Chapter 2
Professor Dumbledore told Harry that Tonks, Hestia, and Kingsley would take him to Privet Drive where he should collect his belongings. He would be taken to Grimmauld place where he would spend the rest of the summer.
"I don't like that place," said Harry.
Professor Dumbledore looked at his troubled young friend. "No, I didn't think that you would be overly fond of it. However, it now belongs to you. I have asked Director Bones to grant you a provisional magical license, partly due to your status as an unattached minor, partly for your own safety, and partly to allow you to use magic to remodel the house into something that is more pleasing to you. Did you have the opportunity to visit the goblins before you were collected to come here?"
Tonks shook her head.
Dumbledore nodded. "I see. Then you should make arrangements to return to Gringotts immediately after we are done here."
Professor Dumbledore considered his words for a moment. "Miss Weasley, your mother said that you might be willing to stay there as well to keep Mr. Potter company for the summer. Auror Tonks will be guarding the house. As such, Director Bones has also granted you a provisional magic license for the summer. You both will receive training for several hours each day. I do not want to repeat the mistake of forcing you to be locked up for the summer. We will find a way to let you out once a week. I will also send Dobby and Winky along to help you. They may be of great use in cleaning up your home, shopping, and remodeling it to your taste. Please accept this offer."
Harry looked at Ginny. "You don't have to do this you know."
Ginny was a bit hurt at his words, but realized that Harry wasn't sending her away, just giving her an option. "I'd be happy to if you wouldn't mind my being there. I promise I won't be a bother."
Harry turned a bit red. "Thanks. You could never be a bother."
Dumbledore let them finish. "As long as you're out right now, and we are in central London, you may want to do some shopping after you conclude your business at Gringotts. Can we meet back here at four? That is six hours from now. I will work out some of the details with Director Bones, and portkey you to your home.
They spent about an hour at Gringotts. It turned out that Griphook was one of the Goblins that handled the estate transfers. As such, Ragnot assigned him to be Harry's personal banker. Griphook explained that the Black estate currently consisted of the property at Grimmauld place, investments, a smaller property in Ireland, and some cash in the vault. Given the difficulties of Black's legal status, most of the business partnership investments had been quietly liquidated in the last year or so. Griphook was uncertain of the personal property and household goods at Grimmauld place, but advised Harry that Sirius had made several substantial withdrawals in the last year. He recommended contacting Mr. Mundungus Fletcher, who specialized in the liquidation of large wizarding estates. He also recommended that Harry secure the advice of several trusted witches or wizards before deciding which if any household items to sell or dispose of.
He gave Harry a summarized listing of the Black estate
Property
Grimmauld Place – London
Westbury Road – Cork
Investments
25 interest in Nimbus Corporation
5 interest in St. Andrew Old Course Hotels Ltd
Cash – 20,000 Galleons
In all honesty, Harry was a bit surprised; first that Sirius had so little cash in his account. Not that he expected, wanted, or even needed the money; he simply assumed that the Black estate would have been a bit larger. Harry hoped that the property in Cork was a bit less gloomy then Grimmauld Place. Harry was also surprised to know that he now owned part of a racing broom company. He would make use of that later.
Finally Griphook presented the papers that Dumbledore, and Bones had previously signed, stating that Harry would become an emancipated minor. In other words, rather than become a ward of a wizarding orphanage, Harry was now considered a legal adult. He could sign contracts, and had all of the privileges and responsibilities of an adult wizard. He could test for an apparation license, a driver's license, or anything that he wanted to do. Griphook asked if Harry had any questions. Curious, Harry asked if his own parents had written a Will like Sirius had. Griphook said that he didn't know, but would check into it for him, and let him know within a week.
Asking what else he could do to help Harry immediately, Harry asked him to transfer the contents of the Black vault into his own, withdrew another 5,000 Galleons and converted them to 22,000 Pounds Sterling. On the way out, Tonks poked him in the side and said, "Harry, it's not really my business, but that is a lot of cash to be carrying around. Did you have something specific in mind, or did you just want an obscene amount of walking around money?"
Harry felt a bit embarrassed over having taken so much money with him. "Both actually. I lived most of my life with less than two quid in my pocket, and now I need to do quite a bit of shopping."
"OK Harry. We have about five hours left until we need to get back. We can probably get everything that we need at Harrods. Seeing as you have a bit of cash burning a hole in your pocket, Ginny and I will be happy to help you spend it." Both women looked at Harry with lusty grins on their faces, then winked at him. In the cab ride over to Harrods, she gave them both printed business cards. "Have everything that you purchase delivered to this address. It will get delivered to us within a day."
"OK." Neither Harry nor Ginny had ever been to Harrods. Indeed, Harry had rarely been to any store in the non-magical world other than to carry packages that his aunt had gotten for Dudley. In the cab ride over, Harry handed Tonks two thousand Pounds of his money, and asked that she get Ginny everything that she would need. A second later, he handed her a second portion and asked that she get herself anything that she would need as well. They both agreed to meet back after an hour.
Neither woman had ever had anywhere near this much money to use for a one day shopping spree. Ginny had received comparatively few new items in her life, and felt guilty about it until Tonks assured her that Harry was quite wealthy, and simply was trying to be nice, giving them the things that they would need for the stay. Once the guilt had vanished, both women had a fantastic time trying on and selecting every style of clothing from pretty knickers to sweat sox.
Harry found his way to the young men's area and was quickly helped by a very attractive young woman. Harry explained that he needed more or less everything, and that he liked darker colors. She had a bit of fun with him measuring him all over and started working. An hour later, he had several large packages with four oxford shirts, several casual shirts, two sweatshirts, two sets of workout clothing, three pair of blue and black jeans, shorts, several belts, casual slacks, a dozen pair of white and dark sox, boxers, Doctor Martins, black loafers, two pair of trainers, and two pair of silk pajamas. Harry liked the choices that she had made. He gave the young woman the address to send the items to, and paid her. He thanked her for helping him with the selections. She smiled at him. "No problem, luv. You'll look fantastic in your new things. If you have a few more minutes, perhaps you would like to get a suit for more formal occasions." Harry agreed, and five minutes later was chalked up. She picked out a slate gray three-button suit that he looked very good in, and a tie. Last but not least, she found a stainless steel Breitling Windrider watch for him, assuring him that it kept good time and was waterproof. His wallet considerably lighter, she thanked him again, and he met up with Tonks and Ginny who both seemed absolutely delighted with their selections.
Harry asked Tonks if there were any household items that they would need. She was sure that there were several pieces of furniture that they would need, but suggested that they hold off until they look the place over and get things sorted out. She suggested that he purchase a cell phone and several spare batteries. Harry bought them a nice lunch at Tom's, sitting in a back room. After lunch they went to Florish and Botts to get their schoolbooks, a few other books that Tonks suggested, more parchment and a few other items. Harry insisted that Ginny pick out an owl, both because he wanted to get her one, but also because Tonks had pointed out that Hedwig was very easy to spot. Again they gave the address to have the items shipped. Finally Harry bought six cases of butterbeer from Tom.
While Tonks, Harry and Ginny were getting new clothing, Dumbledore and Amelia were compiling a list of suspects in the murder of Harry's relatives. Dumbledore voiced his opinion that he considered it unlikely that the Dursleys themselves were the targets. Rather he thought it more likely that the assassin mistakenly believed that Harry would have been accompanying them. Bones suggested that Healer Pomfrey pay Harry a visit in a few days to check up on him
Finally it was time to meet up with Dumbledore. He had made them a portkey to get them from Privet Drive to Grimmauld place, and made certain that Harry had the key to the Black house. While Ginny and Harry were ordering a few last items from Tom, Dumbledore advised Tonks that aside from Dobby, Winky, Pomfrey, and Remus, they should expect no visitors for at least the next few weeks.
The four of them used a portkey to get into the empty living room at Privet Drive. Dumbledore advised Harry to be certain to take all of his belongings, as he would not be returning. Dumbledore looked at the faded shade on the window in Harry's bedroom, the rags in his closet, and the worn out bedspread on his little bed, and felt ashamed for the way that Harry's relatives had treated him. Aside from his Hogwarts items the only thing Harry took with him was a photo of himself and Dudley taken a few days after the dementor attack last summer. Harry sent Hedwig to Hermione, explaining what had happened, and asking that she send Hedwig to Hogwarts for the holidays with a note to McGonagall asking about seventh year transfiguration reading materials. After Harry sent Hedwig on her way, Dumbledore shrunk her cage, and Harry placed it in his trunk. Next he shrunk Harry's trunk, so that it fit into his pocket. In the kitchen, Harry inexplicably opened the cupboard under the stairway and stared into it for a full minute before closing the door. No one said a word as they watched him close a chapter of his life. Finally he said, "I'm ready." Wishing the three of them luck, Dumbledore activated the portkey that they were holding. A moment later Tonks, Harry and Ginny were standing inside the car park behind Grimmauld place.
Harry opened the envelope that Dumbledore had just given him and read the parchment. He placed the silver key into the lock of the door and said, "I Harry Potter take possession of this house." He opened the door and the three of them walked in. If Harry thought that the house was run down and dirty the previous summer, it was nothing like the dusty condition that it was in now.
Looking around, it occurred to Harry that his life had changed forever. His life with the Dursleys had never been warm or loving, but it was what he had known. Tears welled in his eyes. Tonks was looking around, but Ginny had been watching Harry closely. Not wanting to overstep, she walked up behind him and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks for a really fun day Harry. Let's look around for a bit."
Harry took a steadying breath and said, "Thanks Ginny. I'll catch up in a minute. I need to finish reading this note from Dumbledore." He sat down on a wooden bench.
"OK. I'll be in the kitchen."
Harry read the note.
Dear Harry,
Enclosed please find two keys for your home. The larger silver key will unlock the door. After you place the key in the lock, say "I Harry Potter take possession of this house." That will give you control over all of the wards within the house, except for the Fildious charm that I cast to keep the home hidden. Should you need to let someone in for the first time, show them the slip of parchment that I had you place in your wallet.
Number 12 Grimmauld place is part of a row of brownstone brick buildings built about 1900. The neighborhood itself appears safe. Most of the units have been subdivided over the years to allow them to be affordable to the younger families that make up most of your neighbors. (Then again, relative to me, almost everyone seems younger) There is a grocery store along with some shops, smaller restaurants and an American restaurant, Pizza Hut 2-3 blocks to the west of your building.
I asked Amelia to quietly disconnect the fireplace from the floo network. I created several portkeys and left them on the first floor fireplace mantle for your use. Their respective destinations are marked. Tapping them twice with your wand can activate them. I recommend that you position them around your home for emergency use after you have sorted out the place.
Harry I want to tell you how much I now regret placing you with your Aunt fifteen years ago. While she kept you alive and protected in her care, I have come to realize that you deserved so much more. Once I placed you there, I lost most rights to interfere. I had so hoped that she would have provided you the love that you deserved. I am truly sorry. I am certain that Molly or any number of families would have willingly taken you in. I simply say that they were very dangerous times, and I needed to act quickly. I observe that you are the most well grounded young man that I have ever met in terms of values, courage, and self-discipline. I am proud to call you my friend.
As you rummage through your home, please consider categorizing your belongings into five categories:
Items that you wish to keep
Items that you wish to give away
Items that you wish to have sold
Items that you wish to vanish
Potentially dangerous or dark objects
Please do not feel obligated to keep anything that you do not like, or does not suit you. Sirius felt no attachment to 95 of the items in the house. His ancestors acquired them, not him. The Gringotts estate banker may have mentioned that Mundungus can sell any of the items for you and get a good price at a very reasonable fee. The smaller key will open any of the locks within the home. I have made arrangements to have Kreacher brought to Hogwarts tomorrow.
Dobby and Winky have both asked me if they could go and work for you. Of course you have my blessing in this matter, but it is not needed. They are free elves. I believe they would be very happy working for you. One or two Galleons a week is as much remuneration as they would accept. If you take them in, please insist that one of the rooms be theirs, so they do not gravitate to the boiler or laundry room for their sleeping quarters, as is their nature. In the event Miss Granger visits you, you will be much happier having done so.
Last, and if you believe that I am overstepping my bounds as your friend, I apologize in advance. Molly placed an extraordinary amount of trust in you, charging you with the care of her only daughter. I know that you will treat Miss Weasley with the respect that she deserves.
Your friend,
Albus
Harry considered Dumbledore's words carefully. Of course he would keep Ginny safe. She was his friend. Dobby and Winky might be able to do wonders in this place. Kreacher certainly hadn't. What would Hermione think? Was there anything wrong with employing someone? Harry didn't think so. He wondered what it was that house elves could really do? He would have to ask Dobby and Winky sometime. He went into the kitchen to find Tonks and Ginny.
The kitchen was in the best condition of the rooms that he had visited. It had an oak rectangular table that easily seated ten people. Being an old wizarding house, there was no electricity. The home used the old style gas lights for lighting. As a result, the home was dark, gloomy, and the ceilings were blackened by years of soot from the lamps. The gas stove in the kitchen worked normally. The old icebox was enchanted never to need ice. Part of it would keep food frozen, the other part was just above freezing, similar to the electric refrigerator on Privet Drive. The kitchen itself was quite spacious. There were glasses, stainless flatware, stoneware, cookware, and mugs that had been purchased recently, probably for use by the Order, as there was service for twenty-four.
Tonks, Harry, and Ginny collectively wrote a grocery list – Orange juice, bacon, sausages, coffee, Diet Pepsi, tea, cocoa, soups, vegetables, lettuce, fresh fruits, pasta, sauce, meats, canned items, butter, breads, popcorn, salt, soap, shampoo, and the like filled it out. Harry agreed to stay in the house with the door locked. Ginny and Tonks said that they would be back in about an hour.
Harry started to look around the dining room and the large entertaining room. He decided to follow Dumbledore's advice and sort the items into various piles. He carefully placed the silver service, china plates, lead crystal and the like into one pile that he designated the "sell" pile. Each of the items was marked with the Black family crest, and was quite beautiful in its own right. In total there was service for sixty. He couldn't picture Sirius having enjoyed any of these things, and there was nothing like them in Harry's personal frame of reference. He didn't think that Remus would want the china, and the silver would be deadly to him. It was best to sell it.
Harry rather liked the large room, but the wood had a much darker dark chocolate colored finish than he liked. Actually the entire house was much darker than he liked. He wondered if the Blacks had a dislike of anything light in color? Perhaps Dobby could lighten it up. He also wanted to get electric installed into the house. He recalled a conversation with Professor Flitwick once about that. He decided to write him and inquire about how to get it done.
About that time, Tonks and Ginny came back. Ginny was carrying a small shopping basked with what looked like six paper sandwich lunch bags in it. Ginny took them out of the basket, and Tonks showed her how to magically resize them. Ginny asked Harry where he wanted the different items put away.
Harry made dinner, while Tonks and Ginny continued working in the dining room. When it was ready, they had spaghetti, salad, French bread, and sodas. After dinner Ginny cleared the dishes, and floated them back to their places, taking about a minute. Harry showed them the great room, and as he did, an idea came to him – a billiards table, several sofas, TV, DVD player, CD player. It would be a great place to have friends over, but again, it needed to be lightened up considerably. After he was done explaining his vision for the room, Tonks took them up to the study on the third level. Harry used the little key to unlock the door. He used his wand to light a fire in the fireplace.
Tonks talked with them about a future schedule. "After we get settled in for a few days, we can exercise in the morning, have breakfast, have lessons, work on defense and have a late lunch. We can continue on home renovations and study up for a few hours after dinner. Harry, do you want to look at any of the other rooms tonight, or have you had enough?"
It had been a long day, starting out with a morning outing with Ginny, then hearing about his relatives deaths, getting a magical practice license, spending more money in one day than he had in his entire life, moving out of Privet Drive and into here. He was tired. "No thanks. I'd just like to get some sleep."
"OK Harry." She conjured three squashy sleeping bags and pillows. "We'll sleep in here tonight, and take on the rest of the world tomorrow. Ginny and I are going to get changed. We'll be back in a bit." They left. Harry wasn't quite sure what to do. Their new clothing wouldn't arrive until tomorrow. Harry remembered that he had his school trunk still shrunk in his pocket. He expanded it, and found his pajamas. He quickly put them on. A few minutes later, Ginny and Tonks came in each wearing one of Sirius' shirts, which came down to mid thigh on them. Speechless for a moment, Harry recovered, saying that they looked better on them than Sirius. Each of the women kissed Harry on either cheek, and wished him very pleasant dreams.