Chapter 7 : SECRET INFORMATION
Harry still got his bad times. However nearly every time he fell into one of this big black wholes, there was someone to catch him from falling to deep. He had long talks with Ron and Hermione even heated arguments, most of them with Ginny. He was let's say really busy playing Quidditch, doing work for school, consisting mainly of covered research on the mysterious archway, and not to forget helping the twins to get their business ready.
George and Fred had decided to go into full account with Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. They had purchased a shop at Diagonally just across the ice cream parlour. On Hermione's advice they had sat the opening date two weeks before the start of the new school year. At that time a Magic Historian Congress was about to be at Gringotts Bank, where wizards and witches from all over the world were to be expected. Conference visitors together with all the families on school supply shopping guaranteed a fair amount of customers for the grand opening.
Everyone worked hard, testing new tricks, cooking charmed sweets or preparing bewitched toys. The hardest working were the twins. Even Hermione was impressed by their professionalism, like negotiating contracts or arguing with suppliers. They had even managed to employ to Hogwarts Elves, on salary to be clear. The two elves were twins themselves and had made friends with Fred an George on the latters' trips to the Hogwarts kitchen for some extra food.
Negotiations had been a hard piece of work. As much as the twin-elves wanted to join Weasley's Wizard Wheezes they refused to be sat free by Dumbledore. Who on the other hand happily agreed to sat them free, but at no point would sell them to the Weasley twins. What they refused to do at any rate, quoting to be business men with moral standards. At last the curiosity of the elves won and they agreed to be sat free for the purpose to serve the Weasley twins. Everyone was satisfied, utmost Rory and Lory the elves, except Molly Weasley. She hadn't interfered but kept clear of all things having something to do with the shop and was announcing her disagreement on every possibility.
One day they had all decided to got to the still closed shop to set it all up. Even Harry was allowed to join, but Mrs. Weasley refused to go. "No, not ten centaurs would drag me into that, that location of yours. I don't trust it. Nothing good is coming form money of unknown, miracle sources.
"But mum" Fred said sadly "you should trust us."
Molly furrowed her eyebrows.
"At least at things that are to our advantage. We would never agree on anything that's bad for us , wouldn't we" George tried to save his brothers argument.
"And that bet with Bagman? You could be deceived again and even worse." Molly answered.
Harry couldn't stand it anymore. Seeing the twins so sad and Mrs. Weasley so worried and angry. "Molly" he started trying to stay cool "is that everything that is bothering you?"
"Well, manly. I still whish thy would finish school, but if they found something productive they could put their energy into, who am I to stop them. I have ever so believed in one thing: Do what you really want to do, only than you can do it right and you can make the best out of it. Not that I'm all to pleased with a joke shop, but I'm not dumb too. If they do it right, this might be a good - a very good - business, with all that loonies outside there. AND my boys are not dumb either, to make it running."
Harry took a deep breath and said "They have got the money from me!" Seven mouths fell open. The twins just gazed at Harry. Ginny looked triumphantly she had guessed right.
"But but, you are not to give your money and and the boys not to take it it it" Mrs. Weasley stuttered as Harry interrupted her.
"I wasn't my money."
"What?" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley seeing her worst fears fulfilled.
"It's the Triwizard Tournament prize. I would never have kept it. I'd rather had thrown it away if Fred and George hadn't agreed on taking it. They could use it for good. For me it had been just a bad reminder without any good use." Harry went silent awaiting the rail which was certainly about to come.
Molly was thinking. She had seen how hard and seriously her boys were working. Despite them leaving school and her own worries she had been proud all the way. And now her fears had vanished into nothing with that new piece of information. Never would she turn away from one of her children. She had been sore all the time keeping out of business and not being of assistance.
"Well, than let's go" she said an grabbed some floo powder. Before anyone really got it she stepped into the fire an said clearly "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." The twins cheered at each other and were short behind her. At the time Harry arrived at the shop Molly was already reorganizing all displayed products.
"These are way to dangerous in the low shelves were every little child can reach them. Better put it up here and the colouring candies down. No harm is done with them. And you should put some samples on the counter"
Harry wandered around. The shop consisted of a not too big, well light sales room covered with shelves, a large counter and an even bigger stockroom in the back. He was satisfied with what the unwanted money had turned into. The twins would do fine.
Everyone spent the day decorating, unpacking already made products or preparing more in the back room. In the afternoon a boy came in asking for permission to stick a poster on the door. It was an announcement for the historian congress. Hermione studied it intently and suddenly squealed. "What's the matter?" Mrs. Weasley asked concerned.
"Err, nothing" Hermione stammered "I I'm just happy that so many famous Historians are coming, it will be really interesting.
"Yes that's fine, my dear" Mrs. Weasley answered turning back to her boxes.
Hermione waved Ron, Ginny and Harry silently to come over and pointed at one of the names written on the poster - Christian Guyblumghe.
"And?" Ron murmured.
Hermione snorted impatiently "Do you ever keep anything! Don't you remember - one of the books Ginny managed to get before we all even started to think about researching the archway. Historical Magic Artefacts and their Legends. Facts or Fantasy; By Christian Guyblumghe"
Ginny explained "He's the only one we discovered so far to know more about the archway, although he's not writing about anything of real importance. However we think there's more to him.
"And now we have the possibility to ask" Harry cheered.
For the following week nothing could bother his good mood. Not even the lack of information they got out of books. He would meet the man who had done research on the archway. At that Harry could concentrate on a more recent subject. Which was nicer and at the same time more confusing - Ginny.
They spent more time together than ever, as Hermione and Ron often were not the interesting kind of company. Harry didn't bother he was happy for them and happy for him because he highly enjoyed his alone time with Ginny.
On Sunday before the grand opening the four gathered at Ron's room for some studying aka research. Soon Hermione and Ron were much to involved with each other to do anything else. Ginny and Harry decided to retreat to her room, but Harry was as much focused on the books as Ron and Hermione.
He tried hardly not to stare at the redhead sitting on the opposite end of the bed and failed miserably. But how could he not. She was so cute unconsciously chewing her bottom lip as she always did when she was caught up in something. Her milky skin contrasting the fiery red hair, her big hazel eyes gleaming. 'Yeah, I love that eyes' Harry sighed inwardly, and seconds later choked aloud about that thought.
"Something wrong?" Ginny asked.
"No" Harry answered hastily.
"Come over here, I've to show you something."
Harry sat beside her as she talked and pointed out some drawings in the large book on her lap. He heard her but couldn't follow. He just watched her.
"Hey, are you listening to me?" Ginny nudged him with her elbow.
Harry was caught unaware and bend automatically at the sudden hit, what caused him to be face to face with Ginny mere inches away. Tugged as being portkeyed they were drawn together until their lips touched lightly. Like electrified they broke apart, but just for short. Several more times they kissed and broke, every kiss lasting longer than the one before, until they couldn't be separated by any force of the world magic or non magic. Their tongues played tasting teasing each other.
Both had lost track of time. They didn't know how long they had kissed, when Mr. Weasley called for them. For sure it was not long enough, they parted grudgingly. Harry looked at Ginny amazed and unsure. This raised her a smile and she took his hand and dragged him downstairs.
The rest of the afternoon they spent with the help of Ron and Hermione convincing the others that it was important and safe for Harry to go to the conference. When they went to bed Harry was exhausted but feeling wonderful. Today he had kissed Ginny. Tomorrow he would meet Guyblumghe and Ginny would be with him. He drifted to sleep having most pleasant dreams.
The next morning the woke up late, too late. Ron was already up like the rest of the house, that whired like beehive. Everyone was hurried and nervous. Harry just had time to grab a piece of toast and a sip of tea before they were about to leave. But Harry wouldn't "Where's Ginny?"
"Already waiting for us at the shop. We are helping the twins with the opening and then go on to the conference." Mrs. Weasley replied.
When Harry reached the grate of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for the first time he didn't stumble and fall. He was so focused on the petite girl standing there, nothing else existed. She was so beautiful, shining hair flooding over her black robes and smiling brightly.
"Nice run Potter" Ginny greeted "Didn't even land on your bum this time!"
"Yeah" Harry replied smiling sheepishly. Too soon he had to tear his eyes away from Ginny's face. The Weasley and Elf Twins as well as Ginny were already busy getting the shop ready. When the rest of the family arrived, the beehive buzz had been transferred to the shop.
Point 9:30 Mrs. Weasley placed the last wrapped parcel on the counter "Finished" she sighed.
"Us too" the twins said in unison faces red with excitement. "Shall we begin?" They looked around in the room and everyone nodded in agreement. Fred turned the key and George opened the door. Immediately masses of children, who had pressed their noses flat on the windows before, flooded the shop, followed by grown-ups seemingly not less curious.
Bill, Charley, Rory and Lory kept supplies coming. Harry had to take it to the salesroom. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione were standing behind the counter and the twins were busily explaining gadgets, functions and effects of their products.
Harry couldn't stand still for a second until early midday, when it turned quieter as the customers were heading for lunch. He sat on a box of fake wands, when Mr. Weasley came in. He had left earlier to attend the opening of the congress.
Plopping down beside Harry he sighed heavily "Urgh, that was boring, I can tell."
"Arthur!" Molly chided.
"Er, what about lunch?" Mr. Weasley changed the topic. Everyone except the twins, all four of them, raised their hands eagerly.
"We keep the shop open through lunch today." Fred explained
"Maybe you could bring back something to eat!" George asked.
"Fine, I will take the youngsters to the conference after lunch. Molly, Bill and Charley will come back to assist you and of course bring some food for our busy business men."
All well fed they walked from the Leaky Cauldron to Gringott's Bank. "Why is that congress actually at the bank?" Ron asked.
"Well, there's space and it's rather secure. There would be more space at the ministry but Fudge refused to give his permission. To much of a turmoil he said" Mr. Weasley knew.
"Ah isn't that sweet" Hermione said to Ginny pointing at a man who guided an elf through the crowded street holding the small hand like securing a little child. Hermione went on rambling about how nicely the female elf was dressed in a small summer dress when the man stopped and turned to his tiny companion.
Ginny gasped at seeing his face and whispered to Hermione "I know him. An old drawing in a book. That's Mr. Guyblumghe!"
Within a moment Hermione was in, as Ginny called it, special agent mode "Fine, Ron and I will distract Mr. Weasley to give you and Harry some time to speak to dear Christrian."
Casually they traded places to be each at the side of one boy and informed them of their plan. Harry was trying hard to keep still. Hermione caught Arthur's attention with a new corkscrew she had brought with her for his collection. Ron helped keeping him occupied whilst the other two raced off to see Mr. Guyblumghe.
The middle aged man was startled by the two teens suddenly addressing him. The elf watched stern and protectively. "May I help you?" he asked kindly.
"We hope so" Ginny replied.
Harry was far beyond politeness "We need information about the archway in the Department of Mysteries!"
Mr. Guyblumghe looked around worried. "Please keep your voice down Mr.?"
"Potter, Harry Potter. Can you help us?"
"Well Mr. Potter. That is certainly not a topic to discuss in public, but why don't you visit my lecture. For sure there won't be many people and we can have some more private talk afterwards. Some information is better kept secret"
The elf tugged at Mr. Guyblumghe's sleeve. "It's time, Christian" she said emphatically.
"Right Tinka." He turned to Harry and Ginny "I have to go. See you later."
"That was weird" Harry choked out "Why wouldn't he talk - what is so secret about" he shook his head in disbelieve still staring at the retreating figures.
"There are always reasons to be secretive." Ginny argued ironically and turned Harry in the opposite direction were Mr. Weasley was animatedly talking with Ron and Hermione about corkscrews.
"Right" Harry sighed drooping.
"Hey don't go all broody. He did invite us, didn't he."
Harry nodded. Ginny smiled, he looked like a little child. She couldn't help but hug him. Harry surrendered to her tight embrace. How could she sometimes make him feel all nervous and then other times reassure him within seconds. Harry was at loss, he just enjoyed her closeness which ended again to fast. Ginny stepped back and called for her father to hurry up.
Harry still got his bad times. However nearly every time he fell into one of this big black wholes, there was someone to catch him from falling to deep. He had long talks with Ron and Hermione even heated arguments, most of them with Ginny. He was let's say really busy playing Quidditch, doing work for school, consisting mainly of covered research on the mysterious archway, and not to forget helping the twins to get their business ready.
George and Fred had decided to go into full account with Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. They had purchased a shop at Diagonally just across the ice cream parlour. On Hermione's advice they had sat the opening date two weeks before the start of the new school year. At that time a Magic Historian Congress was about to be at Gringotts Bank, where wizards and witches from all over the world were to be expected. Conference visitors together with all the families on school supply shopping guaranteed a fair amount of customers for the grand opening.
Everyone worked hard, testing new tricks, cooking charmed sweets or preparing bewitched toys. The hardest working were the twins. Even Hermione was impressed by their professionalism, like negotiating contracts or arguing with suppliers. They had even managed to employ to Hogwarts Elves, on salary to be clear. The two elves were twins themselves and had made friends with Fred an George on the latters' trips to the Hogwarts kitchen for some extra food.
Negotiations had been a hard piece of work. As much as the twin-elves wanted to join Weasley's Wizard Wheezes they refused to be sat free by Dumbledore. Who on the other hand happily agreed to sat them free, but at no point would sell them to the Weasley twins. What they refused to do at any rate, quoting to be business men with moral standards. At last the curiosity of the elves won and they agreed to be sat free for the purpose to serve the Weasley twins. Everyone was satisfied, utmost Rory and Lory the elves, except Molly Weasley. She hadn't interfered but kept clear of all things having something to do with the shop and was announcing her disagreement on every possibility.
One day they had all decided to got to the still closed shop to set it all up. Even Harry was allowed to join, but Mrs. Weasley refused to go. "No, not ten centaurs would drag me into that, that location of yours. I don't trust it. Nothing good is coming form money of unknown, miracle sources.
"But mum" Fred said sadly "you should trust us."
Molly furrowed her eyebrows.
"At least at things that are to our advantage. We would never agree on anything that's bad for us , wouldn't we" George tried to save his brothers argument.
"And that bet with Bagman? You could be deceived again and even worse." Molly answered.
Harry couldn't stand it anymore. Seeing the twins so sad and Mrs. Weasley so worried and angry. "Molly" he started trying to stay cool "is that everything that is bothering you?"
"Well, manly. I still whish thy would finish school, but if they found something productive they could put their energy into, who am I to stop them. I have ever so believed in one thing: Do what you really want to do, only than you can do it right and you can make the best out of it. Not that I'm all to pleased with a joke shop, but I'm not dumb too. If they do it right, this might be a good - a very good - business, with all that loonies outside there. AND my boys are not dumb either, to make it running."
Harry took a deep breath and said "They have got the money from me!" Seven mouths fell open. The twins just gazed at Harry. Ginny looked triumphantly she had guessed right.
"But but, you are not to give your money and and the boys not to take it it it" Mrs. Weasley stuttered as Harry interrupted her.
"I wasn't my money."
"What?" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley seeing her worst fears fulfilled.
"It's the Triwizard Tournament prize. I would never have kept it. I'd rather had thrown it away if Fred and George hadn't agreed on taking it. They could use it for good. For me it had been just a bad reminder without any good use." Harry went silent awaiting the rail which was certainly about to come.
Molly was thinking. She had seen how hard and seriously her boys were working. Despite them leaving school and her own worries she had been proud all the way. And now her fears had vanished into nothing with that new piece of information. Never would she turn away from one of her children. She had been sore all the time keeping out of business and not being of assistance.
"Well, than let's go" she said an grabbed some floo powder. Before anyone really got it she stepped into the fire an said clearly "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes." The twins cheered at each other and were short behind her. At the time Harry arrived at the shop Molly was already reorganizing all displayed products.
"These are way to dangerous in the low shelves were every little child can reach them. Better put it up here and the colouring candies down. No harm is done with them. And you should put some samples on the counter"
Harry wandered around. The shop consisted of a not too big, well light sales room covered with shelves, a large counter and an even bigger stockroom in the back. He was satisfied with what the unwanted money had turned into. The twins would do fine.
Everyone spent the day decorating, unpacking already made products or preparing more in the back room. In the afternoon a boy came in asking for permission to stick a poster on the door. It was an announcement for the historian congress. Hermione studied it intently and suddenly squealed. "What's the matter?" Mrs. Weasley asked concerned.
"Err, nothing" Hermione stammered "I I'm just happy that so many famous Historians are coming, it will be really interesting.
"Yes that's fine, my dear" Mrs. Weasley answered turning back to her boxes.
Hermione waved Ron, Ginny and Harry silently to come over and pointed at one of the names written on the poster - Christian Guyblumghe.
"And?" Ron murmured.
Hermione snorted impatiently "Do you ever keep anything! Don't you remember - one of the books Ginny managed to get before we all even started to think about researching the archway. Historical Magic Artefacts and their Legends. Facts or Fantasy; By Christian Guyblumghe"
Ginny explained "He's the only one we discovered so far to know more about the archway, although he's not writing about anything of real importance. However we think there's more to him.
"And now we have the possibility to ask" Harry cheered.
For the following week nothing could bother his good mood. Not even the lack of information they got out of books. He would meet the man who had done research on the archway. At that Harry could concentrate on a more recent subject. Which was nicer and at the same time more confusing - Ginny.
They spent more time together than ever, as Hermione and Ron often were not the interesting kind of company. Harry didn't bother he was happy for them and happy for him because he highly enjoyed his alone time with Ginny.
On Sunday before the grand opening the four gathered at Ron's room for some studying aka research. Soon Hermione and Ron were much to involved with each other to do anything else. Ginny and Harry decided to retreat to her room, but Harry was as much focused on the books as Ron and Hermione.
He tried hardly not to stare at the redhead sitting on the opposite end of the bed and failed miserably. But how could he not. She was so cute unconsciously chewing her bottom lip as she always did when she was caught up in something. Her milky skin contrasting the fiery red hair, her big hazel eyes gleaming. 'Yeah, I love that eyes' Harry sighed inwardly, and seconds later choked aloud about that thought.
"Something wrong?" Ginny asked.
"No" Harry answered hastily.
"Come over here, I've to show you something."
Harry sat beside her as she talked and pointed out some drawings in the large book on her lap. He heard her but couldn't follow. He just watched her.
"Hey, are you listening to me?" Ginny nudged him with her elbow.
Harry was caught unaware and bend automatically at the sudden hit, what caused him to be face to face with Ginny mere inches away. Tugged as being portkeyed they were drawn together until their lips touched lightly. Like electrified they broke apart, but just for short. Several more times they kissed and broke, every kiss lasting longer than the one before, until they couldn't be separated by any force of the world magic or non magic. Their tongues played tasting teasing each other.
Both had lost track of time. They didn't know how long they had kissed, when Mr. Weasley called for them. For sure it was not long enough, they parted grudgingly. Harry looked at Ginny amazed and unsure. This raised her a smile and she took his hand and dragged him downstairs.
The rest of the afternoon they spent with the help of Ron and Hermione convincing the others that it was important and safe for Harry to go to the conference. When they went to bed Harry was exhausted but feeling wonderful. Today he had kissed Ginny. Tomorrow he would meet Guyblumghe and Ginny would be with him. He drifted to sleep having most pleasant dreams.
The next morning the woke up late, too late. Ron was already up like the rest of the house, that whired like beehive. Everyone was hurried and nervous. Harry just had time to grab a piece of toast and a sip of tea before they were about to leave. But Harry wouldn't "Where's Ginny?"
"Already waiting for us at the shop. We are helping the twins with the opening and then go on to the conference." Mrs. Weasley replied.
When Harry reached the grate of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for the first time he didn't stumble and fall. He was so focused on the petite girl standing there, nothing else existed. She was so beautiful, shining hair flooding over her black robes and smiling brightly.
"Nice run Potter" Ginny greeted "Didn't even land on your bum this time!"
"Yeah" Harry replied smiling sheepishly. Too soon he had to tear his eyes away from Ginny's face. The Weasley and Elf Twins as well as Ginny were already busy getting the shop ready. When the rest of the family arrived, the beehive buzz had been transferred to the shop.
Point 9:30 Mrs. Weasley placed the last wrapped parcel on the counter "Finished" she sighed.
"Us too" the twins said in unison faces red with excitement. "Shall we begin?" They looked around in the room and everyone nodded in agreement. Fred turned the key and George opened the door. Immediately masses of children, who had pressed their noses flat on the windows before, flooded the shop, followed by grown-ups seemingly not less curious.
Bill, Charley, Rory and Lory kept supplies coming. Harry had to take it to the salesroom. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione were standing behind the counter and the twins were busily explaining gadgets, functions and effects of their products.
Harry couldn't stand still for a second until early midday, when it turned quieter as the customers were heading for lunch. He sat on a box of fake wands, when Mr. Weasley came in. He had left earlier to attend the opening of the congress.
Plopping down beside Harry he sighed heavily "Urgh, that was boring, I can tell."
"Arthur!" Molly chided.
"Er, what about lunch?" Mr. Weasley changed the topic. Everyone except the twins, all four of them, raised their hands eagerly.
"We keep the shop open through lunch today." Fred explained
"Maybe you could bring back something to eat!" George asked.
"Fine, I will take the youngsters to the conference after lunch. Molly, Bill and Charley will come back to assist you and of course bring some food for our busy business men."
All well fed they walked from the Leaky Cauldron to Gringott's Bank. "Why is that congress actually at the bank?" Ron asked.
"Well, there's space and it's rather secure. There would be more space at the ministry but Fudge refused to give his permission. To much of a turmoil he said" Mr. Weasley knew.
"Ah isn't that sweet" Hermione said to Ginny pointing at a man who guided an elf through the crowded street holding the small hand like securing a little child. Hermione went on rambling about how nicely the female elf was dressed in a small summer dress when the man stopped and turned to his tiny companion.
Ginny gasped at seeing his face and whispered to Hermione "I know him. An old drawing in a book. That's Mr. Guyblumghe!"
Within a moment Hermione was in, as Ginny called it, special agent mode "Fine, Ron and I will distract Mr. Weasley to give you and Harry some time to speak to dear Christrian."
Casually they traded places to be each at the side of one boy and informed them of their plan. Harry was trying hard to keep still. Hermione caught Arthur's attention with a new corkscrew she had brought with her for his collection. Ron helped keeping him occupied whilst the other two raced off to see Mr. Guyblumghe.
The middle aged man was startled by the two teens suddenly addressing him. The elf watched stern and protectively. "May I help you?" he asked kindly.
"We hope so" Ginny replied.
Harry was far beyond politeness "We need information about the archway in the Department of Mysteries!"
Mr. Guyblumghe looked around worried. "Please keep your voice down Mr.?"
"Potter, Harry Potter. Can you help us?"
"Well Mr. Potter. That is certainly not a topic to discuss in public, but why don't you visit my lecture. For sure there won't be many people and we can have some more private talk afterwards. Some information is better kept secret"
The elf tugged at Mr. Guyblumghe's sleeve. "It's time, Christian" she said emphatically.
"Right Tinka." He turned to Harry and Ginny "I have to go. See you later."
"That was weird" Harry choked out "Why wouldn't he talk - what is so secret about" he shook his head in disbelieve still staring at the retreating figures.
"There are always reasons to be secretive." Ginny argued ironically and turned Harry in the opposite direction were Mr. Weasley was animatedly talking with Ron and Hermione about corkscrews.
"Right" Harry sighed drooping.
"Hey don't go all broody. He did invite us, didn't he."
Harry nodded. Ginny smiled, he looked like a little child. She couldn't help but hug him. Harry surrendered to her tight embrace. How could she sometimes make him feel all nervous and then other times reassure him within seconds. Harry was at loss, he just enjoyed her closeness which ended again to fast. Ginny stepped back and called for her father to hurry up.
