Chapter 5 Potter Manor
Author: Laurahonest
Post Date: 9-04-2006
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything related to Harry Potter. That honor belongs to J.K. Rowling and she is nice enough to let me play with her creation.
Author's Note: Thank Bluejello for editing this. Without her help it would be full of my poor grammar. Sorry this one is so short. I thought you guys needed a good cliffie. We are going under the assumption that most of our characters are 17 and able to do magic outside of school since they are in their final year at Hogwart's.
James walked with Lily to meet her parents and carry her trunk for her. After all of the introductions were made Mr. Potter and James worked their way back over to the Evans' family.
"Mr. Evans," said Gerald Potter, "James here will have to ride with you to our home. The wards on the gates don't allow non-magic people on to the grounds unless a Potter is with them. It protects muggles from accidentally finding out about wizards or getting hurt by magical plants or animals. This is just a precaution we take to avoid having to call the Obliviators to modify memories."
"All right," said Charles, "James can ride with us. This will be good anyways, just in case we get separated in traffic. Now we have our own personal guide to your home."
"All right, Merrymakers. Let's get to the party. I'll lead the way," Mr. Potter called out. Everyone moved off towards thier cars.
James climbed in the back seat of the Evans' car with Lily and they all drove off towards the Potter residence following Gerald Potter. James played tour guide and filled them in on local and family history as they drove. He cracked jokes and told humorous stories the whole way and before they knew it they were pulling up to a set of massive gates. At first all they could see was the gates; they looked rusted and old. Not at all impressive or inviting. Charles and Rose had a sudden, odd sensation that they had forgotten something. The feeling passed quickly and they forgot all about it. As soon as they passed through the gates, the manor appeared right in front of them. All three of the Evans' gasped at the sight of the house. A huge mansion stood out against the rolling green lawns. A large center section reached up three stories high. Two large wings stretched out to the right and left of the center section. The sun was setting behind the house as they pulled up it was a beautiful sunset. 'Oh God' thought Lily 'it is huge. I'll never be able to find my way around. James family is really rich, I'll never fit in.' Out loud she said, "Oh my! What a gorgeous house and Mum look at the flower beds. James, what do you use to keep everything so green even in the winter?"
"You'll have to ask Mum, she does it," laughed James. "She normally lets some snow fall for Christmas though. There must be something planned for the lawns tonight or tomorrow. Pull up here, Mr. Evans. The car will be taken to the garage for you." James flicked his wand and all of their bags and trunks disappeared. "Your bags are in your rooms," he continued as he leapt out of the car to get the door for Mrs. Evans. "Welcome to Potter Manor" he said as he offered his hand to help Rose out of the car. "Right this way," he led once Mr. Evans helped Lily out of the car. They walked toward the doors where everyone was waiting. Mr. Evans looked back to see his car moving slowly toward the garage with no apparent driver.
Charles tapped James on the shoulder and said, "I'll trade you" as he offered Lily's hand to James and reached for his wife. They quickly switched. Gerald welcomed them into his home graciously as a house elf took all of their coats and cloaks. James was sent to show the teens to their rooms while Gerald led the adults to theirs. The adults were in the right or North wing and the teens were in the left or South wing. James showed each of the teens to their rooms. On the west side of the building were the boys, except for Peter; he was on the east side with the girls. Their rooms faced each other across the hallway.
Everyone was happy with their own room. Lily loved having the eastern view. She enjoyed watching the sun rise each morning. When they were all done inspecting each others rooms they changed out of their travelling clothes and met back in the hallway. James led everyone down to the dining room for dinner. The dining room earned another collective gasp of awe from everyone at the sheer splendor and beauty of it. The room was very fancy. Everywhere Lily looked there was crystal and floating candles making it sparkle and shine. The adults walked in just after them and Mrs. Potter called everyone to the table where they all found their place cards. James, Sirius and Frank pulled out chairs for Lily, Marlene and Alice, then seated themselves. Everyone talked quietly while they enjoyed the wonderful food prepared by the house elves. When everyone had eaten their fill they moved to the living room for coffee.
The teens decided to go play a quick game of quidditch. They didn't use the snitch for fear of losing it in the dark and no bludgers; they blended into the gloom too well, and no one wanted to get hurt. They decided that the first team to score five goals would be the winners. They split up into teams of four with Broderick as the referee. Sirius, Marlene, Frank and Alice were a team playing against Lily, James, Remus and Peter. The teams were pretty evenly matched and the score was tied at four to four when something odd started to happen.
Author's Note 2: Mwuhaha. Hehe Hope you liked it. Please review and let me know.