A/N- i would like to thank night flight for allowing me to use an idea of his. the idea i borrowd was Harry haveing an ancestral home. nothng else. the floor plan is all mine. plus i think his is a really good story so im giving you a link for a few different reasons
http/ saw Ginny walk into her room and pick up the letter, and that was Harry's signal.
He used his portkey to get to the entry hall and wait for Ginny. while he was waiting he examined the tapestries along the walls.
One was of a young Wizzard fighting a huge black dragon. The wizzard was holding a shield that looked strangely like the one in Harrys room. There was a small plaqe next to the tapestry.
Harry Barthaulamew Potter 1780-1801
Dragonslayer for a day
Harry hoped that wasnt the relative he was named after. Before Harry could move on to the next one he hear a loud gasp.
Spinning around Harry managed a full turn before he was tackeld to the ground.
"Harry James Potter! If you...ever do that again...you wont need to wory about...Voldermort...I will personally...kill you!" she yelled while trying to kiss him at the same time. After about five minutes of snoging Ginny finially let Harry stand "And just where have you been? everyones been worried sick about you! And what do you mean you can see Dumbledoor sitting next to me? And what about Ron and Hermione they are both worried sick why cant they come?" She stood with her hands on her hips glareing at him. "Well for startes I've been here, and there's not much i can do about your worring while Im unconsious, I'll show you how I saw Dumbledoor, and for now I want this to be just us, at least for today" He said as he reached out and took her hand "ok Gin? for today at least?" he begged, using all his charm and puppy-dog eyes "oh all right" She relented, closing the gap between him. They just stood there holding each other untill Ginny's curiosity finially got the better of her and she steped back and asked "where are we anyway?".
"Well Ms.Weasley" he said teasing her "we are in The Potter Mansion, its a 35 room house along with 2 kitchens, one large and one small. a training room, libiary, couple of studys, infirmary, dining hall, dungeons, vault, and even a grand ball room! Oh Ginny isnt it amazeing? and just think, this is all ours...just me and you, and one day the childr.." then, realizeing what he was saying tried to stammer a response "well...when...I mean...if...someday" he finished while turning a deep shade of crimson.
"Oh no! is masters sick? do yous need healing masters?" Tolly came running up to him and nearley tackled him again
"No no im fine, really" Harry said while trying to keep the elf from climbing his robes to feel his forehead
"But masters so red! he must have fever!" Tolly insisted "No Tolly im fine, I was just blushing"
Harry heard a snikering comeing from Ginny, so he stood up and said "Ginny meet Tolly, my personal elf. Tolly meet Ginny, my Weasey!"
He said it while trying to suppress a smirk. Judgeing by the lightening comeing from her eyes, he was lucky Tolly was there or he'd be dead. "OH! its masters chosen!" Tolly said danceing in circles, then he ran over and grabed Ginnys hand and tried to pull her away.
"Come, come Tolly must show you youre room. When Tolly showd masters the bathroom he said youd love it, masters wasnt talking to Tolly, and he had to strain to hear it, but Tolly did!" the elf rambled on most of the way up the stairs
"Harry, you do know Hermione's gonna kill you for having a house elf right?" Ginny asked while Tolly took a breath.
"Tolly, what are the conditions to keep Tolly my personal elf?" Harry asked, as much to answer Ginnys question as to keep the elf from rambeling about something else. so Tolly told Ginny and by the time he finished saying how kind it was of Harry to keep him, they were at the doors to the 5th floor.
"Oh wow! Are those doors really gold?" Ginny exclaimmed as she ran her hands over the engraveing
"Not solid gold madame, solid gold too soft, gold plated." Tolly told her then before he could open them Ginny did. Harry didnt think it was possible for an elf to be that surprised but somehow Tolly managed. "How...how did yous do that?" he sputterd.
"What? open the door?" Ginny asked, looking at the elf like he was stupid. "No disrespect was ment madame, but this is masters chambers only he or his family, or his elf may open door, it is spelled so that is so" Tolly said before turning to Harry "you did not tell Tolly yous was married! you said shes was a Weasey, not a Potter!" the elf looked at Harry accusingly
"Were not married Tolly, but I do love her verry much so maby the house picked up on that, marrige is after all only a word" Harry said while rolling his eyes. Looking slightly uncomfortable Ginny said "um Harry, thats not entirely true, thats how muggle marriage is, but wizzard marriage is when you exchange wizzard oaths." Harry knew what that ment, you didnt go back on a wizzard oath.
"comeon Gin, you gotta see the rest of this room, and Tolly was right, youll love the bathroom" he stressed the word love.
Ginny saw the sitting room and then the bed, and she couldnt help running to it and throwing herself into the soft matress.
"Oh Harry this is so wonderful!" she exclaimed "I mean, I love the burrow, and I like Grimauld place but this!" And she just lay back down with her arms spread wide. "so if my rooms this nice Harry, I can hardly imagine how much nicer yours is" she sat up and looked at him "Well Gin, there exactly the same actually, although they do have one thing way better." he teased
"really? whats so much better?" she asked, pretending to be hurt.
"Oh thats easy, my rooms have a verry beautiful red head laying in the bed" And then he too jumped onto the bed. realization finially hit her as she smirked at him "Harry James Potter, are trying to ask me to share a room with you?" she asked playfully. not hesitating a beat he said "not asking, insisting" and he reached over and kissed her. After that Tolly came back in looking for them, and asking why they stop'd "do yous want to stop the tour?" he looked mournful.
"no Tolly, why dont you show me the bathroom then the rest of the house" Ginny said with perfect courtesy. As soon as Tolly turned around Ginny giggled. Harry was right, Ginny ooh'd and aw'd over the bath tub before Tolly reluctantly pulled her away. Then Tolly showd them the fourth floor, which had the libiary on it. Ginny marveld at it, it looked bigger than half the Hogwarts libiary. Ginny did notice a shelf closed behind glass and locked, all the titles on this shelf were blurred so you couldnt read them.
"Thats the dark magic books, evil books. Kept safe behind unbreakable glass" Tolly said, and nodded his head with each sylable of the last two words. the third floor was all bedrooms so they skipped it, the second floor had the training room and more bedrooms as well as another study. the ground floor had both kitchens, the infirmary, the masters study and when they got to the dining hall Ginny gasped.
the room was as long as the Hogwarts grand hall about half as wide and tall, streching down the center of the room was a long table
that appeared to have been polished less than five minutes beforehand. at the each end of the room was a large fireplace, easily 6 feet tall and twice as wide, the mantle appeared to resemble a lions mouth, compleate with teeth on the bottom to hold wood in and a tounge to rest on.
finially they had seem the whole house except for a single set of double doors directly off the ground floor entry hall to the right. Harry had noticed they avoided the doors that were on that wall on their tour of the second floor.
"Tolly, you never showd me whats through those doors" Harry said while pointing.
"No sirs, I wanted it to be a surprise, for masters and his chosen to see togther" And the elf took each of their hands and placed one hand on each knob. They both turn'd the knob and gasp in surprise, the room was compeatly black. Not a tiny bit of light anywhere.
"Come come" and again Tolly led them by hand and then stoped "are yous two ready?" Tolly had an excited gleam in his eye as he asked. "come on Tolly were dying from suspence" they both said, then looked at each other and giggled. Tolly waved both of his hands, and as they passed each other the chandilier hanging in the center blazed to life.
"Oh my god!" Ginny claspd her hands over her mouth, Harry just stared in awe. The room was easily four stories tall in the center and a good 150 ft across. It was round and there was a ledge that ran around the second story and was supported by golden collums that stretched tword the roof. The floor was marble and done in a pattern of blue and gold. There was a giant crystal chandilier hanging in the center of the room and on one side a grand staircase descended then split off leaveing a orchestra box between the forks as it reached the floor. The stairs and ledge were carpet'd in a deep red velvet and Ginny could almost hear music playing. It was something like out of a fairy tale, only this was real.
suddenly there was music playing, turning around Ginny saw Tolly playing the piano with his feet and somehow playing a violin with his hands, she couldnt help but laugh. Turning to find Harry staring at her she blushed. "May I have this dance" he asked and then laughed as he took her hands and began to twirl her around the floor.
"Oh Harry this is wonderful, thank you so much" she breathed, then kissed him.
suddenly they were interrupted by a loud noise that sounded like cymbols, thinking it was Tolly they ignored it untill they realised he was no longer playing. "Master, that is the door chime. we have guests master!" and he pushed Harry and Ginny tword the front door.
Dumbledoor closed the door behind Remus and sat down at a small table that had a think layer of dust on it.
"You've read the letter?" he turned and inclined his head to meet Remus's eyes.
"yes I've read it" he sighed
"And do you recognise the pheonix?" Dumbledoor wasnt quite so good at concealing his apprehension.
"Oh yes ive seen it before, but I cant seem to remember where" he was still searching his memory for any kind of clue.
"likewise, I have seen it but I cannot remember the time or place" Dumbledoor mused
"It deffinetly hasnt been withing the past six years, in fact it was before james and lilly were killed. I have a strong memory of me, James, Lilly and Sirius sitting in their home around a table. then that pheonix arrived, much the same way it did tonight and it gave James a letter. Then he stood up and said he had to go because mum and dad cal..." understanding flashed from Remus's face to Dumbledoors and back again. "but how? I thought James said he sealed the house right before he went into hideing?" Remus looked quizicly at Dumbledoor. "I do not know, how did James plan to get back in when the time came to unseal it?" Dumbledoor's blue eyes made Remus's hair stand on end. "James had a portkey that would take you there, thats how he used to go visit his parents before Voldermort killed them, The portkey was actually reusable, supposedly an old family heirloom. The one he had was a pin, in the shape of the crest of Gryffindor house. That must be what minister Ragnok wanted. when we went to get some galleons for the Salem trip, Ragnok asked to meet with him first. Said it was private business. Harry came out carrying a small box and wearing a small pin, although now that I remember it, that isnt the pin James used to wear. This pin was in the shape of a pheonix, then that means that the Gryffindor pin must still be in that box!" Remus suddenly had a bad thought "you dont think he'd? Molly would kill him if she found out!"
"I think" Dumbledoor's eyes twinkled and he got that smirk he'd devoloped while dueling Harry this last year "That we should discreetly go and check on young Ms.Weasley" the two men stood and dusted off their bottoms and left the small room.
"Molly, I think im going to go ask Ginny a few questions about the letter Harry sent her, see if maby she knows where he is."
when he saw her start to protest he stop'd her and continued "I wont pressure her, I'll simply read her eyes and know if shes lying to me. Then all I have to do is ask her if she knows where Harry is, if shes lying we'll know she at least knows and shes comfortable with it. and trust me Molly if Ginny is comfortable with it so are Remus and I" Dumbledoor turned and left the room
before he follow'd, Remus asked Molly to make sure no one botherd them, unless Midnight showd up again.
When they got to Ginny's Room they weren't surprised to find it locked, Dumbledoor was a little surprised to find the strength of the spell that locked it, but doubtless growing up with Fred and George had forced a few advancements. Neither adult was really surprised to find the room empty. Dumbledoor reached down and picked up a piece of parchment off the floor
"Dumbledoor,
This parchment is enchanted to read differently for you and Ginny. If youre reading this now it is doubtless you are looking for Ginny. She is safe and with me and I promise to have her home before bedtime, and if you really want I'll even stick around a little while myself. you needant bother trying to read Ginnys portion of this letter, its mostly personal stuff between us. The only part you might be interested in is the portkey I have given her. I have given her a permenant portkey that is pin shaped like the Gryffindor crest. it will take her two places, one is directly to me and the other is to the place I am at right now. Dont try to take this portkey from her because it has protective enchantments on it designed to prevent theft, it has to be given freely, not under duress or orders.
Harry
ps.would you mind not telling other people about Ginny's portkey? it could upset or wory some of them.
Dumbledoor read the note several times before he set it down. he briefly considerd trying to read Ginnys portion but decided against it, chances are it would somehow aleart Harry and that would weaken the boys trust in him. Dumbledoor Told Remus that Harry had given Ginny the portkey Remus had described to him but Remus just shook his head "That cant be, I distinctly remember James saying you had to be a Potter to use that portkey. and even though Ginny and Harry are dateing she still wouldnt have been able to use it."
looking thoughtful Dumbledoor said "Well Remus, Harry would have had to unseal the mansion in order to get Ginny there so why dont we go and ask him ourselves?" Remus's eyes lit up but then they darkend "James and Lilly lived there for awhile, and Sirius stayed there, we were all happy, it will be difficult to go there again. but I shall go"
As they got up and locked the door again Remus seemed deep in thought.
"um..Remus, seems my memory is a bit foggy, I havent been to the Potters in almost five decades, would you mind doing the portkey?"
He handed Remus the parchment and Remus pointed his wand and said Portus
They each took hold and there was the jerking again, but this time there was an abrupt thump, as if theyd hit something. Then the feeling of a giant hand grabbing both of them and they were both dumped on the front porch of a large house. It was painted a deep midnight blue, and the trim and shutters were all silver and they shone in the sunlight.
"where did you send us Remus? I assumed yo were gonna put us inside the house" Dumbledoor stood up and dusted off his robes as he tried to hide the discomfort in his voice.
"I did, right inside the entry hall. next to that tapestry of the fool James insisted on nameing Harry after. well at least were here, might as well knock" They did and waited, ten minutes later there was still no answer. "if I didnt hear faint music comeing from inside I'd say they weren't here" Dumbledoor chuckeld. "maby we should try the bell" Remus said after another minute of no answer "Therse a bell? why did you have us waiting out here if there was a bell?" Dumbledoor asked, then he spotted the bell cord and pulled. the sound of music stop'd and they could hear footsteps on the other side of the door.
Opening the Door Harry was shocked, but not really surprised to see Professor's Dumbledoor and Lupin standing on the porch. Quickly he invited them in and barely had the door closed when Tolly came rushing up asking if anyone needed their coat or scarve hung in a closet. "Dumbledoor what are you doing here?" Harry blurted out before he could even organise his thoughts.
"Perhaps masters would like some tea in the sitting room?" Tolly asked, gently remind Harry that these were his guests and he was being rather rude just standing there. Harry led everyone to the first floor sitting room and they all sat down as Tolly poured some tea
"Next time I would prefer some kind of notifacation before you go sneaking people away" Dumbledoor stared at Harry and Harry just stared right back. Suddenly Harry rememberd something and said something to Tolly. The elf took off upstairs.
"Dont you go yellng at Harry for asking me to visit, I decided to come. no one forced me." and Ginny set her jaw in just the same way her mother did when she prepared herself for an argument, Remus immeadietly leaned back and Dumbledoor smiled.
"Ah Ms.Weasley I was not yelling at Harry, just asking him to let me know before he decides to borrow you from my care" and his tone had a small hint of laughter with it.
"How are you feeling Harry?" Remus tenativley asked. "well I was doing fine untill you two showd up. We were danceing and really enjoying some time to ourselves when there's this god-aufull clanging noise and then Tolly goes off about having guests at the door"
Harry rolled his eyes and waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.
"This place is marvelously well kept Harry" Lupin said as he looked around "where is old Tunny? Me and James had so much fun with him the one summer I stayed here" Lupins eyes got a glazed look for a second then he rememberd where he was and looked at Harry
"Tunny died when he found out mom and dad died. Tolly said he was dads personal elf and it broke his heart to hear that. For the last fourteen years its just been Tolly all alone." Harry sounded kinda sad when he said this, so Ginny took his hand and squeezed it.
"Harry, Tolly may have been able to maintain this house while it was just him but not if youre here too. he wont be able to take care of you and the house. Youre grandparents had two full time elf's working here plus their personal ones. Either youre gonna have to hire some human staff or get some more elf's"
Harry stared at lupin "But I dont know where to even look to find house elf's, and how do you hire them? and even if I did get more Hermione will kill me. It was hard enough to make Tolly take pay and a day off each week. Fortunetly he was already wearing clothes so I didnt have to wory about that" Harry buried his hands in his hair then sat up. He was going to ask Dumbledoor's advice when he saw a strange smile on his face. "what? well what do you think i should do?" he asked
"Fortunetly I have a marvelous idea that I think would solve both our problems and help a certain someone's. You remember Dobby? well of course you do, I know he'll be delighted to get to work for you. And it wont be hard to get him to take pay and wear clothes, and of course dear little Winkey. The Hogwarts elfs still tell me she hardley leaves her nook by the fire. I think she'd do better with a family than shes doing at the school, And if you allow me to handle it I think I can get her to take the bennifits package as well."
At that moment Tolly came in carrying the shield. Harry jumped up and took it from him then passed it to Dumbledoor.
"Professor I found this in my family vault downstairs. The plaq next to it says its called The Potter Shield and that it can reflect all minor hex's and absorbe most major ones, what do you think?" Dumbledoor took the shield and Handled with all the care you would an antique lace doily. Carefully he ran his hands over the crest carved into the metal surface, then he took out his wand and tried a small cutting hex on the shield, the hex bounced off the shield and sliced off a section of his beard. "well Harry, I'd say this is genuine, and while I think it is a marvelous find I strongly urge you not to rely on it in youre battle against Voldermort. If you become too dependant on this shield then what happens when he does find one it wont block? no, do not become to Reliant on this shield Harry" Remus took the shield to examine it next and he could be heard muttering a few words like interesting, or unbeliveable before he too set it down and aggreed with dumbledoor about not relying too heavily on it.
Harry was debateing showing them the wand or not, he hadnt even shown Ginny the wand. finially he decided he'd show them all some other time. Turning to Tolly he told him to sit down and that there was something they all needed to talk about.
Harry chose his words verry carefully "Tolly, how do you feel about me bringing another two house elf's in to help you care for the house?" Seeing the the look of panic on the poor creatures face Harry quickly continued "no Tolly not to replace you, only you would have the Honor of being my personal elf. No one is ever going to take that away from you. These elf's have no where else to go and you're going to be so busy being my personal elf now that you wont have time to cook or clean like normal"
"Tolly is a good elf sirs! He never neglect his family's house. Tolly make time if he has too!" The elf said standing up.
"No Tolly I'm not saying you would!" suddenly Harry had a bright idea "But Tolly, Ginny wants a perosonal elf too, and the one she wants has a friend who has to come too. so Winky is gonna be Ginny's personal elf and Dobby is gonna be a general elf, remember how it was before old master left? Its gonna be like that again, only youre my personal elf." as he spoke a smile began spreding across Tolly's face. "Tolly understands master, Tolly will be chief elf" and he was grining from ear to ear.
"now Tolly, go get some more clothes togther like what youre wearing now, one for a male elf like yourself and one for a female, do you got that Tolly?" Harry looked hard at the elf to be sure he understood
"yes masters, Tolly is to fetch uniforms for new elf's" and the elf jump'd to leave before Harry caught his arm and said "when you get them, wait outside the door untill I call you in ok?" the elf nodded affirmative and left
Dumbledoor stood and said "well Harry I'll be running along to Hogwarts to collect Dobby and Winky, I'll see you in about five minutes. then he too left.
while they sat waiting Remus turned to Ginny and asked "So what do you think?"
"oh this house is so wonderful, and its so huge and Harry says therse a whole basement full of dungeons and a vault that only he can enter, and Harry says he found something special in the vault for me to wear that I'll love but he says its gonna be a surprise." she stoped when she realized she was rambling. Remus smiled at her and then in an undertone only she could hear
"so what do you think its gonna be like when youre the lady of the house?" And as he said it his eyes seemed to twinkle
"oh, well by then I'll...Remus!" she had caught on to what he was trying to imply. "were only dateing, besides Harry doesnt need anymore huge things to deal with. And for another thing my parents would kill me if I droped out to marry Harry." and she sat there and Glared untill Dumbledoor arrived
Dumbledoor walked in the room followd by the two house elf's. Dobby immeadietly ran over and proclaimed in no uncertain terms that he would gladly serve Mister Harry Potter Sir, and how honor'd he was just to be mentioned then leaning in he said quietly into Harry's ear "Winky is not well yet sirs, she still drinks too much. but Dobby thinks being Harry's Weasey's elf would do her good" and he jumped up and down in excitement. It was discussed between then all and when Winky heard they were offering her the chance to be the personal elf of Harry Potters lady her eyes got round and tears formed in the corners "But Winky was a bad house elf, she does not deserve such an honor" then Dumbledoor in a cold and hard voice said
"Winky! you are being asked to do a job that most would give their right arm for. now here's the conditions, you must accept 4 galleons of pay per month and you will also be required to spend every tuesday doing whatever Winky enjoys. those are the conditions, if you still think it is too honorable for you then tell me now!" and he just stared at her untill she answerd
"Winky will accept, with the stated punishments. oh thank you professor Dumbledoor sir, and Mr.Potter for allowing Winky this chance to redeem herself" and she hung her head and look'd at her feet. Ginny immeadietly felt sory for her and decided the first chance she got she would do something for her. Satisfied that everything was going well Harry called out "Tolly, bring in the uniforms"
and then Tolly came in carrying a silver package and another navy blue one. he handed the silver one to Dobby and the blue one to winky. "I'm Tolly, I am masters personal elf which makes me chief elf" and he pointed his thumb at his chest "These are youre uniforms, personal elf's wear blue and general elf's wear silver." Tolly turned to dobby and said "youre responsibility is the house and grounds, keeping it clean and in good condition, you are never to enter the masters chamber unless told to by him or me. do you understand?"
and Dobby quickly nodded his head and said "oh yes, it is an honor to clean Mister Harry Potters house sirs"
Tolly then told Winky what her responsibilities were and made sure she understood them before he asked to be excused to show them to their chambers and what to do.
"well now, I think that has been worked out to everyone's satisfaction, has it not?" Dumbledoor smile'd at everyone sitting down
Harry just squeezd Ginny's hand and she smile'd at him
"Now Mr.Potter, we need to discuss this situation. I cannot have you whisking yound Ginny off when ever you or her feel like it. you are extreamily lucky that Molly doesnt know she is gone, I dont think even I have enough power to stop her should she feel her children are thretend" Dumbledoor had been looking at Harry for the past five minutes
"Dumbledoor, this is my house, my home. the only place where I've felt like I belong, with the exception of the Burrow. I'm not leaveing yet, and you cant make me. I could declare you an enemy right now and do you know where you'd be? right out there on the front porch. you have to have my permission to be in my house, or havent you realized that yet? I'm sure you tried to arrive inside, didnt you wonder why you landed on the porch."Harry was starting to get angry
"Harry I wasnt trying to tell you that you couldnt stay. I was trying to point out that Ms.Weasley cannot" Dumbledoor folded his fingers togther over his leg, "but I must say Harry this house is quite magnificent, would you mind giving us a quick walkthrough?"
"actually professor I'd like to ask you to consider something, I know that grimauld place is headquarters and all but is that really the best place for the Weasleys to be staying? why dont they come stay here? they were so kind to take me in and I would like to return the favor" Harry looked over at Ginny who had a tear in her eye and was gripping his hand tightly
"oh Harry! thats a wonderful idea" she exclaimed then bent over and kissed his cheek.
at that moment Midnight appeared in a ball of flames and settled on the sofa next to Harry. Harry then rememberd Hawkeye.
"Ginny, Professors i just rememberd something totally awsome follow me!" he jumped up and raced out of the study, followd closely by Ginny and a littlefarther back by the two professors. Harry led them through the kitchen to the back hall then out and across the yard. he stoped before the big barn doors and asked them to wait here because he had something to show them.
Harry enterd the barn and walked over to where Hawkeye was napping, senceing a presence the griffin looked up and gave a quiet little squak of pleasure before it jumped to its feet and started nuzzeling Harry's outstreched hand.
"i have some friends waiting outside" he told the griffin "would you mind if i ride you? i would like to surprise them see..."
The griffin wasnt stupid, he knew what Harry ment. he lowerd his front legs alloring Harry to mount him then he spred his wings and gave a mighty SQUAK!
Ginny was wondering what was takeing so long when she heard the weird noise
Dumbledoor grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away from the door as it started to open. something big was flying at them, she couldnt see it but she heard it wings and suddenly it was over them. turning to see hwat it was all three of them froze when they saw the creature turning around to fly back tword them. loosing his composure Lupin was the first to comment
"No way! i didnt think you could tame those" Ginny finially stammerd out a question to Dumbledoor
"Pro...Professor...is that...a...a...griffin" she pointed a shakey finger at the pair that was landing in front of them now
"indeed Ms.Weasley i believe it is" and Dumbledoors voice betrayed no emotion.
Harry rode Hawkeye over to where the three were standing and dismounted, then he said
"Hawkeye, this is my girlfriend Ginny, and professors Dumbledoor and Lupin" he said and gestured to each as he said their names
"Harry, hes magnificent" Lupin strode foward and then paused "may I?" he asked then when the griffin nodded he reached out and stroked the feathers "He is magnificent Harry, his feathers shine and not a single one out of place, even after you rode him"
Hawkeye seemed to like the attention Lupin was giving him because he started to rub his head along Remus's arms forceing him to scratch him "and I think he likes me" Remus exclaimed in wonderment "Harry you should know griffins are verry good judges of character, as long as you have Hawkeye here around you will always know if someone is trustworthy" Ginny cae foward and gently ran her hand through the feathers that coverd Hawkeyes chest. Hawkeye turned and stared at Ginny for a moment then let out an affectionate squak and bow'd to her, when he didnt raise again Ginny turned to Harry and asked "whats he doing Harry"
Harry considerd for a second then said "i think he wants you to mount him" Harry smiled at her and helped her to get on Hawkeye's back. immeadietly he rose and started running and then lept into the air
Dumbledoor watched the whole thing then said to Harry "a griffin Harry? you should know Harry a griffin is feircly loyal, they have been known to kill people for simply insulting its partner. do not take it lightly Harry, a griffin would not give you its loyalty just because you belong to a certain family. griffins can see into youre soul Harry, and this one's seen into youres and given you his loyalty, hes also seen into Ginnys, and i think he has seen just how much she cares for you. i dont think he would allow her to ride him at a first meeting if he hadnt."
Ginny screamed, shed just gotten in place when Hawkeye started running faster than she could breathe
suddenly they were airborne and all Ginnys fear was gone. she leaned foward and thank'd Hawkeye for this and the responce she got was him pumping his wings faster causing them to fly higher and faster. Ginny let go of the griffin's mane and raised her arms over her head. somehow this felt better than a broom, this was a living creature she was rideing, and while she loved her broom it was just a stick of wood compared to this. suddenly the griffin tensed up and let out a Roar of indignation, Ginny looked around and saw a hawk of somekind below them flying away. Hawkeye went into a dive causeing Ginny to grab tightly to his mane. they flew after the hawk which apearently had seen then because it was doing its best to dodge them. suddenly they were over some forestland and Ginny saw a streak of green light go flying past her as Hawkeye easily dodged the spell. she peered down and saw three goblins in a clearing and the hawk was angeling down tword them. Ginny pulled out her wand and sent a stream of bludgeoning spells at the trio in the clearing. suddenly Midnight appeared next to the hawk and snatched it out of the air in his talons, and was gone again in another ball of flame. Hawkeye dived tword the goblins with his wings back, just when Ginny screamed because she throught they were gonna crash he put out his wings and rose again, Ginny looked down and saw there was only one goblin in the clearing and she didnt like what that ment, it took her a few seconds to realize that Hawkeye was holding something in his front claws, and another half a minute to realize that was what had happend to the other two goblins. Ginny thought she was gonna be sick but somehow kept her mind on the task at hand.
again she sent a stream of bludgeoning spells tword the clearing and this time got lucky as one actually hit the goblin, she told Hawkeye that she wanted to take that one alive and not to hurt him but to carry him. Hawkeye did and they began flying back tword the barn
Harry watched as Ginny swooped in and out of the clouds and she really seemed to be enjoying herself when suddenly Hawkeye went into a dive. Harry wonderd what he could be diving like that for when he saw green light shoot from the woods tword the pair in the sky
immeadietly Harry started running tword the woods but stoped when he saw Midnight come swooping out of the barn. the pheonix was gone in a ball of flames and was back again seconds later holding something. he deposited his package infront of Harry then went to sit on the roof of the barn. Harry looked up to see Hawkeye and Ginny flying back twords him with something dangeling from his claws.
Harry bent down to examint the thing Midnight had droped and discoverd it was a dead hawk with a note straped to its leg
"Potter mansion gobins
be on the lookout for any sign's of activity in the mansion, potter still hasnt appeared and my spies tell me hes not with dumbledoor. dont reply to this i dont want to risk anything following it back to me. maintain youre scilence untill you know for certain if hes there, if you become convinced hes not dont send me a letter saying he isnt just remain silent. do not fail me in this
Lord Voldermort"
Harry read the note and paled. that had been too close. Harry felt his anger begin to build. what right had they to be on his property! and they thretend Ginny, Harry had seen the spells fly from the woods. Harry summoned his broom and was about to go to the woods when Dumbledoor placed his hand on his shoulder and said "wait Harry, their back now and look what they brought"
Hawkeye had just landed and tossed the two dead goblins aside and brought the injurd one to Harry
Ginny dismounted and flew into Harrys arms and they just stood there for a moment before Harry finially asked her if she was ok. she said she was, then she turned and said in a wisper "he killed two of them, he was prtoecting me Harry" a chill made her shiver. Harry quickly took her in his arms and told her its ok and it wasnt her fault. looking over her shoulder he asked Dumbledoor to take the Goblins somewhere else for questioning and said he wanted no part of it. Harry Remus and Ginny went back inside and the two men setteld Ginny in a chair in the sitting room and told Tolly and Winky to make her as comfortable as possible. Harry went back to find Dumbledoor
"im going to go now and ask everyone to come here, its now the safest place for them, the goblins never got Voldermorts orders and there all dead now, and he isnt expecting them to report in so they wont be missed" Harry said
"I think that would be ok, but i suggest you ask Ms.Weasley before announceing it, ive contacted minister Ragnok and hes on his way to see who they were and to question the survivor. Harry, Hawkeye really cares about Ginny. he wouldnt have protected her otherwise." Dumbledoor smiled at Harry and despite what had just happend Harry felt himself grinning back. "everything here seems to" Harry explained "when i showd her my rooms she was able to open the door and Tolly freaked out. he said only me or Tolly could have opend that door and that we had to be married and just not telling him. when we told him we wernt he just got more confused"
Harry's voice trailed off as he watch'd Dumbledoors face "she cares for you Harry, I think its safe to say she feels for you what Molly feels for Arthur" Dumbledoor said in a soft voice
Harry just stared at the man standing in front of him "you cant...mean..she wants..." Harry stammerd
"I do not doubt Mr.Potter that if you asked her she would say yes, quite possibly faster than Fawks can travel" and there was a hint of amusement in his voice
"but were still in school, were much too young..."Harry began but stoped when Dumbledoor shook his head
"Harry, might i address you like i would a son? just this one time please?" when Harry nodded he continued
"Harry my boy, love knows no age young Ginny has felt something for you from the day she first saw you, that day you didnt even know her name but simply asked her mom how to get onto the platform. The fact that the magic in this house responds to her as if she were a Potter speaks for itself. even Hawkeye can see how much you mean to eachother so why is it so hard for you to accept it and be happy?" he looked at Harry over the rim of his half moon glasses and waited for his responce. Harry seem'd to consider it for a moment or two before he finially said "I care for Ginny more than anything on this earth, but I think it would be wrong of me to do anything that would seriously jepordise her or otherwise..." Dumbledoor held up his hand and then said "Harry, you must live youre life now, do not plan for after. by refuseing to live now you are allowing voldermort to win." Harry rememberd something Mad-eye Moody had said to him the year before "Ninety-five percent of his job is done if everyone fears him."
"Harry, im not trying to geet you to run in there and ask her to marry you, in fact i think that untill you know exactly what you want I advise you not to. however i do want you to know that whatever you choose you have mine and Remus's full support. and just between us Harry, youd have the Weasleys too. Molly would have to oppose it because shes a mother and thats her perogative, however if you follow tradition then you need only wory about Arthur. and Harry, Arthur adores you. youve made Ginny the happiest hes ever seen her, and for that alone he will accept it. just so you know Harry, you tend to wory a bit too much what others will think.you must remember to be true to youreself. that goes for all things too Harry, live for the hear and the now. do not forget to live while you plan for a battle some time in the future." Dumble pulled Harry close and gave him a quick hug and a smile
"Professor" Harry asked after a moment "I would like to do something for Ginny but i need youre help"
Dumbledoor leane down and Harry wisperd his plan in Dumbledoors ear.
after Harry finished Dumbledoor stood up, his eyes twinkeling and said "Harry that is a wonderful idea, absolutley grand. i will see to it immeadietly, now if youll excuse me i must finish tending to these goblins" and he turned around and went inside the barn
Harry went back inside and found Ginny was sitting by a fire and drinking hot coco. he sat next to her and put an arm around her as he held her close for a moment, then he turned and kissed her. "I love you so much Ginny, I was so scared when I saw those spells flying at you. i was scared i might loose you too" the he took her in another hug and they sat there like that, holding eachother untill Remus
enterd carrying some pillows "You know Ginny i dont think we should mention this little attack to youre mother, shes already convinced its unsafe to leave Grimauld place at all and this wont help..." he stop'd speaking when he saw Harry and inny then cleared his throat.
Harry released Ginny and settled back into the sofa, but he didnt release her hand. "Ginny, Im going to go get youre parents ok? im gonna let everyone stay here, its much safer than Grimauld place now anyway" and he proceeded to tell her about the letter the hawk was carrying and his and Dumbledoors understanding of its message.
"Ill be right back, and i dont want to see you move a muscle Ms.Weasley" he stood, kissed her on the forehead then went into the entry hall, he called Midnight to him and a moment later he and midnight arrived in the kitchen of Grimauld place, surrounded by Mr and Ms Weasley, the twins, Ron, Hermione, Snape, Tonks and even Kingsley Shacklebolt. and the scary thing was they all had their wands pointed at him...