The Weasleys:
July the 27th had arrived.
Harry had sent Grace with Remus beforehand, to familiarize her with the burrow. Harry had informed Molly Weasley in a follow-up letter, that transportation would be no issue. For their arrival that evening, the group would apparate cloaked at some distance away, before decloaking and walking towards the Weasley house. Harry and everyone else got dressed, as Hermione organized her little surprise snack package along with the materials for their presentation.
Simultaneously at Longbottom Manor, Neville pondered about the new changes, as he considered that his godbrother and godsister had turned his life upside down. Neville who was now informed as to the long term goals understood that this dinner was the foundation of an informal alliance. He laughed, as he held a smartphone in his hand and browsed the internet. He had eventually figured out how the texting worked, and while he was not as fast as the others, he was happy to chat with Fleur. As a person who adored nature, he loved Fleur's pictures.
Fleur was only to happy to introduce via the chat her sister and Armand, who had taken to accompanying Fleur around Beauxbatons. Harry had wondered if Matagots liked cat food, kitty treats and toys. As a prank, he had sent a package for Fleur containing these items. Armand who was so happy to receive some stimulation, had made up his mind that he was adopting Fleur, no different from a domestic cat. As Matagots were very much a part of French culture, nobody said a word when he appeared in every class that Fleur took. Many were apprehensive, but as the time passed by, he seemed content to stay in his cat form, and he never bothered to display his much bigger spirit form. He remained very quiet and became more open to cuddles and pets from other students.
Armand was acutely aware that he was a celebrity, and he liked it.
Fleur loved to spoil him at breakfast and sometimes he would produce a gold coin. She was not sure if it was truly real gold, but she saved the coins, in the hope that she could cash them out. Fleur enjoyed the attention as people began to ask questions about the supposedly hostile creatures. Even the French newspaper had covered a small piece, on if the magical creatures were misunderstood. Fleur commented an odd evening, that she had received the "Harry and Hermione treatment".
Sirius had taken Augusta through the functions of her smartphone, and she was happy to speak to Amba. Harry had introduced his grandmother to her, on the suspicion that they would become good friends. The two older women did what grandmothers usually did – they talked and Augusta learnt a great deal about Amba's experience as an immigrant arriving in mundane England, who suddenly had to deal with Pomona Sprout arriving at her home. Amba had only been too happy to show Augusta some of the modern clothing options, and she found herself liking the 'business aesthetic' very much. Her new choice of clothes had taken the Daily Prophet by surprise, as Augusta Longbottom was now the "Trendiest Senior Witch" at the Wizengamot.
Augusta hoped that Molly would agree to keep Harry's secrets, as it would be nice to talk to her from the comfort from her home. While she considered written correspondence still important, the convenience of talking to someone via video call was something that she never knew she needed. It helped her deal with her loneliness and provided her with company. One evening, Amba and Ved had offered to come over and keep her company. Amba made herself comfortable in the kitchen, as Neville for the first time heard his grandmother laugh.
Augusta began to appreciate that the Purebloods had lied about everything, as she ate some of the biryani and the chicken madras that Amba had prepared. After speaking to Sirius, Augusta decided that she was going to confront the Wizengamot about the doctored Muggle Studies Syllabus at the right time, and she planned to do so wearing Harry's shielding device.
An old harmless woman? Think again. No threats would stop her.
If they wanted to go toe to toe with her, fine. She was not going to be intimidated by any of the ultra-right wing Death Eater types. If for a moment they thought she was easy prey, they would be in for as utterly rude awakening.
As far as Augusta was concerned, Harry as her indirect grandson had given her family too.
As Neville considered these things, he wondered if he could follow in the footsteps of Harry and Hermione who were rather entrepreneurial. He had become obsessed with Harry's hot sauce collection. Harry's tolerance for hot peppers and spices had gone through the roof in a rather short time. He began to wonder if he could grow magical hot peppers to make something to his liking. He wished the pair good luck via private text messages and explored Ludovico Einaudi, a pianist that he had discovered accidentally.
Harry and his entire group arrived some distance away from the Weasley home and uncloaked to find themselves deep in the countryside. As the whole group walked towards the house, Harry appreciated the pigs and the other indications that Molly and Arthur preferred to be self-sufficient. Remus was the only member of the group who was not glamoured and he knocked politely on the door. Molly Weasley who heard the knock from the kitchen was quite excited and gently patted her husband Arthur on his shoulder.
"Arthur Dear, our guests are here!"
"Ah Excellent, Excellent ! – I must admit I have many questions. I hope they will be able to answer it. I have been looking forward to this evening!"
William who was having a cup of tea, known affectionately as Bill to his siblings smiled. He considered that the people arriving at his humble home were definitely qualified enough to do the job. Bill had spoken to Timilf at the Hall of Artifacts. She was only too happy to show off her new "Plasma Torch" that allowed her to weld and manipulate metal at ridiculous speeds. Harry had built the device to cut Azkaban Bars, but he had not used the device as the operation had gone 'sideways'. After a 'utterly devious enclave sale' many of the Goblins in her forge cave now possessed Argon shielded plasma torches and they were doing clean welds in a fraction of the time. Lord Peverell was certainly a 'Forge-Master' according to them.
Fred and George looked on as they considered that Bill had his standard all-knowing smile on his face. Fred had a sneaking suspicion that Bill probably knew these wizards, but could not say anything because he was under Gringotts oath. That implied that they were very important. Molly and Arthur opened the door.
"Welcome to our home! I am Molly, and this is Arthur!"
Normally at this point Arthur would offer to take their coats. That was when both he and his wife found themselves stunned at how ridiculously stylish their visitors looked. Remus who was much taller and far stronger than Arthur remembered, smiled with a lopsided grin through his maroon turtleneck and the snug jeans. He had not missed leg day at the gym. By Wizarding standards, he was unquestionably huge. His arms and his legs were absolute belts of corded muscle and he looked so confident – Arthur realised that Remus probably did not need a wand to be dangerous. His entire frame filled the door. When Remus replied, Arthur was knocked out of his temporary reverie.
"Sure Arthur! You lot, all of the coats off?" replied Remus.
Molly and Arthur came by and slowly received all their trench coats as she hanged them up. As the crowd walked in and Arthur closed the door, Molly was hugged by Remus as he kissed her cheek politely. He hugged Arthur who was surprised at the almost raw titanic strength that he could feel coming off the once shaggy looking man.
"Remus! This is a pleasant surprise. You seem to be in a physically prime condition. You look good and content. It pleases me to see you well." commented Arthur.
"I will share that story in full eventually. Let me introduce you to everyone else. We have Hadrian, Hadrian's uncle Snuffles and his sister, Jean."
Harry and Hermione brightly smiled as Sirius walked forward to shake Arthur's hand. Sirius who had met Molly before in passing, kissed her cheek. Sirius was internally laughing at his undercover performance, while Molly pondered as to why a certain familiarity existed. Harry stepped forward after putting his bags on the ground and firmly shook Arthur's hand. He then kissed Molly on her cheek, which she considered to be such a sweet gesture. Sometimes her own Ronald felt ashamed of public displays of affection.
And the girl? She was so pretty she was stunning! Molly was quite sure that the boys would be running after her. She was dressed in such a stylish manner that she made many Pureblood ladies look like trashy imitations. She also seemed very muggle. And her hair was styled and perfectly straight. Was there a streak of blue in her hair? Molly also noticed two bags filled with all sorts of strangely coloured items. She had initially thought that perhaps the snacks that were being brought were just a couple of them. These snacks were almost twice the size of her monthly groceries! She immediately realised that these people had to be very wealthy. Suddenly, she felt rather self-conscious. But what confused her was the teenagers – they seemed excited?
The one who was called Hadrian was already examining the clock. Then Molly smiled as he yelled:
"Jeanie, come see this clock! I need one of these! This is utterly fantastic!"
Hermione giggled as the improvised nickname actually was kind of nice. Jeanie? Yes, she could definitely roll with that. As she walked by a small mirror, it wolf whistled and said "My my, you are looking good over there. What a fine bird!"
Arthur who was mollified was quite surprised to see the girl slowly dip her sunglasses as she spoke quite confidently, "Thank you for your kind observation. Might I comment you are indeed a fine piece of rustic heritage furniture? Oh, I would like something similar to you, for my dressing room. Non-magical furniture just doesn't have the charm that you have!"
Ronald Weasley who peeping curiously from the stairs found himself quite confused. He could immediately tell that these people were easily wealthier than the Malfoys and yet they seemed interested in his boring little home. As Ronald looked on, he found himself looking at the most gorgeous looking witch he had ever seen. Ronald found himself feeling embarrassed – she was approaching the age of the twins. To his chagrin, the witch noticed him and walked up to confront him. Molly looked on at the interaction, aware that Ronald could sometimes be brash. She was pleasantly surprised when she heard Jean speak:
"Hello, I am the person who plans to explain how airplanes stay up to your father. Jean von Neumann at your service. And who might you be?"
"Ronald….Weasley?" he said unsure of himself.
"Oh excellent. You are the one curious about the snacks aren't you? I got you covered. I don't bite one bit. Nor does my brother?"
Ronald slowly walked down the step and found himself looking up at the witch. Hermione put her hand on his shoulder and slowly walked back to the group.
"See Hadrian. I beat you already. I have one friend you have none. Record time."
Sirius who had gotten accustomed to the antics that Harry and Hermione usually displayed, leaned in and explained to Arthur and Molly the openly competitive behaviour between the two siblings.
"While not related, they like to compete with each other. The competition has started. They are vying to how quickly they can get all your kids to like them. Just watch them, you will get a laugh. My bet is on Hadrian."
Harry gave a mock salute. Remus who heard the comment mentioned, "Careful. Jean has dibs on Ronald already. She will get Ginny too. That is two of them." Ronald who had overheard the conversation suddenly felt less self-conscious, as for once he stood out enough to be noticed.
"I get the feeling this lot, is a lot worse than Fred and George," Molly said as looked on at both of the teenagers.
"I shudder to think what Fred and George will do when Hadrian introduces them to Muggle hand tools," Remus replied.
"Oh, I would like to see those!" exclaimed Arthur.
As they all walked into the kitchen and sat at the table, Bill politely waved and announced himself as "Bill Weasley" as he smiled. Charlie on the other hand who was at the back of the house yelled, "Carlie Weasley. Busy with my broom maintenance. See you in a bit, yeah?" The two last children joined the table. Ginny seemed to be the youngest and Percy seemed to be younger than Bill and Charlie.
"Percy Weasley" the boy announced himself pompously. Harry and Hermione immediately pegged him as the serious, inflexible textbook thumper type. Hermione wondered if this is exactly what she used to look like, before she met Harry. Finally, there was a small voice from the youngest who seemed to be barely eight years old.
"Hi! Ginny?"
"Hadrian. Hadrian….Singh" Harry stuttered as he quickly invented a title. After all, none of his current titles were names that he wanted to reveal. He placed all the bags on the counter and then took out the hardshell case and placed it separately from the rest of items, as Arthur led him to his seat.
"Jean von Neumann."
"Snuffles Padfoot" Sirius replied confidently.
"Remus Lupin? Although I don't need any introduction here."
Molly and Remus passed around and settled everyone into their seats. Charlie then appeared from outside the house and placed his broom gently in the corner of room, as he slotted himself between Percy and Bill.
"So, the age old question will be answered tonight. The question that has kept our father awake many a night. Thank you for coming to our house. It will benefit all of us!" Charlie cackled madly. Harry and Hermione were already observing the reactions. The rest of the people seemed somewhat fascinated but Percy could not be bothered.
"Dears, we don't usually have dinner at this time, but I did start early today because of your visit. Please tell us something about yourselves while I deal with the last bit of everything over here?" Molly said kindly. Hermione nodded at Harry.
"So, my name is Hadrian Singh. My story is a bit sad. Fred and George have already met me – and I would have introduced myself as Hadrian Eagle. However, that is just a public name I use sometimes because I guess sometimes, I do feel a bit scared. I am not too forthcoming about my personal information."
"Scared of what?" asked Bill who was curious, but also considered that he wanted to advance the conversation.
"The last Wizarding war. My folks were killed by Death Eaters."
The room went silent.
"So, relatives sent me abroad to America. I am British born but lived some of my life there. I didn't even know I was magical until I found out much later on. I essentially grew up Muggle. When I was told what had really happened, I decided to return to England. While I was in America, I had to learn magic by myself as I did not have access to llvermony directly. So unfortunately, Gred and Forge, I have no stories for you about foreign magic schools. But surely you understand with my parents being killed, I was not sure how much to say. Of course, for the last year, I took up the family business. That was all that I did. That is why I suppose my appearance is almost a year late, from the time I met you."
"That is understandable, I think. I am very sorry to hear what happened. We also lost people who were dear to us" replied Arthur. "So, what happened next?"
"Actually, I am curious as to why you could not attend llvermony?" asked Percy.
"Ah Percy, I suffer from a rare muggle health condition. When I arrived on the school compound, I had an anaphylaxis attack. It is a severe allergic reaction that can often cause death. Not even the school healers could fix me. The muggle hospital saved my life in that regard."
"Oh. That is…. strange?" asked Percy.
"Very. But the best part was that the teachers provided me with books and advice via owl. Some of them would visit me on the weekends. I got high quality individual tuition. Learning by myself was good – I accelerated along with certain things and other things I struggled. I eventually took private tuition. The Americans believe that as long as you can pass the money, anything can be arranged."
"Oh, I see. Specialties?" asked Percy as Molly shook her head. Percy liked academic competition.
"Defence against the Dark Arts, Transfigurations and Charms. Runes too – I know these subjects as well as any of the NEWT folks at your school. Everything else, below average or in the case of Potions, positively and absolutely dreadful."
Percy was not too happy hearing that the boy was already at NEWT level for certain areas, but he decided at least Harry was respectable.
"So, what happened next?" asked Ronald as he was hoping he could into the snacks soon. Hermione sensing that he was impatient, jumped out of her seat and dug around the bag until she found the pack of Snickers. She opened the pack and gave everyone a single snack at the table before she demonstrated how to tear it open.
"I returned home to England and resumed muggle secondary school because my 11th birthday had passed. I did not qualify for my Hogwarts letter as I was not in the country. I don't think I qualify as being English born perhaps, I don't know – I certainly did not get a letter. I am taking the I.C.W exams as a replacement for the NEWTS later this year. This arrangement allows me to run my family business too. My situation is a bit different from most, as you imagine."
Percy who had never had a Snickers before, ate the thing and thought it was damned delicious. He looked at the chocolate and asked, "Are these common in the Muggle world?"
"By the millions Percy, by the millions" replied Hermione. She inserted herself into the conversation.
"Perhaps I should take over. I met Harry at Muggle secondary school. I asked to borrow something from his bag and I saw his wand. I knew exactly what it was because I too am a Witch. You might ask why you have not seen me at Hogwarts. I chose to accept private tuition."
"Why? What is wrong with Hogwarts?" asked Percy, in an utterly scandalised tone.
"Nothing at all. My family run business in the Muggle World. It is more important that the family business is continued. That is how my family pays the bills. There is however something more concerning…."
"Which is?" Percy asked.
"I am a Muggleborn. Muggleborns in Magical England never progress to high level jobs in the English Ministry of Magic. All the jobs for the past three centuries, every one – all departments are headed by Purebloods. Now what you probably don't know is that the Muggle economy is so much bigger. Why would I leave my parent's pharmaceutical business that makes an easy 60,000 pounds a month or in your language 12,000 galleons, to slave myself for a 1200 galleon a month salary?"
Percy and the entire room looked on, undeniably flabbergasted. It was well known that the Malfoys were supposedly the wealthiest in Magical England, and they didn't make that much money. Bill who understood what was happening decided to chip in.
"I spoke to Lord Ragnok in passing. He said that the wealthiest muggle right now is Bill Gates. He is worth eight billion galleons."
"Eight Billion? How is that possible?" asked Percy.
"I will give you a deal – I actually do Broom manufacture as my family business. As you can imagine, that is why I had moved back to America to get some issues sorted out. Why don't we give you a tour of the Muggle world so you can see what it is like for yourself. Most of the Pureblood business in England are actually unimportant small-timers and liars."
"You manufacture brooms? I would love to try a Stormbolt? What do you think about it? The new Nimbus broom can do 0 – 180 mph in 4 seconds flat. I am saving to buy one. It is so much cheaper, even I could eventually afford one." Charlie whispered reverently.
"Work for me for the holidays. I need talented people with good insight. Both of us here….we developed it." Harry said casually.
The room got silent. Even Ginny and Ronald were suddenly quiet.
Harry decided to drive the point home.
"Mipsy?"
POP.
Everyone observed as Mipsy had appeared hooded, based on Harry's general rules for dealing with the public. The entire Weasley family were aware that this house-elf was fully dressed in Acromantula and had a name tag. She even had purchased her own jewellery too.
"I have a completed Rudra on the main work desk. Bring it for me please?"
POP.
"What is a Rudra?" asked Charlie.
POP.
Mipsy had returned with the broom and handed it to Harry before apparating. Charlie understood that he was truly talking to the inventor of the Stormbolt. Molly began to suspect the change in Remus' appearance and his accommodations were related to his nephew.
"This is my Rudra. Named after the Hindu god of the Storm and the Hunt. I already have the upgrade done, just waiting for the market to saturate and fully purchase the Stormbolt. All yours."
Harry then tossed the broom and Charlie began to examine a lot of the newer features that had been implemented which included a superconducting turbine for the main broom thruster unit, the small flight control surfaces, and the various vented pockets that could reorient the broom on the spot. It looked utterly alien to Charlie.
"Unlike most wizards I can produce hundreds of brooms daily. My muggle education allows me to manufacture handles and other components with machines. I just have to assemble them and charm them. Nimbus sells my design because I bought close to half the company. I do not know for what reason my family was targeted as a child. Perhaps whispers had gone around that we were willing to use 'muggle bits' in our brooms and Death Eaters were ordered to rip my family apart.
Anyway….You will find many of the features on this broom were borrowed from muggle aircraft design. This broom has the ability to reorient on the spot while staying dead still and by that I mean no cornering distance."
"That – that – how did you do that?" Charlie asked, as his mind started to compute the possibilities.
"Observe that the bits that move air are distributed all over the broom. We have pockets everywhere. As long as the broom is in flotation mode, you reorient as you please."
"That – That is genius! Performance?"
"0 – 225 mph in three seconds flat. 225 – 0 in five seconds flat. I could make the deceleration time shorter but it puts too much stress on the body. Speed, Deacceleration, Sensitivity and the position of the foot pegs all adjustable to your own liking. Tool included in that pocket over there."
"But…..why are you giving me this?" Charlie asked, genuinely confused.
"I want feedback. It is a pretty safe broom but this thing is meant for Dragon like performance. I don't play Quidditch myself. As you can imagine, Hermione and I are not bothered about school. My new broom is literally running Bluebottle, Silver Arrow, Shooting Star, Cleansweep, Comet and Firebolt out of business. Now, should they decide to surpass my design, that would force them to investigate muggle manufacturing methods. They will not have a choice. Also, have you considered now that everyone can afford a great broom, now you can't have an advantage by being rich. Even Hogwarts matches will become fair.
Or not – whichever House you play for will have an unfair advantage."
"That – That – I don't know what to say." Percy stammered as he became pale. His entire world fell down. Harry got up from his chair and walked over to where Percy sat and he began rubbing Percy's shoulder humorously. Percy who realised that the visitors were actually very nice, relaxed a little bit and sort of smiled, almost as if he wasn't sure how to express any emotion.
"Percy….Percy…..Percy….Relax buddy, I can feel the stress on you. I understand the issue here. You seem to be highly intelligent and you were hoping that perhaps that The Ministry of Magic might provide you with the opportunity that you need, I think? Is this family traditionally a Gryffindor family?"
"Yes?" answered Molly, quite proudly.
"Makes sense. I can also tell while you Percy, might have been sorted in Gryffindor, because of your experiences since that day, you are driven primarily by ambition now. You are technically a Slytherdor. A person placed in Gryffindor, but Slytherin in outlook. That is not a bad thing. Slytherin has certain problems with a small group of purebloods, but the rest of the house is fine."
"They are all dark wizards!" answered Ronald.
"Not really. Many of the Slytherins are Muggleborns. There are not enough Purebloods in existence to fill the entire House with only Pureblooded people. I think you forget that Madam Pomfrey and Merlin were both Slytherins."
"Madam Pomfrey was a Slytherin?" asked Molly.
"Sure. While we dont attend Hogwarts, we pay attention to the politics. Hasn't she done a good job of saving everyone's lives at that school? What about Slytherin Aurors who fought He-who-must-not-be-named in the last war? What about the neutral families? Greengrass? Davis? Plenty of families like that."
"They do have a high concentration of Death Eaters however," replied Charlie.
"Correct. They are the house of politics so the most sycophantic individuals will concentrate there. If we want to do better, how about we move away from using labels and evaluate people for who they are? Ronald, what is the difference between Draco calling all muggleborns 'Mudbloods' and you calling all Slytherins possible Death Eaters. Same hatred, just a different perspective."
Ronald was very silent all of a sudden.
"If you want to run a successful business, you must understand your customers. If you cannot let go of these blanket statements, you will never be a good businessman. That was something I had to learn the hard way."
It was hard to contradict him. He was the owner and inventor of the Stormbolt, after all.
"Now Percy...we got sidetracked. Where were we? Right...you and ambition. You want to rise to the top of society. You want it all. I suspect the rest of your younger siblings poke fun at you for reading excessively?"
"THEY DO THAT ALL THE TIME! I like to read and I don't like too much interruptions!" Percy yelled.
Suddenly the rest of the family was quiet, as Percy vented his frustrations.
"You are correct! I want to be recognised. Nobody recognises me in this house. I almost want to say what you do is unfair. I don't think I will make that kind of wealth, even if I broke my back for the rest of my life." Percy admitted, somewhat angry.
"Hmm...the age old philosophical question. Does happiness come from societal validation or does it come from one's passions? If you want to be happy, do what you like and the money will come. The other people who would judge you, and make ill comments about you in any case, would not volunteer to pay your bills. You might as well ignore them. Everyone who would shame your family is not going to put clothes on your back, nor food on the table. So if your ambition is driven by that premise, that one day you will be accepted eventually? Ha! Never! The people who are passing judgement on you, endeavour to be cruel. So you need for your ambition to serve your personal interests. Think upon this."
Percy looked like he had been slapped, with the absolute candour that Harry had displayed. Even the rest of the family members were suddenly quiet as they realised that many times, some things were often said to maim. Harry decided to at least give Percy some recognition, as that would make him feel better. Harry continued:
"However...Perce my man, I want to say that I appreciate you. I think that it is great that the sporty, adventurous types in this house are balanced out by a bookworm. I want you to use that ambition, keep going at it, but find something worthwhile to do. Don't let the angst set in, won't you?"
"Thank you, Hadrian! This is the first time somebody has congratulated me for my talents" Percy said sadly, as he teared up a little. Harry felt sad, as he understood what that felt like. He and Hermione nodded at each other as Harry decided that some support would change Percy's outlook.
"Maybe the rest of you can lay off him? He is what he is. Percy might make the next big contribution to the Magical world. We of course will support him, by providing him with as many books as he pleases. Our gift to you from two fellow bookworms."
Suddenly Percy's face brightened. Harry continued to explain how even with his hard work, he would not get any recognition, because of corruption in magical England. This was a deliberate attempt by Harry, to plant the seeds of rebellion in Percy.
"Anyway Percy, think about this. Lucius Malfoy has been looking to find out who we are. He sees particularly me as a threat. I understand that Fudge listens to him, and if Lucius doesn't like you, you generally suffer. You don't think I understand the politics? I am a businessman. My parents were possibly killed because of politics. Now think about how Lucius might have it all out, for your father, hmm?"
Most of the family stared at Arthur as they began to realise one of the possible reasons why their father had not gotten a raise in a long time.
"So even if you did get through to a well paying Ministry job, Lucius Malfoy could make it hard for you to progress Percy. His hate is not disappearing overnight. See this snickers?"
"Yes?"
"This Snickers is worth about three sickles. Very expensive by wizarding standards. The company that makes this, exports millions of these daily. There are approximately seventy million muggles that live in England, three hundred million in America, seven hundred million in Europe, and about one billion in India and China each. These are the markets business people should want to exploit. Why sell to the 12,000 wizards that live in England as your primary business?"
Percy nodded silently as he realised that there was a certain truth to what was being discussed. Fred and George who has been silent for the evening began their antics of speaking the same sentence in an alternating manner.
"Never in my life"
"have I seen"
"Percy Weasley lose"
"his mind. For that"
"you have our"
"eternal gratitude!"
Perhaps the most surprising question came from Ronald, who had always been envious of Draco Malfoy. Harry was thankful, as this oddball question would cool the tempers and take the conversation into a lighter place. Even Ronald seemed to be pondering many things.
"Could you teach me how to do business? I want to make money more than Draco, I hate him."
"If your parents don't mind, sure. We don't like him either. You want to learn Ronald, and we like that. I think you are rather unique in that regard. Eventually, it won't be about Draco, but about personal fulfilment." commented Hermione. Ronald who had always felt that he would never stand out, suddenly realised that maybe there was something that he could do, to be unique. Harry decided to soften the direction of the conversation some more, with personal tidbits.
"So about the title, my adoptive parent and grandparents are Indians. They live here in England. They migrated many years ago. That is why my title is Singh. I thought it would be good for you to know because the combination of both names might sound odd to Wizarding folks."
"They take care of you, don't they? I can tell you adore them," replied Molly.
"I do. It has been interesting. I do get to experience quite a different culture when I am at home. For example, I do eat a lot of Indian food not so much because it is exotic, but because it is what is usually cooked in my home. Of course, Ms. Weasley, I am hoping your expertise in the kitchen will be good education for both me and Jean. We heard you are the lady for British classics. Come to think about it, Hermione and I eat a lot of experimental things…"
"What do you mean?" Ronald asked, as his favourite topic was being discussed.
"Muggle London is a hub for all types of food. You name it, you can find it. Perhaps we should give all of you a tour. For Percy at least, I hope he will appreciate what rubbish the Hogwarts Muggle Studies Curriculum is, after he experiences it for himself." replied Hermione.
"The curriculum is out of date?" Percy asked as he was utterly scandalised.
"Yes Percy. Oh, you poor thing, I get that you trust the authorities. Knowing us is going to be hard business. Ronald to answer your question, perhaps I can speak about something that I have observed. British wizarding culture is a bit closed off and many of the things that you eat do not include some of the newer things that the British have acquired as of recently. In the muggle or mundane world, as I like to call it, people have been hungering for variety. Sure nothing is wrong with the usual things, but sometimes you want to try something different.
American Diner food, Mexican, Spanish, West Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, Lebanese, Thai, Moroccan – these are all different cuisines that I have eaten at least one dish. And that is not all. This is a bit embarrassing, but Hermione and I actually have a list that we are working through," replied Harry as he began to think about all the places he had explored.
"Do you eat at the Leaky?" Ginny asked.
"We do. Tom is great. You will find that we are cantankerous and we participate in….everything?" Hermione laughed.
"Ah. I had hoped we would introduce you to the Leaky Cauldron. You seem to know a lot about the Wizarding world for Muggleborns." replied Arthur.
"Well, we have Uncle Remus to thank for that. He knows Wizarding England well and his travels have taken him all over Europe. European food is very diverse and we have our eyes set on trying a little bit of everything." Harry explained.
"I don't even know half of those countries or cultures. The Muggle world is really big, isn't it? I have a…..friend who introduced me to Orange Chicken and Pad Thai. I do like it a lot….." replied Percy, with a slight blush on his face. Charlie laughed as the person who had introduced Percy to that item was not a friend. It was his secret Ravenclaw girlfriend.
"See? But think about this. Yes, the food is a great discussion, sure. But what about magic? Just imagine seeing magic in all of these cultures. Approaches that Wizards in England have no idea about. Naturally, you will have to travel to the smaller communities as in some places, there are no schools that teach magic. Magic is taught within the community or ancestral practices. Imagine what you will see? Surely it is respecting the craft? To want to understand magic in its entirety?" Harry replied.
Percy's face then lit up as he understood that there was so much to learn. Hermione understood clearly what Percy needed and decided to try her hunch to see if he would respond well to the suggestion:
"I think I know just the right career for you Percy. You could be the first Magical Anthropologist?" suggested Hermione.
"What is that?" asked Percy.
"A person who studies people. Societies, Culture, Philosophy, Languages, it doesn't matter. There are a lot of people who specialise in Muggle history. Maybe Magical history throughout the world deserves to be heard. It requires a certain type of mind, and I get the feeling you are better served by that work rather than a desk job." replied Hermione.
"All done dears!" replied Molly as she began to spoon out her favourite item that she adored so much. Harry then sat down and as the legendary French Onion Soup was served. The entire group understood from the smell alone that Molly meant business. Harry waited until everyone had been served and then said:
"Oh, this looks fantastic! Lemme try some..."
Harry realised that this soup was easily the best soup he had ever had. Hermione who had been paying attention to the situation spoke:
"Uncle Remus, you are a person who lived your life in the Magical world and then moved to the Muggle world. You buy food in London regularly. Explain how much you usually pay?"
"For a large lunch that satisfies me, about three galleons or fifteen pounds. Generally, about a tenner or two galleons is average decently sized lunch. Sometimes I can get it for cheaper."
"That is very expensive by our standards. I suppose this is normal?" Arthur asked.
"Yes. This quantity of soup in this bowl could easily be a seven pounds or a galleon and some extra."
The entire family was quite shocked that their humble soup was worth that much. Molly blushed as she had never considered her efforts were of so much value.
"Really? I don't know what to say. I just try my best you know. I have always been concerned about giving my family a proper meal. Never saw myself as a business person, like the both of you." Molly replied.
"If you sold this in my kitchen that I just fixed in London for five pounds, Ms. Weasley you would get trouble to make enough for the crowd that would arrive. The swarm of university students Jeanie?"
"Definitely. At least thirty to forty on a slow day. But on a busy day, we would be looking at two hundred. Daily. Notice we haven't discussed that rather delicious looking Shepherd Pie, the Pork Chops and everything else." Hermione commented.
"I-that is very kind of you. I think it sounds like a good idea but we know nothing about the Muggle World. I am honestly scared about such a big undertaking. I have never really left this house much since I married Arthur. But I always wanted to run a small pub or something, just like the Leaky Cauldron," Molly said, somewhat embarrassed.
"I give you a deal," said Harry, as he hoped that his gamble would pay off. Harry took out his wand.
"I have spent so much money for food that was often terrible. I give you my magical oath that I am very interested in getting your food out there. Being a businessman means jumping on opportunities and financing people who have good ideas. If you don't do it, somebody else will. You beat the competition by being first or executing the same idea better. I am offering this not because I feel sorry or I pity you. I see good hard-working people who should get exactly what they deserve, which is lots of pounds. I know you are proud folks and this is not charity, this is how you run business. You take calculated risks.
I am willing to risk and even if it should not work out, I will shoulder the loss. I have lost money before, no big deal. No risk towards you. I will guide you through everything that you need to have a presence in the Muggle world, and you can work with my Grandma. You will have company and even help."
"Are you….serious?" Molly asked.
"Yes! I will provide premises, capital and work out an affordable rent if you are willing to try at least selling the soup. All I am asking is a 10 per cent stake in the business. I also have an employment opportunity for Fred, George and Charlie if they are interested in testing my cutting edge brooms and running some of my other projects. I do nothing illegal in the Wizarding or the Muggle world, by the way. All my businesses are run through Gringotts and they are all registered. My only requirement is that you keep our names and whatever you have learned about us secret. Our secrecy keeps our businesses competitive. Competitors are already sneaking around.
Lumos!"
Harry then put the wand down and ate a heaped fork of the shepherd's pie, as Hermione put her wands up and yelled:
"On my magic. I want in. Ten per cent ownership for me. In return to split the starting capital down to half between me and Hadrian, because I am not letting him get a one up on me. Same conditions exactly. No risk or problems if things don't work out."
Sirius followed suit.
"On my magic. I want in. Ten per cent ownership for me. In return to split the starting capital down to one third, because I want to see Lucius Malfoy suffer. We have some history. Financing you is an excellent investment opportunity in my book. Same conditions exactly. No risk or problems if things don't work out."
Arthur and Molly began to understand that businesspeople saw the world differently. They had just promised oaths on their Magic, and there was no risk to them.
"Mummy, I will help?" said Ginny in a small but excited voice.
"How can all of you be so – supportive? We are poor unimportant people" said Percy, genuinely confused. Percy looked on, genuinely confused, as he could only understand the world through his academic achievement.
"Percy, I am an Orphan. I was supported. I was given help. Before I was adopted, I was ill. My adoptive mother had to fix every bone in my body. I could have died, if I wasn't healed. I had maybe a month left."
Percy was now quiet and Molly gasped in shock.
"Yes Percy, when death itself is staring you in the face, it changes you. Suddenly your life, something that you take for granted is now something you are not sure about. When you can feel your body on the edge of being committed to nothingness…..It makes you value the small things.
Another question Percy. When you are talking about poverty what exactly are you talking about? Financial poverty? Or moral poverty? Compare this family to the Death Eaters. Which one do they possess and which one does this family possess?
No, I am not letting you off this one. Speak up!" Harry replied, with a somewhat harsh tone. Percy was now even paler, before a sudden realisation came to him.
"Forgive me all, I spoke badly. I think I always believed that everyone would endeavour to be good people. But after considering your argument, no that isn't the case. I…I never saw it like….that. We have much to value."
"Percy don't feel offended much by Harry's tone. Remember he lost his parents to them. The Death Eaters were known to band together and to support each other. So why shouldn't we as good people do the same? I see rather wealthy people here when I look at the Weasleys. Why should we not pass some of the kindness on?" Hermione asked.
Percy nodded.
"This – how can we thank you for this opportunity? You barely know us?" answered Arthur softly.
"Hey Remus. They need to see an episode of Shark Tank." laughed Harry.
"I think that will open their mind to how savage business can be in the Muggle world. Perhaps as we are already giving Neville and Luna a tour of the Muggle world, maybe we can invite them along for the third tour?" asked Remus.
"You know Luna?" asked Ginny.
"As Harry said we are always on the lookout for talent. Did Luna mention the new art supplies she got as an early birthday gift?" asked Hermione.
"Yes. I saw everything!" said Ginny.
"That was a gift from me. She recently did a piece of Art that we desperately needed. We needed it for some…marketing? Her piece gave us the result we needed. We paid Luna a nice fat commission. Easy 1000 galleons. Yes, her talent was worth that much!"
Harry laughed at what Hermione considered 'marketing'. More like causing a ruckus.
"How do you know Neville? Neville Longbottom, I presume?" asked Molly.
"Ah Neville was having a problem with his magic. Augusta reached out to us. She was worried that he was a squib. Neville is very powerful but his magic was choked up in his back partially because of self-doubt and a lack of physical activity. Uncle Remus is fixing the problem with exercise. The exercise helps with building a larger core and it makes the magical energy easily accessible. We have access to a gym and whatnot." answered Harry.
"Is this why you look so fit Remus?" asked Arthur.
"Correct, my magical core has almost doubled. And that is with only with a couple of months of work. I do however think I will not get any more improvement with my capacity. The speed and efficiency are improving however. Never have I been this dangerous with a wand."
"Could we all benefit from this? I have noticed that my magic is better during the Quidditch season. This is not a coincidence, is it?" asked Charlie.
"No. What do you play as, on the Quidditch team?" asked Harry.
"Seeker for Gryffindor."
"Excellent. So magic isn't exactly only wanded. Magic in its default state is wandless. Our cavemen magical ancestors who first conjured fire? Wandless. If you truly pushed your physical fitness to its maximum, you could begin to channel your magic to sharpen your reflexes. You can also use your magic to help your eyes. It won't be a large difference but it might just give you the edge over the other seeker." Harry answered.
"How do you know all of this?" asked Ronald.
"I learnt about magic by myself. I had to observe the environment and explore on my own. I was not concerned about making marks. I also understand how the human body works. Let me ask you something, in the name of curiosity. Do you know about the legendary sword of Godric Gryffindor?"
"Not really?" answered Ronald
"I do actually. He used it to fight?" said Percy.
"So, question Percy. Was the development of swords a magical innovation? Or was the sword a muggle idea that was modified and enhanced for Godric's usage? Also, consider you can't use a wand and a sword at the same time. Do you really think Godric needed a wand to do magic?"
Percy thought about it and then his face lit up.
"Are you saying that Godric Gryffindor did mostly wandless magic? And he used that along with his sword in battle? He must have been an absolute terror on the battlefield!"
"The evidence for wandless magic is scattered throughout Muggle history. There are accounts of superhuman men and women who were unstoppable in battle. They were not evil or possessed. They were just Wizards. Every culture has them."
"Do you have books on muggle history? I want to read these accounts? I think I would like to know more?" answered Percy.
"I will give you better than that, but I think you should see the Muggle word first. Not the rubbish that they tell you at Hogwarts, but the real deal. And we will feed you whatever you want. Bill on us."
"Do you know about Harry Potter? He is very famous in Wizarding England!" asked Ronald.
"I do – but I have some disagreements about the commonly held beliefs," answered Harry.
"You don't think he is amazing?" asked Ronald.
"No. I think Lilly Potter was an amazing Witch. So was his father, James too. He was a brave Wizard"
"I don't understand?" commented Ronald. Ginny had an almost scandalous look on her face.
"Think about this Ronald. Harry Potter was only a year old and nobody was there when the death of his parents happened. Just like my parents actually. The question is who was there to see what happened? All those books on sale are somebody's imagination. Harry Potter most likely had a dirty nappy when the Dark lord arrived to finish him."
"But but but … Harry killed him! " said Ginny.
"Correct. How does a baby kill a fully grown murderer? He doesn't. But perhaps Lily Potter found an amazing piece of magic and set it up like a trap. She was from what Augusta said, the brightest witch in the last century. Remember Lilly Potter was friends with Alice and Frank Longbottom. Augusta spoke to us about the whole thing."
The entire family became quiet.
"So – Lilly sets the trap. Lilly could have set up any number of alerts to tell if somebody entered the house. Caterwauling Charm? There are many things you can do to tell if a person is there. She could have apparated out. The Potters have house elves actually as one of the older Wizarding families. Elves can apparate Wizards anywhere, but I think some of the Purebloods consider the practice disgusting. We use our little friends all the time actually, to get around. So perhaps Lilly Potter took it upon herself to save Wizarding England, by sacrificing herself to stop the Dark Lord. For this sacrifice, everybody lives and her son lives. I think her husband attempted to help buy time."
Everybody looked on with their mouths openly agape. Nothing that the young man had said could be challenged. It seemed logical and well thought out. Molly realised that those magazines that she liked to read, were rotting her brain. She realised that a mother like herself had saved the day.
"So, it was a woman who truly saved the day. A Muggleborn woman – it makes sense. I met Lilly once and she could do things with a wand I had never seen. It all makes perfect sense." commented Molly as she cleared out the dishes and began getting ready to serve dessert.
"Exactly! As for Harry Potter, I hope he gets a nice family to look after him, like myself. He has no parents so that everyone else can have a normal life. That is a terrible price for a child to pay. I would know after all. These stories that they have written about him – he has a castle, he has a harem of pretty witches, he has a herd of unicorns, it is all to sell books. If no one has seen Harry potter in the Magical world he might be like us. He probably goes to muggle primary school. How would you find him inside seventy million muggles?"
"The perfect way to disappear!" George commented.
"Maybe Albus Dumbledore might know?" Fred commented.
"I think that is exactly it. If I could meet him, I would tell him thanks for his parent's sacrifice and I would buy him pizza. Perhaps you might meet him at Hogwarts as I have no idea how old he is – but he might have to come to school eventually. If he does come out into the public, I would not mind shaking his hand one bit. I, however, don't think those trashy books are true."
Ginny was evidently angry but perhaps a bit sad.
"So, he probably has no magical friends?" she asked.
"Ginny? I don't know. I just tried to make some logical statements. I can see you like him. A lot of young people do. I don't think it is fair to idolize someone for their parents' death. It isn't fair and it isn't nice. Harry Potter probably does not get to have warm family dinners like this. Perhaps there is a lesson here – be thankful for what you have?"
Ronald who began to understand the situation, began to nod his head. He could not imagine his life without his parents and his siblings. He loved all of them and he considered that he was always loyal to his family.
"Anyway, that conversation was very heavy. I think as we are enjoying the cheesecake and the dinner is done, how about" Harry looked at Hermione.
"A presentation about how" Hermione completed.
"Muggle airplanes stay up?" said Harry.
"Actually, what is the purpose of a rubber duck? That one troubles me too?" asked Arthur.
"Oh, I want to answer this one!" Sirius replied. Arthur began to listen intently.
"It is sort of a joke item. The purpose is that you squeeze it and it makes an annoying sound. Sometimes children who don't understand that it is a joke item can play with it, as a toy. It could be used to give a child an idea of what a duck looks like. Nothing special about it."
"So, no special reason besides that? It sounds like something my sons might like to do. Fred and George like prank items. They want to run Zonko's out of business." replied Arthur.
"If they can develop really funny items – I think that is great! It will be rough. Some of my early broom designs never worked out. But I continued to push through. If they have a business idea that is a winner, we will jump and fund it. Why not?"
"Deal!" both Fred and George chorused together.
Harry continued:
"I will have the fastest broom on the market soon enough when I put the Rudra out. I think Fred, George and Charlie might like my stuff. I could give another oath that this is not charity, but please that is exhausting. Come and work for me, if only so you can write me and tell me that Draco in September is tuning up his nose. Draco insulted both of us in Diagon Alley and we have not forgotten him.
Naturally, I will require all of you to sign a non-disclosure contract but that is reasonable with the business that I do. Any money your boys earn can be used towards your own Hogwarts education or as savings towards your ventures later on. You will get access to my newer brooms for your personal use."
"We are in! Gryffindor wins because of Charlie, but he will leave soon. Any edge we can get, we will take!" Fred and George replied.
"Any chance you develop fireproof things? I plan to work with Dragons when I leave Hogwarts." Charlie asked.
"That is something that I have never considered but maybe I can try. It seems like a good challenge. Oh my Ms Weasley, is everything you make this ridiculously good? You and my grandmother must become friends. This cheesecake is ridiculous!" exclaimed Harry.
"Thank you dear. Your compliment is so deeply appreciated. I would not mind seeing how someone else cooks. I take it she cooks what is traditional to her culture. I have made up my mind. You have decided to risk so much because you genuinely respect us. We have not had anyone give us kind comments in our society. We are considered of the wrong kind, and I would very much like to prove them wrong. I am a Gryffindor and so is my husband. We will be brave. As for the oath, we will take it."
Hermione smiled as she realised that Harry had acquired the Weasleys, a business opportunity and also their silence.
"It would be nice to offset some of the school costs with any money that we can make. Arthur can continue his Ministry job. You will be around won't you Hadrian?"
"All of us, until you get comfortable. Anyway. I saw Jeanie is finished unpacking the demonstration items. Time for Physics 101."
After the airplane presentation was completed, Arthur and Molly who had promised an oath, decided that it would be better if her children did not stick around for adult conversations. Molly asked Percy to chaperone the younger ones and himself upstairs. Charlie and Bill would stay as the two eldest boys.
"What conditions would satisfy you for our oath?" asked Arthur.
"You merely need to promise that you will not share our identity or primary business interests with any third parties. You will keep our involvement as supporters of your endeavours private. Anything we consider Peverell and Granger Business is not to be discussed with anyone outside your family. Yes, those are our company names.
We do understand this is a large oath to take – you may tell other that your financiers gave you oaths upon their magic that they did only legal business. You may also explain to anyone who asks, that we saw value in your talents and we decided to monetise it upon the basis of genuine respect and not pity.
As for your children, they will merely promise not to reveal to anyone that they are already employed, whether it is your own business or any venture we are currently doing. What money they earn will be a private affair. When they are working with us, they will report to a closed off part of my production area at my house, where they will do the work.
Should information that compromises us be obtained unknowingly by Veritaserum or even the Mind Arts, we will not demand any penalty be paid with your magic. We will grant forgiveness as we do think eventually Malfoy and his friends will come snooping around, with trickery.
Xeno and Augusta are acceptable people to freely discuss our business with, as they already know who we are and what we do. Besides them, nobody else. Is there any part of the oath you find unreasonable?"
"No. I think the conditions are reasonable. I sense that you operate quietly, but not because you do anything unscrupulous."
Arthur and Molly gave the oath as the magic took effect. Harry and Hermione smiled as they gave their oaths for the exceptionality condition.
Harry now had the Weasleys in their corner and Dumbledore would not be any the wiser. Eventually, if profits worked out and the wealth started to flow in, Harry and Hermione would reveal the entire plan. As Harry and Hermione began to prepare themselves to leave, Sirius texted Augusta the following message discreetly.
"We got them, and they have taken oaths. Time to start making plans Augusta."
"Excellent. Talk to you soon, Sirius."
Harry and his entire entourage then left after Molly and Arthur gave their goodbyes and thanked them for everything.