Angel on Campus

by keeperoliver

They had turned their backs on Harry, in the time of his greatest need, so he left the wizarding world, to become a stranger, in a strange environment. M for language and sexual situations in later chapters. It all belongs to JKR.

5. Chapter 5

Angel on Campus Keeperoliver Chapter 5

George and Percy had brought the WWW back to it's old glory. It was once again the main stop to any visitor who came to Diagon Alley. Fred's portrait caused a lot of mischief with the customers, which every one loved, because it was never evil, or hurtful, but, just done in jest. Just hearing his brother's voice, though not real, filled him with hope, and took away the pain that Fred was not really there. Percy had taken to the WWW easily, which surprised George. He never took Percy as the mischievous type, but, he had a comical twist he and Fred never saw as they grew up.

Percy was quite taken with the idea of being Georges partner. For three and a half years now, they had worked hard to bring WWW back to prominence, and finally achieved their goal. Plus he had some very brilliant ideas for jokes, that went over great with the customers. George was proud to be sharing their accomplishment with him, and he was never happier. They would both be happier,if their third partner would also become a member of the WWW. If only that could come true. That got Percy to thinking. "George, there is something that I have always wondered, You say Harry was the one that got you started in the business. If all he gave you was the 1000 galleons, how was it possible for you and Fred to get started. I know for a fact, we spend over 100,000 galleons for just replenishment of our stock? Start up had to be much more?"

"I was wondering when you would think of that." Laughed George. "Let's just say, Harry once again helped us with that."

"How?"

"This is going to take a while, Let's wait until Verity gets here, so that we can't be disturbed."

"That's fine, but remember you still owe me that explanation. And I look forward to it, I just hope it's not boring?"

"Oh, believe me it is anything but. Now, let's go face the public, Shall we brother dear?"

"Let's, oh brother of mine."

As they passed the portrait, they both said, "Fred, how's it going this morning?"

"Oi, you two are starting to sound like George and me. George, you two haven't mind linked have you?"

"Not yet dear brother, but, if we get any closer, I fear we may. And if that happens, woe to any one who tries to get in our way."

Percy looked to George, "Mind link?"

"Yes Percy, how else do you think Fred and I were able to finish each others thoughts? Like I said, if you and I get much closer, we may also get the link."

It was another half hour, before Verity came to work, and they left her to her job. George gave her a peck on the cheek before he left, causing Verity to giggle. She loved George like a brother. She was also looking at Percy the same way. He had changed so much, since becoming a partner with George.

George and Percy made their way back to the test room, where George shut the door, and put his spells in place, so that they could not be disturbed. When the spells were in place, a sign outside the door lit up, telling Verity that testing was in progress, and that they were not to be disturbed. They both sat down, and George went into his explanation.

"After Harry had given us the 1000 galleons, Fred and I tried to think of a way to use it, to get more money. We appreciated Harry's gift, but, it just wasn't enough. When we left, in our final year, before graduation, we were looking for the right place to open our shop. Before we found it, The incident in the Ministry took place. We weren't allowed to partake in the fight, but, we were sent in for cleanup. We were less than happy at this, to start with, but, we soon found out, it was a blessing in disguise. You know that Harry and Hermione had destroyed all the time turners in the ministry, right? Well, that is not exactly true. When we cleaned up the mess in there, Fred found one that was not damaged."

"What, you found a time turner? Why didn't you turn it in? Those are a controlled item, and are strictly accounted for."

"Percy, if they thought they were all destroyed, then they were all accounted for, right?"

Percy thought on this for a second, "Right."

"OK then. So if we took the time turner, it would never be missed, and we would never be accused of taking it. Anyway, we were trying to think of a way to use it, to earn us some money, when I looked at the paper, that we just finished reading. I saw where a horse race was run, where the winner was a very long shot, that paid off at 50-1. There was the answer we were looking for. We couldn't use that one, as the time turner could only go back 12 hours, and the race was over 24 hours ago, So, we went to the race track that Saturday, and watched all the races, waiting for the right one to bet on. It appeared in the form of a trifecta. That is where you have to pick the top three winners in the exact order they finish. If they Win, they usually have a pretty good pay off. This one had a magnificent payoff. For the 1000 galleons bet, we got back 83,000 galleons. We went to a different racetrack the following weekend, and found three races that paid off on the odds we were looking for. We walked out that day, up 107,000 galleons richer. We did it one more time, this time in a gambling casino. we watched, as the machines being used started to toll out money. Finally, we found the one where the biggest jackpot ever given was paid. we turned back the time one hour, and waited for the machine to be vacant, then sat there playing the machine, until it hit. Our payoff was 3,450,559 pounds, approximately, 700,000 galleons. We know had more than enough to get our business started. Almost 1,000,000 galleons."

"So what did you do with the time turner?"

George went to a chest that had been locked for as long as Percy could remember, never seeing George open it. It had been spelled so that no one else could open it. George opened it, and pulled out a silver necklace that looked to be about a four foot chain, with a small hour glass on it. On the top of the turner, in gold lettering was written X12. Percy knew the significance of this. A twelve hour time turner. it's worth, about 10,000,000 galleons. Why so expensive? For the same reason Fred and George used it. To discourage people from owning one. That and they were extremely rare. a twenty four hour one was priceless. There was only one ever made, and it was destroyed in the Ministry six encounter. The one Percy was now holding, may well be the last time turner in existence, making it now, priceless.

Percy gave it back to George, breathing out a sigh. "Do you know how much that is worth now George? You could ask any price for it. If you put it for auction and started the bidding at 100,000,000 galleons, you would get it, or more, depending on the bidders."

"Of course Percy, but what's the fun in that. If I had time, and was in the right state of mind, I would have gone for it 4 years ago, and used it. But, by the time I thought of it, 12 hours had already gone by, and there was no way to change any of what went on, including Harry's departure. I kick myself, every time I think about it. I have talked to Fred's portrait on a couple of occasions, but, each time he says not to worry about it. He probably would have not thought about it, until it was too late, if our places had been reversed. But, anyway, that is the story behind our success. Told you it would be more exciting than you would expect."

"You two never led a dull life did you?"

"Not if we could help it, we didn't. I hope we continue on in the same manner Perce. I miss Fred, but, you have filled a very large whole in my heart, and for that, I will never be able to repay you."

"You have got to be kidding me. Do you know that in the three and a half years We have been here, I have found a new meaning to life. I don't have to worry about getting ahead in my career. I don't have to look over my shoulder to see who is trying to take my place. I don't have to prove myself to my superiors. In short, my life is perfect. Repay me? If anything, I need to repay you, and Fred. Thank you for asking for my help, and giving me the chance to become your brother again, and not the outcast of the family, that I made myself."

"Hey, that's what brothers are for."

AoC-}

Harry finished work, and was carrying a large sack of treats he had made for his visit tomorrow. He looked at it with mixed emotions. he looked forward to seeing Luna, and Ginny again. He always looked at that day, as getting what he expected from Ginny, even if it still hurt. He still loved Ginny, but, he didn't know if she still had the same feelings for him. Hermione on the other hand was an enigma. What had he done to cause he so much pain that she scorned him? How was it that she could not know what Ron had been doing to her? Why did she pull that stunt at Luna and Rolf's wedding. Luckily, Rolf and Luna were able to calm Aaron down, and get him to see reason. He was thrilled, when Harry told Luna about a procedure to help Aaron, and his not being able to talk. He had it done, with Harry covering the cost, and he had a voice box installed at his throat, which enabled him to speak, though somewhat metal sounding.

Harry continued on his way to his apartment, when he saw two young children standing outside of a bakery, looking in at the goodies. They were dressed in rags, and looked quite underfed. "Hello, there, are you two hungry?" Harry asked?"

The two backed away from Harry, "We're sorry sir if we are in your way. Please don't hit us?"

"Why would I hit you? You were not in my way. I just asked if you were hungry?"

"Oh no sir, we are fine. We were just wondering what they might taste like, is all."

Harry looked at the two, and felt ashamed that they were here by them selves, and he hadn't offered them any thing. "Well now, I might be able to help you there. You see, I am thinking of opening up my own shop, and I was looking for two experts to do a test for me. Would you two be willing to take a try at it. I really could use an unbiased opinion. And seeing as how you have never tried any of these treats, who better than you to tell who's are better."

"I don't think we are the right ones for this sir. You should find someone who is familiar with the treats you speak of?"

"But, then they would already have formed their opinion, if they frequent this shop, wouldn't they? No, I have to find someone who has never tried them before, to get an honest opinion. It has to be you."

"Alright sir, if you think so. My sister and I would love to help you. By the way, my name is James, and this is my sister Lillian."

Harry had just about passed out. James and Lillian, James and Lily. What was this meant to mean. He took the two into the bakery. The owner knew Harry from the college. He had tried to get Harry to become his partner on several occasions. His knowledge of baking was renowned through out Cambridge. "Sir, I was wondering if you would be interested in trying a taste test. I am thinking of opening a bake shop, something like this, but, before I do, I have to know if I am as good a baker as yourself. It would be silly of me, to open a shop, and I am no good at it, is there."

The shop owner was puzzled. Here was the most sought after baker in the city, possibly the whole country, and he wanted to have a taste test. He looked at Harry, and saw the pleading look in his eyes. He was trying to get the children to try these treats, with out feeling guilty. He wanted to help. "You really think you can bake as good as I can. I will have you know that people through out the city come here to try my treats. Why there is only one other, that I can think of that is better than I. That is, the God of Sugar, Flour, and Spices. I take it you have heard of him." Oh this was fun.

"No, can't say that I have. Does he own his own shop?"

"This is an outrage. You have to know of the God of Sugar, Flour, and Spices. How could you claim to be a baker. and not know of him?"

"New in town?"

"Bah! Show me what you got. I will match you with what ever it is."

Harry set his treats out on a table, and the shop owner set his out as well. People were coming in from off the street to see what was going on. The two kids eyes were as big as saucers, looking at the treats being laid out in front of them. Harry started, "OK James, Lillian, first I want you to try something the same from each of us, to see if they are different, and which one you like the best, alright. Then I want you to try something different from each of us. We will tell you what it is, and what is in it. OK go."

James and Lillian each tried a chocolate eclair. They tried the owners first, and moaned at the richness of the sweet. they both said, "Very good sir." The owner said thank you, and then they tried Harry's. They took a bit, and stopped. They kept the bite in their mouth. They closed their eyes, and didn't say a word. Harry got worried.

"I'm sorry, spit it out if it's that bad."

The two opened their eyes to his speech. They chewed up the eclair bite, and swallowed. They looked at the owner, "I am so sorry sir, but , there really is no comparison. This is too good. You should try one, to see if you agree." And the two kids continued on with their eating the sweets. The owner took them up on their invitation, and tried one of Harry's eclairs. It was love at first bite. There were tears in his eyes. He had been baking for thirty years, trained under some of the best there was to offer. Had been to some of the best shops both here, and on the continent, but, never has he tasted any thing so sublime.

The kids had finished off their eclairs, and looked to see what else they should try. Lillian saw a croissant, and tried it off of Harry's table, and a butter pecan roll off of the owners table. James found a Treacle Tart off of Harry's table, and a big chocolate cupcake off of the owner's table. Lillian ate the Butter Pecan roll first, and fell in love with the rich flaky flavor. She licked her fingers clean, drawing laughter from the people watching. She then bit into her croissant. She rolled her eyes, and a huge smile spread across her face. "Yummy." was all she said as she slowly ate the buttery rich roll. James did the same, eating the cupcake first, relishing the wonderful flavor of the cake. Then he tried the Treacle Tart, and had to sit down, as the flavor exploded in his mouth. He had to put the tart down as he absorbed the flavor attacking his palate.

The two kids looked to the shop."Sir, if this man opens a bakery, as good as your treats are, I would still look elsewhere to sell from, as he will steal all your business. I am sorry to say, his are far better than yours. The owner smiled down at the kids. "Do you think I should have come work for me then?"

"Lillian thought, "That would be a brilliant idea sir. You could then share your best recipes."

Harry bagged the rest of his treats, and then gave them to James. "Why don't you take these home to your mom and dad, and share them with them, alright."

James looked down, and Lillian started to cry. Harry knew what he did wrong as soon as he saw James face. "Your parents, James, they are dead aren't they?" James nodded his head. "Who are you staying with then?"

"We don't live with anyone sir."

"Where are you staying then?" Harry asked?

"In our house. There was an explosion about five years ago, that killed mom and dad. They sent sis and I to an orphanage, and tried to separate us. We ran away and ended back in our house."

"In a house that was destroyed by the explosion?" Harry said shocked by this.

"It was the only place we had to go. The basement is still OK to live in, and that is where we stay. Please don't send us back to the orphanage, they will try to separate us again. If you do, we will run away again. We are all we have. We are family."

Harry blew out a breath. The only thing he could think of was Tom, and the war. It had to be. Then he thought what if they were magical. This was not good. "Well, I certainly can't send you back to your basement. There is only one thing we can do for right now, and that is for you to stay with me." Harry looked to the shop owner, and said thank you. The shop owner was crying. He hated to see these two children being alone, and so young. He also thought what Harry was doing was the kindest act he had ever witnessed.

"If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I will do what I can."

Harry nodded, and left with the two kids.

AoC-}

The next morning, Harry forgot all about his meeting with the girls, and instead, went about shopping for clothes for the kids. He didn't know that Luna came by to see where Harry was.

Ginny Hermione, and Luna had waited for over an hour past the scheduled meeting with Harry. Hermione once again cried, knowing it was still her that was creating this friction between them and Harry. Luna knew better. There was a good reason for Harry not showing, but, did not know what it was. She Apparated to the alley behind his apartment, and went to see what happened. When there was no answer, she began to worry. She left a note on the door, but, it was ripped of by the brats that lived down the hall from Harry, and he never got it.

It wasn't three days later that Harry realized that he missed the meeting, when Rainbow showed up with a message from Luna. Harry gave him his coffee, and a muffin. He was eating this, when James and Lillian came into the kitchen, and saw the bird. Lillian went right to him, and began to pet him. Rainbow loved the attention, and continued to eat, as he was petted. James just laughed at his sister, and the bird. Harry read the letter from Luna.

SHIT!

HARRY JAMES POTTER!

Why the hell didn't you come to the meeting. Hermione hasn't stopped crying for three days. She thinks you still hate her. Ginny cries off and on. She misses you so much Harry. Do you still resent them?

Is their friendship lost with you?

Do you have no feelings for your friends anymore?

If so, you could still tell them to their faces, rather than make promises, then break them. You owe them more than that, Harry.

Tomorrow is Friday, and we will be coming by your apartment to see you, and you better be there. No excuses. If you aren't there, this is the last time you will be hearing from me.

BYE

LUNA SCAMANDER

Boy, did she sound pissed. Not that he blamed her. How was he going to explain James and Lillian?