Harry Potter's Secret Weapon

**OO**

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.

**OO**

Chapter 16 Healing Begins

Monday, July 11, Blackmoor Hall

Now that the family was back, and after talking with her husband, Darlene had decided to start taking a few very urgent cases, and see some of her personal favorites like the O'Neal's baby. She wanted to spend most of her time at home. Sirius wanted to Enchant: mirrors for a start, and more. Remus and he were spending time together working, adding onto the Pranking Parlor to allow a place to do Enchanting in addition to the brewing for pranks. The twins would eventually be joining them to work once the Pranking Parlor's was declared open for owl order business. But that didn't mean that the Marauders couldn't start planning or that the twins hadn't been busy at home.

Remus asked for a small parliament of owls to handle said owl order business. Karr loved animals and would be responsible for bringing the orders in from the post, and sending the fulfilled orders out. Premises for the business were planned at some point in the future, but right now, it would be booths at special events like the World Cup, or maybe a little cart now and then in Diagon or Hogsmeade.

He rubbed his hands in delight. He had repeated his offer to Percy to switch roles with him anytime. He wanted to have more time planning and designing pranks and let Percy handle the boring work.

Clarice offered to interface with the twins over their mirror since their mother still wasn't letting them come over yet.

Most of their creations were being reserved for the World Cup, and there was a lot of stock so far, but everyone knew that once they had made a splash at their selling booth, the business would really take off.

Daily, Jam was making secret trips over to get finished pranks boxed up and stored in the Pranking Parlor for later sales. And bringing more raw materials to the twins. Molly, not seeing them leave, thought that they couldn't be up to much. She had no idea how much work they could accomplish in a day.

Hedwig had to be talked to about the new owls, and she wound up on a new –very fancy– perch in the library. How the window knew when to open when she wanted out was a mystery. But it worked.

"Your job is to watch over us and make sure we don't make mistakes." Harry declared. "And come for cuddles whenever you want."

After replacing one of the copies of the parseltongue book that Hedwig pecked to see if the rune was as tasty as it looked, Harry and Winky got down to business.

Harry was making up for lost time. He really wanted to get the translation done.

**OO**

Monday, July 11, Hogwarts

Albus Dumbledore paced in his office. His phoenix still hadn't forgiven him, and now it was worse. His anniversary with Gellert was coming up. He conjured a likeness of Charlus Potter as a pottery bust. He then enlarged it, and sent a bolt of lightning to blast it to pieces.

Nothing had gone right since the trial in Paris! Why couldn't Black and that dratted witch just be gone! They were interfering in everything! He had the best of intentions for the world. He was sad that a boy of Harry's potential had to die, but his family magic needed to be removed from the world.

Harry proved it by destroying dementors. Word was seeping from Japan and other places. He thought of setting up a trap, but the boy had to attend school. Albus would wait.

He tripped on a piece of detritus, and cut his forehead in a deep jagged cut. Things like this kept happening to him! He asked Fawkes for healing and the bird turned his back.

Walking to the infirmary, he would be tended to, but his next move needed to be successful or he wouldn't survive the attempt.

**OO**

Monday, July 11, Batons Orléans

Guierre looked at his familiar; a golden eagle who sometimes acted as a messenger bird. But mostly was his faithful companion since his wife passed away.

The details were fuzzy, no doubt he must have been drinking or something, but they had gone to the ICW that Valentine's Day, nine years before. What a comfort, surely a symbol that he wasn't really alone, and that they would be reunited.

The bird had similar eye color to his beloved, and made him feel that this amazing avian could see into his soul.

He thought about asking Newt Scamander, or maybe his grandson Rolf, who was a magical animal healer, to come over and check on his beautiful pet. Aside from being a symbol of his wife's family, the golden eagle seemed to sometimes be just as sad as he. More than once, he'd come upon her seemingly weeping tears. He worried that it was a sign of illness or some other avian ailment.

But then he'd forget and get busy with work. He'd floo the Scamanders. Tomorrow, he'd promise himself . But tomorrow never came.

By the time he returned to his current project, he'd forgotten all about it.

He had already completed the staff – that commission had been ready since the late 1940's. No, it was the wand itself giving him fits. Well, a strong wand for a strong mage wasn't an easy task.

The brief visit with Harry had been eye opening. Magic had shown them the correct cores, multiple cores, and the correct wood. Why ironwood? Nearly impossible to work with.

After one more cheek caress from his eagle, he got back to work. School letters for Beauxbatons would be going out. Not all of the students could afford him, and he always gave Madam Maxime a scholarship or three for deserving ones.

His wedding anniversary was coming up, as was the boy's birthday. He'd been avoiding the family right now.

He hoped to be done with the wand by the end of the month. And tried to look forward to seeing others when he delivered the finished product.

He truly savored his solitude since losing his beloved Béatrice.

**OO**

Blackmoor Hall

The workman had stayed late and the pool was now ready for plants and furniture. The actual structure was complete, and the manuals were handed over to the helpful Clarice who immediately copied them, giving a set to Jam and Kar. They would be the most responsible for the upkeep on the pool and surrounding deck; not that others would not help out too.

Clarice sat comfortfortably in her chair, and at first Moony had been reading over her shoulder. She moved to a nearby sofa in his office, and he didn't realize that he had put his arm around her. Lord Black stopped in to wave the Steward and the family secretary to his office for a meeting, and was unhappy to make them blush and jump apart. They weren't doing anything wrong! Not in HIS mind.

Remus looked around to ask if the Heir was joining them, but Sirius shook his head. No, this meeting was about him and Harry was already in bed.

Remus, Clarice, Darlene, Sirius and Harry had finally played the birthday present game together as a family. Harry seemed to be worried that his first forays into the new game were being judged. He played very cautiously and seemed concerned that the adults would get after him for making mistakes.

Darlene cleared her throat and ran a nervous hand down her ruffled silk skirts to soothe herself.

"Please don't think that I am criticizing any of you, or that I am trying to overstep. I see things; dark, horrible. High and low, healers see too much. I truly want to help Harry, and am offering my point of view."

Padfoot squeezed her hand. Remus looked murderous, but it wasn't her that he was angry with. Clarice looked concerned.

Either of them, Darlene or Remus, or working together, could have taken Harry in as a babe, even with Padfoot in prison. They were friends! His inner wolf accepted her as pack - accepted her as the human pack's Alpha's mate.

"I am not a mind healer. But that child has been abused. We need to get him a counselor and something more. He really needs socialization. You saw him in Japan. He is far too mature for his age in some ways, but regresses around people his own age.

Remus shared, "I have heard him and Hermione, and they have talked about Neville coming over. But he hasn't mentioned Ron. Not even when you were gone. And never tried to visit there. He had a nightmare about it, I think."

Clarice kept her own counsel about that. She had held the boy in the middle of the night more than once. Like her, Harry had been attacked by monsters. If anyone could understand the sudden feeling of at least partial safety after a time of attack, it was her. Her inner wolf would not allow a cub of the pack to be alone in times like that.

Remus was ready to take notes, as was Clarice. Darlene had never been a frivolous witch. Not in something like this.

Darlene continued, "I cannot emphasize this enough. The boy needs friends. He has a betrothed, and we should talk to the Grangers about announcing it to prevent plots on that front against the boy.

Clarice scoffed softly, "With the abomination of plural marriage allowed? It won't. But Harry is like you and our Protector here. One mate." Clarice half-bowed to Sirius, and he nodded in return.

Darlene nodded, "We do not need little fangirls trying to break them up. So no, Sirius, we are not inviting Sofia here. Not ever. I think that some of his classmates would be more appropriate."

She started pacing, "The boy worked hard, all day, on that Greengrass book again! A teenager! I deeply understand the drive to help others, but for a boy his age? I think that we should set a limit. How much is not my decision. But he needs to get sun and exercise and social activity just as much as food. And sleep."

Remus felt Clarice's soft nudge. She felt that she was talking too much, but they had noticed that the boy worked single mindedly while Darlene and Sirius were on their 'alone' time of the honeymoon. His entire focus had been to finish the project.

Darlene asked, "Do either of you know if he completed his summer homework, yet? Or even started on it?" Not realizing that Harry had finished it during his time at the Burrow since he couldn't translate there.

Now that Darlene was here to help care for the boy, she was feeling decidedly maternal. And wanting to be protective, caring, helpful. She had no idea that her hormones were all over the place, and going into nesting mode for a very special reason.

Lady Black continued, "For socializing, well. There might be different groups. Other heirs and heiresses as one group. They will be interacting in the Wizengamot for years. Let them become at least friendly acquaintances.

"Not all of the friends have to be of a noble family. Look at the Weasleys, they are a nice family. Too bad Auror Sean McNealy's girl is so much younger. I love that family. Helped deliver their new son, Seanie. A good blend of Freya and his proud papa.

"Oh, where was I? Nice families to interact with. I think for now after what happened at the wedding that we should just let Percy be our emissary when needed, let Harry see the twins at lessons. They will soon be adults. I want to say right now that I am supportive of Fred and George living in one of the houses on site. I would beg that if the mother kicks them out that they are not allowed inside the manor proper without a pranking ward. I do not want my home to become a warzone. Pranking or otherwise."

Remus raised an eyebrow to Sirius, "You will remember that, right, Padfoot?"

"As I find the bathtub cold and uncomfortable to sleep in, I will. But outside is fair game."

Clarice did join in this time, "Oh? And who might have made the Heir pink all that one day?" She added to Moony.

"But he deserved it for the…you're right. No pranks inside the manor proper."

Lady Black gave stern looks to both wizards, as if reminding them mind their manners, but she went on.

"But there have to be other potential friends that we could have over."

Sirius piped up, "I really do not know who Harry's friends are besides Ron and Hermione, and now obviously Neville. Or who would be good to invite over. Having watched Ron now several times, both before and after the summer break, I'm not sure I want to encourage that relationship. The boy is almost as spoiled as Draco, and has absolutely no manners. And doesn't want to learn them.

"I feel that this behavior was likely encouraged by Dumbledore, from a young age. Remember how he encouraged me once I was kicked out of home? He wanted me to pursue muggleborn girls, give up my title and gold; donate them to the Order. And rebel against everything I grew up with. And Everyone in MY family who had children are people that I want to protect Harry from!"

"I think he wanted Harry raised to despise privilege and throw away his legacies… Straight into Dumbledore's waiting arms." He concluded.

Remus pointed out, "Penny mentioned that the quidditch team members showed up to play and Diggory came over. Nice lad. And I really like the twins."

Darlene took the reins back, "I'm glad the Pranking Parlor workshop is separate from the house, in its own building. Thank you very much. As much as I like the twins, having the smells, sounds, and chaos out there is very good. Not something I need inside the house as a healer at the end of a long day." She finished her piece.

Remus averred, "I completely agree. We have talked about a counselor for Harry but haven't done anything, as Saint Mungo's would be deadly dangerous for him to attend. The press hangs out there, not to mention Death Eater donors. We'd have to do something here, or at Grimmauld or something. As for friends, I know all of the young people Harry's age at Hogwarts."

Remus started pacing. "Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot are both very kind. Justin Finch-Fletchley might be a good choice. He's like Miss Granger; a muggleborn noble with a title and his own resources. I think that some of the children resent people like him and Hermione because they come to school with Latin and Classics and Poetry and Art already in their background.

"Poor Ginny Weasley? How is she to compete for the elite's true attention, when in so many ways, people like Finch-Fletchley have an easier time fitting in socially than does someone who was homeschooled and raised in a…non-standard pureblood home.

"I can't think of any Slytherin I would invite here except for Miss Bulstrode or Miss Greengrass, Daphne that is. I haven't met Astoria. I think she will start this coming year.

"Cedric Diggory is the twins' age, and they have all flown together. I found another of the Weasleys and Diggory's neighbors to be a delight. Miss Luna Lovegood, but I don't know if Harry knows her yet. All very nice people."

Thinking he suddenly turned and said, "Anybody but Colin Creevy. That boy is a walking fanboy extreme, and drives Harry crazy. Harry is actually nice about it, but he shouldn't have to put up with him at home."

Sirius chimed in. "Look, I get that Astoria is sick, and Remus and I are both related in that normal pureblood way. So we have to help, but a limit makes sense.

"Take the dementors, for example. Those weren't created by Harry. This blood curse wasn't Harry's fault either. We're limiting his dementor trips. What do you feel is a reasonable amount of time for what he calls the 'Astoria Project'?"

Remus looked at them both. "A few hours at a time, but during the summer, if he took a break to swim, socialize, go to his extra lessons?"

Darlene and Sirius looked at each other in deep understanding. Both could easily get absorbed in their work.

"We'll need more games, more activities for young people. I don't want to invite a herd over to fly, or play quidditch with bludgers and have someone get hurt." Darlene shared.

"I really am not comfortable with company too much myself." Sirius admitted, "Even if I am now exonerated."

Remus and Clarice shared a look. Oh, yes, they were happy being alone, or in a small group. But this was Harry Potter they were talking about, Clarice reminded herself.

Darlene suggested, "As for his mental health, we have access to the Black townhouse in Paris. We could get a fine counselor there, once Harry has enough French. I am happy to teach my godson the language. I do know a word or two of it. And we could practice French as my family practices English at dinner. And we need to keep up our visits with Aunt Calladora."

Both marauders chuckled. The purebloods of their generations had all required learning French. Clarice, even raised as she was, learned French at home.

"Or go easy on the boy and hire an English speaking counselor in Paris." Remus suggested, to both of their shocked gazes.

The horror!

Then Clarice gasped. "There's a nice counselor in Hogsmeade." Why hadn't she thought of him before? "He has his own private house, on the alley behind the Three Broomstick. And he himself is a 'pureblood graftee' being adopted as a young wee firstie before anyone knew that he was a muggleborn. I found that out accidentally as a child as I was related distantly to the elderly witch who gave him a home. I ask ye to keep that to yeselves. Oh, he has a very popular name too; it made all of the villagers chuckle and tease him about his 'mad' quidditch skills when he set up shop."

Darlene hit her forehead, "Healer Aiden Lynch. How could I have forgotten".

"You just wanted to visit Paris on a regular basis so we could get you real croissants chocolat." Sirius teased.

Darlene didn't deny the truth. Well, despite not being in Paris, she'd have Clarice make an appointment.

**OO**

Tuesday, July 12, Blackmoor Hall, morning

Darlene went to the lady's parlor and sat in her comfortable chair. She ordered a nice tea from Jam and asked him to bring Winky's preferred beverage.

Finding out that it was klah surprised the witch; fortunately it was something the kitchen stocked for the frequent goblin guests they hosted. Darlene requested cucumber sandwiches with a few spare slices plain on a plate in case the little elf wanted just that.

When all was in readiness, Darlene summoned the head elf, offered the food and beverages before starting the list of new instructions. Knowing that this would be difficult for the hard-working elf to understand.

Winky's ears drooped, nearly losing the matching bycocket hat she wore in a cunning hunter green that matched her little new work tunic. She had recently read a story during her break time about Robin Hood, and made herself a tunic and hat to look like him. It even had the end of a long white peacock feather from an albino peacock she had been given by Karr.

Darlene gently explained about the limit of three hours at a time for translating. No more than two sessions a day during the summer. No more than one session a day at school. The work would progress. They would eventually finish, but Harry was an abused teen who was working just as hard as a house-elf to try and prove himself. He had spent over twelve hours without resting, and with only eating snacks instead of meals. Darlene was using calm tones. Winky wasn't the one who had abused this boy.

"Winky sorry!" Her patois was back. She had been doing an excellent job of speaking right, but she felt very guilty about this.

"You are fine. You need food, sleep and friends. A mate. Your main task is that book, and we all support that. You can delegate all of your tasks to others that you can. We can hire another female elf to help…"

"Juniper! She's working at Hogwarts!"

Darlene frowned. Jam had been there too, and wanted to return when the school year started, to help both Moody and Harry.

Darlene really didn't want to start a war by summoning Juniper here when she was not bonded to Harry yet. Not now. Not with Dumbledore's apparent interference…and the evidence was growing. "We best look for a new elf. We have resources just for this."

Winky nodded. Harry had her place an advertisement in the house-elf exchange. There were several elves willing to work for Master Harry if they were released to do so.

"And I want you to rest. Whenever you want. You seem to like to sleep in the morning. That's fine. But do get enough rest."

Winky's tears turned into sobs, and Harry popped into the room.

"Godmother? Winky? Are you hurt?"

He handed over the handy handkerchief, and hugged the elf, picking her up to cuddle on his lap.

"Winky being bad again! Hurting Master Harry!"

"No, Winky. You are good!" Harry stated.

"I'm sorry that my words upset her, Harry. The pool is so beautiful and you need to have time to swim and play and be with friends. Lady Greengrass and I talked about the project. She's happy that I live here and am willing to help, but Marius is heavily invested in this project as well. Please continue to include him."

"Mistress Darlene not angry with useless Winky?"

"You have never been useless. If you were useless, you couldn't help Harry help Miss Astoria? Right?" Darlene smiled. "Winky, I need to schedule an appointment for you with Healer Lynch as well as Harry. Look at Percy! How poorly he is treated! I saw terrible things in that House. Things that I want to report to the DMLE but I can't without violating my oath as a healer. And even though you are no longer there, you still have to keep the secrets you learned when you were bonded.

"Lady Greengrass is so very impressed with the progress you both have been making so far. Marius has been keeping her apprised. It's just…well. Harry is a teenager. He needs time away to let his mind rest." The whole time that Darlene had been talking to his Winky, Harry had been listening to not just the words spoken, but the tone and non-verbal cues that had saved him more than once in fraught situations.

Darlene cared about Harry. About Winky. And was showing respect for a servant. She wasn't like Harry, who saw Winky as an equal or as someone above him. But never was his godmother cold or cruel or unkind. That meant a lot to Harry.

The witch turned to face Harry, "You will be traveling all over the world soon to deal with dementors. You need to have time to just play. Unwind. I'm just happy to play a little part in this project if I can ever be of service."

Harry shared, "Well, that's good. Until Remus allows Healer Marius to come here, I'm happy to at least have your support. Thank you."

"Oh? I thought that Moony was warming up to him?" Darlene's eyes narrowed. "Healer Marius and I have worked together before. I'll talk to Remus about this. Healer Greengrass is a colleague. What if I needed to consult with him? Is Moony going to tell me I can't invite him over? Hmm?" She harrumphed.

Darlene looked at the sad elf, "Do you have anything that you need? Anyone you want to invite over?"

She looked at Master Harry, "Winky wanting to bond with Dobby after we are done with the project. Please Master?"

"Dobby!" Harry called, "Winky has a question for you. She has my approval to ask."

Dobby popped in, already green faced. He knew what was coming. "You be wanting to share my nest now?"

"Soon. I have work to finish, first. Project Astoria." Winky stated.

Dobby nodded. "I offer you nest and space for elflings. Dobby will work hard to provide, but I warn you. I will want our babies to be free. Forever."

The elves hugged and exchanged clean cleaning rags.

"Dobby, you have to promise to be good to my Winky. She is very special to me." Harry stated firmly.

"Dobby promises. No wanting Master Magus Harry Potter to be mad at Dobby. Not now. Not ever. Besides, Dobby knows the pain of mean family. Dobby making nicey family with Winky. Dobby promises you both."

Winky nodded. She trusted Dobby to be a good mate. She knew that Dobby truly wanted to be free, and wanted her to want it as well. She had to be careful with Master Harry, and accept that her children would not bond with this great mage. She had a feeling that they would have lots of good works to do in this House though. This was going to be alright then.

"Now Harry. How about we get into our suits. I hear that Penny and Hermione were giving you lessons. We didn't have a chance to swim much on our holiday. Ready to practice here?"

Harry nodded, knowing that the old-fashioned bathing costume covered a multitude of sins. Well, Vernon's sins.

When Harry wore the matching tank to the bottoms, she swore to herself that she would start the scar treatment that very night.

Wearing that in conservative Japan was one thing. But at home?

**OO**

Tuesday, July 12, Hogsmeade, Mind Healer appointment

Auror Tonks and BloodRage were looking at one another. Apparently, there was some kind of mixup. Remus had floo'd the bank that morning to hire BloodRage for guard duty. However, Clarice had asked Tonks when she made the healer's appointment. Neither was backing down to escort Harry to Hogsmeade.

Tonks was emphatic, "He doesn't know the layout of the town! I know every nook and granny there!"

"I thought the expression was nook and cranny?" Harry asked.

"Well, I know the people and the place better is all!" Tonks argued, but BloodRage was quietly there and not moving, sipping the klah the elf had brought him.

"Well, there's no reason to fight. You both should go. And Tonks can help scout out a good place for some new shops. And pick up some Honeydukes for me for Hermione." Harry suggested.

"Agreed." BloodRage stated and held out his hand to Tonks. She shook it and the three of them headed to the floo, Darlene meeting them there.

"You're coming with me?" Harry asked.

"I won't go into the appointment, but yes. I will be there for you. Unless you prefer Padfoot…"

"No, he's working on that Japanese thing, trying to figure out how to complete it. Hearing him speaking Japanese this morning was weird."

"I think that Winky is now participating in the prank war. That potion to speak Japanese was supposed to be for after breakfast, not in his breakfast juice." Darlene shared, much to the merriment of everyone there.

So much for keeping the pranks outside the manor.

Tonks took point and went first. She had been offered free room and board as part of her security duties. The House was trying to become completely self-sufficient at table through its farm and greenhouses, she knew. But she felt like she would be a burden.

The love and laughter in the home was apparent. Something that Tonks wanted for herself.

Finding out where they were going, and having a hint as to why, had her wanting to pull her wand on the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

**OO**

The first session had gone very well. The counselor had asked a few questions, and mostly listened intently, taking notes.

He even got Harry to open up about his feelings on destroying dementors. How he felt it was killing something that while not a pleasant being, it was still a creature. He talked about his first non-human friends, the spiders in his cupboard that kept him company when he was locked in there. He would never kill one. And felt bad about killing dementors, even though others said he was doing the right thing.

"I do understand how you feel, Harry. The difference is huge though. First off, your little friends from the cupboard couldn't and wouldn't kill you. They are a natural creature that is part of the circle of life. Dementors, though, are different. Let me tell you a bit about their history."

The healer was so grateful that Healer Fenwich had prepared him well for this session.

The mind healer shared, "Do you know the history of those creatures by any chance?"

Harry shook his head, looking somber.

Healer Lynch continued, "Well, there were no known sightings of them until Grindelwald's push for power. Some think he created them, others think that he summoned them. They were supposed to help him control the world that he wanted to rule.

"They are not a natural being, and you eliminating them makes all of us safer, Harry. I have never heard of anyone with the power to destroy them. Of course, when we enter a room and turn on the lights, the darkness is defeated. Is that evil?"

Harry actually laughed at that. "If it is, we are all guilty. Except maybe vampires. They don't need light."

The mind-healer continued, "The dementors have only one job - to kill. And they will murder at random and by the command of those who pretend to control them. And sometimes, as you saw while flying during your quidditch game, they will hunt indiscriminately and kill just to kill. Some say that they eat souls. Nonsense. Nothing eternal can be destroyed. But the magical energy that is part of our soul does feed them, just like happiness and joy."

Harry brightened at that information. An unnatural or demonic creature? Truly? He'd try to order some books that talked about it.

"Oh, maybe that's why a water demon showed up when we were attacking the ones near the sea. Protecting friends? Ish. Do demons have friends? But then a red and gold angel dragon came down and ushered the soul globes released up to Avalon. Or so the French aurors explained."

"That sounds like an amazing adventure, to see that sight. Thank you for sharing it with me. Now, can you please tell me how you like your new parents?" Healer Lynch asked.

"They are brilliant except for one problem. As a healer, my godmother has had to attend to more than a few quidditch related injuries. They won't let me fly at home!"

The man with the same name as a famous player had to laugh. "Well, I can't speak to that. I can barely fly, myself. After the minimum lessons at Hogwarts, I had no desire to learn or try more."

"WHAT? Are you joking? But you're…you're Aiden Lynch!" Harry protested.

"Ironic, I know. Now, here are a few things I would like you to keep track of in this journal I am going to give you…"

BloodRage would never admit that he had listened in, just in case this humon was in polyjuice or something. To hear of some of the things that this child had endured, and still had the goodness, the purity of Light to destroy demons spoke to his inner strength that few saw.

"Your godmother went to do an errand while you were busy." BloodRage informed. "Shall we go to the shops? I do believe Auror Tonks is around somewhere."

The goblin was sad that no Death Eaters tried to attack him. He had admired the man's vegetable garden from the waiting room, all sorts of good things coming in. Were those carrots?

**OO**

The young wizard and goblin warrior had strode down the lane to High Street to look at the shops. A sight caught Harry's eye.

"Young sir, young sir." BloodRage tried to get Harry's attention. "Heir Black?"

The shopkeeper who had been in the back came to the doorway just as the goblin guard called that name.

They were in a shop that made dragonhide belts, bags, boots, and other accessories. Harry was engrossed in the light ice-blue bag under the glass case that was offered for sale.

"Hey BloodRage, is that the skin from the Japanese Mizuchi?" Harry asked.

The guard, giving up getting Harry to come over to HIM as was proper, sighed. He saw the price and smirked. His mate had done a good job making that bag.

"Oh, does that look familiar to you, young Mage? It should. I killed it so it would not EAT you." BloodRage bragged.

"You killed it so that you could tease me about it for the rest of the year until you come up with something better. Did Sage make this? It's nice. Very nice."

The shopkeeper didn't say a word, except promise himself to raise the price once these two were safely out of his shop.

As the door shut behind the pair, and the price on the rare dragon skin bag rose like a rocket, Madam MacMillan had walked in for a gossip. And to pick up her order.

He was quick to whisper to her that only the best shopped in HIS place. And pointed out the young mage. "Do you know who you passed there in the door? That was, take your pick. Heir Black. Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived. In MY shop. And he killed a Japanese water demon single-handedly. Tanned and turned the hide over to his staff. This bag was made by his goblin-slave's mate!"

Rita Skeeter had nothing on the townsfolk for stories. It was in their blood!

Madam MacMillan went running to her shop for a nice gift for the boy.

**OO**

Guarding the boy here was different as several shop owners saw that the lad was about, and came out to greet him and give him gifts. Madam MacMillan even gave the lad a somewhat dented tin of shortbread biscuits.

"Thank you for destroying the dementors hanging about here all year. They were a nightmare. People were afraid to shop! The town is back to normal profits, I mean doing well now."

Harry accepted the tin. "I'll tell Clarice you said hello to her."

The woman looked ready to take the tin back for a moment, but then gave a sad smile. "Please do. I miss her so much."

Harry rolled his eyes and walked on. The woman acted like the very intelligent young lady had been killed!

They next went to Honeydukes. Harry had a list that he handed over. Moony had said to buy a dozen baskets for the next few missions, and also requested several cases of just plain Honeydukes finest bars.

Hermione had tried to talk Harry into trying some American and other countries' chocolate as she felt that they should support local shops when they traveled. But Remus wanted to make sure that the team had chocolate to eat that they liked. And make sure that they had plenty on hand.

To that issue, Harry pulled out his mirror and requested Penny make HER raspberry-chocolate energy potions for the next few missions. The team members from Japan might enjoy that sea-weedy goodness, very slimy, and all of the goblins just loved it and wanted Harry's potions witch to make more of it! Blech!

They were very effective, but never going to be in Harry's top favorite choices. Of course, Moony had to overhear and make sure that Darlene get a few books on the subject that included variations on the local beverages 'to make for our goblin friends.'

And substitute in Harry's morning juice. Just from time to time.

BloodRage and Tonks shared their favorite treats with Harry who gladly purchased everyone something small before heading home.

Harry looked around for Darlene, but didn't see her.

"Lady Black said to take you home, so I am. Unless BloodRage wants to."

"You should go shadow her. Just because it is death to hurt a healer, and only fools would court death, does not mean anything. How much wisdom does it show to serve the dark one, after all?" BloodRage suggested.

"Point taken. See you at dinner, squirt." Tonks gave Harry a quick hug, mussed his hair, and went jogging towards the healer's office.

BloodRage waited until she was gone before turning to Harry. "She called you 'squirt'. I understand that word in conjunction with displacing water. I do not understand it in a context of a term of endearment towards family."

"It's like the French petit chou. My little cabbage. Or some people use pumpkin. Don't goblins use nicknames?"

"Most certainly. 'Bad shot', 'fungus breath' that sort of thing."

"You call your children 'fungus breath'? Wow, and I thought Petunia was mean."

"Well, we say it with affection of course! Not that I have any children. Well, not yet. But when I do I will try your 'little carrots'."

"Little cabbage."

"If you insist." At least the goblin was on the way to dropping this youngling off. There might yet be blood!

Hmm. What would his mate think of 'little carrots'.

He liked it.

**OO**

Tonks caught up to Darlene, but was immediately dismissed.

"Look, I need to speak with this healer, and then I'm headed home through the floo. You don't need to dance attendance on me." Darlene was already on edge, worried about what this mind-healer was going to say. She didn't need Miss Perky here right now!

"I'm here, getting paid. Please. Let me do my job." Tonks requested.

Unwilling to argue, the woman left the auror in the waiting room to go confer with her colleague of the mind arts.

Darlene was about to receive some very unwanted advice.

"Healer Fenwich, you and I suffer from the burden of too much information. You know all of the things that can go wrong when children do anything other than sit in a library and research. Hmm?

"I am writing you a prescription for your teenager to help cure him from the pain of his past.

"Set up a practice 'steeplechase' course in your pasture for the boy. Let your husband hire a team to have the protections that the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch does. If he should fall, he would bounce. Let the boy fly. It gives him joy. Make sure that he knows the boundaries. But let him fly."

Darlene drew herself up, and projected her maternal grandmother's most chilling tone, "I appreciate your concern, and will take your words under advisement."

Perhaps a letter to the lad's godfather might be in order? Hmm. What was the name of that Potter elf that sent him the request? Jelly?

He wrote out a quick letter, and offered a couple of contacts that he knew for that sort of charms work.

By the time that Darlene and Harry got home, Padfoot was out in a wide open pasture with the subverted work crew. Cushioning charm after cushioning charm was being cast at the ground, much to the dismay of his darling wife.

"What are you doing?" Darlene demanded, scolding tone for the first time that Sirius had ever heard. Her panic was clear in her voice.

Padfoot handed her the letter. "Read this part here, my love."

'I do not feel that Harry's godmother appreciates the boy's lack of control in his life. Too much was taken from him; being locked in a cupboard with no food? It is amazing that he is not gorging or hoarding food. He's had so much anxiety and insecurity. Flying makes him feel in control; helps him feel free. He doesn't need to play quidditch. Just a small place just to fly.

'In fact, I think that you should talk to him about quidditch. I believe that he felt that he was given the choice of leaving school to go back to the horrible abusive muggles or play the game. The way he talks? He only plays to be with his friends. To stay at school.'

'My apologies if I cause problems at home with your wife, but I deeply feel for the lad. All my best.'

'Healer A. Lynch, the non-flyer.'

**OO**

Darlene paced in her office. What should she say? What could she say? The healer was right. She still viewed Harry as the fifteen month old baby that she had last held the day before Halloween making final wedding arrangements with Lily.

Bringing her a little witch dress for the little witch that was due the following June that they had just found out about.

Darlene didn't get to see him grow, and was treating him as a toddler, not a careful or thoughtful teenager. Yes, who needed boundaries. But didn't need to be locked in the library.

Or a boot cupboard.

She wrote an apology to both Healer Lynch and her huband. She had never said anything to Harry, so asked Clarice to obtain the latest broom catalog and accessories. She'd offer to buy him a new broom. Or something.

Sirius dived in and bought a bunch of things for Harry and his friends.

Why couldn't she feel the joy that Sirius projected about this!

**OO**

Wednesday, July 13th, Blackmoor Hall, 3:00 PM

"Master Harry! The timer be going off." Winky pointed out.

How did sand run up in an hourglass? Obviously magic, and a device made by Sirius to be funny, but it boggled Harry's mind.

"But there's only one more line. Come on, Winky. Just turn it off, over, something."

Winky recorded the spare runes again when they were done. It was niggling at the back of her mind. Something about the squiggles. She was a very intelligent being, but had no formal training in this sort of puzzle. But then, neither did Harry.

Neither knew that help was available if Winky only knew who to ask.

"Master Harry needs be asking Master Remus, Master Moody, Master Marius, Master Sirius, or maybe Master Percy, or Mistress Penny. Ask if any be working with hard, hard runes."

"Or maybe Master I mean Bill Weasley. We could likely hire him when we see him at the World Cup. Let's talk to him and find out his schedule."

"Oh! Winky not going to World Cup! Winky not liking heights. Scaring Winky."

"Scaring me." Harry corrected gently.

"What? Master Harry stay home with Winky then."

"WHAT? Oh, you pranked me. On purpose. This is what I get for going over the limit. Well, you stay home and work on YOUR important work. Thank you for your help again today." Harry gave her what was becoming a traditional hug after a session. The three hour limit forced them to focus. The pace was actually increasing. Interesting.

Darlene stopped by to check on Harry, and was pleased to see the work area cleaned away. She gave him a fifteen minute window, but was worried about him deliberately rebelling someday against any limits, including the three hour limit.

That was not in Harry. Not a reasonable limit that he was asked about.

No, his rebellion that was starting to grow was in regards to the man currently at the head of his school.

Getting rid of him permanently was one of Harry's goals. Hermione showed up. She had felt exhausted after DADA so had gone home to nap. Harry had plans later to go to California with the team. Small infestation, but nice payment. Another NPG and something called stock options. It was in chocolate, so Harry was picturing a nice basket of pressed chocolate into stock car shapes.

Now it was time to swim or plant or something. Neville was right behind her.

The green-thumbed lad was worried about being uninvited once Ron got his priorities straight. He had no idea that the Hat would have offered Harry Hufflepuff if he had asked.

Ron would never replace Neville in Harry's heart. And neither knew it yet.

Asking if Fleur and Gabrielle could come over for a time, the teens played together in the pool then went to plant new seeds with Neville gently guiding Gabrielle's small hands. Harry took his leave to join the team, getting hugs from two veela, his betrothed, and over-the-top hugs from the wizards of the family.

Tonks was coming, and wearing a ski outfit. Remus had told her to dress warmly. What he meant to say was dress for warm weather. Or at least that is what he would later claim.

San Jose? Where was it? Did anyone know how to get there? Harry couldn't make the portkey as he had to know how to get to a place, first.

**OO**

Wednesday, July 13, Winchester Mystery Mansion, San Jose, California USA, 7:00 AM local time

When the team assembled a caretaker came running out, very worried.

"You aren't going to scare away any of the ghosts are you? This site is protected by the Ministry!"

Shacklebolt laughed, "No, no. This is a lovely mansion. Only dementors will be removed. In fact, some of your more timid ghosts might return."

The original owner of the house, who passed away in 1922, hadn't been spotted since the 1940's after all.

The sprawling mansion that started as an eight room farmhouse was just lovely. The previous owner had continued to build on to it as prompted by the spirits residing and coming there. Or so they had been told. Unusual rooms, staircases to nowhere, yet all built with craftsmanship and care.

Clearly well-maintained by the squib owner who made a special agreement with the government to allow muggle tours. But hearing that they could finally be rid of the patch of dementors caught in one of Perenelle's holding runes would make them all happier.

The team changed into their robes, with no one teasing Tonks about her appearance. In fact, many thought she had come from one of the secret magical ski resorts that operated year-round on Mount Shasta.

**OO**

The dementors infesting the haunted mansion were gone, and the candy-maker who owned the place via several layers of businesses handed Harry a dossier.

Why Grindelwald thought he could take over the United States from San Jose was beyond comprehension. And there had been only a handful of dementors here. Had they been attracted to this most unusual haunted house with its stairs and spooks?

Well, at least Harry knew how to get here now. Tonks, now sporting muggle clothing acceptable for a day at the beach, invited the rest of the team to go down to the water for a bit. She'd get Remus back later. Ha! Harry waved them away, keeping only a glamoured BloodRage as a guard.

"He's already hired at your company? Perfect!" Harry stated, chuckling to himself.

Another planted pureblood in exchange for an hour of work And everyone benefitted.

Even the candy-maker, as he would now have a franchise guaranteed in pureblood-owned and guarded Wizarding Britain.

He'd been trying to break in for years, and was blocked at every turn. 'Squibs need not apply' indeed. Well, let them eat chocolate!

Hehehe.

**OO**

Thursday, July 14th, Blackmoor Hall Pool

With a swimming pool as part of the house's amenities, Hermione said she planned to become a fixture of the household. Swimming, DADA lessons, dancing at night. Both Harry and Hermione were going to be getting fit fast!

Harry had already noticed the changes in Neville. Was it the wand and being able to cast spells well? The swimming and DADA lessons were helping him get into shape as well. A shape that Harry couldn't help notice that Fleur noticed the previous day.

Daphne Greengrass was invited over to swim. She asked if she could bring Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode. Harry agreed, and invited Neville over and he in turn brought Terry Boot. Fleur was going to be busy for a few days; something to do with the World Cup or cousins going or something. They would be seeing each other soon though.

The time was set, with a nice tea to be served afterwards. Remus, as Steward, was nearby, sitting at a desk next to the French doors leading into the pool area. His presence was as chaperone, but his attention was more on the documents than the teens.

Sirius and Darlene were in France visiting Sirius' mind healer.

Penny came out of the Pranking Parlor that she was using for her own brewing to check on the teens.

So far, no drowning draughts needed, but there was always tomorrow.

The twins still weren't allowed to come though they had been invited. Sigh. There was still an issue with Molly over it all. If necessary, they would have them floo indirectly but as they were minors, Sirius was playing strictly by the law. He didn't want to give the twitchy aurors an excuse to toss him in Azkaban yet again.

Until Molly gave permission, they'd have to be escorted by Arthur. And Sirius would want Tonks or Shack there to be a witness!

The beautiful glass-enclosed pool had a nice cabana attached to it, but Hermione was still a bit wary around cabanas in general and wore her wand in its disillusioned holster even here. Neville talked about plants that would thrive in the warm, moist air, and Daphne tried her hand at flirting with the non-attached Terry Boot.

All-in-all it was a pleasant time, no tears, no drama, just friends having a fun sort of afternoon. Surprisingly, House affiliation mattered not at all.

Adrian Pucey, working on the grounds nearby, saw Daphne in a swimming costume diving into the pool. The retractable covering was off, and he had a clear line of sight.

He had been told that there were some areas of the grounds that were out of bounds for the workers, but he just wanted to say hello.

"Hi Daphne. You look lovely today." Adrian called out, waving and smiling warmly.

Tracey got up from her lounge chair, stalking over to him as the Greengrass Heiress got out of the pool to don a dressing gown. Harry and Hermione were batting a brightly colored ball around, and hadn't noticed the boy walking up.

"Were you invited, Pucey? If so, you are very late. And dressed most inappropriately, as usual." Tracey sneered.

Remus looked up from his work. He heard the tone of voice. He hadn't wanted this girl here as she could be very spiteful, but she wasn't wrong. The boy was supposed to be working to help pay for rent; not swim with the heir. How to deal best with this situation?

Harry jumped out of the pool, hand out. "Hey Adrian! Sorry you were delayed with that thing. Your swimming trunks are in the cabana waiting for you. You know, the ones that Jam picked up for you. Why don't you get changed, and you can be on my team. I'm really glad you could come."

Adrian blushed, and didn't know what to do. Part of him wanted to join in the fun. Harry eyed Remus, daring him to say something to countermand him.

"Thanks, Harry. Umm. I'll be right back." Pucey stated, knowing he could be in trouble for using the Heir's first name without permission, walking off on an assigned task, and all sorts of other things. Adrian turned slowly, expecting at any moment for the Steward or someone to call him out.

Tracey tried to talk Harry out of welcoming Pucey, "Are you insane? His father is a Death Eater! You know, the kind that would kill people like your mother and girlfriend only AFTER torturing them."

There was steel in Harry's voice and spine, "My father was a bully, as was my godfather when they were at school. You know, the reason why Snape bullies me? Oh, and isn't he a Death Eater too? But I have never heard of three year olds being Death Eaters. Just what did Adrian do to earn HIS dark mark? Kill someone's familiar with a toy broom? Step on a slug? What?"

"You! You aren't listening!" Davis was red-faced, and Daphne didn't know what to do. Harry wasn't wrong. Her own grandfather was a Death Eater. Her family was half-and-half like that.

Actually, so was Tracey's. So were a lot of Slytherins.

"Adrian can't be on the grounds without the same oath that you and Daphne took. Are you afraid of him? I can call in more security, but I'm here. The House Steward, remember our DADA professor from last year, is here. I won't let him hurt you or anyone else. And neither would Steward Lupin!"

"This isn't about YOU! Ugh! Men!" Tracey stormed off towards the floo, leaving in a fit of pique.

So much for no drama.

**OO**

Had he, Adrian Pucey, Slytherin, really just been invited to this thing? This casual pool party?

One of two things was going to happen. There would be swimwear to change into, or he would be humiliated. Pucey had watched the Potter boy. That wasn't his style. It was his friend, Weasley, who taunted others, or that Brown girl. Never Potter or Granger.

If this wasn't a ruse, what would his father say when he eventually heard that he had swam with a muggleborn? Not the word that Father would use of course. He was in so much trouble either way this went!

Inside the cabana was a brand new set of trunks, long to the knees as was the current style, with a matching but separate tank. Green and silver.

Longbottom and Potter were both wearing this style. New. The material made it clear that this was more valuable than even two or three months rent. He really shouldn't.

Adrian started to turn away, but an elf popped in. "Mean Mistress Davis gone, and Master Harry very mad at her. If you leave too, you make Master sad. Mad, sad Master? Not good. Not good. Put on clothes, they last goodly time. Jam made."

"You made these? Thank you. Nice job!" Adrian's doubts were gone, just as Jam planned.

They actually cost about six months rent, but Jam could feel what his Master wanted the boy to have, and color changed one of Master Harry's new suits and enlarged it to fit the guest.

The teen showered quickly in the attached stall –he had just been working like a fieldhand, after all–, dried off and dressed swiftly, and before long was playing this 'volleyball' game with Potter against his girlfriend and Longbottom.

Soon, Daphne herself came over and the budding herbologist excused himself to let the witch play. Instead, he went over to Terry and they got talking with Bulstrode, discussing some article that Boot had read recently.

When the party was breaking up, Daphne took Adrian aside, "Thanks for coming. I didn't know…I mean…I guess I thought that you were like your father. But if you could be in a pool with Hermione? Play games with her that comfortably? That shows me a different side of you."

"Does this mean that we could start, I don't know, maybe going for walks or something?" Adrian asked softly, extremely unsure of himself.

"Yes. I guess I really would like to get to know you, you know. As a person. See you soon."

The teens made a plan to meet at Daphne's house next with parental approval. With Adrian included in the plans. She mentioned that Susan Bones would likely be there, and Terry smiled brilliantly.

Remus smirked, and wondered if he hadn't been bitten, if he could have had this as a teen. He at least had his friends growing up. And that mattered.

**OO**

Thursday, July 14th Blackmoor Hall

Harry paced in Padfoot's office waiting for Moony to get there. Sirius was back from Paris and working in the Pranking Parlor. He had asked to not be disturbed. Remus didn't seem mad, and Harry was grateful for that. As Moony walked into the office, Harry went into fast-foolish mode.

"I messed up, didn't I? Inviting Adrian like that? I mean, it's clear to me that he really likes Daphne. And Tracey, wow. I have never seen her be so mean, before. I didn't mean to make her cry though. And what about Adrian's mum? I mean, here she is, likely didn't have any choice, and forced to marry a Death Eater? He seems really nice, you know, once he calms down, and acts like a person instead of an ice lolly... Oops, forget I said that, please? And never tell Darlene. What can I do to make it up to you? I'm sorry."

Moony grabbed the boy into a hug, "Harry, you forget. Both James and Sirius had plenty of money growing up. Me? And someone else that I am not comfortable mentioning? Not so much. You do what you do because you care about people."

"He was wearing his dad's old clothes, Moony! Too big, worn, ratty. I don't understand? Why isn't this rich grandfather helping his family?"

"I don't know Harry. But I do know a good second-hand store, and Clarice is really good with color charms. You've seen her work tunic? She doesn't have five - she just changes the color to be different.

"How about we get her to buy some things for Adrian, fix them up good as new, and have one of the elves just pop them by? " Remus suggested.

"I do pretty good reparo charms, and so does Hermione." Harry shared.

"You're hired, Harry. Another thing you could do is recruit Adrian to be a shop owner for you. One that hires muggleborns like Colin Creevy that are just too noticeable to be a graftee. A pureblood named owner is all we need, really. And his family is well established. He doesn't even have to go into the actual shop. And his 'salary' is the rent for his home for him and his mum."

"And his father isn't allowed to stay there at all anymore. If the mother disagrees, let the parents stay elsewhere. Adrian's old enough to live on his own if needed."

Remus growled, "That, my cub, is a very good plan. And I will get warders out there today."

Harry shook his hand. The next time Adrian Pucey came over to swim, it was a real invitation.

But he still wore his Slytherin colored suit.

**OO**

A/N: Recommended Story: your story recommendation here!

Our friend csheila recommends: BirdWoman95 rewrote/edited Kiss of Life. Chapter 12 is worth the price of admission because Hermione destroys Ron verbally when he pushes a relationship. Nothing was contrived so it skewered canon

ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language