Posted: 10 October, 2009

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story that is recognisable from the Harry Potter books, movies, etc. Everything else however (eg. story plot, original characters, etc.) stems from my own imagination and belongs to me. No copyright infringement is intended and I am not profiting financially from this story in any way.

Chapter 3 - To Davis Legal Practice

Starting an orphanage, Harry soon discovered, was not at all as easy as he had anticipated. In the end, after two solid weeks of attempting to get official permission for the project – wading through Ministry forms and legal books – Neville gave him a wonderful piece of advice: hire a law-wizard.

His first thoughts were to turn to Hermione who, though she officially worked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, attempting to further her S.P.E.W crusade, had also acquired a legal accreditation 'in her spare time'. When he approached her however, despite giving ringing approval for his idea, she admitted that she just hadn't the time at present. Surprisingly it was Ron, who also approved of his efforts, if a bit more restrainedly, who suggested Tracey Davis – surprising, because Davis was a former Slytherin. It was just another mark that the youngest Weasley son had finally grown up.

And so, three weeks after he first came up with his idea, Harry entered the offices of 'Davis Legal Practice', and was escorted into the office of the business's eponymous law-witch.

"Tracey Davis," the young woman said.

Harry shook the offered hand, reflecting that he hardly recognised the woman, despite having been age mates with her at school for several years. This was likely because he hadn't paid her much attention at Hogwarts. After all, as a Slytherin girl who wasn't part of Pansy's gang, there hadn't been much reason for him to notice her. Looking at her now, he found himself presented with a smartly dressed woman, with plain features and dark brown hair, pinned back in a neat bun.

"Nice to meet you," he responded. "I'm Harry Potter."

"Well of course you are," she said with a wry smile. "You're only the most recognisable face in the wizarding world these days. Please take a seat. I must say Mr Potter, I was surprised to see your name on my appointment list."

"Ron Weasley recommended you actually. He said his brother Percy mentioned that you did good work, but…" He trailed off awkwardly.

"But refused to defend any 'former' Death Eaters?" she said, not sounding bothered, and he nodded. "Of course. Shall we get down to business then?"

"Sure."

"So, what legal matters can I help you with?"

"Well, I've recently decided I want to start up an orphanage," he explained. "A magical one, that is. It seems for some reason that magical Britain has never had any. The problem is I'm not sure how to go about getting official permission, and all the other legal details that will need covered. I spent a couple weeks trying to work it out myself without much luck. I have my work here if you're interested."

She nodded and so he passed over a twine-bound folder, full of forms and papers. There was silence for a few minutes as she skimmed the pages, before she looked up at him, face carefully blank.

"Can I be blunt, Mr Potter?"

"Erm, sure, go ahead."

"This is all fairly useless."

"Oh," he said sheepishly. "I thought it might be. Legal matters and all that stuff really isn't my thing."

"Clearly. Now, it may take me a while to work everything out. As you said, there hasn't been a magical orphanage before. But from your notes, it seems you intend to house the children on one of your estates, but you have some vague plans here to open a school of some description on an adjoining demesne."

"Well, that's the plan. I want to offer classes for those who can't afford Hogwarts, you see."

"And can I assume that most of your orphans would fall under that category?"

He nodded. "Probably."

"Well then, I think I can work this similar to Hogwarts, with the orphanage considered a boarding home for the school. That will help some. You'll have to have both homes inspected of course, to ensure safety and such. Hmm…" She continued on, muttering thoughts aloud, before straightening. "Yes Mr Potter, I think this is very doable. I'll need some time though. Could we perhaps meet again in two weeks? And in the meantime, could you arrange for an official building safety inspection on both properties?"

"Absolutely," he said, pleased with the progress that was being made. "But who do I contact to do that?"

She took a spare leaf of parchment, wrote on it quickly and handed it over. It read 'Barnaby Owens' followed by Floo and owl contact details.

"He is a Ministry licensed inspector. I'll send a reference ahead for you, so if you contact him tomorrow, he'll know what you're about and arrange a viewing of the sites."

And with that their business was soon done, and Harry was shown from the office, bemoaning his wasted two weeks, and wishing he'd come to this law-witch sooner.

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