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Chapter 11

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Dear Harry,

Hello from the US! The dog and I are doing well, we miss you bunches. How are you doing? How is the shop? We haven't heard from you in a while, and hope that you're okay. We got some souvenirs for you, Dobby, and the cubs, I hope you like them.

All our love,

Remus and Paddy

Harry smiled weakly at the letter. Dobby was clearing the breakfast table, and Harry was supposed to open the shop within the hour. Dobby was looking questioningly at the package, and Harry's smile widened. "Siri and Remus sent us souvenirs." He opened the box and grinned. It was full of cheesy looking t-shirts, hats, and comic books for the kids and Dobby, along with an awesome looking leather jacket for Harry.

Dobby put his new shirt on right away, looking very odd in the bright neon pink shirt that said "My family went to Florida, and all I got was this T-shirt." It had palm trees in neon green all over it. Needless to say, Dobby loved it. Harry put his jacket away, stowing the box with the kid's things until after they finished their work for the day.

He went downstairs, putting on his smock, pausing as he saw familiar looking faces outside the window. He barely kept himself from grimacing as he unlocked the door. "Madam Umbridge, nice to see you again." Her pale pink cardigan looked rather out of place in his shop. Two of her aurors accompanied her.

"I assume you saw the news in the Prophet this morning?" She simpered, and Harry shook his head.

"I was a little busy this morning, I'm afraid I didn't read the paper Ma'am." That was one thing, no matter how much Harry hated the woman, he was always polite to her. She grinned nastily at him, holding up her copy of the paper.

"A new law passed in the wizengamot. I know about your little operation selling wolfsbane here, and thought I ought to warn you."

Harry arched an eyebrow, taking the paper from her. "Warn me?" He heard the aurors chuckling along with the woman as he started to read. Apparently she was right. Distribution of wolfsbane was now a controlled substance, only to be sold by the Ministry of Magic, after going through a waiting list and the proper security clearances…and because of all the security, the prices would be raised sky high.

He met her eyes, and she smiled. "We're going to be collecting your wolfsbane potions now. If we find you selling wolfsbane to the public, you'll be fined 200,000 galleons and sentenced to 6 months in Azkaban."

Harry sighed, not saying anything as the aurors went on ahead into his lab, gathering the cauldrons that contained wolfsbane, or in the process of being brewed into wolfsbane. He couldn't stop them, nor could he say anything. He knew how malicious the woman was. If he even looked at her wrong, he would get into trouble.

Then something occurred to him, and he re-read the article again. He hid his smile behind the paper. "Wait." He called out softly, making the aurors bump into each other, carrying cauldrons.

"What is it Mr. Potter?" Umbridge said testily, her eyes narrowing.

"You're controlling the sales of wolfsbane."

"Yes." She rolled her eyes, thinking it was obvious.

"I just wanted to make sure, ma'am. Go ahead." He watched them get all the potions, and vacate the shop. Umbridge stood by the door, pasting a simpering smile on her face.

"It was nice doing business with you, Mr. Potter."

As she left the store, Harry went into his lab, making note of what he would have to replace. He was going to have to work overtime if he wanted everything ready in time for the next full moon.

The kids came into the shop, stopping short as they saw the lab. "Where's all the wolfsbane?"

Harry sighed. "Umbridge. The ministry is controlling the sale of Wolfsbane now, so we can't sell it anymore."

All the kids looked stricken, but Harry held up a hand with a tiny smile. "But they never said a thing about giving it away."

Jacob came forward. "We cant let you do that Harry-"

"I can. I have more than enough money, believe me, until we try to get the law changed."

Frankie gasped. "How are you going to do that Harry?"

"Lottie, you're to restock the cauldrons and supplies today, have Jackie and Frankie help you." He turned to the others. "Spread word to everyone to not panic, that we'll have the wolfsbane in time." He looked at Jacob. "Jacob, I want you to get started on brewing again."

They all nodded, and Harry took off his smock, straightening his plain black robes, and his hair."I'm going to the Daily Prophet offices today, after I do some errands. If you want to get a hold of me, call for Dobby."

"Yes sir." They all said, rushing to get to work. Harry strode out of his shop determinedly, waving to familiar faces as he passed. He went into Diagon Alley, people were glancing his way as he passed them, whispering. "It's the Boy-Who-Lived…" "What's he doing here-"

He went into Gringott's first, locating Griphook. "Mr. Potter…."

Harry held up a hand. "No time today, I just wanted to let you know that I'm telling them today." Griphook nodded, his sharp teeth bared into a smile.

"Then you'll want proof." He snapped his knarled fingers, making a small scroll appear. He handed it over to Harry. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Harry nodded. "Of course, Griphook." He smiled slightly, vacating the bank quickly, ignoring some of the questioning looks he got.

He then went to the Daily Prophet offices. Everyone stared as he entered, and he smiled charmingly at the lady at the front desk. "Hello…I'd like to speak with the editor please."

She nodded with wide eyes, unable to speak as she nearly sprinted towards the Editor's office. She came back moment's later with a rotund man, who shook his hand thoroughly.

"Mr. Potter, so nice to meet you at last! I am Jacob Keller, the editor of the Daily Prophet…how can I help you?"

Harry smiled politely. "An interview with your best reporter."

"Of course, right away!" They went into his office. Keller went to his desk, using the intercom to call for Rita Skeeter. She came in, and Harry stiffened. She looked at him greedily, flouncing down in the seat next to him, getting out her notepad and a quill. Harry glanced at it.

"No quick notes quill please. The story will be interesting enough without it." He said softly, but steadily.

"Of course Mr. Potter! I'm Rita Skeeter." The woman giggled as they shook hands, with her getting another quill out afterwards.

"Would you like a drink, Mr. Potter?" Keller asked, standing up and going to a bottle of alcohol on his shelf, which was covered in various accolades.

"No sir, I just had breakfast."

Keller waved it off, taking a drink and sitting down. Skeeter leant forward in anticipation. "You are hardly seen within the wizarding community, Mr. Potter, I think you've been photographed once by our paper, why come forward now?"

Harry smiled. "Well…I thought some things needed to be shared with the public."

"Of course, Mr. Potter. Now…could you tell us about your expulsion from Hogwarts after your second year?"

Harry smiled. "I wasn't expelled. I left. I'm sure if you did a bit of research, I was an apprentice while I was there, taking my OWLS and NEWTS early. I got my scores, and I thought it would be a waste of my time if I stayed any longer, I didn't want to be in anyone's way."

"There are rumors that you lived in Knockturne before you came to Hogwarts, is it true?"

Harry smiled. "Yes, it is. You see, I was given to my muggle relatives shortly after my parent's death. My Aunt abandoned me in front of the Leaky Cauldron at the age of six." Keller's and Skeeter's jaws dropped. Harry pressed on. "Honestly, I think it was better she did that, they didn't like our kind, especially me. I wandered into the Leaky Cauldron, and into Knockturne. I was taken in by a man who owned an apothecary."

Rita took a deep breath, eyes impossibly wide. "Did the muggles hurt you, Mr. Potter? Did they beat you-" Harry held up a hand.

"No. They just weren't very nice, and I'll leave it at that. That is not what the article is about after all." He said quietly. "The man who took me in was a werewolf, and some of my friends growing up there were…werewolves and other magical beings." He paused. "The shopkeeper died, and I was placed in a job here in Diagon, where I was made into an apprentice for Hogwarts."

"My, my, it seems like a fairy tale, a poor boy from the streets, surrounded by all sorts of darkness…"

Harry shook his head. "Honestly, there are really nice people there, and they took care of me. Yes, some of them are called dark creatures, but they weren't really dark. Now…at Hogwarts I made some friends, but I didn't stay long, since I took my exams early, it was for the best anyways, as I didn't get along with certain people."

He could tell Rita was bursting with questions, but Harry ignored her. "After I left, I went on to own my own apothecary." He held up the copy of that day's Daily Prophet. "You see, I cater to many werewolves, selling wolfsbane for cheap. All I wanted to do was help them. I take certain security measures so Greyback's people don't get the potions…I don't cater to people who hurt others on purpose. With this new law, Umbridge is restricting that, and endangering many uninfected people's lives since werewolves cannot control their actions without the use of wolfsbane." He paused, looking down at his lap and lacing his fingers together. He wasn't worried about this getting out to the papers, he wanted it to, so if Umbridge found out, everyone would know he wasn't doing anything wrong. "Now, I'm not going against the law, but something must be done. If you look at the details of the law carefully, it controls the sale of wolfsbane, with certain restrictions of distribution. However, it does not say a thing about giving it away."

Rita's eyes went wide. "You're going to brew it anyway and give it away?" Harry nodded. "That way people can still stay safe and I wont be breaking the law. Yeah, I might lose some money, but people's safety is more important."

Keller spoke up. "Mr. Potter, this is a very noble thing you are doing, but with the way things are, your shop will be closed within just a few months…"

Harry shook his head. "My family has a large amount of money within its vaults. As an emancipated minor, I full access to my family's money, I have no worries. Even if I paid for all this myself, I couldn't dream of spending my entire fortune within my lifetime."

Rita was nearly off of her seat at this. "How much money do you have?"

Harry laughed. "Rita, may I call you Rita?" She nodded hurriedly. "I'm sorry, but I cant tell you."

Rita looked slightly disappointed, but pressed on. "So, you are unsatisfied with the Ministry?"

Harry shook his head. "For the most part, it's fine, acceptable I suppose. They just need to practice common sense once in a while." He crossed his arms. "Like Hagrid, he'd been expelled in his third year, was never given back his wand after it had been proved that he was not responsible for what he'd been expelled for. Or how werewolves are unable to hold jobs now, even though they are affected only once a month by their lycanthrope. Any other time, they are normal, just like you and I."

He looked thoughtful. "There are many things that are going on in our community that needs to be changed. However, I'm not even fifteen yet, so I can't do a thing." He shrugged.

Rita gave him a smile. "What are your plans for the future Harry, planning on working with the Ministry as an auror, like your Father? Maybe be Minister of Magic one day?"

Harry laughed. "Hardly. No, I just want to work in my apothecary, that's all. I've not got the head for politics and all that, I just like to help people."

Rita smiled indulgently at him. "So, with your work for the community, any time for friends? What do you do in your free time?"

Harry shrugged, looking shy. "I don't have much free time. I do write my friends once in a while over at Hogwarts, I like to read a lot…I did see the last task at the Tournament, though."

She smiled at that. "Are you rooting for Cedric Diggory, the Hogwarts' Champion?"

Harry grinned. "Well, I have to root for my old Alma Mater, don't I? So yeah. I thought all the champs did pretty well."

"Got a girlfriend?"

Harry blushed. "No…no girlfriend."

"What, a handsome boy like you hasn't gotten a girl?"

"Too busy." Harry said shyly.

Rita cleared her throat. "Any other things you want to talk about for our little interview?"

Harry shook his head. "No, that's about it. I just wanted to speak up about the Ministry's newest laws. It would be nice if it could get appealed, I'm sure all those waiting lists and security clearances will take a lot more money and effort the ministry will want to spend…"

--

The next day, Knockturne was buzzing over Harry's interview, and Harry had been sent quite a bit of fan mail, along with hate mail that Dobby banished to Umbridge's office. The brewing of the wolfsbane came along nicely, and Harry received a letter from Hermoine.

Dear Harry,

All of us loved the interview with Rita Skeeter. Usually she's foul, but it seems like she did alright with you. We wanted to invite you to the Yule Ball. I talked to McGonagall about it, and she said it was alright. Don't tell anyone, but Victor Krum asked me to be his date! I haven't told anyone else, I wanted to surprise everyone. Ron's scrambling for a date still. Ginny and Neville are going together. Ginny will probably be one of the few third years that are going to get to go. I told Ron to ask Luna, so she could go too, but Ron didn't want to go with her. Boys.

We had dancing lessons here at the school, and the twins were making fun of Ron since he had to dance with McGonagall. Even they got dates, though.

If you do decide to go, it's on Christmas Eve. You're also to wear dress robes. I'm so proud of you Harry, you did a wonderful thing with the wolfsbane situation, I bet many people are very happy about that. I wouldn't be too surprised if people start donating money towards the cost…it's not fair for you to have to pay for all of that. That's why I, along with a few others, have started collecting a fund for it here at Hogwarts.

Don't turn it down, I know you have the money, but it's the principle of the thing. We all miss you terribly; it's awfully boring here without you.

Hermoine

Harry looked thoughtfully at the letter, deciding to go to the ball. He could guarantee some Ministry people would be there…he should be getting out into the public more often, after all. He folded the letter back up, putting it with the others he saved. Only Hermoine would think of collecting donations at Hogwarts for the cause. He'd gotten some donations as well, he was going to have to open another account for it soon.

He idly wondered if he had any proper dress robes to wear, and if he would have to have a date…

--

McGonagall flooed to the shop the evening of the ball to escort him. Harry was wearing old fashioned impressive dark green dress robes, with bits of gold on the edges, and a heavy winter cloak to match. He let his hair down for the occasion, and wore gloves as well. She looked at him approvingly. "You look very nice Mr. Potter." Harry smiled. "We're flooing to Dumbledore's office, since that's the only open one in the castle for the night."

Harry nodded, and followed her in the floo. They landed in Dumbledore's office, and Harry smiled, looking it over with a bit of nostalgia. Dumbledore was there, in twinkling pale blue robes and hat. "Mr. Potter, nice to see you again."

Harry gave him a polite smile, and the three of them headed towards the Great Hall, making small talk. Harry gasped in wonder as he saw the decorations. None of the students had arrived yet, it was just the faculty and Ministry people there. Harry made the rounds with Dumbledore introducing him to everyone.

Severus stared at Harry as he saw the boy talking to Hagrid and Madam Maxine across the way. The boy looked beautiful that night. He cleaned up well. The boy must have felt him looking, because he glanced Severus' way. Their eyes met, and lingered. The boy looked away first, blushing, going back to talk to the half-giants.

After the students arrived, Harry mingled with his friends. "Hermoine, you look marvelous!" He cried, hugging her tightly. Her normally bushy hair was perfect, and she looked quite nice in her pink dress. He pulled away, seeing Victor. "Hello Victor, how are you?"

Victor smiled, shaking his hand heartily. "Great, thanks to you. My friends and I are happy to help Hermoine and your friends receive donations for your services." Harry smiled back. He talked with the Weasleys a bit, except for Ron, who was sulking off in the corner.

Harry looked his way, and asked Neville. "What's his problem?"

Neville followed his gaze, and rolled his eyes. "He's jealous. I think he has a thing for Hermoine." Harry glanced towards Victor and Hermoine, who were dancing together, then back to Ron, who looked sullen. Ginny, who was dancing in Neville's arms, caught his attention.

"Wanna dance with me Harry?" Neville let her go, and Harry danced with the red head a bit.

"Neville and I are just friends." Ginny said suddenly, after a bit of dancing. Harry raised a brow, wondering why that came up. She seemed to be blushing now. Harry ignored it. "That's okay…I guess." What was he supposed to say? She didn't say anything else for a while, but she moved closer to him.

At the end of the night, Harry had danced with a never ending stream of girls, mostly Gryffindors and a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. The Slytherins ignored him for the most part, which Harry was worried about. He didn't want to bother with Malfoy.

It was getting late, and Harry went out to the garden for a breather, glad to get out of the crowds. He spotted Severus, patrolling the rose bushes, chasing Fleur Delacour and Rodger Davies out of one. He hid a smile, going over to him.

"Professor."

"Mr. Potter."

Harry moved a bit closer. "How are you?"

"Fine…I've been terribly busy lately." Severus said softly, not meeting his eyes. Harry felt his chest constrict, knowing why.

"I figured…I've been invited to see the next task." Harry said awkwardly.

"Hmm." Severus grunted. Harry reached for the man hesitantly, his hand on the man's arm.

"Is everything…okay?"

Their eyes met, and Harry was taken aback by the man's eyes. "It could be better."

Harry squeezed the man's arm minutely. "Wanna talk about it?"

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" The man said, ignoring the question.

Harry shrugged. "The shop will be closed, the kids have the day off."

"I've got to…make a delivery. I'll be over tomorrow."

"Okay." Harry said, looking down. When he looked back up, Severus had left.

--

The next morning, Harry woke bright and early, waiting to open the large pile of gifts under his tree for later. He smiled, opening his letter from Remus and Sirius.

Happy Christmas!

Use caution when using our book of spells and potions, don't use them on Sevvie, or he'll kill us…possibly you. We miss you, and love you bunches.

Remmy and Paddy

Harry leafed through the book they sent with a faint smile. Dobby had the day off as well, so he was alone in his little place. He was just wondering when Severus would be coming when he heard the floo flare up downstairs in the shop. He ran down the stairs with a grin. Severus was wiping the soot off of his robes, and Harry pulled him into a hug.

Severus raised an eyebrow at Harry's pajamas. "Just waking up?"

Harry grinned unabashedly, pulling Severus up the stairs. "Dobby has the day off, and I haven't eaten yet…have you had breakfast yet?"

"No…"

"I'll make us breakfast. You get settled in…how long can you stay?" Harry asked, going into the kitchenette. Severus pulled off his outer cloak and scarf.

"Today and tomorrow."

"Good. I haven't gotten to see you in a while, I was hoping I'd get you all to myself for a bit." Harry said, bringing out some glasses and plates. Severus pulled him close by the waist, kissing the top of his head.

Harry smiled, leaning into the man. "I missed you." They stood there like there for several moments, staring at each other. Harry pulled away to go back into the kitchen and cook. Severus unshrunk several packages and placed them with the others.

They spent the day talking about Hogwarts, the shop, the tournament…it was just nice to talk. By the time evening rolled around, they were curled up together in front of the fireplace. "You still haven't opened your gifts." Severus said, running a hand through the boy's hair. Harry grinned sheepishly, pulling away and going to the pile of gifts. He sat on the floor, opening them. Severus moved to sit beside him as Harry started to open the gift from him.

Harry gasped, opening the box. "It's beautiful." It was a necklace, on a thin chain, but a small pendant with an onyx was held there. He held it up, and turned towards the man. "Put it on?" He gave Severus a coy look as he put it into the man's hands. He turned, baring his neck as he moved his long hair to the front.

He felt slim fingers brush against the back of his neck as Severus clasped his necklace together. Harry turned to face him again, moving onto his lap, wrapping his arms around the man's neck as he kissed him deeply. He groaned softly as he ground his bottom into something unmistakable. This seemed to set the man off.

Before Harry knew it, he was pinned under the man, arching and moaning under his ministrations. He was picked up easily, over his shoulder, and was brought into the bedroom. He was dropped onto the large bed with a flounce, breathless as Severus moved on top of him once more, kissing him deeply.

He felt hands take his clothes off, he was bare, and everything could be seen. Everything seemed to go quiet, and he opened his eyes slowly, catching his breath. Severus was staring down at him, it seemed like in reverence of some sort. He reached towards him, pulling Severus between his legs by the front of his shirt.

They stared at each other as Harry divested the man of his clothing, and they were soon naked against each other, relishing at the contact of skin on skin. Harry wanted… "Make love to me." He whispered into Severus' ear. He could see the man's eyes darken with lust, but he shook his head.

"No…not yet…"

"Please?" Harry begged, arching up into him. He needed it. He wanted it. He knew Severus wanted him, so why not?

Severus felt himself give in. How could he not, with those gorgeous eyes staring up at him, those pouting lips escaping the most gorgeous sounds he ever heard?

So they went for it.

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