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Chapter 31- Confrontations
Neville came out of his trunk and made his way over towards his night stand next to his bed. After setting several books down, he turned around to leave when he froze in his tracks. Laying against the floor near the back wall was a slightly bloody Ron Weasley. Neville thought to himself, "he must have done something to piss off Harry." Making his way over to him, Neville bent down and checked his vitals. While he was doing this, he noticed the position of where Ron was lying. Neville smiled as he now realized what had happened, pulling out his wand, he levitated Ron and was making his way out of the dorm to the Hospital Wing when Harry's trunk suddenly opened and out came Harry followed by Kongack and two Goblin Guards.
"Hey mate, what ever you did to Ron, I'm sure he deserved it. Do you want help sneaking him out of here so you could dump him outside of Gryffindor Tower?" asked Harry
Neville laughed before he explained, "I didn't do this actually, you did." Neville laughed some more at Harry's confused look.
"I didn't do that mate, really I didn't. I wish I did but I would have remembered beating him like that, trust me." answered Harry
" I found him spread out along the wall back there, apparently Ronikins here tried to either open your trunk or something, a mistake I don't think he will make again." smiled Neville
"Serves him right, I wonder how many times in the past five years he just helped himself to whatever was in my trunk." said an irritated Harry
"Hey, Kongack, what are you guys doing here?" asked Neville
"Lord Whiplock does not agree with Lord Potter-Black's choice to return to Hogwarts." replied Kongack as Harry snorted
"That's a serious under statement. I think his actual wording was something like, I don't trust that blubbering old fool and I am starting to question your judgment for choosing to return." stated Harry
"I have to sort of agree with him Harry." said Neville cautiously
"You do huh? What, are you getting tired of me already Nev?" said Harry
"You know that's not the case, it's just….with the Headmaster's un-natural obsession with you, and after he actually attacked you in the open public, I don't care what his reasons are, I wouldn't hang around anywhere where he has the chance to do something again." answered Neville
"You see young Lord, Master Longbottom understands, why wont you listen to reason?" asked a aggravated Kongack
"I understand your concerns, trust me, I do. I can not explain it, but something is telling me that I must remain here until at least the Holiday break. I am not under estimating old Dumbles, I will remain vigilant." shrugged Harry
"Thus the reason why we are here. Lord Whiplock has relinquished trying to change the Lord's mind, so we are sent to make sure of his safety." snarled Kongack as his two Goblin Guards brandished their huge clubs and gave them a few swirls around their heads before stowing them once again.
"Just so you know mate, when ever you decide to flee this place, if your willing, I'd love to join you." smiled Neville
"Thanks Mate, I might just take you up on that offer." returned Harry
"You'd better." growled Neville as Harry laughed
"Why don't you finish taking He who must not touch others things to the Hospital Wing and were off to that little discussion with the Headmaster." declared Harry
"All right, I would love to watch the proceedings later in your pensieve, the look on the Headmaster's face alone when he sees your Goblin friends will be priceless!" laughs Neville as he levitates Ron again and makes for the exit.
"Yeah, this should be interesting. I don't think he is going to like the fact that I have full security surrounding me that he has no control over, not to mention how they entered the Castle without his knowing." smiled Harry
"I never thought of that. You know this Ron thing has great potential in becoming a big problem. You might have to sit him down and have a heart to heart, Hermione as well for that matter….I'm just sayin, something to think about." stated Neville simply before disappearing with a floating Ron.
Harry pondered Neville's words as he watched him leave.
"He does make a valid point, it might not change anything, but it could give you peace in closure." stated Kongack
"Yeah, lets go and get this over with." said Harry leaving the Dorms and making his way out of Gryffindor Tower. Coming down the stairs, Hermione spotted Harry and was about to approach him at the bottom of the stairs when she realized he wasn't alone and stopped dead in her tracks. Harry noticed right away, and sent a glare behind him to Kongack who was grinning as if to say, Neville was right. The soon to be awkward situation was interrupted by Dean and Seamus who just entered from the Portrait entrance.
"Hey Mate, we just spotted Nev taking Ron to the Hospital Wing, I guess that's one lesson learned the hard way huh?" smiled Dean as Seamus fake pouted.
"I wish I had a cool Trunk, not that I'm jealous or anything." said Seamus
Dean and Harry laughed as Dean glanced over towards Hermione who was still standing in the middle of the common room looking conflicted.
Harry understood Dean's head nod and shrugged before mentioning he was headed for the Headmaster's Office and he would catch up later. Ignoring Hermione's indecision, he made his way to the Portrait Hole and exited Gryffindor Tower with three menacing Goblin's following close behind him.
Once out in the hall, Slammer, a security Goblin under Kongack's command, quickly took the lead while the other Goblin Guard, Boggs, took the rear as Kongack walked along side Harry as they strolled down the corridor.
Students who witnessed them walking were quick to get out of the way as many whispers were quieted until after they passed. Harry just smirked internally thinking to himself that maybe Whiplock was on to something when he demanded him having a full-time security detail. Harry was imagining Draco and his goons stepping up to do their regular name calling and taunting when Slammer and Boggs steps up and beats them into submission. Smirking on that thought, Harry realized he was at his destination.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Harry stated the password, "Mars Bars" and watched as the Gargoyle guardian moved aside and revealed a spiraling staircase.
Making his way up the stairs behind Slammer, who pushed open the Headmaster's office door without knocking.
"Ahh Harry my boy, right on time I see, thanks for….." the Headmaster froze when he looked up and witnessed Harry making his way to the two chairs opposite the Headmaster's with a menacing looking Goblin taking the seat next to Harry while two more huge Goblins were taking various positions around his office.
"What is the meaning of this Harry?" asked the confused Headmaster
"Like I told you weeks ago Headmaster, please refer to me as Lord Potter. If you can't handle that basic of a request, then I believe we are done talking here." stated Harry coldly
"Yes….yes….Lord Potter, please forgive me. Lets try this again, what are these Goblins doing here Lord Potter?"
"They are my personal security detail, they will go everywhere I go. You see, I came to the realization that I am not safe here at Hogwarts, they are here to make sure I remain in one piece. Something I can no longer leave in the hands of the Hogwarts Staff." answered Harry
"Harry…Lord Potter, surely you can't be serious? I would never allow you to have Goblin Guards here inside the Castle, there are children here that are quite afraid of the Goblins as of late."
"Well I am sorry to hear that these children you speak of, are tremendously mis-informed. There is nothing to fear from these Goblins, unless you are trying to do me harm, in that case, there is everything to fear from these three." grinned Harry as Kongack gave a toothy grin as well.
"Be that as it may, I do not give you permission to have them here and I would appreciate it if they would leave now before we further our conversation tonight." sighed the Headmaster.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you Headmaster, but they are not leaving my side. As for this further conversation, these three Goblins have my full confidence, you may speak freely around them." stated Harry simply
Before the Headmaster could respond, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape walked into the office, the latter being stopped from approaching Harry by Slammer's battle axe halting his movement.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked a confused McGonagall
"My Security Guard was not appreciative of this Professor's hostile approach towards me." said Harry coldly while staring down Snape
Before Snape could say a thing, McGonagall leaned forward to say something before she too was interrupted by the Headmaster.
"Please come to my side Professors so we can continue this conversation like adults. Harry here….I mean Lord Potter was just explaining what these Goblin Guards were doing here." said the Headmaster in his best Grandfatherly voice as he conjured a chair on either side of his own.
Slammer dropped his axe, but continued blocking the side towards Harry until Snape was sitting in the chair the Headmaster provided. Harry smiled as he watched Slammer resume his position near the door as Boggs stepped up closer, watching Snape closely, hand on his axe.
"Really Mister Potter, what is the meaning of this so called security detail?" asked a stern McGonagall.
"It's rather simple really, these three Guards are a party of my personal Security Team. They are strictly protecting my interests and my well being, something I believe every student here should be granted. Wouldn't you agree Professor's." said Harry calmly.
"I believe in student safety as well Lord Potter, and I agree it is a wise decision to have security and always be safe, but surely not while you are here, at Hogwarts. Everyone knows that this ancient school is one of the most protected magical places in the world." Dumbledore beamed in pride as the two other Professors nodded that they agreed.
Suddenly Harry let out a large laugh as did Kongack, Harry even began banging his fist against the Headmasters desk before finally leaning against Kongack while holding his sides.
"Mister Potter?" asked McGonagall
"I'm sorry Professors, but honestly, who do you think your talking to? This might be a safe and well protected school to the average student here, but it is anything but for me. Should we recap every time I have been in danger within these walls? Not to mention how many times STAFF, of this so called safest school, has personally tried to MURDER ME? This school is seriously not a safe place for me." finished Harry angrily.
Silence stretched out after Harry's statement, McGonagall just lowered her head. Dumbledore seemed to be lost in thought and Snape was just looking defiant, like he didn't believe a word he was hearing.
Finally Dumbledore found his voice and said; "Unfortunately, you make several valid points. But that does not mean you can have unauthorized guards surrounding you where other innocent students are concerned."
"Once again showing us all his arrogance and stupidity." snarled Snape
"Once again you jump to conclusions Snivelous, sticking your big noise in business that doesn't concern you. As for my arrogance, you may have something there. Although most people mistake knowledge for arrogance, or should I say most unintelligent people." grinned Harry while staring Snape down as Slammer moved closer, away from the door and Boggs pulled up his Axe menacingly.
Snape looked like he wanted nothing better then to strangle Harry but obviously chose to remain quiet and not show any outward motions due to menacing look the nearest Goblin was giving him.
"Mister Potter, call back your security guard, we are trying to discuss this civilly. You are in no threat here." stated McGonagall
"I'm sorry Professor, but one can never be too sure when Death Eaters are concerned." snarled Harry as Snape took the bait and jumped up from his seat.
Boggs moved straight ahead fast as Snape was pulling his wand, suddenly Boggs hand reached out and pushed Snape hard in the chest, shoving him backwards and over the chair, sprawling the Professor on the floor.
"Enough!" shouted the Headmaster as a bright light emanated from around him.
McGonagall went over to Snape's side and helped him up while giving him a stern look.
"I want those Goblin brutes out of this school, I should file charges!" shouted Snape as he picked up his chair and brushed off his robes.
"Go ahead and file charges, I will give a pensieve testimony, showing how you were the aggressor, my Security team could have easily dismembered you or worse, but chose a mild solution to cease the aggression, quite effectively I might add." smiled Harry as Boggs beamed with pride at his words.
"This has gone on long enough Lord Potter, this charade can no longer continue. Remove your Goblin friends from my school." stated the Headmaster clearly
"I agree Headmaster, this has gone on long enough." finally speaking was Kongack as he leaned forward and slammed a file folder in front of the Headmaster, making all three Professors flinch.
"I believe that all the required paperwork you would need is in there. Your obviously not very aware of your own Schools charters. Lord Potter, who is the last emancipated Lord of a very old family, is allowed to hire personal security if he feels that his life is in anyway in danger. As is stated in your very own charter, and no fool would argue that Lord Potter is never NOT in any danger, especially with Death Eaters running amuck." growled Kongack as the Headmaster blinked rapidly lost in confusion.
"He is right Albus, no one would argue that. That certain charter hasn't been used in centuries but it does exist." said McGonagall calmly as the Headmaster was going through the paperwork that was handed to him.
"I see you even have the Minister's approval on this matter, might I ask what your relationship with Minister Scrimgeour is Lord Potter?" asked the Headmaster
"Actually, who I have relationships with is no longer any concern of yours Headmaster. A point I might add, you seem to be having a hard time in grasping. Now that my security detail has been explained, what is it you wanted to discuss with me? Something about making amends? You have a strange way of doing that. Maybe I should consider whether I should attend this School or not." said Harry as he stood up and began to make his way over towards the door.
"Wait. Your right. This….situation really distracted me. Let us move forward and discuss our future." stated Dumbledore
Harry thinking twice on it, decided he wasn't in the mood to discuss his future with these close minded people at the moment, and decided to say so.
"You know Headmaster, you talk a big game, but you have yet to prove yourself to me. Your attempt at an apology is seriously lacking. Maybe in a few weeks I will think about giving you another chance depending on your actions these next few weeks. I give one last warning to all of you before I leave you tonight. Make it known that if anyone crosses me unjustly, they will be dealt with severely, the Goblin way. And that goes for Professors as well, and one final thing, I am to be addressed as Lord Potter from this day forward. Failure to do so could lead to unfortunate incidents occurring." smiled Harry finishing his way towards the exit as Slammer opened the door and lead the way.
"Well…that could have gone better, but I suppose it went as you suspected it would." smiled Kongack
"Yes, I will admit I was curious as to what he was going to tell me, but I have my suspicions as to what that was as well." nodded Harry
"It doesn't matter really, the Headmaster won't last long before he's begging to talk to you again. I think he might be finally realizing that he needs you more then you need him…and that scares him." stated Kongack
"Well, until then, I get to deal with hostile students in a dreary environment…..remind me again why I wanted to return here?" asked Harry
"I believe it was something along the lines of Friendship…..Brothers at arms and what not. Wasn't it my Lord?" asked Kongack with a smile
"Oh yeah, that's right. I also remember saying something about holding out until the Holls. Merlin I hope I can last that long." pondered Harry as he made his way back to Gryffindor Tower.
"By the way, we will be sleeping in my trunk from now on, and I mean me as well. I don't trust Ron at the moment, and I know only those who are authorized can get in. it makes sense." said Harry
"I agree Young Lord." smiled Boggs as Slammer added, " Not to mention with a slight time tweek, you can have a nice twelve hour sleep every night no matter what time you go to bed." he laughed.
"Well….yes….there is that." as all four laughed.
"What an eventful arrival wouldn't you say, it's going to be a long year. Tomorrow after breakfast, we will get our schedules. I think we should meet with everyone to sync up everybody's information and set a Guard schedule with the rest of your team, I don't want you three overworked." smiled Harry
"As you wish my Lord." nodded Kongack as they entered Gryffindor Tower and made their way towards the sixth year dormitory. Slammer who pushed open the door, stepped in and then off to one side as Boggs took the other. Dean and Seamus were still up and were talking on Dean's bed.
" I'm surprised, I figured you'd be in the Headmasters office for at least three more hours, what happened?" asked Dean
"Well, it didn't really go….to be honest. Basically we argued over my security detail, then me and Snape got into it, and then when it was time to finally get to the reason for our meeting, I didn't feel up to it. Besides, we already know much more then he thinks we do." smiled Harry
Dean and Seamus both laughed at that.
"He has no idea." smiled Dean before adding; "I keyed Seamus here into my Trunk, we are both going to sleep in there every night."
"Yeah, it's bloody perfect it is. Nothing and no one can enter, and you can't be overheard when your plotting. Not to mention just hanging out and getting randy." said Seamus
"I know, trust me. I came to the same conclusion not ten minutes ago." laughed Harry as Neville's trunk lid popped open and he came walking out and into the dorm.
"I heard you guys talkin, Luna thought of that immediately and she devised a little system for us." said Neville as he tossed Dean and Harry what looked to be book markers.
"What are these for Mate?" asked Dean
"There Trunk Tags, that way we will know if you are in your trunk without having to enter and look around for you. They Turn three Colors. If your in your trunk, turn the Tag white by pressing the center. If your not in your Trunk, turn the Tag black. If you are in and don't want to be bothered, turn it red. They have your printed name and titles on them, so anyone else will just think it's a custom tag, that's all." smiled Neville
"Bloody Brilliant!" said Dean and Harry at the same time as an awkward silence started until all four started cracking up.
"You know it's kind of sad, we wouldn't need to hang out in the trunks if only we could get Ron moved out of our dorm." said Seamus
"How did it go taking Ron to Pomfrey, what did you say?" asked Harry
"I told her that I found him like this, and how I assumed it was because he was trying to break into your personal Trunk that was warded against theft. She said that was really stupid of him and that he is lucky to be left with both of his hands still functioning. She wanted me to inform you of what happened and to let you know that you won't be in any trouble for that, as it is your right to ward your personal belongings as you are an emancipated Lord." smiled Neville
"Well what do you know, someone knows Hogwarts charters." grinned Harry as the Goblins gave slight chuckles.
"That's great Neville, your right about him becoming a problem. I will think about it some more and then I will have it out with him and see where his true loyalties lie. If you see Luna before I do in the morning, pass on my thanks for this beautiful idea." smiled Harry as he held up his Trunk Tag.
"Yeah Mate, of course I will tell her personally when I see her next, but nevertheless, pass along my thanks as well." smiled Dean as he and Seamus went to the Trunk and Dean put the tag on the lid and pressed it until it turned white, then turned around.
"Good night guys, see ya in the morning" said Dean
"Yeah, laters." smile Seamus as he followed Dean into his Trunk then the lid closed.
"Can I head to breakfast with you in the morning? I want to walk in with you and some menacing Goblin warriors." smiled Neville
"Sure Mate, of course." answered Harry
"Lets say eight sharp? If I'm not in here by seven fifty, come wake me up. I'm sure you will be freshly rested." smirked Neville
Harry laughed as he understood Neville's remark.
"You know Nev, if you ever need some time, for whatever reason, just let me know. Remember, two hours out here, is five days in there. Not that I will be using it at that ratio very often, if you need it though, anytime, just say the word." smiled Harry
"Thanks Mate, I will definitely be taking you up on that offer. Oh how I love that hot tub of yours in there." said Neville in a dreamy voice.
"You can pass that along to Luna as well, maybe you two would like some time for.."
"I will let her know, thanks Mate. Goodnight and see you in the morning." said Neville hurriedly as he entered his trunk and slammed the lid shut. Harry just stared at the little white Trunk tag swaying back and forth with a smile on his face before he let out a gut busting roar of laughter.
"Man, I thought I was bad, that was way too easy. Come on guys, lets call it a night." said Harry as he made his way to his trunk after Kongack and Slammer entered, Harry hung his now white tag on the lid then followed as Boggs entered last and closed the lid for the night.
Headmasters Office, just after Harry's departure:
"I told you Albus, He is to full of himself. Goblin Guards…..Completely unnecessary!" complained Snape
"Severus, he is most definitely not full of himself, as for his protection….he makes valid points. He has already faced a basilisk, a Troll, a Dragon, Dementors, and You-Know-Who Himself, three times, all within this school." scowled McGonagall
"Well when you put it like that it does sound bad, but lets not forget that it's him who insists on searching and meddling in affairs that he shouldn't be thus causing most of what you listed." said Snape
" Meddling, you mean being heroic and saving the lives of others. You're a stubborn old fool if you can't see that Harry Potter is NOT his father. For Merlin's sake Severus, it was twenty years ago, let it go already you pig-headed moron!" shouted McGonagall while flaying her arms around.
"That is enough….both of you. I have told you over and over Severus to give him a chance and to bury your past grudges with his father and friends. Your hot temper in regards to Mister Potter will get you into hot water sooner then later. He has gained much influence already, I'm afraid he could be the most influential person in the wizarding world right now. If you need more proof of that, just wait till the morning's Prophet to see how the public reacts to his little speech in Hogsmeade." declared the Headmaster
"What I don't understand is how he has changed so much, I mean it has only been a summer." declared Snape while still glaring at McGonagall
"That is most curious. I sensed his magic when he walked in, he has definitely gotten stronger. It might just be him maturing into his magical core." said Dumbledore
"Or it could be something else…..like maybe delving into the dark arts maybe?" sneered Snape
"Severus!" scolded McGonagall
"Need I remind you about where Mister Potter's mind set was at the end of last year. Death can unravel even the noblest of minds." stated Snape simply
"I do not think he has delved into the Dark Arts, but he has done something….somehow. His Magical Core was giving off strange signals…..signals I have not picked up on another student….ever. Not even Tom Riddle himself." said the Headmaster sadly.
"If he is as strong as you say he is, then maybe it is best if we chose to cooperate with him instead of antagonizing him." said McGonagall
"Yes, Yes, nevertheless….we must keep close tabs on Mister Potter. For his own safety of course." smiled Dumbledore
"You mean LORD Potter, as is his wish to be addressed as such." smiled McGonagall as she new that Snape would have a hard time with that.
"Yes, you are right Minerva, Lord Potter. I do wish he would have stayed so we can discuss some rather important details." sighed Albus
"Such as where his Goblin Security Guards are going to sleep?" asked Snape
"I wouldn't worry about that, I am sure Lord Potter has that well taken care of. If you wanted to have a nice chat with him, maybe you should not have accused him and assume the worse about him right from the start. If there is nothing else needed from me, I am off to welcome my new lions. Good Evening." said McGonagall as she stood and exited the Headmasters office.
There was a moment of silence after her departure to make sure she had left the spiraling staircase.
"Now, what is your plan regarding the Potter brat" sneered Snape
"Could you get in through his mental barriers?" asked Albus
"Amazingly…No. I assumed you must have?" answered Snape
"No I could not without alerting him of my presence. That is most disturbing, I need to know what he has been up to and how he has obtained so much power." said a frustrated Headmaster
"We will need to get him alone and unconscious in order to delve into his mind and see what and who he has been dealing with." sneered Snape
"Yes, but how do we do that with his new Goblin Security?" asked the Headmaster
"Yes, that will be problematic…..we need him injured somehow, then we sneak into the Infirmary and perform the task there, while he is recouping." Said Snape
"Yes. That could work, there are two problems that must be solved to do so. One, how do we injure him bad enough to result in incapacitation without setting off his security team into war mode. And two, we will need a distraction in the Hospital Wing to remove the Goblin Security that will definitely be bedside for the entirety of his stay there." said a thoughtful Headmaster
"As for problem one, I can take care of that. A simple mock duel in my defense class will do nicely. His security will be present but they will not interfere as the purpose of the duel is to learn. Then I will have Draco cast something from behind as I strike from the front. That will be efficient enough, then I will give Draco detention with me and take a few points and send Potter to Pomfrey. Problem two is all you to take care of." said Snape confidently
"Yes…..that could work. Let me think on this before you act on it. We will talk again soon, until then keep close eyes on him and who he shares confidence in. we might get some of his secretes through his friends." Answered Albus
"That is wise….it's too bad the Weasley idot is not in his inner circle any longer, he was so easy to extract information from." sneered Snape
"Very Well, you have my orders Severus, be vigilant." commanded the Headmaster as Snape bowed and quickly left the office as the Headmaster pondered his situation.
Gryffindor Common Room:
Hermione and Ginny watched as the Portrait hole opened up and a huge Goblin walked in scanning around quickly before walking up to the dorms. Then Harry and another Goblin entered, laughing hard about something, followed by another Goblin who shut the Portrait. All four making it up to the boys dorms, Harry never even looked around the common room to see who was still around.
"He is like a totally different person now." stated Ginny
"He is and then he isn't. I just feel so stupid for falling for the Headmaster's games." said Hermione sadly
"But you were under the influence of mind persuasion, surely that must account for something?" asked Ginny
"Maybe, but I wasn't under any spell when I agreed to spy on him in first year. I really did think it was to help protect him, that what the Headmaster told me, and I was only eleven." cried Hermione as Ginny came around and rubbed her back
"It's all right Hermione, I know. Trust me. He will come around eventually, he won't throw away six years of friendship just like that." said Ginny comfortingly
"That's where I don't know. To him, since I have been hired to spy on him since first year, he feels that the last six years was just business to me and that it was all fake." cried Hermione again, although she was calming slightly
"Yes well, we are just going to have to convince him that we are on his side, whatever it takes." winked Ginny flirtatiously
Hermione slowly started chuckling at Ginny, she was so predictable, but she may be onto something….changing the subject, Hermione asked; "How was Ron when you visited?"
"Ohh he should be fine by tomorrow afternoon. Really, how foolish could he be, trying to break into Harry's Trunk. He's lucky he still has use of his hands." laughed Ginny
"Well, I have also been guilty of borrowing Harry's things when he has been busy with Quidditch and what not without asking. Not anymore though." said Hermione
"Come on, lets go to bed and don't worry, Harry will come around." smiled Ginny as she led Hermione to their girls dorms.
The next morning, Harry woke up extremely refreshed. Alissa was laying down near his feet. Getting out of bed without disturbing her, Harry exited his room but left the door opened for Alissa when she woke up. Making his way to the kitchen, Harry was startled to see Dobby there cooking.
"Dobby, my friend, why are you here so early today and I believe Winky usually makes the breakfast?" asked Harry
"I asked her if I could do it this morning, I had some information I needed to discuss with you first thing and figured I could give Winky a break seeing as I needed to see you anyhow." Dobby reasoned
"Very well, what is this information?" asked Harry taking a seat at the table.
"It's about the construction of Potter Manor." answered Dobby as he set Harry's plate in front of him and sat down opposite him.
"Ohh, has the crew reached phase three already? And why aren't you eating? You know I hate it when you do that." frowned Harry
Dobby chuckled before answering, "I ate earlier with Winky, and no the crew has not reached phase three yet, its something else." as he reached into his toga and pulled out a think envelope and slid it across the table to Harry.
Harry eyed the envelope with much curiosity as he finished eating his bacon, wiped his hands and face, then picked up the envelope and opened it.
After a few minutes of reading through the paperwork, Harry returned it back in the envelope then continued eating without saying a word.
Dobby looked on waiting….he knew his Master well enough to know he was processing this new information. It was another ten minutes and a completely clean plate later before Harry spoke again.
"Well, this will delay our plans a little, but only a little. It should not be a major problem until at least phase ten, and only then it will only cost more galleons. Something like this has never even been thought about before, I knew it would be costly, but the results will be worth it." smiled Harry
"Yes Master, it is a rather genius plan."
"Well, it wasn't just me who came up with it, it was a collective effort. Thanks for bringing this to me right away. Please schedule an appointment with Kang for later in the week so I can inform him of my decision. That will give me some time to bring this to the group, maybe they will find a better solution." said Harry
"I will inform you of when he is available, how about this Sunday, when you have no classes?" asked Dobby
"That should be fine, preferably sometime at night. It's easier for me to sneak out." smiled Harry as Dobby just nodded, then vanished. Harry looked at the clock after washing his dishes and putting them away. It was just barely six in the morning so Harry needed to kill some time until he was supposed to meet Neville.
Making his way to the training room, taking some Goblin Guards along the way, Harry decided to use his extra time in practice dueling with his security. You never know when you'll need to battle extreme odds, or even protect your back while dueling another, useful skill that is.