Disclaimer: ::furtive look around:: Ok, here's the deal. It's mine, mine, mine, mine all mine! ::author receives sharp painful kick to the arse:: Ow! Forget that, then. Fine. Not mine. ::yet more grumbling, per the usual::
The Project:
The next day dawned bright and early. Birds trilled their song to greet the day, and flowers opened eagerly to let the first rays of the sun touch their dew-kissed petals. The world awoke to beautiful sights and sounds, the kind to inspire poetry and love songs with no end. It was the kind of morning to make a songwright weep, and a poet scribble endlessly.
Harry Potter knew none of this, however. He knew what mornings looked like that early, and was having none of it. He had his head stuffed under the pillow, in an attempt to keep the morning at bay for as long as possible. This worked for quite a while. Right up until the smell of Molly's breakfast fought it's way through the pillow, to remind the young wizard of the reason mornings were invented. Breakfast at the Burrow. Right, then. Amazing how easy it is to get out of bed, with the right incentive.
He turned toward the spot where Ginny should be, but she wasn't there. She had gotten up earlier, to head downstairs. He knew this, because he could still feel the memory of her tender kiss on his forehead, before he'd heard the door close. He got up, pushing his legs into the jeans she liked so much, grabbed a black button down and threw it on, along with his boots. He was ready to face the day, or at least breakfast. He walked down the stairs, and entered the kitchen. "Morning, Mum." with a kiss on Molly's cheek. "Morning, love." with a kiss for Ginny's lips. He paused, then did it again. It was a good way to start the day. He sat down next to her and pulled the eggs over to his plate, piling them on. As he reached for the bacon, he saw Ginny giving him a strange look. "Something wrong?" he asked.
"No, Harry. You just seem to have Ron's appetite this morning. A bit unusual, that."
"I just realized that I'm back in the Burrow now, and everything smells delicious. Mum's cooking does that to me, I'm finding."
Molly broke in, a teasing look in her eyes. "Well you know, Harry, it never did have that effect before. I seem to remember plenty of times when I had to practically forcefeed you, actually."
"Too true, Mum. Those days are gone now. Hopefully forever. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I know now that I've missed out on a lot." He saw the look of concern that started to come up on Molly's face, and wanted to forestall it. "I plan on changing that, and soon. The trip was a way for me to get away and clear my head for a while. I'm glad I did it." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "It allowed me to get my feelings straight for a certain beautiful redheaded girl," He took Ginny's hand now, "and I also have some ideas about what I want to do next." Molly looked like she was about to ask. "I'm not quite sure, yet. Just a few ideas right now. All I ever wanted, when everything was going on, was to be an auror. It was all I could see myself doing. Now though, I don't want that. There has been entirely enough violence and bloodshed to suit me for as long as I live. I'll not be going pacifist or anything, I just won't seek it out." He pointed at the family clock. "I also don't want my family to have to worry about my hand on that clock going to 'Mortal Peril" or anything like that." He shuddered a bit, remembering the night that Percy's hand had fallen completely off the clock. "I'll also be remaining in the Order. I may not go looking for trouble, but if it comes calling, I want to make sure we're ready."
Harry finished his breakfast, drinking the last of his tea. "I think I'd better get going. I need to get over to the Ministry, and go over a few things with Dad." He watched Molly beam as he referred to Arthur that way. "Do you need to go into London for anything, love?"
Ginny answered, "Yes, actually, I should drop in at St Mungo's, to find out the starting date for my training, and what I'll need for it. It should only take me a few minutes to get ready. Are we riding or flooing?"
"Why don't we ride there and floo back? I could do with a drive, but I'm not sure if I'll want to drive back."
"Sounds good to me. Just let me get my things, and we can go."
Harry agreed to this, and went to get what he needed, including the motorbike itself. A bit later, they were on their way into London. Harry had gotten quite used to this mode of travel, and had no intention of giving it up. A very pleasant hour later, they were entering the city proper. They made their way to the slightly run-down neighborhood where the wizarding hospital was located. Ginny got off the bike and put her helmet back into the saddlebag. Harry got up to give her a kiss, which lingered rather longer than it should have. Even after the past few weeks, they were both a bit dazed when they reluctantly pulled away from each other. "Fancy meeting at the Twins' store in a couple hours?" he asked.
"How about if I floo Dad, to make sure you have everything taken care of. Maybe then I'll get a hint or two of what this secret project of yours is all about."
"Good idea. I'll probably be ready to tell you about it, then. I just have to work out some details with Dad first. Excuse me, the Minister of Magic." He gave her a cheeky grin and climbed back on the bike. "See you later, love." He watched her walk through the window at the front of the building, and rode off down the side street, to make his way to the Ministry.
When he pulled up in front of the phone box in front of the Ministry building, he dismounted and took a quick look around, ensuring that there was nobody around. He then shrunk the old Triumph to the point where it could fit in his pocket, and stepped into the box. He pulled the door shut after him and picked up the phone, dialing six, two, four, four, two. He heard a cool female voice saying, "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name, and the purpose of your visit." Harry wore a mischievous grin as he replied, "Harry Potter, here to kick Fudges arse." He burst out laughing when the visitor's badge that emerged actually had his name along with the words, "Kick Fudge's arse." He put it on and rode the lift down to the main level.
He turned as he got out, looking at the reflective pool in the atrium. It was good to see that the ridiculous statues that had been there in the past were gone. Instead, there was a simple plaque, with the legend, "In memory of those who have fallen. May they never be forgotten." It was a very simple sentiment, and entirely appropriate.
Harry continued down the corridor, to the security station. There he saw a former classmate of his, Justin Finch-Fletchley. "Harry! Good to see you, mate! How have you been keeping? I heard you had gone off on a bit of a trip for a while. Didn't know you'd gotten back then." As he talked, he looked up and saw the legend on the silver visitor's badge. His eyes went wide, and he almost choked. After laughing for alomst a full five minutes, he said, "Erm, Harry. You do know that Fudge isn't here anymore, right?"
Harry nodded and said, "First thing that came to mind when the voice asked the purpose of my visit. I was a bit surprised when it came out like that." Justin grinned and, shaking his head, passed Harry through.
He followed the signs to the Minister's office, until he came to a door that said, "Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley." He knocked and went through into the outer office. The receptionist, a rather plain-looking older woman, peered up at him from behind a pair of jeweled spectacles. She asked, "May I help you?" She sounded like she didn't really care what the answer was either way.
"Harry Potter, to see the minister."
She looked at him in disbelief and said, "Yeah right, love. Why don't you pull the other one? It's got bells on."
Harry was nonplussed. She didn't know who he was? He didn't know whether to laugh and kiss her, or hex her into next week. So he compromised. He leaned down over her desk, as he took off the sunglasses he wore. His emerald eyes glinted dangerously as they bored into hers. "Do you see the name on the badge I'm wearing, love? You do? Good. Now, you will get up off your arse, and you will go and let the Minister know that I am here for our appointment. If you don't..." He didn't raise his voice the whole time. He didn't have to, as she could suddenly feel the power emanating from this young man.
She didn't wait to hear that sentence finish. Like a flash, she flew to the inner office door, pulled it open, and all but fell through the doorway. A moment later, she was back saying, "Please go right in, Mr Potter." She sat down again, and tried to make herself very small. He walked past her and into the office.
Arthur stood from his desk, and greeted Harry with a handshake. "Harry! How are you? Have a good drive in?"
"How did you know we drove?"
The older man grinned and said, "I used to have a bike like that one. An older Indian. It was a lot of fun. I only got rid of it after we started having the boys. A car was much more practical." He shook his head. "I still miss riding it. So, let's get this ceremony business worked out, and then we can get to whatever else brings you here." He led the younger wizard over to a chair, and they went over the paperwork, setting the date. It turned out that the ceremony would also include a dinner, as well as a ball. He teased Harry a bit about that. "At least you know you'll know you'll have the prettiest date there."
Harry asked, "How many can I invite?"
"Well, as you're the guest of honor, you can invite anyone you want to. You could fill up the hall if you wanted. Any preferences as to where you'd like it held? It doesn't have to be here, you know."
"I'd like it if we could do it in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, if Professor Dumbledore doesn't mind."
"Actually, I think he was rather hoping you'd like that. We can let him know later, if you'd like."
"Sounds like a good idea." He paused a moment. "I also wanted to ask you about something else..." He trailed off, clearly uneasy.
"What's this? The most powerful wizard in the world, nervous?" He thought he knew what was coming, and decided to have him on a bit.
"Yeah, just a bit. I've realized, just lately, how much Ginny means to me. I think I've loved her for a long time now. I just never knew it, you know?" At a nod from Arthur, he continued. "I can't imagine my life without her in it. She completes me, in so many ways I can't even imagine. I think that at the ball, I'd like to propose to her. The wedding wouldn't be for some time, as I know Mum and Hermione would want to help her plan it." He gave a wry grin. "We both know that wouldn't allow for anything fast. I'd just like to know that you approve, before I ask her."
Arthur answered immediately. "Approve? Of course, Harry! We'd be delighted, Molly and me both. You're already family, as far as we're concerned. This would just make it official. We know we don't have to worry about whether you'll treat her right."
"Are you kidding? If I didn't, it'd be Bat-Bogeys from here to eternity." They both laughed at this. "No, she's probably the only witch who could manage to keep me in line."
"Only too true." There was no way he could disagree with that statement. "Well, now we've got that out of the way, what's this project you mentioned?"
Harry got up and walked over to the wondow, collecting his thoughts. He was searching for a way to begin. He turned to face Arthur. "Not long before my trip, I stopped off at Gringott's, to check a few things out. Do you have any idea how much money I have in my vaults?"
Arthur was taken aback by this. Harry really never talked about money. "Well, I know it's quite a bit. I've heard something about you possibly being the richest wizard there is now."
"Actually, you can drop the possibly. Insofar as the goblins don't really like to give any information out, I was able to find a few things out. When the money from Sirius' will was given to me, I didn't pay much attention. As you can imagine, I had rather a lot going on. What I didn't realize was that the Blacks were quite possibly one of the oldest wizarding families that ever was. As such, they had been accumulating wealth for over twelve centuries, spending only what was necessary. I don't know the figures, but I daresay they could've bought and sold the whole of London, ten times over. I quite literally have more money than I can ever use."
"All very interesting, Harry, but what does this have to do with your project?"
"Well, I came up with an idea while we were in New York. Did Mum tell you the whole reason I asked Ginny to join me in the first place?" At the older man's nod, he continued. "When I looked at that little girl and thought of what her parents might have to go through, I knew I had to do something. You and your family have taught me the true definition of wealth. I mean. it's great not having to worry about money, don't get me wrong. What all of you have shown me is that the money doesn't mean a thing, not one damned thing, unless you do something meaningful with it. Whether you spend it on gifts for family, use it to support a family, whatever.
"So, I came to a decision. I want to start a foundation, that will take care of all of the people left alone, children left as orphans, or families left without their homes, after the war. The only problem is that I don't know how to run anything like that. I need help in setting it up, as well as finding competent people to run and administer it. Is there a way the Ministry could help with that?"
Arthur was unable to draw breath he was so stunned. After a few moments, he collected himself to say, "You have no idea what you've just done, my boy." As Harry looked at him, a worried expression on his face, Arthur's face split into a grin and he said, "My dear boy, you have just made my life, as well as all the people this will help, easier by an order of magnitude." He was animated now, moving around the room. "One of the biggest parts of my job lately has been trying to find ways to take care of the people you just mentioned. There were so many who gave their lives to the cause, so many new orphans, we just haven't been able to find a way to keep up with it all, or the money to do it. You have just handed the solution to me, on a silver platter." He chuckled a bit. "You'll also make Molly very happy with this, as it will cut my hours here in half."
They sat down to work out the details. The James and Lily Potter Memorial Fund would be privately run, with an advisory council that would have final say on all matters. In the event of a tie, the matter would be decided by Harry himself. That would be the only time that he would be required to take an active hand. The remainder of the time, he would sit in on council meetings, as Arthur thought this would be the best way for Harry to learn the business end of things. Harry authorized a bank draft for the sum that would get everything started. The money would go into a trust at Gringott's, with half earmarked for day-to-day expenses, and the other half to be invested, to keep it all self-sufficient. A couple hours later, the fireplace in the office flared green. They both looked up, to see Ginny's face in the flames.
"Are you two finished, yet?"
Harry replied, "Why don't you come on through, love. We're almost finished, but it will be a bit, yet."
A few minutes later, she walked out of the grate. She walked over to the desk, after a quick cleaning charm, to give her boyfriend a kiss. Her arm around him, she gave her father a kiss on the cheek as well.
"So what have my two favorite men been working so hard on?"
Receiving a nod from Harry, Arthur handed her a copy of the preliminary draft for the Fund. She read it through, then read it again. Looking quite stunned, she turned to look at Harry. "Is this real?"
He nodded. "This was the project I wanted to discuss with Dad. I didn't want to say anything, in case it wasn't feasable. Apparently, it is."
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight, murmuring, "I love you. I really really do. How could I not? You are amazing." She couldn't imagine feeling prouder of him than she did right now.
Before they left, Arthur had a word with his secretary, letting her know in no uncertain terms, that Harry and Ginny were both to be allowed direct access to his office, any time they should come by. She poked her head from beneath her desk, and nodded vigorously.
After telling Arthur they would see him at home for dinner, they left the building, to head to Diagon Alley. As soon as they were out of the building, Harry pulled out the motorbike and restored it to full size. They roared off down the alley, and were at the Leaky Cauldron in short order. Once again, as soon as the coast was clear, he reduced the bike and pocketed it, walking in. They talked with Tom, the bartender, for a few minutes, then passed through into the alley behind the pub. Harry tapped the bricks in the wall with his wand, and they stepped through. After passing through, they stood for just a moment, soaking it all in. They had both missed this. As much as they enjoyed visiting other wizarding areas, it just wasn't the same. Maybe it was the people. maybe the smells or just the feel of the place. Whatever, it was another place they thought of as home. They struck off down the street, looking for the lurid colors that would announce Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. They found it quick enough, and walked in.
A head topped with flaming red hair popped up over the counter, and as quickly disappeared. "Oi! Fred! Get out here! It's Harry and Ginny!"
Both Twins came stampeding out to the salesfloor, barely stopping in time to avoid a collision. "So what are you two up to? Having a nice day of shopping?"
"Need supplies to help torment a nasty muggle somewhere?"
"Maybe two or three?"
Harry and Ginny burst out laughing. "Well, actually, I rather thought you would have had a go at them already." He lifted an eyebrow at the Twins.
They grinned at him. George said, "Actually, we'd thought of testing a few new products on them."
"We just didn't think it was fair, for you not to be involved, somehow."
The silent partner in the store asked, "Why don't we go in back for a bit, to toss around a few ideas?"
"Brilliant!" chorused the Twins. "George, lock the door and flip the sign, would you?"
The four of them trooped into the office in back and relaxed into the comfortable chairs around the office.
Harry started off with, "From what I hear, you didn't like those bars they put on my windows one bit, eh?"
Both Twins bristled at this. "Not a bit of it, mate! When we saw that, we couldn't believe it. Who the bloody hell would do that to a child?"
"Well, that gives me an idea."
They both leaned in eagerly. "Do tell."
By the time he had finished explaining, the laughter coming from the office could be heard up and down the length of Diagon Alley.
A/N: As always, thank you to my ever faithful reviewers. I love reading your comments, and some very good points have bee brought up in the reviews. Please keep them coming. The more the merrier, as they say.
Stahchild: To be honest, the only other one I'd ever imagined Luna with, besides Neville, was Ron. That, however, would leave Hermione out in the cold. Personally, I can't see her with anybody other than Ron. I love the Burrow, too. It's the only place Harry gets to see what a real family looks like. Also, as he says when he first sees it, "It's brilliant!"
Sugarbear68: I look forward to seeing your stories. Please let me know when they're up. Thank you for the kind words.
GiGiFanFic: I don't know if there's any process or anything like that for betas. Personally, I haven't used one, so far. Hopefully. it isn't as obvious as it might be. I know what you mean, though. I've seen some absolutely brilliant story ideas completely flop, due to spelling and usage errors that cause you to constantly lose track of what you're trying to read. I don't really have a problem with people writing slash. I just choose not to read it, and definitely prefer for people to lable it as such. I don't see a reason not to, myself.