Of Age
Chapter 4: More Philanthropy
The first thin rays of dawn stretched across the face of a wide awake Harry Potter. He had been up all night, both dreading and longing for the coming day. He spent the hours reliving the past ten days, days that had been the happiest of his life. He had spent nearly half of his astronomical inheritance showering gifts and money on his favorite family, the Weasleys. He had seen them struggle for too long, and the days of second hand robes and tattered books were over. From now on it was nothing but the absolute best for all of them, and that brought a satisfied smile to Harry's face. The party had lasted well into the night, with everyone supremely excited about all the shopping and finery that was soon to come. All the while assuring Mrs. Weasley that they would not get carried away, and that money would certainly not change them.
Harry had spent the next few days visiting the rest of his small group of loyal friends. To Hermione he presented the keys to her very own library. Housed in diagon alley, this was to be the very first public wizarding library, and rivaled even Hogwarts' vast selection of spell, history, and charm books. She was absolutely delighted, and when they opened the doors for the first time, Hermione spent hours combing the stacks like a kid in a candy store.
To the Longbottoms Harry brought an entire crew of wizards. There they began construction of what will become the world's largest greenhouse, and an exact replica of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Fully staffed with herbologists, paid by Harry, this botanical wonderland would be a tribute to the faithful service of Frank and Alice Longbottom. All proceeds from the gardens would go to further research designed to find a cure for their condition. A misty eyed Neville was speechless, but Harry firmly took him by the shoulder saying only, "Someday, we'll have them back Neville, never give up hope."
Luna was a bit more difficult. While Luna showed great faith and bravery in going with Harry and the other's to the Ministry, in truth, Harry didn't know her very well. He decided on an extended holiday. For the next two months, till the start of next term, Luna and her father were to spend their time traveling the globe in search of Snorlacks or whatever fanciful creature Luna could concoct. She was delighted at the news and when she kissed Harry squarely on the mouth (in front of her father no less) Harry blushed as only a Weasley could.
Harry had learned a valuable lesson from one Lucius Malfoy, money talks. The dirty underhanded death eater managed to throw his political weight around the Ministry of Magic thanks in large part to "financial contributions." Therefore, to Dumbledore and the Order, Harry donated 12 Grimmauld place to continue to serve as headquarters. In addition, a stack of gold so high, it'd make the Malfoys seem like paupers. Surely this, with the Ministry's official acceptance that Voldemort had returned, was enough to unify the Order and the Ministry in the fight against the Dark Lord.
All in all it was a very satisfied, hopeful Harry Potter who rolled out of bed. He put on his glasses and careful not to wake Ron, went downstairs to the Weasley kitchen. He was immediately served hot tea, bacon, sausage, and eggs by one of the ten new Weasley house elves (paid house elves mind you), Mrs. Weasley's days of constant labor in the kitchen were over as well. Shortly after he was joined by a very sleepy Ginny, Hermione, and finally Ron. After casual morning pleasantries and "pass the butters," Hermione broached the topic of the day.
"Are you sure you want to do this Harry, I mean we could always…"
"Yes Hermione, today is the day. Let's all go up and get ready, huh? The quicker we get this started the quicker we can be done with it." Thirty minutes later the group were huddled together before the Weasley fireplace. Harry took in the group and smiled, what a difference a fortnight can make. Ron was dressed in new black jeans, shiny new Nike trainers, and an Officially licensed Chudley Cannon's game robe with WEASLEY in black across the back over the number 1. He was sporting a platinum Rolex wristwatch with a beater clubs for hands and a revolving snitch second hand. Next to him was Ginny. Harry was started by how grown up and…well how beautiful she was. Her hair was braided intricately and tightly on her head, and she wore a new bright, colorful cotton sundress. In her ears were beautiful emerald earrings, with a necklace to match that hung teasingly across her chest were her low cut dress showed just a hint of cleavage. Harry stared at that necklace for some time before Ron's uncomfortable cough broke him from his trance. He realized everyone had noticed where his gaze had been directed, and he blushed furiously (as did Ginny). The uncomfortable moment was mercifully broken by the sound of Mrs. Weasley's voice coming through the kitchen.
"Arthur, Arthur where are you, the children are leaving now….Honestly, thank you very much Harry, all he does now is stay out there in that HUGE shop of his tinkering with all those muggle toys he's bought. Honestly, I see less of him than before!" Harry grinned mischievously. Arthur had not given up his job at the Ministry, he enjoyed it too much. He had however, made drastic changes to the number of hours he spent working. He was now spending only three days a week at work, and half days at that. He had spent the rest of his time exploring the contents of an entire Radioshack, which Harry had helped him buy to satisfy his love for all things muggle.
With a promise to return before supper, Harry was the first to step into the fireplace towards the first of their two stops of the day, 4 Privet Drive.
