they had asked it of her, she had also taken a muggle MBA. The combination made her the perfect choice to run the new broom factory Harry built in Sidney.

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The Press Conference was everything they had hoped for. Floating above the stage on the Black while Hermione gave the speech, Harry watched for his cue. In his full gear it was a bit hard to recognize him, but that would not last. When Hermione signaled, Harry took off in a full speed vertical rise, looped several times high in the air, and dove straight toward the stage in his signature Wronski Feint. He pulled up in a full stop beside Hermione and removed his goggles, to the sound of cheers and flashing of cameras.

Harry helped Hermione deliver brooms for the rest of the day. Pictures were taken as each was handed to the new owner, pictures of the owner with the famous CEO and Supervisor of the plant that built them all holding the Black. These pictures would be treasured by the new broom owners, and displayed proudly. Harry loved making people happy, and endured the photo sessions. By a little after 6 they were finished, and hungry. They sent the duplicate photos to the office for the lobby wall, and headed for the Leaky. There they found George and Angelina, also waiting for Ron, so they all ordered beer.

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Ron came in from Charing Cross Road right at 7, wearing dragon boots, muggle jeans and a t-shirt with a chess set on it. The pieces had been still until he walked through the door, but began playing a game by themselves as he came across the room. He had grown to be the tallest of the brothers, taller even than Bill, whom he greatly resembled with his ponytail. His shoulders were broad, suggesting he worked out, though he never had. He still played Keeper when the family played at the Burrow.

Beside him strode a stranger, a slim woman dressed in similar fashion. She was as tall as Ron and Harry, with long blond braids looped into a crown. "This is my new office manager, Ingrid. She's Lord Tremblewhite's niece, and we hired her away from Microsoft. When we found she played a good game of chess she was transferred to my office. Now she's helping with the Tournament. Let's go - I have dinner ordered and it should be delivered any minute."

At the new building Ron collected their dinner from the doorman, and they all rode the elevator to the penthouse. It was a modern building, with high ceilings and plenty of glass showing views of the city, including one wall overlooking Diagon Alley. Part of the roof was a garden and patio dining area, which is where they took their dinner. Winky the elf appeared and set the food out, with drinks and plenty of napkins.

As they admired the view, Ron said, "When the muggles used it for offices it was warded so all they saw here was an empty alley, and then London rooftops. We removed those wards. Rewiring the building is a huge job, but there is plenty of power available. This building sits on the same Ley line as Diagon Alley. The muggles were glad to sell it because they had trouble with electrical shorts. They were rather relieved when I mentioned I intended to completely rewire it."

"Ingrid, this is my brother-in-law Harry, our friend Hermione who is Supervisor of the Dragon Broom Factory, my brother George and his wife you know. Hermione also plays chess and will be in the tournament, though not in your bracket." Introductions finished, Ron put down his naan and asked, "So, Harry, just where is my sister?"

"France. The Harpies have a game in the morning."

Ingrid was surprised, "Your sister works for the Harpies? That sounds like fun!" She had a strong American accent, which was going to take some getting used to.

Harry answered, "My wife Ginny IS a Harpy. She plays Chaser and backs up the Seeker. She's very good, good enough for them to overlook the slight drawback of her being married to me."

Ingrid looked confused. "OK, I'm missing a clue. Why should you be a drawback to your wife's career?"

"Several reasons. I own the Dragon Broom company, and several others, as well as being George and Ron's partner. But mostly, it's that I am Harry Potter. We are followed everywhere by stalkers and paparazzi. We can't even have a quiet evening in a restaurant. Ginny loves the attention. I hate it."

"Harry. Hermione. Ron? YOU were the Golden Trio? We heard of you even in America." But Ingrid had decent manners, got herself under control, and the evening went well. She, Angelina, and Hermione wound up talking about tomorrow's tournament. This was a club-sponsored local event for a wide range of skill levels, with a few guests like Hermione who were in London for other reasons.

Ron showed them around the penthouse before they left. He had only furnished a few rooms, so most of the apartment was empty. Matching the owner, all of the furniture seemed a little larger than normal. The living room had large chairs centered around a huge computer console, which was currently showing a chess match. A room that seemed intended as a study contained a large desk laden with several computers, one of which was in pieces with wiring hanging out. There were lots of bookshelf units, partially filled, with more boxes of books on the floor. Also on shelves, or hanging on the walls, were a number of chess awards and trophies. "My bedroom is through here", he said, indicating a short hall. "There is also a whole row of extra bedrooms, but none of those are furnished. Down that other hall are the kitchen, laundry, and Winky's quarters, but I don't go there."

In a silly mood, Harry asked, "Why not? No bedtime snacks?"

Ron winced. "I went down there once to raid the fridge, late at night. There were 8 elves around two coffee tables, playing poker. Winky seemed to be winning. They were using candy for stakes, and there were empty butterbeer bottles lying around. I don't think they saw me, and I retreated quickly. I'm not sure if it was real or a dream, but now I just call her when I want something. I also give her lots of candy."

Because the doorman had certainly counted them as they went in, they went out together. Ron stayed in the elevator as they left the lobby. They walked the short distance past the Leaky to the Hilton, where both Ingrid and Hermione had reservations. Harry, George, and Angelina returned to the Leaky and used the Floo to go home.

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The last Sunday of each month was the family dinner at the Burrow. Everyone who could make it was there, and there were plenty of children underfoot. Ron was in the corner of the living room playing chess alone. At least, he looked alone until Harry heard him talking to his pocket Floo. "Now, I have your game set up. This was the deciding move in the game. You know what move you made, but I want you to look it over and see if you find a better one."

Hermione's voice said, "Um, QR to K3?"

"I could win in 10 if you made that move, but there is one where you would win in 12. Can you find it? Start with the Checkmate and count the moves backward to find what you have to do."

Harry went back to the dining room. He played better chess now than he had as a child, but he was nowhere near that level. From behind him he heard her, confused, "I have to sacrifice my Queen?"

Ginny and her mother were exclaiming over a tourist brochure Ginny had brought back from France. It was of a castle the team had gone to for a photo session. Harry looked at it and got a bad feeling. The castle was filled with gold-trimmed mirrors and nude white statues, and the formal gardens were filled with fountains. Then he cheered up. At the least, he'd be rid of the sticks in his foyer!

Teddy ran through, chasing Victoire with something in his hand. Andromeda and Ted had obviously arrived. The whole tribe of elves was popping in and out, setting the long dining table. Tiny Cara, daughter of Dobby and Winky, was arranging Snowball blooms in tall silver vases. Fleur, carrying Dominique, joined Molly and Ginny, obviously familiar with the castle. Molly took the baby, who was sleeping.

After the huge meal, mostly made by Molly though the other ladies had contributed special dishes, you would think everyone would collapse in a food stupor. Instead, George and Bill collected Harry and Ron. Percy, Ted, and Arthur were dragged out of the shed. Audrey, Angelina and Andromeda joined Ginny, and they all unshrunk brooms for the traditional family game. Everyone, knowing what was coming, was in casual clothing. Molly stayed on the ground with the children. Harry and Fleur played Seekers, Ron and Arthur the Keepers, and everyone else split teams. Automatically, husbands and wives had to play opposite sides. "Ron, why didn't you bring Ingrid? We need another!"

"Sorry, she grew up playing quadpot and doesn't play quidditch at all. She's on a family weekend at the beach. Apparently this is a big holiday in America."

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Harry had guessed correctly. Ginny was in the mood to redecorate. She started by allowing him back into the bedroom, and attending dinner with him (when she was home.) She was considerate about telling him when she would be gone. She was punctual when they were to be somewhere. Finally, she brought up the castle she had visited. "Just give me the household keys and I'll take care of it all."

"I'm not going to say 'no' to a redecoration before seeing bids and details, but I will say 'no' to the keys. I'll have Slashkilter set up a special drawing account on the house vault, so all the bills wind up together and I can keep an eye on how much it costs. I don't want to hand a key over to any decorator and just let him loose."

"Oh, I've already chosen the decorator. They make a specialty of this and can get everything easily! Even the gardens will be done in plenty of time for us to have a party this Summer."

Harry thought he had figured out something that might make her think a bit. "How plebeian can you get? If they make a specialty of this style, then why would you want what everyone else already has? Don't you have any ideas of what you want? After all, this is a Manor House, not a castle in France. I'm not objecting to the decorating style, but it needs to suit us. As for the formal garden, where do you want to put it? We are already well-known for our beautiful gardens."

She pouted, prettily. She was clearly still trying to get her way, and her mind was made up. "I was just making it easy on you! Going through Slashkilter with estimates and bids takes too long. The Decorator I want is busy. He's making time in his schedule for us, but we have to do it quickly! And, the gardens we have have been the same for simply ages! My friends have seen them before. I want a big party, and I want to surprise everyone with something completely new! So, I want the whole garden area done over in the formal French style."

Harry repeated, "No, I want detailed estimates, and bids, and to know the costs and what is to be done before it happens. Perhaps they could give me some preliminary sketches? As for the gardens, again, no. I will have the elves mark off a suitable space at the side of the house for a formal garden as you described it, large enough to hold your parties in.

I'll tell Slashkilter what is going on so he will expect the paperwork, and have him set up the special account. The goblins may even have suggestions about contractors and sources to suggest."

Harry couldn't decide whether this was a win or a loss. Ginny didn't scream or throw a fit, but he knew he was in for an expensive project. She had gotten at least some of what she wanted, and might try to slip in a few more things.

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The next morning Harry was working in his study with the door open, when he heard the main Floo, several times. He looked up just as a very puffy man, who reminded him of Lockhart with his curls and pastel robes, came bouncing through his door, followed by a thin man carrying papers. Behind him several others went straight on down the hallway with notepads.

Harry immediately called, "Dobby, have an elf assigned to each person who just came, and any that follow. The elf is to stay with them and take notes on everything they do, but NOT take orders from them. They may look but not touch." Then he looked at the strangers. Two elves popped in the study, behind the visitors. Dobby appeared next to Harry. Dobby was wearing black boots, black cargo pants, and a camo t-shirt. The visitors clearly didn't know what to make of that, so ignored him.

The stranger reminded Harry even more of Lockhart as he said, "Now, now, there is no need for the hostility! Your wife invited us here to prepare the detailed estimate you asked for. My staff is just taking measurements and listing everything to be done." He seated himself, uninvited, and motioned for his assistant to drop the papers on Harry's desk, right on top of the printouts he had been checking. Harry pulled his own papers out from under and handed them to Dobby.

"Let me show you what your wife is talking about. I'm sure you'll love everything! It's the most popular design this Summer!

First, we will take down all the old, dreary paintings and tapestries, and rugs. We'll remove all the old furniture, too. We'll dispose of them for you, no need to worry about it. We'll then paint everything white, and all the trim gold. All of the wood flooring will be removed and replaced with white marble sheeting, also trimmed in gold. We'll hang new gold-framed mirrors, with pretty gold speckling on them. We also have a large supply of lovely French paintings, both pastorals and historical figures. Your wife has chosen Louis xiv furniture, so we'll make sure that is the style in all of your art. There will be new sheer curtains throughout." He looked around the study, clearly not liking it, and suggested, "We will give you a new desk, of course, white trimmed in gold. We'll put settees on either side of the windows, instead of these old chairs. As for the gardens? I have Franz down measuring them now. There will be plenty of pretty fountains, and a large amount of original Greek statuary."

Harry was getting mad, but held himself in. "First, this room will not be touched, nor will any more of mine, including the workshop on the top floor. It's locked, and your men will not enter it. There are a few other rooms I will lock and you will not touch. I don't care about Ginny's personal rooms, nor about the public areas, but I will decide when I see the detailed estimates. The same for the gardens - you are NOT replacing the present gardens, you are adding a formal one for Ginny. I will decide where it goes and how big it will be. Right now I'm thinking to put it outside the formal dining room, which already has French doors leading out to a patio."

Getting rid of the man - Harry never did learn his name - took all morning. Various assistants kept running in and out with estimates and questions. Several reported areas where their measurements didn't add up, suggesting hidden rooms and passageways. Franz, the garden helper, was upset when he learned he was not going to replace all those awful flowers, and his pretty formal walkways were going to be limited to the one area. Finally, when the paperwork was being duplicated and collected, Harry found some of his printouts stuck to the backs of the sheets and copied. In a cold fury, he peeled them off, and personally escorted the entire crew to the Floo.

Dobby and the elves lined up in his study for instructions.

"First, Dobby, as soon as Ginny comes home, change the passwords on the Floo, and do so again every time they are here. Meanwhile, keep armed guards in the foyer. None of those people come back today, though I suspect we will be seeing most of them again. Ginny must have given them the passwords, and so will do it again. Anyone who comes through from now on is to have an invisible elf escort who is to log everything they do. That includes friends and family who are normally allowed. Check for polyjuice and glamors, and immobilize anyone trying to pass as someone who belongs here.

Second, nothing they mentioned taking out of the house will go with them. Most of our paintings are my family; some are by Old Masters and are worth more than the remodel is costing. Even some of the frames are worth a lot. Take them all down, arrange for them to be cleaned and stored in the storage vault. Do the same for the tapestries and rugs. Take all the ornaments, even cheap trinkets. We'll go with bare walls and floors for a while.

As for the furniture, start in the rooms we aren't using, including the children's rooms. Take the original Potter things first, and other antiques. Surely we have unused furniture in the attics of the various houses? Oh, and lock the Library. Dobby, put a hidden door for me in here, and leave one heavily locked, visible, in the hall. The flooring and paneling he was talking about are Brazilian Rosewood, Mahogany, Ebony and Black Walnut. You will take them up just ahead of their crew and save the wood. The thought of paint on that lovely paneling is a desecration."

Dobby nodded. There was a large amount of stored furniture. He would substitute plain modern stuff for the valuable things, and put the valuables in the other houses.

Harry then asked the rest of the elves, "Did those visitors do anything besides look and measure? Did they put spells anywhere, such as tagging or tracking, listening or spying?"

They nodded. "Two of them put many spells around, mostly tagging the valuable artwork but also many spying spells. They tried to get into your locked areas, but failed. We have a complete list."

"I suspected it. I want every single one of those spells completely recorded by signature, and then removed, cancelled. I will take the complete list to the Aurors and file a complaint. Those two people may never enter the house again. Meanwhile, I want you to take every item that was tagged and get it into the secure storage vault, today. I don't want the next invasion to be a robbery!"

The Aurors were very interested in Harry's list. One of the spell signatures matched a known art thief who was in the country illegally. The other was a suspected industrial spy.

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It was garden party time in Society, but Ginny had to miss most of the parties due to Harpy conflicts. Her coach had threatened to toss her off the team if she was ever late again, the one time she had been 15 minutes late! You might get away with hexing the opponents, being jailed or drunk, but you had better be on time to practice. Ginny became punctual, and much to her own surprise found it had fun points. One major one was watching the photographers scramble when she was on time or even early. They were used to her always being late, and had grown lazy about being ready.

Ron was increasingly invited to attend parties with or without her, as her friends joined in the fun of finding him a suitable wife. Younger sisters and cousins turned up regularly. He was young, not bad-looking, a pureblood - and he was related to Ginny and Harry. That seemed to override his 'shopkeeper' status to most of the airheads. Ron was unfailingly polite, but didn't ask anyone out. That omission had a few families bringing out available younger sons, just in case.

Harry was relieved that he didn't have to go to most of the parties Ginny did attend. He did attend all of the Harpy games, having purchased full season boxes for all the Pitches. Most of the extra tickets he gave away to customers, or as bonuses to staff, but he, Teddy, and other family members were always at the Harpy games. He also attended Teddy's games, which were usually on Saturday mornings. This meant there was rarely a time conflict, because the professional games were all in the afternoons or evenings.

Appearing less in Society, and thus less in the papers, actually made Harry more sought-after than ever. Random pictures of him as he walked down Diagon Ally, or while watching a game, began appearing in the Prophet under headings like "Reclusive Hero Spotted." He received even more invitations to parties, many of which suggested he come alone if Ginny was unable to come. He went to a couple, with Ginny, when Ron was not available. He only took Ginny out to one restaurant in June, and another in July. Both times the Press was waiting for them, which puzzled Harry - did they swarm every restaurant, every night, in case anyone interesting showed up?

Since few knew of his metamorphamagus ability, slight as it was, he started wearing brown hair and square glasses when he had to go out alone. The minor change was surprisingly effective. Andromeda thought he might have been able to do more if he had started practicing as a child. Metamorphs seemed to have a fast healing factor, which he had certainly needed.

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