Chapter 5:

Presented Title of Gryffindor

The next morning, Harry and Ginny sat down at breakfast. Harry appeared to be nervous, so Ginny smiled across at him. "I'm sure it will be okay."

Harry snorted, "I somehow doubt it. Knowing Fudge, he will make some huge deal out of this. He likes to be pompous, and this is a perfect occasion."

Hermione and Ron walked in. Ron grinned, "You'll live, mate."

Harry looked at the other two, as Fred and George joined them. "What are the two of you going to do today, while I am being tortured?"

Hermione grinned, "Didn't anyone tell you? We're coming to watch."

Ron laughed, "You should have known that we wouldn't miss something like this."

Harry turned to Fred and George, "I suppose this means that the two of you are coming, as well."

Fred and George nodded exuberantly, "We wouldn't miss it for the world. We even closed the shop for the morning."

Harry shook his head in resignation, "I just hope there isn't a big crowd for this."

Fred and George exchanged glances, "You're not going to get your wish, mate. Fudge had some of his aides place flyers all over Diagon Alley, yesterday."

Harry paled, "You have got to be kidding me."

Arthur said, "I'm afraid not, Harry. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen."

Harry looked up to see Arthur standing in the doorway of the kitchen with Lupin. Harry sighed, "I guess that I will just have to deal with it. Are you coming too, Remus?"

Remus smiled, "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

All of them finished eating breakfast hurriedly. The girls departed first to go and get ready. Harry looked over at Ron, "I guess that we might as well put on our dress robes."

Ron replied, "Yeah, I guess so."

The two of them walked up the stairs. Harry stopped and knocked on the door to Ginny's room. She called out, "Who is it?"

"It's Harry."

"I'm dressing."

"I know. I just wanted to tell you to lay out some Muggle clothing on your bed. That way I can change our clothing after the ceremony, so that we can go straight into London to shop with Dumbledore."

"Okay, I will."

"I love you."

"I know."

Ron shook his head and chuckled at the bemused expression on Harry's face. Harry turned to look at him, "How do you like that? I can't even get her to tell me that she loves me."

Ron slapped him on the back, "You know that she does."

Harry nodded, "I do. Let's just get ready."

Harry and Ron showered and pulled on their clothing. Then, they put their dress robes on, and walked downstairs. When they walked back into the sitting room, they discovered that Dumbledore was already there waiting for them. Harry smiled, "Hello, Albus."

Dumbledore smiled back at him, "Are you ready to become Lord Gryffindor, Harry?"

Harry shrugged, "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess. I hate crowds."

"I know, Harry, but with your station in life comes certain obligations. You'll just have to make the best of it." said Dumbledore.

"At least when I get into the Muggle world, they won't be ogling me because I'm the Boy-Who-Lived."

"True. They will just be ogling you because you're rich." replied Dumbledore.

Harry shrugged, "It could be worse."

"I don't think that its that bad." Harry heard Ginny's voice come from behind him.

He turned around, and sucked in a breath. Ginny was dressed in the robes that Harry had gotten her for the Ball the previous year. She was also wearing the bracelet and necklace that he had given her for Christmas. All in all, she was a breathtaking sight to behold. "You are exquisite." said Harry.

Ginny smiled, and curtseyed, "You are very gracious, Lord Gryffindor. I must say that you don't look so bad yourself."

Dumbledore laughed softly at the playful teasing that Ginny was subjecting Harry to. "Young love. It is a wonderful thing to behold."

Ginny flushed slightly, but Harry answered the statement with one of his own, "It may be nice to behold, but I would much rather experience it. There is nothing that can remotely compare to it."

"I would have to agree with you, Harry." said Dumbledore wistfully.

Harry eyed Dumbledore in surprise at his tone of voice. He refrained from comment, but decided to try and find out about it later. "Albus, I was thinking. Dobby would probably love to be there today when I am formally presented the title of Lord Gryffindor. If you don't mind him leaving for the day. I would like for him to be there. I'm sure it would mean a lot if I asked him to come."

Dumbledore nodded, "I am sure that Dobby would enjoy it very much. I can send a message to Hogwarts if you would like."

Harry shook his head, "No need. I'll go get him."

Harry quickly transformed into a phoenix, and then disappeared. He reappeared in the kitchen of Hogwarts. He transformed back into his human form and quickly spotted Dobby racing towards him. "Harry Potter, sir. Harry Potter." Dobby grabbed Harry in a hug.

Harry smiled and patted Dobby on the back. "Dobby, I came to ask you if you wanted to come to my presentation ceremony at the Ministry, today?"

Dobby beamed up at Harry, "Is Harry Potter serious, sir? Dobby would love to come, and see Harry Potter become Lord Gryffindor. Dobby is honored for Harry Potter is a great and noble wizard."

Harry waved a hand to stem the flow of words from Dobby's mouth, "A simple yes would do fine. Now, we have to do something about those clothes. You need to wear something a little more formal." Harry waved a hand at Dobby, and his tea cozy, sweater, and shorts were transfigured into an open vest of fine silk and elf size black trousers.

Dobby looked down at his clothes in amazement, "Harry Potter is too kind. Harry Potter is the greatest wizard of all."

"Enough, Dobby. Let's go. Just follow my magical signature, and you will turn up in my house." Harry transformed back into a phoenix, and popped to Grimmauld Place. Dobby Apparated following him.

They both appeared in the sitting room with the others. Harry reverted to his human form. Dumbledore eyed him thoughtfully, "Harry, how did you bring Dobby here?"

"What do you mean?" asked Harry.

"He shouldn't have been able to come into the house because of the Fidelius Charm." said Dumbledore.

"Oh, that was easy. Since you are the Secret Keeper for the Order, I pulled the information directly from your brain to his. It was the same thing as if you told him yourself. A simple charm really. Unfortunately nobody even knows that it exists."

"Then, where did you learn it?" asked Hermione, who by this point had joined everyone else in the sitting room.

Harry smiled mysteriously, "I don't believe that is information that I can readily give out. I have to have a few secrets."

Hermione started to protest, but Ron placed a hand on her mouth. "Let's not go through that, again, Mione. If Harry doesn't want to tell us, I'm sure he has a reason. Let it go at that."

Everyone in the room stared at Ron in surprise. Molly was the first one to speak, "Ronald Weasley, I am impressed. You're finally growing up."

The twins couldn't resist the opportunity for a quick jab at Ron, "Aww, our little Ronniekins is finally growing up." Both of them pretended to wipe a stray tear from the corner of their eye. They both then gave very loud and very fake sniffs and said together, "I'm going to miss ickle Ronniekins sticking his foot in his mouth."

Hermione responded scathingly, "Ron may be immature some of the time, but the two of you are immature all of the time."

Fred grinned, "Hey, the two of us resemble that remark." Everyone in the room laughed.

Harry said, "Molly, at least we know that no matter what happens, the twins will always be good at cheering everyone up."

Molly nodded, "At least they're good at something."

Dumbledore finished chuckling, "Well, we should be getting along. The Minister will not want the guest of honor to be late."

Harry snorted, "I'm all for disappointing the Minister. Who's with me?"

Ginny grabbed him by the arm and said while smiling, "No, Lord Gryffindor. You are going to go, and be on time. I want pictures of this."

Harry spun on her in horror, "You're going to take pictures?"

"Of course, silly. What did you think we were going to do? Sit around and try to remember everything that happened. We have to commemorate this." said Ginny giggling.

Harry shook his head emphatically, "No, we don't. We don't even have to remember this day. We can just pretend that it didn't happen after its over."

All the Weasleys shook their head, "No. We are all going to remember this day for a long time." said Molly.

Harry sighed, "As long as I don't have to be here when you pull out the album and look at all the pictures."

Ginny nodded, "Agreed. Now, let's go."

"Alright, lead the way."

Dumbledore pulled out a flat piece of metal, "I have a Portkey to take us to the Ministry. That way we don't have to bother with the Floo. Harry, while we are at the Ministry today, it wouldn't hurt for you to make an appointment to take your Apparation test."

Harry nodded his head, "Yeah, I hadn't thought about that. I'll do it after the ceremony is over." Everyone in the group gathered around the Portkey and placed a finger on it. Dumbledore tapped it with his wand, and the group was whisked away to the Ministry.

As soon as they appeared, Davis Weatherby hurried over to them. "Harry, you're not going to like this. Fudge has the entire press core waiting outside. They are going to have pictures of this flying all over the world before the day is out."

Harry shrugged, "I knew that this was going to be a nightmare as soon as I found out that Fudge was in charge of the ceremony. Let's go ahead and get out there. The sooner that we get started, the sooner that it is over with."

Davis smiled sympathetically, "I understand. If you will follow me, I will lead you onto the stage. The rest of you can go through that door over there and take seats in the front that are reserved for friends and family."

Albus nodded, "Thank you, Davis. Good luck, Harry." The rest of the group echoed Dumbledore as they filed out the door.

Davis looked at Harry expectantly, "Are you ready?"

Harry took a deep breath, "As I'll ever be."

The two of them walked out onto the stage. The crowd of people that were in the auditorium was staggering in size. Harry hadn't seen this many witches and wizards grouped together since the World Cup. Harry took his seat next to Amelia Bones. She smiled at him reassuringly and then immediately took on her customary stern expression. Harry grinned weakly in reply and then looked straight ahead. Fudge stood up and walked over to the podium. "May I have your attention, please?" The crowd immediately quieted. Fudge smiled, "We are here today to present the title of Lord Gryffindor to one of the most famous wizards of all time. This title has not been held since the demise of William James Potter sixteen years ago. I am proud to present this title to the last remaining Potter, and the final surviving member of the line of Godric Gryffindor. I give you, Harry Potter."

The crowd cheered. Harry heard calls of, "You go, Potter." to "I love you, Harry." to "Will you marry me?" Harry looked down to the front rows to see Ginny's eyes flashing in anger at the catcalls he was receiving from the girls. Harry smiled to himself as he took his place in front of the podium Fudge shook his hand to thunderous applause. Several cameras flashed to commemorate the moment.

Harry began his speech, "I would like to thank all of you that have come here today. I want everyone to know that I am honored to finally take my grandfather's title. It is a great honor to know that I am descended from Godric Gryffindor as well. I fear that I am not great at speechmaking, so I will end by thanking all my friends and family for standing beside me through all the trials of my life."

One of the reporters yelled out, "Would you answer a few questions, Lord Gryffindor?"

Harry chuckled to himself, "I would prefer to be addressed as Harry or Mr. Potter. I don't think that a great deal of formality is really necessary. Yes, I will answer a few questions, and since you were so bold you may have the first."

The reporter grinned, "I am Pierce Bieterman from the Daily Prophet. I would like to know how you feel about the war with You-Know-Who and its progress thus far?"

Harry frowned, "I will only answer questions concerning Voldemort if the reporter to ask the question is capable of saying his name." The crowd flinched and fell deathly quiet as Harry spoke the name.

Pierce cleared his throat, "Mr. Potter, I fear that is difficult to say the name of the Dark Lord."

"Why?" challenged Harry.

The reporters all appeared to be bewildered by this statement. A young looking witch said, "I'm Laura Madley from Witch Weekly. I think that I can answer your question. We feel that if we speak his name, then we will incur his wrath."

Harry laughed, "I suppose that is a logical assumption. I don't think that it is very valid. If you want to incur his wrath, then you have to call him Tom to his face. He hates that."

Davis, Albus, and Ginny laughed heartily at Harry's joke. The rest of the crowd merely stared at Harry in horror. Laura Madley raised her hand, "Mr. Potter, why would calling He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named Tom infuriate him."

Harry replied, "I have already told you that you must call him by his proper name if you would like me to answer questions concerning Voldemort." The crowd shuddered as Harry said his name again.

The first reporter tried again, "How do you feel about the progress of the war with V..V..V…Voldemort?" The reporter panted as though he had been running.

Harry smiled, "I think that the war has been progressing rather well. I hope for it to be over within another year."

"Isn't that a little optimistic?" asked Pierce.

Harry shrugged, "Perhaps. We will just have to wait and see."

Rita Skeeter popped out, "So, Harry, who is your current love interest?"

Harry eyed her, "Rita, I don't believe that is any of your business. However, I am going to answer you anyway. Everyone should know that I am dating the youngest and only daughter of Arthur Weasley. However, if any of you dare to bother her with questions about our relationship, I promise that you will suffer my displeasure, and considering the fact that even your vaunted Lord Voldemort ran cowering in fear the last time that he faced me in combat, I would not recommend that." Harry's eyes flashed, and he drew power to him. The room literally appeared to crackle with energy. Several of the members of the crowd gazed around in fear. Harry relaxed and the atmosphere of the room returned to normal. "If any of you are wondering, that is merely a taste of my power. I trust that none of you want to see what I am capable of. Good day." Harry stepped back from the stage while many of the people that were present continued to look at each other in trepidation, and if truth be told a little fear.

Cornelius returned to the podium, "Thank you, Lord Gryffindor. We appreciate any future comments that you would like to make. I believe that concludes the presentation ceremony. I would like to thank all of you for being here today." The crowd began to file out of the room. Lupin, Dumbledore, and the Weasleys went through the side door to meet Harry as he came off the stage. Ron, Ginny, and the twins grinned at Harry broadly. Hermione sniffed disapprovingly.

Dumbledore, however, looked stern, "Harry, was that absolutely necessary?"

Harry nodded, "To put all of those reporters in their place, I believe that it was. I will not have my life constantly disrupted because of some two-bit reporter that is hell-bent on making a name for themselves at my expense. I just made sure that they understand what I am capable of if they bother me too much."

Dumbledore sighed, "I can assure you that none of them will be asking you anything for quite awhile after that display."

Harry grinned, "Then, I accomplished what I intended. I guess I need to go make an appointment to take my Apparation test. I'll be back in just a little bit." He turned to Ginny, "Do you want to come with me?"

She smiled broadly, "Of course. I would be honored to be seen on the arm of the magnificent Lord Gryffindor."

The rest of the group snorted, while Harry chuckled, "I don't know if I would say that I was magnificent. Wait, yes, I would. Let's go with that. I think that is what all of you should have to call me from now on, the magnificent Lord Gryffindor."

Ron gaped and then said, "Harry, mate, if you think that I am going to call you that, then you are outside your mind."

Harry nodded, "You're probably right. I am almost positive that I am outside my mind, or at least I have been at certain points of my life. We have to go into London later, so we need to hurry. Let's go, Ginny."

Dumbledore called after them, "I must speak with Cornelius for a moment, but I will meet you back here in a few minutes."

Harry waved over his shoulder to show that he had heard Dumbledore. Arthur shook his head as he looked at the others, "I don't know what we are going to do with that boy. He is getting to be completely unpredictable."

The twins bubbled, "Yeah, but it makes for a lot of fun."

Remus snorted, "Sometimes. The two of you could have fun in Snape's dungeon, though."

The twins shook their heads solemnly, "I don't think that we are quite that good. We've tried over the years to have fun in Snape's class, but it hasn't happened very often."

Molly shook her head, "Let's just go home."

A little while later, Harry and Ginny rejoined Dumbledore in the waiting area. Dumbledore looked at the two teenagers, "Are the two of you ready to head for Oxford Street?"

Ginny nodded enthusiastically, while Harry merely shrugged noncommittally. Ginny asked, "Don't we need to change into Muggle clothes?"

Harry turned to her, "Did you put out the clothes on your bed, like I asked you to this morning?"

She nodded. Harry snapped his fingers. The three of them were suddenly dressed differently. Ginny was clad in a light pink skirt with a cream blouse. Harry was wearing khaki slacks, and a bottle green button down shirt. Ginny glanced at Harry, who appeared to be having difficulty holding in his laughter. She looked around to see what was so funny, and took a look at Dumbledore's clothing. She stopped and attempted to hold in the laughter that was attempting to bubble up and out of her. Dumbledore was dressed in a pair of very bright psychedelic shorts, and a bright Hawaiian shirt. He was also sporting a pair of mirrored sunglasses, and a very long brimmed baseball cap.

Dumbledore attempted to look at Harry sternly, but he could not contain his mirth either. First, his eyes began to twinkle, and then he began to laugh. Once, Dumbledore began to laugh, Harry and Ginny could contain themselves no longer. They both began laughing and did not stop until they heard someone say, "What the heck are you wearing, Albus?"

Harry wiped the tears of mirth from his face to look up and see Davis Weatherby. He grinned, "We were about to go into to Muggle London. Ginny and I put out clothes this morning, and I changed our clothes. I decided that I would transfigure Albus' robes at the same time."

Davis looked at Dumbledore, "Something tells me that you had nothing to do with choosing your apparel."

Dumbledore nodded, "Something tells me that you are right." Dumbledore waved his wand at his clothes, and changed into a pair of slacks and a button down shirt that were very similar to Harry's.

Ginny smiled, "You look nice, Professor."

Harry hid a smile behind his hand, "Stop sucking up to the Headmaster, Ginny. Let's go shopping."

The three of them bade Davis good-bye, and then left the Ministry and went out into Diagon Alley. They made their way through the crowds of people that were thronging about. Several people shot glances at Harry, but no one attempted to stop his progress until Dobby came running up to him. Dobby grabbed Harry by the arm, "Harry Potter, sir. Dobby wanted to thank Harry Potter for letting him come to watch today."

Several of the people in the surrounding crowd glanced at the excited house-elf in amusement. Harry laughed, "It's okay, Dobby. I'm glad that you were here."

"So, Potter, I see that you have taken up with my cast-offs." came a familiar drawl.

Harry looked around to see Draco Malfoy standing a few feet away, "Malfoy. Dobby isn't your cast off. I freed him from your family because you weren't good enough for him." Draco took a step forward, and Harry smiled as Dobby raised his hands. "You know, Malfoy, I don't think that making threatening gestures towards me would be advisable. Dobby sent your father flying down a set of stairs when he tried to attack me."

Malfoy sneered, "I'm not afraid of a pathetic house-elf."

Harry smiled condescendingly, "Perhaps not, but you wouldn't want to attack me and reveal your little secret now would you, Malfoy? Your father is already a fugitive on the run from the law. I don't think that Voldemort would be pleased if he lost his spy from within Hogwarts. You have to be careful."

Malfoy's eyes flashed with hatred. "I am going to kill you one day, Potter."

Harry yawned very deliberately and very intentionally, "I have heard that line from a lot of people, Malfoy. Most of them were far more powerful than you. So, you'll excuse me if I'm not worried. The fact remains that despite your master's best efforts, I am still here. Now, if you will excuse us, we have shopping to do."

Draco snarled, "One day we will meet without witnesses, Potter."

Harry smirked, "I'm sure that we will, Malfoy. However, from now on when we meet, you will address me by my proper title, Lord Gryffindor." Harry spun around, and grabbed Ginny by the hand. The two of them walked steadily away from Malfoy. Draco started to pull out his wand to curse Harry, but caught Dumbledore's eyes. Draco looked away, and then stalked off into the crowd. Dumbledore sighed, and then turned to follow Harry and Ginny into the Leaky Cauldron.

The three of them made their way out through the Leaky Cauldron, and out the front door onto the Muggle street before Harry stopped, and turned towards Dumbledore. "Albus, I forgot to change over some Galleons for Muggle money."

Dumbledore grinned, "Don't worry. I did it for you." Dumbledore pulled out a stack of Muggle cash and handed it over to Harry.

Ginny stared at the money in amazement, "I don't think that I have ever seen that much Muggle money at one time."

Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny on the cheek. "Get used to it, Lady Gryffindor. You are going to be able to spend sums of money like this anytime that you want."

Ginny smiled, "I think that I could get used to this whole rich thing."

Harry nodded, "So can I." Harry offered Ginny his arm, and she took it. Dumbledore raised a hand to hail a cab. The three of them entered, and Harry leaned forward, "Oxford Street, please."

The cabbie nodded, and began driving away. Once they arrived, the cabbie turned around, "That will be 7 pounds."

Harry handed the cabbie a ten-pound note. "Keep the change."

Dumbledore led the way into a men's store. Harry asked, "Why are we getting my clothes, first?"

Dumbledore gave Harry a glance, "How many times have you been shopping for clothes with women?"

Harry shrugged, "Only once."

Dumbledore smiled, "It will take a great deal longer to get her a dress than it will you a suit. I expect that we would be too tired to get your clothes if we let her go first."

Ginny pursed her lips, "I'm not going to take that long."

Harry pointed at Dumbledore, "He does have a point. You will take longer than I will. As soon as we find something that fits, I'm good."

Ginny shook her head, "Oh no you are not. We are going to find something that looks good on you. It isn't everyday that you get to meet the Queen."

Harry shrugged, "Let's just get this over with."

A half an hour later, the three of them left the shop with Harry holding his new suit. The three of them walked across the street to a fashionable boutique for women.

Once they were inside, the salesclerk walked up to them. "May I help you?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, we need to purchase an evening dress for the young lady. We need something with a high level of elegance."

The clerk smiled as she eyed Ginny. "I think that I have the perfect dress for her."

Ginny followed the clerk back towards the dressing rooms. She emerged some time later in an elegant green strapless gown. Harry took one look at it and shook his head. Ginny mouthed, "Thank you."

The clerk seemed surprised, "You don't like it?"

Harry said, "Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely dress. It just isn't Ginny."

The clerk nodded, "I understand. Let's try something else." The two women walked back into the dressing room again. The next time that they came out, Harry paused and sucked in a huge breath in surprise. Even Dumbledore seemed to sit up and take notice.

Ginny was in a red and gold mixture that left her shoulders bare, while wrapping around her neck. The back was bare to just above her waist, and then the dress hugged her hips and then flared out around her legs. She was wearing red high heels which gave her the appearance of being slightly taller. She smiled, "So, what do you think?"

Harry smiled, "I think that even though I have said it before that I need to repeat it. If there is a man on this earth that would not risk everything he had just to get a glimpse of you then he should be put to death for his stupidity. You are exquisite."

Ginny beamed, "I love you, Harry."

"And I you , Miss Weasley."

The clerk looked over at Dumbledore, "I take it that you want this dress."

Dumbledore nodded, "I think that would be an accurate assumption. You might as well ring it up."

Once Ginny had removed the dress, and walked up to the counter with Harry for him to pay for it, she almost gasped in surprise. The dress cost five hundred pounds. While Ginny was not for sure what the exact exchange rate between the Muggle pound and a Galleon was, she knew that this was a more money than most of her wardrobe cost.

Ginny took the dress box from the clerk, and then followed Harry and Dumbledore back out onto the street in a daze. Harry looked over at her and asked, "Are you alright, Gin?"

She smiled, "I have never been better, Harry Potter." She continued to smile dazedly.

Harry and Dumbledore exchanged glances. Harry shrugged in confusion, while Dumbledore smiled in understanding. They took a cab, back to the Leaky Cauldron, where Ginny and Harry took the Floo back to Grimmauld Place, and Dumbledore Apparated away.

Molly and Hermione came running over as soon as Ginny and Harry appeared out of the fire in the kitchen. Molly smiled, "The two of you must be tired after such a long day, but we would like to see your outfits for tomorrow if you don't mind too much."

Harry smiled, "Sure, we can go change. See you in a bit."

Ginny followed Harry up the stairs without speaking. They split on the second floor. Harry went into his room, while Ginny went into hers. Harry came back out a few minutes later in his suit, and waited outside the door to Ginny's room. She joined him a few minutes later. Harry smiled, "You are absolutely stunning."

Ginny returned his smile, "Why thank you, Mr. Potter. You had better be careful. A girl could get used to this."

"You should get used to it. I am going to spend the rest of my life spoiling you rotten." said Harry.

Ginny laughed, "Too late. I'm already rotten."

Harry held out his arm, "Well, Milady, shall we go put on our fashion show?"

Ginny placed her hand on the inside of his elbow, "Lead the way, Lord Gryffindor." The two of them walked downstairs, and into the sitting room where everyone was waiting.

Hermione and Molly immediately went into transports of delight. They demanded that Harry and Ginny spin around and show them the backs of their outfit. Arthur, Ron, Bill, Lupin, and Charlie nodded in approval. Bill chuckled, "Ginny, you are going to knock the royal court dead on their feet. Harry, you need a cape to go with your suit."

Ginny nodded, "I agree. It will make you look more dashing."

Harry shrugged, "Whatever you all think is best. Its not like I have any taste."

Ginny slapped Harry on the shoulder, "Just what am I?"

"Pure luck on my part."

Ginny paused and scrunched up her face in thought, "I can live with that."

"I'm glad. If you couldn't, I might have had to go out and curse myself." said Harry. Everyone else laughed at Harry's attempt at dry humor.

A little later Harry and Ginny went back upstairs, and changed into more casual clothing. After they ate dinner, they each made an early night, knowing that the next day would be long.

The next morning after breakfast, Harry and Ginny changed into their dress clothes. By the time that they returned downstairs, Dumbledore had arrived. He smiled at them, "I have the Portkey that will take us to the chamber in the palace for wizard entrances. We will be escorted to the Queen's chambers. I will only be staying for a few moments. Then, I will leave the two of you to yourselves with the Queen. I'm sure that she will have many things to ask you, Harry. She was very good friends with your grandfather."

Harry nodded, "Let's go." All three of them touched the Portkey and Dumbledore tapped it with his wand. The three of them winked out of existence in Grimmauld Place, and reappeared in a small room. There was a man there that appeared to be a butler of some kind.

He bowed to them, "Headmaster Dumbledore, I greet you. Lord Gryffindor, I welcome you to the palace. If the three of you will follow me, I will take you to Her Majesty's chamber."

Harry, Ginny, and Dumbledore followed the man down the corridor to a large set of double doors. There were guards standing outside the door. The butler nodded to them, and then opened the doors. The three followed the butler into the room. He turned to them, "Have a seat, and make yourselves comfortable. Her Majesty will be with you in just a moment." He bowed to the three of them and then swept from the room.

The three of them had barely sat down in the chairs that were provided, when the side door of the chamber was opened and the Queen entered. All three of them quickly rose to their feet, and then bowed low. The Queen smiled, "You may rise." They stood up. "Sit. We will be casual at this meeting."

Dumbledore bowed from the waist, "You are most gracious, Your Majesty. I have escorted these two youngsters here as you requested. However, I must leave, and attend to business back at Hogwarts. I will leave these two in your care."

The Queen nodded, "You have my leave to go, Headmaster. I look forward to the next time we meet."

Dumbledore turned to Harry and Ginny, "I will see you back at headquarters later."

Harry nodded, "Thank you, Albus." Ginny merely smiled.

Once Dumbledore had walked out of the room the Queen turned her attention to Harry and Ginny, "I must formally welcome you to the palace, Lord Gryffindor. I would also like to inquire as to the identity of the lovely young lady that you have brought with you."

Harry smiled, "I would like to begin by thanking you for your invitation. As to the identity of this vision of perfection that is sitting beside me, her name is Ginny Weasley."

Ginny stood and curtseyed to the Queen, "I am honored to be here, Your Majesty."

The Queen leaned forward slightly, "Now we must discuss your presentation party. I would like for the two of you to meet with the events coordinator for the palace."

Harry nodded, "Of course, Your Majesty. However, I would like to ask a question." The Queen motioned for him to continue. "I was wondering if I might invite guests of my own?"

The Queen nodded, "You may invite as many people as you wish. Just inform the events coordinator when you speak with her."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Harry stood and bowed. Harry and Ginny were escorted back out of the chamber and down the hallway to meet with the events coordinator.

Ginny looked over at Harry while they were walking down the hallway, "Who are you wanting to invite?"

Harry grinned, "Well, Ron and Hermione, of course. Any of the rest of your family that wants to come. The Dursleys."

"Why would you want to invite the Dursleys?" asked Ginny.

Harry continued to grin, "Can you imagine the looks on their faces when they get invited to a royal function for Lord Gryffindor? They will be ecstatic. Then, imagine the looks on their faces when they find out that I am Lord Gryffindor. It will be priceless."

Ginny gave him a disapproving look that was reminiscent of Hermione, "Don't you think that is a little childish?"

Harry nodded, "I know, but it will be great. By the way, you do know that if you continue to make that face, your brother will begin to think that you are turning into his girlfriend."

Ginny smiled, and then laughed, "I know, but I figured that I had to at least pretend to be mature."

Harry chuckled as the butler led them into the office of the events coordinator. They talked with her for almost an hour, until she had taken down the information for everyone that was to be invited. Then, they completed planning the course of the party. Harry and Ginny left exhausted. Harry Apparated him and Ginny out of the palace and back to Grimmauld Place. Molly smiled at them as they appeared, "How was your visit with the Queen?"

Harry grunted, "Short."

Molly seemed confused, "You've been gone for quite awhile, though."

Ginny smiled, "We spent a lot longer planning the party with some woman than we did with the Queen."

Molly smiled, "I suppose that was interesting."

Harry shrugged, "If you want to call it that. I have a few other words that I would use to describe it. Boring, Aggravating, Annoying, Stupid. That should cover it for the time being."

Ginny and Molly laughed at him. Ginny said, "Harry, you're so silly."

Harry nodded, "I know, but right now I am going to go be silly upstairs. I am going to get out of this monkey suit and take a nap."

Molly nodded, "You do that, Harry. I'll call you when it is time for dinner." Harry nodded without bothering to answer as he turned to walk up the stairs.

A few days later, Petunia Dursley of Number Four Privet Drive was busy cleaning the kitchen floor, when the doorbell rang. She went to the door and opened it to find a mail courier waiting with an official looking envelope, and a clipboard. "Are you Mrs. Petunia Dursley?" he asked.

She nodded, "Yes, I am."

The man handed over the clipboard and a pen, "If you would sign here, ma'am. I have a delivery for you."

Petunia soundlessly signed the document on the clipboard and handed it back to the deliveryman. He handed her the envelope that he was holding, and tipped his hat to her. Petunia closed the door, and slit the envelope open with a letter opener from the desk in the entrance foyer. The envelope bore the royal seal, and the return address of the Palace. Petunia pulled the letter from within the envelope out. She unfolded it and began to read.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Dursley,

You are cordially invited to the royal presentation party of the newly ascended Lord Gryffindor. This party will take place on the fourteenth of August at seven o'clock, and will occur at the Palace. Your son is invited to come as well. Formal attire is required. If you intend to attend this function, you must return the enclosed acknowledgement no later than August the 11th. I look forward to seeing you at the party.

Jan Bridgeport

Petunia gasped in surprise. She immediately telephoned Vernon at work. He answered the phone in his usual gruff voice, "Yes?"
"Vernon, dear, we have received an invitation to a royal party." said Petunia quickly.

Vernon paused to let the information sink in, "What?"

Petunia repeated more slowly, "We have received an invitation to a royal party."

"Why?"

"I don't know, but it arrived by official messenger, and the envelope bears the royal seal." replied Petunia. "I would really like to go, Vernon."

Vernon considered for a moment, "I suppose. I might be able to make some business contacts with people that have that kind of money. When is it?"

"On the fourteenth." replied Petunia.

"Very well. Make arrangements for mine and Dudley's suits to be cleaned. I suppose that you will want a new dress for something like this. You can go shopping."

"Excellent. I will see to it immediately." Petunia was so excited that she hung up the phone without even saying good-bye.

The next week or so flew by for the Dursleys, as much as it seemed to crawl for Harry. The evening before the party, Harry was sitting with Ginny in the living room relaxing. Ginny smiled, "Just think in twenty-four hours, we will be attending a party at the palace."

Harry groaned, "Don't remind me. I don't even really want to have to think about it."

Ginny pouted, "I'm going to be there."

Harry grinned, "As far as I'm concerned, that is the only thing that is going to make the night remotely bearable. If I hadn't been able to bring you with me, I think that I would have skipped it."

Ginny shook her head, "You would have been made to go, anyway."

Harry looked at her and laughed, "Who exactly is going to make me go? I don't think that there is a Muggle or wizard in existence that could make me do anything."

"Sure there is."

"Who?"

"Me."

Harry paused and thought that one over for a minute, "Okay, I'll give you that one, but would you have really made me go if I couldn't take you with me?"

Ginny nodded, "Most definitely."

Harry sighed, "I just wish that some of the others would come."

Ginny laughed, "The only ones that really wanted to were the twins. Mum said that they couldn't go without proper supervision. Since no one else was going with us, that left them without a chaperone."

Harry laughed, "I don't know if the royal family could handle Fred and George."

"True. They would never be the same." said Ginny.

The next day passed by and it was time to leave for the palace before Harry knew it. Harry sighed, "Let's get this over with."

Ginny laughed at him, "It won't be that bad."

"We'll see." Harry took Ginny's hand and Apparated the two of them to the palace. The Dursleys were arriving at the guest entrance at approximately the same time. They were led in by the attendant to their seats in the hall that the party would take place in. Once everyone had arrived and been seated, a pair of trumpets sounded and the Queen made her entrance down the main stairway.

The herald announced her, "Presenting Her Majesty, the Queen."

She walked to the bottom of the stairs and waited for the herald to announce Harry. Ginny was waiting amongst the guests. The trumpets sounded again, and the herald called, "Presenting Lord Gryffindor."

Harry started at the top of the stairs, and slowly walked down. While he was doing this, Vernon leaned over to Petunia, "He seems familiar to me, somehow."

Ginny, who was sitting within earshot of the Dursleys, smiled to herself. Harry reached the bottom of the stairs, and he and the Queen began walking side by side up the aisle. Vernon and Petunia were watching Harry closely to try and determine who he was. Dudley figured it out first. He gasped out, "Mum, that's Harry."

Petunia and Vernon went slack-jawed in astonishment. Harry turned to smile at them when he heard Dudley's words. The Queen paused beside him, "Is there a problem, Lord Gryffindor?"

Harry smiled, "No, Your Majesty, my aunt, uncle, and cousin were merely expressing their surprise at seeing me."

The Queen looked at the Dursleys and said, "You must be very proud of your nephew." Then, she turned to Harry, "I presume that they are from your mother's side of the family."

Harry nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. My Aunt Petunia here, was my mother's sister."

The Dursleys continued to stare at Harry as if he had three heads or something. The Queen and Harry continued to walk down the walkway to the front of the chamber. The herald walked down to the front. The Queen nodded to him. He called out, "Let the party commence."

Harry bowed to the Queen, and then turned to walk over to where Ginny was getting to her feet. Harry stopped in front of her and bowed again, "Milady, may I have the pleasure of the first dance?"

Ginny held out her hand, "You may have the first, the last, and every one in between."

Harry took her hand and swept Ginny out onto the dance floor where the band was just beginning to play. The two of them began to dance, and were soon joined by other people from the party. After a couple of songs, Harry and Ginny walked over to the side of the room where they were confronted by the Dursleys.

Vernon pointed a finger at Harry, "Why did you invite us here, boy?"

Harry smiled, "To let you see what could have been if you had just found it in your heart to treat me like a human being. However, since you didn't, this will be your only taste of a finer life. After tonight, know that I will never think of any of you, again. This is the final farewell. I hope you enjoy the rest of your lives, as I intend to enjoy mine." Harry turned to walk away.

Petunia stopped him, "How did you arrange all this, Harry?"

Harry turned back, "My title is Lord Gryffindor. That is how you are to address me. I didn't arrange this. The royal family felt that I needed a presentation party since I am now of age, and have formally accepted my title."
Dudley asked stupidly, "Does this mean that you are part of the royal family?"

Harry nodded, "Sort of. The Queen is my cousin. I am ninth in line for the throne."

Vernon gasped, "That means that you are rich."

Harry chuckled, "Yes, it does. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe that the dance floor is calling Ginny and me." Harry took Ginny's hand, and walked away from the Dursleys, never to see them again.

A/N: I have received several comments about Harry's fortune being unrealistic for a Lord, so I changed it by a factor of ten. Chapter Four has been re-uploaded with this information altered. Now, he's worth 130 million pounds. Thanks for all the reviews.

RLupin1003:I promise to do my best. Thanks for the review.

Froggyy1: Glad that you're caught up, and I wish you luck getting your lost chapters redone. Thanks for the review.

loser lady: I hope you enjoyed finishing Year of Discovery. Thanks for the review.

Bizodge: I figured that they needed a fun summer to unwind after the battle at Hogwarts. Thanks for the review.

Athena kitty: You're not getting anything out of me about the proposal. You will just have to wait and see what he does. Thanks for the review.

Junior1544: Going forward in time gets into logistics that I don't want to have to deal with in this story, so he will only be traveling into the past. Thanks for the review.

Airborne: He won't be constantly masking his magical signature anymore, but the ability will most definitely come in handy. Thanks for the review.

Udderpd: There will be some Angst, but it isn't the focus of my story. I like the brighter side of things. Thanks for the review.

Albus dumbledore: Yes, but don't expect it to happen. He would probably abdicate if that happened anyway. Harry hates being in the spotlight. Thanks for the review.

Phred doesn't like you: More goodies will be forthcoming I am sure. Thanks for the review.

Cur03: I'm not a big fan of Ron, so I don't really know if I am going to show their proposal. I will depict them married in a glimpse of what is to be, though. Thanks for the review.

Jouve25: I like Year of Discovery better myself. Everyone has their own opinions though. I'm glad you're enjoying this one. Thanks for the review.

UncleD87: I can understand where you are coming from, and there will continue to be some banter in the Order meetings, especially between Harry, Albus, and the twins. Thanks for the review.

Maria: I got the gist of the message. Don't worry about the mix of events. I intend to keep things going at about the same pace I have been progressing with the story. Thanks for the review.

Sillypaulie: I think that he is going to have just a little bit of fun with it. Thanks for the review.

HermioneGreen: I played the audience with the Queen down a bit. I'm not too sure about etiquette in situations like that. I'm American, we don't worry about royalty. Thanks for the review.

HP-wannabe69: There is a tiny clue in this chapter about his voyage in time. See if you can come up with it. Ten points to your house if you can. Thanks for the review.

The One: No, I enjoy questions. Neville is going to be one of the central characters. Thanks for the review.

Harryp123: I thought that this was a nice little addition, and it opened up the way for a little frivolity over the summer. Thanks for the review.

US HP Fan: I've got long arms, so there is no telling what I have hidden up my sleeves. Thanks for the review.

Dragonclawz: Harry's animagus forms are a black panther, a golden phoenix, and a chameleon. Ginny's is a falcon, and you will find out about Ron and Hermione's soon enough. Thanks for the review.

Blind Faeri: They are going to need the fun with what I have in store for them. Thanks for the review.

Kitty254781: If I have accomplished that, then I can ask for no better praise. Thanks for the review.

Hunta: No, but he will. Sort of. Thanks for the review.

ExpectoPatronum0: If you're guessing, then you are most likely interested, and that is my goal. Expect some more cliffhangers in this one just like Year of Discovery. Hopefully, I can have you hanging on the edge of your seat. Thanks for the review.

Kemporer: Hope you enjoyed the royal business. Thanks for the review.

Ailene: I'm happy to know that you are reading. Thanks for the review.

Dragonstorm316: I look forward to anything that you have to say. Thanks for the review.

Busgirl: It was a twist that I don't think that anyone has used yet. I may be wrong, but I haven't seen it. Thanks for the review.

Fuzzball: I changed the sum to a slightly better amount, and Harry isn't supposed to be Gates. Thanks for the review.

Darak: I made him richer. If that still isn't enough think about it from the perspective that the Potter's have been funding wars against the Dark Arts for centuries. Thanks for the review.

Austenhel. I made him richer. He's got enough money that he never has to worry about anything. Thanks for the review.

Yugioh/Potter/Pokemon fanatic: I will keep shelling them out as fast as I can. Thanks for the review.

ColdFlamex: Thanks for the review.

Silver Warrior: He ahs more important things to discuss with Malfoy. Thanks for the review.

Shadow Beast1: I consider Ruskbyte an excellent author myself. Thanks for the review.

Captuniv: I'm not going to get to deep in the hierarchy of the royal family. You won't see them for awhile after this chapter, anyway. Thanks for the review.

Mark-33w: Thanks for the review.

Jbfritz: Thanks for the review.

Happy Snakes Rule: If the last chapter took ages, I am sure that this one did too. Thanks for the review.

Goddess of War and Wisdom: Hermione won't react too badly, now that she knows he can use his phoenix form to pop around the wards. Finding out he can do it normally won't be much of a surprise anymore. Thanks for the review.