A/N: I won't be making a habit of this, but I will say there is a full-on sex scene or two in the original uncensored version of this chapter. I am pointing this out in the hopes people will tell me how they think I am handling them in this version. I do want to sort of hint that something is happening as it essentially "fades to black" for the sex scene. It happens towards the end of this chapter as a surprise present for Harry.
Chapter 32: Christmas Surprises
"I still can't believe Sirius was thrown into Azkaban without a trial. You said you found out he was your Godfather and underwent the godparent ritual. That means he is completely innocent. Surely, it would have been mentioned in your parents' Will," Remus said as he sat at a table waiting for breakfast with Harry and the others.
"It is mentioned in their Will. The thing is, Dumbledore had the Ministry's copy sealed. I only learned about it because Gringotts has a copy as well. They were the ones to execute it. You are mentioned in it as well, but it requires you to make an appearance at Gringotts without them summoning you. I think they expected you to be there when the Will was read. I doubt my parents thought Dumbledore would seal it away," Harry said.
"And he did so despite it being wrong and knowing so himself. Just because he thought Lily gave you protection which required you live with blood relatives. But it isn't required and you don't need to be with them. He probably didn't even verify you had this protection," Remus said as he shook his head.
It seemed too many people were holding Dumbledore on a pedestal. Everyone, including himself, figured the old headmaster knew what was best and always did the right thing. It seemed even Dumbledore was human after all.
"So, what will you do?" Harry asked.
"I'll pay Gringotts a visit. Since most of my work is in the muggle world, I use one of the banks associated with them for my banking, so I don't frequent the actual bank. I have no idea what your parents would have left me and I doubt the goblins told you what it was," Remus said.
"That's right. They mentioned to me you were in it and if I ever came across you to pass on the message. They couldn't send you something saying as such, but I could. I'm sorry for not sending you an owl, but I'm not sure it would be safe," Harry started.
"It would seem odd if I sent you an owl considering we never met and I shouldn't know who you are yet. I figured that would tip Dumbledore off and he would do something claiming it was for my own good. I don't want to fight him and I doubt he is secretly evil, but he does act like most elderly people do. He thinks he knows best in all things. Even if he is usually right, usually isn't the same as always," He explained.
Harry left unsaid the parts about feeling maybe he was abandoned by Remus, since he was left alone with the Dursleys. Those feelings quickly left once he knew the man had no idea he was staying with them. Remus had made it very clear he would have done something if he knew that happened. Harry felt this was a true chance to start again with each other without anything, including feelings of resentment, getting in the way.
"I think your approach was probably the wisest option. Let Dumbledore think he is right and things are going as he wants. To me, it says something that he hasn't bothered to check up on you all of these years. It does not say something good," Remus said.
"What do you think we should do about Sirius?" Hermione asked.
Remus was in thought for a moment going over ideas. "I think you are all taking the right steps there. We need to make sure everything is done properly in that regard. Otherwise Fudge is just as likely to try and sweep things under the rug, no matter the cost, then see this fixed. If it is handled properly and proposed to him as a way to correct a previous administration's mistakes... he will be much more likely to see Sirius gets that trial," he said.
"That's what we were thinking. Susan said she would try to carefully get the idea in her aunt's head this holiday break," Hermione said.
"That will be a big help," Remus started. He then gave a chuckle.
"What is it?" Luna asked.
"I was just thinking James would probably be disappointed his son was using such a connection to make sure the rules were followed, instead of getting away with breaking them," Remus said with a smile.
Harry laughed to that and smiled. "I get the feeling there is a lot I've done that would disappoint the marauder in him. Yet my mother would be proud I wasn't as eager to get in trouble," he said with a grin.
"That I will agree with. However… He couldn't have been prouder you were going to such lengths to help someone important to you," Remus said.
"I really wish I could just sit here and listen to stories about my father, mother, and all of you," Harry said.
Remus gave a chuckle. "We would need a time turner just so there would be enough time for half of the tales I have. I'm just glad we've finally met and we can bemoan not having enough time for old school tales about your father," Remus said with a smile.
"You are here now. That means Harry and you can talk like this any time he returns from Hogwarts," Davey said. She turned to Harry and smiled warmly to him. "I'm really very happy for you, Harry."
"What is a time turner?" Hermione asked after trying to hold in her question for just a moment longer. She didn't want to interrupt Remus' stories about their days in school. Unfortunately, she couldn't hold back her eagerness for long.
"It is as it says. Time turners are very rare and controlled by the ministry. They're hour glasses that you can turn and thus wind back time. Depending on their size, they work for an hour to at max a whole day per full turn," Remus explained.
"That sounds amazing!" Hermione said in awe.
"Yes, but they have drawbacks," Luna said in warning.
"What are they?" Hermione asked with a little frown.
"Your body is still awake that whole time. Meaning if you use an hour long time turner four times in a day, you are actually experiencing a total of 28 hours," Luna said.
"Wow… That could be really bad…" Hermione said.
"That is why they're controlled by the ministry. You also can't bump into your previous self or be seen by others as you turn back time," Remus explained.
"What would you do to offset the main drawback?" Hermione asked.
"How do you think you could offset it?" Remus couldn't help but ask. He liked helping others find the solution to their questions. It was something James and Sirius hated about him at times.
Harry was the first to reply after a moment. "Extra turns. That way you have time to rest and recuperate," he said.
"Very good, Harry. If I was a professor, I would give Hufflepuff ten points for your answer," Remus said with a smile.
Harry grinned to that. He didn't usually care about getting points, but getting them from someone like Remus? That would be worth feeling good about accomplishing.
"I suppose you would also need to do something to remind yourself of the actual days too… Do you physically age while turning back time?" Hermione asked.
"You do, but minimally. It would take a lot of time turner usage to actually be noticeable. In someone your age, everyone would just think you were going through a growth spurt," Remus said. Hermione nodded in thought to that.
"Did you have anything planned for today?" Harry asked Remus.
"Nothing that can't be changed. I was going to mostly enjoy some Christmas tea in front of the fire in my apartment, as I read a book with the radio on low in the background. That isn't really much different from my usual evenings though. Did you have something you wanted to do?" Remus asked.
He then looked to Davey and added, "Apart from giving it your all while caroling tonight with Miss Davey here?"
Davey grinned to that from where she was cooking breakfast.
"There is something I would like to do before that. I do plan to give it my all while caroling though. I did promise her," Harry said. He was glad Remus mentioned that, he might have almost forgotten.
"What is it?" Remus asked curiously.
"Something we can do after breakfast," Harry said just as Luna got up to set the table for Davey.
[-] [-] [-]
"This is interesting. I've never come to this part of the Rust District," Remus said. He crouched down and seemed to examine the ground in the area where they stood.
"I've felt the energy here plenty of times," Harry started.
"This area isn't being used for anything?" Remus asked.
Harry shook his head. "It's mostly ignored by the Knights and everyone else," Harry answered.
"I've felt it too. Last Christmas when I visited. It feels stronger this time though," Hermione said with a worrying frown.
Luna was blinking in awe as she looked around the place. Why hadn't she felt this sooner?! The Wrackspurts were really zipping around excitedly. It was like they felt at home or something. More at home than they did during their best days in the past.
"That's because this place is protected by ancient power and you are closer to it. There are old protections here as well. Some that I will admit are impressive," Remus said to her. He looked around and seemed to sense something.
"What all does it mean? Is this why I haven't been noticed by the Ministry?" Harry asked.
Remus looked to him in question. "You've done something that should be noticed by the ministry?" he asked.
Harry shook his head. "Not me in particular. This summer a strange house elf visited me. He kept going on and on about how I was the great Harry Potter sir and shouldn't return to Hogwarts. He never really said why," Harry replied.
He felt like there was something more he should add, but it didn't really seem to come to him at the moment. He was more concerned about what this place was anyways.
"He used his magic in a way that should have gotten me noticed and a warning letter at least," Harry explained further.
Remus nodded to himself in thought. "I will need to examine it a little more, but it is very possible this place is a source," he said.
"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.
Luna's eyes were wide. "It means this is a place magic comes from. A place that produces its own magic energy!" she answered excitedly.
"Exactly. Again. If I were a Hogwarts professor, I would award you points for your answer, Miss Lovegood," Remus said. Luna beamed to that. She wasn't usually the type to earn points.
"Is the Rust District safe?" Harry asked in worry.
"Very much so. In fact… With the right wards and such. This place could be a magical community," Remus said. He was eager to look more into this place.
"Like Diagon Alley," Hermione said.
"Yes. But much bigger. It might also partly explain why the Rust District is usually left alone or forgotten, even by muggles. This could have at one time in the past been a bustling magical community. Many used to exist when we were more scattered throughout, but have since been forgotten," Remus said.
"Could it be again? What about the muggles in this area?" Harry asked. This could be something amazing. Something he would want to help make happen. He needed to know more though.
"I would have to look around. Depending on the age… It could even be legally grown without alerting the ministry right away. It could also be an exception to the Statute of Secrecy. All of the people here, including the muggles, could be considered in the know so to speak. Similar to how Miss Granger's parents are," he explained.
Remus saw a lot of potential here. Judging from the look in his vivid green eyes, Harry saw just as much or even more then he did.
Harry looked to him seriously and said, "Do what you can to verify that. This could be a place for magicals similar to the Rust District for muggles, if that is the case." Harry hoped it was. Meeting Remus and knowing what he did about werewolves, and sometimes even muggleborns after Hogwarts. He wanted to help the best he could.
Remus studied Harry carefully. "James. My departed friend. It seems your son is thinking up something even grander than your greatest schemes at Hogwarts all combined," he thought as a smile grew on his face.
"I give you my word I will, Harry. I would be honored to do so. I can tell you have something extraordinary planned," Remus said to the young man.
"Just the beginning stages…" Harry said.
Hermione held on to Harry in awe. She didn't know what he could be thinking. If he really was thinking to start a magical community… That was something she never dreamed she would be witness to in her life.
"How could boring old bookworm me get caught up in all of this?" she wondered to herself. She wasn't really complaining at all, but she was overwhelmed by the atmosphere she felt. She wondered if this is what people felt in the days of old, when they became a part of something they knew would go down in history.
Luna watched as the Wrackspurts acted so different than ever before. She felt it was like they were telling her she just witnessed a moment in magical history being made. She wondered what it would be.
She was also starting to think her heart was even more doomed than it was earlier. There was something drawing her to Harry it felt like and it was now growing. It was exciting and worrying for her. Her life would be very different from now on. She felt that mostly would be a good thing though.
[-] [-] [-]
Harry was lying awake in his bed that Christmas Night after they returned from caroling. It was a bit difficult sleeping without Hermione, but usually he managed it after some time. This night however, he was thinking on different things and sleep was more difficult to come by.
Harry was roused from his musings when he heard his door open. He looked up and saw a familiar beauty with wild hair. Harry smiled as he asked, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Hermione blushed as she closed the door behind her. She came over and sat on the edge of the bed for the moment. "I didn't want to spend Christmas Night without you. I figured you would feel the same way," Hermione said.
Harry sat up and warped his arms around her. He took in her scent as held her tight. "I was just thinking how I really missed sleeping with you," Harry whispered in her ear.
Hermione turned around and kissed him with blushing cheeks. The light in his room was just enough he could make out her lovely rosy cheeks. He kissed her again and deepened it. The two continued until they broke apart for air. They both felt they really needed that kiss.
Hermione stood up and blushed anew. "Harry…" she started softly.
"Yes?" he responded.
"I want you to lay down and close your eyes until I tell you it is okay to open them," she said. She was going to give him that special Christmas present she planned.
Harry looked her over one more time and laid back down before closing his eyes.
Hermione was still blushing as she made sure Harry wasn't peeking. She fully intended to show him all of her, but was a little embarrassed to do so at this moment. She was taking steps. They were progressing faster than most would agree with in general, but she didn't care. She wanted this.
She also wanted Harry to look at her whenever he wanted. Maybe in the future she would make a habit of always getting completely naked before getting in bed with him. Her heart beat faster at that thought. There was that very sex-oriented part of her that wanted her body to be fully accessible to Harry at all times. Hermione always felt embarrassed by that part of her, even if she indulged in it a decent amount when playing with herself.
Hermione swallowed and let out a breath she was holding. Harry was about to say something, but she placed a finger on his lips. She knew he was going to give her an out and she would probably take it, but she didn't want to do the noble thing here. She wanted to do the naughty thing.
"Here goes nothing," Hermione said quietly.
Harry blushed as he heard the sound of rustling clothes. He was really getting excited now. He was starting to think sleep wouldn't happen tonight.
Hermione blushed as she removed her pajama bottoms and then removed her panties. She placed them neatly and tucked away in a corner of the room. She didn't want anyone to accidentally see them if they looked in on the two of them. She actually gave a gasp as she felt the cool but still pleasant air on her bared pussy. She blushed and realized she was already dripping a little down there due to her excitement.
She came over and lifted the bed sheets. She paused and stared in awe for a moment. Harry was hard. She really was very tempted to go all in tonight after all. "That damnable sex crazed horny brain part of me!" she swore to herself.
It wasn't fair. Harry looked so big, even with his pants on. She squirmed a little as her horny brain gave her all kinds of deliciously naughty thoughts about his cock. She once again cursed herself for reading those really naughty books, even if they were so trashy but wonderful.
Harry blushed. He felt Hermione staring at him. She was staring at his crotch in particular. He might have done something, but he was too focused on his thoughts of how she was at least partially naked. His sharpened senses could pick up her scent as well. It was so very wonderful, naughty and stronger than usual.
Soon he felt her warmth against him. He instinctively went to wrap his arms around her. Right away she made a ridiculously cute and sexy sound as his fingers came in contact with her warm bared skin.
"Y-y-you can open your eyes now," Hermione said quietly in a higher than normal voice.
Harry did. It was much easier to not have to focus on keeping his eyes shut. He was both relieved and disappointed when he saw she was wearing her usual night clothes. He soon got over that, because he was feeling her wonderful smooth and warm lightly tanned skin. Hermione let out cute noises as he caressed her.
"Should I stop?" Harry asked after a moment. He was worried maybe he was taking too many liberties here with her.
"No…" Hermione said breathlessly. "I wanted to do this as a Special Christmas present for you," she said.
Hermione then shifted a bit so she could kiss Harry. "And for me too…" she said softly to him. She then took his hand and started to guide it along her body. She then guided it up her night shirt and on to her chest. She wasn't wearing a bra or anything under her loose-fitting night shirt. She let out a sensual sound as she said, "Touch all you want tonight…"
[-] [-] [-]
"Awww…" a cute light voice whined from the door way after some time.
"Luna?!" Harry and Hermione asked together. They actually looked to see who it was instead of pretending to be asleep, in some vague hope they would be left alone.
Hermione blushed as she saw it was indeed Luna. She was in that far too sheer nightgown for Hermione's taste. Really… Luna was lucky Harry didn't have his glasses on.
With the lighting from the door behind Luna, it looked like she wasn't even wearing panties under that really sheer, pretty much transparent, nightgown. Hermione thought it was far too adult for the girl. It even caused her to think confusing thoughts when she saw it the first night she and Luna went to sleep together.
"I didn't think you two would leave me alone…" Luna said with a sad sniff.
Hermione and Harry looked to each other and sighed. "You can climb in as well. If you want," Harry said.
Luna seemed to instantly cheer up and she closed the door again. The small girl came over to the bed.
"You're on the other side of Harry," Hermione quickly clarified.
She was only a bit relieved it was Luna and not someone else. She still didn't want the girl picking a spot that would give away she was naked from the waist down. Also, by this point, her night shirt was riding rather high, even if she was still comfortable.
Luna climbed in and snuggled up to Harry and gave a lovely smile. Harry wished Luna had at least waited a while longer, but he couldn't stay mad at her cute face. She was also very warm there next to him. Her breathing quickly evened out and grew soft as the girl seemed to seek him out even more in her sleep. It was far too cute to be fair.
Harry gulped, as he realized something. "Oh no… I'm in bed with two really cute witches and one of them is mostly naked while the other is barely wearing anything at all," he thought. Harry really hoped when they woke up, the girls wouldn't be upset to see him sporting that damnable morning wood.
Hermione really felt frustrated. Luna had to just happen to come in now… There wasn't anything that could be done about it, but she wouldn't be surprised if she was still really wound up come morning.
She blushed as she realized something. Harry was probably still hard. Luna shouldn't have to accidentally discover that about boys yet. She was too young… right? It wasn't just because Hermione wanted an excuse to maybe get a little relief to the fire in her core.
Whatever the case. Hermione shifted positions so she was actually laying on top of Harry and his erection. She shifted herself so she wouldn't be crushing it. With a little maneuvering, that Harry persevered through somehow, Hermione seemed to find the perfect spot. She could feel him against her and he didn't seem uncomfortable. He even seemed a little grateful. Maybe he was worried about Luna accidentally finding that part of him too?
Eventually both Harry and Hermione fell asleep as well.
[-] [-] [-]
Once morning came, Hermione was the first to wake up. She felt strange as she lay there on the cusp of waking. It was as if there was a weight on top of her. She also seemed to have rolled off of Harry in the night. Hermione opened her eyes slowly.
When Hermione opened her eyes fully, she blinked quickly a few times. She then blushed. She then stared in shock. Luna's crotch was right in her face. It seemed the blonde girl moved around in her sleep.
Hermione blushed more as she looked up a little and realized Luna's far too mature night gown was only half on the girl right now and fully revealed one of the girl's growing breasts. Her panties seemed to have moved downward in the night somehow as well. The younger girl seemed far too relaxed as she continued to sleep in such a manner.
"That girl…" Hermione thought. She would say Luna was cute, but she really didn't want Luna's bared privates in her face like this. Hermione had no idea what to do here tough. She didn't want to accidentally knock Luna off the bed or do something worse.
Luna shifted again in her sleep. She seemed to somehow roll over fully while staying on top of Hermione. Hermione blushed and panicked a little.
Hermione's movement caused Luna to wake up and the two jostled a little while Luna was still sleepy. The girls then fell out of the bed and crashed to the floor. Luna's panties came fully off and Hermione was now far too intimately familiar with the other girl too quickly. On top of that, Hermione's uncovered bottom was visible on the bed and pointing towards Harry.
"Oww…" Luna said as she woke up and then blushed. She was wide awake now, but dared not move. She just stared in shock. She had thoughts racing through her mind at Hermione's position. There was also the fact she could tell Hermione hadn't been wearing anything but her night shirt last night. She felt a little funny in that good but still embarrassing manner.
Harry began to stir on his bed.
"Harry! Don't you dare sit up yet," Hermione ordered in panic.
Harry remained laying down, but looked to the side and blushed. He could see all of Hermione. He could see her pussy with her rich brown tamed pubic hair and her exposed back entrance. Harry blushed deeper and felt a bit embarrassed. His erection decided it wanted to stand tall and proud at such a glorious and wonderful sight.
"Luna…" Hermione whispered to the other girl. "Panties…" she said lowly as she looked to where they flew.
Luna blushed and grabbed them before quickly putting them on and standing up. Hermione soon followed her in standing up. She was blushing furiously. Harry had seen all of her… She wanted him to see all of her, but not in such an embarrassing way.
"Are you two okay?" Harry asked as he put on his glasses. He sat up at an angle where they hopefully wouldn't see his morning salute.
Luna just blushed deeper and squirmed as she looked at them both and Hermione in particular. She understood now what girls meant by saying there was a fire inside their nethers sometimes.
"We're ummmm… fine…" Hermione said breathlessly. She looked to Luna who nodded. "Luna just has a tendency to move in her sleep it seems. We were in an awkward position as we woke up. That's all."
"As long as you two are okay," Harry said.
"I think I'll take the first shower," Luna said as she left blushing. She was going to be making heavy use of the shower. Hopefully no one would hear her as she extinguished the burning heat building inside her. She also caught a glimpse by accident of Harry's morning condition. The fire seemed to grow hotter.
After Luna left, Hermione looked to Harry and sighed. She sat down next to him on the bed.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Harry asked her as he placed an arm around her.
Hermione was blushing so much she was surprised steam wasn't coming off of her cheeks. "Honestly?" she asked.
Harry nodded.
"No, I'm not. I'm even hornier than I was last night when Luna walked in on us," she admitted with a cute pout as she looked away. She didn't want to accidentally be that close to Luna's privates, but she still was and it got to her. There was that super perverted side of her that wanted to see how things would have played out with them in that situation if it progressed.
Harry blushed. He gave her a kiss and whispered to her, "Do you want us to do something about that?"
Hermione's breath hitched. She sure did. She wanted to do so much! Probably more than she would if she wasn't horny as bloody hell. "Might as well," she said quietly and stood up.
"I intended to show you everything, but I didn't want it in such an embarrassing manner," Hermione said.
She took in a deep breath and tossed off her night shirt completely. She squirmed in a sexy way as she stood there with her hands behind her back. She would never admit it, but she was trying to further show off her body to Harry.
Harry looked over Hermione's naked body in awe. He had a couple of times seen magazines, but they were nothing compared to seeing a girl naked in real life like this. There was also the fact Hermione was close to his age and not in her twenties or thirties like the women in those magazines, even if she was physically maturing a little quicker than other girls.
He looked over her lightly tanned naked body. Her slight curves, with their pale pink nipples, really stood out thanks to her flat stomach. He also liked that she had hair down there. It seemed really hot and sexy to him. From what he saw of those magazines, the girls in them shaved down there. This was hotter to him. It was more primal, natural or something else hard to describe.
"A-a-a girl's nipples aren't usually poking out and hard… I'm really horny," Hermione said while she kept blushing.
Harry absentmindedly nodded as he came over to her. He placed a hand on her cheek and gave her a kiss. "You're beautiful," he said breathlessly to her. He then caressed her body with his hand as he kept her lips busy. He was trying to keep her distracted from how he was probably flubbing this up to unimaginable heights…
[-] [-] [-]
Breakfast that morning clearly wasn't awkward or anything. Luna just happened to look to Harry, then to Hermione, then blush and repeat a few times. Nothing more! She also just happened to look at Hermione a little more and blush deeper every so often. Nope, that clearly didn't mean anything.
Nothing at all embarrassing happened that morning and her shower for sure wasn't much longer than needed. Nor did she… enjoy… herself during the shower in a way that would get Mrs. Weasley to call her a Scarlet Woman. Nope, nothing like that at all.
Fortunately, Remus, who was joining them for breakfast again, and Davey didn't ask questions. Davey did give Luna and Hermione each a look briefly, but it seemed more like a cat-who-caught-the-canary look than anything showing she was upset.
She did look to Harry and chuckle a little mischievously at him. Harry was very certain once Hermione and Luna left, Davey would be grilling him for answers just as a way of teasing him.
"So…" Davey started.
Luna seemed to sit up straighter and blush as she took extra interest in her plate of food.
"What do you have planned for today?" Davey asked. She tried not to take too much pleasure in the way Luna reacted.
"Harry and I will look more into that area with the energy," Remus said.
"Then we'll bring it up with Boss. I have some ideas I want to run pass him," Harry said.
"That sounds good. What will you two do? You aren't being picked up until tomorrow afternoon," Davey said looking to Luna and Hermione.
"I guess we'll pack," Hermione said.
"Already?" Luna asked curiously.
Hermione nodded and smiled to her. "We'll leave out the clothes we want to wear tomorrow and pack most everything else. That way we'll have the evening and afternoon free," she said. Luna nodded and smiled to that.
[-] [-] [-]
"How old is that structure?" Remus asked as he and Harry walked around the area. He was looking towards what looked like an old small castle tower or something of the sorts.
"Not sure. It's always been here from what I've heard. Some think it was here even during medieval times. If it was… It really would have taken magic to keep it from falling apart," Harry replied.
He looked thoughtfully at the building in question. He never really dared look too closely at it. It seemed a little too unnecessary as a risk, even if it was very interesting. He was busy most of his time in the Rust District though. There was so much more to the area than one building that may or may not be a ruin from a few centuries back.
Remus hummed in thought. "I will take a closer look at it another time. It could be very dangerous and even if you are very competent with magic… You are still a second year student," he explained to Harry.
"That's why I thought to bring this up to you. I'm brave. Some would even say very brave. However…" Harry started as he gave Remus a grin. "I'm not in Gryffindor," he said.
"And that's a bad thing how? It is the House of the Brave and the Courageous," Remus replied.
"Yeah… But there are limits before bravery and courage become foolishness and recklessness. Gryffindors don't usually figure that out until they've already gone too far," Harry said.
Remus paused in his steps and then let out a laugh. "I can see why people would think that. And I wouldn't really argue with them too much on the matter," he said as he gave another chuckle.
The two laughed a little longer before getting back to their current goal. They were doing their best to get an understanding of how big the magical area was physically. Remus told them the physical area would tell you how big the magical area could be without causing a strain on the region's magic. The physical area still had to exist, even if it could be hidden away before adding things such as expansion wards. He emphasized you had to use expansion wards and not an expansion charm, that was too temporary for actual physical land.
"I suppose we should meet with Jett now," Harry said after they finished looking over the area.
Remus nodded. "I know what I need to do. Once we get his permission and you head back to Hogwarts, I'll get started. Finding out the age of that building will be key. I have a feeling it is a magical property. If it is old enough, we won't have to actually get formal permission from the ministry until we are ready to make the place a formal magical community. We will just make sure nothing happens to draw their attention before then," he said.
"Why do you want to start building the community before telling them?" Harry asked curiously.
"If we do that, it will be easier to get their approval and convince them this place is an exception to many of the rules. If they get involved now… That would be a lot of bureaucracy and the ministry will get heavily involved and the final community won't be the place you want it to be. They would relocate all of the muggles in this area. They would make it blend in as much as possible with muggle society," Remus said.
"What exactly does that mean?" Harry asked.
"It means strip malls, offices, maybe some higher end housing towards the edges. The full works of everything you want to avoid. They would want to limit the number of muggles who could possibly be exposed to magic by as much as possible. The effective way of doing so is making sure the area around the magical community is as exclusive or limited as possible when it comes to muggles in the area," Remus said.
"But malls and offices would have a lot of muggles in the area," Harry stated.
"They have no problem with people coming here for business or shopping, so long as most leave and live somewhere else. It is easier to repel muggles by making them eventually remember something they need to do after some shopping, then trying something similar if their home is in the area," Remus replied.
"But Diagon Alley is in a pretty populous place with a lot of businesses," Harry started.
"Hermione was right to compare this place to Diagon Alley. It too is an exception to many of the laws. It is a very old magical community. Many think it goes back as far as the 1500s. Some of the buildings in the area go back much further. It wasn't until about the 1500s it was formally recognized as a magical community, even if it is mostly shops and businesses itself," Remus explained.
"It too dates back to before the Statute of Secrecy," Harry supplied in understanding.
Remus nodded. "And it was already a rather bustling magical community before it was formally recognized."
[-] [-] [-]
"This is something you want to do, Harry?" Jett asked seriously.
"It is. I will do all I can to help with it. I will fully commit to it. The magical world needs to learn the way of the Street Knights. I view this community, especially if it will become as amazing as I believe it will, as the perfect chance to introduce our ways. I also think it will really help out the Rust District as a whole," Harry said.
Jett stared at Harry and the boy returned the stare. Jett soon smiled. He wouldn't say it, but in this moment, he felt almost like he believed a proud father would of their son. "I like it. We will need to learn a lot more first and it will be hard work. I still like it. It will be nice to see that part of the district put to a good use," Jett said.
Harry smiled widely to that. He felt great about this. He was sure this would be amazing. He also felt like he was making Jett proud of him at this very moment.
"I give you permission to do all you deem necessary to fully understand what that area truly is. We will help as much as we can," Jett said to Remus. He was showing the man the Knights would fully back him and Harry in this endeavor.
"I will help as much as I can as well. I can even fund it a lot too… Soon at least…" Harry said.
"How is that? I believe you can only access the trust vault your parents set up at this moment," Remus couldn't help but ask.
Harry smiled. "That's right. I hadn't gotten to that part yet. The goblins are currently fully assessing the value of my vaults. I can't do too much with the money personally, but from what I have read… Payments can be made directly through Gringotts. That would allow my family's accountant to see the money is being used properly and keep track to make sure I don't bankrupt myself," Harry said.
"When you say vaults… I get the feeling you don't just mean your trust vault and the Potter family vault," Remus said.
Harry nodded. "I think it is time I tell you more about what I discovered when I visited Gringotts, before the school year started," Harry said.
"You might want to sit down for this, Mr. Lupin," Jett said as he did so himself.
Remus had a feeling he was about to learn something that would send his mind reeling. He did at least think it would be a good kind of reeling. "Either way… I doubt this will be a Christmas holiday I ever forget," Remus thought as someone brought in tea for them and Harry got ready to tell Remus more.
A/N: I will point this out again. I am the original author of this story. I have mentioned as much here and on the other site I am posting this. When this version is caught up, the two versions will be updated at about the same time. There may be a bit of time between them as I make a chapter FF net appropriate.