This story is based on characters and developed from some situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 17
Peverell Abbey.
29th July. Day 32 continued.
Rita Skeeter stood, arms folded next to her photographer, note pad and quick quotes quill floating in front of her, the man from earlier smirking smugly at her other side.
Rita turned to the man. "Oh yes, I almost forgot, fifty galleons wasn't it?" She handed him a pouch which clinked as he took it.
"Ah yes, thank you, Miss Skeeter. That and seeing a celebrity, who is so far up himself as this, brought down to earth is reward enough." The man grinned then turned to Harry. "You need to understand Potter, this is a national monument, not just a grave. You have no more rights to mourn here, than anyone else has. I come here regularly you know, I have never seen you here before, so clearly you are not really bothered. Why should I make way for you, just because you suddenly decide to play at grieving son. It's those of us who come here often, who know how to grieve them properly, you should be thanking us for being so bothered, when you are not, instead of putting on this show."
Harry stood, looked the man up and down, anger in his eyes, power rolling off him, Ginny joined him. He flicked his hand with lightening speed and the camera, quill, notebook along with the purse of money flew to his feet, camera smoking, quill and notebook in flames. Rita stood open-mouthed in shock, frozen where she stood, as Harry approached. The man had gone white as a sheet, similarly rooted where he stood staring at this powerful angry youth stepping towards him.
"Is your name Potter?" Harry asked the man quietly, danger in his voice.
"N. N. N. No!" The man stuttered, quickly shaking his head. "It's Prewitt."
"I should have known." Harry said. "Molly Weasley's family?"
"She is a fourth cousin or something, not seen her since we were kids though, nor that Muriel woman either." He admitted.
"Your cousin is facing charges of kidnap and line theft, she is currently in hospital getting the help she needs thanks to her sense of entitlement and her resulting mental state. Perhaps that is a trend in your family, though Muriel does not seem to share it, especially not as you do." Harry informed him. "This is not simply a national monument, it is my parents grave, you self-centred idiot. Can you visit the graves of Molly's brothers in peace if you wish? How about her parents graves, can you go and mourn them without some idiot publicly questioning your right so to do?"
The man nodded hurriedly.
"Do you know the circumstance that mean that I could not come here earlier? Do you actually know anything about my childhood?"
Prewitt shook his head.
Harry continued. "So, if you know nothing about me, and can visit your own family graves when ever you wish, why the hell shouldn't I be able to visit my parents grave when I wish?"
The man didn't respond.
"Don't get me wrong, I am glad people want to come and pay their respects to my parents, but what gives anyone the right to deny me and my mother's family, the opportunity to visit here in peace? I believe I have more right here than you do, now run along, I shall ensure this money reaches St Mungo's, where it will do the most good. Dobby!" He called, a small pop told him his Elf had arrived, Harry handed him the purse. "Please take this donation to St Mungos."
Dobby nodded and disappeared.
The man turned and ran, as applause sounded, Harry turned, many of those who had witnessed what the man had done earlier had gathered again and seemed to appreciate what Harry had said. Surprised by the response, Harry quickly Obliviated Rita and her photographer and sent them away with a wave of his hand. He turned to the crowd and his heart melted. There at the front was the little girl they had overheard earlier, he looked at the couple with her, who he guessed were her parents. They were smiling at him warmly and still applauding, they nodded reassuringly. He walked over to them, and knelt in front of the little girl, who seemed to bounce with excitement, her smile broadening, although her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He smiled to her spread his arms, and she almost flew into them to hug him tightly, his arms gently returning the hug.
"Well done Harry." She whispered after a minute or two trying to find her voice, then she released him and leant back against his arms. "Oh boy, did I squish you?" She asked.
"No, you didn't." He chuckled. "I heard what you said earlier, about wanting to give me a hug, so I thought you would like the opportunity. You made me feel better then, and you have again now, almost as much as Ginny does. Thank you!"
"Cool, I'm Mary, I'm five, but I'll be six on the same day as your birthday." She grinned proudly.
"Well Mary, I think that there is no better day to have your Birthday." Harry grinned, picking her up, he carried her the few paces to her smiling parents.
The couple were now the only others still there, the rest of the visitors had retired again to a respectful distance, though now seemed to have formed a loose guard around them. He chatted with her parents for a few minutes, finding out that they were local, then he passed Mary to her father, promising he would see her again. Then as the family withdrew, he returned to the grave of his parents.
Half an hour later they left the graveside, they had conjured a wreath which they left, leant against the stone. The other visitors, respectful still, parted to allow then a clear path out of the churchyard many of them acknowledging the family as they passed. Mary waved enthusiastically to them, and they waved back to her, noticing she had picked some wild flowers from near the church, sure she was going to put them on the grave.
Harry turned to Sirius. "I wonder if it would be possible to add Mum's real name to the stone? Give her that back at least, if we can."
"I'm not sure, I'll find out for you though." Sirius said thoughtfully. "Not sure if he is available, but we could start by speaking with the Vicar."
"Good idea, let's see if he is in. It would be good to get to know him in any case, especially if we hold the events here, we would need to invite the locals to the garden party, and he would be a good contact for that. "
They left the graveyard by the gate to the vicarage, but there was no answer when they knocked on the door. So they left, walking along the driveway beside the church hall and out into the market again, they would try to contact the Vicar another day. They walked across to the other side of the square, away from most of the stalls, following Narcissa who had visited Godrics Hollow most recently, though that had not been since Draco could walk. This time, avoiding the stalls, they were walking away from the church, along the edge of the Market towards the memorial. Harry looked up at it and was surprised by what he saw. "What in the name of all that is holy is that monstrosity?" He hissed.
The stones of the war memorial had transformed to reveal a statue of two adults and a small child, it was this that had caused Harry's surprise. Whoever had designed the statue had clearly wanted to portray them in classical Greek heroic style, the epitome of a heroic, yet tragic, family. The product of this desire was to create a sugary image of overly dramatic perfection. His mother was portrayed as an Aphrodite figure, gazing longingly at the finely defined muscular, God like figure of his father, who looked down sadly to his wife. Even baby Harry, was a perfect image of Pathos, looking up at his parents with a sad expression of longing, a tear carved beneath each eye. The dedication carved in the base simply read. "The Potters."
"I knew it was here, but not that it was this bad." Narcissa replied astonished. "The times I have been here, we never came to look to be honest, maybe if we had known what we do now I might have done."
"Who the hell would pass erecting a memorial like this?" Harry asked, then realisation hit. "It's political, isn't it? Let me guess Dumbledore had a hand in it, to encourage hero worship of my parents sacrifice and sympathy for poor little Harry who must be looked after. Sadly missed, but reassuringly cared for by the bearded wonder himself."
"You are probably right Harry." Narcissa agreed sadly. "Certainly it was the Wizangamot who commissioned it, I remember Lucius was not happy that they thought a memorial was necessary, at the time. I doubt if they approved the design though, they would have left the details to others. I would guess Dumbledore was behind it, he was certainly chief warlock at the time, and it would have at least been approved by him."
Harry turned and walked away in disgust, muttering about stringing up idiotic old coots the first opportunity he had. Ginny was quickly by his side, a comforting arm round him, Draco taking up position on his other side, sharing his cousins disgust at what had been created. The Adults, with Sirius flanked by the ladies, bringing up the rear, were certain that if the statue was ever to be removed, Harry would want to be there first with a blasting hex, or a sledgehammer. There was no doubt he would want to destroy it, in the most satisfying way he could. They knew that if he asked, then it would more than likely be replaced, or simply removed.
They turned up the street on the opposite side of the square from where they had entered it, and walked up the slope. Soon they found the street up to the cottage where he and his parents had spent their last weeks together. It was easy enough to spot which cottage it was, it was the only one in the street with a crowd outside it. A crowd that noticed them approach and respectfully parted to allow them through, Harry leading the way, nodding his thanks to them.
The crowd were silent, the path they had created between them led straight to the gate into what had been the garden of the derelict cottage. Harry led his family up to it, put his hand on the gate, ignoring the sign that rose to the side of it, he pushed the gate open, which it did surprisingly smoothly, then led them through. He walked quickly up the path and round to the side of the cottage. The gate closed behind them, Sirius was the last round the corner of the house and heard the crowd begin to talk again. Harry stopped the moment he was out of sight and released the breath he had not realised he was holding and leant against the wall of the cottage.
"Wow! I can't believe they just let us through." He sighed. "I was so worried there might be a problem like in the Graveyard."
Ginny giggled and hugged him. "I know, well done love."
"I was kind of prepared for that Harry, and if there had been a problem I would have simply led you in by the lane at the back here. It's not that much further, but it would have got us past the crowd," Sirius said. "We shall come out onto the lane when we go through the garden."
Harry nodded.
Bella smiled. " You ready to see if the big house is in a fit state to hold the events?"
"Yes, come on, let's see what we have here." Harry smiled, for the first time since he had seen the statues in the square.
They followed a path, behind the house through the overgrown, peaceful garden, to a gate that again opened at Harry's touch and found themselves on a solid metalled track, which curved from the street. This was the alternative route that Sirius had spoken of, the cottage appeared to be some sort of gate house guarding it. They could see the street they had left to their right, the track seemed to join it beyond the houses, at least they could not see any.
They turned left and followed the trackway in the opposite direction from the road, where they could see the way was blocked by a set of four very large ornate metal, rusty gates. There was moss growing thickly on them as well as grasses from the joints in the stone supports. Despite the neglected condition they were in the gates were beautiful, the two central gates formed an impressive road entrance, with two separate pedestrian ones on either side of them. All the gates were mounted on four stone pillars, each topped with a statue of a rearing unicorn holding a shield in front of them. Although the vertical bars, set every few inches along them, allowed a view between them, nothing of what lay beyond was visible through the gates, there appeared to be just blackness. A large shield was split between the two main gates at the centre of them. The rusting gates must have once been magnificent, but now stood forlorn and neglected shadows of what they had once been. They were all a little worried that if the condition of the gates were any indication, it would take a lot of work for the Abbey to be ready in time, if that was even possible.
Harry stepped forward and grasped one of the bars, trying to see through to what lay beyond, trying to get a clue to see if it was worth proceeding further. The gates glowed a golden light at his touch.
"Harry!" Draco and Ginny ran forward.
"Draco stop." Narcissa shouted, her son skidded to a halt, knowing better than to disobey that tone of voice, but Ginny reached Harry, who was by now glowing with the gate. He reached with his free hand, and she took it, then stepped next to him and held the gate too, the aura spread to enclose her as well.
"They are bonded Draco, she is his wife, part of him, so the magic won't harm her." Sirius said. "We can't be sure what it would do to the rest of us, we don't know what the wards are meant to do to others when the Master of the house has not linked to them."
They watched as the wards reacted to the contact with their owner, they could do no more.
The gates were losing the neglected look, the grass, and moss fell away from them and disintegrated on the ground as it hit the driveway. Colour spread over the metalwork, the gates were coloured in cream and glittering gold, the shield filled to show the united Potter, Black and Ashmole device. The stone pillars shed the grime of neglect, the unicorns became pure white, their horns shimmered gold. Each shield now bore one of the family crests, the Peverell on the extreme left, Black on the extreme right with the Ashmole on the inner left and Potter on the right. The glow faded, Harry and Ginny let go of the bars they were holding, then the central gates swung open on what were now well oiled hinges, the former glory restored.
Now that they could all see what lay beyond the gates, there was in fact not that much visible. The driveway within the gates was enclosed in a tunnel of trees and appeared to curve gently to the right meaning the far side of the woodland was out of sight. They walked through the gates, hearing them swing closed behind them, preventing anyone from following them. Although it was darker, and cooler, in the tunnel of trees, the light shone through the leaves above them, creating moving shafts to illuminate their way.
Not far through the woodland, before they noticed two parallel metal rails bisected the driveway, the surface polished to be almost mirror-like, grooves were in the ground along each one. Looking to either side along the rails, they could see them glinting in the light filtering through the canopy of leaves, as they passed through the trees. There was a glimpse of grass visible in the distance to their right, the rails curved out of sight in the trees to their left.
Not knowing why the rails might be there, they continued along the driveway, which was thick with soft leaf mould, far enough to lose sight of the gates round the curve and discovered that it forked into two directions. Although Sirius had been here before and knew of the gates, he had never arrived this way so had no idea which direction they should take, so the went along the left-hand one first. They found that it led to a large, well maintained, coach house and stables round a large stone flagged courtyard in a clearing. They could not see any horses present, but they could see a few highly polished carriages of different types and some equally well-kept cars in the sheds. The rails passed by, at the back of the stables, next to a paved area with a canopy over it. Having been concerned about the condition of the house, from the condition of the gates and the leaf covered drive, it was reassuring to see this area and the contents of the buildings were so well looked after. They had even spotted a fire in the grate in one of the rooms, indicating that someone was looking after the property.
Having briefly looked round this area surrounded by trees, they returned to the driveway and followed the other fork. It sloped up gently and curved, heading towards the edge of the trees, which was now visible, though only as a brightening of the light beneath the leaf canopy. The driveway curved again, this time to the left, before it emerged. Whoever had built the drive had been a master at hiding the view until the last possible moment.
As the trees thinned the drive had a sharp turn left, rewarding them with a magnificent view up to the house on the summit of the hill they had been climbing along the drive. It was a large house with rows of tall windows on the lower floors, there was a row of smaller windows above those, along the walls on the sides of the building that they could see. The stone walls supported a tiled roof, which was pierced with Dormer Windows facing out from the building, the roof topped with several chimneys, only one of which had smoke curling from it. The main door was centrally placed on the side facing them, the drive was now clear of leaves and the gravel crunched as they walked along it. Down the hill the lawns and gardens were enclosed by the curtain wall, in front of the house disappearing from view behind the house at one end and into the trees at the other. The lawn between house and wall surrounded a large box hedge, knot garden complete with statues and topiary.
That was nothing compared with the view in the other direction, which the back of the house faced, down the other side of the hill. The slope fell gently in landscaped beauty to a large lake, the enormous lawns dotted with small groups of trees, buildings, and sculptures. The lake had a forested Island, with the roof of a building poking through the leaves. There was a large boat house on the shore the lake and a jetty on the island, the prow of a boat just visible in the boat house. A long narrow shelter stood behind the boat house which puzzled them all, but was similar to the one at the stables. The view stretched out as far as they could see, what Harry supposed were the grounds seeming to merge seamlessly with the countryside beyond, he wondered just how far this property stretched though.
When the view was blocked by the house, they concentrated on where they were going, the drive again split, this time to circle a formal pond within a low wall, a central fountain and four spouts around the edge. It's position in front of the short flight of steps leading to the front door, surrounded by the drive circling it formed a neat turning circle for any vehicles, horse-drawn or otherwise. The light brown drive was clean and weed free, the lawn, garden, and pond well tended. They stood admiring the pond, which was full of brightly coloured fish, water lilies on the parts of the water that were undisturbed by the water from the fountains. The four spouts on the edge wall, were carved to show the animals of the four Hogwarts houses, the central fountain a Hippogriff, blowing a horn from where the water spouted. The wall itself was the perfect height for a seat, Ginny smiled as she imagined herself and Harry relaxing on it on hot summer days like this one. The water flowing was hypnotic and relaxing, the sound of it chattering into the pond and the fish gliding beneath the lily pads were soothing.
They turned away from it though, and crunched over the gravel, to ascend the steps to the highly polished large, imposing front door. The banisters to the steps were ornate, a carved stone wood nymph topped each of the pillars at the bottom, which had boot scrapers next to them, and goblins at the top flanking the doorway. The steps were wide enough for the six of them to climb side by side, the door at the top was a double one, a cast dragon head sculpture on each, rings held in their mouths. A bell pull rod hung on the right-hand side, all were well polished, making it a very grand entrance. They had reached the third step up to the door, when a low menacing growl came from behind them.
"Bloody hell." Draco whispered. "That sounded big."
"Funny I thought it was bigger." Sirius added.
"Reminded me of Fluffy." Harry reminisced, only Ginny smirked, the others expressions looked puzzled.
"Who the hell is Fluffy?" Draco asked.
"Hagrids three-headed dog." Harry smiled.
Bella looked incredulous. "Hagrid has a Cerberus?"
Harry nodded.
"You met said Cerberus?" Narcissa asked nervously.
Harry grinned. "Yes, twice in our first year."
"And Hagrid called it Fluffy, so a nice small cute puppy then?" Bella queried optimistically.
"No, at least I doubt it, he was taller than Hagrid."
Draco looked at Harry again as if to say you have to be kidding me.
The growl was heard again and Harry said. "Just a suggestion, perhaps we should leave reminiscing about my first year at Hogwarts for another time, and work out what is behind us instead."
Whatever it was behind them growled loudly once more.
"Well it is definitely big." Ginny said calmly.
"Not to mention close as well." Sirius observed sounding worried this time.
"Closer than that I would have said." Harry couldn't resist observing.
Sirius sighed. "I said don't mention it."
Harry slowly turned round to look. "Merlin, but that is magnificent, what is it?"
They all turned, there next to the pond, gazing at them, was a large golden animal which had the head of an eagle, but the rest from a lion.
"It's a Griffon." Ginny smiled. "Isn't he handsome."
The Griffon was eyeing them as if they were tasty snacks and took a step forward opened its beak and roared again. It was such an incongruous sound to emerge from a beak Harry thought, it would have definitely appealed to the twins sense of humour, though the beak oddly added to the threat in that roar. The Griffon stepped forward again, Harry wondered what he could do to protect them all, when with a pop a house elf appeared wearing a smart uniform of white skirt with purple and gold tunic. Facing the Griffon, the little creature showed no fear, it stood with its hands on its hips facing down the Griffon, Harry feared for the brave little creature, until suddenly the larger beast whined and began to look ashamed.
"That's quite enough of that Daisy, now go play, you daft animal." The elf ordered.
The Griffon slunk away and curled up next to the drive.
The elf shrugged. "Stubborn beast." She muttered then turned to look at her visitors, her eyes fixed on Harry and a grin spread on her face. "Master Harry, you is back at last." She squeaked.
He nodded.
"We has waited so long for your return." Her eyes widened. "And you is bonded, Master James would have loved that." The elf exclaimed happily then turned to the Griffon. "You see Daisy, you nearly scared off Master Harry and his lady, imagine you, and he used to be such good friends when you were both little, and he lived at the gate house. At least until that Dumbledore man put wards up, stopping any of us going there."
Harry stepped down and went over to the Griffon which raised its head and watched his approach. "Hey there Daisy." He said gently, then scratched it under the beak. "I'm back for today, do you remember me."
The Griffon took a sniff, rubbed its head against him and purred happily.
"Good girl, now can I go back to look inside? I'm sure we shall see you later." Harry smiled.
The Griffon stood and happily trotted over towards the curtain wall where it rolled in the grass happily.
The elf watched as her Master fussed the Griffon and smiled as he returned. "When I think about you as a crawling baby, and she as a kitten, the amount of times you both fell asleep one or other of you using the other as a pillow after a day playing together. Welcome home Master Harry, I am so pleased to see you back. I is being Elie, your head Elf in your grandfathers house. I am happy to serve you and your Lady, but we shall need to bring things back to usual and perhaps refurbish a little to reflect yours and your lady's new titles. In any case, we need to talk about things, I have summoned the head Elves of all your houses to greet you both, let's go inside."
Elie led them up the steps and through the magnificent front door, into a large, cool entrance hall. The hall had a polished marble floor, and was dressed to impress. It had a high decorative ceiling, paintings of various views of the hall on three of the walls and a table with a large vase of flowers in front of a large Mirror on the fourth. The table was the only furniture in the room, though there were a few doors leading from it. The space was obviously used to welcome guests to the house, controlling their access to the rest of the house to where they were wanted. Lined up along the side opposite the mirror were numerous house elves, who all bowed as Harry and Ginny entered.
"Master Harry, my Lady these are the Peverell Abbey and estate staff along with the head elves for each of your houses." Elie told them. "You would normally meet the others when you go to the houses they work in."
Harry was stunned at the size of the staff he had. "It is good to meet you all, we shall hopefully get to know each of you. In the meantime we need to view the house and grounds in order to organise a big society event for the Blacks, the Malfoys, the Potters and the Ashmoles. I hope Elie can call on elves from all our houses to help if required. Sirius and Bella have one elf, the Malfoys have a few, and we have another who is our personal Elf and will travel with us everywhere, I am sure they can be called on to assist as well." Sirius and Draco nodded their agreement.
"Yes Master." All the heads replied.
"Good, I think we had better have some refreshment and briefly meet with the heads before we look round the house and grounds. We shall meet the Peverell Abbey Elves as we tour, but it has been a pleasure to meet all of you." He said.
"Very well Master, I shall show you the house, and Titchy, your head grounds elf, shall show you the estate. If you would follow me, I shall arrange some refreshments." Elie suggested.
She led them through a door, into an ante room then on to a very large lounge at the back of the house. Some of the windows, overlooking the valley and lake, were actually doors that led out onto a terrace, they were open to let in the air, keeping the room cool. They could see more of the gardens and grounds from here, but they all realised they could not see it all. From here they could see there was a high stone arch at one side, closer than the lake, but not fully visible from here, though it gave the appearance of a ruin. The family sat, relieved to take the weight off their feet for the first time since leaving Grimmauld place. Within minutes three smartly dressed elves appeared carrying trays of sandwiches and cakes, silver pots of tea and coffee, jugs of Pumpkin juice and Butter beer as well as cups and glasses. The family helped themselves as the head elves came in and introduced themselves, explaining which house they were from and how many Elves worked there. The only one with a bigger household than Peverell Abbey was Hogwarts, all of them were relieved that Their Master and Mistress had returned at last.
It was the Hogwarts head Elf that knew them best and was confident enough with them to raise a concern with them. He told them about how badly Winky was doing and that she needed help that the Elves could not give her. Elie mentioned that Lady Ginny should have her own Maid, while the Earl had a man servant. Ginny quietly spoke to Harry, then they summoned Dobby and introduced him to the other Elves, then asked if he would mind sharing his duties with another Elf who would be servant to Ginny. Dobby looked sad for a moment then when told who it would be, happily agreed. The Hogwarts Elf left and returned with a very shabby, small, desperately sad Elf who was a shadow of the Winky Harry had known. The Elf looked in disbelief when Ginny asked if Winky would bond with her as her personal maid and to help Dobby. Dobby assured her he was happy for her to bond, and she agreed, a moment later Ginny had bonded with her and instantly the Elf looked much better. As they currently resided at Grimmauld Place, Kreacher was summoned and agreed that Winky could help at that house while the Earl and Lady Potter were in residence. The head Elves of all the houses agreed that both Dobby and Winky would be welcome amongst the Elves at their houses, as well as Kreacher when the Blacks visited. It was decided that arrangements with the Malfoy Elves could wait until Draco had formally claimed the Manor, though he would ensure they helped with the events. With all that dealt with, and when asked the head Elves assured them that they had no problems requiring their actions, Kreacher, Dobby and Winky left. The Elves from their other houses then all stood, awaiting orders.
"Right now I have met you all please take a seat." Harry instructed and waited while the shocked elves did as asked. "You are all my key team, I need you all to work together, especially while we get used to all that's happened. I also want you all to keep us in touch with things happening at each house, that includes bringing any concerns to us as the Hogwarts head Elf has today. We will be spending a lot of time at Hogwarts and will not be able to visit you all for quite some time, though we shall do our best to do so when we can."
Ginny then spoke. "We are both still at Hogwarts, so as Harry says you may not see much of us for a while and both of us have just recently discovered our heritage, so we are learning about that as well. Some of you are from our different families now united, and that is how we all need to be. We want you all to ensure that you all know each other's houses, that's all the elves, not just the head ones. So while we are at school we suggest that you take it in turns to visit and learn about each one. You will all need to take the time to organise that before you leave. As well as liaise with Elie and Titchy to get to know what will be needed for the events, we shall hold here at the end of August. They will know what is needed. Finally, we need to know if each of the properties are secure, that they are sufficiently protected. So we would appreciate that you send us a report on the status of whatever protections there are on them please."
"Yes My lady." They chorused.
"Right, now please join us for lunch." Harry offered.
It was about an hour later, after the Elves from the other houses had arranged for familiarisation visits to Peverell Abbey ready for the three events then left that Elie led Harry, Draco, and Sirius round the house. She had left the elf who was housekeeper with the ladies to discuss the needs for the society event, insisting the men would just get in the way. A view Ginny, Bella, and Narcissa agreed with, and sent them on their way. The house was incredible, the lofts were the house elf dormitories and rooms, and enjoyed some of the best views from their position, not that any of the Elves seemed to take much notice. They could see much further over the grounds, there was a ruin where they had seen the arch, though they still could not see much of it. They did see a column of smoke rising from behind a group of trees, they guessed the gardeners might be having a bonfire. There were more of the odd shelters around the grounds, and some large summer houses, a couple quite distant. Despite the view, they still could not make out an obvious boundary, at the far end, or even the sides of the views they had.
There were thirty bedrooms in the floor below the Attic rooms, not including the family suites on the floor below that. The enormous library took up an entire floor of one wing, whilst a Great Hall was the full height of the house, complete with balconies, overlooking the lake. A large conservatory attached to one wing, also stretched the full height of the building, complete with waterfall into an indoor swimming pool surrounded by plants and rocks. They were led through numerous rooms, from a banqueting hall and dining room, to studies and sitting rooms, they emerged onto a terrace across the length of the back of the house where Titchy stood waiting for them.
Harry thanked Elie who then left them, while Harry turned to greet Titchy.
"Hello Titchy, sorry to have kept you waiting, are you ready for us?" He asked.
Bowing deeply, the elf replied. "Almost Master, we just await the arrival of our transport."
Harry then noticed that there were two parallel rails here like the ones they had seen crossing the drive. Here he could see it was obviously a miniature railway, the rails about twenty inches apart, held on wooden sleepers set in a stone ballast. He was about to ask about it, when the toot of a whistle drew their attention. Looking up he saw a miniature steam train approaching, from the direction they had seen smoke rising earlier. Harry smiled, this was fantastic.
"Master's grandfather had it built as a way of getting people and materials round the upper grounds quickly." Titchy told him. "He saw one at Scarborough when he visited there once and decided he wanted one, so here it is, though he always said ours was a little more extensive."
"Fantastic." Harry muttered appreciatively and watched the short train pull in.
As the magnificent blue and black streamlined locomotive passed, he could see two elves in the cab, one driving while the other was shovelling the coal, it was pulling a single coach behind the tender. The train stopped with its ornate small coach right next to Harry, the door handle easily in reach. Titchy opened the door and Harry stepped in, the interior was clearly magically expanded, they could all easily stand comfortably. It was luxuriously appointed, with polished wooden walls, sofa's to sit in, tied back curtains at the windows and carpeted floor. There was a bar at one end and a door next to it nearest the locomotive, indicating a toilet was that way. Harry sat in an armchair at the back of the coach, where the windows stretched right round him, giving a clear view behind them. Draco and Sirius joined him while Titchy stood to explain any points of interest.
"This is the only one of our coaches that is magically enhanced to such an extent, although all the rest are expanded and the full length of a train can be walked if desired. This coach though, was specially built in our workshops for your Grandfather for when he wanted to travel on the line and has more enchantments to ensure the Masters, or in this case your Lordships, comfort. If, during our journey you wish us to stop anywhere, so you may inspect anything, just let me know, and we shall do so." Titchy explained.
The door of the coach shut a second elf, this one in a uniform and peaked cap, had boarded, but instead of taking a seat, he turned back towards the door. He leant out through the window, blew a whistle, and waved his green flag, out of it. Nothing happened! He tried again and once more nothing happened. Frustrated the elf ducked back in to the coach and headed for the door next to the bar in the end of the coach and disappeared through it.
"Ah yes, that also leads to the Corridor tender that connects us to the locomotive footplate, as well as the toilet. If we were on the back of a longer train it would lead to the rest of the train as well. It allows us to go through to the cab, you could do so yourself if you like Master. No doubt the Guard has gone to ensure the driver and fireman pay attention this time. Please excuse them, this particular crew were trained after your Grandfather died, they are not used to crewing a train carrying their Master, they are quite excited by it." Titchy told them.
"Of course Titchy, it is quite understandable. I should like to go on the footplate and see how things work, but if they are a little excitable, perhaps for all of our safety, it might be wise to leave that for another time." Harry grinned. "I always wanted my own train set, now it seems I have one of the best."
"In that case we shall certainly stop at the sheds to let you look round, show you what you have, it is quite a collection." Titchy grinned. "Though I suspect that your arrival shall trigger some new construction in the workshops, I know they plan to install level crossing gates on the drive, but I expect Jonesy will have a new train being built soon."
"Jonesy?" Harry asked.
Titchy nodded. "He is the Elf controller of the railway and chief designer. Your Grandfather discovered he had an aptitude for engineering, so encouraged it. He bought Jonesy lots of railway books and asked him to design and oversee building all your Locomotives, rolling stock and the civil engineering on the railway."
"I look forward to meeting him." Harry said.
The other elf reappeared through the door and looked apologetically at his master, before once again leaning out, blowing his whistle and waving the flag. An answering toot sounded from the Locomotive, and a moment later they set off, quickly gathering pace. They had a superb view down the valley behind them as the train curved round the house and headed over the lawn at the front, curving again to start running alongside the curtain wall.
Daisy was still laid near over near the drive, but her head shot up at the sound of the train approaching. The moment she saw it she gave a delighted screech, leapt to her feet and bounded over to it, then ran alongside the track, just behind the train. Clearly she was enjoying the chase, she could easily have caught it if she wanted, but was obviously playing a game.
"Don't worry!" Titchy assured them. "She's a big softy really, and will stop her game of chase, when we reach trees before the stables. They will make an excellent arrival point for the garden party Lord Malfoy, we can have trains circulating to take people to the site of the opening easily from there. We can direct those arriving here on foot from the town there too. If things are as they were in the past when events were held here, quite a few will spend the morning in Godrics Hollow before coming here, as well as the townsfolk themselves walking up."
The sound of the locomotives exhaust barked loudly, from the curtain wall. It was working hard, sending the smoke from its fire, out through the chimney with every beat, high up the stones, before it spread in a white plume trailing behind the train, dispersing into the atmosphere. They soon left the wall behind them and entered the trees and just as Titchy had predicted Daisy stopped her game and watched as the train chugged further away from her. They watched her standing there, until the track curved, and she disappeared from their view. The train began to slow, they heard the exhaust stop and felt the brakes biting as they were applied. They noted just how carefully and Titchy told them it was to avoid the wheels slipping on the rails, thereby creating a flat spot that would make the coach vibrate, spoiling the ride and creating unnecessary work to rectify.
"Ah the ladies must be joining us, we have a platform at the stables where they can. We keep a fire going there to enable Floo travel from any fireplace on the estate, but not usually from outside, although we can unlock that if needed." Titchy observed. "You said that you saw the cars and coaches on your way up the drive, so we need not leave the train here unless you wish. Did you notice that the Owlery is here too, room for up to twenty owls in it."
Harry shook his head. "No we just had a quick look round, but I agree, we shall have to explore there fully another time, there would seem to be a lot to see elsewhere, I think."
Sure enough a moment later the train drew to a stand beneath the long canopy behind the stables building, the door opened and the three ladies with Elie boarded. Bella sat next to Sirius, Narcissa took a chair near her son and Ginny sat on Harry's lap before he could move. "Wow this is incredible, much better than the coaches on the Hogwarts express." She grinned looking round.
Titchy smiled. "This is the observation saloon my Lady, the locomotive is a model of a Muggle steam engine called Mallard, Jonesy tells me the real one attained the fastest speed any steam locomotive reached."
"It is wonderful!" Ginny commented looking round. "We Flooed from the house when we heard you had started touring the grounds, we need to arrange things for the Garden party, see where things can go for it."
"Good idea! By the way Titchy suggests the stables as the arrival hub for the garden party, with the trains taking them to wherever you will open the event from. Does that work, or did you have other plans for that?" Harry asked.
Narcissa nodded. "That actually is perfect, Elie has suggested that we gather everyone at the ruins, we shall see them on this tour I should think."
"We shall Dowager Malfoy." Elie confirmed.
"So how are the plans going?" Draco asked.
"Very well actually, the Dinner is mostly arranged, just a few things to finalise, and the Dance organised ready to go in the Great Hall." Bella told them.
Ginny nodded. "Yes, all thanks to Elie and her team. It is useful having two spaces in the house big enough for each of those events. It means we don't need to move furniture about, so the Great hall will be used for VIP guests at the Garden Party, then the dance. The Banqueting Hall shall of course be for the Dinner. It has to be said, this is the perfect place to have the three events in one day."
The Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag from the window again, he was acknowledged by the whistle of the Locomotive, and they smoothly set off again. They were still building up speed as they crossed the drive and continued on through the trees lining the tracks. They were all impressed with the quality of the ride in this coach, especially as Elie brought them drinks from the bar. As they received the drinks, tables with nibbles appeared next to them. They were relaxing in their seats, when they emerged from the trees, the Train had reached a steady pace as they had come out onto the lawns of the valley. The exhaust of the Locomotive quietened as it began to coast down hill. The view they had behind the train was spectacular, the house increasingly appearing isolated on the crest of the hill as the curtain wall fell from view. It was clear that the grounds spread widely on either side of them, as the track curved enough to take the house out of view.
"We are approaching the Quidditch pitch and top lake station." Titchy told them. "There is a large grotto near the lake here too."
"Is the boat house on the other side?" Harry asked.
"Yes Master, we shall stop there to show you, thinking about it, I would suggest we stop and look round each station, so you can work out what you might like and where." Titchy replied.
"I think this time we shall be guided by you and Elie, but as the date gets closer I think we shall need to visit each site individually. It sounds to me that we should make this a family area though, with the Quidditch pitch and Grotto." Bella answered.
Elie Nodded. "Yes that's a good idea, we can have Griffin rides too if Daisy behaves."
Harry looked sceptical. "Maybe she would prefer to be petted rather than ridden, but I'll leave that to your discretion."
"Perhaps you are right Master." Titchy observed. "We have your Grandfathers Fairground rides in store though, we could erect them here."
Sirius looked at the Elf. "I like that idea." He grinned.
"All right Sirius, I guess we have the fun fair then." Bella laughed, looking to Harry for approval.
Nodding he said. "I know nothing of what's needed, so I am happy to leave that to you guys. I'm sure Elie and Titchy will tell you what we can and can't achieve, with that in mind I think it is a good idea to have a look round."
Titchy nodded to the Guard who disappeared through the door, a moment later they felt the brakes being applied, and they pulled into a station near the lake. Once the train had stopped they put their drinks down and exited the coach, into the summer day. They had a view up to the house in one direction, an area of level ground offered the ideal place for the fairground, they agreed. The Quidditch pitch, on the other side of the track, was basic, no stands for an audience, so Draco and Harry suggested that they put broomstick racing courses there instead, with various skill levels from basic to very tricky. The changing rooms at the pitch would provide Toilet facilities for this area and there was space for a refreshment stand. They decided that the petting zoo would be next to the Grotto, which was near the lake shore, and provided a link between the two areas. They decided that they would erect a temporary fence along the railway, providing a safe crossing. Which would have barriers, to control the flow of people crossing the track, this would be one of the most active areas on the day.
They got back onboard the train which soon achieved a steady pace, now running parallel to the lake shore, on level ground, before diving into a tunnel, which curved away from it. When they emerged they were passing a large wooden building and stopping at the next station, which was next to it.
" This is one of the summer houses in the grounds." Titchy said.
Elie added "A perfect place for the afternoon teas."
"What about a bar?" Sirius asked.
Bella rolled her eyes and smirked, Elie shook her head. "I think that is something we need to consider carefully and decide if we want that and if so where." The Elf suggested.
The summer house was a two-story building raised up from the ground a couple of feet on stilts, it had a wide veranda round it that was accessed by steps. If it was a nice day, as it hopefully would be, this would be a good place for tables and chairs. Inside the ground floor was quite open, decorated as a hunting lodge with the stairs in the centre. Under the stairs were the toilets, and a door at the back of the room led to a good-sized kitchen. There were four bedrooms, each with a bathroom, upstairs, which would be the main base for Healers, in case needed, each area would have a post for them, but Elie advised that this would make a good base for them.
"This will be one of the places we offer afternoon tea. "Elie told them. "Each one has a kitchen where we can bake fresh cakes and scones, as well as make sandwiches and supply drinks, leaving the kitchens at the house free to prepare the dinner. There shall be menus on the tables here and the guests shall simply speak into it to order and whatever they want shall appear on the table, which will self clear once they leave the table. That means we shall simply need Elves in the Kitchen, cooking and washing up, and a couple for janitorial duties as needed."
The view from the verandah was pleasant, the lake still visible beyond the railway at the front, one side looked up to the now quite distant house. While in the other they looked over the gardens in this area, which also had a large glass house which was full of plants with paths winding round them. A large pond in the middle held giant water lilies, an Elf was standing on one as he fed the fish beneath. A decorative stream tumbled down stones and emptied into the pond. It was very hot in that Glass house, the water making it quite humid as well. A door at the other end led into a long Glass house which was where plants for the gardens were propagated and grown on. They decided that the gardens and first Glass house should be open on the day, but Titchy advised that the other would be closed, though visible through the doors at either end.
They returned to the train, which then took a long sweeping curve to head back towards the lake, this time at the furthest end of it from the house. "The railway runs round the main points of the upper grounds, but there is much more space in the lower grounds as well and then there is the farmland on the estate as well. It might be wise to restrict the area available for the party to that reached by train." Titchy said thoughtfully.
Narcissa nodded. "We could concentrate things close to the stations in that case, although perhaps have set routes for anyone who wants to walk between any of them."
The train soon reached the lake, and ran along the bank of it. On one side, a low wall at the top of a slope down to the lower grounds on the other. They crossed a bridge over the outlet from the lake, which formed a long, stepped cascade into a shallow gorge before opening out to form another, smaller lake, a tall fountain spouting from it. "That fountain is fed from a pipe under the cascade, taking water from this lake to it, it works simply from gravity." Titchy said casually. "There are a couple of other features down there powered the same way, but we didn't open the valves for them today I'm afraid. We needed to clean the nozzles on them, I do apologise Master, my Lady."
"Not a problem Titchy." Harry assured the Elf. "You didn't know we would be coming, and it is important that the maintenance is done."
"Titchy, will they be turned on, on the day? I am just wondering if they would draw people down to have a closer look." Narcissa asked.
"The Elf looked at Elie thoughtfully. "I think that is something we shall need to consider, but I see your concern Dowager Malfoy." He replied.
Having crossed the bridge, the train curved back gently up the grounds, but only for a short distance before stopping at another long canopied platform. "This is Merlin's Folly and Cavern, good view points down the lower grounds, there is a tea house here also, where we shall put in similar arrangements as we discussed before." Titchy announced as they got out of the coach again.
They walked from the platform and into the tea house first, which was decorated as a beach-front house, although the layout was similar to the other summer house they had seen, it was surprising how different it looked. The main difference was that the Verandah was only on the front of the building, giving an excellent view into the lower grounds and into the countryside beyond. The folly was on the other side of the track, and again overlooked the lower part of the grounds. There was what looked like a castle wall with a tower which could be climbed. A platform at the top gave an incredible view over the surrounding gardens. The elevation enough that part of the house could be seen up the slope, and the towers of a Cathedral in a Muggle City in the distance in the other direction. Descending the steps they did not leave the folly, hidden behind the wall was a path into some trees, which descended into a cavern large enough to be walked through, and into a tunnel cut into the back of it. As they entered torches on the walls ignited, drawing them in and lighting their way. The path was wet but not slippery, and it was growing cooler as they descended deeper into the cave. After about five minutes following the downward sloping path, they turned a corner into a Cavernous space, and a spectacular sight. Balls of light floated in the air illuminating a magical space full of Stalagmites and Stalactites, the columns and formations they formed were amazing. The path led through the Cavern and into another tunnel, which began to rise, before it opened into a second cavern, smaller, but with similar formations in it. Another tunnel brought them back out into the forest and the path led them back to the folly. They walked back to the train and boarded it.
"I can think of so many people who would love that cave." Draco commented.
Harry smiled. "You mean apart from us?"
"I think that means it will be open then, but I wonder if we can control access somehow?" Narcissa asked.
Titchy nodded. "Of course, we could have elves leading groups through on timed tours, we would count people in, then out again."
"Could we somehow ensure people cannot leave the path as well?" Ginny said thoughtfully. "I can imagine children wanting to wander amongst the formations and getting left behind, not something many young ones would enjoy."
We shall look at that my Lady." Titchy assured her.
The track soon met the lake again and ran along the shoreline, it was a very large expanse of water, from what they could see. There were numerous water fowl on it, a few splashes from fish and Harry was surprised to see the heads of a few Mere-people bobbing up occasionally. Half-way up the lake they saw the first of three Islands, which had appeared to be part of the shore from the other side, each connected by ornate bridges. Soon they felt the trains brakes applied once more, and they began to slow, eventually they stopped at the station they had seen behind the Boat house earlier.
They disembarked and went to explore the boathouse in which they found two large boats, one a steam powered Cruiser, the other a small pleasure craft. They could see the house on the island now, Titchy assured them that both boats could be used as ferry's and to tour the lake, so the house would be another refreshments venue on the lines of the other two. Elie also suggested a treasure hunt on the Island for children, hide some commemorative coins in the ground and let the children dig for them like pirates. Apparently it had been a popular activity last time they had opened the place to the entire town for a day, some years before, Elie had said.
That reminded Titchy of another event that had been put on, on that occasion. "Master, you remember I said that your Grandfather got the idea for the Railway when he visited Scarborough, it wasn't the only idea he brought back. The treasure hunt was another, but he had another. On the island we have a fleet of drivable model battleships, that are still usable, we used them to tell the story of a Muggle Sea battle, there are even aeroplanes and a submarine. It was quite spectacular. We could use that as a way of getting everyone to the lakeside at the end of the event, giving us time to shut everything else down. Then, once the battle is done, we simply get them on trains back up to the stables."
"That sounds like a brilliant idea." Sirius grinned. "I was wondering how we would clear the place at the end."
The finale was added to the programme for the day, all except Harry began returning to the station. Harry once again looked up at the house, which was once again in full view. Ginny noticed and went over to him, slipped her arm through his while the others boarded the train. "Hard to believe isn't it." She whispered.
Harry nodded. "It's incredible that we own all this, never mind the other houses too."
Ginny agreed, then Titchy came over. "Are you all right, Master?"
Harry smiled. "Yes Titchy, it's just a lot to take in."
"You really knew nothing of all this?" The elf asked.
"Not until recently, no. I was always told I was a burden by my aunt."
The elf's face darkened. "That was never true Master, Elie and I were blocked from finding you, we knew you were alive, but that was all until a certain free elf, at the time, called Dobby found us last year. That was the first news we had of you for so long, though until this summer none of us could find you."
"Dumbledore!" Harry said Darkly. "I visited Gringotts and learnt the truth, the Goblins removed my bindings and a Horcrux. That must have been when it happened."
The elf nodded. "Yes master, he erected the wards at the gate house too. I really cannot tell you how glad we all are that you have returned, especially with such a gracious new Lady of the house. We shall help you both in any way that we can, you have already shown us the type of people you are during your visit. I knew your parents and paternal Grandparents, they would be so proud of you my Lord."
"Harry, Ginny are you ready dears?" Narcissa called from the train.
Titchy held the door as the couple boarded the train again, moments later they set off, curving away from the lake again. It was not too far to the next station, next to some ruins, they stopped and got out to have a look round. They were quite extensive and spacious, the perfect place for the guests to assemble for the opening of the Garden Party. They could now see that the arch visible from the house was the outline of a great window, the walls of a church were still visible with a cloister next to it and the remains of other buildings around it. A small river flowed past it, entering the site over a waterfall, and heading towards the lake.
"This was the original Abbey, it was still occupied when the first house was built, but eventually a Muggle King ordered its destruction, and it was added to the estate." Elie explained as they walked round the extensive ruins.
Rejoining the train, they knew they were nearing journeys end. They passed through an area of flat crescent shaped pools, the waters still like mirrors, the small river ran alongside the track on the other side, it had clearly been canalised here. "The pools are fed through pipes from the river, all are connected, but the flow is slowed so much they appear still." Titchy told them. "It is another of Daisy's favourite play places."
They crossed the river over a bridge and into the next station, the train stopped, and they disembarked once more. Although they knew they had to be close to the house, they could not see it, a thick copse of trees blocking the view to it. The station gave access to a series of walled and formal gardens, including a maze and a large rock garden through which the river also ran. There were more Greenhouses here and a vine house, full of very old vines, laden with fruit as were the citrus trees in the orangery. While the decorative gardens would be open for people to walk through and relax, the kitchen gardens, including the glass houses would be inaccessible to the guests on the day.
On the other end of the gardens, the train slowed once again. Here there were a number of other tracks on one side of the line before they stopped at a platform next to a turntable which gave access to a large shed. The front of this large building curved round three quarters of the table. A further complex of sidings led to a long shed adjoining the first, alighting again they entered this shed first. The interior was open across all the tracks it sheltered, housing long lines of complete rakes of coaches awaiting use, each carrying a different livery and of varying designs. It was clear that the capacity of the railway was sufficient to be a very effective transport system for the event.
There were also a large number of freight wagons, clearly used to transport things round the grounds, even a rake containing two break down cranes and tool vans. Passing through this shed they entered the other which Titchy called the round house. There were nineteen steam locomotives, including three others of the same design as the one on their train. Each was, it appeared, a miniature version of an actual locomotive and were in immaculate condition. They could see a workshop at the back of the shed where two other locomotives appeared to be undergoing repair, but there was room for others. Harry spotted one that was a copy of the locomotive that pulled the Hogwarts express. It was an incredible collection, Harry was reluctant to leave as he inspected each locomotive, but eventually they left the sheds. Outside, they saw another building, the ground floor was brick, and stairs led up to an upper level, which was wooden and had windows round three sides. They could see a number of elves working up there.
"That's where the railway is controlled from." Titchy said. "On the day we shall control all twenty trains round the track, to transport the guests to the various locations, the elves up there are looking forward to it."
It was clear this could well be a popular area with children and most likely a number of the men, so they discussed how they might be able to accommodate that without disrupting the operations. It was another matter to think hard about, to add to the list.
They once again boarded the train, which took them back up the hill to the house in spirited fashion, the exhaust barking sharply on the climb. They arrived back where they had started, and Titchy showed them the locomotive uncoupling, before they met the two Elves that had controlled the locomotive for their journey. The two Elves seemed to have calmed, so Harry asked if he might ride on the footplate while they ran the locomotive round to the other end of the coach to return to the shed. They agreed and while the others waited Harry watched as they carefully carried out the manoeuvre. They moved forward to pass the points which Titchy altered for them, so they could reverse along the second track and pass the coach. The family had noticed that all of the stations had a second platform, which the elves on the locomotive told Harry allowed for trains to run in both directions. Harry wondered if it would make it easier if they simply doubled the track all the way round, he would ask Titchy when he got off. They reached the other end, and the elf who had been firing the engine got off and changed the points, so they could pass. Then changed them back once the locomotive had, so they could move to couple with the coach, ready to tow it back to the sheds. Harry got off when they stopped, a big grin on his face, he thanked the two Elves, who assured him it was their pleasure.
The family also thanked the train crew then re entered the house with Titchy and Elie, while the short train set off back to the sheds.
"Titchy, two things." Harry asked. "First would it be possible to learn to drive one of the trains."
Ginny rolled her eyes and chuckled, as Titchy answered. "Yes my Lord, of course you may."
"Thank you, that would be great. Now secondly, I know it is too much to do for the Garden party, but would laying a second track next to the first make operating on such occasions easier or more complicated?"
The Elf broke into a smile. "It would do both my Lord. Also, it would mean trains could be more frequent, because trains would not just be able to pass at the stations, but no, as you realised we could not do it in time for the Garden Party this year."
"Well in that case ask Jonesy to get planning would you, I think it would be worth doing." Harry said, Titchy looked overjoyed, while both Sirius and Draco whooped in delight.
By this time they had all walked through the house, and they found all the head elves waiting in the conservatory for them. They all settled in the seats, a plan of the grounds between them and the planning of the society day, based on what they had explored, began in earnest. They sat discussing things for an hour, before they left, by the Floo, for the first alliance business meeting at Grimmauld Place. The first names on the list of people to invite, was young Mary and her parents, an invitation Harry planned to deliver personally in a few days time.
Authors notes:
Many thanks to you all for the good wishes since I was in Hospital, generally the operation has been successful, but sadly things are not going quite as they should and my recovery is being slowed as a result. Currently it looks like further surgery may well be required. Hopefully all this will mean I will eventually be better, I remain optimistic about that, but rest is still the order of the day.
Anyway thankyou for your patience, I am sorry, but the next chapter is a while off yet. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this one, I look forward to reading any reviews you are kind enough to send. Hopefully by the time I post next time all surgery will be done and I shall be a lot better than currently.
Best wishes to you all.
Tgfoy