JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

Note: All conversations in France are in French unless specified. I may start with Bonjour or oui, but that is the true limit of my knowledge of the most beautiful language on earth. Sorry.

I am designating anything in parcel tongue with §"Italic script"§

-CS-

Potter House

Yvoire, France

After his meeting with Mme. Bellamy and Dominique, Harry finished packing for his trip to Yvoire. He told Colin that he could use the apartment for a few days while he was out. Harry absolutely did not want Colin going back to a crappy hotel when this apartment was empty. If the surrounding area of Yvoire was as pretty as he had heard, he would bring Colin in for pictures.

Once ready, Harry put his familiar in his back pack and apparated to the designated apparition point in Yvoire. After he got to the house, he'd summon Pipsey to bring his trunk. The area was picturesque. Lots of beautiful flowers and lovely small shops. The largest building was a medieval chateau overlooking lake Geneva. Harry just took it all in. Just a gorgeous place to relax and unwind. He should have been here on day one.

After walking around for an hour or so, the girls started to get restless. They could only take so much confinement in the back pack. Their heads were out, charmed to look like ear pods, but they were still cramped up. And complaining. His familiar was a bit heavy and Harry was starting to get tired of carrying them around. Gone were the days where his familiar could fit unnoticed inside a loose shirt. Where once they ate crickets and small mice, they now ate piglets. And probably other things.

Harry's home was in a wooded area off Route de Terroz. He could feel the 'notice me not' charms and 'muggle repelling' wards as he began walking through the woods. He knew his house would be moderately warded, that was standard for homes put in 'stasis' by Gringotts. Fortunately, he had a 'key' to get in. Once fixed up, he and Bill could upgrade the wards to his normal 'insane' level of security.

The house was a French farm house design. Very attractive from the outside. A small water wheel would provide a bit of 'power' for fans and moving equipment. Once it was engaged, of course. The stone walls looked weathered and showed a bit of distressed staining, but it was nice looking. It looked like a three story house, but there was definitely only one room above the second level. The external stairs went up to the second level for entry. Overall, it looked really nice in a rustic and charming way. It also appeared, thank goodness, to be in good condition. The roof was very tall and somewhat peaked. Looking from the front, the top floor had a small round window, the second level had two windows and the lower level had three. Harry didn't see any damage to the roof, he supposed the wards would have prevented that. The windows looked to be in good shape. Likely, also thanks to the stasis and wards.

Walking up to the stone stairs, he noted that they were in good shape, but could use a little scrubbing. The entry door on the second level was solid looking and he could feel the wards on it. Touching the key to the door caused the goblin wards to immediately relax. Applying a drop of his blood to the door knocker made him acceptable to the Potter Wards. He then opened the door and got his first look inside.

The second level was made up of a family room and a small but functional kitchen. Very rustic, but charming and comfortable looking. 'So, this is 'French Farm House' decor', thought Harry. The family room had wide slat wood floors. They looked to be in good condition. It had two windows looking out at the front of the house toward Yvoire. On one side, there was a small half bath. On the other side, it had a bricked in fireplace. It was very large, it had to have been designed for a wizarding home. The room had not been furnished, but there was a sturdy table separating it from the kitchen. Harry suspected that this is where he would spend the majority of his time.

The kitchen was definitely not modern, but it was 'cozy'. Not large or small, but just big enough, and it had a very usable island for food prep. The counter tops were actually made of extremely thick wood planks. Heavily treated. The sink was large and deep. There were two windows looking out behind the house. They were slightly smaller than the ones in front, but generous with the light. Harry suspected that he would need magical appliances and he doubted there were any gas or electric lines leading to the house. He could imagine his mum and dad hanging around the kitchen with Remus and Sirius.

He knew his parents stayed here when they were studying with the Famels. This would have been perfect for them. No furniture, though. Harry wondered about that. When Pipsey arrived, he'd ask her where the furniture ended up. Harry wondered if the Flammels had received his letter asking to meet.

There was a small winding staircase going up, and a narrow traditional set of stairs going down. Harry elected to go up. Before doing so, he extended his senses and made sure the house was safe. A few charms later, he was satisfied. The winding stair case looked like it could be enchanted easily to automatically rise up, but he was good to walk it. No wobble, it was solid. Upstairs was what he supposed was a master bedroom. It was not overly large, but it was nice. Same plank floors as downstairs, but the ceiling was gorgeous with mahogany beams. Two large windows to the back yard and a round one over where the headboard of a bed would go. Harry thought a queen size bed would fit perfectly. No closet, he would have to put in an armoire.

The bathroom in the corner was small. Basically, a sink, a toilet, and a large claw foot tub. The floors were heavily treated thank goodness. Wood floors in a bathroom made him a bit nervous. A small window was over the tub. The tub was gorgeous and absolutely enchanted. Checking it, he deduced that the enchantments were safe and focused on water temperature and distribution within the tub. The wall had some kind of an enchanted cabinet which slid open to reveal an expanded space for more 'stuff'. Likely put in by his mum wanting more space. The mirror was an antique shaving design with shelves for razors and soaps, and whatever else. Harry knew that would be all too easy to clutter up. It was also enchanted, but had not yet activated. Harry liked magic mirrors, they were usually fun. A small spark of power, and it came to life.

A pleasant sounding and masculine voice said, "Bonjour. How may I assist you, Monsieur?"

Harry smiled, he sounded like the candlestick from Sleeping Beauty. "I am just checking out my new home. My name is Harry. You can help me in the future by telling me if I miss a spot shaving. Also, I tend to have a lot of girl problems. I hope you don't mind."

"Ah, a gentleman with ladies chasing him. I look forward to the challenge, young Harry."

Harry returned to the family room on the second level and once more admired the look and feel of it. Proceeding to the narrow staircase to the first floor, he went down stairs. There was a small hallway on the first floor with a door to the back yard and door to a covered patio on the side of the house. The patio had an outdoor fireplace and flagstone floor. It seemed… nice.

Going back inside, he opened the three other doors. Two moderate sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. The bedrooms each had a window looking out the front. This bathroom was larger than the on the third floor with two sinks and a shower/bath combo. Harry imagined it would do for guests or children. Children… He really was looking forward to that. Of course, he had Teddy. And he sort of had Victoire, too. Hopefully they could come over when he was in France.

Harry had been a little nervous that the house would be like Grimmauld Place after it sat empty for a decade. Especially given how he had invited a few people to visit tomorrow. But, unlike Grimmauld place, this house had been put in 'stasis'. It actually looked pretty nice. A little dusty, but between Pipsey and Kreacher, it could be ready for visitors the next day. As planned.

Walking out into the back yard, he could see that it once was a very well planned area. It started with cobblestone patio that was about twelve feet by twenty feet. Then it had a small grassy area – in need of a cutting. A winding stone walkway blended in and went through the back yard beyond the grassy area. There was what looked like an overgrown garden in the back yard. Obviously in need of cultivation, it had an amazing area in the middle of it for quiet contemplation.

The elementalist in him was thrilled at what he could do with the rather large back yard. It looked like the garden had once been very nice, but not quite finished. Adding a large tree near the middle would be perfect. The rose bushes were horribly overgrown, but could be corrected. He imagined his Mum must have planted these years ago as they appeared to be the same strain as the house at Godric's Hollow.

He could feel the ley lines. Two prominent lines intersected right under the property. Old families like the Potters and the Blacks had picked up most of the properties on ley lines. It almost seemed unfair. Hermione would say it absolutely was unfair. Early Bird and the Worm…

Thinking back, Harry was still irritated at how the Ministry had tried to keep his parent's home at Godric's Hollow as a monument. He and Sirius had to fight them and threaten to go public to get it back. Dumbledore sold it to the ministry for a galleon, allowing the ministry access to the ley line juncture it was over. The old man had no right. He wasn't even in the will. Manipulative bastard. They were absolutely tapping into the energy without any thought of compensation or propriety. Well, that's been taken care of. And now that Harry was 21, he could legally take physical possession and pull it out of the stasis Andromeda had it put under.

Thankfully, the French Ministry never tried to move in on this property. He could see why his mother loved Yvoire. Great view, beautiful gardens, privacy, charming, you name it. The wards were good, but he and Bill could pump them up a few degrees. A few wood elementals could be summoned as well. First things first. Furnish the house. Ensure minor mendings get done. Then, once the house had been fully restored, he'd focus on the wards. Once that was in place, he could make it a nice little project. New paint, area rugs, restore the garden, etc.

After looking over the property for about an hour, he called Pipsey. She showed up immediately with a 'POP' and brought his chest. "Pipsey loves it!" she exclaimed.

"Me too, Pipsey. Do you think we can get it ready for guests before tomorrow?"

"Oh, yes Master Harry! Wees can do that." She was so excited.

"Pipsey, do you know where the furniture is?"

Thinking for a moment, Pipsey nodded slowly, "Master James sold most of it. Some of it is in storage. Pipsey knows where bed frames, kitchen hutch, Baking rack, and Ms. Lily's Armoire are."

"Pipsey, do we need Kreacher to help us?"

"NO, Master Harry! Not Kreacher. This is Pipsey's home!"

Harry had forgotten how territorial house elves were. Pipsey would allow Kreacher to visit a Potter property, but not 'help'. "Sorry, Pipsey. Well. I guess we need the furniture. Let's get started!"

They worked until midnight. Harry ended the night by attuning the wards to himself. They were from the time before Voldemort's first big rise to power. Which means, they could be improved. Still, not bad. The ley intersection had provided plenty of power. Harry knew he could get it to near Grimmauld levels. One more Ley line and he could match the old house… but two would do for nearly any threat.

Before turning in for the night, Harry decided to get an arial view. He assumed his animagus form and took to the skies. The 'greater' sooty owl was not indigenous to France, but it was near invisible at night. It was very dark. Clouds obscured most of the star light. The moon was thin crescent, but it was also obscured. There was a surprising amount of life in this small patch of woods. Including a mated pair of eagle owls. He'd deal with them later. Feeling like he knew his property much better, Harry returned to his home.

No furniture meant Harry slept on the floor. Tomorrow he would work on getting beds and cutting the grass in the back yard. Making the house look lived in.

While he was sleeping, Pipsey was active. She brought in a large Hutch that was a perfect match for the kitchen along with a cast iron baker's rack. Chairs for the table. Two full sized bed frames for the lower bedrooms and a queen four poster canopy bed for the master bedroom. Harry awake to the sounds of moving furniture, but rolled over and dozed a bit longer.

The smell of bacon, eggs, earl grey got him up. Pipsey had located and brought in a great deal of furniture. And a magic stove/oven. She got food from who-knows-where and started breakfast. They still needed an icebox.

Harry insisted Pipsey have breakfast with him. "Nice work Pipsey! Just what I needed."

Harry looked around and noted that one of the small nooks now had a desk in it. "Pipsey, where did you find that desk?"

"That is Master James' old desk. Master Charlus' before him. It was in a corner of the Potter vault at Gringotts. Collecting Dust. It folds up into a suitcase for taking with you. All Potter men have used it. It's very old Master Harry."

Harry inspected the desk. It was a roll top design with a number of compartments and drawers. The drawers were all lager on the inside. Harry had hoped to find old pictures or documents, but there were none. Still, it was a gorgeous oak desk. With a bit if experimenting, he could fold it down into roughly the size and shape of a slightly above average size attaché.

Nice.

Harry apparated to Paris and found three nice mattress sets – One queen and two full sized. He also bought three simple luggage racks. One for each bed room. Until he had more furniture, these would come in handy. Sheets and mattress protectors for all in a very high percale Egyptian cotton. All White. He also purchased for each bed a simple quilt to lay on top until Harry could decide on how he wanted to decorate things.

He had to slightly modify a few memories to get the mattress sets home without a delivery, but easy enough for a wizard.

He knew he was calling it close as Andromeda was bringing Teddy and Daphne by at 2PM. He elected to make dinner reservations at a local restaurant in Yvoire for dinner. Then he could set them up for the night and talk business.

Once back at the house, Pipsey had a sandwich waiting for him. Harry unpacked his trunk of all his clothes and put them in the Armoire Pipsey has brought in. He left his weapons in the trunk. It was more secure. On a whim, he went to the bottom of the stairs and pricked his finger. He placed a drop of blood on the stairs and twisted the knob. The staircase rose up and exposed a set of stairs leading down to a door. Just like at Godric's Hollow. He didn't have time to further explore, so he just closed up the passage way and prepared for his guests.

At Two o'clock, Harry was in Yvoire at the apparition point when Andromeda, Teddy, and Daphne arrive. Harry greeted them all and picked up Teddy. Pipsey collected their bags and took them on to the house.

Harry started with "I'm so glad you could make it. I hope the portkey wasn't too bumpy…"

Harry had arranged for a carriage to pick them up. They all enjoyed the carriage ride with Teddy pointing and squealing at all kinds of sights. The Yvoire gardens looked gorgeous and Harry knew he would make time to visit them.

Andromeda just smiled. She knew harry struggled with portkey and floo travel. "Not at all, Harry. Once you get used to travel via portkey, it's really not that bad. How are you settling in?"

"Well, I love the house and it is in great shape, all things considered. It needs a bit of finishing." Seeing Andromeda's questioning look, "You know, furniture, rugs, paintings, etc. I have beds, a few pieces of furniture, but nothing making it feel like a 'home', if that makes sense."

"It does Harry. Well, let's take a look, and if it's not ready, Teddy and I can stay in town. I hear they have wonderful hotels in Yvoire."

Suddenly registering what she said, Harry added, "It should be good. New beds, clean sheets, just enough furniture. But I'll let you decide." Harry then looked at Daphne and asked, "Daphne? Where would you stay? I thought you would all stay over."

Andromeda gave him an odd look. Daphne just smiled and politely said, "Harry, I am a single witch in your employ. If I stayed over, it would give the wrong impression." Based on the way she said it, and the way Andromeda looked at him, Harry realized he still had much to learn about wizarding etiquette.

He must have looked embarrassed, because Andromeda made a point to jokingly add, "Daphne, you have your work cut out for you." And they all laughed. Even Teddy, who had no idea what was going on, he just loved to laugh. It turns out Daphne's sister, Astoria, is spending the summer in the neighboring area of Nernier. It was only a few miles away from Yvoire. Daphne was planning to stay with her.

Harry had the carriage let them off on the edge of his property. Helping the ladies out he waited for the carriage to move out of sight, then took them to what looked like a large growth of poison ivy and briars.

Harry led them through an elaborate illusion he had created to reveal the walkway he had cleared that morning. They did not have to go far before the house was right in front of them.

Daphne was the first to comment. "Harry, it is so charming!" Obviously Andromeda agreed.

"Thanks. Come on up and get settled. Pipsey will have tea ready. Then I'll give you a tour of the house. After that, we have reservations in town for dinner.

Harry offered Andromeda the third floor master suite, but she declined. She liked the idea of being on the ground floor near the patio. Harry suspected she preferred the larger bathroom and wanted to be near Teddy.

Pipsey had been busy. She tracked down an ice box and all the necessary magical appliances for the kitchen. She also stocked it with pots and pans and plates and utensils and… everything that a kitchen needs. At least that was now fully functional. She also found bedside tables that worked well enough with the downstairs beds.

After the house tour, tea was served with biscuits and fruit. The large table seemed like such a natural place to just relax and unwind. Harry couldn't wait until he had pictures and paintings on the walls.

Remembering Colin, Harry shared his plans for the next day, "Aunt Andromeda, I invited a photographer to come by tomorrow and take pictures of you and Teddy in the Yvoire gardens. Do you mind? We can do it after breakfast, just before Gringotts. He was going to scout out the best photo locations yesterday. Bill and Fleur were also going to also come by with for photos in the afternoon." Looking over at Daphne, he added, "You should bring your sister and take a few also."

The idea was well received. The group wrapped up tea and set out to dinner in Yvoire. The food was excellent and so was the wine. Harry really like Yvoire, this could easily be a second home. Once finished, the group returned to the house and began discussions at the kitchen table.

Daphne started out, "Harry, before I forget, here are the guests from the restaurant opening. Mr. Chopin has asked if you intend to return soon. You apparently made a very good impression." Harry took the list. He like the restaurant and he liked Jean Chopin. He'd have to return at some point.

Andromeda then took him through what to expect tomorrow at Gringotts. They would go to the bank at 11AM. It should take no more than two hours, after which they would grab lunch and head back for pictures. Originally, Harry was going to hang out with Colin in Paris, but photo opportunities took priority. He had to help his little buddy out.

Next, they discussed a few Black family properties that were owned. Most were in Great Britain, but not all. There was a home in the swiss alps and a small island near Tortola. The British properties were extensive and were currently rented out. Of note were two spaces in Diagon Alley and three spaces in Knockturn Alley. One of the Diagon Alley spaces was currently being leased. Two of the Knockturn Alley spaces was also in use. This meant an open location in both Diagon and Knockturn Alleys. Harry would have to look into this. It was time he and Bill took out an office and started working a bit more professionally.

In reviewing the family expenses, Harry was surprised to learn that the Black family was making payments to a number of family members. Most were extended family in Australia or the United States. The amount was not high, but it surprised him. He had never heard of these individuals. They reviewed one payout that shocked him. Apparently, Ginny had been paid a monthly stipend of 200 galleons a week as the future Lady Black.

"Wait a minute, you mean we've been paying Ginny for being my fiancé? Remind me, what is the conversion of pounds to galleons? Is it five pounds to the galleon? That would be 1000 pounds per week. Right?" Harry was clearly getting flustered. He never really dealt with his break up. Now he was getting angry.

Before anyone could say anything, Harry continued, "Ginny never did anything as the 'Future Lady Black'. She hated the formal attire and the fancy balls. She never 'dressed for tea' or changed her public demeanor. She got to just be herself. And collected 1000 pounds a week for it." Shaking his head, Harry continued, "I used to have to beg her to go to those stuffy events I was obligated to attend. My god, I gave her a nice sum after that whole basilisk fiasco. Now THIS?"

Andromeda started to talk, "Harry, this is a standard…"

Harry rudely cut her off. He was really getting worked up. "No Mum, it's not OK! She broke up with ME! I didn't do ANYTHING wrong. She kicked me to the curb and walked away. I was always good to her. She wanted 'out of my shadow'. What the hell does that mean? My SHADOW? Well, good for her. She can make all the shadows she wants. With her own money. A thousand pounds a week…"

Andromeda gave Daphne a pained look. Daphne went to check on Teddy, who was down stairs playing with Harry's familiar. Andromeda recognized three things.

Harry was coming to terms with the breakup and was finally showing emotions other than sadness. This was good. Andromeda did not think Genevra was a 'suitable' Lady Black, but that was Harry's choice. He is now recognizing that she shirked her duties to the position. Also good. It would help him choose her replacement.

Harry had no idea how wealthy he was. The conversion rate was between 30-40 pounds to the Galleon. No wonder he was always so careful with money. Likely that would never change, but it would be one less worry for the young man.

Harry called her Mum. She had seen him as a son for a long time, but this was the first time he called her that. Knowing his hardships growing up, this meant a lot.

"Harry, you are not incorrect. She failed to perform her responsibilities as expected. It was embarrassing at times. I never stepped in because I knew you loved her and she loved you. She just wasn't ready. Honestly, you also have not stepped fully in the role, which is why Daphne is here. But at least you made the effort. Now, it's time to move on. You will meet someone else. When you are ready. We could pursue a return of the compensation, since she broke off the engagement, but that would be… chintzy. And petty. I also suspect you would regret that later."

Harry knew she was right. He was suddenly so angry! The temperature was dropping and he knew it was his fault. Why is it, the hotter he gets, the colder he makes it. You'd think it would be the opposite. Casting a quick warming charm, he continued.

"You're right. I just did NOT see it coming. She didn't even try to talk about it with me, she just cut me loose so she could have fun. Let me tell you, it is a lot easier to relax and enjoy life when you are in a shadow than it is when you are casting a shadow. To cast a shadow, you need to be in the spotlight. I know Ginny. A year from now, she will be hating the spotlight. It's only fun when it's new. Not all photographers are as nice as Colin, and don't even get me started on the reporters."

"I know, Harry. She came to me for advice. I told her to follow her heart, but not to lead you on. I knew she was looking for permission." Thinking a bit, she added, "I'm sorry she hurt you, but I can honestly say I doubt she realizes how badly she screwed up. As much as it hurts now, she did the right thing in not leading you on or drawing this out."

Harry knew Ginny had talked to her. Andromeda had discussed it with him while he stayed over, before coming to France. It bothered him that Ginny never had that talk with HIM. Ginny made her bed, now she had to lie in it.

Calming a bit, he added, "I think I called you 'mum'. I hope you don't mind. I just did it without thinking. You have been like a mum to me for years now, I guess I just see you that way. I'll stop if you like. I'm not trying to, you know, replace Tonks or anything…"

Placing her hand on his, Andromeda smiled and said, "I'm flattered, Harry. I have seen you as my son since before Teddy was born. You can call me that anytime." Andromeda actually teared up. To know that Harry felt the same way was touching. She added, "It's nice to be called 'mum' again."

Taking a minute and pouring more tea, they both seemed more relaxed. Happy even. This house had some very good 'Juju' to it. It was not big, but it was definitely a 'family' house. Andromeda knew Ted would have loved it.

"Harry, there is something I need to correct you on. Please remain calm." Gathering her resolve, "The pounds to galleons conversion fluctuates, but it is actually between 30 and 40 pounds to the galleon."

Harry just looked at her stunned. That means he is not just wealthy, he is SUPER wealthy. And Ginny was getting something like 7000 pounds per week! For NOTHING. Breathe… Breathe… Breathe… Control… ok. "I see. Wow. This changes my perspective a bit." Doing a little math, Harry also had a realization. "Hold up, that means everything in Diagon Alley is crazy expensive."

"Harry, I am going to have Daphne discuss this with you further. You definitely need an education on Wizarding economics. The economy of Magical Britain is different than the Muggle economy. In many ways, this is the root of the schism between pure bloods and muggle born wizards and witches. Half-bloods can go either way. As the head of three families, four if you count Slytherin, and you should, it is necessary that you fall in the pure blood group." Seeing Harry begin to protest, "NO, not the pureblood bigotry group, but the pureblood economic group. I'll let Daphne explain it in more detail. It will take time."

Seeing Harry still staring and calculating, she added, "Without getting side tracked, everything in the wizarding world is custom made. When you buy your goods in diagon alley, you are supporting Magical Britain. When you buy them in muggle London, you are paying far less for cheap, mass produced goods. The funds leave magical Britain and the economy is impacted. If everyone did this, it would lead to a terrible 'death spiral' for our economy. Your friend Hermione buys most of her clothing in London. At muggle stores. Have you noticed how she is not given as much 'care' when in diagon alley? It's not because she's muggle born, but in truth, most muggle born witches and wizards do exactly as she does. It matters and it is noticed. You should ONLY shop in wizarding districts." Taking a breath, she ended with, "You are a very wealth wizard and you have a responsibility to the wizarding economy."

"OK. Well, I guess I need to sleep on this." Pausing a moment, Harry added, "Why didn't anyone tell me this earlier?"

"I suspect Sirius just didn't like talking about it. And, honestly, talking about money is considered very poor etiquette. I do recall discussing finance with you once, but that was when Voldemort was active, so I imagine it just didn't 'stick' with you."

That made sense. Harry had a very narrow tunnel vision in those days. He tended to forget the many distractions from his goal – staying alive. It drove Hermione crazy. "Well, I'm not going to let it change me. Still, that's a lot of money. I WILL support the magical economy. Wow, I have a lot to learn"

"That is why Daphne is now part of your staff. Enough for today, Harry. Let's call it a night."

Harry walked Daphne to the outside porch where she apparated to her sister's place. He'd look over the guest list she had provided in more detail tomorrow morning. At a quick glance, he did not see anyone of note on the list. Certainly no single witches. Later in the week, he'd delve back into the Malta documentation. He was thinking about that quite a bit lately.

Teddy and Andromeda settled in down stairs. Harry brought in his rose bushes from the apartment. He performed the rite to transfer the wood elemental to this house. His ally spirit, Fashad, could watch the rental apartment. For now. Eventually, Harry planned to really beef up the elemental presence at this location. So much potential! Over twelve acres of woodland to work with. One acre cleared for a garden… Right at the ley line intersection. At some point he would investigate the hidden area under the stairs.

Harry inspected his weapons and wands. he sharpened the blade on his Ilkwa and two swords. He then broke down his pistols and inspected the ammunition runes. All intact. Harry performed a bit of calisthenics before bed. Pushups, sit-ups, lunges and stretching. He wanted to sleep well tonight.

It had been a while, but Harry needed to go into his mindscape and speak with the 'incarnations' of his parents. He needed to know more about this house, the Flammels, France, and wizarding economics. He would delve in tonight while performing his occlumency exercises before drifting off to sleep.

That night, Harry focused on his mindscape. His center were four massive oak trees that were unnaturally large. There was a wooden mansion built into the trees, fully integrated where the tree was living in harmony with the dwelling. In fact, the dwelling appeared to be a natural part of the tree. The steps were naturally formed of tree limbs rising up between the trees and slowly winding around the massive trunks. Descending down to the ground took a good three to five minutes. Harry loved his mindscape, he had built it with the aid of an ancient Wood Elemental and it felt exactly like home to him. It was pure and clean and living. He needed to visit his mindscape more often. This was the first time since his break up with Ginny.

Once on the ground, Harry proceeded along a path through the forest to his childhood home in Godric's Hollow. Sitting peacefully, surrounded by a picket fence and a beautiful garden that his mum had planted. Walking through the fence and up to the front door, Harry felt a sense of calm come over him. It really had been too long. He knocked on the door and waited only a moment before it opened. His dad looked straight at him, broke a smile and pulled him into a hug. He could see his mum come out from the kitchen. Tonight, he would spend time with his parents. They would always be there for him. In the morning, he would be rested and happy.

-CS-

The original write up was crazy long and it needed a lot more fine tuning. I cut what I had in half and focused on Harry just moving in.

Harry's mindscape is loosely based on architecture in the Earthdawn game book 'Bloodwood'. Seeing his parents is based on my other story 'the Dance of Death'. it is the prequel to Casting Shadows.

if you have been reading my other story, the prequel for Casting Shadows, 'Harry Potter and the Dance of Death', you know Harry has an owl animagus form which is why he is far sighted. More to come on that.

I see the relationship with Andromeda as very important to Both Harry and Andromeda. They need each other. Both have lost so much, but together they are stronger than apart. Throw in Teddy and you have a family. Something they both lost.

My vision for Harry's house is a french farm house and french country design. Lily and James Potter in my story were not into massive homes and estates, so I kept it simple. like a more organized version of the burrow. three well designed levels, slightly taller than it is wide. French farmhouse seems very 'Lily', and the woods give me a bit of flexibility.

The note about wizarding economics is important. Think of magical Britain as a small town. Shop outside of the small town, and the shops close. Muggleborns frequently shop in muggle stores where goods are cheaper, then wonder why they are not treated as well in magical districts. To most pure bloods, they are only partial citizens. Quick to take, slow to give back. But, this also makes it a self fulfilling prophesy. Before being too critical of muggleborns, imagine paying 500% for most things. Of course, most custom made goods are of a high quality and lasts a very long time... This is why the Weasleys and so many others buy second hand in Diagon Alley. The quality of custom goods is high enough that second hand is still very good and it is still part of the wizarding economy.

Next chapter will have Harry at Gringotts and an appearance from our favorite blonde wizard, Draco Malfoy.

Read and Review, thanks.