Disclaimer: I do not own anything that JK Rowling has put in her books - everything else is mine.
Chapter 7: Letters and PreparationsHarry spent the morning making plans with Dumbledore about what he was going to do during the summer.
By noon, Albus had convinced Harry to do as the old man wished. Harry would buy – with his extensive supply of gold – a house.
When the Headmaster first suggested doing so, Harry called him insane. But when Albus explained, Harry too thought it was a good idea.
Harry would buy a house in Hogsmeade. Well, he wouldn't BUY the house – he would have it made for him, seeing as there were no houses for sale at the time.
Living in Hogsmeade would have it's advantages – and disadvantages.
Living in the village would mean that Harry would always be surrounded by wizards that could protect him if need be.
There would also be a large news story when he ordered a house, and there would be absolutely no chance that the Dark Lord wouldn't find out about the purchase, which could mean that the small Wizarding village could be in danger.
During the holidays, however (meaning Christmas, and the summer), Harry would be able to go home, and still not be far from Hogwarts or the Headmaster.
Living in a magic area, would mean that Harry could have a floo fireplace and be able to keep his wand with him without worrying about muggles.
Having his own house would also symbolize to the Wizarding community that the Potter family – or at the moment, Harry – was coming back into society.
The house's floor plan was probably going to be designed by the most celebrated – and costly – designer in the Wizarding world, Carus Nota. The furnishings and all of the house's contents would hopefully be chosen and placed in the house by the leading interior decorator, Tela Denoto, and her team of workers. The choices of wall-color and flooring would be both chosen and installed by the famous Viola Opaco. At least, that's what Dumbledore wanted.
A pair of private workers named Miles Veno and Cesso Magus would complete anything else that had to be done to the house – if they agreed.
Harry would spend some time with each of the workers and then he would over-look the building, decorating and furnishing of the house.
When the house was completely finished, there would be a formal opening. The five main workers would present Harry the house, and he would host a party in the new house for many friends and contacts.
It would be a semi-formal party, and Dumbledore persuaded Harry to hire the most highly regarded clothing designer, Vesica Bacchatio, to clothe him for the occasion – if she was willing to.
Right before Albus left the hospital wing to get back to work, he reminded Harry to write to the various workers to request their services.
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Harry sat on the edge of his bed in the hospital wing re-reading his letters.
The first one read:
Dear Mister Carus Nota,
I have heard that you have talent when it comes to floor plan design.
It is because of this talent that I am writing to you. I wish to have a
large home built in Hogsmeade Village, but I am not willing to have
my house fall short of the best when it comes to design. I do hope
you are up to working for me, because I am very picky. I am, of course,
willing to pay extra for any trouble I cause. Will you please Owl me
back as soon as you have decided your answer, because I wish to
start preparations as soon as possible, and if you decline, then I still
have to find a new designer.
Awaiting Your Response,
Harry James Potter
Dear Miss Tela Denoto,
I am having a new house built for me, and I was hoping that I could
enlist your services where it comes to furnishings and decorations.
I have heard many compliments about your work, and I would like it
very much if you would do my house. I would pay whatever price is
needed, of course, for I am quite specific when it comes to décor. I
would appreciate it if you could reply as soon as you can, because
I need to get going on the preparations.
Yours Truly,
Harry James Potter
Harry flipped to the next letter.
Dear Miss Viola Opaco,
I have just recently decided to have a new house built for me, but
I have no sense whatsoever when it comes to color. I was hoping
that you would be willing to help me out with the walls and the
flooring. I am willing to pay whatever price is necessary to get you
to help. I hope that you will respond as soon as you decide your
answer. This is simply because I need to organize the plans for
my home.
Thank You,
Harry James Potter
It was only after he read the letter to Mistress Opaco that Harry realized that he hadn't told any of his friends about what happened at the Dursley's – he'd have to write them later.
Dear Messrs Miles Veno and Cesso Magus,
I am searching for a pair of private designers to assist me in the
designing and decorating of the new house I am having built for
myself. I was hoping that you would be willing to work for me to
help me accomplish this task. I am willing to pay extra, if it would
help you to make up your mind.
I await your response,
Harry James Potter
Harry had decided to make the letter to the private workers shorter and more to the point because there was more than one pair of talented workers available.
The last note that Harry re-read was not exactly what the Headmaster had wanted – but then again, the choice was Harry's, not Dumbledore's.
Dear Mistress Vesica Bacchatio,
I am having a house built for me in the village of Hogsmeade. On
the day that it is presented to me, I am going to have a large
dinner party for all of my friends and contacts. It is going to be semi
formal and I am afraid to say that I have nothing to wear. I was
hoping that you would be willing to lend me a hand and design me
an appropriate outfit. And, if you have enough time, I am also in
need of a whole new wardrobe, and I would appreciate it if you
would design that for me too. I am willing to pay whatever the cost
is that you would need.
Please Reply Soon,
Harry James Potter
With all of the letters re-read, Harry called Hedwig – who was perching on the end of the bed – over to him. He cast a quick Cleaning Charm on her by waving his hand. He wanted the owl that delivered the letters to look important and formal.
"Now, girl," Harry told her calmly, "I want you to make sure you look proper before you arrive. It's really important that you do." When she nipped his finger gently, he smiled and tied the letters to the Snowy Owl's leg. "Go ahead"
Hedwig flew out the open window and into the clear blue sky.
- - -
Harry walked in the door to the hospital wing – having just come back from lunch in the Great Hall – three days after sending his letters, and found Hedwig resting on his pillow.
When he removed the letters from her leg, he gave her an Owl Treat and she flew off.
The first letter he opened was written in crimson ink, and was written by a strong hand.
Dear Master Potter,
Cesso and I would be delighted to assist you in making your
home look exactly as you would like it. Your beautiful bird flew
into my office earlier today, and when I read your letter, I
Apparated over to my partner, Cesso's house to tell him that
a Potter wanted our service – and Harry Potter at that. We
decided immediately to agree to your terms. What would be
a good time to get together to talk about plans?
Yours Faithfully,
Miles Veno
Harry laughed. My, he thought, they will be surprised when they find out I'm not even sixteen.
The next letter was from Tela Denoto, and it said so on the front of the envelope.
Master Harry,
I am very flustered that you would even consider asking me to help
you furnish your house. Owl me with a time that you are available to
meet with me, and I will be there.
Respectfully Yours,
Tela Denoto
Harry wasn't sure whether he should laugh or roll his eyes at the respect that these wizards were showing, so he opened the next letter.
Master Harry Potter,I will design your floor plan for your house in Hogsmeade. I will be at
the Leaky Cauldron, in Diagon Alley, at 5 o'clock, on the 12th of this
month, which is a Monday. If you meet me there, we can discuss
some general plans before we start the actual plan. If there is
anybody else who is going to be helping design the house, I'd
advise you to bring them along.
See You Then,
Carus Nota
With a sigh, Harry decided that Carus needed a Grin.
Master Potter,
I haven't had a good customer for a while, now, and so I will be
pleased to help you coordinate the color of your home. Just
write me with a time and place to meet you and we can arrange
something.
Viola Opaco
The last of the letters was written in shining green ink that reminded Harry of his eyes.
Master Harry J. Potter,Of course I am willing to design you a new wardrobe – one of
the outfits being appropriate for your dinner party. If you wish,
I will give you a discount on the party clothes simply for being
a Potter, for I am very honoured that you, Harry Potter are
requesting my work. I will Owl you soon with a time that we can
meet, if that is all right with you.
Honoured,
Vesica Bacchatio
Harry put the letters aside, thanking Merlin that they all accepted.
He quickly got to work replying to the wizards and giving them the time and date that he would meet with them at the Leaky Cauldron.
- - -
A/N: So there is Chapter 7! Sorry about all of the letters, but I had to show how honoured the workers were that 'Master Harry Potter' was hiring them. Next chapter will probably have a few letters – but to Ron and Hermione and Ginny instead. Review please!