Hey again guys, thanks for reading but I wish people would check out my homepage and vote on my polls more often. The beginning of this chapter is slightly boring because I will be going through Harry's new adobe, you really don't need to read this unless you're interested, but it will be helpful as I won't describe the house in such detail again. I will tell you though that as an apology this will be both one of my longest chapters and you will see some of Harry's friends again.
I'm also going to go back and fix some issues with timing when I get , please realize that this is 1996! Below is the corrected timeline. Also note that each floor is 60 foot high; therefore the entire "keep" is 350 foot high (The top level is the normal 60 foot high but has 50 foot high vaulting ceilings also. The basement level is underground.
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TIME-LINE
-1996-
Wed July 31st – Birthday, Will reading, first trial (Chapter 1)
Thur August 1st, Remaining trial, and shopping (Ch. 2-4)
Fri August 2nd, Hogwarts Wards and Headmasters (Ch 5-7)
Sat August 3rd, Wizengamot Meeting (Ch 7)
Sun August 4th, day after (Ch 8)
Mon August 11th, Potter V Dumbledore + Tour of Castulum Uranicus (Ch 8-9)
Wednesday August 13, OotP Meeting (Ch. 9)
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DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter; I do not Sam I am. I do not like green eggs and ham.
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== Later that day, Tuesday 11th August 1996, Castellum Uranicus, Unplottable, Scotland ==
After the grueling day in court Harry portkeyed to his new manor using a special portkey that would only allow entrance past the normal anti-portkey wards once, found in the book of properties. He arrived in the middle of the estate to see a keep rising high into the sky. Each floor was sixty feet high (20 meters). Around the Keep proper, about 3000 meters (9000 Ft.) away from each side of the keep was a large wall rising 30 feet high with large stone towers that sat on either side of a massive gate. This set of walls surrounded the entire keep. Three sets of gates and towers could be found to the east, west, and south of the keep. Outside this layer of walls was a large expanse of ground, a large cottage sat outside the south gates of the Keep's walls. And another large barn stood in the distance. About two-thousand meters outside of the main walls was a similar set of large stone walls that separated the estate. These walls rose 35 meters (105 feet) and stood 30 meters (90 feet) thick; they surrounded the entire property and the wards where tied directly into this second set of walls. On the south end of the property stood a massive gate leading from the property. This gate was surrounded by four towers. Two towers could be found on both the left and the right of the gates, and a pair could be found both inside and outside the walls. The towers themselves stood 45 meters tall (135 feet) and were very large At the top of each tower stood areas for defending soldiers to fight from. Inside the bottom area of the towers, they were connected to each other, and the towers themselves where largely solid, except for a small pathway about 80 feet high that held two spiral staircases that led to the top portion of the towers. Where the walls and the towers combined below this however; the walls themselves where hollowed out while the towers below where stock solid This open area inside the walls allowed for living quarters in each of the two areas for men. Large kitchens, cozy rooms, large communal but luxurious bathrooms and small libraries allowed for the physical needs of the men and women, while weapons storage areas allowed for the quick response and deployment of men into the inner courtyard, or to the towers themselves. The only access to the outside towers or living areas accessed through small doors at the bottom of the inner towers.
About 10 meters outside these walls and the outer towers a large, very deep, moat made of clear water surrounded the wall line, all the way around the outer walls This moat was 60 meters across. The edges of the moat dropped off at 85 degree angles and combined at the bottom of the 30 meter deep moat.
A large bridge was mounted to the ground connected to the large outer towers of the gate, this bridge stood as wide as the gate and was 3 feet thick wood. On either edge of the bridge it created a ramp effect cut into the gate. The gate was overlaid in thick iron. The overlay was 3 feet on either side, except at the edges in which it created like effect. The outside of the gate was decorated in inlaid gold and sapphire displaying the Merlin family crest. Inside the outer walls stood forests to the north that filled the entire area from the inner walls to the outer. These seemed to be planted and replanted after one was cut down. On all other sides fields abounded inside the walls.
Harry soon found himself entering the tall double doors of the Keep proper. These doors stood 10 meters tall (30 feet) and cut into the deep stone of the building. The doors where only 12 feet wide (4 meters) but led into a small but impressive foyer that was guarded by suits of medieval armor that patrolled the foyer. The foyer was fairly small and only one arched opening appeared on the opposite wall, with two suits of armor flanking the opening, halberds posed across the arch. As Harry entered 12 suits of armor lined up leading from the doors to the arched opening and raised swords, axes, halberds, and spears in a firm stance of attention. At this sign of display a house elf popped into the foyer and stood before Harry, bowing low. "Lord Merlin, wes be waiting to sees yous for so long! The Lord of the House hases returned! All hail the great Lord Harries Potter, Lord of the House!"
Harry knowing he could not control the house elf without getting to know them better asked the House elf, "And what's your name and what do you do?"
The little creature was shocked at Harry's question, "The great Lord of the House of Merlin and of Castellum Uranicus wishes to know my namess? Lord Harry Potter-Merlin is an amazinging master! My name 's Urnity, I be the Head Elf of Castellum Uranicus. My parents and my parents' parents have guardeded the keep and the groundses since Lord Merlin the Firstes used this as his sanctuary. I oversees fifee-ones of your houses-eleves!"
Harry smiled at the elf and asked him, "Urnity, would you be willing to show me around, and no need to call me Lord, you can call me Harry or Harry Potter."
The little house elf shook her head vigorously, her large bat-like ears flapping around, "Yes, sir, Harry Potter, Sir. I will show the master around his keep!"
At this the elf led Harry around the first floor, as she led him into the Entry room of the citadel. Every room had vaulted ceilings that rose to encompass the sixty feet of each floor. The entry room had two large stair cases which led both down and up. On both the east and west walls stood 3 doors. Each door was a total of five feet wide, compromised of two half arch doors that where two and half feet wide and stood twenty feet tall and shaped as a large arch and actually was double doors. The doors where large marble with stained glass imbedded in at the top. The elf explained that all doors on every floor were exactly like this, except that each stained glass "portrait" could be set to ask for a password and that currently the ones on the second through fifth floors only allowed the lord of the house to enter. On the north wall a single similar door stood. Urnity led Harry into the basement and explained that the basement was a fully stocked potions laboratory and inventory storeroom that could only be accessed from the potions lab or the entry room. Urnity also explained that the potions storeroom and inventory room contained a special ward on it that prevented time from passing. This allowed the potions and ingredients to not spoil if stored in the room. Urnity also explained that the potions inventory and storeroom was 90% ingredients storage and was lined with ceiling height shelves. The top portion of the east wall that connected to the Potions lab and not the entry way, has 4 86 foot long, 6 foot deep and 60 foot tall cabinets. Each shelf on the cabinet stood 1 foot high on these cabinets and had its own roll up door. Four feet pathways lined the way, and each pathway had its own ladder. 5 feet stood between these cabinets and similar spaced and height cabinets. Three of cabinets appeared precisely the same as the others, same all four cabinets on this portion of the room where only 34 feet 10 inches long. The fourth, and one closest to the entry room door was the same length and height but the distance from shelf to shelf was two feet height and instead of the normal 60 shelves, only thirty where on this cabinet. The other difference was instead of being 6 foot deep cabinets, these where eight. Inside this cabinet stood cauldrons in stasis. It was true this room did not know the meaning of the word time. In the other three cabinets stockpiles of potions seemed to be scattered about on the shelves. On every cabinet, nameplates stood every foot or so. Some where duplicated from the ones next to each other (in the case of ingredients) or some remained blank (in the case of potions and cauldrons where none seemed to be.
Urnity led the way back onto the fourth floor and explained to harry by branching into the east portion of the floor. The first room they entered she explained was the guest library. The south and east walls lined themselves with shelves while the west wall had two sitting areas. The north wall has two massive cabinets, but had a massive fireplace made of marble, sixty feet tall and 10 feet wide. Four more suits of armor guarded this fireplace. Urnity explained that all public accessible floos (Those on the first and second floors) where guarded as such. She also explained every fireplace contained the same dimensions but those on the third through fifth floor where inaccessible at this time until Harry opened them and put passwords on them. She also explained that if Harry wished only the first floor library would be open to those without a password and the 8 other suits of armor could flank the fireplace to provide security. Harry ordered the house elf to do this except to place a password on this floo also but make it so the other floos could only transport to various rooms in the house, and place the other guardian armor suits outside the main keep entrance to appear to guard the area.
From the library Urnity led Harry back into the entrance hall and across to the west wall and through one of the doors into a large dining room. One large dining table dominated the room, with 11 seats on either side, an armless chair similar to those on the side to the east and a single, plush throne-like seat on the west side. Along the south wall was a small seating area that sat eight. This table was explained to be a place for children to be or for sitting when only one or two people would be there. On the west wall stood another large fireplace that a modest fire within it. Harry asked Urnity where wood was gathered from and Urnity quickly explained the south forest inside the outer walls was for this and that when the house elves cut down one tree they replaced it with a new seedling so that the forest never completely ran out of wood.
Urnity soon led Harry into a door that stood in the north wall into huge kitchens that seemed to be empty for the moment, but that Urnity explained to Harry would become very busy when Harry ordered a meal. Urnity also explained that the door on the Northwest wall led to another small foyer that branched off into the lower level guest quarters.
From the kitchens Urnity led Harry across a sitting room that had a fireplace to the north wall and doors on every other wall. Urnity led Harry through the door on the east wall and into a large bathroom with many stalls and ornate marble pedestal sinks with wall length mirrors for public use. Leading harry through a second door on the north west wall of the bathrooms, Urnity led Harry back into a small tastefully decorated but other wise empty foyer that had another door on the east wall that Urnity explained went back into the kitchen and a door to the north. Urnity led Harry through this door into a long hallway. Urnity explained that unlike most of the first floor, the first six doors each had passwords on them and that each of these where modest guest bedrooms. The last two doors, one on each side, were bathrooms.
Urnity led the way back to the main entrance hall and led Harry up the stairs. From here she explained that the first two doors on either side wall where bathrooms, the next two where bedrooms, and then the eastern door on the north wall led to a third bathroom, while the center door led into a hallway. She explained that the first two doors, one on either side led to the second pair of bathrooms, leaving this floor with four bathrooms total. The other six doors led to more bedrooms, leaving the floor with eight total bedrooms. Urnity led harry back to entry room and led him up the second flight of stairs into the third floor.
Urnity quickly explained that this floor was known as the "Lord's Suite" and contained a set of impressive rooms in the beginning floor of the "smaller" tower. Urnity showed Harry that all of the doors and floos on this floor would only allow access to those who Harry allowed access. Urnity showed harry through the only door on the north wall and he was led into a bedroom that was about 4000 sq. feet. A wall jutted out from where he entered about thirteen feet to the west before taking a ninety degree turn and connecting with the west wall. A single door stood on the thirteen foot wall and Urnity explained it led into the master bathroom. On the north wall of the bedroom stood a door that Urnity explained led into a small kitchenette if the Lord wished to cook instead of ordering the elves to do this. Upon informing Harry of this, Urnity seemed scandalized at the very thought. On the east wall stood a door that Urnity explained led to a large sitting room. Another large floo sat on the west wall, with a small lively fire in it. On the northwest wall of the room was a door that led to a balcony.
Urnity then led harry back up to the fourth floor and into a large room that was about 4500 square feet surrounding the entry way room. This room contained chests and shelves of various weaponry including staffs, wands, swords, halberds, spears, pikes, lances, daggers, small combat knifes, and armor, including cloaks, chain-mail, knights armor, and dragonskin armor sets.
Through the north wall of the weapons storage area, Urnity explained that the room on the other side was similar to the room of requirement, and hence why the wall had no door until triggered.
After leading Harry into the last floor's entrance hall, Urnity led harry into a large hallway. On either the west or east wall where 2 doors, followed by one of the large floos, followed by another door, then another floo, and finally another door. Urnity explained the doors led into the Lord's Library, and that only those keyed into these specific floos could gain access to the floor, considering no one but the Lord could use the stairs from the third floor up. Urnity explained the doors to the east or west led into the 7500 sq. foot Lord's Library. Urnity also explained that each door on this level, and each floo was guarded by at least two "armor guardians"
On the northern wall was another door. Urnity led Harry into this room which was a large conference room, Urnity explained this was known as the Lord's Conference room. On the north wall was a large outcropping room with 5 doors, the side walls the out jutting room also had a door. The northwest and northeast walls of the conference room where lined with bookcases, with small couches and end tables in the small inlets near the outcropping room. Bookcases lined either side of the door on the south wall also. In the center of the conference room stood a large table. This large ornate conference table contained inlaid areas in front of each spot that could be used to call up maps from the archives and with simple directions from the head of the table, any number of maps could be displayed except similar to the marauders map. These maps would identify friend from foe and allow missions to be planned and executed. The table itself was 30 feet wide long, 6 wide and sat 29 people. On the east side, 2 chairs sat next to each other, on that end of the table. On the north side, thirteen seats lined the table, with similar seating arrangements on the south side. On the west side of the table, a large gold seat sat, with large blue pillows lining the back, armrests, and bottom of the seat. The Crest of the House of Merlin was proudly embroidered in the backrest. On the back of the large throne-like seat, the Crest of the House of Merlin was inlaid between the gold of the seat and the sapphire and silver inlays.
Urnity led Harry through the center door and into the outcropping room. Urnity explained that this room was the lords study, and only those who Harry himself keyed into each door would be unlimited access, while otherwise Harry would have to order the suits that guarded the doors to allow the person to enter. These suits could communicate with the Lord of the Citadel. This surprised Harry who quickly asked, "How can they communicate if they are animated suits of armor."
Urnity quickly pondered this and then spoke up, "Master Harry Potter, sir, yours ancestor was an amazings man who knew manies secrets losted to us. In the same way your Hogwarts is…" at this the small creature paused, struggling to find the right words, "alive, so is the citadel. She will only communicate through the suitses thats guard the Lord'ses study and only thens with the Lord of the Citadel or who he appointses."
Harry nodded. As he entered the study, he noticed three chairs that pointed towards a large ornate desk with a high backed but comfortable looking chair. On either side of the desk two cabinets containing ancient tomes and maps flanked the desk. On the north wall one of the sixty foot tall large floos was the prominent centerpiece, with thirty foot hall cabinets flanking either side. On either side of these cabinets large thirty foot high bookcases sat. On either side of the fireplace above the cabinets sat large 30 foot tall windows. Skylights lined the vaulted ceiling that rose fifty foot above the sixty foot high walls of the study. These rose over the entire floor, including conference room and library. Inside the study, a small ladders were on either bookcase that led to small staircases that rose above the walls and connected together on a landing that led to a balcony that ringed the entire fifth floor. The balcony lined the top of the walls, and silence wards covered where the sixty foot tall walls of each area of the floor stopped and the open area of the vaulted ceilings started. The balcony also had branches that covered the inside of each wall allowing the Lord of the Manor to walk around each part of the Lord's Chambers that covered the conference room, library, and study. It also allowed him to see out the windows that comprised the ceilings of the Lord's chamber which all had impervious charms on them to prevent an attacking army from harming the Lord of the Manor should he be in this portion of the keep.
Harry was amazed at the opulence and the various resources he would have available to him in this amazing castle.
After confirming this is where he wanted to stay, Harry had called Dobby and Winky and proceeded to have them bring the stuff he had gathered at the founders halls and bring it here. He also had Dobby and Winky move every book that did not appear in the manor library from "Ravenclaw's Library" in the founders halls, his various vaults, and copies of every tome from the Hogwarts library, and amass them in the Lord's library.
===Two Days Later, Wednesday 13 August 1996, Castellum Uranicus, Unplottable, Scotland ===
Harry just got through writing his friends again, after a long and grueling day of training. Harry had been writing his many friends from the incident in the Department of Ministries since the beginning of summer and was once again in his study, after a long day of training. He realized that he missed his friends, and with the war gearing up, he wished they could be with him. Harry loved his large house, but wish it could be filled with his friends and allies.
Fawkes, Dumbledore's Phoenix, interrupted Harry's train of thought due to the fact at that moment he flashed into study and had a large scroll in its talons. The beautiful bird left the scroll that was sealed with a ribbon that had an attacking phoenix imprinted in almost clear ink.
After dropping the scroll on his desk, the bird quickly flashed away. Harry grabbed the scroll and quickly undid the ribbon opening the document he sat to read it.
Albus Dumbledore,
to
hismost preeminently esteemed and most worthy Excellency,
Lord Harry James Potter-Black-Draven-Simmons-Hufflepuff-Ravenclaw-Gryffindor-Merlin.
I greet you with fatherly feelings and warm affections,
Your presence is formally requested at 12 Grimmauld Place, London, today, the thirteenth day of August in the 1996th year of our Lord, at ten fifteen o'clock post meridiem.
The purposes for said meeting are for the appointment of new members and Order of the Pheonix. This meeting will also lead to the appointment of new leadership of the order due to my growing age. Ministry representatives will also be present.
Harry, my boy, I ask that you approach this meeting with an open mind and show up. Your input into the order is necessary for the Order to aid you in your endeavors for this war. I do not know where you are staying but I hope you are safe, my boy. To come to headquarters the floo address is currently The House of Black Manor with the password, In Memoriam.
Given on this day at our Headquarters, the thirteenth day of August, in the 1996th year of our lord.
With Warmest Regards,
Albus Dumbledore
Heir and Proxy to the Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Dumbledore
Order of Merlin First Class
Fmr. Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards
Fmr. Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot of the British Ministry of Magic
Fmr. Headmaster of Hogwarts
Harry snorted after reading the missive. 'At least Dumbledore is trying to respect my wishes of a formal relationship.' He thought to himself. 'Though it still pisses me off he is fishing for information.' After thinking about it Harry decided to go to the meeting and see what Dumbledore was up to.
== Later that day, Wednesday 13 August 1996, Grimmauld Place, London, Entry-Way, 9:55PM ==
At precisely 9:55 pm, Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place, through the floo in the entry way. As soon as he came out of the floo, he used a quick scourgify. He was wearing a nice set of blue dragonskin pants, that looked a lot like jeans and black dragonskin boots with daggers strapped into each boot. For a top he wore a dragonskin vest covered by a tight black shirt. He wore dragonskin bracers and guards on his arms, with his wand holster hanging on his right wrist. On his left wrist he had an invisible dagger holster with an enchanted dagger. He wore his family cloak as the finishing touches to this ensemble. All eight of his houses where showing on both his rings and his cloak.
At exactly nine pm, Harry headed into the dining room. He greeted the Weasleys and those present formally before taking the head of the table. Dumbledore was still not present. Mrs. Weasley quickly confronted Harry, "Harry, dear! What are your DO-ing in that seat, that is Professor Dumbledore's seat! AND what are you wearing that outfit for! This is not a formal meeting." The loving matron said critically.
Harry sighed and fished out his invitation. "As to the uniform, Dumbledore greeted me quite formally, therefore as dictated by formal etiquette I showed up formally." As Harry said this, many had filtered into the room, including all of the Weasleys save Percy, including Ginny, Ron, George, Fred, Charlie, Bill, Mrs. and Mr. Weasely. Neville, Luna, Hermoine, Tonks, Remus Lupin, "Mad-Eye" Moody, and others Harry did not know where also present. Of the members or prospective members Harry knew, only Kingsley Shacklebolt and Severus Snape were missing.
Mrs. Weasly looked it over and decided Harry was right, but she still took issue, "Harry dear, that's Professor Dumbledore, you need to show your respect, he is still your elder. Besides, why are you sitting in his seat?" She said, barely concealing her disapproval.
Harry sighed again and stood, "Albus Dumbledore is no longer a professor, if you wish for me to show him respect, he needs to show me the respect I deserve. Furthermore, the head of the table in this house is by law and tradition, the Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, in other words mine."
Mrs. Weasely sighed in disapproval as Ron and Hermoine sat down on either side of Harry. Neville and Luna took the seats to either side of them while Remus and Tonks took seats on either side of them. Ginny was the last one to join near Harry and sat next to Tonks. Ron spoke up first, "Harry, mate, what's going on with you and Dumbledore?"
Over the next fifteen minutes Harry explained what all Dumbledore had done to Harry. At the end, it was about 10:15 and Dumbledore and Snape where still not present. Kingsly had arrived 5 minutes ago by this point. After Harry finished speaking, almost all seven of his friends showed disapproval of what Dumbeldore had done. Fred and George who had also been listening, along with Bill sat with the other seven, rounding out Harry half of the table. They continued talking about these things for a bit, when finally at half past ten Dumbledore showed up followed by Snape.
Dumbledore soon approached Harry and looked down at Harry, eyes twinkling. "Harry, my boy,…."
Harry interrupted Dumbledore at this, "Mister Dumbledore, I believe I have already corrected how you are to address me." Many in the room, save those on his side of the table.
Dumbledore released a sigh and began speaking again, "Very Well Lord Potter, may I ask why you are sitting in my seat?"
"I do not see your name written on the seat, in fact I see the coat of arms of the House of Black on said seat. BY law, and by tradition, this seat belongs to the Head of the House of Black, no matter the meeting reason. Proper decorum states that in the event of a public meeting in the house of an individual who is not the leader of the group, the leader of said group takes the foot of the table and the normal order of prescedence takes place from that point."
Dumbledore sighed again and simply sat at the opposite side of the table urging the others to sit. Charlie, and Mr. and Mr. Weasley sat towards the middle of the table with Moody and Shacklebolt sat on Dumbledore left and right while another Auror Hestia Jones sat next to Shacklebolt. Severus Snape oddly enough sat towards the middle of the table, and sat closer to Harry then even Mr. and Mrs. Weasely did. Minerva McGonagall sat on Harrys right side towards the middle also.
Dumbledore opened the meeting, "I call this meeting of the Order of the Pheonix to order. Please note this will not be a typical order meeting. First on our agenda tonight I want to induct our new members who have all accepted or expressed desire in the past in joining the order tonight. Messrs Fred Weasley, George Weasely, and Ron Weasely, alongside Miss Ginevra Weasely. In addition Hermoine Granger and Harry Potter will join."
At this the room politely clapped.
"In addition I will be stepping down from leadership due to my slipping health and my desire to retire and live happily the rest of remaining days, however I will be remaining a member of this organization." At this statement from Dumbledore the room went into a roar.
Many people began to shout and try to convince Dumbledore to rethink this plan of his, but none could convince him. Finally he got the room quiet and Shacklebolt spoke up, trying to spare anyone getting close to the truth of why Dumbledore was resigning. "Professor, who do you wish to lead the order."
"I would like to suggest that Harry Potter lead the order." After this short sentence EVERYONE in the room was in an uproar, most of all Harry. After Harry and Dumbledore got the room to quiet down again, Harry stood. "Lord Potter, do you have something to say?"
"I'm honored, but this is not my place. The Order of the Phoenix, led by Professor Albus Dumbledore, has not been kind to me. Many of you have hidden information from me that has resulted in horrible circumstances for me and my friends. I will not be leading the Order, I intend to only serve in an observatory manner, I have my own missions and goals to accomplish in this war. In fact I urge Professor Dumbledore to continue leading the order." Dumbledore looked quizzically at Harry as he sat. Harry had soon grabbed a scrap of paper and written a note that soon found it's way to Dumbledore.
A hidden part of your plea deal was that should you allow me membership, and should you resign such as you have, based on my digression and the continuing of the oversight of the Ministry of Magic, you would be permitted to retain leadership of the order. You have satisfied my demands.
-HJP-
At this Dumbledore scractched out a quick note of thanks and stood, "Due to Mr. Potter's most eloquent note urging me to continue to serve, I have decided to stay on. You are all dismissed."
Harry stood before people could leave and spoke up, "Could I speak with The Weasleys, Professors McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape. I would also like to speak with Aurors Moody and Tonks."
At this everyone out filed out save Dumbledore and Harry's friends and those they called who were all sitting at the table. Harry spoke up, "Mr. Dumbledore, this is a private affair, could you please leave?"
Dumbledore did so and Harry had soon cast multiple spells silencing and warding the area, including destroying the many tracking devices across the kitchen.
"I know all of you are wondering why you are here, and I intend to get to that soon. Dumbledore has told you all the prophecy or enough that would reveal you to that I am to fight Voldemort. Because of this I need teachers and a intense program that is not available at Hogwarts. I will not be returning to that school. I intend to offer each of you jobs or places in this program."
Mrs. Weasly spoke up, "Harry, dear, what do you mean? What does this have to do with Arthur and I?"
Harry smiled, "Not much Mrs. Weasley, except that I want to give you both jobs. The Burrow is not as safe as I would like you to be due to the fact you are like the family I never had. I would like to offer you a place in my home to cook, clean, and help the house elves in any way you wish. Mr. Weasley," Harry said, turning to speak with the patriarch of the Weasely family, "I would like to offer you the title of His Right Honorable Duke of Hogwarts, Seneschal to the Lord of Hogwarts, Merlin, Draven, Simmons, Black, and Potter. You would oversee my entire estate, meet with the Goblins who run my accounts, and oversee any other seneschal that I would hire. Your family would always carry this title. Both of you would be provided living quarters within my keep, and a cottage on the grounds at a later date, should you wish it we could even have the burrow moved to my estate."
Harry continued to talk, telling everyone that he wanted them to think about his offers to them until he was finished with everyone then turned to Severus Snape and spoke up, "Professor Snape, sir, before I tell you why I called you here, I want to take a moment to apologize. I am sorry for exposing your privacy last year, and I am sorry for doubting your sincerity for our side. I also realize that most of what you express in class in part because of the atrocious way my father treated you, and the way you must act to fit in. After many a night spent exploring Voldemort's mind, I have found a way to remove the dark mark, and would like to offer you this. In addition I would like to offer you a job working as my personal potions master and instructor. You would no longer have to You would be provided living quarters on my estate."
Harry then turned to Moody, Tonks, and Remus, "I would like you three to serve as the beginnings of my human bodyguards, and to also train and teach me charms, transfiguration, defensive and offensive magic, dueling both muggle and magical, and lastly weaponry and unarmed combat. You will be provided quarters in the towers that surround my new estate."
At this Harry turned to McGonagall, "Headmistress, I would like you to teach me and any others that take advantage of my offer on animagus studies in addition to your duties as headmistress. In addition I want you to hire Shacklebolt as the DADA professor, offer him double whatever he is making at the ministry, I will cover it. In addition if Professor Snape wants to take the job I am offering I would like you to contact former professor Slughorn and convince him to return to Hogwarts, pressure him on the safety of the castle and convince him with the same salary you use for Shacklebolt. Any other Professor that complains, do the same. You'll likely end up paying each professor about 50,000 galleons a year, about 20,000 more than you do now which will be covered from my pocket."
Harry paused and then continued, "Any questions?"
Mrs. Weasely again spoke up, "Why are the kids here?"
Harry sighed and then responded, "Mrs. Weasley, I would like your permission, along with Professor McGonagall's permission, to allow these kids to live at my castle during the school year. For classes they will not be receiving from my staff there, such as ancient runes, athrimancy, and potions, in the exception of myself and any students Professor Snape CHOOSES to teach, they would return to Hogwarts via floo and then report back to the Keep for rigorous training." At this Harry turned to McGonagall, "In addition I would like to extend this invitation to any student at Hogwarts that could pass muster. I might also be teaching the DA, which will be renamed the Hogwart's Army."
After much discussion throughout the night, almost everyone agreed and set the date for moving to the Keep to the end of August. It was decided that the Goblins would be hired for 100,000 Galleons to move the burrow and to build a small cottage within the inner walls of Castellum Uranicus. The small cottage would have three floors, the first floor would contain a guest bedroom, a small study, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room, while the basement would be a large open potions lab with separate storerooms on either side for ingrediants and potions. The top floor would be a small bedroom (about 500 sq. foot) a small bathroom, and a library that took the rest of the area up. Neither would be hooked up to the outside floo network and the person would have floo to the main keeps library and then leave or return to the property.
It was also decided at that meeting that all those present would go on a shopping trip on August 28th in Diagon Alley for any supplies and various gifts that Harry would give those present.
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WHOO… Long chapter that I spent eight solid hours writing and revising. I'm satisfied with the general feeling of this chapter, while boring most of it needs to be displayed to show what the houses and property is like, as this will begin to encompass more and more of the story as we continue. I hope you like this chapter, without the Authors notes this chapter was my longest to date at 6,114 words.
Next chapter will summarize Harry's training program and what he does between now and the shopping trip, we also will see the shopping trip, and a confrontation between Fudge and Harry and his Goblin guards.
Question for those that review, two part questions
What should be Harry's magical orientation? Light, Gray, or Dark?
Who should Harry end up being paired with? Severus, Tonks, or rare female character (Possibly a Slytherin sixth or seventh year or maybe just a plain original character)