Harry's Future, Part 19
Harry lay back leaning on his elbows, the warm salt water of the Mediterranean supporting his sore left leg while helping ease the ache in his knee. It was the Tuesday following the wedding and he and Ginny were now relaxing at the seaside vacation home of Fleur's aunt and uncle. The wedding had been a spectacular success for a number of reasons, not the least of which was that he and Ginny were now husband and wife. There were other highlights as well, including the revelation that their good friends Hannah and Neville were married, as well as the Centaurs bestowing upon Harry the seemingly unheard of token of respect consisting of a bow and quiver of arrows, indicating they thought of him as a member of their herd.
But perhaps more importantly, from a personal point of view, it appeared that Charlie Weasley and Eleanor MacManus had hit it off in a big way. Ginny was feeling particularly smug about that. The whole event was concluded with a huge fireworks display courtesy of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes company. From various locations just outside the Hogwarts grounds numerous ground and aerial displays were set off. Afterwards Harry commented to George about what it must have cost. His brother-in-law and partner figured they'd make it back and ten times more with all the exposure they had just gotten with all the wedding guests.
Harry was enjoying replaying the various scenes from the day in his mind and soaking in the water when he heard a voice calling to him.
"Harry, I want to put more lotion on you. This sun is enough to burn the hide off of a dragon. Oops, sorry, sweetie," Ginny said.
Harry looked back over his shoulder to where Ginny was sitting up on a blanket. She was sunbathing just above the waterline and now she was holding up a bottle of Madame Babineaux's Magical Sun Screen, SPF 210. Fleur was insistent that they use it otherwise both of them would be burnt to a crisp on the first day, she said.
"Ok, love, if you'd do the honors, please," Harry replied with a grin.
Ginny stood up and walked the few steps to where Harry was lounging in the water. He couldn't help but smile as he saw his wife come towards him. She was wearing a one piece, French cut swimsuit that showed off her compact, athletic figure beautifully. Her flowing mane of red hair was pulled back into a pony tail and her smile was bright and warm. She crouched down besides Harry in the warm water and began lathering on the lotion. It had the color and consistency of white ceiling paint when it first went on but quickly faded to transparency. She took care of his arms and torso, front and back and then before applying it to his face she leaned down and kissed him. When she pulled back she looked at him and said,
"How's the knee, Mr. Twinkletoes?"
Harry flinched inwardly a bit since the condition of his knee had provided a brief bump in the otherwise smooth transition to married life. Harry had been so determined that his injury would not put a damper on the wedding and reception that during his last treatment before the big day he had a talk with his physical therapist. After some cajoling and pleading, he convinced the healer to apply some magic to his knee that while not healing the injury, it masked any pain that might be felt for forty eight hours. He was warned however that whatever stress he put on it during that time would be felt after the spell wore off.
As it happened this began during the train ride in the company of the Delacours and Fleur and Bill Weasley. The Delacours were going to make sure the honeymooners arrived safely at the house while Bill and Fleur were going to spend some time on the continent before the start of the new school year. Harry's discomfort was becoming obvious just after the transfer in Paris and by the time they reached the seaside house he was hobbling as badly as he had right after his release from the hospital.
Ginny waited until they were alone before she started grilling Harry about what was going on and then she remembered what Harry had said before one of their dances about 'not feeling a thing'. When Harry admitted to what he had done Ginny's temper flared. She chastised him for putting his health at risk. She berated him for not trusting her enough to confide in her so that together they might have figured out a different way that wouldn't have had such painful consequences. Then she pulled him to her and whispered how kind and thoughtful he was to go to all that trouble to make sure their special day was all that and so much more. Then she leaned back and looked him in the eye and extracted a promise that he would never do something like that again.
They spent that first evening together on a couch that was positioned to provide a view through sliding glass doors over the sea. Harry had his leg up, supported on pillows with Madame Promfrey's magical heat bag soaking the soreness away. Harry's back was supported by Ginny, her arms wrapped around his chest and her head resting against his and when they spoke it was in soft whispers. And later, their first night together in their cozy seaside retreat, while lacking the athleticism of their wedding night, was more then enough to wash away the anger from earlier in the day.
"I'm doing a lot better, love," Harry said in response to Ginny's question. "The sea water and rest have done it a world of good."
"Well, we'll give it another hour and then it's time for lunch. I want us out of the sun once the afternoon rolls around," Ginny said.
Instead of going back to her towel, Ginny sat down in the water and pulled Harry so he was leaning back against her. He leaned his head back on her shoulder and looked out over the water.
"Returning to work on Monday is going to be really hard after this week, love," Harry mused. "I could really get used to a life of leisure."
"Oh, I don't believe that for a minute, Harry. I'd give you maybe two weeks and you'd be looking for some mystery to solve or some villain to defeat," Ginny said with a laugh. "But you're right in a way. We have busy lives waiting for us back home. We'll have to pay attention to make sure we always set aside time for just us."
"Especially this first year with you bouncing back and forth from London to Holyhead," Harry said. "I've been giving it some thought, love. I don't know if I want to continue living in London once you're done with the Harpies."
"Where would you want us to live, Harry?"
"I was thinking of reclaiming the house in Godric's Hollow and rebuilding it," Harry said quietly.
Ginny said nothing for a few moments. Harry could feel her grip on him tighten as she thought about it.
"Isn't the house kind of like a monument, Harry? Wouldn't that be a problem?"
"That house has been in our family for centuries, Ginny. Technically it's still mine. I don't know of a better monument to my parents then to make it a home again where people live and laugh and love. Where children can grow up. I'd like you to come with me some weekend and we can take a look. When Hermione and I were there we didn't get to see much," Harry said.
"Certainly, Harry. It would be a nicer place to raise a family and it would be closer to the Burrow, too."
"Thank you, love," Harry said and he brought his head around to face Ginny and he leaned forward to kiss her.
It was a while before they finished. They lingered for a few moments longer and then Ginny stood up and offered Harry her hand. Slowly he arose from the water and hand in hand they walked back up to the house.
It had been their intention that their honeymoon was not going to be a frantic tourist trip but instead a quiet time to be alone together. The only deviation from this plan was a trip on Thursday to Beauxbaton to be the guests of Madame Maxime. Ginny was thrilled at the idea that she was going to be seeing the magnificent castle and grounds. So at nine o'clock that morning a black Mercedes sedan pulled up in front of the house and the driver indicated in halting English that he was there to take them to Beauxbaton. The trip was mostly on what would normally be fairly quiet roads but since this was vacation season there was a lot of traffic. However, like any good bewitched vehicle, the black car was smoothly moving through spaces it should never have fit. Within half an hour they arrived at the Academy.
"Oh, Harry, this is incredible," Ginny said.
"This isn't the half of it, love," Harry replied.
They began to walk up towards the steps to the front entrance. Harry recalled how the first time he took this trip it was with hundreds of students cheering. He much preferred the quiet approach he was making this time. As with the previous visit, however he was compelled to use his cane for support. He was still feeling the effects of the pain free wedding reception. As they got to the bottom of the stone staircase the big double doors swung wide and Madame Maxime stepped out.
"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, eet ees such an 'onor for us to 'ave you visit. Please, entre'."
"Thank you for having us, Madame. Ginny is very excited to see the school and I'm very happy to be back."
"Oh, 'arry, you are such the diplomat," Madame Maxime said with a laugh. "I am so very 'appy that you allowed me to be a part of your special day, yes? I 'ave been telleeng everyone how fabliaux it was. The music, the food, the decorations, the danceeng. I will remember it always. You are a very good dancer, 'arry. I was surprised that you were able to go for so long. But I see you are using the cane. I thought your knee must 'ave been doing better, yes?" the Headmistress said as they walked through the majestic entry hall.
"He cheated, Madame Maxime," Ginny said.
"Cheated? 'ow so?" the Headmistress asked while looking down at Harry, who was turning quite red-faced.
"He had a healer at St. Mungo's spell his knee so he wouldn't feel any pain for two days. He's been paying for it since Sunday afternoon," Ginny said straight faced but her eyes told volumes.
"Oh, 'arry. A gallant but foolish theeng to do. We will take it easy but you will tell me eef you feel any pain, yes?"
"Yes, ma'am."
So for the next hour or so the three walked about the palace while Madame Maxime described the various decorations, architectural motifs and practical uses found in and about the various rooms contained within the marble edifice. Then they went out a side door into one of the magnificent gardens. The whole time Ginny was looking around in awe. She finally said what she had been thinking for the last half hour or so.
"Madame Maxime, how is it that anyone can learn anything around here? It's so beautiful, I'd never be able to concentrate."
"Oui, Geeny. Daydreaming is a danger 'ere so we make sure we always 'ave a student's attention. 'ave Fleur tell you about that, she was a bit of a daydreamer 'er first year as I recall," the towering Headmistress said, laughing.
As they continued their tour of the gardens, occasionally stopping to look at a particularly beautiful display of color or intricate topiary, they eventually came around the palace and the Quidditch stadium came into view. As they looked, several flyers appeared above the rim. Harry looked up at Madame Maxime and asked,
"Are there students here already, Madame?"
"This is the last week of our two week Quidditch camp, 'arry. Students come for intensive training to improve their skills. You have no such thing at 'ogwarts?"
"No, ma'am, but it sounds like a wonderful idea. I might have to suggest something like this when we get back home. May we go see them?" Harry asked gesturing to the stadium.
"Oh, oui, Harry. You and Geeny are to be guests of honor at the practice matches this afternoon. Let us proceed."
At a casual walk the three made their way to the Quidditch stadium. Apparently their arrival was anticipated and watched for because more and more flyers appeared above the rim of the stadium, all looking towards them. Finally an exceedingly loud whistle blast called them all back to whatever they had been doing. Harry was sure someone bewitched the whistle; otherwise it must have been blown by a true giant. They entered the tunnel that led under the grandstand out onto the pitch proper. As they emerged onto the grass the whistle sounded again and all the flyers spiraled to the ground and several smaller groups who were already on the ground hurried over. Harry estimated there were at least fifty students and perhaps half a dozen adults gathering around.
Madame Maxime called out in her booming voice, gesturing everyone to come close. She talked to the assembled students and instructors in French and Harry could hear his and Ginny's names mentioned and then she turned to them.
"I 'ave told them that you are our guests for the day and you are 'ere to watch their practice games. I also suggested if they were very polite you might offer them some suggestions."
"We'd be happy to watch, Madame Maxime, although I don't know what we could offer..." Harry said until he was cut off by Ginny.
"We'd be very happy to help in any way, Madame," Ginny said, giving Harry's hand a hard squeeze.
"Excellent. We have seats set aside for you in the visitors area if it is not too much of a burden for you, 'arry."
"I'll go slow, ma'am, and it should be fine," Harry said and they began the climb to the higher seats.
As they approached what could only be described as the VIP section, Harry and Ginny could see that Beauxbaton took a different approach then at Hogwarts. There was only one raised tower and it was lower then what they were used to. It provided a commanding view of the playing area without blocking those seated in the regular sections. Madame Maxime indicated where Harry and Ginny could sit. Harry settled into a chair very similar to what he found in the faculty lounge during his first visit. He let out a very satisfied sigh.
"You are comfortable, 'arry?"
"Yes, ma'am. I love these chairs. I need to ask where you get them," Harry said.
"I must confess I don't know, 'arry, but I will find out for you. Now if you would excuse me for a moment, I need to inquire about lunch for us."
They watched Madame Maxime leave and then Harry turned to Ginny and asked,
"Why did you cut me off like that, Ginny?"
"Because, Harry, you were going to say that you don't know why they would be interested in what we had to say about their flyers, right?" she replied.
"Well, yeah. They have half a dozen coaches down there, what are we going to add?"
Ginny let out a sigh and then took hold of Harry's forearm and said,
"Because, my dear man, as far as they are all concerned, we are two famous Quidditch flyers from across the Channel. I didn't say anything to you about it but when we were over here for that tournament, the Harpies got a lot of press coverage. We were an all female team and we were holding more then our own against all those other mixed teams. They made a big fuss over me and then one of the other girls let it slip that you and I were, well, you and I, and you couldn't believe how much they wanted to know about you. Whether you understand it or not, those young flyers look at us as very accomplished players and they are hoping that we will share our experience with them. Just like that seeker you talked to not all that long ago. She's probably out there right now. Remember what Fleur said, Harry. They are looking to us to be teachers. You know how to do that, right?"
"Well, yeah, I do, I just didn't think they needed us to do it," Harry said.
Ginny looked at the bright green eyes, the open honest face with it's serious expression and thought to herself that maybe with all that power it was better this way but he could be so exasperating sometimes.
"Just think of it as another class to teach, Harry, and do it for me, ok?"
"Ok, Gin, if you put it that way," he replied.
Ginny smiled at him and they turned to see what was going on down on the pitch. It appeared they were foregoing a full lunch and were being served water and refreshments from tables set up on the sidelines. Just as Madame Maxime was returning with several trays floating in front of her the flyers were reassembled into groups and were pushing off into the air. Harry and Ginny divided their attention as he concentrated on the seekers and she on the chasers. Harry caught sight of Collette Dubois as she hovered with the other seekers listening to the coach that was astride his broom in front of them. He then took off and they took off after him in a line trying to track his movements. Harry had to admit he was very good.
Without really thinking about it, Harry began to concentrate intensely on what the seekers were doing. He noted how each handled his or her broomstick. When the instructor pulled out a practice snitch he captured every detail of how each student tried to follow the little golden ball and the attempts made to capture it. Then the students were divided into teams and short fifteen minute practice games were held with teams shuffling and by the time the afternoon was over all of the students had had substantial air time. As the last two teams drifted towards the ground, Harry leaned back into his chair as he had spent most of the time leaning forward as he concentrated on the action.
"Welcome back, sweetheart," he heard Ginny say.
"What? I didn't go anywhere," Harry said confused.
"Oh, yes you did, my dear," she said with a laugh. "You were out there with them. After the third time trying to talk to you I gave up. Madame Maxime asked us if we'd go down and talk to the students."
"Oh, sure. I guess there's a few observations I could make."
Ginny just smiled a little but inwardly she was rolling her eyes and shaking her head. They slowly made their way down to the pitch and the awaiting students. The Beauxbaton Quidditch coach was a burly man about Harry's height who must have been a Beater in his playing days. He spoke a few words of welcome and then pointed Harry over to the group of seekers while Ginny was introduced to the chasers. The beaters and keepers stayed with this group as all three tended to play as a unit while the seekers tended to be more singular in how they played. Colette Dubois was chosen to interpret for Harry as her command of English was the best of the group. Harry made a few general comments about the quality of their play and then launched into a detailed analysis of the performance of each of the ten or so flyers.
While they and their coach were initially impressed with Harry's dissertation by the time he had gotten to Collette as the last of the students they were collectively dumbfounded by the quantity and quality of precise and succinct commentary that Harry was providing. Each flyer received an analysis of their performance emphasizing their strengths to build on as well as suggestions for improvements were Harry saw problems. His ability to replay images in his mind allowed him to make pinpoint critiques of style, movement and technical execution. Some of the other coaches had drifted over to hear what was being said. The sun was nearing the horizon by the time he concluded with handshakes all around. When he turned around he saw Ginny and the others looking at him.
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. Did I take too long?" he said, feeling embarrassed.
"No, not at all, Harry. We were only here a few minutes, it's time for dinner. They have us set up in the Dining Hall," Ginny said with a smile.
In fact, Ginny and the others had been standing behind Harry for over half an hour listening to his commentary. As they walked along beside Madame Maxime a number of whispered conversations were taking place along with a lot of looks in Harry's direction.
The Great Dining Hall was set up to accommodate the relatively few diners. The head table remained the same where the Headmistress and the coaches sat along with Harry and Ginny and the other tables had been moved around so that the fifty or so students were closer together. Once again the food was extraordinary. Ginny spent a great deal of time looking around the room, admiring the ice sculptures and other features of decoration and architecture. She leaned over to Harry and said,
"It's almost like a dream, isn't it, Harry?"
"Yes, it is."
If they had been paying attention to the students in the room they would have noticed that they were being observed as much as they were doing the observing. The looks and whispered conversations were still going on with the young Mademoiselle Dubois at the center of a number of them. As dessert was being served Madame Maxime tapped her glass with a spoon to get everyone's attention.
"We would like to offer our thanks to Monsieur and Madame Potter for the 'onor of their visit and for providing such valuable insights to our young flyers. As a token of our appreciation we would like to present you with these small gifts," she said as she gestured towards the tables.
Two students rose from their seats and came forward holding small gift wrapped boxes. They were presented to Harry and Ginny across the table and each was accepted with a smile and a 'merci'. Madame Maxime gestured that they should go ahead and open them. What they found amazed them. Harried received a full sized snitch attached to a base made of dark marble. The wings unfurled as he placed it on the table and waived gently. Ginny's was a miniature quaffle in gold on a similar base. Harry looked over at Ginny and then turned to Madame Maxime.
"This is…" he began and then he felt a small nudge from Ginny's knee. "This is very unexpected but very much appreciated, Madame Maxime. This has been a wonderful day for both of us and Ginny and I want to thank you and your staff and the students for making us feel so welcome."
"Eet ees been our pleasure, 'arry, Geeny. We 'ope that you will return to us again soon. If you can spare a few moments, the students would like to take their leave of you and then I will escort you to your car," the Headmistress said.
The 'few minutes' turned out to be more then thirty as the students crowded around the two shaking hands, asking for autographs and in one case, slipping Harry an envelope. Madame Maxime was finally compelled to shoo the students away so she could escort them to the awaiting car. With more thanks and promises to return Harry and Ginny climbed into the back seat of the sedan and with final waves were on their way back to the beach house.
"Wow, Harry. That was an amazing day. Thank you for arranging for me to see Beauxbaton. It is so beautiful."
"Yes it is. If you could only have seen it like I had with the moon shining on it. We missed that this evening," he replied quietly.
Ginny looked over at Harry who was looking out of the window at the scenery passing by.
"Are you ok, Harry? Is your knee bothering you?"
"No, no. It's feeling fine, love. I was just kind of thinking about what was going on today. It was brilliant to see how enthusiastic they were and how much they wanted to learn more. But it was scary, too, in a way. They way they look at you and hang on every word, wanting our autographs," he said.
"Harry, this isn't about the whole fan club Death Eaters thing is it?" Ginny asked.
"No, well not really, but it's easy to see how it could happen."
"Harry, have you set up an appointment with Dr. Parsons for when you get back?" Ginny asked with a little edge in her voice.
"Yes, Thursday, right after work. Why?" Harry asked.
"Please discuss this with her. It's obvious that nothing your family has had to say about this sort of thing is getting through to you, maybe a professional will have a better chance," Ginny retorted.
"Why are you getting so upset, Ginny? Don't you think this is important?" Harry asked.
"It wasn't important that a bunch of kids got a thrill out of you and I being there for them. What's important is your tendency to take everything that's good and fun and turn it into a personal crisis. You need to get it through your thick skull that you aren't the next dread lord of dark magic and your fans aren't some legion of the damned in the making. For crying out loud, Harry. People like to be around you because you are interesting and caring and for the most part a lot of fun but frankly you're starting to get a bit tedious," Ginny said, her arms folded and her eyes fixed on the oncoming view through the windshield.
That Harry was getting angry was obvious to Ginny. They were still sitting close to each other and she could feel the heat starting to radiate off of him.
"And you better get a grip on your temper or you're going to set the upholstery ablaze," she added matter-of-factly.
She heard him sputter a bit but the feeling of heat dissipated. They rode in silence until they arrived at the beach house. Harry got out of the car and using the cane, made his way to the front door. Ginny picked up both gifts and followed along behind. Harry walked straight through the house and out onto the balcony that overlooked the sea. Ginny chose not to follow him. She sat down in a chair that allowed her to see him but gave him his privacy. She recalled what Dr. Parsons said about not allowing him to brood but her own instincts told her that Harry needed some time to work through whatever was going on inside him at the moment.
It's was perhaps a quarter of an hour later when he turned around and came back into the living room, sitting down on the couch where he could rest his leg but look at Ginny. She looked back at him calmly, inviting him to open the discussion she knew was coming.
"Do you think I'm losing my mind," Harry asked quietly.
"What are you talking about, Harry? Of course not," she replied. "Why would you think that?"
"How else can you explain the way I behave," Harry responded. "I have every reason to be happy and I keep pulling these stunts."
"You're not crazy, Harry. You're confused and afraid, but you're not crazy," Ginny began. "You know what Dr. Parsons said about you, Harry. I know Ron told you all about that. You're so convinced that somehow you're going to do something or something is going to happen to you, or to us, and you'll wind up alone. So everything you do is to try and keep that from happening. On top of that, you've made yourself paranoid that somehow you're going to turn into a new Voldemort or Grindelwald or whatever and that's starting to influence everything you do. You see a bunch of awestruck, adoring kids and you figure they're Death Eaters in training. Now that is crazy."
See paused and looked at him closely and a thought occurred to her.
"You know, Harry. If you keep on this way you are in real danger of making your worst fears come true."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that if you keep going this way you stand a very good chance of pushing away anyone and everyone that is close to you. People only have so much patience you know," Ginny said.
Harry looked down into his lap, his hands clasped together.
"Even you?" he said, not looking up.
"Well, maybe not me, but I'd be so miserable you wouldn't want me around anyway," Ginny said. "Sweetheart, your fears have no foundation. Don't give me that look. Yes, I know all about your history. I lived through some of it and you've told me so much of the rest. I can understand why you wouldn't want to return to that life but listen to me. You are part of a big, tough family who has and will continue to stand by you, if you'll let us. You have loads of friends and even more people who look up to you and admire you for all you've done and what you are likely to do in the future. But you have to get rid of this ridiculous notion that it's all going to be taken away from you. Or you're going to make it all go away somehow. If you feel you need to be protective of us, that's fine. But stop this nonsense about fan clubs and air valves and all the rest of it.
"I remember you telling me about the talk you had with Professor Dumbledore after you got us all out of the Chamber of Secrets. And what he told you about your concerns about how much you had in common with Tom Riddle. Do you remember what he said?" she asked.
Harry hesitated then he looked up and said,
"He told me the difference was the choices we made. That life was all about choices."
"So look at the choices you've made in your life, Harry. Just sit there and think about the choices you've made. I know the results of a few didn't turn out how you wanted them to but think of the reasons why you made them and tell me if any one of those in any way would have been a choice that Riddle would have made," she said intently.
Harry sat there sideways on the couch; his left leg propped up, his right foot resting on the floor. He looked at Ginny's face, her eyes intent but otherwise appearing very calm and determined. He hesitated a moment then said,
"No, I can't think of one."
"I didn't think you would," she said as she stood up and approached the couch. "Budge up there, Harry."
She sat down behind her husband and wrapped her arms around him and pulled him back so he was leaning against her as she settled into the corner of the couch. He had to admit it felt warm and comforting.
"I'll give you some time to think about it, Harry, but you won't do it alone. We'll stay like this all night if we have to," she said, then kissed the top of his head and settled a bit more into the couch.
At some point they both fell asleep and Harry remembered that his dream was an odd one. It wasn't like a usual dream with things happening. He just felt like he was floating somewhere, feeling safe and protected. Some time around dawn one or the other woke up and in so doing woke up the other. Ginny whispered in Harry's ear and he nodded and pulled forward a bit. Ginny stood up and then helped Harry stand. They walked hand in hand to the guest room they were using and didn't come back out until around lunch time.
**************
Monday morning saw Harry back in his office in the Ministry staring at a framed picture on the wall. He and Ginny had returned from the honeymoon late on the previous Saturday and when they paid a visit to the Burrow on Sunday it was apparent that a plot had been hatched and executed. All of Ginny's siblings were present as were their significant others. The younger Mrs. Weasleys, Fleur and Angelina, were there. Also Hermione, Percy's girlfriend Audrey and much to Harry's, but apparently not Ginny's, surprise, Eleanor MacManus. Abagail was there of course, having spent the week while Harry and Ginny honeymooned.
Also in attendance was a photographer equipped with the latest in magical photographic equipment. It was a copy of the photo that this wizard had taken that Harry was looking at. The photographer was able to take a shot, then process and print copies right then and there. He had taken a number of different shots for various family members but the one that Harry was looking at was, in his mind, the crown jewel.
Harry was sitting dead center in a sea of family. To his right was Ginny, to his left was his 'mum' Mrs. Weasley, both seated. Behind Ginny was Fleur with a hand on Harry's shoulder and Hermione likewise from behind Mrs. Weasley. Abagail was standing directly behind Harry, her arms around his neck and her cheek pressed against the side of Harry's head. Mr. Weasley was standing next to his wife and Bill was next to his. Ron was standing behind Abagail with Charlie and Eleanor to one side and Percy and Audrey to the other. On the ground in front of Harry were George and Angelina.
Harry couldn't help but smile since as with any magical photo the subjects were giving him little winks or waves or in the case of George and Angelina, crossed eyes and other silly little gestures. He was presented with three copies, two full sized and one pocket sized in a small leather case. The other full sized one was on the wall of his study and the small one tucked into the pocket of his robe. Ginny told him these were to remind him that being alone was something he didn't need to worry about. He was beginning to get the idea. A knock on the door got his attention and he saw Evelyn Muntab standing in the doorway.
"Sir, do you have a moment?" she asked.
"Sure, have a seat," Harry replied. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, sir, I'm trying to look a little towards the future. Some of my team will be reaching a point where I'd have to look at reassigning them in a few years. You know, age, that sort of thing. I've noticed that a few of the new recruits could have some real promise for the tactical squad. I wanted to suggest something to you and get your opinion."
"Ok, I'm listening," Harry replied.
"Well, I'm trying to say this without sounding like a brown noser but those who were formerly part of your DA are real standouts among the recruits. Their ability with a wand is superior; they now their defensive charms spot on and they show a lot of poise and self control. I'd like to discuss the possibility of prepping them for movement into the tactical squad when the time comes," she said.
"Well, first of all, I appreciate your comments and no it didn't sound like you were brown nosing me, well not much, anyway," Harry said with a laugh. "I'm glad you're looking ahead and I think that it's a great idea. Let me know who you have in mind and I'll talk to them about it as well."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your support," the tactical squad leader said and then rose and left his office.
The discussion reminded Harry of something and he reached into the pocket of his robe and took out the envelope he had been handed during the farewells at Beauxbaton. He had forgotten about it in all the things that happened afterwards and was surprised when he found it when he put on his robe that morning before leaving for work. It was addressed in a compact precise script to M. Potter. He broke the plain wax seal and pulled out the sheet of parchment that it contained. He unfolded the sheet and began to read.
Most Esteemed Monsieur Potter,
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Henri Pelletier and I am entering my seventh year at Beauxbaton Academy of Magic. I was a student in the Defense Against the Dark Arts session that you conducted with Professor LeMond. I remember you saying that you would be happy to have any of us on your team at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in the British Ministry of Magic. I am writing to you to ask for any information or guidance that you could offer to me regarding making an application to your office.
I realize that there are opportunities here in France but I am very interested in the methods and the organizational changes you have introduced. Also, the opportunity to learn from you would be of great value for me. I wish to thank you for reading this message and for all the time that you spent here at Beauxbaton during your recent visits.
Respectfully yours,
Henri Pelletier
Harry sat back in his chair. It seemed the Director was correct about applications. He would have to give some thought to how he worded his reply. He wanted to be encouraging without seeming to make any promises. Maybe Hermione or Ginny could help there, or even Fleur. He folded the letter and tucked it back in his robe.
Later while going through some reports he received a message from the Director to come up to his office. Harry arrived in a few moments and was waved ahead by the secretary. He rapped on the door and when he heard the Director call him in he swung the door open and entered.
"Harry, sit down, please. I trust that all went well last week, you look rested."
"Yes, sir. We had a very good time; mostly it was just a relaxing time for us both. We spent one day at Beauxbaton but it was more of a friendly visit, nothing official," Harry said.
"Good, well, while you were gone we made some final decisions on the ideas for internships and exchanges. I'd like you to take a look at the plan and give us any comments you might have. Basically we are looking to place a few students in strategic spots. We'll put one intern with Ms. Granger to work alongside the assistant we hired for her that just graduated from Hogwarts in June."
"Was she a Gryffindor Prefect?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry, as a matter of fact she was. Do you know her?"
Harry explained the conversation that Hermione had with the then Gryffindor seventh year during one of their trips to meet the Centaurs.
"I've always said that talent attracts talent. There will also be an intern for your Department to use as you choose. I remember your comments and I agree with your idea about using them in non tactical situations. Some of the other departments have also expressed an interest in the idea. We'll announce the plan at the start of term banquet at Hogwarts and we'd like you to be the Ministry spokesperson, Harry."
"I'd be glad to, sir," Harry said.
"Excellent. So how are things going otherwise?"
"Good, sir. Evelyn Muntab wants to start prepping some of the recruits for eventual movement into the tactical squad. We're seeing some results from the cross channel cooperation on that smuggling mess. Maxwell showed me a report from the French that they've arrested several of our 'persons of interest'. I suppose I should have allowed Ms. Westwood a shot at it earlier but I was just too worried about her. Guess I need to be less protective."
"I can't fault you there, Harry. You're charting unknown territory with that young lady. I can understand your caution," the Director said.
"I just have to figure out what I'm going to do with her in the future. She wants to come work for me full time but she doesn't plan on going past her fifth year. I'd really like her to go all the way through but she has some persuasive arguments. I didn't think I'd have to make these kinds of decisions for years yet, when my own kids are teenagers. But I have a little time left; she's just starting her fourth year."
"Always a man ahead of his time, eh?"
"More like always a man trying to play catch up, sir," Harry said with a rueful smile.
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