Chapter Twenty-Nine: Samuel Potter
The next morning, Harry awoke to the feeling of his scar burning.
'He's just mad because he doesn't know the prophecy,' thought Harry to himself as he left for breakfast.
"That was a long night," said Harry as he sat and the mail came.
Harry noticed Hedwig flying in as she dropped him a letter.
Mr. Potter,
For the potion you described, I would recommend a seven inch tail hair from a fully grown male unicorn. Good luck to you and your friends and take care.
Mr. Ollivander
Harry groaned.
"What is it?" asked Hermione.
"Well, I've got good news and bad news. Which would you prefer?" asked Harry.
"We could use some good news," said Ron.
"The good news is that we know the dimensions of our unicorn hair," said Harry.
"And the bad news?" asked Neville.
"The bad news is that we can't ask Ginny for it. The hairs must be from a fully grown male unicorn," said Harry as his friends groaned.
"Go figure," said Katie.
"Hey, Neville, you ready for your task?" asked Ron attempting to suppress a chuckle.
"Just remember: this potion is to help others, therefore your intentions are good and you should have no problem getting the ingredients," said Harry, "You better take Hagrid with you, just in case."
"Yeah, see you guys later," said Neville as he left for the grounds.
"Now all that's left is the experimentation," said Ron brightly.
"Easy for you to say," said Harry gloomily, "I'd better go see Strindell about getting a boggart."
"I'll go with you," said Katie.
Harry and Katie traveled to the third floor in silence. When they got into the Defense classroom, they knocked on the Professor's study door. There was no answer.
"Where do you think he is?" asked Katie.
"Let's find out," said Harry, "Accio Marauder's Map."
Within seconds, the map was flying through the classroom into Harry's hands.
"What's that?" asked Katie.
"You've never seen this before? I thought I showed it to you at some point," said Harry, "This is my legacy. Remember the Marauders? This is the map of Hogwarts that they created. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
The familiar words began to scroll over the parchment.
"Who were the real Marauders?" asked Katie, "Ron and Hermione only told me their nicknames."
"Well, you see Prongs here?" asked Harry, "Prongs was my dad. Padfoot, here, was my godfather Sirius Black. He died last year. Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew. He's worse than dead, he betrayed my parents to their deaths. Those three were all Animagi. Prongs was a stag, Padfoot was a dog, and Wormtail was a rat. Moony is the only one of the four who isn't an Animagus. He remains to this day a very cautious werewolf."
"Has he ever bitten anyone?" asked Katie.
"Not that I'm aware of. In fact, he resigned from his post as Defense teacher in our third year the night we discovered Peter. He felt so ashamed that he resigned the next morning. Hmm… Strindell isn't on the grounds. I suppose he could have left. I guess I'll have to ask him later," said Harry, "Mischief managed."
Suddenly there was a crack and Dobby the house elf appeared before Harry and Katie.
"Harry Potter, sir!" squeaked Dobby loudly through tears, "Someone has broken into Harry Potter's Manor!"
"What do you mean, Dobby?" asked Harry, confused, "That's impossible. No one knows where it is."
"I do not know who did it but I can confirm that nothing that nothing was taken," sobbed Dobby, "Dobby is a failure."
"Listen to me, Dobby: you are not a failure. You have two important posts. It is impossible for you to watch over both," said Harry, "I'm going to go to the Ministry and see if I can get someone to check the house."
'Susan, would your aunt be at the Ministry this morning?'
'I think so…'
'Thank you.'
"Katie, while I am gone, you are in charge. Dobby, go back to the Manor and don't leave until I arrive. Don't let anyone in unless I approve," instructed Harry, "So much for a nice quite day today."
"Dobby will leave immediately," said Dobby as he left with a crack.
"See you later," said Katie as Harry apparated.
Harry arrived at the entrance where Mr. Weasley had taken him the year before for his hearing.
'It's only polite.'
Harry stepped into the phone booth and dialed six-two-four-four-two. A cool female voice sounded throughout the booth.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."
"Harry Potter to meet with Madam Bones, Head of Magical Law Enforcement…" said Harry.
"Thank you," said the voice, "Please take the badge and attach it to your robes."
Harry quickly donned his white robes and attached the badge.
"You are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium," said the voice.
Harry slowly began to sink into the ground.
"The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day," said the voice.
When the doors opened, Harry quickly went to the security desk. When he arrived, a wizard by the name of Eric searched and set Harry's wand upon a set of brass scales. A slip of parchment was ejected from the base.
"Eleven inches, phoenix feather core, been in use for six years. That correct?" asked Eric.
"Yes," said Harry as Eric impaled the parchment on a brass spike, "Good bye, Eric."
"Good bye, Mr. Potter," said the wizard as his eyes made the familiar trek to Harry's scar.
Harry went to the lift and descended. He finally got off on the second level and made his way to an office that looked worthy of Madam Bones. He walked up to the secretary.
"Is this the office of Madam Bones?" asked Harry.
"Yes, may I help you?" asked the young witch.
"Yes, I'm Harry Potter and I was wondering if Madam Bones was available," said Harry.
"She is currently in a meeting. She should be finished in about thirty minutes. Would you care to wait or leave a message?" asked the witch.
"I'll wait," said Harry as he noticed a sitting area.
After about forty-five minutes, Amelia Bones and Hannah Pusser exited the office.
"Thank you again for your report," said Amelia.
"No problem at all," said Hannah as she turned and spotted Harry, "Ah, young Mr. Potter. How wonderful to see you again. Not fighting with more Death Eaters are you?"
"Not today, that was last night's adventure," replied Harry casually.
"Yes, I noticed when Remus Lupin came into the Ministry levitating the bodies of Lucius Malfoy and Walden Macnair. I must say, you are quite impressive to have defeated two Death Eaters and release the betrayer of your parents for a second time," said Hannah, "Don't let your head grow too big, kid."
Hannah left leaving Harry, Amelia and her secretary watching as she left.
"How can I help you this morning, Harry?" asked Madam Bones.
"I need a word in private," said Harry.
"Of course, how long have you been waiting?" asked Madam Bones.
"About forty-five minutes," said Harry as he stood and walked towards Madam Bones.
"Ana Beth, this is my niece's good friend Harry. He is important enough to interrupt even a meeting with the Minister," scolded Madam Bones, "Come on in, Harry."
Harry was surprised when he walked into the office. It was quite small with only a desk, two chairs, and a large magical filing cabinet.
"I would have thought you would have a larger office. This is about the size of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office," commented Harry.
"Not anymore, it isn't. The Minister found that in order to create greater harmony with the muggles, he had to increase the department's size. I must say that I agree with him," said Madam Bones, "Besides, I don't need a big office, this is perfect. What would you like to talk about?"
"I was at school when my house elf Dobby told me that my Manor had been broken into," said Harry.
"I wasn't aware that you have a Manor," said Madam Bones.
"Precisely my problem, only a few people know of it," said Harry.
"Was anything taken?" asked Madam Bones.
"Oddly enough, no," said Harry, "However, I would like to verify that myself immediately. Would you be able to help me?"
"Yes, I'll head a group of Aurors to investigate this Manor. It'll be nice to get back into the field," said Madam Bones, "Where is your Manor located?"
Madam Bones handed Harry a piece of parchment, a quill, and some ink. Harry wrote down the address and handed it to Madam Bones.
"Seven Griffin Lane, Godric's Hollow?" asked Madam Bones, "Is that correct?"
"Yes, I'll stay at my Manor until you arrive," said Harry as he stood, "Thank you."
Harry left and handed his badge to Eric as a sign of good measure and apparated to his Manor. He found Dobby standing guard just inside the front doors.
"Hello, Dobby," said Harry as he opened the door.
"Hello, Harry Potter, sir. No one has entered the Manor since I arrived," reported Dobby.
"Good. Amelia Bones and a group of Aurors from the Ministry shall arrive soon. I'll be in the Hidden Chamber. Please alert me when they arrive," said Harry.
Harry quickly made his way to the Hidden Chamber where he spent most of his summer.
"Harry, my boy! Excellent to see you again. Or should I call you John," laughed the painting of Godric Gryffindor.
"Godric, has anyone entered the Manor since I left at the end of the summer?" asked Harry.
"The only people that I may detect are those outside the bloodline. Your house elf did enter the chamber a few times. I think he was hoping to clean something but the chamber is self-cleaning so his hopes were shattered," said Godric, "Why do you ask?"
"Apparently someone has broken into the Manor," said Harry as he began to pace.
"That's impossible unless the intruder used very powerful Dark Magic. You're the last in the lines of Gryffindor's, Potter's, and a few others," added Godric mysteriously but Harry didn't catch the hint.
"No, I'm not the last," said Harry as the truth dawned upon him.
"What do you mean?" asked Godric.
"I have an uncle," said Harry, "He would be able to enter the Manor without upsetting the wards."
"If that's the case, then you had best speak with one of the portraits. Go to the library and pull back the book 'Genealogy of the Ages' and speak to the portrait behind the shelf," instructed Godric.
Harry left and sealed the chamber behind him. He walked into the library and found the book he was searching for. Just as he placed his hand on the book, Dobby appeared.
"Merlin's beard!" said Harry as he withdrew his hand, "Sorry, Dobby, you just scared me. Do you need something?"
"No, Harry Potter, sir. I was just going to tell you that Madam Bones and her Aurors are here. They are waiting outside," said Dobby.
"Okay, thank you. I'll be there momentarily," said Harry as he gave the book one last look before departing.
Harry walked to the front door and opened it to find Madam Bones and one of her Aurors pointing up at the sky.
"Hello again, Harry. My group of Aurors and I shall remain outside checking on the wards. Were you able to verify that nothing was taken?" asked Madam Bones.
"Yes, is there anything that I can help with?" asked Harry.
"Yes, do you know what types of wards have been placed on your Manor?" asked Madam Bones.
"I'm not completely certain, but I believe that it is Unplottable, there are numerous anti-muggle charms, and more than likely, a few Dark Magic wards. I know for certain that the Fidelus Charm has been placed on it," said Harry.
"Excellent, we'll be checking the conditions of your wards," said Madam Bones as she turned back to the Aurors and began giving them orders.
Harry walked back into the Manor and took a seat in the closest den. After about an hour, Madam Bones entered the Manor and announced that all the wards were still holding strong.
"Thank you. Would you and your Aurors agree to me placing a memory charm on you all?" asked Harry, "I don't want it to slip that I have a Manor."
"Certainly. May I say that you have a lovely home?" added Madam Bones.
"Thank you," said Harry as Madam Bones told her Aurors about the plan, "Obliviate! Now, you were called out to Godric's Hollow to investigate a disturbance. Upon arriving, you found that there was no such disturbance. Harry Potter does not live at Seven Griffin Lane; in fact there is no Seven Griffin Lane. Harry Potter has no manor. Good day."
The Aurors left and Harry went back into his library and pulled back the book.
"That was some memory charm," said a warm and friendly voice.
When the shelf fully receded, Harry found the voice's owner sitting in a chair. The portrait was of an older man with untidy white hair. He looked like Harry would if Harry was seventy years older. Under the portrait was a small gold plaque.
Samuel Potter
"Are you my grandfather?" asked Harry incredulously.
"Are you the son of Lily and James Potter?" countered the portrait sarcastically, "Of course you are and therefore, yes, I am your grandfather. You have your mother's eyes. You look just like her."
"Really? Most people say I look like my dad," said Harry.
"You do, but I see more of your mother in you than your father," said Samuel, "You know, the last time I saw you, I was bouncing you on my knee and you were trying to say something along the lines of… I don't know. I think it was 'Bob,' although I'll never understand why you would want to say 'Bob." It was your choice of course."
"Wow," mumbled Harry as he suddenly felt sadness wash over him.
"Oh, right. Sometimes I forget that my son and his wife are dead," said Samuel, "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if your son was here today. If he was, it would explain a few things," said Harry.
"James? Did you get hit on the head or something? James is dead," said Samuel in a confused manner.
"No, I meant your other son," said Harry, "William."
"William? William… William… Ah, yes my estranged son. Let's see, I do remember another portrait saying something about someone I was related to was here but I wasn't paying attention, I was dozing off for a nap. I suppose he could have been. I suppose you retracted the estrangement. He was always the persuasive one, that William. I'd bet none of the wards were broken," muttered Samuel as he began to ramble and mumble to himself, giving Harry the idea that he was senile.
"Okay, that's all I needed to know," said Harry loudly.
"My boy, do you know why William was estranged?" asked Samuel as he stopped ranting.
"He told me that he was estranged because if his views on worthiness," said Harry.
"That's a partial reason but the main reason was because he was a thief. He often stole weapons and peddled them in Knockturn Alley," said Samuel, "I remember some rumors years ago that an extensive armory was somewhere about the Manor but no evidence was ever found."
"But he's changed," defended Harry.
"If you say so," said Samuel sleepily, "Good day."
Harry retracted the shelf and returned to the chamber. He walked up to Godric's painting.
"Godric, may I see the armory?" asked Harry.
"Certainly, I'm surprised you haven't asked before now," said Godric as a door appeared that led to a long hallway fill with weapons.
"Can anyone access this?" asked Harry, "Or do you have to open it for them?"
"I'm the only one who can allow access to it," said Godric, "Anything else?"
"No, thank you," said Harry as he left and went through his front door.
'Maybe I need to have Hagrid train me a couple of dragons.'
Harry went back to his dormitory and slept fitfully about his uncle.