A/N: Sorry it has taken me so long to update, but everything gets so busy after the holidays. No matter, I'm done with this chapter but I'm not sure whether it was a good idea or not, I wanted to give Harry an experience that would take his mind off his problems. But now I'm not too happy with it and it took the story into a whole different direction. Well, I'm going to leave it to you to make that decision. It's a bit long so I'm going to uploaded in two parts when you reply, let me know, do you want the chapter to stay or should I take it out?

*~*~*~*

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that pertains to Harry Potter, it all belongs to the wonderful JK Rowling.

*~*~*~*

Chapter 5 (Part I) ~ Ancestral Tidings

Harry was awoken by the sounds of Lotty putting away the gifts he had opened the night before. He blinked a couple of times as the sunlight hit his eyes.

Harry groaned and raised his hands to rub his eyes. That's when he noticed the silver ball clasped tightly in his hand.

The memory of what he'd seen the night before became overwhelming.

"Will Master Harry have breakfast downstairs?" Asked the elf as soon as he noticed that Harry was awake.

"Yeah." Mumbled Harry. He heard Lotty walking around the room before finally going to the dressing room, where Harry was sure he was choosing the clothing he was to wear that day.

It was minutes later that Harry followed the elf into the bathroom. The bath had been prepared and his clothing was hanging at one corner of the room.

Harry hurriedly disrobed. He wanted to be down to breakfast as soon as he could.

Half an hour later, Harry was making his way down to the family dining room. The silvery ball that occupied much of his thoughts lay safely in his pocket.

Only Mr. Weasley was down when Harry entered the dinning room.

"Good Morning, Harry!" Exclaimed he as Harry entered the room.

"Good Morning." Replied Harry.

"Had a good night, I suspect. It was a great day you had yesterday." Mr. Weasley smiled.

"Yes, it was great." Smiled Harry as he piled food from the platters onto his plate.

Mr. Weasley turned to the paper he held before him. Harry noticed that it was the Daily Prophet.

"Anything of interest?" He asked curiously. After all the emotional turmoil of the last few days, he had paid scant attention to the latest news.

"Hmmm...no. Minister still in trouble. Aurors are in active duty looking for You-Know-Who. And the Minsitry still waiting to hear word from the representatives they sent to the giants." Mr. Weasley read.

"They haven't found anything?" Harry asked. He was surprised to hear was keeping low after the attack on the Ministry on June.

"No. You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters have kept low for the past weeks. Dumbledore reckons that he wants to regroup after their failure in June. A great number of his followers were captured and it's not going to be easy to get them out without making much fuss." Mr. Weasley explained.

"What is happening to the Minister? Are people still angry at him?" Harry asked. He agreed that perhaps it was time for a new person to take over the Minister position. Mr. Fudge was clearly not someone who could lead them into battle against Voldemort.

"Indeed they are." Said Mr. Weasley setting the paper on the table. "A group has already collected more than a thousand signatures petitioning for his resignation."

"Do you think he will?" Harry asked full of curiosity.

"Can't say if he will or not, but he might if there is enough public pressure for him to do so." Mr. Weasley replied.

Harry chewed thoughtfully as Mr. Weasley turned his attention to his food. He understood why people were angry with the Minister. Hadn't he himself been angry as well? But he dreaded the chaos that could result by it. Voldemort could easily take advantage of the Ministry's weakness and lead a major attack.

He moved restlessly on his chair and felt the ball hidden in his pocket. Harry reached for it and held it tenderly in his palm.

"What do you got there? A present from one of the neighbors?" Mr. Weasley asked as he noticed the glistening sphere in Harry's hand.

"No, I found it in my dad's desk." Harry explained as he passed the ball to Mr. Weasley.

Mr. Weasley looked at it in awe. "How the devil did he get this?" He exclaimed.

"Why? What is it?" Asked Harry.

"This is a pensive Harry. A very old pensive." Mr. Weasley said as he took a closer look of the ball.

"A pensive? It doesn't look like Dumbledore's." Harry said.

"No, it wouldn't be. Pensives such as this one were made hundreds of years ago. They require great control and it was rather difficult to make. That's when the ones, like Dumbledore's, started to appear. But these pensives are very rare, Harry, and rather expensive." Mr. Weasley said as he passed it back to Harry.

Harry held the pensive in his hand. "Do you think it was passed down from his father?"

"Probably. Magical items such as those usually are." Mr. Weasley replied.

Roberts had entered the room carrying a tray of pastries while the footmen followed with trays of tea and coffee.

"Is there anything more you want, Master Harry?" Roberts asked after the trays had been placed on the table.

Harry shook his head.

Ron walked in, Mrs. Weasley was chatting happily behind him.

"...and then he said that it would be a great idea if we did so." Said Mrs. Weasley.

"Great mum." Mumbled Ron and quickly joined Harry while his mother turned to greet her husband.

"Oh, Harry dear. We moved your meeting with your solicitor for this afternoon. We didn't think you would have time for it last night." Mrs. Weasley said.

"Thank you." Harry said.

Hermione and Ginny entered soon after. The twins were the last to join them.

"Where's Bill?" Asked Ginny.

"Oh, he had to go to the office early." Mrs. Weasley said.

The twins sniggered. "Bet he did." Whispered George.

"Fleur probably needed help this morning." Fred chuckled.

Ron and Harry stifled their laughter while Hermione's "you don't know that" was ignored.

"Where did Remus go?" Asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh, he went to look for a Mr. Stuart. Said he would join us soon." Mr. Weasley replied.

Roberts approached Harry with a tray, on which several letters lay.

Harry took them hurriedly as he recognized the familiar Hogwarts seal.

"Hogwarts letters." He said as he passed a letter to Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

"Ah! The joys of Hogwarts letters." Sighed Fred.

"Will miss getting them." Nodded George.

Ginny giggled and Hermione rolled her eyes while Harry on Ron were busily reading their notes.

"Well, Ron. Did Dumbledore change his mind and decided to take your prefect badge?" Asked Fred.

"Oh, no! He wouldn't do that, would he?" Exclaimed Mrs. Weasley.

"It's alright, mum. I'm still prefect." Said Ron putting away his letter. "Many new books though." He turned to look at his parents with apprehension.

"Don't worry dear, you'll get your books." Smiled Mrs. Weasley as if money was of no concern.

Harry was looking down at his letter, this time, a note had been included along with the usual letter.

"Harry, something wrong?" Asked Hermione, who seemed to be the only one to notice Harry's silence.

"No." Harry shook his head. He passed the note to Hermione.

She took it with a frown, but squealed with excitement a moment later. "Oh, Harry. This is great news, you do deserve this."

"What?" The rest exclaimed.

Hermione passed the note to Ron, who was trying to read over her shoulder.

Ron took it eagerly and whooped exuberantly.

"What happened?" "What is it?" The others asked.

"Harry's the new Gryffindor Captain! Harry's the new captain!" Ron Exclaimed.

"Well done mate."

"Knew you'll get the title." The twins exclaimed.

"There was no question, with Angelina gone." Ginny said.

The note was passed around the table until it eventually returned to Harry.

Dear Mr. Potter:

It read.

As you know Gryffindor's Quidditch Team has been left without a captain. Under some consideration, I have decided to name you the new Gryffindor Captain. You are the only one with enough experience in the team as well in leadership. I expect a good performance from you, and you may be sure that any breaking of school rules will make me reconsider my decision in appointing you to this position. Attached is a list of the current members of the team. Try outs should be scheduled within the first weeks of the term.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House

Harry couldn't help but reread it over and over again. They had all said that he was bound to be the new Gryffindor Captain, and although he had hoped so, he hadn't dared dream about it. His chest swelled with pride.

There were only five names on the list.

Harry Potter, seeker (Captain)

Ronald Weasley, keeper

Ginny Weasley, seeker (to be determained)

Andrew Kirke, beater

Jack Sloper, beater

"I hope you do something about those beaters, a real disappointment they were." Snorted Fred with disgust.

"Can't see how Angelina could've replaced us with them. We were the best beaters that team ever had!" Exclaimed George.

"We'll see. Our main concern is the chaser section. We need to replaced them all." Harry said looking down at his list.

"Remember I want to be chaser." Piped Ginny.

"Not much good if you're the only one playing." Ron said. "You got your work cut out. Try outs will take so long and we won't have enough time for training before the first game of the season."

"And you have to do a good impression on that game, remember, it's Gryffindor vs. Slytherin." Said Fred.

"I know." Harry sighed. This business of team captain was getting to be a bit much.

"Don't worry, Harry. You'll do fine, you are a natural leader, and a great one at that." Said Hermione.

"Of course you are, we wouldn't have survived the school year if it hadn't been for you." Said Ginny.

Harry nodded, but doubts had already been planted on his mind.

"When you're done, Harry," said Lupin coming into the room after Mr. Weasley had left to the Ministry. "Mr. Stuart will be waiting for us at the stables. We'll go around the land, I'm sure you'll want to see what belongs to the Manor."

Harry nodded and put his note away. Lupin was right. It was time for him to learn about the lands and his responsibility to his tenants.

By the time Harry was ready to join Lupin and Mr. Stuart the twins had left to their store, Hermione had taken Ron in hand and led him to the bookroom and Ginny had flooed to Diagon Alley to help the twins for the day.

"Come, Harry." Lupin said as soon as Harry pushed his chair away from the table.

Harry followed Lupin out the glass doors into the kitchen gardens. There were beds of herbs and hen house. They walked past the green houses and made their way to a couple of buildings in the distance.

"The stables are not big. There's only space for five horses. The back area is designated for the kennels. Some of your ancestors were fine hunters and hunting season was always a big thing in these parts. In fact, there has always been a hunt during the Harvest Feast, but in the last years it has become more like a race than a hunt." Lupin explained as they walked farther into the back gardens. "The Potter kennels were always famous among breeders and for a time, long ago, it became the most important source of income to the estate, but eventually the land started to produce and there ware more investments and the kennels lost its importance. But the kennels remained."

They had neared a couple of buildings. One was obviously a garage as two cars were parked inside while Martin, the driver, was cleaning them. The other, was the stables.

The doors stood open and Harry could hear the snorting horses. He could also see cows and sheep grazing a few miles away.

"The dairy farm is in the back." Lupin explained. "And sheep are stabled there as well. You should try the cheese they make there."

There was an older man waiting for them at the door of the stables.

"Welcome, Master Harry. I have been looking forward to taking you around the estate." He said as soon as he noticed Harry.

Harry nodded, tongue-tied. He didn't know what to say to this man.

"Allow me to introduce you, Harry. This is Mr. Stuart, he is the estate manager, he has been in charge of the estate production and management for more than twenty-five years. If there's anything you want to know about the estate, he is the person to help you." Lupin said.

"Nice to meet you." Harry said quietly as he shook Mr. Stuart's hand.

"Well, young Master. What do you want to see first?" Mr. Stuart said as he led them into the stables.

There were six stalls, three at each side. One was empty and a pile of tools rested against the wooden wall. Five long noses sniffed and snorted as the new humans intruded into their home. The reins and saddles were hanging in racks along the wall. Two stable-boys were cleaning one of the stalls while the horse was being taken by another man to brush.

Harry looked at the large animals with trepidation. He had never been on a horse before, and was dreading the thought of mounting one.

Lupin seemed to know what was in his mind. "Don't worry, we won't ride today. We'll take the gig. The lanes are too narrow for the cars, but the gig is small enough for us to ride in comfort. We'll have to walk in some areas, but I'm sure we'll welcome the exercise."

Harry breathed with relief. "Will I have to learn how to ride?"

"If you wish too. I'm sure the stable master will enjoy teaching you to. There are parts of the estate that can only be reached by horse, if you don't want to walk that is, but most of it can be reached by car or gig." Lupin said.

Harry nodded, it wasn't that he was scared of the horses, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to ride in one.

Mr. Stuart led them through the door at the end of the stables. The noise in the room increased as dozens of dogs barked from behind small stalls.

Harry stopped several times to see the hounds. There were a couple of litters and he couldn't help but stop and scratch the ears of the young pups.

Mr. Stuart led them to the back of the stables where a gig waited to be harnessed while one of the horses was brought around to be strapped to the gig.

They waited for a few minutes while Mr. Stuart was explaining to Harry the production of the dairy farms and the kennels.

"Of course, I do not mean to overwhelm you with all this, Master Harry." Mr. Stuart said after a few moments. "You are not expected to take it all up at this instant. There's time enough for you to learn what you need, to keep this place in order."

Harry only nodded. From what he had heard so far, there was a lot that he needed to learn in order to be able to run the estate as he should.

They climbed into the gig once the horse had been harnessed and they were ready to start on their tour.

Mr. Stuart took them all around the estate. They stopped several times to show Harry the different sights of the Manor from different points. They visited all the tenant families and drank with the workers of the Manor lands.

Harry couldn't think of a better morning. Many of the old tenants took him apart and told him stories of his father as a child. Harry enjoyed these the most. A few remembered when his grandfather was a young man, and were happy to tell the eager youth everything they remembered about the family.

Harry felt more closer to his family than ever. Through the land and its people he could feel the connection to his ancestry as nothing could ever do. He was glad that Lupin had taken him to meet Mr. Stuart.

"Is there something that needs to be done right away?" Asked Harry as they neared the stables after their tour.

"Not really. All the cottages and buildings have been taken care of and the gardens are in good hands. But if you want to change anything, you have only to say so." Mr. Stuart said.

Something had been on his mind the whole morning and a plan had formed that he was eager to implement. "Can I invite anybody I want?" Harry asked.

"Of course, you don't have to ask Master Harry. I'm sure Mrs. Nichols and Roberts will like to have guests in the Manor. They've been saying for years that they missed the house parties that were usually thrown in the Manor." Mr. Stuart said. "Only tell us what you want to do and we'll do it."

Harry smiled. He had never had anything on his own, his livelihood and well being had been in the hands of others. His wishes had never been of the uppermost importance to others and it was a thrill to find that they could be so.

Lupin walked with him back to the Manor house. Luncheon had passed but a light snack would be welcome.

"Remember Harry, we have a meeting with your solicitor this evening." Lupin reminded him as they stepped into the family parlor.

Harry nodded and went in search of the kitchens for his meal.

He hadn't stepped into the servants' hall since the day he came to the Manor. The kitchens looked extensive to Harry's eyes. He hadn't seen any kitchens as this one except for the one at Hogwarts.

"Master Harry!" One of the elves piped at the sight of Harry in their domain. "Is there anything we can do for Master Harry?"

"Oh, I don't mean to bother you." Harry said as he noticed that the elves had stopped what they were doing. "I just wanted to get something to eat."

"Otty will be pleased to serve Master Harry." One of the elves replied. Harry recognized him as the third personal elf, the one that had been introduced as the cook elf. He was grinning happily at Harry. "Master James preferred to come to the see Otty when he was hungry too." The elf said as he started piling food on a plate at hand. He placed it on the counter near the stove and moved a chair to it.

"Did he?" Asked Harry curiously as he sat on the chair.

"Oh, yes! Master James said Otty's cooking tasted better in the kitchen than above stairs." The elf smiled proudly.

"Did mum come here sometimes?" Harry asked.

"Mistress Lily came only to consult Otty." The elf said. "But sometimes Mistress Lily stayed for tea."

Harry stayed in the kitchens for a long while, even though he didn't eat much he liked hearing about his father's childhood from Otty.

Otty was busily preparing their evening meal by the time Harry left the kitchens. Roberts and Mrs. Nichols had found him there as they went about their business and Harry had been afraid that they would ask him to leave. But they didn't, in fact, they seemed very pleased to find him there and Mrs. Nichols even set a dish of candy before him during one of her trips into the kitchen.

"Where have you been?" Asked Ron the moment he spied Harry making his way along the corridor toward the game room.

"In the kitchens, why?" Asked Harry waiting for Ron to catch up to him.

"We've been looking for you." Ron said. "Dad is home and an old man just arrived. Lupin said that he had business to discuss with you." He pointed toward the entrance hall. "In the book room."

"Does he?" Harry sounded a bit surprised. "Oh! I think it might be the solicitor Lupin was talking about earlier." Both started walking back through the corridor.

"What do you reckon he has to say?" Ron asked.

"The usual I imagine." Harry said with a shrug. "Don't know really, except that I expect he'll say how much money mum and dad left."

"I suppose." Ron said. "But why does he need the rest of us to be present? The only one not called was Hermione."

"You're sitting at the meeting with us?" Harry asked.

"That's what Lupin said. Only Ginny is not coming along, said she wanted to keep Hermione company." Ron said.

"I don't understand." Harry replied.

"You and I both. Makes no sense really." Said Ron.

Harry shrugged. "Your mum and dad are there?"

"Yeah, with Lupin. The twins and Bill are not home yet and they don't want to wait." Ron explained.

"All right, then." Harry sighed as they stopped before the door to the bookroom. "Let's see what they have to say."

A footman was nearby and he opened the door for them.

"Thank you." Said Harry just before he entered the room.

Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley and Lupin were sitting in chairs that had been placed before the desk in a semicircle. Only two chairs were left empty. Behind the desk was an old man. He sat straight, peering through his thick glasses at Harry.

"Ah, Mr. Potter." He said with a pleased tone. "I see you've grown very well."

"Harry." Lupin had stood by the desk, motioning Harry to come near. "This is Mr. Nicholei. He was the Evans' solicitor before their death. Lily and James then hired him to represent the trustees of your estate."

"How do you do, Sir?" Harry greeted the old gentleman.

"Very well indeed. But, we're here to talk about you, Young Potter. Shall we?" The old man said taking his seat.

Harry sat directly before the old man. Ron sat at his left and Lupin at his right.

"Let us see here." Mr. Nicholei mumbled as he opened one of the several folders he had before him on the desk. "Oh, yes. Here we are." He exclaimed as he took several papers from the folder.

"Well, then." He continued. "Let's start from the beginning, shall we?"

Harry nodded but didn't have time so say anything as Mr. Nicholei started to speak once more.

"This is a list of your assets and investments." Mr. Nicholei said passing a paper to Harry. "As you can see, there are three major properties belonging to the Potters and three rather small ones. Gryffindor Manor and the Potter House in London are the two largest properties with the most capability of producing an income. The other three are small buildings, more like hunting cottages, really. They don't bring much of an income but have been let to rent for the last eighteen years. Mr. James decided on doing so three years after leaving school, I didn't think you would mind if we kept the leases with the renters. The income from the rent was originally invested, by Mr. James, into certain stock. As you can see, it has increased tenfold in the last fifteen years. The sixth property is Godric's Cottage, the one at Godric's Hollow." He stopped for a minute to see if Harry was affected by the mention of the infamous cottage. When he saw that Harry remained silent looking down at the list, he continued. "The Cottage has been repaired, of course, but it has stood inhabited for the last fifteen years, you may decide what to do with it of course."

Harry felt a tinge of pain at the mention of the Godric's Hollow property, and didn't know what to do with it. A side of him wanted to go and see it. See the place where his parents had lost their lives and Voldemort had started the prophecy that could lead to his or Harry's death. But he put it aside and decided to pay more attention to what he was seeing in the page he held.

Harry looked incredulously to the paper in his hand. He couldn't understand what the old man was saying, and if he was honest with himself, he wasn't really listening. But he could understand a little of what he saw in the page.

He saw a list of properties, by their name was a row of numbers he imagined was the yearly income and another which he thought was the accumulated income in the last ten years.

The numbers were staggering. He knew that his family had been wealthy, hadn't they left a vault full of gold for him? But he had never imagined that they had dealt with that sort of quantities he was looking at. How was he supposed to handle that much money?

"Now, if you look at this page, you'll see all the expenses procured in the last ten years." Mr. Nicholie continued not noticing that nobody seemed to be following his explanations. "The top list show the wages paid to all the employees. The second list show all the expenses of the different estates have generated. You can see that a new roof has been installed in two of the cottages and the amount of steel bought to enforce the fence around the Manor. There are the different knick-knacks bought for the comfort of the Manor and so forth. I can give you a more complete list if you want..." Mr. Nicholei continued with his explanations while Harry stopped looking at the lists in his hands. He couldn't really understand much of what he was seeing and looked around to the others. It seemed that he wasn't the only one that didn't understand what Mr. Nicholei was saying.

Ron was staring out the window with blank eyes as if his mind was lost in his own thoughts. Mr. Weasley was trying to hide a yawn behind his hand, while Mrs. Weasley nudged him on his arm with her elbow. Lupin had his chin against his chest and if Harry hadn't seen his eyelids fluttering and his head moving from side to side slowly, he would've thought that Lupin was sleeping.

Harry turned his attention back to Mr. Nicholei. It seemed that he had progressed down the lists and was finally reaching the end of that page.

"And if you see that last notation, it will show the total amount paid to the Dursleys for your care in the last fifteen years." Mr. Nicholei said.

Harry looked abruptly down at the page at the mention of the Dursleys. He noticed that it showed payment for every month he had been at the Dursleys, the total amount paid made him angry.

"Are you telling me that every month they have been receiving 10,000 pounds for fifteen years?" Harry exclaimed in fury.

Mr. Nicholei looked at him with surprise as he had taken another paper ready to pass it to Harry. "Yes, indeed. It is in the Potters will that whoever took you in to receive such amount for your care."

"THEY HAVE BEEN TREATING ME LIKE CRAP AND THEY HAVE BEEN PAID FOR IT?" Harry yelled.

Everybody was now paying attention to the proceedings.

"Well, we were afraid that they wouldn't be too happy with you in their house-"

"HAPPY!" Harry interrupted Mr. Nicholei. "Of course THEY haven't been too happy. They made me sleep in a cupboard for ten years. I have been wearing Dudley's used clothing and for fifteen years I have listened to them grumble about the expense I have been on them. I accepted it all because I thought that they had taken me in even though they clearly didn't want to. And now, you're telling me THAT THEY HAVE BEEN PAID FOR MY CARE!"

"Well, but it was on the will, and we thought that it would be safe to do so. It was the only way to be sure that they kept you in, you know." Mr. Nicholei explained.

"Well, they kept me all right." Snapped Harry. "And probably used all that money to give Little Duddikins everything he wanted."

"We knew, you see, that they probably wouldn't keep you and Dumbledore had said that you needed to stay with them if you were to be kept safe, so we thought that it was a good thing to keep that article of the will as an incentive, you know. It worked as we expected. Of course, the monthly payment stops when you're not with them. That means that they haven't received anything when you are at Hogwarts or with the Weasleys." Mr. Nicholei said.

Harry snorted with derision. Of course the Dursleys kept him after they found out that they would be receiving money as long as he was with them. It was no wonder that they tried to keep him from going to Hogwarts either, although their fear of magic would explain it as well. But he felt betrayed. He felt anger at the thought that it had been the money that had kept him from going to an orphanage and not a sudden feeling of family honor as he had hoped over the years.

"What now? Are they going to continue receiving the money?" Harry asked angry.

"Oh no! You are no longer under their care. Dumbledore has made it quite clear that their temporary guardianship over you is over now that you are back in the Manor. That's where the Weasley's come in. They are to be your guardians and as such, the money will be paid to them." Mr. Nicholei said.

"What? What was that?" Asked Ron in surprise.

"Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley have been named guardians of Harry by Dumbledore. That means that the amount of..." Mr. Nicholei looked down on his notes. "Oh, yes, here we are. They will be paid the amount of 10,000 Galleons every month. Already 40,000 have been transferred to their vault for the times Harry spent under their care on the last four years."

"Forty..." Gasped Mrs. Weasley.

"Forty thousand galleons." Whispered Mr. Weasley.

"Wow. We're rich." Exclaimed Ron with a huge smile.

"But we didn't care for Harry for money." Said Mrs. Weasley. "He's like a son to us, there is no need to pay us for staying with him."

"Oh, I know that, we all do!" Said Mr. Nicholei. "But it is in the will, you know. The amount was placed aside by Mr. James himself months before their death."

"I much preferred it that you get that money, Mrs. Weasley, instead of the Dursleys." Harry exclaimed, happy to know that the Weasleys would be helped because of him.

And he had been truthful when he said that he much preferred the Weasleys to get that money instead of the Dursleys.

"Well, Harry dear, if it's alright with you." Said Mrs. Weasley.

Ron whooped happily until his mother told him to settle down.

"I think, Mr. Nicholei, that this is enough for this evening." Said Lupin. "I'm sure that Harry has much to learn and I don't think we have the time to go through it all. Perhaps if we set a weekly visit it would help him to understand better about his inheritance."

"Yes." Said Mr. Nicholei as he closed his folders and piled them in order. "Perhaps it would be better that way."

"Dinner should be ready any time soon, perhaps you would like to stay for dinner?" Mrs. Weasley said.

"Thank you but no, I have to travel back to London tonight, I don't think I can stay for much longer." Mr. Nicholei said. "If that's all, I'll say goodnight. Nice meeting you again young man." He said to Harry. "I'm sure your parents would be pleased with you."

The old gentleman turned to say goodbye to the others.

"Come," said Harry to Ron, "let's go find the girls, I'm sure they're wondering what happened."

"Yeah." Nodded Ron and both made their way out of the room. They run up the stairs directly to the girls' chambers.

They found them in Hermione's room.

"So? What happened?" Asked Ginny as soon as Hermione let them into the room.

"We're rich. That's what happened." Exclaimed Ron.

"What?" Asked Ginny. Her eyes had opened wide and looked confusedly at her brother.

"I don't understand." Said Hermione, frowning.

"It seems that according to my parent's will there is an article that says that whoever is in charge of me gets a monthly stipend of ten thousand galleons." Explained Harry.

"Ten thousand galleons? That's a lot of money." Exclaimed Hermione.

"And because mum and dad have been made guardians for Harry, we get that money." Smiled Ron. "They have already transferred forty thousand to our vault for the times Harry stayed with us in the last years."

"Forty thousand!" Gasped Ginny.

"Yeap." Grinned Ron and grabbed Ginny's hands and started dancing with her around the room. "We have money, we have money." He chanted as he spun her around.

"Ron!" Both Ginny and Hermione exclaimed.

"You're being a git!" Ginny said.

"You're going to make Harry believe that you don't care anything for him except his money." Hermione chided.

Harry was grinning at the sight of Ron happily dancing with his sister. "I don't mind. I'm rather glad, really." He said. "I often wondered what I could do to thank Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for their care. I would've shared the gold in my vault if I thought they would take it, but I knew they wouldn't." He was looking at Hermione as her frown started to disappear from her brow. "I much prefer it that they are getting that money instead of the Dursleys."

"Stupid gits. They have been getting that money for fifteen years and they had the nerve of treating Harry badly." Ron said as he stopped twirling Ginny around the room.

"Oh, surely not!" Exclaimed Hermione.

"You mean they have been getting that much money all these years?" Asked Ginny with surprise.

"Yeap." Said Ron.

"The nerve of them." Gasped Hermione in anger.

"I guess now I know how they could afford to give Dudley so many gifts for his birthday and Christmas. He usually got more than thirty-five every year." Harry said.

"You're not serious." Said Ginny.

"Who could possibly get that many gifts?" Asked Ron incredulously.

"Dudley. Every year they bought him dozens of gifts, not to mention the parties and the trips to expensive restaurants and theme parks." Harry said bitterly. "And they've been doing it with my money! They begrudge me every bite of food, clothing even my glasses. Always complaining how much it cost to keep me and they have been getting rich with my money all these years!"

"Well!" Hermione exclaimed. "Honestly, one would think that getting that much money would've made them treat you like a king."

Harry snorted with derision.

"Obviously it didn't do a thing." Said Ron. "The gits."

"Now, let's forget about them. Harry is not going back to them and they won't get any more money." Ginny said looking worriedly at Harry. She hadn't forgotten that last year he had lost his temper to such degree that they had all been scared of him for a while. She didn't want to go through that again. And she could plainly see that if they continued with this conversation, he would start screaming at any moment.

"Yes, let's. What do you plan to do with the team, Harry? You must have some plans for training." Said Hermione who shared Ginny's fears about Harry's temper.

Harry allowed himself to forget about the Dursleys and the money and turned his attention to planning a training session for the team.

"Too bad the new members never got the chance to train with the old team. Could've shown them how to do things properly." Sighed Ginny.

Ron nodded. "Could've gotten some good pointers from Wood."

"Perhaps they could." Said Harry.

"What? What do you mean?" Asked Ron in surprise.

"Well, what if I invite all the old members to stay with us for a while and send for the rest of the team to practice before school begins." Harry said.

"A summer training session." Said Hermione.

"Yes! They do it in muggle schools all the time, with their sports teams. Why can't we do the same? In fact, why don't we invite all of those in Gryffindor interested for the open positions to come. We could see how everybody does and tryouts would be much easier." Said Harry.

"That's very ambitious of you, Harry. And it would take a lot of time to plan." Hermione said. When the others looked at her questioningly, she explained. "I mean, you'll have to plan where they're going to stay. How much food will be needed. Not to mention writing to McGonagall to get the addresses of everybody in Gryffindor. And let's face it, she might not give it to us, and even if she did, there would be so much to do to prepare. It would be quite difficult to prepare for."

"Hermione, you make everything sound so difficult." Exclaimed Ron. When Hermione opened her mouth to tell him off, he continued as if she hadn't anything more to say. "You are forgetting the servants, not to mention the elves. I'm sure they would be happy to help, you've heard Mrs. Nichols, she has missed all the house parties that used to take place. And it's not as if we would be indoors all the time. We would be at the Pitch. And we can help with the preparations. Let's face it, you're good at organizing, and I'm sure mum wouldn't mind helping a bit. And if we can't get the rest of the old team, we can ask some of the young people in the village if they would like to help with the training. You saw them playing yesterday, they were brilliant."

Hermione seemed to be thinking about Ron's argument.

"It would be great for the team. If I don't do anything drastic, we're going to lose that Cup this year. And I don't know about you, but it took Gryffindor a lot of work to get it back and I'm not about to let it slip through my fingers very easily. You know as well as I do that we need a lot of help with the current members of the team, and with the whole chaser lineup to replace, we won't get the best during tryouts. It would be better if we did some training here. We don't have to worry about anybody from the other houses to bother us and we could have the help of the rest of the others as well. I don't know if I could make good choices without their help." Harry said.

"Well, if you're sure." Hermione said.

"It would be great, Hermione." Ginny exclaimed.

"I'll write to McGonagall tonight and send Hedwig early in the morning." Harry said.

*~*~*~*

Harry did as he planned. He wrote a lengthy letter to Professor McGonagall before he climbed into bed and sent Hedwig with his note as soon as Lotty had awakened him the next morning.

He hoped that Professor McGonagall would agree with him and allow him to train during the summer. Now, after a good night's rest, he was doubtful of his idea. Perhaps Hermione was right and he was being too ambitious. Perhaps it would be better to wait until school started.

He spent the morning in his rooms. Hermione and Ron had come after breakfast to see if he wanted to go out and look around the gardens. Harry told them to go ahead without him. They did, but not before trying to persuade him to accompany them.

Harry sat behind the desk in silence. His father's pensive grasped tightly between his fingers as images of his father's memories passed before him in the crystal sphere. He smiled sadly as each image changed.

His stomach was growling by the time he left his room. The images of his parents and their friends had started to bother him, especially when the images of Sirius started to appear. He walked purposely to the kitchen. He knew that breakfast was already over and that it would be some time yet for luncheon to be served, but he was sure that Otty would gladly give him something.

The kitchen was buzzing with elves and servants preparing luncheon. Otty was happily cooking before the stove while the other elves cut, cleaned and washed the rest of the food. Mrs. Nichols was busy instructing the maids, stocking the pantry and cooler. And even Roberts was there with the footmen cleaning the silverware and the crystal.

"Oh, Master Harry." Exclaimed Mrs. Nichols when she noticed Harry standing at the bottom of the servant's stairs. "Can we do something for you?" She hurried to his side.

"No, I didn't mean to trouble you." Harry said as he noticed that everybody stood still waiting to see what he wanted.

"Oh, it's no bother, Master Harry." Mrs. Nichols said promptly.

"I only wanted to grab a snack while I waited for luncheon." Harry said.

"Of course you do, the poor dear." She mumbled as she turned to Otty. "He didn't eat anything this morning."

"Otty will prepare the master a meal." Otty said determinately.

"Oh, no! I don't want too much, just a sandwich will be enough." Said Harry hurriedly. He didn't meant to make the elf prepare a whole meal for him.

Otty looked at Harry with surprise. "If Master Harry is sure..."

"Yes, I only want a snack, Otty, not a whole meal." Harry said.

Otty groaned but made a couple of sandwiches in an instant. He put them in a plate and set it in the counter where Harry had eaten the day before.

"I think I'll go and look around the gardens while I eat it." Said Harry. He saw that the servants and the other elves were not working with the same enthusiasm as they had done before while they watched him curiously. And he was sure that there was a lot to do before luncheon.

Otty put the sandwiches in a little basket and put some cut vegetables and fruit inside as well as a bottle of cider.

Harry took the basket and hurried toward the back door.

"Oh, Master Harry." Mrs. Nichols called just as he was about to step into the gardens. "I've forgotten to give this to you, I'm sure you want it." She said as he hurried back to her.

"What is it?" He asked.

"It's the key to the garden of course." She said before she ran back into the kitchen.

Harry stood by the door looking curiously at a small golden key. "The key to the garden?" He asked. What garden did she mean? All the gardens were open, weren't they?

Harry shrugged and ran into the kitchen gardens.

He walked purposely past the windows of the family dining room and the game room and made his way deeply into the gardens. He saw the enclosed gardens in the distance and made his way to them. He was sure that he could find a private spot in one of them where he could eat his snack.

He crossed each enclosed garden carefully, noting the many exotic plants that were found in them. The pools and the fountains looked clean and the water glistened in the sun. Some had exotic fish swimming and he entertained himself for a while feeding the fish small pieces from his sandwiches. Finally he reached the last garden. He had noticed before that the garden had been locked, and he had heard some of the servants say that it had been charmed with anti-apparition spells as well as shielding spells. Why, Harry wondered, would a garden be locked?

Harry felt the golden key in his pocket. "It's the key to the garden." Mrs. Nichols had said.

Harry took the key and started looking for the door. He found it easily enough and slid the key into the keyhole. He twisted it with ease and the door opened in an instant.

It was so different from the others. It was clear that most of the plants in this garden were magical, and Harry understood why it had been closed. It wouldn't do for a muggle to stumble into this garden. The pool was covered with water plants, and he recognized some as water lilies. The flower bushes had been planted with care in a wild configuration that made it all look as wild as if nature had created it.

He found a bench around the pool and sat down to eat.

He liked this garden, he thought, and he could easily picture his parents spending time in here.

He didn't stay for long in the garden. As soon as he finished his snack, he took the basket and let himself out of the garden. He locked the door again and walked back to the Manor. His mood had changed since that morning and he didn't fear McGonagall's response any more.

Ron and Hermione were waiting for him in the game room.

"Harry! Harry!" He heard as he passed the glass doors of the game room. Hermione was waving to him from the open doors. "I thought you said that you were staying in your rooms today.

"I was, but then I got hungry and went to the gardens to eat." Said Harry as he walked toward her.

"Good, now come and help me explain to Ron that the people in the telly are not really inside there." She said as she pulled him into the room.

*~*~*~*

They stayed in the game room until they were called for luncheon.

"Where's Ginny?" Asked Harry as they sat around the table.

"She went to Diagon Alley with Fred and George." Said Ron as he piled food into his plate.

"Why haven't you gone lately?" Asked Hermione.

Ron shrugged, "they said it hasn't been busy lately. Did you send the letter to McGonagall?"

Harry had hoped that his friends had forgotten about his intentions. "Yeah."

"I just don't think you two should get too excited about this summer training idea." Hermione said in her bossy tone. "I just don't think McGonagall will go along with this."

"And what makes you so sure of that?" Snapped Ron.

"Well, for one thing you are being a little discriminating aren't you?" Hermione said.

"Discriminating? How are we being discriminating?" Harry asked angrily.

"You are forgetting about the first years. The new students haven't been sorted yet, you are keeping them from having the chance of being part of the team." Hermione replied.

"That makes no difference!" Exclaimed Ron. "First years are not usually chosen for the house teams, everybody knows that."

"What about Harry?" Pointed Hermione.

"That's different and you know it!" Said Harry.

"Yeah, it was McGonagall who chose him, not Wood. If by chance, there's another first year with the natural talent Harry showed back in first year, you may be sure that McGonagall will make certain that the kid gets into the team." Ron said.

"Well, that's true." Hermione conceded. "But still, what about those people not interested in playing Quidditch? You're inviting the rest over, what about them?"

"What about them? They'll have their own things to worry about. This is a training session, not a house party." Ron exclaimed.

"So only those who care to train will be invited, is that it? Well, if that's how you feel, maybe I should just go back home." Snapped Hermione and stood abruptly from her chair. She threw her napkin on her plate and stormed out of the room.

"What's with her?" Ron asked surprised to Harry.

Harry shrugged.

"I didn't say that she had to go home. Did I?" He looked worriedly to Harry.

"Nope. I think she's against the training session because she thinks we're going to leave her on her own for the rest of the summer. She'll feel left out." Harry said.

"That's nonsense!" Exclaimed Ron. "She knows we like to have her around. Besides, she's most likely to stay closeted in the bookroom."

"Perhaps, but we still have to talk to her." Harry said.

Ron groaned. "Couldn't we wait until Ginny comes back?"

Harry shook his head. "It would only make it worse if we wait."

"Oh, well. I suppose. I hate it when she's angry though." Ron mumbled.

Harry didn't respond as he was sure that Ron hadn't meant to say it out loud.

Mrs. Weasley came into the room. "I'm sorry, dears, I was busy with the linen and didn't hear the lunch bell ring." It seemed that that she had made it to the dining room in a hurry as she sat tiredly into her chair. "There's an owl for you, Harry dear. Roberts will bring it in a moment."

Ron and Harry looked at each other.

"Maybe it's from Hagrid, she couldn't have come to a decision so soon." Harry said.

Ron shrugged. "Maybe."

They continued with their meal, waiting for Roberts to bring the mail.

They were just finishing their puddings when Roberts walked in with the mail.

"This owl came for you, Master Harry." Roberts said as he presented Harry with the silver platter on which mail was usually placed when it was received.

"Thank you." Said Harry.

"Well? Come on, open it." Urged Ron.

Harry ripped the envelope open and slid the parchment into his hands. It was from Professor McGonagall.

Dear Mr. Potter,

It read.

Thank you for your note, I'm pleased to see that you are taking your position of captain of Gryffindor Team in all seriousness and that you're planning to start training early this year. After some discussion of your idea with the Headmaster, we have decided that it would not be against school rules if you wish to invite your fellow housemates into your home for a few days.

I'm eager to see what you do with Gryffindor team and hope that your efforts are enough to keep the Quidditch Cup in Gryffindor's hands for a long time.

I'm enclosing a list of addresses of all Gryffindor students. Good luck in your endeavors and hope to see you and the rest of the team in great form next September.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Head of Gryffindor House

"I can't believe it!" Exclaimed Ron. "She liked your idea, Harry."

Harry was busy looking at the list of addresses, it indeed held the names of all remaining Gryffindor students. "We'll have a lot of work to do to send invitations to this lot." He replied.

"I'm sure the others will help. C'mon we have to look for Hermione." Ron said and pushed his chair from the table.

"Where are you going?" Asked Mrs. Weasley. "Have you finished your meal?"

"We're done, mum. We have to look for Hermione." Ron said as he hurried toward the door.

"Very well, dears." Mrs. Weasley said as she glanced at the newspaper she had been reading from the moment she sat at the table.

Harry was about to ask her if there was something interesting in the paper but Ron pulled him out the door with a "C'mon!"

They hurried down the corridor toward the bookroom. Hermione wasn't there.

"Where could she be?" Asked Ron.

"Her bedroom." Harry said.

They climbed the stairs at a run and made their way to the family wing.

"Which one is hers?" Harry asked as they reached the corridor where they were all housed.

"The one near the servant's stairs." Ron directed.

The door was locked, but they were sure she was inside as they could hear things being moved in the room.

"Hermione!" Ron called as he knocked on the door.

The noise inside stopped, but she didn't answer.

"Come on, Hermione, we know you're in there." Ron called.

"We're sorry, Hermione, we never meant to say that you're not welcome to stay here!" Harry called rapping at the door.

"You're our best friend. We'll never do anything this important without you." Ron said.

They could hear her muttering behind the door. When suddenly she opened it just a crack and they could see her eyes peering at them.

"I don't know anything about Quidditch, you know." She said.

"You don't have to tell us that, we know that already." Said Ron.

"What he means," said Harry before Hermione closed the door once more, "is that we don't care that you don't know much about it. You're good at other things, and that doesn't mean that you wouldn't be of help to us in the training session. You could set up training schedules and sort everybody into groups and that sort of thing."

"Yeah, Harry and the rest of the team will be so busy training and looking at the candidates that we couldn't possible organize it all. We need you Hermione." He said in a wheedling tone.

"Well, if you think I can help." Hermione murmured.

"Of course, you can help. We have to write to all that people, and your writing is much better than ours." Ron said.

"You got a response from McGonagall then." Hermione sounded more excited than before.

"Yeah, just got the owl. What do you say? Wanna help us organize it?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, if you want me to." Hermione said opening the door wide.

"Of course, we want you to." Ron exclaimed.

"Let's go to the bookroom, we'll have more space there." Harry directed and the three friends made their way through the corridors with friendship restored and full of excitement for the upcoming party.

*~*~*~*

They spent several minutes arguing about what to do first once they got to the bookroom.

"I think we should send the owls first thing tomorrow morning." Ron said for the tenth time since they assembled in the bookroom.

"But Ron, we don't know where to put them, or who's going to be here." Hermione said.

"That's why there's a wing full of empty rooms, Hermione, and if you remember is set aside for guests." Ron replied.

"I think we should write to the rest of the team first. This is supposed to be a training session, me must begin with them." Harry interjected, not wanting one of Ron and Hermione's famous arguments to make lose track of their plans.

"Yes, that is the most logical thing to do." Agreed Hermione.

"I suppose. We do have to write to them to make sure they're free for a couple of weeks." Ron said.

"Let's start with that, then. Once we have their responses we can start writing the invitations." Hermione said taking a blank piece of stationary she found on the desk and started making a list. "We have to talk to Mrs. Nichols and Roberts to organize the rooms and meal times. I suppose the public rooms will have to be readied since the family rooms are too small to hold more than twenty people. Once we get the acceptances of those planning to come, we can start planning accommodations. I don't know how many guest rooms are there, so we'll have to check on that."

"I think there're thirty. Lupin said so." Harry interrupted.

"Oh, so there's more than enough room. I don't expect more than twenty people to accept. There're not a lot of people who has enough courage to try out for the team, and with the rest of the team members," Hermione did a quick calculation, "there should be at least twenty-five people coming."

"You're forgetting how curious people are, Hermione." Said Ron. "I'll bet there will be a lot more than twenty people accepting the invitation. They're all going to come out of curiosity instead of real interest in the training. They might even try to bring guests, and once they get here it will be rude to show them the door."

Harry groaned at the thought of it all. It sounded so simple when they were just thinking about it.

"Well, we'll have to include in the invitation that only those with real interest in trying out for the team should send their acceptances and that no guests should be brought as there will be no social programming scheduled but only Quidditch practice." Hermione said.

"You can't write that, a lot of people would get angry." Exclaimed Harry.

"Well, I don't know what else you can write to let them all know that it's only practice and not a house party." Hermione replied.

"Wish I hadn't started this now." Sighed Harry with frustration.

"Well, you can't stop now. You've already written to McGonagall and she's bound to tell somebody. By the end of the week there many people talking about it." Ron said.

"Professor McGonagall wouldn't gossip like that." Hermione chided him.

"She's a woman, isn't she? Women gossip." Ron replied.

"Ronald Weasley!" Exclaimed Hermione.

"Let's just continue with this, we'll discuss McGonagall later." Said Harry.

Hermione glared at Ron before turning back to her list. "Well, first thing first, let's write to the team. There is no reason arguing about how many people are coming if we don't have the team with us when they get here." She said.

"All right, you write it, you write more neatly than any of us." Ron said.

Hermione looked pleased by this and started writing in her neat handwriting on a piece of parchment Harry passed to her.

*~*~*~*

It was two days later when they got the first response to their letter.

Harry was sitting behind the desk in the bookroom with Ron and Hermione as they made up a training schedule when Roberts entered the bookroom and presented Harry with a note.

"This has just arrived for you, Master Harry." The butler intoned in his customary grave voice.

"Thank you, Roberts." Said Harry as he took the envelope from Roberts.

"C'mon, open it." Urged Ron as soon as Roberts had left the room.

Harry opened the envelope in a hurry and slipped the parchment from its folds. He read it quietly and then passed it to Ron and Hermione who had tried to read it over his shoulder.

"He's coming then. I wonder if training is over for the summer." Ron said as he put the note aside on the desktop.

"Must be, if he's available to come." Harry said.

"That's one, then." Hermione said as she took a blank piece of paper and started to write.

"What are you writing now?" Ron asked, warily as watched her.

"His name of course." Hermione said in exasperation.

"What for? We know who he is." Ron exclaimed.

"Honestly, Ron! We need to have a list of those who have accepted our invitation, don't we?" Hermione replied.

"Why can't we just put an x or something next to the name in the list of people we sent owls to?" Asked Harry pointing at the list they had been working on earlier that day.

"Because I need to give this to Mrs. Nichols and Mrs. Weasley." Said Hermione. "I told them that I would make a list of the people coming."

Harry and Ron looked at each other in exasperation, they had written more lists in the past two days than they had ever written in their lives.

"Very well." Said Harry, "we have Wood. I just hope the girls would answer soon."

"They will. Fred and George are looking forward to seeing the whole team back again." Ron said taking the list of names they had written earlier. "Are we sure we want to write to everybody in Gryffindor?"

"Of course, it wouldn't be fair not to invite somebody just because you think that they're not Quidditch material." Said Hermione snatching the list from Ron's fingers.

"But many in them will probably say no, anyways. Let's face it, Neville is not likely to get on top of a broom again, specially for Quidditch training." Ron said.

"Ron, that would be mean and you know it. Besides, McGonagall wrote that all should be invited." Hermione said as if McGonagall's word was the law that couldn't possibly be broken.

"Alright, alright." Said Ron. "Let's get back to the training schedule then." He took the paper they had been working on when Roberts had come in with Wood's note.

"I want to show this to the others, get their opinions on this. Specially Wood. He could give me real pointers at being captain." Said Harry.

Ron shrugged. "Seems we can't do more until we get the letters from the others."

"Yes, we should wait. We can't plan until we know how many people are going to be here." Hermione said.

Harry stretched his arms. "This is more tiring than I thought." He groaned.

"What did you expect? Planning this sort of things takes a lot of energy." Hermione said as she separated all their lists into piles.

"Luncheon should be ready soon." Said Ron looking at the clock above the door. "Let's wait in the game room."

"All right." Shrugged Harry and led them down the corridor toward the game room.

They didn't have long to wait. Roberts entered the game room followed by the footmen carrying platters of food.

"Mrs. Weasley will be away this afternoon, she thought you would prefer to eat here, Master Harry." Roberts announced.

Harry turned to look at the others as if asking if they would like that.

"It would be nice to eat here." Hermione said.

"Yeah, we could do with a change." Said Ron.

Roberts pulled a table before the couches in front of the T.V. and ordered the footmen to place the platters on it.

It was an energetic meal, as one only teenagers are bound to have with no adult supervision. They watched television while they ate (Ron asking a million questions about it until Hermione felt the need of stuffing a ball of bread in his mouth), played pool as they ate their pudding, and played cards as they drank glass after glass of pumpkin juice.

They were still there (Harry was loosing for the second time to Ron in a game of Wizards Chess) when Ginny came looking for them.

"Here you are! I've been looking for you for half an hour!" She exclaimed.

"We've been here the whole afternoon. Should've asked Roberts where we were, he always seems to know where everybody is." Ron said.

"I assumed you would be working on your lists in the bookroom." Ginny snapped.

"We decided to leave the rest until we get the responses of everybody else." Said Hermione.

"Oh. Who've you got so far?" Ginny sat beside Hermione who sat on a chair watching the game.

"Only Wood has written." Hermione said as the boys glared at them for talking during their game.

The girls looked at each other and tried to stifle their giggles.

"We might as well get it over with." Snapped Ron and moved his final piece. "Checkmate."

Harry sighed defeated and turned to look at Ginny.

"Where are Fred and George?" He asked. He knew that Ginny had spent the last few days in the twins' store while he, Ron and Hermione planned for their training session.

"They stayed behind with Lee. Said they wanted to have a drink before coming home." Said Ginny. "Where's mom?"

Ron shrugged. "Don't know, she left early this afternoon. Haven't seen her since."

"Do you think it has to do with the Order?" Ginny asked in a hushed voice.

"Could be." Ron said.

"But Mrs. Weasley wouldn't have left us on our own." Hermione said. "Even with Robertsa and Mrs. Nichols keeping an eye on us, she wouldn't like to be away from home."

"She didn't have any choice, now did she?" Ron said.

"Specially if it's about the Order." Harry replied.

"But the time is all wrong! People work at that time, they wouldn't have been able to attend a meeting." Said Hermione.

"Maybe it wasn't a meeting. Maybe Dumbledore wanted her to do something." Ginny said.

"It's no good trying to guess what is happening." Hermione said. "It wouldn't do to start making conjectures of things that aren't true."

Ron rolled his eyes and glared at Hermione. Harry kept silent, he agreed with Hermione, it wouldn't do to start thinking about what could happen, especially since he knew how things could end for him.

He had thought several times of telling Ron and Hermione about Dumbledore's revelation about the prophecy. And several times he had come close to telling them, but had changed his mind as soon as he had opened his mouth. He sighed. Things couldn't get any better for him, he thought.

He looked at the others and was glad that none seemed to have noticed his lapse of attention. They were busy arguing about Mrs. Weasley's absence.

"Dinner should be served soon, don't you think." He interrupted before Hermione and Ron launched into one of their famous arguments.

"Yeah, mum should be home by then, don't you think?" Ginny asked. Harry was sure that he heard some worry in her voice.

"I'm sure she will. They twins should be back by then too, and the others." Said Hermione, letting her mind wander into other subjects.

Nobody had time to answer as loud voices could be heard from the corridor.

"I tell you, if that git gets near us one more time - "

"I know, I know."

The door opened and the twins walked into the room.

"Roberts said we would find you lot here." Fred said with a smile.

"Did something happen while you were having your drink?" Ginny asked.

"What do you mean?" George asked with feigned innocence.

"You know what she's talking about, we could hear you arguing out there." Ron snickered.

"Oh, nothing of consequence." Fred said with a disinterested wave of the hand.

The others looked at them with incredulous glances.

"Alright, alright." Said Fred.

"We saw Perce at Diagon Alley, it's all." George said with disgust.

Ron and Ginny looked at each other with worry. Harry understood why the family was weary of hearing Percy's name.

"What did he want?" Asked Ron in a querulous tone.

Fred snorted

"To give us some advice." Leered George.

"What did he say?" Hermione asked.

"Not much." Fred replied.

"Didn't let him." George continued.

"We just went on with Lee to the Leaky Cauldron." Fred finished.

"Maybe he had something worthy to say." Ginny said quietly.

George scoffed. "I doubt it. The stupid git has more brains than common sense."

"Honestly, George, he's not all that bad." Hermione exclaimed.

"Of course he is. He made mum cry." Ron snapped.

"Unless he apologizes to her and dad, he has nothing more to say to us." Fred said coldly.

Ginny sniffed and Harry noticed unshed tears gathering in her eyes.

"Here." He said passing a handkerchief to her. He was glad that Lotty was used to placing clean handkerchiefs in his pockets every day.

Ginny dried her tears and blew her nose, while Ron patted her back softly.

"Where's mum?" Fred said looking away from Ginny.

"Roberts said she was away." George said as he sat in a couch across from them.

"Don't know. She left early afternoon." Harry said.

"Wonder if Dumbledore sent for her." Fred said joining his twin in the large couch.

"Let's not start this again." Hermione exclaimed.

Ginny gave a watery chuckled and even Ron smiled. Fred and George looked confused.

"We'll explain later." Said Harry.

They heard footsteps in the corridor before the door opened and Lupin walked into the room.

"Hello." He greeted them with an easy smile. "How are you plans coming along?"

"Oh, good." Harry said.

"We got a note from Wood today." Ron said quickly. "Said he could join us."

"That's good news." Fred said.

"Would be good to play with the old team once more." George smiled.

"We still have to hear from the others. Once we do, we'll plan for what comes next." Hermione reported.

"Did McGonagall give you all the names of Gryffindors?" Ginny asked.

"A while ago. Their addresses too." Ron said happily.

"You don't have much time, you know." Fred said.

"Only three weeks until the term starts." George said.

Harry was concerned for a minute. It did seem like they didn't have much time left. He hoped they heard from the others by tomorrow so they could start sending owls to the rest of Gryffindor House. Even one week of training would be beneficial.

"We'll have enough time if we get word from the others soon." Hermione said. "Not much left to organize."

"We need to send all those owls, though." Groaned Ron.

"Well, you better start on it then. We talked to Lee and he agreed to care for the store while we help with this plan of yours." Fred said.

"He wanted to come too, but that's the week when most Hogwarts students go to Diagon Alley, it wouldn't do to close the store at such time." George said.

"Are you sure you can take the time off?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah, we are interviewing some assistants. You lot will be gone soon and we'll need somebody to stay in the store at all times. Fred and I are too busy to stay behind the counter all day long." George said.

"What are you doing then, Professor? You could come to work for us." Fred said looking at Lupin.

Lupin laughed. "I appreciate that boys, but I have plans for the fall."

"Oh?" His audience seemed curious.

"Indeed." He smiled mysteriously.

"Anywhere we know?" Ron asked.

"You might have heard of it." Said Lupin with a grin.

They seemed to be eager to continue with their questions, but at that moment, Mrs. Weasley came into the room, followed closely by her husband.

"Hello, dears." She smiled brightly.

"Hello, mum." "Mrs. Weasley." They answered.

"Dinner should be served in a few minutes. Have you washed your hands?" She asked looking at her children with a piercing glance.

"We'll be right back." Said Fred in a hurry as he pulled his twin along with him.

"How was your day, Molly?" Said Lupin looking at Mrs. Weasley's happy expression.

"Oh, it was great. Today, we must celebrate." She squealed with excitement.

"Why?" Asked George as he and Fred came into the room in time to hear their mother's excited response.

"You'll see." She said as she smiled brightly to her husband.

Harry turned to look at Hermione and Ron, who seemed to be as confused as the rest.

Roberts came in to say that dinner was ready.

Everybody piled out of the room toward the dining room. They were all eager to hear Mrs. Weasley's news.

Dinner seemed to be special indeed, as roasted Ham, baked duck, glazed pheasant, stewed beef, pork chops, salads and mounds of pastries were served around the table. Even the wineglasses that Harry had noticed in a closet in the butler's pantry had been taken out and a bottle of champagne was cooling in a bucket at the center of the table.

"What's all this, mum?" Asked Fred looking surprised at the feast served to them this evening.

"We'll tell you after you've eaten." Mrs. Weasley said.

She didn't have to tell them twice. The boys piled their plates full. Hermione glared at them in disgust and served herself small servings of everything.

"Mum's news must be great indeed." Harry heard Fred murmur to George nearby.

Ron looked across the table to his parents. Both were lost to themselves as they talked quietly to Lupin.

"What do you reckon she has to say?" He asked after swallowing a large piece of ham.

"Don't know, but it's clearly good." Harry said.

"Wonder if it has to do with Percy." Hermione said. "Maybe that's why he tried to talk to Fred and George."

Ron shrugged. "Could be, but then, they would've brought him with them."

Hermione seemed thoughtful for a minute.

"Weren't you the one who told us not to make guesses that could be proven false?" Harry said.

"You're right. She'll tell us soon enough." She said as she turned her attention back to her food.

Ron and Harry looked at each other and chuckled.

The meal was soon over and Roberts was serving the chilled champagne. Harry looked at his glass with trepidation. He had never tasted the bubbly beverage before and hoped it wasn't too strong. He didn't want to make a fool of himself in front of everybody.

Mr. Weasley stood up and Harry turned to look around the table. Everybody quieted down and turn to look at Mr. Weasley standing at his end of the table.

"I have great news for you. As you may have gathered by the special dinner." Said Mr. Weasley. "I'm pleased to announce that I got a promotion this afternoon."

Those around the table burst into applause.

"Yay!" Ginny was squealing happily as she bounced excitedly on her chair.

"About time!" Harry heard Fred yelled over the noise.

Mr. Weasley was grinning while Mrs. Weasley beamed proudly at his side.

"What's the position, Arthur?" Asked Lupin once the pandemonium was over.

"I'm the new Head of the Muggle Relations and Liaison Department." Said Mr. Weasley.

"Wow!" Exclaimed Hermione. "I didn't know there was such a department in the Ministry."

"There wasn't." Said Lupin. "I assume it's a new office."

"Indeed. After some discussion, the Minister came to the conclusion that such department should exist." Said Mr. Arthur.

"You mean he was pushed into it by other members of the Ministry." George mumbled under his breath, loud enough for Harry and his siblings to hear.

"Some of the existing offices will become part of the department." Mr. Weasley continued uninterrupted. "Like my old office, the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts. The Obliviators Headquarters Office and the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee will transfer as well."

"That's a lot of people, dad." Exclaimed Fred. "The Obliviators Squad alone is made up of more than fifty wizards."

"Indeed. We have much to do to rearrange ourselves." Mr. Weasley replied.

"Are there any new offices planned?" Asked Hermione who was clearly struck by the idea of a whole department taking care of Muggle Relations.

"Oh yes, we'll begin interviewing wizards for the Muggle Liaison Office and the Muggle-born Counselor Office." Mr. Weasley announced proudly.

"What are they supposed to do?" Asked Ron.

"Well, Muggle Liasion agents will go undercover into the Muggle world to keep abreast of everything happening that may affect or be caused by anything magical." Explained Mr. Weasley as puddings and cakes were passed around the table. "The Muggle-born Counselor Office will counsel those muggle-borns just receiving their owls. Many go into Hogwarts without knowing what to expect and as a result go under so much stress that it affects their studies. The office will help them understand what the Magical world is as well as abate the fears that their muggle parents may undergo. They will take the new students to Diagon Alley and show them around so that they don't have any problems getting their school materials."

Hermione was nodding happily as Mr. Weasley listed the duties of the new offices. "That will be great. I know that many will appreciate some help after getting their first owl."

"You didn't have any problem." Pointed Ron out.

"Well, of course I did, at the beginning. For one thing, how was I supposed to get to Diagon Alley? I didn't know. Professor McGonagall sent instructions along with the letter, but sometimes, that's not enough." Hermione said.

"Does this means you'll get a raise?" Asked George curiously.

"Of course he gets a raise, you silly boy." Mrs. Weasley laughed.

The rest started to chat happily across the table.

The sound of Lupin's voice silenced them once more.

"I think we should make a toast." Said he raising his champagne glass. "A toast, to Arthur Weasley, the first Head of the Muggle Relations and Liaison Department."

"Cheers." The rest said raising their glasses, and drank.

Mrs. Weasley seemed ecstatic. She looked proudly at her children and smiled brightly to her husband.

They continued their celebration in the parlor room, where a small piano had been brought in and enchanted to play by itself in a corner of the room. Roberts had sent the footmen for bottles of wine and champagne and Mrs. Nichols had sent up trays of tea and pastries for the young people.

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny sat in a corner with a pot of tea and biscuits chatting happily as the rest sat around Mr. Weasley who was talking about all the plans for the new department.

"I'm so glad your father got the promotion." Said Hermione setting her cup aside to grab a few biscuits.

"So am I, they couldn't find anybody more enthusiastic about Muggles anywhere." Harry said.

"He's happy enough. Mum is so proud." Smiled Ginny.

"Bet old Percy will try to kiss off to him now." Ron smirked.

"Oh, he wouldn't do that, would he?" Said Ginny looking at his father with worry.

"Of course he will. You heard Fred and George, he tried to talk to them earlier." Ron said.

"I'm sure your father will do what's best." Said Hermione.

Ron grunted but Ginny nodded and changed the subject.

"Do you think you will hear from the rest of the team soon?" She asked.

"I imagine so." Said Harry. "Probably in the next couple of days."

"I hope we have them by the end of the week, we need to start preparing the letters for the rest, otherwise we won't have much time to practice. We only have three weeks left of vacation." Said Ron.

"I'm certain we'll have time for everything. It's not like you could practice for more than a week anyway." Said Hermione.

"But one week it's not going to be enough." Ron exclaimed.

"We'll have enough time for what we want to do." Said Harry. "No point getting worried about it before we get everything in place."

Ginny yawned. "I think I'll go to bed. Good night."

"Night." They said as they watched her go toward her parents to say good night.

The party broke up soon after.

Harry lay thinking about everything they had learned that day. It seemed like a long day, but a happy day all the same. He was truthful when he had said he was glad about Mr. Weasley's promotion. Harry knew he deserved it.

Sleepiness overtook him and soon after he fell asleep.

*~*~*~*

The sun was shinning and the room was warm when Harry woke up the next day. After allowing Lotty to help him prepare for the day he went down to the dinning room in search of his friends.

He found Ron and Hermione arguing while Ginny sat nearby looking bored.

"They've been at it since I came down." She whispered after he sat at her side with a loaded plate in his hands.

"What is it this time?" Harry asked.

"I'm not sure, but I think it's about Krum." Ginny replied eating her meal slowly.

"Krum? Why would they argue about him?" Harry asked looking at his best friends who seemed to be too involved in their argument to notice them nearby.

"Hermione received an owl from him." Ginny said.

Harry shook his head amused and turned his attention to his plate.

"Fine!" Ron exclaimed.

"Fine!" Yelled Hermione in return and stormed out of the room.

Ron stabbed his eggs in resentment but didn't look up from his plate.

"Trouble?" Asked Harry breaking the awkward silence.

"No." Snapped Ron.

Harry raised his eyebrows in disbelief and Ginny giggled at his side.

"What's so special about him, that's what I want to know?" Ron exclaimed as his eggs went flying into the air.

"You mean apart from the fact that he's famous, a great Quidditch player and the first boy to show any interest in her." Ginny said.

Ron glared at her. "He's not that great, Harry is better than him, and more famous than he is and you don't see Hermione falling on his feet."

Harry choked on his tea.

Ginny laughed and patted his back.

"I don't think I could see Hermione in that way." Harry wheezed.

Ron shrugged but didn't say anything.

"That's the trouble. Neither of you ever did." Ginny said and pushed her chair back. "I think I'll go find her."

Ron glared at Ginny's back as they watched her leave the room. "What was that supposed to mean?" He asked turning to look at Harry.

"Don't know." Harry said with a shrug.

"Girls are just mental." Said Ron.

"Not all of them I should think." Harry laughed.

"Of course they are. There's no mistake about it." Said Ron turning to his food in a happier mood.

Harry laughed at him but he too turned his attention back on his food.

"What are we doing today?" Asked Ron as he emptied his plate.

"Look through the mail first, if we find any more responses we can begin with the letters to the rest of Gryffindor." Said Harry.

"I hope we can find something in the mail today, not much to do around here otherwise." Ron said.

Harry smiled but didn't contradict him.

Roberts soon came in with the mail tray. Harry was happy to find three letters addressed to him.

"Katie, Alicia and Angelina." He said showing Ron the three letters.

"What's that other one?" Ron pointed curiously at the remaining letter in the tray.

"The Dursleys." Said Harry looking at the letter with curiosity and dread.

"What could they want?" Ron glared at the note.

Harry shrugged but took the note from the tray.

"They mailed it by Muggle post." Said Harry looking at the envelope.

"Of course, they don't have an owl, do they?" Ron replied.

"No. They wouldn't like one for their own." Harry said.

"Open it, see what they say." Urged Ron.

Harry turned the envelope and opened it. A single sheet of paper fell from the envelope. Harry read it in silence while Ron looked at him with curiosity.

Harry sighed and pushed the letter aside.

"Well?" Ron asked.

"They want me to go back to Privet Drive." Harry said.

"What? Have they lost it? Why would you leave your own home to return to them?" Asked Ron incredulously.

"I think, it's because of the money. They're not receiving any more of it." Harry said bitterly.

"That's probably it. Are you going to write back?" Asked Ron glaring at the note as if it could relay his feelings back to the Dursleys.

"No, there's no need." Harry said. He folded the sheet and slipped it into the envelope once more. He took the other letters and pushed his chair back. "Come, let's see if we can find Hermione and Ginny. If Alicia and the others are coming for the training we should start with the rest of the letters."

They left the room with the letters, except the Dursley', which remained on the table.

The girls were found in the garden, and Ron and Hermione seemed to have shed their differences aside as they talked peacefully about the letters.

They were, in fact, responses to their letter agreeing to be part of the training.

"Good, we have most of the team in, we just need Andrew and Jack to write and we'll have all of them in. But we can start with the letters to Gryffindor, that will take a while." Said Hermione.

"Why? We just need to replicate it. That's a simple spell." Said Ron.

"We can't use magic, remember." Replied Ginny.

"We don't have to do it, we can just ask Roberts to do it for us." Ron said.

"That's not the trouble, is the addressing of the envelopes which will take a lot of our time." Hermione said.

"We might as well begin." Harry said and led them to the bookroom.

*~*~*~*

A/N: There you go, that's the first part of this chapter, this is not too bad but it's the part about the summer training session that I'm not sure about, read the next part and let me know if I should take that part out, should I edit it and cut it out of the storyline or should I keep it. Hmmm?