Muggle Tour #3:
The third tour of the 'Muggle World' occurred on August 1st. Neville was excited that his Grandmother was accompanying him. Amba had sorted her out with appropriate clothes, and she looked like a high powered business executive, who was on a weekend stroll in casual clothes. Remus who had advised Harry to get the Weasleys in his corner was only too happy to assist with the driving. Priya opted to make herself available, as it was a rather large amount of individuals. Harry and Hermione had decided that renting three Prado Land Cruisers would suffice for their transportation. The Weasleys who had not met many Indian people were somewhat fascinated with Priya after the apparition had occurred to Kings Station.
Ginny's first comment was, "Mummy, she is so pretty. I want my hair to shine like that!"
Priya blushed and played with Ginny's hair as she said, "Thank you, sweetie, I will tell you my secret before you go home!"
Arthur had realised that the Ford Anglia that he was interested in purchasing, had to be a relic. The cars on display in London were sleek and beautiful. Even Percy was a big fan of C63 AMG he had seen. The tour began with Harry calling the other two vehicles via a group call. With all the phones paired to the hands-free system in the SUV, it was easy to explain to everyone as they drove around.
Harry tried his best to explain that most of what the Purebloods knew about Muggles was correct only until the coming of the Industrial Revolution. The ability to produce items tirelessly with machines had generally improved mundane society. Hermione also explained smartphones and demonstrated how much information could be accessed by having Percy look at her device. Remus and Harry in their vehicles had also passed their devices around their backseat. Percy naturally had typed "Romans" and found himself flabbergasted at the amount of information that was available.
When Percy had seen YouTube videos and tutorials, he went crazy.
Harry had also explained how instantaneous communication worked. He went on to cite the current phone call to be one of his bread and butter methods for keeping in touch with people. Arthur found himself fascinated with the video clip that he had received from Lorna's vehicle as Ginny and Luna opted to make funny faces.
"It is all lies! All Lies!" Percy exclaimed as he experienced a mental breakdown.
"Don't worry. For being open minded, we are going to provide you with as many books as you want. Take a look at this device." replied Hermione.
That was when Percy decided that he wanted a kindle, after examining Hermione's device. Ronald had been listening to the music playing on the radio and had taken a great liking to it.
"I think Muggle music is way too cool. What is this ?" he asked.
"This is Heavy Metal. Hermione and I like to listen to this stuff. And yes, we like it because it is very rowdy. But there are many different types of music. Don't worry, you will figure it out." Hermione replied.
Neville who had gotten a smartphone recently was only too happy to explain that merely three days had been enough for him to figure out how to operate the device. Augusta had explained that being connected to people at a moment's notice had been good for her, and she spent a lot of time with Hadrian's grandmother. Molly found herself very interested in the idea of being able to speak to people, as sometimes domestic life got frustrating. The pair then took the Weasley family through their favourite food court. Harry, suspected that the Weasleys had asked their children not to expense their hosts unnecessarily. He decided to deal with the issue differently.
Harry leaned in on Arthur and Molly and explained:
"I think to a certain extent, that you would have explained to the rest of them, not to expense us unnecessarily. However, the money isn't an issue. In fact, I would like you Ms. Weasley to let your imagination run wild. The competition is going to be stiff and you have to be at the top of your game to take away some of these customers from the other businesses. Your ability to understand what they consume and why is important. The idea is that we are spending some money to do market research now, to make a lot more money later. I want you to see some of the other food items, particularly those things that are not considered British, as they come from immigrant communities. Let the kids have what they want. It is our treat to them."
Molly and Arthur nodded uneasily.
As the tour went on, the entire family had a chance to try some Chinese and Thai. Neville went and ordered his signature Hot Wings and asked the establishment to make the wings "hot enough so he could take a rocket to the moon". The man behind the counter had laughed until he cried. Neville felt rather proud, because he was a pureblood who understood the meaning of the sentence. Luna had opted for traditional fish and chips and Charlie who loved hamburgers tried the infamous Naga Burger.
The day went on as Harry and Hermione took the Weasleys to different stores and Arthur realised that 'Technology' had advanced much. Molly on the other hand was quite interested in Muggle appliances and Harry explained that as long as they were willing to keep his secrets, he could modify some of them to work at her home. Molly cooked in a Victorian fashion and her fuel included coal. She also possessed a salt box, an aladdin style stove, a salmon kettle and many other familiar Victorian implements. Molly was excited to try anything that she believed would help her improve her cooking.
During the explanation, while the store attendant was out of earshot, Luna touched Hermione's hand and motioned for her to bring her ear closer to her height. Hermione gingerly bent down, not expecting anything unusual when Luna asked:
"Are you the Rune-Priestess? I figured it out by myself from the way you point at objects. Don't worry I won't tell anyone because I like you! You are the bigger sister I always wanted!"
Hermione's eyes bulged out temporarily before they teared up a little. She realised that Luna was unusually observant to make that conclusion. Hermione made a small imperceptible nod, and she found the girl's admission to be precious.
Luna continued softly, "and Hadrian is the Storm-Lord. His walk is way too confident. He walks in a way, that lets people know he is very dangerous. Very graceful too!"
Hermione giggled and realised that Harry's suave model walk was something she had not considered to be an identifiable trait. Hermione began to laugh as she examined Harry immediately, and released that he did have a certain sure confidence in his demeanour.
Harry had planned the tour with deliberate intent – the idea was that wanting some of the muggle comforts would encourage Molly and Arthur to take the business seriously. After all, they were proud and hardworking people, and Harry has ascertained that they just needed the right push to get started. Little did Harry know, Ronald Weasley already had his eye on a Guitar he had seen in a music shop. Ronald decided that if he needed to work for long hours to purchase the instrument, and the other necessary equipment, he would put his best effort forward.
He would ask Hadrian for a job.
Ronald had seen a music video in a store of a long-haired man playing the guitar on television and decided more than anything, he wanted to be a 'Rockstar.' For now, he would purchase an acoustic and practice.
Of all the guests, Percy had the largest number of questions. He soon found himself fascinated by how well organised the Muggle world was, as he released that even the famed Knight Bus was a copy of a Muggle standard. Percy began to realise that Penny's claims were not unrealistic. Perhaps he had been too judgemental with his girlfriend? Maybe he could ask Penny to show him around?
As the day passed, Harry took note of the things he would have to provide the Weasleys with to get them caught up to the modern world. Harry had quietly examined the Weasley property for Magic on his first visit and found that most of it was present in the kitchen and some of it was in the structure. The place was not magically charged because of the absence of a ward stone. Shielding for their devices would be minimal.
The day ended with Harry taking everyone to the kitchen and giving everyone a tour. Molly liked the arrangement as the main cooking area was behind a partition, where she could cook with magic and nobody would be any wiser. Harry had considered the statute and made the necessary adjustments. She who had never seen a refrigerator before was quite surprised. She also found the induction tops interesting. Harry giggled as he realised that eventually, he would use this kitchen as a testbed for new appliances and also keep a weapon cache here, in case of emergency.
Fred and George were quite aware that Hadrian and Remus had visited the Shrieking Shack some time earlier in the year. When they went exploring of their own volition, they were surprised to find a large iron gate that could not be unlocked with magic. This alone had earned the respect of the twins as they tried to transfigure the gate and everything in between. Even the concrete could not be cracked with Bombardas. Fred and George decided that eventually, they would ask about the place, perhaps after getting an employment opportunity and becoming familiar with their new prospective employer.
Neville found it nice that he had someone his age to speak to, and it seemed that Ron considered Neville to be someone like himself - a young person not with a lot of accomplishments like Harry and Hermione, but someone willing to learn. Both of them considered Jean and Hadrian to be absolutely wild and unusually bright. Neville laughed as he realised that the truly big bomb had not been dropped on Ronald yet. Until then he would say nothing. He needed to prank somebody too.
The day ended with Harry and Remus offering to side-along apparate the Weasley family and most of them were shocked that Harry could apparate at such a young age. The Weasley Family were now safely home with a couple bags of purchases. Hermione had opted to let Luna stay behind as she had figured out their alter-egos. Luna soon found herself with her father at Peverell Manor along with Neville and Augusta.
"Well Luna, we had hoped to tell you later. But since you already know, I want you to have this chain." Hermione then placed the small wrist band on Luna's tiny wrist.
"There we go. As long as you keep our secrets, nobody can steal information from your mind. Let us show you what we did with the piece of art you did for us."
Luna soon received an explanation about their "Kinetic barriers", "Pistols", "Assault Rifles" and "Jetpacks." Harry demonstrated how the drawing had been used to create a model, and then finally a manufactured product.
"You guys are so cool. I want to be cool like you guys!" squeaked Luna in the most excited voice, after seeing all the equipment.
"Well, we did open classes up to Neville. Since you are in our circle, you might as welcome along. The plan is to get the Weasleys in eventually. We are forming a small private army to take on the Dark Lord. He will be back. Monday bright and early for 7:00 a.m. We will get started.
We will purchase some track clothes and begin putting you through the exercise program. Then, we will show you how we learn magic. Hadrian will make you a custom wand and you will learn things that we discovered through our Muggle education.
Most importantly, you will have fun and won't be short on friends or food. And you can paint in the main workshop when you want, I do want to investigate your ability to see creatures. We have some evidence from the Peverell records that there are creatures that exist in a purely magical dimension. We might as well document them. "
Luna hugged Hermione and Harry successively.
"I would love that! People think I am crazy, but I knew they were real. Thank you!" the silver-haired girl
A day later, Harry apparated directly to the Weasleys with Hermione and knocked on the door. Molly opened the door and was surprised to see her visitors. The pair made it their business to greet Molly with hugs and kisses. Molly who was beginning to become sensitive to magic could feel how warm, powerful and content their magic felt. These people, these fantastic children felt happy in her house. And they liked her. It was all the proof she needed.
"Come in my darlings. It is unexpected to see you so soon. Please, to the kitchen."
Harry walked in and saw Charlie clearly experimenting with the broom in the backyard. He was zooming around the backyard like a madman and Fred and George were waiting for their turns. Even Ginny was excited, even though it seemed like Molly would not allow her close to any broom. Molly automatically offered him a tall cold glass of orange, as she noticed that it was a favourite with Harry.
"Ah. This is pretty good. Aunty Molly, I am in some problems. I have to deal with an emergency supply of brooms for foreign customers. The parts are done at my house and the kit is sent off for final assembly at Nimbus Factories. I need your boys to pull some hours at my place. I need Gred, Forge and Charlie. I also need Percy for a personal research project."
Of course, Harry's real plan was to fatten the Weasleys with galleons, if only to upset Draco. Naturally, he offered them salaries that were ridiculous by mundane standards. The plan was to sneak an easy forty thousand galleons into their coin bags. In any case, this was a single month of work, and not an ongoing expense.
"So yes, sixty galleons an hour for the twins. One hundred for Charlie and Percy. As to why that seems to be so much, remember this is Stormbolt they will be manufacturing. I also have some other small things for them to take care of as I will be doing research and I will be around sometimes, and other times in my lab with Hermione. I manufacture many other things too. This is the contract. Some clauses allow for situations if Veritaserum or legilimency are used to obtain information by duress or trickery. Otherwise, only if they reveal information willingly there is a problem."
"Oh my, this is unexpected. I suppose you need the help?" asked Molly.
"Yes, I need to stockpile products because I will be indisposed early in September. I promise you on my magic that any work they can do will be dead useful to help me out with my problem. It is always a hustle and bustle. I have to redesign a lot of things."
Molly nodded.
"By the way, we are the people to help any of them with their Hogwarts assignments. That is covered."
"Can I work too?" asked Ronald, who was now peeking out over the stair ledge. Ronald had one thing on his mind.
"If you want to….sure! This is a good opportunity for us to get to know each other better. I would like to hear what you are passionate about. Who knows, you might just have the next big idea?"
Ronald knew immediately that he was buying the Acoustic Guitar. Percy who was walking into the kitchen was rather curious as to why he was needed.
"So far all the requests sound reasonable. What about me? " he asked.
"Your birthday is coming up soon you scallywag! You are getting a Kindle and e-books, early. I want you to comb every scrap of history Magical and Muggle and dig up information about the Founders. The Founders just appear as fully grown people, just like that? Childhood? Teenage years? The only new scrap of information that I have was that the Founders were about fifty years old when they commissioned Hogwarts and it was built over thirty years." replied Harry.
"Where does this information come from?" asked Percy.
"That, I can tell you when you are willing to take an oath. It is that…controversial. But I can give you an oath upon my life that it is true. In fact…."
Harry took out his wand
"I swear upon my magic that I do know some things about the Founders and the information can be verified as true. However, I must be careful. Society at large will not like the implications. Lumos!"
Percy was now hungry. He wanted to know. No, he needed to know.
Harry was quite surprised by Percy's sudden interest in Magical History. Hermione had awakened a passion in him, that even Percy himself had never explored. Percy had absolute reverence for Hogwarts as a year five student. The same night Hermione had spoken to him, Percy immediately mailed Penelope and asked her to send any 'Muggle history' textbooks she possessed. Errol had struggled to bring back the parcel the next morning, but Percy had received enough textbooks. Penelope had also sent anything she thought was relevant. Percy suddenly could not put down any of the books. He lit his wand and read all through the night.
He needed more. Percy understood what he had to do if he needed more.
"I Percy Weasley give you my magical oath upon my life to keep your secrets upon your request. I have to know. I want to know about Hogwarts. Hogwarts is important and I love school very much. This is important to me. Lumos!"
"That – that was not necessary, but perhaps….should we Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Why not – remember my redemption arc and my development? Don't lie Harry you know I was just like Percy when you met me. We definitely should. Maybe Bill can also come along and have a chat?"
"I heard my name being called! Remus and I were supposed to get a bite, eh. I will make good on that promise!" Bill yelled.
"Busy tonight?" Harry yelled.
"Not one bit. Off from work."
"Percy busy tonight? You can come over and see the finer details. From tomorrow your brothers can start work, while you can start combing the history books."
"Thank you very much. Mother, I know that was unexpected, but I am sure I want this. This is the Founders and I would like to know anything if possible."
"Does this make you happy Perce?" Molly asked.
Percy nodded rather confidently as Bill walked in, and thumped him on his back.
"Well, look at that. These two arrive and Percy suddenly is having character development eh….who knows, maybe when I go raiding those tombs, you can come along and document the history. A Cursebreaker and a Historian eh….not a bad combination at all. "
Percy suddenly scratched his chin, as he realised maybe that wasn't a bad idea at all. Little did Hogwarts know, that rebellious Percy was arriving on September the 1st.
"Excellent. Well tomorrow morning for the rest of them. Don't worry about lunch and those things. Everything is covered. We are glad for the company. Ronald, I will give you your contract tomorrow morning. Ms Weasley, you mind if I take Percy and William tonight?"
"No problem at all. Percy, I do hope you enjoy yourself. William keep an eye on him, I have never seen him this excited. I am beginning to wonder if he is my child."
"Sure he is! Dad likes muggle airplanes and Percy loves muggle history. You see, a young Ravenclaw lady happened to provide him with reading material. A solid 11/10 according to the rumors from Charlie. Perce my man, he is going out to Hogwarts to impress, just watch."
Ms. Weasley smiled as she realised that Percy did have a school crush, at least.
"Oh, that is very sweet. I do hope he does manage to impress the young lady. Well, off you go. When you come back later, you can tell me if it was worth it, won't you?"
Percy nodded, and the pair laughed.