Chapter 7 – Potter Nursery

A bit over a week after his discussion with Neville about the nursery business, Harry had made up his mind and decided to go visit his friend. Neville lived with his grandmother at Longbottom House, which Harry had heard of, but never been to. He owled before and Neville invited him to come for tea one afternoon. Unsure what to expect, Harry dressed in some nicer robes and floo'd off the island before apparating to the coordinates he had been given. When he arrived, he was glad to find only Neville waiting in more casual robes.

"Hi Harry. You didn't have to dress up for me."

"Well, I wasn't sure if your grandmother was going to be here. I was invited to tea at Longbottom House, I thought I should be prepared."

Neville chuckled and shook his head.

"Come, we can have tea in the conservatory."

Harry followed Neville to the back of the house to a conservatory that showed evidence of Neville's handiwork, as tropical plants flowered throughout. They sat down and a house elf appeared with a tea tray. Once they had prepared their tea and were settled, Harry got down to business.

"So Nev, I've been thinking more regarding our discussion about starting my own nursery and I think I want to do it. I know it will be a lot of work, but I think you're the man for the job. If you're interested of course. I know you have a part time job now and this will require you working full time."

"Really Harry? I'm thrilled. The job I have now is fine, but the opportunity to start up a brand new nursery is incredible. I don't even have a mastery yet. I could probably actually use this to get my mastery eventually."

"Excellent, so you accept?"

"Yes!"

"Alright, so I guess the first thing that we need to do is build the greenhouses. I know you said nine originally, but I'd like one more added to grow some vegetables for my own use. Then I know we need stock to start. I'm not sure how that works."

"The space you have should be able to accommodate that fine. There are some stock drawings for greenhouses and then you just have to get the supplies. The creek is nearby so you've got a good supply of water without even having to summon it. Then there will need to be some supplementary power for venting and such. As for stock, I can order maybe half the starts to begin with, but the rarer items will need to be acquired in person and most likely wild harvested. That will require some travel."

"Hmm alright, so build the greenhouses, get the basics started, then you've got some traveling to do. Do you mind?"

"No, it sounds great. If we've got starts in the nursery already, I'll need someone to look after them while I'm gone, but it will take a couple of months until we're at that point. When do you want me to start working?"

"Well, you need to give notice, so maybe a week. Is that fair? Something else to think about, you can commute, but since you'll be out on the island every day, you're welcome to move out with us. You know I've got the room."

"Hmm, that's intriguing. I love gran, but she hasn't realized I've grown up and it would be nice to be out on my own more. Let me think on it. I'll give a week's notice tomorrow. I'm only part time, so I'll start looking at designs of greenhouses. Maybe I can come out to visit tomorrow and show you some stock plans and we can decide?"

"Brilliant. I knew I had the right man for the job."

Harry stayed for a bit longer and then said goodbye to his friend, feeling buoyant about the progress toward his new business venture, as well as future fresh vegetables for the manor and growing his own cannabis. He returned home and spent a couple of hours working before retreating to the basement to spend some time exercising. The gym equipment was dated, but it sufficed for a time and it felt good to work up a sweat and then retreat to the sauna after.

That night at dinner Harry discussed the nursery plans with Ron and Hermione and both were enthusiastic. Hermione grew contemplative at one point and Harry wondered what her brilliant mind was working on.

"Hermione, what is it? Is there a problem?"

"What? No! I was just considering that the greenhouses may be a good trial for some of my runes. They'll need some power for venting and such. I know you've been leaving me alone to my studies, so you probably aren't aware of what I've been working on. I've almost finalized an alternative power system that will work off a sequence of runestones. The house will need a large system, but the greenhouses won't need as much. It's actual an ideal test."

"That sounds intriguing and I'm glad you've worked something out. I was a bit worried about overloading that old generator. I'm not sure how much longer it will last as it is. Nev is coming to visit tomorrow with some stock plans, so you can talk to him then."

Hermione nodded, chewing her lip adorably as she continued to get lost in her thoughts. After dinner they retired to the large game room as usual and Harry once again voiced his wish for more entertainment.

"I tell you Hermione, I'll be glad when your brilliance figures out how to get us a telly that will work. Maybe you can even figure out a satellite hookup. I miss some non-magical conveniences."

"Well, that's all part of what my project is about. I actually started it months ago in Sydney. It's quite complex, but I don't think it will take much more."

Harry and Ron both nodded in acknowledgement. Neither had taken runes, but they had no doubt that the project must be complex to have taken Hermione so many months to complete. They played games for a couple of hours and then decided to curl up on a couch to read. Ron was reading a Quidditch magazine while Harry and Hermione both had books. Harry was on one end of the couch with Ron on the other, while Hermione sprawled between them with her head in Ron's lap and her legs across Harry. It was actually fairly common for them to curl up in various configurations in the evening and all enjoyed the welcome peace to end the day. Hermione was glad to have both her boys back with her, it just felt right. They all read for a while and then everyone retired for the evening.

The next day Neville arrived shortly after lunch when he got off work and came through the floo carrying two large binders. He was grinning and had a bounce to his step. He was obviously excited about the project. Harry heard the floo chime and was there to greet him, then Hermione appeared as well.

"Hi Nev. It looks like you brought me a lot of plans to look at. Why don't we go to the veranda and sit. And how about a butterbeer?"

Neville eagerly accepted the offer and soon all three friends were gathered around a table on the veranda with the binders spread between them.

"Alright Harry, I've marked which greenhouses I think will work best here on the island for arid and highland plants. Also, there are some marked for your cannabis nursery and the vegetable greenhouse. Before we look though, I wanted to talk to you about your offer to move to the island. I think I'd like to take you up on it. Hermione, Ron, is that alright?"

"Of course Nev. You don't have to ask. I think it's only logical with the amount of time you'll be spending here."

"Thanks. Well then, there is something else I need to discuss. I'd like to add a half-size semi-tropic greenhouse as well. I've got a number of plants at Longbottom House that I don't want to leave behind. A few are arid, but most are semi-tropical. Most are useful and can be harvested for some ingredients like the bubotuber."

"That's fine, it makes sense. So you said five arid and three highland before. Then one cannabis, one vegetable, and the half-size semi-tropical. Is that right?"

"Yes, you have plenty of space for that many and I should be able to manage that number. You probably could fit a couple of more even. Of course, we won't use all the space to begin with, but we will gradually build up. That's something else to decide. Do you want to build everything now or build the greenhouses over time? There are some discounts in place for buying in bulk. Also, you'll need a construction crew. Elves would help if you had them."

Hermione frowned and Harry suppressed a sigh. That brought to mind something he had been considering that he needed to discuss with her.

"Hmm, well how long do you think it will take to get to full capacity? What are the advantages and disadvantages of building now?"

"Depending on if I can source some wild stock, I'd say two years. The main disadvantage initially is cost and increased maintenance. As for advantages, the bulk discount. Also, having more space to spread out makes it easier to keep competing plants apart."

Harry grew pensive and rubbed his chin. If the main issue was cost he really didn't give a damn. He was ready to plow forward. He guessed it was the Gryffindor in him.

"I say we go ahead with full construction. Once we select the plans of course."

Neville nodded and pulled the binders over to start showing his friends the different pages he had marked. He had already picked the greenhouses with the practical features that he liked, so now they were looking more at aesthetics. It didn't take long before they picked a matching set of plans for different types of greenhouses that all had similar rooflines to the main manor. Rather than just looking like glass boxes, the ironwork that held the glass had a bit of detail to it that Harry liked. They weren't cheap, but Harry was ready to put in his order. With the choice made, Neville marked down everything that needed to be ordered and agreed to place the order the next day. It was then that Harry slapped himself on the forehead.

"Oi, Nev, I'm stupid. I'm way ahead of myself. You've already started working and I'm not even paying you yet. You technically don't start until next week. We need to talk about your salary. I'm not sure what a nursery manager makes, so I'm going to throw out a number. How does 4,000 galleons a year sound? Plus room, board, and travel expenses of course."

"What, really? Um, sure, that sounds more than fair Harry."

"Brilliant, I'll arrange with my account manager to transfer the funds bi-weekly to you with your start date being next Monday. I'll give you some cash for your work this week. No, don't argue. I don't want to take advantage of our friendship. I'm excited about this business venture, but it wouldn't be moving forward without you."

"Alright, thanks Harry. Now, it will take a couple of weeks before the supplies start arriving and the build can start happening. During that time, I'm going to start resourcing possible order locations for plant starts in other countries. Anything to cut down on travel time. Once the materials actually arrive, how are you going to do construction, are you bringing in a crew?"

"Probably. I hate to think of strangers on my island, but it can't be helped."

Neville nodded and everyone toasted to the future of Potter Nursery, the latest business venture of Potter Industries. Neville stayed for a bit longer and then floo'd back to the mainland.

Harry was preoccupied with thoughts of the nursery throughout the rest of the day, but the subject of staff kept coming up as well and he knew he needed to talk to Hermione at dinner. They cooked a shepherd's pie together that night and then sat down at the casual dining area off the kitchen. When they sat down to eat, Harry plunged forward with the uncomfortable topic.

"Hermione, I wanted to talk to you about house elves. I understand your viewpoint on granting them their freedom, but elves enjoy serving. They should be cared for better, and if they aren't, then their owners should be punished, but that is an individual problem. I'm bringing this up because I've got this large manor and a lot of grounds and I think I'd like to hire a couple of elves."

Hermione frowned and poked at her food. She took a minute to respond and Harry was just glad that she wasn't exploding immediately.

"I guess I can't be too surprised Harry. You know I don't like it, but at least you would treat them well. Would you pay them?"

"If they would let me, yes. And I can't give them clothes, but I can give them fabric and ask them to make themselves clothes. I don't want my elves wearing tea towels or pillowcases. There's that extra broom closet with nothing in it off the back hall. It's not large, but I thought it would fit a couple of toddler beds, which are elf sized. Paint it a bright color and it would be a nice room for them. And they won't have to work constantly. With their magic, two elves should have no problem keeping up around here."

Hermione sighed and fidgeted with her food.

"Fine, I suppose I understand. I still don't really like it, but I know you will treat them well."

"Thanks Hermione. I'm going to go to the Ministry tomorrow and fill out the paperwork then."

The rest of dinner passed in near silence, but Harry was glad that the conversation had gone better than he had planned. Now he just hoped that the Ministry had elves available for hire.

The next day Harry made his trip to the Ministry and arrived at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Of course, there was a form to file for the hiring of a house elf and, of course, he had to fill out separate forms for each elf he wanted to hire. Of course each form also came with a separate fee. Once he was done with forms and fees, he had to wait in line to speak to a coordinator, who then interviewed him for suitability. The whole process took a couple of hours and he was approved for two placements, but left with only the approval forms. The actual placements could take up to two weeks and he was advised that he would be 'contacted when suitable matches were made'. Frustrated, he left the Ministry and returned home. At least the process was started.

While Harry worked on hiring elves, Neville was busy starting the process to order the greenhouse supplies. Before he had stopped at the Ministry, Harry had made a stop at Gringotts to speak with Silverclaw and officially file the papers to start the business of Potter Nursery. He then granted Neville access to a large business account and also set up Neville's paycheck. It was all done in less than a half hour versus the long tedium of the Ministry. By the time Harry had finished his two errands, he could only wish that the Ministry was half as efficient as Gringotts.

The rest of the week went by quickly and when Saturday arrived it was the scheduled move in day for Neville. He too had opted to stay in the populated wing of the house and all of his friends were glad to have him join them. As each member of their unique group moved in, it felt almost as if a small family was coming together. He was a bit sad to leave his plants, but he would travel back to Longbottom House regularly until the greenhouses were in place and his plants could be moved.

The following Monday saw the official start of Neville's tenure as the director of Potter Nursery. With the greenhouse supplies still pending, he spent his time drafting letters to various institutions around the world, asking about possibly purchasing starts for various plant samples. He wasn't terribly busy to start, but Harry understood. It wouldn't be long before that changed drastically.

That Tuesday saw a major change for the household when the Ministry called on the floo and notified Harry that he had been matched with two elves, he just needed to come pick them up. Harry was thrilled at the surprisingly quick turnaround and wasted no time as he set his work aside and floo'd to the mainland and then apparated to the Ministry. Once there, he went to the Office for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Thankfully he didn't have long to wait when he was escorted to a side office where two elves awaited him. The clerk quickly introduced him, seeming bored.

"Mr. Potter, this is Dina and Mingy. As requested, Dina has cooking and cleaning skills and Mingy has cleaning and yard maintenance skills. Dina, Mingy, this is Mr. Harry Potter, your new master."

The two elves bowed and Harry frowned at the clerk's attitude.

"Hi Dina, Hi Mingy. Welcome to the family. We'll talk more when we get home, but the first thing I want you to know is that I prefer to just be called Harry. I'm not married and I don't have any family, but I do have friends that live with me in my manor. It's a big place, so that's why we need help. Are you ready to come with me?"

"Yes sir, whenever young master is ready."

Harry suppressed a sigh at the honorific, but nodded and turned back to the clerk.

"I have a Gringotts portkey, do you mind if I use it here? It will be the fastest way for everyone."

The clerk nodded and Harry pulled out his chain. The elves took hold and Harry activated the portkey as they all went spinning back to the manor.

Once Harry arrived with the elves, he immediately welcomed them to the manor and then took them on a tour. He specified that only the one half of the manor was currently in use, but that he wanted to get the outside gardens cleaned up more. As they toured, they found Hermione and Neville, who were both happy to meet the two new members of the family. Harry also showed the elves the small room he had setup for them and they both seemed quite happy with it. Once they were familiar with everything, Harry left them to get started and returned to his office.

As another week drew to a close, the month of May was almost done. The greenhouse company had contacted Neville and the first shipment was due to arrive the following week. In preparation, Neville contacted a magical building contractor and arranged for a group of six to be available the day after the supplies arrived. The hope was that within a couple more weeks Potter Nursery would be ready to start caring for its first new plants.

The first day of June was a monumental one for the residents of Potter Island and also for Potter Nursery. That day marked the first arrival via portkey of a batch of supplies for the greenhouse build. Harry was quite fascinated to learn how magical building was done and his first lesson was the delivery of building supplies that came in by portkey on several large pallets to specified coordinates on a hill overlooking the build site. Neville was on hand for the arrival at nine in the morning and quickly confirmed that all appeared to be in place as expected.

The actual build began the following day with the help of a crew that Silverclaw had coordinated the hiring of. Gringotts had vetted each person, easing Harry's mind somewhat. Still, none would be coming to the manor directly and using the floo. Instead, Neville borrowed Harry's chain and met the crew at the Leaky, where he then portkeyed them to and from each day. Although Harry let Neville take the lead, he did make his way out to meet the crew a couple of hours after they had begun. It was amazing to watch the magical building and how quickly it was taking shape.

The building started on a Wednesday and foundations for all the greenhouses were in place, with the framing complete for the first five by the end of the week. That weekend Hermione worked on installing supplementary lighting, as well as venting controls that were all powered by her runestones. Each greenhouse had two small supplementary runestones that fed off a main runestone that she buried deep in the center of the ring of greenhouses, at the nexus of where all the ambient magic was flowing through. A survey map of the island that Harry had found had also shown a ley line that ran cross-width of the island, near where the nursery was, and directly under the manor. With careful placement, the key runestone would pull traces of energy to help feed the smaller stones. It seemed to work well in initial tests, but she knew the real test would be to see how everything performed when all the greenhouses were up and running.

On the first Friday of June, more excitement descended on the island in the form of two owls that arrived at breakfast from the Ministry Department of Education. They came bearing envelopes that had been forwarded from the Australian Department of Education and included NEWT results for Harry and Hermione. As usual, Hermione was beside herself with worry and her hands shook so bad that she had to pass the envelope to Ron at breakfast to have him open it since she couldn't hold still. Harry had his open, but waited to pull out the results, wanting Hermione to look at hers first. Finally, with shaky hands, she managed. It took a full minute but gradually her shakes settled and her face lit up.

"Os! All outstandings! Eight NEWTs!"

Harry, Ron, and Neville all cheered and proceeded to hug Hermione in rotation.

"What did I tell you! I knew it!"

"Your turn now Harry."

Harry nodded and pulled out his results. He wasn't expecting anything as spectacular as Hermione's, but he hoped to pass most of them.

"I passed them all! Three outstandings, an exceeds expectations in Transfiguration, and an acceptable in History of Magic."

"Congrats man! History, wow!"

Harry was pummeled and backslapped and Hermione hugged him. She knew how hard he had worked after pulling a dreadful on his History OWL. An acceptable was quite an accomplishment.

"So this calls for a celebration, except it will have to wait until Ginny and Luna are done with school."

"But we are definitely having a party once they are here!"

The next week the crew returned and finished the first five greenhouses in another day and a half, aided by the fact that each came in easy to assemble kits. Then they started on the others just hours after a second shipment of supplies portkeyed in. By the end of the week they were almost done and worked late on Thursday and Friday to finish the last greenhouses. It was good that June saw longer days and Neville paid the men well for their extra work. It meant that by the ninth of June, the build process for Potter Nursery was complete.

The following weekend Hermione put her runes in place in the rest of the greenhouses while Neville began the long process of ferrying his plants from Longbottom House out to the island. In the end it would take a couple of weekends to complete the transfer, but he was overjoyed at the brilliant new greenhouses he had to work in.

Neville's excitement was only heightened a week later when the first cuttings and starts began to arrive from various suppliers and he grew busier as he carefully tended each new item as if it were a newborn baby. Harry may not have been the best at Herbology, but he made frequent trips out to visit the greenhouses and was thrilled with the progress. Even if the pottings seemed a bit sparse in the large greenhouses, he knew it would only be a couple of years before Potter Nursery would be flourishing.