Disclaimer: I own nothing but a few Hobgoblins that are still sneaking around.
Chapter 5
Revelations
A Hobgoblin walks into a barely lit room, books and parchments scattered throughout. He shields his eyes from the light and uses his dark vision to look around. He spots another Hobgoblin, his master, at a desk, writing on fine parchment paper. As the Hobgoblin approaches the desk, he bows and slides over a piece of paper.
"They have accepted master."
"How many were lost?"
"The messenger was spared."
"How many escorts?"
"There were six escorts. Their heads now adorn his walls as we speak."
"You know we will need him to make this successful."
"I'm not sure I do understand master, as the price may be too high. Even if he is your brother, how many will survive the trip? He has started to kill his own people, and his followers obey him like a messiah."
With a heavy sigh, the older Hobgoblin put down his pen, and stared at the younger hobgoblin, "we have the means to get back to the mainland, but no means to secure a safe passage back through the cave at Durness. For this, we need warriors, as they will need to maintain a security ring for us to cast the spell to reopen the caves. This ceremony will take our entire house to cast it, and will leave us vulnerable for many hours. We do not know what technology the humans have developed, but it will be something that even those from the House of Works will be amazed with. They are still perfecting the sling bow, which is only accurate up to 300 paces and is very slow to reload. I am afraid that this departure will be a one-way trip. Lord Gryffindor's only mistake was not destroying us, leaving that chance we may escape. He had warned us that he was giving us this opportunity to save ourselves. Now we will repay him tenfold for his treatment of our people, but only if we can make it back and resurrect the pacts with our allies. Go and prepare for the arrival of the houses, as they will expect a great feast, and a lot of blood."
With this, the Hobgoblin returned to his parchment as the other one backed out of the door, and closed it behind him.
Harry was walking through a park, looking around at the familiar people, but unable to clearly identify each one. As he approaches a fountain, he notices a man talking to a beautiful woman. Suddenly she gets up and pushes him into the water and storms off, leaving this fellow to get out of the water by himself. He is Sirius
"What is so funny?" asked Sirius.
"Sirius, what are you doing here? I mean by the looks of things, I imagine that I'm probably unconscious in the infirmary." asked Harry.
"That's right you are, and if it were up to me, I would be kicking your arse for doing that to us, although that was an amazing catch. Actually, the reason that I am here, is that normally when your automatic defenses go up when you are sleeping or unconscious, no one can get in too send you a message. Since you are not only unconscious, but totally spent, out of juice, high and dry, no wax left in your candle,..."
"I get it already! When did you become so annoying?"
"When it became clear that not only were you your Mother's boy with those bedroom green eyes the woman swoon over, but you were as cunning as your Dad, suave and debonair like me, and smart like Lupin. I figure it was my job to do it as you can't hurt me since I'm dead anyway."
"I didn't even think you could spell debonair? Anyways, there are worse things then being dead, so remember that."
"Hey I'm your godfather, allow me some respect. And what do you mean their are worst things?"
"Sorry, but that is my ace in the whole."
"Anyways, the reason you're here, or more precisely, the reason I'm here is to warn you that trouble is brewing from an ancient enemy of your family, oh, and to congratulate you on your proposal. And if I'm not mistaken, she should be getting you to wake up...now.
Harry felt himself being sucked back into his body. The heat was intense but familiar. It was the same heat he discovered years ago at the battle in Romania where he and Ginny had been trapped by a landslide, and Harry had been badly injured. He had just saved a friend of his, one who he had witnessed the birth of in Hagrid's hut back in his first year: Norbert. Harry and his band of brothers and sisters went to help Charlie out when a bunch of Death Eaters decided to attack his camp. Harry had managed to get everyone out of the way except Ginny who refused to leave him behind. Harry had created a shield to hold up tons of rock, but as the weight started to crush Harry, Ginny just put her hands on Harry's chest and allowed herself to freely transfer her power into his, knowing that her life depended on his success, and although her power were above those of her school mates, it was just a drop in the ocean compared to Harry, but to Harry, it felt like wave that took out Atlantis. Her powers were magnified such that not only did Harry heal all his minor wounds, he was able to convert his shield into a bubble just expanded until all the rocks had been removed. When that was that was all said and done, he picked up Ginny, looked deep into her eyes and kissed her; as a wave of passion swept through him, he knew that he had found the love his soul ached for. He had never felt anything like that, even though he had tried dating and such other women during the summer after his fifth year and in early sixth year, this was on an entirely new level.
Light was burning his eyes even though his eyes were closed. He could here noise that were people talking, but then one voice broke through, and he followed it home.
"Open your eyes Harry." Cooed the soft voice. "Hurry and come back so that I can knock you on your butt. How dare you pull something like that? Was it worth it to have me suffer like that? Make everyone sick over seeing you crash into the wall. Thank god Professor Snape remembered that cushioning spell or else we'd be scrapping you off like..."
With a smile, Harry opened his eyes to find a red haired beauty with soul sucking brown eyes looking down on him, her hands resting on his heart. Although he did not need his glasses anymore, he was still unable to focus on anything but Ginny.
"Sorry love, it just got out of hand. I was going to sit out for a while, but you know how I am."
"Someday that hero thing you have will really make me upset. How are you feeling? You have to see yourself, you look like crap." Ginny said this with a smile, as not too many would speak to Harry in such a tone. Harry took a few deep breaths as he tasted the potions that had been applied while unconscious. Before the final battle with Voldemort, it had been very hard for anyone to apply a potion to someone unconscious, as they would mostly choke on it. Harry had Hermione and Ginny work out a way for an Imperious type spell that would enable a person unconscious to drink a potion. Once this spell was developed, it was only passed along to qualified personnel who were properly screened to ensure secrecy. This enabled medical people the chance to effectively start to heal a person more quickly, which in the past relied on people needing to wake up before they could be helped. During the war, many wounded were healed before they awoke, enabling them to go back to the grind of battle. Harry smiled at Hermione who he knew had cast the spell, as the more powerful the wizard, the harder the spell was; only four people alive (known) could possibly cast that spell to affect Harry, and three were in the room: Ginny, Hermione and Snape, while Headmistress McGonagall was still at Hogwarts, or was yesterday anyways. It was not that they were more powerful then Harry, although Harry had lost much of his power when Voldermort was destroyed, it was just that these four people shared a bond that stretched beyond comprehension, and although Ron also shared that bond with Harry, he was not in the same class of wizarding skills as the rest of him and was unable to cast it. Ron had proved he was as powerful as any of them when it counted; ask any Giant that encountered Ron on the battlefield from the first wave.
"Ginny, maybe you get off of me please? I am still waiting for your answer, as I am sure the rest of the gang is anxious to know your answer."
"Lord Gryffindor, it would be my honor and privilege to accept your offer of marriage. You do realize though you are not just marrying me, but my whole family, as one comes with the other."
"I would not dream of it being any other way."
Harry and Ginny kissed a deep passionate kiss that still made everyone believe it was as righteous as life itself. The love they shared was not bound by just physical aspects, but was so deep that it was almost unearthly
"Excuse me Mr. Potter, but if you are up to it, we would like to present the trophy to the team." This came from an older gentleman who actually looked a lot like Dumbledore did, with a lot less twinkling and no beard.
"You are right Mr. Evans, sorry." Harry replied.
"Harry, is that not the gentleman you met over dinner earlier last year?"
"Yes it was, and wait until you see the surprise I have in store for you my love. Maybe it will make up for the fact that I scared you, maybe just a little."
"We'll see."
Harry got out of the bed a little unsteady and was helped by Ron, as he was his mate, and it was just an accepted fact. Harry's left arm was bandaged so as to not shift too much, as his right knee. The procession made there way out to the stands, where the crowd gave a roaring cheer at the sight of Harry, with his new fiancée beside him, making his way to the center of the pitch. First Harry's team approached to give him a shake and raise him over their heads as he was the reason they had won. Next, the Puddlemere players came up to him and after congratulating him on his victory, both on the field and in life, they also raised him in the air, to the cheering laughter of the fans. Once that was all said and done, the referee came over and congratulated all the players. He then handed the stage to Ron, as it was his responsibility to present the trophy and the prize money to the winner.
"Thank you everyone for coming out to the HGP field, to enjoy one of the best games ever played in the history of Quidditch. I am sure that everyone here would like to give a round of applause to all the players here today."
The crowd gave another roar.
Holding a large trophy of a Quidditch field with moving players, he continued "I would like to present this Trophy to this year's winner of the U.K. cup the Chuddley Canons." Again the crowd roared with approval of a speedy speech, as many fans were very tired and wanted to go home and either sleep (Puddlemere supporter), or go and get ready for the party that about to be held everywhere yellow and orange were displayed.
"I present you Oliver Wood, captain."
"Thank you sir, and thank you everyone here today to help cheer on such a wonderful game. This sport owes much of its success to all the spectators out there, who just love a good match, and a good match it was. On behalf of myself and the rest of the team, thank you."
Ron continued, "Now I would like to thank everyone here today, including our major sponsor Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, for their contribution, and present this cheque to the owner of the Canons, representing HGP Enterprises Mr. Evans."
It was not known who the owner of the canons were. Mr Evans had been the company representative for all events, and he had never divulged that information. The company had started last year right after the final battle with Voldemort. It was not surprising, as many companies started up after the dark lord was defeated. It had been speculated that the company was owned by a consortium of wizards, and had made front page news in the Prophet. At the beginning, many people wanted to know who the owners were, and as it appeared that the company was growing larger and larger, people were interested in just investing with the company, which was flatly denied. The company was a major contributor to worthwhile charities, and so, the company became old news and was largely forgotten.
Mr. Evans got up and walked toward Ron, and whispered to him, "Sir, the owner himself is here if you would like to present it to him personally."
"But Mr. Evans, are you sure, as the owners box was filled with the kids from the orphanage again?"
"I am sure of myself Sir, as I have spoken to him."
Ron turned to the crowd, "well, it appears we have a bit of a surprise today, as the owner of HGP Enterprise is actually here at the game today. Would Mister...." Whispering out of the corner of his mouth, Ron asked Mr. Evans the name of the owner, as he had no record of it. "Harold"
"Would Mister Harold please come forward to claim your prize and allow everyone in the Wizarding world to finally put a face to such a wonderful person."
While everyone anticipated the owner of HGP Enterprise, Hermione looked to Ginny and asked, "Ginny, had you ever met this person before?"
"No, but I did meet this Mr. Evans before when he approached me to tell me that he had a way of helping me out with my request for the orphanage. He told me that the new owner of the Canons would not be using the owners box this year, as he did not feel comfortable with the attention he would get, so he gave me the box to be used for the children. I had asked to meet the Owner, even so far as asking Harry if he could arrange it, but the reply to Harry had been that it was impossible. So I just sent a Thank You note and left it at that."
Ron and Mr. Evans stood on the stage and looked towards the crowd, waiting patiently. No one noticed Harry making his way to the front of the stage, as it had been one of his ability he developed to move without notice.
Ron noticed Harry behind him, "Harry, do you know this Harold fellow? Why does he not want to step forward?"
"He's here Ron," answered Harry with a small smile on his lips.
Ron looked around the stage, actually looking around Harry with a questionable look on his face. Frustrated, he asks "Where?"
"Right in front of you." At this point, Ginny and Hermione had both caught on that Harry was Harold; half the stadium and most of the players had caught on. Ron was still looking for this person so that he could finally get this show over with, letting his frustration get the better of him. Sensing that Ron might do something silly, Harry grabbed the large cheque (similar to the way they did in the muggle world). Ron was about to pull the cheque out Harry's hand, when he noticed everyone else was smiling and Harry was winking at him. "Harry, do you own the Canons?"
"Surprise!"
At this point the reporters moved in and snapped pictures of Harry holding a cheque for over 200,000 Galleons. The questions also started: "Mr. Potter, why did you buy the team? Why did you not want people to know? What are you going to do with the money? Are you planning on staying on as the team seeker, and did you feel you could use your influence as the owner to make the team? What are your plans for the future? After your performance today, will you play for England if called upon? Mr Potter, how do you feel?"
As Harry's manager, Ginny stood up and approached the reporters; "Harry will be holding a formal interview within the next few days, as he needs time to rest. Those who will be chosen will receive an invitation. Now why we don't let the team get some rest and everyone's questions will be answered in due time."
Ginny put he arm around Harry and was about to help him back, when harry whispered in her ear and turned back to the reporters. Ginny got a little worried look, as if she was not sure what Harry was about to say, and it would only increase his tension of being in the spot light.
"Actually, I would like to answer two of those questions. One, what will I do with the money? The money will all go towards the 'Down With Voldemort Recovery Fund' for those who were affected by the battle with Voldemort. Two, I feel great, just a little tired" Harry answered. Harry looked towards Ginny with a smile on his face, as she stared at him with disbelief in her eyes; she had started this project as part of a Study course newly available for seventh year students to study the rise and fall of Lord Voldemort and other dark wizards and how to best fight them. It was a sort of introductory course to become an Auror, and used the idea that if someone cares for their community, they would work harder to fight for it. This project was also done with the help Hermione who had done most of the research into setting up the fund, and Harry's help with setting up the proper bank account with Gringotts.
The crowd exploded with cheering at hearing this news, elated by the fact that even after leading the main group in the battle against the Dark Lord, and even fighting against a publicity slandering campaign from within the Ministry, Harry Potter still managed to give back to the people. The Recovery Fund was not limited to just the wizarding world, but to Muggle world also. Ginny believed, as did Harry and friends, that Muggles were the ones most affected by this war; they were not aware of the cause of the violence against them as most wizards did, or at least that had accepted the Dark Lord's return.
Harry turned around and gave Ginny a very big kiss, and then the rest of the teams, friends and family came and congratulated him. "OK guys, tonight 7 PM at my place, I will have food and drinks." Turning to Ron, Harry asked, "Ron can you help us get out of here?"
Ron got that serious look he has, nodded to Harry, and spoke within a tiny microphone (wizard equivalent) and told his security people to mobilize. It was easier to get the group outside the wards so they could Disparate then to bring them down. It had taken Ron's group over a week of preparation to put up the spells for this game, and it will probably take them another week to bring them down; to prevent anyone from giving away the information, Hermione found a way to throw in a little chaos spin that would change the spell in such a way that the person who put up the spell could not bring it down without breaking it. This is how the spell breakers earned their pay.
Harry and company made their way outside the stadium surrounded by a ring of security personnel, mainly made up of Aurors and members of the Order of Phoenix. Order member had voted unanimously to stay together and help other nations deal with any 'Dark Lord' problems, and were now being funded by the Ministry. As the group arrived to the departure point, Harry waved to the crowd of well-wishers, and Disparated with Ginny in hand. After that, everyone but Ron left, as Ron still had some work to do. He told Hermione he would be back by lunch, and she told him she would have a hot bath waiting for him.
He started back for his temporary office to review the match, and sign off on the paperwork. With the overtime required for this match, he was even considering asking Harry for some of the ticket sales as had been done in the past to help cover cost, but now that he remembers it, Harry, or HGP Enterprise had kept the seat prices reasonable so that everyone could have the opportunity to see the match. Even the advertisers were limited to a few so that the game would not need to be interrupted with advertising spots. Hermione had commented to Ron during the game, that she found that most of the company's visible were those that Harry had an interest in, thinking he may have used his influence with the owner(s). He had a knack for the right investment.
After the war, Harry recognized that many shopkeepers had left Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and other Wizarding communities, so for a share of the profits, Harry started lending money to any student with a good and sound business plan, who would open up a business; he had learned that it was good business to allow people to fulfill their dreams, as it had worked out quite well with George and Fred. After all, his relationship with Gringotts was better then any other Human had, plus his connections at the Ministry allowed paperwork to be processed quite quickly. Harry now owned 20 percent of the retail property in Diagon Alley, plus many apartments. He had even gone as far as helping Draco Malfoy maintain hold of some legitimate companies his family had held. After the war, all properties and holdings of Death Eaters, including bank accounts, were seized by the Ministry to fund the reconstruction of buildings destroyed during the battle, the way of life for the wizarding community, and even some funds were directed towards Muggles that had suffered. Combined with the Fund Ginny had set-up, many people had been able to start rebuilding their lives. Harry had convinced the Ministry that some leniency should be put forth to protect unsuspecting family members, or in Draco's case, those that helped them defeat the Dark Lord. Although Draco and his mom had lost three quarters of their holdings after the sweep, they were still considered quite wealthy. They did not waste anytime though in securing their future, as they greedily bought up seized assets from the ministry. It had been quite a rare sight to see both Harry and Draco at the opening ceremony for the new Butterbeer factory near London. When it was discovered that Voldemort, through front companies, owned the rights to Butterbeer, the Ministry decided to hold an auction for it. As many foreign interests started looking towards buying the rights, Harry and Draco decided to put forth a legitimate bid to keep Butterbeer an English company. Their success helped establish a new movement, as both were able to put aside their 'school' differences to make things work. Draco was now the main person at the Butterbeer Company, as Harry did not want to partake in the day-to-day running of the company and stayed on as a silent partner.
Ron looked at the time and discovered it was already eleven thirty. Finishing up the last of the paperwork and placing it in the done pile, he left his temporary office and made his way out. He could see the clean up crew making great progress. He smiled, as he knew most of the garbage was recyclable and would not harm the environment. Hermione had suggested that, as the Muggle world was heavy into recycling, that maybe we should too. Ron had ensured that all vendors followed strict guidelines as to the material they used. As Ron made it outside the stadium, he had to concentrate hard to ensure he didn't splinch himself, hoping that a warm bath and a nap would prepare him for tonight's party.
Back at Godric Hollow, Harry and Ginny arrived to a room full of decorations. Since Dobby was not restricted to the wards at the stadium, he immediately came back and prepared for Harry's arrival. In the short time it took Harry and Ginny to make it back, Dobby had started cooking some breakfast, and he also prepared a steaming bath for two. Dobby felt the two arrive and popped over to see them. As Dobby could sense Harry and Ginny arrive, so could Harry sense Dobby.
"Hello Dobby, did you enjoy the game? By the way, we will be having guest coming over tonight. Now, that bacon is calling for me, so let's eat."
Ginny and Dobby just stared at Harry as he started to eat. They could not believe he still had energy to eat after what he had endured. Ginny felt her stomach growl and dug in to eat. Once done, they went upstairs where they took a leisurely whirlpool bath. Harry had found a way to enchant their bath to act as a whirlpool, which they had both found very relaxing.
While relaxing, Ginny leaned over and kissed him. He kissed her back more passionately, which started rapidly to escalate into a very energetic love making session, ending as quickly as it had started. They toweled themselves off and went into the bedroom. As both got into bed, Ginny climbed on top of Harry and whispered to him that it was her turn to enjoy the ride. Harry just closed his eyes and smiled. Ginny noticed Harry smile as he closed his eyes and picked up the pace.
After a short period of time, "Harry, are you asleep? Harry?" Ginny didn't know what to do, as this had never happened before, and as she was so close to reaching her peak, she just kept on going; I mean, was is a girl suppose to do in that kind of situation. Once done, she slipped off him and cuddled up, quickly falling off to a deep, dreamless sleep.
