Chapter Four – Return to the Burrow
"Hello all, how is everyone?"
Gabrielle was still staring at Dumbledore in total disbelief. Of course she had seen him at Hogwarts but she wasn't expecting him to appear next to her at that moment. She said hello to him and quickly ran up the stairs, Harry couldn't help noticing that she had turned scarlet.
Fleur turned to Harry and whispered, "She's had a bit of crush on him for some time."
Dumbledore was staring around the library at all of the books and even took a few to look at more closely. "He's so old and weird, how could she have a crush on him?"
Fleur was also looking at Dumbledore quizzically as well. "I don't know why she likes him, just something about him I guess."
"We can talk about this later, we shouldn't neglect the guest any longer."
They walked in to find Dumbledore perusing a potion's book. Harry glanced down at the page he was looking at and saw that it talked about love potion theories.
"Love, a great mystery that still confuses mankind after thousands of years. So, are you two done discussing about your sister's infatuation with older men?"
"You could hear us?"
"My ears are still as keen as they were a hundred years ago. Don't worry about young Gabrielle, she is at an age where she is discovering the opposite sex. If it's something about me then I can easily take care of that."
"I hope you don't mean what I think you mean because that would be sick."
"Please Ms. Delacour, I am not a dirty old man."
"I would never imply that professor but you have me confused about your meaning."
"Don't you think an offspring of a person has many of the same attributes as their ancestors?"
"Yes, but as far as I know you aren't married so how could you have offspring?"
"You forget that I have been around a lot longer than many people. I was married once but my wife met a tragic end many years ago. We did have children but they have all grown up and moved on doing their own things. That was also many years ago and as of today I believe I have nine grandchildren, five being boys."
Harry was confused. "What are you talking about? What does any of this have to do with Gabrielle?"
"I just received young Gabrielle's acceptance to Hogwarts, weren't you aware?"
"I just assumed she would go to Beauxbaton like Fleur."
"I'm sorry Harry, I thought I told you. She is going there because I'm going to be a teacher and my parents felt she would be safer now that You-Know-Who has returned."
"Fine, Gabrielle is going to Hogwarts but I'm still confused. What does any of this have to do with your grandchildren, are they coming to visit or what?"
"IN a matter of speaking Harry, my grandson Godric will be joining us at Hogwarts in the Fall."
"So, you want to hook up your grandson and my sister?"
"No, I merely stated that if she were interested in my qualities then there are other alternatives. I for one would not like to spend any time in Azkaban."
"Okay, this conversation is getting weird. Let's go tell my parents that you have arrived."
"Wonderful, I have been looking forward to your father's cooking for weeks."
After everyone was situated Harry enjoyed a meal that went beyond any he had so far. It was obvious that this send off meal was for him as well as for Dumbledore. They had a long conversation about Hogwarts and what their children would be doing at the school. It was Dumbledore who changed the conversation away from Hogwarts.
"So Harry, how is your training going?"
"Since everyone here is as close as family I guess I can discuss it. I have been able to do everything I've set my mind to. I've easily done the spells I've read about and even came up with a few things of my own."
"Such as?" Inquired Dumbledore.
"Well, I am now able to transport large objects with me when I apparate."
"Good, I was hoping you would manage that. That will make the journey easier for us. Have you accomplished anything else?"
"Yes, but I just thought of something. You're speaking French, did you perform the comprehension spell?"
"Yes, that is how I was able to speak Mermish. It has come in very handy over the years when dealing with all of the species that I've come across in my travels. Anything else?"
"I've also modified the polyjuice potion for a gift I made for Fleur."
"Really, may I ask you what you made or is that too personal?"
"How many times do I have to tell people that we are just friends!"
Fleur was a little hurt by how adamant Harry was about this point but tried not to show it.
"Relax Mr. Potter, I was only joking. So, what did you make?"
Harry and Fleur ran upstairs and brought down the figures of themselves. Harry explained all that he had done to the figures and explained their capabilities.
"I'm sure that some of your teachers would love to see these little guys, if you wouldn't mind showing them."
"That would be fine. Um, professor when were you planning on leaving?"
"Oh my the time, I told the Weasley's we would be there an hour ago. We best not keep them waiting any longer, especially in these days. We better go as quickly as possible."
"So soon?" Fleur quickly asked.
"Fleur, I'll ask the Weasley's if you can visit for a little bit. Plus, we agreed to see each other at Diagon Alley before school."
"Fine, I guess you can't stay forever. I'll contact you soon to see how things are going."
"Sounds great. Thank you all for your hospitality, I'll talk with you soon."
Fleur and Gabrielle nearly collided trying to give Harry a hug at the same time. Harry and Dumbledore went upstairs and grabbed Harry's things before heading out. 'Pop'
The Burrow hadn't changed since he was there last, it still looked like only magic was holding it up. Harry admired the house from the outside for a while happy to finally be there.
"Shall we go in or do you want to stay out here for a while longer?"
"Sorry, just taking it all in again. I'm ready."
They walked up and knocked on the door, it was Mrs. Weasley that answered. "Oh Harry, I was so worried. Not that anything bad would happen with you Headmaster but with all of that happened I just got so worried."
Ron came from behind her. "Relax Mum, he's fine."
"Hey Ron, how's it going?"
"Fine. There's something I have to tell you but it can wait till later. Hey, there's something different about you, did you do something with your hair or something?"
"My hair is just as messy as always."
"I was joking about the hair but there is really something different about you. You kind of remind me of Dumbledore now for some reason."
"You have something to tell me and I have something to tell you, I guess we're even."
Much to Harry's surprise, Hermione came from the upstairs of the Burrow.
"Hermione, what are you doing here?"
She kind of blushed at this question. "I came to visit."
Now that everyone was situated a conversation ensued far into the night. Harry told them all about France, the Delacours, and then brought out his gifts. He handed out all of his gifts until he got to Ginny's gift.
"Where's Ginny?"
"Oh, with all the excitement of your visit I guess we just forgot to tell you. Ginny is going to be studying abroad next year and has already moved in with a host family."
"Where's she studying?"
"It's called Wynstone Point, it's an American wizarding school in Salem Massachusetts."
"Why isn't she studying here?"
It was Dumbledore that answered. "It was a favor to me. One of my old friends is headmaster there and I thought Ginny would benefit from the experience."
"Well, good for her. I guess I can wait and give the present to her later. When is she coming back?"
"She'll be back for Christmas."
"Oh my, look at the time. Headmaster, we have kept you here far too long and you kids should have been in bed hours ago."
Dumbledore said his goodbyes and disapparated. Fred and George still hadn't come out of the garage. Apparently, they had been putting Harry's money to good use and were developing many new products for their joke shop. Harry could see Mrs. Weasley storming out the front door before he headed upstairs with Ron and Hermione.
"So, what did you want to tell me Ron?"
"I have a girlfriend."
"So, that is why Hermione blushed. Congratulations, but how did that happen?"
"She visited Krum at the beginning of summer and came here right afterwards. She came up and told me that she did a lot of thinking when she was gone and decided that I was what she wanted. You have no idea how relieved I am."
"I'm so happy that you two have finally given in to each others stubbornness."
"Okay, I've told you mine now you tell me yours."
Harry explained all that had happened to him this summer while he organized all of his things. Ron was very excited to hear about all of his powers, especially about the apparating. At that moment Ron noticed the little figure of Fleur.
"What's that?"
"A communications device so I can talk with Fleur."
"But it's moving around and it actually looks kind of sad."
"I made some modifications to a polyjuice potion, I guess Fleur isn't in a good mood right now."
"So, what's going on with you and Fleur? Isn't she a bit of snob?"
"She's actually quite nice, and we're just friends."
"I see, well it's late and we can talk when Hermione is around tomorrow. G'night."
"Goodnight."
The next morning Harry woke up really late and felt a longing in his heart. For some reason he really missed talking with Fleur and even an evening away from her was painful. He looked around the room and saw that Ron already went downstairs, probably to be with Hermione. He decided that it couldn't hurt to see Fleur was around.
"Fleur, are you there?"
"Harry, I was hoping you would call. How is your visit going?"
"It's going fine, we talked pretty late into the night and I just woke up."
"Have you asked if I could come and visit?"
"No, I was busy telling them about you and your family. I'll ask Mr. and Mrs. Weasley when I go down for breakfast."
"Great, so why did you call anyway?"
"I just wanted to hear your voice, I've grown quite used to it over the last few weeks."
"That's sweet Harry, you should go have some food though. I'll talk to you later."
"Later Fleur, goodbye."
The transmission ceased and Harry finally got up for the day. When he got downstairs he was greeted by a few of the Weasley's. Fred and George were already back out in the garage working on their new products. Mrs. Weasley had finally given in to their wishes when she realized that there was nothing she could do to deter them.
Percy had moved out at the end of the last school year. The vacancy that Mr. Crouch left had to be filled and Percy's determination was enough to fill it. He had beat out many wizards who had been with the department since before he was born. This did not sit well with many people at the ministry but Fudge thought that Percy was just the workaholic the department needed.
Arthur had already gone into the office and Harry noticed that the toy he purchased had also mysteriously disappeared. This made Harry happy because he knew that his gifts were appreciated.
Although the food was very good, it was nothing compared to what he was used to at the Delacour's. Even though it wasn't gourmet, it was fine enough for him. After the meal was over Harry, Hermione, and Ron excused themselves and decided to go for a walk. They walked out into the garden for a little degnoming of the garden to pass the time.
"So Harry, Ron tells me that you've been holding back at school."
"I knew you would mess it up Ron."
"What?"
"I haven't been holding back, I just never had the abilities."
"But Ron told me that you can do things that some teachers can't even accomplish."
"That's true." Harry then told Hermione what he had told Ron the night before. Ron still thought he was right about what he told Hermione but after she explained it to him a few times he finally understood.
"And you're fine with what Dumbledore did to you?" asked Ron.
"Of course I am, if you were five and had the power to obliterate someone when they ticked you off would you have the self control to restrain yourself?"
"I agree with Harry, a kid shouldn't have those kind of powers." Added Hermione.
"Well, it still would have been cool. Just think of what we could have done to Malfoy."
"I don't want to think about Malfoy or any of the Slytherins. The longer I spend away from them the happier I feel. Just thinking about their families ticks me off."
"Maybe we should change the subject Ron."
"Ask and you shall receive, look." Ron was pointing up into the sky so Harry and Hermione could see what he was talking about. Looking up they saw a large barn owl sweeping in from the north. Much to their surprise it landed on Harry's shoulder. He grabbed the note and the owl flew off back towards where it came from. Harry read the note and a smile cracked across his face.
"What does it say?" Hermione and Ron said in unison.
"A couple for a week and you're already talking alike."
"Shut up." They once again said in unison.
"You guys could entertain me for the rest of my life. Anyway, it's from Professor McGonagall."
"Why is she writing to you over the summer? You did perform magic when we aren't supposed to be performing it over the summer, is it about that?"
"Nah, I have special permission and that notice doesn't come from the school."
"Then what's it about?"
"I like keeping you two in suspense. Care to take guesses?"
"Don't make us rip it out of your hands."
"Fine, you two are no fun. I've just been made Griffindor's quidditch captain."
"You're joking right?" asked Ron.
"Nope, the note is asking whether I want the post or not. It says that everyone turned it down and said they wanted me as captain."
"Fred and George turned it down? Why wouldn't they tell me?"
"Ron, I've been here for a week and I've barely even seen them. When would they have told you about it?"
"Good point sweetie."
"Don't call me sweetie, I think pet names are demeaning."
"Whatever you say pookie."
"This is a losing battle with you isn't it?"
"Pretty much. Come on, I want to go talk with Fred and George."
The three of them went into the garage, which had been turned into a makeshift workshop for their budding careers. Ron opened the door to the garage and found himself engulfed in a cloud of smoke.
"What the hell are you two doing in here?"
"Hey Ron, working on new products. Is that Harry with you?"
"Hey guys, how are the jokes going?"
"Great Harry, want some candy?"
"Um, no."
"Damn, we gotta find some more gullible test subjects. What's your cousin up to?"
"I wouldn't know, I haven't been there for a month."
"Really? Where've you been?"
"Damn Fred, doesn't mom tell you anything?" asked Ron.
"I think she's been a little peeved with us since we got her to try our version of the Fizzing Whizbees."
"What do your versions do?"
"Well, instead of making the person levitate it actually triples their weight and makes them sink to the ground."
"I think we got the worst of it though. Since she couldn't move she just spent the time yelling at us." Said George.
"On the plus side it was a successful test of a new product." Answered Fred.
Hermione was giving them a very stern look but both Fred and George could tell that she was fighting a fit of laughter.
"Hey Hermione, you're here too?"
"Well, if you would ever get out of the garage you would have found out that I'm dating your brother."
"I can't believe Bill never told us about…" But before George could finish his joke he could feel Ron tackling him. "Damn Ron, have you been working out?"
"Hey, it was pretty boring for the first part of summer."
"So our ickle Ronnie has a girlfriend? Before you know it our house is going to be empty." Fred then pretended to cry on George's shoulder.
"Shut up you two, we have something to ask you."
It was Harry who asked them what they had to the garage to ask. "Why didn't one of you take captain, and why did everyone nominate me?"
"Come on Harry, could you imagine the team with one of us as captain? We would fall apart without leadership. Besides, you're the only reason we've been winning at quidditch lately. We all want you to lead us on to victory." Answered George.
"To victory!" Yelled Fred. "Wood would have been really proud of that speech."
"Okay, but if everyone wanted me then why was I the last person approached?"
"Simple, captains are chosen by seniority on the team. People can always turn it down and then it goes onto the next person."
"Well, should I don't know I consider me being captain as all that great of a idea. If we lose then all the pressure is on me."
"Sucks to be you, but don't worry. You'll be a great captain Harry."
"Thanks Fred. Hey Ron, if you want to you and Hermione can go back up to the house."
"You not coming?"
"I'll be up in a sec but I have to ask the twins something."
"Fine, see you in a bit." Ron and Hermione looked eager to have a little free time together.
"Okay you two, have you been putting my money to good use?"
"Of course we have Harry, we've come up with all sorts of new stuff. We've found our career thanks to you."
"Hey, just as long as you don't play any jokes on me I'll be happy."
"Fine, but only because you've been so sweet to us."
Harry then returned back up to the house and he remembered something from the night before. "Mrs. Weasley, can I ask you something?"
"You just did dear." This made Harry laugh because it reminded him of Dumbledore.
"Fleur was wondering if she could come and visit sometime this summer?"
"The French girl you were visiting? I suppose that would be fine because of all the vacancy's we have in the house."
"Great, I'll go let her know." He grabbed Ron and Hermione from the couch and brought them upstairs with him.
"What's going on Harry?" Asked Hermione.
"I just asked Mrs. Weasley if Fleur could come and visit and she said it was alright. I was just going upstairs to tell her and since you haven't seen my little inventions in action I thought I would bring you along for the ride."
"Great, I want to see what you are capable of now. Maybe I can have at least one serious study partner."
"Hey, we're serious about studying." Said Ron.
"Yeah, I can remember all of the divination homework you put serious time into."
"That was different, even if we could see the future Trelawney wouldn't be happy unless we were dying."
They had reached Ron's room making Ron and Hermione cease their argument. Harry rushed over to the bedside table and showed Ron and Hermione the small figure of Fleur.
"I still can't believe you spent a whole month with her Harry. I would have been happy with the figure." Hermione slapped Ron. "Hey, I was only kidding pookie." She slapped him again.
"Fleur, are you there?"
"Harry, I'm here. Have you asked if I could come over?"
"Mrs. Weasley said it would be fine. Think my birthday weekend would work?"
"That sounds great Harry."
"Hey Fleur, can I ask a favor of you?"
"Sure Harry."
"Could you have Gabrielle keep my powers secret. I don't think it would be wise for people to know about me for now."
"You know she would do anything for you. Is there anything else?"
"Nope, I gotta make a quick trip in a little bit to deliver a present to America. Other than that there's nothing really new to report."
"Um Harry." Hermione was trying to remind Harry of what just happened.
"Oh yeah, I was just asked if I wanted to be quidditch captain for Gryffindor."
"Congratulations Harry!" The small figure was actually bouncing up and down.
"Wow, you look as if you're more excited then I am."
"I'm really happy for you, that's all. You remember what's going on August 15th don't you?"
"Wedding, yeah I remember. Were is it taking place?"
"Our house, but you have to come early because we have to make sure you can attend."
"Why wouldn't I be able to?"
"Not many males can withstand a veela's allure."
"Hey, I have a lot of willpower."
"You better hope so or else I have to send you home. I gotta go Harry, I'll talk with you later."
"Okay Fleur, goodbye."
The transmission ended. Hermione was staring at the figure with amazement.
"I'm very impressed Harry. How did you even think of the combination of spells and potion?"
"I don't really know, it just came to me."
"I can't wait to see what else you can do." Hermione had a strange look in her eyes.
Ron was just as confused as Harry was about her expression. "What's that you're thinking about?"
"I think I found my new project."
"I thought I was your new project." Harry actually had to restrain Hermione this time. She looked furious but Harry could tell she was laughing. Obviously she was still afraid to show affection in front of Harry.
"What do you mean I'm your new project."
"I want to see what you're capable of and that means that I'm going to be researching spells that I want to see you put to use."
"Great, maybe I should have kept it secret from you too."
The three of them spent the next couple of weeks talking about the last couple of years. Harry was having a lot of fun talking about all of the times he could remember Ron and Hermione flirting with each other. Most of the time they tried to deny it but Harry knew otherwise. There was no denying how mad Ron got when Viktor was around Hermione during their fourth year.
Hermione was coming up with ideas for what she could do for Harry. Since a majority of her free time was spent in the library she had read many more books than Harry. She was recalling spells about personal improvement when something caught Harry's attention.
"What was that you just said?"
"I said that there are spells to correct poor vision."
"What do you think?"
"I don't know Harry, I just can't picture you without your glasses."
"That's because you've never really seen me without them on, hold on." Harry took off his glasses and showed Ron and Hermione would look like without glasses.
"Fix the hair and I would do you." It wasn't Hermione that said it though.
"Very funny Ron, seriously."
"Maybe you should give it a try, but I don't think you should do it just for cosmetic appearance."
"Come on Hermione, these things have been broken so many times that I stopped keeping count. If I didn't have to worry about them then it would be much easier for me to move around."
"Move around?"
"You know, running from curses and monsters."
"Please don't think like that Harry."
"Hey, in case you weren't around for the end of the tournament Voldemort is back. I don't think he will be happy with the little bit of blood he got from me."
There was now a dead silence among the group. Harry decided to get out of there for a little bit and he knew that the new couple didn't have much alone time with him around.
"I'm going, there's something I forgot to do."
"Where are you going?"
"America." 'Pop'
He didn't go to America quite yet though. He would have felt really stupid showing up without his gift. He quickly grabbed the veela essence and began to focus on Ginny. This time though it was a lot harder to find her. He was actually a little afraid because of the higher potential of splinching when apparating over long distances. 'Pop'
He made it just fine to America. Delighted that he made it over such a large distance he forgot about his task at first. He looked out the window and realized it was still dark. Crap, he forgot about the time difference.
He did notice that he was in the right place because next to him was Ginny fast asleep in a bed. Thinking back to the last time he broke into a girls room he put up a silencing charm. Thinking about it, he felt it was probably best that Ginny wasn't awake. It would be one less person that would need to keep his powers secret and he didn't feel like explaining it to her at the moment anyway. He found some parchment and wrote a quick note before apparating back to the Burrow.
Ron and Hermione hadn't moved from where they were talking with Harry. They looked a little pissed from a few minutes earlier and Harry realized he should apologize.
"I'm sorry guys, thinking about Voldemort does that to me."
"We forgive you Harry, but you have to remember that we're here for you."
"I know you are, so you were talking about spells you read about."
***
Soon it was the weekend of Harry's birthday. Fleur was set to arrive that afternoon and Harry was really excited. He tried not to show his emotions but Ron and Hermione easily recognized the glee in his face. Before they could ask Harry about anything Fred and George had come in from the garage.
"What are you two doing in here?"
"As much as you may hate it Ron, we still do live here."
"I know, but if it weren't for mom you two would be living out in the garage."
"Fine, you caught us. We want to see the French chick."
"She's not a chick George."
"Okay Hermione, will babe suffice."
"What is with you Weasley men?"
"Uh oh Ron, are you in trouble."
"Shut up Fred."
Their conversation was interrupted with a knock on the door. However much Harry may have wanted it to be Fleur didn't really matter. Standing in the doorway was Charlie Weasley, and he didn't look too good.
It came from behind them, a blood curdling scream. "What happened to my baby?" Mrs. Weasley came storming from behind them with a worried look in her face.
"Relax mum, I'm fine."
"If you're fine then why does your arm look like that? And what are you doing here?"
"My arm looks like this because of a Norwegian Ridgeback named Norbert." Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at each other. "I'll be fine in a little bit but until the poison clears my arm will look like this. As for your other question, I'm here because I was asked to come here."
"Who asked you to come here?"
"Dumbledore for some reason, he told me I would get more information when he comes."
"He's coming here?"
"Yup, for Harry's birthday."
From behind them came words that only Harry and Hermione understood. "What happened to his arm?" These words came in French much to the delight of Harry.
"Fleur, come with me." He grabbed her and quickly ran upstairs.
"Wow, he must have really missed her."
"George! Don't you dare say things like that."
"Sorry mum."
It wasn't until they got upstairs that Harry felt it was all right to talk. "I want to make this simple for everyone. Mind if I mess around with your brain?"
"I know what you want to do and I'm fine with it."
Comprendio
"This should also help you out with teaching."
"You really think my English is that bad?"
"It's fine, but I don't want to give the Slytherins any reason to complain."
"Fine, thank you Harry. Let's go back downstairs. I want to meet everyone again."
Harry brought Fleur down and introduced her again. Everyone commented on how good her English was. Everyone agreed that they had misjudged her the first time and that she was actually a very pleasant person.
Much to Harry's pleasure, Fleur appeared to be enjoying herself. She was used to having the best of everything but it was apparent that she could do just fine with what the Weasley's had.
Hours passed and everyone was getting along fine. Mr. Weasley had finally arrived with a special guest, Albus Dumbledore. Apparently Dumbledore had business at the Ministry and agreed to come when Mr. Weasley was done.
"Now that everyone has arrived we can hand out the presents."
This is what Harry had been waiting for. Harry had been and would be experiencing a lot of firsts this summer and this birthday was no different. Most birthdays at the Dursley's went unacknowledged while more recently he was at least receiving gifts from his friends. This would be his first birthday opening gifts in front of the people who were kind enough to give them.
The first gift Harry opened was an envelope from Fred and George. Not fully trusting the gift he insisted that they open it for him. Making sure that their fingers didn't turn into worms Harry finally felt it was all right to look at the contents. Inside were papers that gave him partial ownership of the company that Fred and George had created for their novelties.
"Why does he get stock?" Asked Ron.
"We'll explain it someday."
The next gift was from the Weasley family. Opening the package Harry found a box that looked somewhat familiar to him. Opening the box Harry recognized two black balls, a red ball, and a small golden one. He had received his very own quidditch balls.
"Those are the balls from the last Quidditch World Cup. If you look closely you can see some of Krum's blood on one of the bludgers." Mr. Weasley told Harry.
"Thank you, I love them."
The next gift was a combined gift from Ron and Hermione. How cute, they bought a gift together. Their gift was a mixture of humor and beauty. It was a recreation of the universe contained within a glass sphere. Harry admired its beauty but he knew the reason it was purchased was because Hermione wanted to help him with divination.
Fleur handed the next present to Harry. "This is from me and my family."
Harry was shocked when he opened the gift. Realizing he hadn't been paying much attention to broomsticks recently kind of made him mad. In his hands he held the fastest broom in the world, the Firebolt 2.
"Wow! Thank you!"
"A captain should have the best."
"Right, captain. That reminds me of something I was thinking about. My first decision as captain is to appoint a new keeper. Ron, do you feel up to it?"
"Me? Why me?"
"You have all the makings of a great keeper. With those monkey arms of yours it will be hard for anyone to get anything past you. Besides, with my Firebolt you will be unbeatable."
"You're giving me your Firebolt? Thanks Harry."
"Well, are you up for the task?"
"Yeah!"
"Three Weasleys on the team, this should be interesting." Added Hermione.
The next package Harry easily recognized. The gift was wrapped in brown paper and there was a note on top.
Dear Harry,
Hope everything is going fine. Followed my mom to Asia but am having a hard time convincing the giants to join us. Found this in my travels and thought it suited you. Ask the people around you what it is. If everything went fine then Dumbledore and Charlie will be there and they'll explain everything.
Enjoy,
Hagrid
Harry was very excited to see what all the fuss was about. He opened the package and found a small red egg with yellow spots.
"Oh no, this isn't a dragon is it?"
It was Charlie that answered. "That's a phoenix egg, you're very lucky."
"Wanna help me with it?"
"I'm on temporary leave from Romania so I'll only be able to help for a little bit of time."
Dumbledore stood up. "Charlie, may I speak with you in private?"
"Sure Headmaster." They adjourned to another room while Harry opened the next gift.
It was a small package from Remus Lupin that caught Harry's attention. Opening the gift he found a pair of glasses much like his own and a note.
Harry,
I'm sorry I couldn't be there but I had some things to take care of in Germany. I am very fearful of your safety and asked for Moody's help with this gift. These glasses function exactly like his magical eye and will help protect you while at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, they don't have a prescription but that shouldn't be a problem. It just means you will have to correct your vision with a spell. Hope they are usefull.
See you later,
Remus
"Wow Harry, he gave you glasses. You must be very special to him."
"Shut up Ron, I'll explain later."
Charlie and Dumbledore returned to the room and made like they had an announcement. Sure enough Charlie cleared his throat to make the announcement.
"Professor Dumbledore has just asked me to be the temporary Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and I accepted."
"Where's Hagrid going to be?" Asked Harry.
"He's going to keep trying to convince the giants. Don't worry, he's fine. Now that all packaged items are done I can give you my present."
"You didn't have to get me anything Professor."
"I feel like I owe you back pay for 14 years of hellish living. My gift to you is Hogwarts."
"You're giving me the school."
"No, I'm giving you a place to live for as long as you want."
"I don't have to go back to the Dursley's? Thank you Professor!"
"Your welcome Harry, now I have something to discuss with you in private." Much like Charlie, he took Harry to another room. "I also have this for you." He held out his hand but there didn't appear to be anything in it.
"Are you giving me a five?"
"No, I'm giving you a key. Take it out of my hand."
Harry was confused but decided to humor the old man. He reached down into the man's hand and felt a key. "I believe Mr. Lupin's gift will help you if you ever lose it."
"You know about the glasses?"
"Yes, he asked me for gift ideas."
"What's it for?"
"On Hogwart's grounds there is an invisible bunker. We built it during the time of Voldemort's reign of tyranny incase he ever attacked. Very few people knew about it and it was never put to use. I have placed an old friend there to help monitor the grounds and I believe he is of special interest to you."
"Sirius?"
"Yes I'm serious."
"You know that's not what I meant."
"I know Mr. Potter, try to have a little more fun. Yes, Mr. Black will be living there and you can visit him any time you chose to do so under one condition."
"What's the condition?"
"Never go there unless you are under the invisibility cloak. I don't want anyone seeing you disappear into nothingness."
"Fine, can I bring guests?"
"Do so at your own discretion."
"Thank you Headmaster."
"Happy Birthday Harry, I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Remember, there is no apparating to Hogwarts."
"I know Professor, is Hogsmeade safe?"
"Yes, you can apparate there."
"Actually, I was wondering if it would be possible to ride in with the students?"
"Yes, that will be fine. If you want to you can stay here."
"Actually, I think I would rather like to stay at the Leaky Cauldron."
"That'll be fine. Well, I must be going. Enjoy the wedding and see you in a month."
"Thanks for everything, goodbye."
Albus Dumbledore left Harry in one of the happiest moods he had ever experienced. Not only did he not have to live with the Dursley's anymore but he would be with his godfather. Still, he felt that he had to have one final talk with the Dursley's to make everything right between them. That could wait though, it was his birthday and he had his three best friends for company. He went back to the celebration but decided that for the moment he wouldn't tell them about Sirius. He did tell them that he would be spending the rest of the summer at the Leaky Cauldron and that they could visit whenever the wanted.
"Good, then I can visit you again before we leave for school."
"Whatever you want Fleur, I don't think it would be a problem getting an extra room or bed."
"We can all meet there when we pick up our new school supplies." Added Hermione.
The four of them spent the rest of the weekend doing various things together. Harry and Ron practiced with their new broomsticks using the quaffle to help give Ron a feel of blocking. Harry was happy with his choice but hoped none of the other students would say he was playing favorites. By the time Fleur had to return home she was quite acquainted with Ron and Hermione. They all agreed that they would get to Platform 9 ¾ early to make sure they got a cart together. Her time was up and Fleur said her goodbyes.
"Goodbye students, I'll see you in a couple weeks."
"Goodbye Miss Delacour." They all said in unison.
"Maybe it wasn't the best idea to make friends with new students."
"Too late for that. Don't worry, we won't call you Fleur in class."
"Good, I must be professional while at school. Harry, I'll see you the fifteenth."
"I won't be late, I want to pass the test."
"I'm sure you will, you've resisted all of my feminine wiles so far."
"You've been giving them off?"
"I guess you'll find out when you come and visit. Goodbye everyone." 'Pop'
"Does she always flirt with you Harry?" Asked Hermione.
"It's just joking around."
"If you say so." Hermione was guessing that this wasn't exactly a joking relationship.
***
"Welcome back Harry." Said Viviana.
Harry was still looking at all of the decorations when he realized that he was being addressed. He had only just arrived and wasn't sure who would be around yet.
"Thanks for inviting me, the place looks great."
"You're too kind. So, ready for the test?"
"What exactly do I have to do?"
"Well, I'll introduce you to my grandmother and we'll see if you can resist her."
"Sounds easy enough."
Harry was brought to a small room that Harry didn't really pay attention to when he was visiting before. Inside the room was a veela sitting in a chair getting ready for the wedding. But this couldn't be Fleur's grandma, she couldn't be anybody's grandma. She looked like she was in her mid-thirties at most.
"Harry, this is my mother."
It was almost as if he were under the Imperius Curse again. There was one voice telling him that he should do anything for this woman if she demanded it while another voice was telling him that that didn't make sense. After a few moments of this swam through his head he had once again regained full control.
"It's nice to meet you, you look wonderful."
"Fleur found a good one dear, he can resist me at full power."
"That was the test?"
"Yes child, my name is Deserae."
"So I can go to the wedding?"
"Yes, but may I ask you a question?"
"Sure you can."
"How did you resist me?"
"It may be because I had practice resisting the Imperius Curse before. By the end I could fully resist it."
"You have a very strong will child, I would be proud to have you witness the wedding. Now, go and see if Fleur is ready."
"Okay."
Harry went upstairs to Fleur's room to check on her progress. He knocked but there was no answer. He knocked again but there was still no answer. Starting to get worried he decided it would be alright to walk in.
"Fleur, are you in here."
"Yes Harry, sorry I didn't answer the door but I was changing. I'm all dressed so you can come in now."
"You mean if I would have walked in before I could have seen you naked, damn."
"Very funny Harry, you've already seen me naked."
"Oh yeah, you'll have to give me a moment while I relive that moment."
"Don't make me smack you."
"Fine, hey guess what."
"What?"
"I passed the test, I can go to the wedding."
"Great, I was hoping you would pass."
After Fleur finished getting ready she and Harry went back downstairs and joined the rest of the guests. Harry noticed that he was one of only three men attending the wedding. The other men being Jean Luc and the groom. He could see why most normal men wouldn't survive this event with all of the veelas around. Any man who had not been trained to restrain himself would have surely gone mad. Harry enjoyed the wedding very much and wished that the after party would never end. He spent a majority of the evening being instructed how to dance by Fleur. Finally, at about midnight he decided that it would be time for him to return to the Weasley's. Fleur said goodbye to him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. 'Pop'
"Morning Harry, how was the wedding?"
"Morning Ron, it was a blast."
"Great, come downstairs and tell us all about it."
Harry finally got dressed and ventured downstairs for a late breakfast. He then told Hermione and the Weasley's all about the strange dances, weird speeches and about how the priest had to be slapped constantly to continue the ceremony. When he got to the end of his speech he told the wizards about a decision he had made.
"I've decided that I'm going to leave today."
"You're going to Diagon Alley?"
"Yeah, I'll drop off my bags and then one more stop at the Dursley's."
"Why are you going back there?"
"There's just something I have to do."
"You're not going to hurt them are you?"
"No, but there's just something I have to do there."
He grabbed all of his things and had Hedwig fly off to London. He took one last look around and said his goodbye to everybody. Assuming that he was traveling by floo powder everyone but Ron and Hermione had already left. He gave them quick hugs and disapparated.
Tom greeted him and took his bags up, Harry thanked him and quickly left.
Privet Drive looked the same as it always did, something that probably suited the Dursley's jus fine. Harry walked up to the front door and knocked, just like a stranger would do when going up to a house for the first time. Even though he had been there almost his entire life he still felt like an alien.
"Oh, it's you." It was Vernon who answered the door. "I suppose you've come back now. We were so happy here that we were hoping you were gone for good."
"You just may have your wish." Said Harry as he pushed his way in. "I need to talk to the entire family."
Vernon was a bit startled. Why did Harry look so different? "Sure, get in the kitchen. Everyone should be there already."
Harry walked into the kitchen and Dudley gave a little squeak. "Relax Dudley, I'm here to talk."
He waited until everyone was seated before he began his speech.
"I have come here before you to tell you that you will not be seeing me anymore."
Vernon gave a little cheer.
"Wait till I'm finished. Now, as I was saying. I have been granted permission to stay at school as long as I want and I have accepted the opportunity. I would only be putting this house in danger and it wouldn't be right of me to wish any evil on you, even after all you've done to me. I feel no animosity towards you though, rather I feel appreciation. Even though you treated me like shit on the bottom of your shoe I have realized that you took me in. You could have very easily dropped me off at an orphanage but something inside you made you keep me. I don't know what it was or even if you do but I must still offer you my thanks. Have a good life Dursley's, it's been a blast."
Without even looking at their reactions he disapparated.
He spent the next few days walking around Diagon Alley contemplating his life. Why was he marked? In some ways he wished that he was born a muggle and didn't have to worry about all that was happening to him. At that point a little voice tells him he's being silly and that he should accept who he is. For the most part he agrees with the inner voice but he still does wonder what a peaceful life would be like. Then his thoughts went to Fleur.
Why couldn't he get Fleur out of his head? They were good friends and Harry didn't want to mess it up but would he regret it if he didn't at least try? Too many questions, only time will give the answers.
The time came and his friends arrived to pick up their school supplies for the next year. He had already picked up his supplies but still walked around with them to help them get their items faster. Hermione had gone home at the same time as Harry to spend the last couple of weeks with her family. He always delighted talking with her parents, it was nice being with normal muggles instead of the Dursleys. After everyone had what they came for they all said their goodbyes and left.
Fleur was the last to leave. She said that maybe she wanted to stay but Harry thought it would be best for her to help her sister get ready for school. They said goodbye and hugged each other for what seemed to Harry to be a long time. She said goodbye and reminded him that they would be meeting early the first to get good spots. Fleur then disapparated from the room.
Once again Harry was alone, but it wouldn't be for too much longer. He looked forward to the train trip at the end of the month with his three best friends. Hopefully, he would be able to figure out some of his life questions at school this year. This was the year that would change his life.
