Notes:  This is the 4th in my series of so far 5 stores.  If you started here, you can probably figure things out, but it would be clearer if you found Growing up too fast (year 5) and started there.

This will be a shorter story than the last 3, at around 50,000 words.  The next story should be at least 70,000.

This year mainly gets everyone out of school(Ginny).  Sets up careers for my favorite characters and end's relationships that I didn't see as long term.  It also reinforces certain rivalries.  The next story is set seven years after this one, and in those seven years, a relationship changes drastically, and not for the better.  Keep that in mind if you really hate/love any of the ships being eluded to here.


Harry has just finished Hogwarts and will be playing in his second European cup in a couple weeks.  He and Hermione had agreed to be roommates.

Chapter 1:

Harry had just arrived home after finishing his seventh and final year at Hogwarts, a wizarding school.  He rode the train back to the London Station with his friends one last time and then rode along with his best friend Hermione's parents so they would have time to talk.  Hermione had agreed to become Harry's roommate and to move into his home.  Hermione was going to be attending a wizarding university beginning next term.  Harry's home was a castle left to him by his first love, a 150 year old vampire, Rebecca Jane Veganos.  Sirius had been found innocent after Wormtail defected from Voldemort.  Sirius was currently living at the castle, even though he traveled a majority of the time.


The previous year had been one of great sorrow as well as celebration. Voldemort had acquired additional power from an ancient relic and had directly attacked Hogwarts.  The Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore had died in the attack before Harry was able to destroy both Voldemort and the relic.  Harry had also died but was sent back due to a deal that Godric Griffindor had made.  Harry and many others had found out that Harry was the heir of Godric Griffindor.  Other than the great loss of Professor Dumbledore, the wizarding world was celebrating the defeat of an unspeakable evil and once again, most people in the wizarding world were thanking Harry for making it happen.  Hermione had provided the catalyst for destroying the relic when she used elemental magic to create a huge storm over the Dark Lord.  Harry was able to speak with Dumbledore during the time they had both been dead, and Harry agreed to take care of Dumbledore's pet phoenix Fawkes who now sat on his perch in the corner of Harry's main living room.

Harry's godfather Sirius Black and his girlfriend Kelly were waiting for him when he returned from school.  The couple had just announced that they would be getting married this fall.

"Really!  That's great," Harry said before hugging each one of them. "When? Oh this is fantastic."

Sirius looked relieved and said, "In a couple months.  Are you ok with this?"

Harry didn't need time to think about his reaction, he wanted nothing more than for his godfather to be happy. "Ok? I'm great with it.  I want you to be happy," said Harry not able to control his enthusiasm.

"There is one other thing.  We are planning on living in Kelly's house.  The castle is great, but it's your home and we'd feel more comfortable." Sirius seemed worried that this would upset Harry.

"I understand Sirius. Don't worry about it. Besides, it works out well with my news. Hermione is going to move in and be my roommate," Harry announced.  The three talked further about the wedding and about Hermione moving in.  Sirius also mentioned he was working on Harry's new Quidditch contract.  Actually Sirius said Kelly was telling him what to do and he was trying to intimidate the manager for the French National Team.  It seemed the news of Voldemort's defeat had greatly increased Harry's value to France since so many people who didn't normally follow Quidditch wanted to see him play.

Over the next week, Harry asked Sirius to help and turn one room downstairs into a library.  Harry thought that with all of her books, Hermione would need a place to keep them and also a place she felt more comfortable.  Kelly was a great help with this and made the room brighter and more pleasant to be in.  Having a woman's touch made all the difference, Harry thought.  Kelly had also worked on the bedroom for Hermione and recommended some things that Sirius and Harry could do to the common areas of the castle.  Ever since moving in two years ago, Harry had only added a couple pictures and had left everything the way R.J. originally had it. 

Harry had been owling Hermione often asking if there was anything special she needed setup.  Hermione assured him that she didn't need anything changed.  The Granger's would be driving over with Hermione's belongings and also spending one night.  Harry kept asking if Hermione had explained to her parents about house-elves and things that could happen in a wizard's home.  Hermione said that she had tried but didn't think her parents fully understood.

Harry was also practicing his seeker moves almost every day at home and then again with the French National Team on weekends.  The team was in the playoffs for the second year in a row and Harry wanted to do everything he could to help the team do well.  Last year France lost to Bulgaria in the finals.  This year France had barely beat Bulgaria during the regular season and expected to play them again in the finals, which were coming up soon.

Harry had asked Sirius and Kelly to come over for supper the evening when the Grangers arrived so Hermione's parents could meet his godfather.  The day the Grangers were they were supposed to arrive, Harry was feeling very nervous and kept fussing around with everything trying to make it look nice.  Winky, one of the house-elves at the castle was getting annoyed with Harry and told him to just go sit down and wait or go fly his broom.  Finally, around noon a car pulled up in front and Harry went to greet his friend and her parents.

Mr. & Mrs. Granger got out of the car staring at the castle.  It wasn't a big castle, only eight bedrooms, but it was still impressive.  Hermione came directly and gave Harry a hug.  "Did you have any trouble finding it?" Harry asked nervously.

"Um...No, your directions were fine," Mr. Granger mumbled. 

Harry went and shook his and Mrs. Granger's hands.  "Please come in," Harry said still worried about what the adults thought.

Walking in, Hermione whispered, "I'm so excited."

Once inside, the Grangers began acting a bit more normal.  "Excuse us Harry.  We've never been in a castle that was actually someone's home before."

"Oh, as far as castle's go, it's not very big.  It's way more than I need though," said Harry still trying to gauge their opinions.

"You've brightened it up since the last time I was here." Hermione noticed as she looked around.

"Well, Sirius' fiancé has been helping give it a woman's touch.  I wanted you to be more comfortable.  You can still change anything if you want," Harry offered.

The four of them all sat down in the living room.  "Would you like some tea or lemonade?" Harry asked.  Almost as soon as he heard them all say tea, Winky appeared next to him carrying a tray of glasses and a pitcher of tea, causing Mrs. Granger to give a sharp scream.

"Mom!  I told you about the house-elves," Hermione said looking embarrassed.

"Winky is sorry mam.  Here is sir's and mam's tea," Winky said allowing everyone to take a glass. "Winky is happy miss is coming to stay with sir.  Sir should not be in a home without a miss."

Hermione said, "Thank you Winky. I'm happy to be here."  Harry thanked her as well and she popped away.

The Grangers had both been staring wide-eyed at the house-elf.  Mr. Granger then asked, "Now what exactly are they and what do they do?"

"They're house-elves," said Harry quickly.  "Normally they are servants of a wizarding family. I was able to free Dobby from his family and now he and Winky work for me.  They aren't my servants; and they both are totally free and can leave me at any time." Harry said looking at Hermione, knowing she didn't like the idea of house-elves being servants. "I also pay them and give them time off."  Between Harry and Hermione, they told her parents everything they knew about house-elves.

After they had some tea and engaged in some small talk, Harry said, "The house you drove by at the end of the lane is the Winkins'.  They have two grand daughters that live with them.  One has been in college for two years and the other will be starting this year.  Mr. Wilkins takes care of the grounds here and Mrs. Wilkins has been teaching me French over the past two summers." Harry told the Granger's this so they knew a Muggle family lived very close.  "Let me show you around."  Harry started off by showing them the downstairs.

Hermione noticed the library, became very excited and said, "This didn't used to be a library."

"We re-did it for you.  I thought you would have a lot of books and want a place where you could feel comfortable studying so Sirius and I re-did this room like a library.  It's not very big but should hold all of our books.  When you really want to study, you can just kick me out and stay in here," Harry said with a smile and blushed when he saw the look of amazement on Hermione's face.

Upstairs he showed the Grangers that Hermione had two bedrooms to herself with private facilities.  There was already a large bed setup in one of the rooms.  Sirius had helped clean out the other room so Hermione could do whatever she wanted with it.  Harry noticed that Hermione kept shaking her head and that her parents weren't saying much but looked pleased.

When they got back downstairs, they noticed Winky had put out some sandwiches and more tea for them to drink.  After eating, the group went out back to sit in the bright summer sun.  Harry was patiently answering many questions about the area and the house trying to make sure he addressed all of the Granger's concerns.  He kept saying that even though it wasn't a modern home like the Granger's, the house-elves took care of almost everything and were very powerful in their own way so they could handle most emergencies. 

Suddenly, a large regal looking owl flew down and landed on the arm of Harry's chair.  Harry took the note from the owl, but the owl didn't fly away, indicating it expected a return note. Looking at the envelope, Harry saw it had the Minister of Magic's seal on it.  He opened the note.

Harry.

Would it be possible for you to meet me in my office at 3:00pm today?  The matter I wish to discuss shouldn't take more than one hour. I apologize for the short notice but with all the Ministry positions being vacated, I have been swamped and I need to get something resolved.  Please send your answer with this owl and I hope to see you at 3:00.


Arthur Weasley

Minister of Magic.

Harry thought it seemed odd but decided immediately that he should go.  Without thinking, he summoned a quill from inside and quickly wrote his response that he would be there.  Before putting the note back on the owl he remembered the other people there and became embarrassed at his lack of manners. "Oh, sorry, I'm not used to people being around so much.  The Minister of Magic wants to see me at 3:00 today.  It shouldn't take more than an hour.  Would you mind if I went, I don't know what it's about?" Harry asked.

Hermione's parents said they didn't mind so Harry gave the note back to the owl and it immediately flew off.

"What would Mr. Weasley want to see you about?" Hermione asked. She always tried to figure out any mystery.

"No idea," Harry answered giving her a look so she knew he was being honest.

Mr. Granger addressed his daughter, "Well, we better get some of your things unloaded."

The group walked around the castle to the car and Mr. Granger exclaimed, "Everything is gone!"

Harry realized what must have happened, smiled and said, "Dobby!"  Almost instantly the house-elf appeared.

"Yes Harry Potter. What is Dobby doing for you?"

"Did you already take Hermione's things up to her room?" Harry asked, already knowing the answer.

"Of course sir.  Dobby is knowing Miss Hermione is staying and Dobby unloaded everything he knew was hers," Dobby said looking worried at Hermione.

Harry smiled at his house-elf friend and said, "You are just too good Dobby. Thank you."

Dobby pulled on his ears and said, "Oh no, Dobby can do much better but thank you sir." The little creature popped away.

Harry laughed. "Dobby's a little over-eager.  We should go up and make sure everything is there."


When they got to Hermione's room, it looked like everything was there and the clothes were already unpacked and placed into drawers.  Leaving the Grangers, Harry excused himself to go get changed for his trip to the ministry.  He quickly changed into nice slacks and shoes with a white shirt and a nice black dress robe.  The Grangers were still in Hermione's room unpacking personal items such as pictures and talking quietly.

"I'm really sorry about this and will be back as soon as I can," Harry said feeling bad for leaving his guests so soon after they arrived. "Make yourself at home and if you need anything just call for Winky or Dobby and they'll take care of it.  Sirius and Kelly should be here before long as well."

"You clean up pretty nice. Go on Harry, we'll be fine.  Don't be late," Hermione said sounding a bit like her mother, and Harry quickly disapparated.

The lobby of the Ministry of Magic was a very impressive area with many pictures and official parchments on the wall.  After Harry arrived, he was directed to the section where the Minister's office was located.  This was the first time he had ever been to the Minister's office.  Harry came to a desk where a cute blonde receptionist was sitting writing something on parchment.  Harry noticed that she didn't look any older than he was. "Hello.  I'm supposed to meet the Minister at 3:00," Harry said cheerfully.


The girl looked up and smiled broadly. "Of course.  The Minister is expecting you." The girl tapped some invisible area on the desk and said, "Mr. Minister.  Harry Potter is here to see you."

A couple moments later, Mr. Weasley came through an opening.  Other than the memorial for Professor Dumbledore, this was the only other time Harry had seen his friend's father in official Minister's robe.  Mr. Weasley looked very much the part of a Minister of Magic, and very different than the first time Harry met the man.  Even with such an important position, Mr. Weasley greeted Harry warmly. "Harry!  I'm so glad you could make it on such short notice.  Please come in."

Harry quickly followed Mr. Weasley into his office.  It was a large room with sweeping magical windows of the London skyline.  Mr. Weasley watched Harry look at the view for a couple minutes and said, "Between you and me, I still can't believe this is actually my office.  Quite a change from my office in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts department," the man said with a chuckle.  Harry just smiled at the Minister's comments.

"Let me get right to it Harry. I'm sure you remember the problems we had getting the Giants to ally themselves with us." Harry flashed back to remember how long Hagrid was gone making contact with the Giants.  Then, after the Giants finally came to Hogwarts, there was concern and mistrust from both sides.  Only after Harry and Duram, the leader of the Giants trusted each other enough to give weapons as gifts, did the two races form a trusting alliance.  Mr. Weasley's voice brought Harry back.  "Then, we had no idea there were any dementors who were not on Voldemort's side.  The wizarding community has ignored many races far too much in the past and that has caused much distrust and isolation." Harry nodded that he agreed.  "Well, it is my hope that never happens again.  I want our community to continually reach out to the other races and make sure we have strong ties with them in case something ever happens again.  I sincerely hope it won't be necessary."

Harry spoke up, "I agree sir.  The giants didn't trust us much at first and no one was more surprised than me to find out a dementor carried me back."

"Exactly.  That is why I am planning on creating a new ministry department for relationships with non-human races.  Creating a new department takes time and I don't want to lose any goodwill we have been able to create with these groups.  Can you understand?"

Harry didn't know where this was going but he did agree with the Minister. "Of course, it makes sense."


The Minister studied Harry for a second and the asked, "Would you consider being an envoy for us to establish better relations with out races?"


Harry took a minute and let this sink in before he kind of chucked. "Me?  Me work for the Ministry?  I think you could find a better choice sir."  Working for the normal political part of the Ministry was the last thing Harry had ever considered doing.

"You already work for the Ministry Harry," Mr. Weasley informed him knowing Harry had a relationship with the Department of Mysteries.

"True, but the Unspeakables are a bit…um...different," Harry said happy with the way it came out.

Now Mr. Weasley chuckled. "Granted, but Envoy to Non-Human Relations is a bit different as well.  I know as a general rule you don't like people much but this would be going to visit the Giants, and trying to establish better relations with other groups."

Harry didn't think it sounded bad when said like that but he thought of an issue. "I already have a job sir.  In fact I have two of them." In addition to working with the Unspeakables, Harry had his Quidditch job.

"I've already spoken with Fletch about this and I know we can work around Quidditch." Mr.Weasley moved closer. "Listen Harry; you've already established good relationships with the Giants and house-elves.  A dementor brought you to safety.  You dated a vampire.  These races and more admire what you did when you defeated Voldemort.  I couldn't find anyone who would have the same head start you would.  This wouldn't take a great deal of time and could compliment your other jobs.  Being a Quidditch player would be good for the envoy position.  It is a warrior-like job that the Giants would admire.  Being an envoy could work well with the Unspeakables.  You may make valuable contacts that could help the department."

Harry thought about what he heard and couldn't argue with it.  Still he was unsure, it seemed too much. "I don't know."

"Ok.  I do want to make this a Ministry department and I knew you wouldn't be interested in an official minister position.  Being an envoy would help us out a lot.  We can't lose the goodwill we've built and you're the only one who can maintain what we've got right now.  If after doing it for a while you decide you really hate working for the normal ministry, we will have someone else work with you and take over."  The Minister hesitated and his voice grew sadder. "I'm sorry to spring this on you but I need to have all these things decided immediately.  So many ministry positions are being vacated by people for personal reasons.  We both know it's because they are no longer magical but we can't prove it." Mr. Weasley hesitated. "Please Harry; this is very important to our community right now."

Harry thought that he wouldn't mind seeing the giants again.  Dementors he didn't know about and he had only been exposed to two vampires, R.J. and the one who killed her.  But he also knew Mr. Weasley wouldn't ask like this unless he felt was important.  Mr. Weasley was almost like a father to Harry and this fact made it hard for Harry to say no to the man. "If you think it will help, I'll do it.  Someone has to tell me what is really expected of me though.  I don't know what an Envoy really does."

"Excellent Harry.  We will give you some training on the cultures and some more personal interaction skills.  Fletch is aware of this and is comfortable with everything.  You tell us your Quidditch schedule and we can work around it.  You don't know how much I appreciate it," Mr. Weasley said shaking Harry's had enthusiastically.

"You know that Sirius is going to give me such a hard time about working for the Ministry," Harry said dreading the teasing he would receive from his godfather.  Sirius was one person who had less faith in the Ministry than Harry did.

Mr. Weasley chuckled. "Oh, you haven't talked to him today then?" Harry looked confused. "I'm not so sure that he'll give you a hard time." 

Just then the receptionist came in carrying a large bundle.  "Harry, this is Jill Simpson, my assistant and receptionist." Harry greeted the pretty girl.  "Jill will also be your assistant.  If you need anything from the Ministry, you can contact her." 


Harry looked shocked, didn't know what an assistant would do.  The girl smiled back at him, handing Harry the bundle. "Now these are some new ministry robes.  I will have more delivered but there are two dress robes, two casual robes and a winter cloak.  You don't have to wear these all the time, unless you are on official Ministry business.  I would suggest taking one of them whenever you travel just in case something comes up.  Again, I'm sorry to rush you but it is really just like the Burrow here right now." Mr. Weasley chuckled.  Harry said goodbye and apparated home still in shock at what just happened.

Harry appeared with a pop back in his kitchen and Mrs. Granger gave another scream. "Sorry Mrs. Granger.  I forgot you were here.  I should have arrived outside," Harry said instantly feeling bad for scaring Hermione's mother.

"I don't know if I'd ever get used to that," the woman said, calming down.

Sirius and Kelly were already there and Harry greeted them warmly, then sat the bundle on the counter and sat down at the table.  Hermione was eyeing him with her questioning look. "Well?  What was that about?" Hermione asked impatiently.


"That's not polite," Mrs. Granger scolded her daughter. "It may be personal."

"Mom, it's Harry!  I know everything about him," Hermione said proudly.


Harry nodded at her parents. "It's true.  She does know everything about me." Harry said smiling thinking back to the connection Hermione got to him when they both touched an artifact last year.  Harry shook his head. "I just got made an Envoy for the Ministry," Harry said sounding shocked.  He immediately turned to his godfather. "Don't give me a hard time Sirius."

"Oh, I don't think he will Harry," Kelly said smiling, obviously hiding something.

"An Envoy?" Hermione asked not sounding like she thought it was a good idea.  "But Harry, you don't really like people that well."

Harry chuckled, "That's what I said.  But, I'm now the Envoy of Non-Human Relations, so technically I don't deal with people."

Mr. Granger got a very strange look on his face and asked, "What do you mean non-humans?"


"Giants, vampires, goblins, house-elves.  Things not like us," said Harry, not thinking that the Granger's could be disturbed by this.

"What about dementors?" Sirius asked sounding very worried.

"Those too I'm afraid," Harry answered with a shudder.

The Grangers looked shocked but Hermione spoke up, "That's an honor Harry!  They've never had anything like that before."


"I can't believe I'm going to work for the Ministry.  A couple years ago I had no clue what I was going to do after school and now I've got three jobs," Harry said but then looked at Sirius. "So, why are you so quiet?  I didn't expect to live this down."

"Well, I have some news as well and now it is a bit easier to give since I know you can't say much.  I agreed to become the Chief of Magical Law Enforcement," Sirius said looking very embarrassed.