Requests for Help…

By the middle of October 2010, twenty three more children were brought back to the Riddle House. Of these, fifteen would be going to Hogwarts in January. Reviewing the numbers, Katie found that, at this point, there were just over 400 children of various ages entering Hogwarts, of the some 725 kids at the Riddle House. That figure also included Sarah who was now in her sixth year.

Katie, the Muggle fiance of Mason Black, called a meeting for the afternoon of the 19th of October with the Hogwart's Board of Governors, Staff, and lead house elves, as well as the English Minister of Education, the lead CAC members, and the Minister of Magic. As an afterthought, Katie invited the owners of Flourish and Blotts and Mr. Caputsy who owned the largest quill manufacturing company in Europe, and Gargimel, the Chief Goblin of Gringott's. It was to be held in the Cowan Estate Dining Hall.

The large hall was filled by invited guests, Percy Weasley who was to take official notes, the board of directors of the Riddle House, as well as Sirius and his wife, Inspector Maples and various staff members of Hogwart's. The dinner was delicious and at the end, Ginny stood. "Thank you all for coming tonight." They acknowledged her thanks. "As you can imagine, we have been so busy rescuing children that we haven't had time to contact you before now. We do, however, realize that there will be a need, very soon, and you are the ones we need to fill it.

"Each term, we have Riddle House students entering Hogwart's, on all levels. We send them with the proper supplies, books, quills, et cetera. This is where you come in, gentlemen. We would like to you to sponsor all children from the Riddle House in the Magical Education."

Mr. Blotts looked dumbfounded for a moment, "Sponsor?"

"Yes, provide books for whatever grades necessary for the children: Either free, or below cost," he said nothing.

"And you, Mr. Caputsky, we would like you to provide basic quills and inks for every child attending Hogwart's from the Riddle House. Not the expensive ones, but the everyday use ones."

The business men thought for a few silent moments. Mr. Blotts was the first to speak. "I will be glad to contact my publishers about perhaps, printing extra copies and whatnot, however, to absorb the cost completely… I don't know how I can do that."

"You make a commitment."

"You misunderstand me. We are talking about literally thousands of books for many years to come. My second hand things… well, I sell those quite quickly and what is not sold usually can't be."

"As we well know," Ron added in an undertone.

"But… perhaps we could come to some sort of an agreement," they waited for him to finish, "Would you be willing to be used in advertisements for the stores and publishers? Nothing too ostentatious, of course, just photographs and posters, perhaps occasional appearances to promote the business, draw in a crowd as it were."

They seemed to be mulling over the idea as Mr. Caputsky spoke. "A few magical photographs of you choosing my quills would increase revenue a hundred fold. It would easily pay for what you ask from my company."

"We will discuss it. But should we be willing to do this, are you willing to commit to say… ten years of sponsorships for the children of the Riddle House?"

"I believe I speak for us both when I say yes."

"We choose the photographer, the photographs to be used, and in what context."

"Agreed."

"We will let you know by owl tomorrow of our decision; thank you gentlemen, for coming to dinner." Harry stood, shook hands with the guests and watched as they were escorted from the room. When they were alone, he sat and reached to hold Ginny's hand. She had already agreed to it, he knew she had. When he looked up, he realized the others had too. "Colin Creevy is the ONLY one who takes the pictures though." He said smiling.

They sent out their reply the next morning. By that afternoon, Colin was taking his first round of pictures at the estate.