Harry's Future, Part 23
It was very possibly the most extraordinary evening any of them had ever spent. It certainly was one for the books as far as Harry was concerned. He sat amongst his family in the large living room that was the result of his Christmas largess several years earlier. This night it was serving as the center of discussion about the latest revelation of the seemingly unending store of uniqueness that was Harry Potter. He sat with his wife firmly pressed up against his side, his right hand tightly held in both of hers. All of his red headed 'brothers' were there, as were his adoptive parents. Fleur and Hermione also sat nearby. Only a short time before Harry had revealed the incredible news that he was an animagus, a rarity by magical standards, but what was even more astounding was that he took the form of a very large dragon.
"I dunno, mate, I'm still having a bit of a hard time getting my head around this," Ron said.
"I can understand that, Ron. I'm not sure I've got my head around it either," Harry said quietly.
Harry let his gaze roam around the room trying to gauge how his family was reacting as the idea was sinking in. As he could imagine, Charlie seemed to be taking a particular interest but hadn't been saying much. Their eyes met and Harry looked at him with raised eyebrows and said,
"No, Charlie."
Charlie shook his head and then looked at him and said,
"No 'what', Harry?"
"You can't have any samples," he replied straight faced.
Charlie's eyes went wide and then he started laughing and everyone else joined in.
"Well, son, I'm glad to see you're keeping a sense of humor about this. We're here to help you any way we can although I can't for the life of me think of what we could do," Mr. Weasley said.
"Well, I think we're off to a good start. No one running away screaming was a big help and sitting here talking to me is, too. Most important will be not letting anyone else know. I guess it's unfair to drop this on you but I just don't see a way around it."
"We'll make it work, Harry, don't you worry," Mrs. Weasley added.
Harry then looked at Charlie and Percy.
"I guess it's more of a problem for you guys, but I just don't know Audrey and Eleanor that well yet. I'm going to have to rely on you to determine if and when they should be told."
They both just nodded. Hermione had said little but had been regarding Harry intently. He had the idea that she was approaching the problem from her usual thorough analytical perspective. Fleur simply watched him. He imagined at sometime not too far in the future they would be having a private heart to heart. He had been afraid that the shock might have been an issue considering her pregnancy but she was probably the last one he really had to worry about.
"Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to do about work," Harry said.
"What's the issue, Harry?" Bill asked.
"By not registering I'm going to be breaking the law, Bill. That doesn't exactly fit in with my being the head of magical law enforcement now does it?"
"Let me ask you a question, Harry," Bill replied. "Do you know of anyone that is better suited to do what needs to be done with your department?"
"Personally, no, but I imagine if they looked they could find someone," Harry said.
Ginny's grip on her husband's hand tightened and he could see the look Fleur was giving him. So with a sigh he said,
"Alright, for the sake of argument, no, there is no one better able to do what I can do."
"Ok, now, if you feel confident that you can control this thing what danger do you pose to the public?" Bill continued.
"But that's the issue, Bill; I don't know if I have this completely under control. It's only been a few days and yes I can do it when I want. But I don't know if it can be triggered some other way. Is there some point where my temper will trigger it automatically? That's what I need to know."
"I understand, Harry. I'll help in any way I can, although this is more Charlie's area of expertise," Bill said.
"Ah, well, hold on a minute there, big brother. Yes, dragons are my area of study but it has more to do with things like illnesses and mating habits and so on. Animagi are a bit out my league, but if he needs his talons sharpened I could lend a hand," Charlie said with a smile and he got a scowl from his mother.
"Charlie, this is serious," she admonished him.
"No, Mum, it's ok. Like Dad said we do need to keep a sense of humor about this."
This did little to mollify his Mum. Hermione chose this moment to speak for the first time since they came back into the house. She started with a question directed at Charlie.
"Charlie, are dragons very territorial?"
"In a word, yes. With the exception of mating and a mother with a clutch of new borns they are very solitary creatures and they guard their territory jealously."
"How are they about their young?"
"Protective you mean? Well Harry can attest to how a mother will protect its eggs. Once the eggs hatch they remain protective for about a year or so. By then the yearlings are big enough to fend for themselves."
"I wonder then if that mutated dragon attacked Harry because it was defending its territory from another dragon, Harry. And maybe Harry's attitude about his family, the raging anger at threats to us is a manifestation of the dragon within. It might have been there all along."
"But from where, how?" Harry asked. "Even the whole horcrux thing only made me a Parseltongue and that went away when the horcrux did."
"I don't know, Harry," Hermione replied. "Why is Professor McGonagall a cat, or your dad a stag? Peter Pettigrew being a rat made a certain sense but it's still a very murky area of magic."
"'arry," Fleur said.
"Yes, Fleur?"
"Do you remember thee conversation we 'ad that afternoon at Beauxbaton?"
"Yes, I'm not likely to ever forget that." Harry said with a grin.
"Eet ees still true, 'arry. Thee dragon ees just a changed body. Eef you grow old and gain feefty pounds eet weell steel be you. I know you are concerned. You would not be you eef you weren't. Theenk what Riddle would 'ave done eef 'e 'ad thees power. Try to understand eet but do not worry. You weel find a way to turn eet to thee good."
Harry looked at her for a few moments and nodded. He then figured they had discussed enough for one evening
"I guess we've talked about this enough for one night. Thank you for coming on such short notice and being so understanding. With support like this I should be able to get a handle on it in time. Oh, and Hermione," he said.
"Yes, Harry?"
"Once the weather warms up, maybe we can go somewhere quiet and I'll take you for a ride."
Hermione's eyes went wide and then narrowed as everyone else started laughing. Her dislike for flying witch style was well known. She threw a small pillow at him and then laughed herself. There were a number of hugs and handshakes as everyone prepared to go their separate ways. Harry and Ginny headed back to the London house and as always found Kreacher waiting for them.
"Welcome home, Master Harry, Mistress Ginny. Master Harry feels well?"
"I'm feeling much better, thanks, Kreacher. And thank you for all the help with the messages earlier."
"Kreacher is pleased to be of assistance at any time. Kreacher has word for Master Harry from the Hogwarts elves. They say to tell Master Harry that no one will know of his time at the Quidditch Stadium. They say to tell Master Harry that they have taken care of the grass."
"Oh wow, that's right. I must have left a lot of tracks in the dead grass. I'll have to pay a visit to the kitchen the next time I'm up there," Harry said as he and Ginny started to make their way to their room.
"That would be nice, but do you see, Harry? You have people of all sorts willing to help you."
He smiled at her. In a short time they were snuggled up in bed and Harry was feeling definitely tired. He would have to go in tomorrow and try to meet with the Minister. As Ginny shifted to get comfortable she quietly said,
"Harry?"
"Yes, Gin?"
"I was just thinking. Do you think it's possible that you might have a dream about something that could make you turn into the dragon?"
"I dunno, love. That's one of the things I need to try and find out. Why?"
"I guess I'm just a little concerned that I might wake up in the basement because some bloody great dragon crashed through the floors."
This comment was followed by a snicker which prompted a retaliatory tickle blitz that filled the house with the sound of Ginny's screams and laughter. The following morning Harry and Ginny were up early and while they were eating breakfast they discussed what Harry was hoping to accomplish for the day.
"Do you think you'll be able to get in to see the Minister, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"If he's in today I'd think so. He and the Director were both pretty concerned about what was going on, especially after I mentioned I might have to resign. So if he's anywhere in the building I should be able to get some time with him."
"Do you think it will come to that, Harry? That you'll have to quit?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
"I don't know, love. I just can't see a way around violating the registration law and being the head of enforcement. But don't worry. Even if I had to quit we'd be ok. I have more then enough to take care of us."
"I'm not worried about the money, Harry. It would just be so unfair. Unfair to the rest of us not to have you doing the work and unfair to you to waste so much talent over a technicality."
Harry just gave her a little smile but suppressed the shrug that always annoyed her so much. Soon enough they were on their separate ways and Harry found himself in the lobby of the Ministry. It was still a little before most of the employees reported so Harry was able to make his way to his office to check for any messages. There were none. He guessed that no one expected him back in yet. Harry wondered to himself just how many days he had been out of the office since he started here.
Finding no message he made his way up the Minister's office suite and approached the secretary's desk. It looked like she had just gotten in. When she looked up her eyes went wide.
"Oh, Mr. Potter, we weren't expecting you so early. The Minister left a standing order that you were to be admitted at anytime as long as he wasn't already with someone. Please, go right ahead."
That was more than the secretary had ever said to Harry before, combined. He approached the door and knocked.
"Yes?" he heard the deep voice call back.
"Harry Potter here, sir."
"Harry! Do come in."
Harry swung the door open and entered the large office. The Minister rose from his chair and met Harry half way, shaking his hand.
"Please, Harry, have a seat. Have you seen Grimsson yet this morning?"
"No, sir. It was advised that I come directly to see you, sir. And only you."
"Advised? By whom, Harry?" the Minister asked as he resumed his seat behind the large desk.
"By Professor Dumbledore, sir."
"Ah, well, advice worth listening to then. Alright Harry let's you and I talk. Were you able to come to some conclusions at Hogwarts?" the Minister asked.
"Yes, sir. Before I go on, sir, I need your assurance that you will keep what I tell you in strictest confidence. Professor Dumbledore suggested you were the only one in the Ministry, besides my family, that I could trust with this."
"Well, that puts me a bit of a tight spot but I don't think Dumbledore would suggest something that I would come to regret so I'll agree to that," the Minister said.
"Thank you, sir. Well, I went up to Hogwarts looking for answers and this is what I found out. I am an animagus. Apparently a natural born or spontaneous one. The bigger issue, if you'll pardon the pun, is that my other form is a fairly large dragon," Harry said rather matter-of-factly and then he waited for his superior's response.
It was a few moments in coming.
"So what you're telling me is that at some point in your confrontation with this wizard you abruptly turned into a dragon and in that form you laid waste to four buildings in four different countries and then partially demolished that barn in Derbyshire."
"Yes, sir."
"Just like that."
"Yes, sir."
"And you're sure it's animagic that we are dealing with here?"
"As far as we can tell, sir. Professor McGonagall and I did some, well, try outs I'd guess you'd say and I was in complete control and able to understand her completely. Then last night I showed my family and the same thing. The change to and from was controlled and I was able to understand and communicate."
"You talked?"
"No, sir. Head nods, that sort of thing."
"Just how big are we talking here, Harry?"
"Well, we didn't exactly measure but up at school we were in the Quidditch Stadium and I had to be really careful moving around. It was kinda tight. Charlie was there last night and he could probably give a more accurate estimate," Harry replied.
"Well, this certainly goes well beyond anything Abernathy and I had speculated about. We thought you might have gone berserk or something and used your Firebolt to cover all that distance. I can certainly understand your concern about keeping this confidential."
"Yes, sir and that brings me to the second issue. Since the animagi registry is public knowledge I can't see myself complying and if that's the case my position as the chief of law enforcement becomes a problem," Harry said.
The Minister looked at Harry and then stood up and walked around the desk and took the other chair that was there for visitors and sat down directly across from his young subordinate.
"Harry. I appreciate your sentiments in this. I can also understand and agree with your reluctance to make this public knowledge. As to how it would affect your being chief I can't say I'm surprised at how you feel about this. In fact, knowing you as I do I would be surprised if you hadn't said what you did. But let me ask you something, Harry. Do you think that the things that you did at Hogwarts while you were a student were intended to do good?"
"Sure, I guess so, sir. The Sorcerer's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets, all that stuff was. Flying the Anglia might not have been done with the best of intentions. Ron and I were trying to save our own skins with that one," Harry said with a half grin.
"And of course while you were doing these things you never broke any rules or got into trouble, right?"
"Um, well, Ron and I managed to break quite a few rules, sir. After the Chamber of Secrets business Professor Dumbledore told us we had broken at least a dozen rules. And Professor Snape wanted us expelled for crashing the Anglia into the Whomping Willow," Harry answered.
"But you weren't, were you?"
"Well, no sir. You know that."
"Yes, I do know that, Harry. And I know you know it, too. But I want you to understand why you weren't expelled. I have it on very good authority, Harry, that with the exception of your last year you routinely engaged in behavior that would best be described as, oh, I don't know, felonious perhaps. And yet you graduated with high honors and great acclaim. Why was that?"
"Um, because we, Ron, Hermione and me that is, were trying to do things to stop Voldemort," Harry said.
"That's right, Harry. Now I'm not trying to say that the ends justify the means because it is possible to go too far even when you're trying to do the right thing, but in your case, it was decided that your infractions were to be overlooked because you were working for a greater good. That's what I'm saying now. I am prepared to overlook that fact that you are an unregistered animagus because one, your work is too important to us and two I don't believe that you represent a threat to our world. Now, if we find for some reason the second part changes we'll deal with it as we have to but for now we keep this in strictest confidence and you keep doing what you're doing. I assume that your family members here at the Ministry are interested in helping you, correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Fine, I will speak to them individually and inform them of my intentions here and swear them to strictest secrecy. I will also talk to Abernathy and assure him I am aware of the details but for now they have to remain in confidence. So unless you have any other earth shaking revelations to make, why don't we get back to work? That is if you feel up to it."
"Yes, sir, I'll do that. Thank you, sir. I may need to take some trips up to Hogwarts to work with Professor McGonagall to investigate the extent of this," Harry said.
"That's fine, Harry. You can always tie it in to your work with the school and the Centaurs. That will keep it official."
"Yes, sir."
They stood up and with a final handshake, Harry left the Ministers office. Harry was relieved that he wasn't going to have to make any hasty decisions regarding his career but he was still concerned about the issue of fully understanding the extent of this new ability. He wasn't likely to consider it a gift. He made it to his office and was seated for perhaps ten minutes when there was a tentative knock on the door frame.
"Sir?"
"Tom, come on in. Good timing," Harry said.
"We weren't expecting you this morning," Tom said tentatively.
"So I've been told. But I'm here so let's see what we can get done. I'll need to see Maxwell and Milligan as soon as possible. Please arrange that for me. I'll also need to talk with Ms. Granger so if you would check and see if she has some time to spare."
"Yes, sir. Anything else?"
"Oh, I'm sure there will be all kinds of things but for now that will be enough to get started."
"Yes, sir," replied Tom and he hurried off.
A quarter of an hour later both Milligan and Maxwell appeared at his door. Harry waved them in.
"Good morning, gentleman. I want to fill you in on recent events. At least as much as I can."
"That would be appreciated, sir. Quite frankly the stories have been pretty fantastic," Maxwell said.
Harry thought to himself that the stories were probably a lot more mundane then the reality.
"So I've been told, but here's what we've got. Over the Christmas holiday I started getting flashes of some shadowy figure. It was a concern since back in the days when I was still linked with Riddle I had similar occurrences. So I had Abagail Westwood have a look and she was able to determine the source of these sendings. It involved the portal but not the direct link. Because of the uncertainties and the, well, personal nature I decided to go it alone."
Harry saw the looks of disapproval from the two older men.
"Yes, I know. I broke all my rules about unauthorized missions and so on. But I thought the risks were too great for a larger party. Call it a command decision. The sender turned out to be a very old, very powerful wizard who was using the smuggling as a way to further his goal to take over the magical world in Europe and possibly even the mundane world as well. When I encountered him the discussion got heated and the results were rather dramatic, explosive you might say. I was also able to tune into the link the portals made to the other storage sites on the continent. They've been eliminated. Then I came home."
Harry sat back, having told all he really intended. He waited for them to ask the first question. Milligan went first.
"Uh, all of that by yourself in a few days, sir?"
"That's correct."
"Based on the intelligence we've managed to gather that manor and those three warehouses were completely demolished and burned to the ground."
"I'm aware of that, yes," Harry replied evenly.
Milligan blinked a time or two and then settled back in his chair.
"So, do we conclude that this investigation is closed?" Maxwell asked.
"No, not yet. I'd like you to make contact with our French friends and see what they are picking up. I'd like to see if we can determine what the extent was, was there any connection directly back to Durmstrang and just who this old wizard was. We may have destroyed a lot of it, but I'm not convinced we've gotten rid of all of it. He may have had lieutenants that would be able to step in and keep going," Harry said.
"'We', sir?" Maxwell asked.
"Yes, we. The Minister will be issuing a press release providing generalized information that will credit agents of the Ministry's Law Enforcement section for the action resulting in the destruction of the criminal assets."
"Why do I have a feeling that that was your idea, sir?"
"Because you have very good instincts, Maxwell. I have enough people looking at me with funny looks. I've been the famous Harry Potter for far longer then I'd like. It's better this way. Oh, by the way. Is there still outside access to the portal in Derbyshire?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir. The roof collapse makes it more difficult but we can still reach it from that side."
"Good, we are going to be teaming with some researchers from Hogwarts to try and determine some of the aspects of the portals," Harry said.
"Hogwarts? Shouldn't that be something the spooks would take care of?" Milligan asked.
"They might think so but I have other ideas. Think of it as part of the growing relationship between the school and the Ministry per the Minister's wishes. The problem with the spooks is they want to find things out and then keep them to themselves. In fact, Milligan, if you can, I'd appreciate anything you can find out about that dragon I tangled with. Charlie Weasley had very little time to find anything out. Unofficially, of course."
"Anything you say, Chief."
"Ok. What else do we have?" Harry asked.
The three spent the next hour and a half discussing routine matters of schedules, training, staffing and incidents. By the time Harry was feeling the need to eat they were done and he decided he would take a stroll to the Cauldron and then take a turn around the Alley and stop in and see a few people.
He Disapparated to the courtyard behind the Cauldron and stepped in through the rear door. He stood there a moment and let his eyes adjust to the dimmer light and he could see the dining room was busy but there was space. Apparently the proprietress was alert because as he took a step further into the room she hailed him.
"Harry, it's so great to see you. How have you been?" Hannah called out.
"I'm doing fine, Hannah. I thought I'd treat myself to a nice lunch today."
Hannah came up and hugged Harry and then took his arm and led him to a seat at an empty table. He sat down and so did she.
"We haven't seen much of you since the wedding, Harry."
"I know, Hannah. Things have been kind of busy and I haven't been getting out much. How is business?" he asked.
"We're doing well, Harry. Business has been steadily improving as things have been getting back to normal. People seem happier and more likely to come out of an evening. We aren't having any trouble making the loan payments," she said with a little grin.
"That's not what I meant, Hannah," Harry said.
"I know, Harry, but I thought I'd tease you a little. It's fun to see you get so serious," she said with a laugh.
"How's Nev doing?" Harry asked.
"He's doing really well, Harry. He's been working on a project with Professor Sprout and a couple of the healers as St. Mungo's. Something about medicinal properties of some of the new plants he's discovered during his field trips. There's also some talk about looking for a Ministry grant. They need some funds to refurbish one of the hothouses up at Hogwarts to grow some of the more unusual plants."
"Sounds really great, Hannah. Looks like our Nev is going to make his mark on the world," Harry said while he pondered the idea of funds.
"It sure does. Now, what can we get for you for lunch, Harry?" she said with a smile.
Harry spent an enjoyable time eating and talking with Hannah. Considering the events of the previous few days he was feeling a lot better then he thought was possible. After settling his bill he bid Hannah good bye and headed for the entrance to the Alley. Despite the winter chill there were still a fair number of witches and wizards going about their business, some with small children in tow. A number of them recognized Harry and offered greetings of various kinds. Harry smiled or waved and said hello to those nearby. He kept his eyes moving and picked up the Patrollers that were walking the beat. Harry hadn't realized that they were on their own now. He needed to talk to Maxwell about it. There were details slipping past him and he wasn't happy about that.
He made his way to the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes shop and stepped inside. There were a couple of customers and George was behind the counter.
"Harry! Great to see you today. How are you doing?" George asked.
"Doing good, George. All things considered, better then good."
"Come on back and we can talk in my office. Diggsworthy, watch the shop."
"Yes, Mr. Weasley," the clerk said, keeping his eyes diverted from Harry.
Harry joined George behind the counter and they went back to George's small office.
"So, Harry. I assume you met with the Minister this morning. How did it go?"
"It actually went fairly well. He was pretty stunned by the news but once he got over that he was pretty good about the whole thing. When I talked about how being unregistered might make my being chief a problem, he said he wasn't going to let that happen. He pointed out that I had broken the rules at school any number of times but Dumbledore and McGonagall let it slide because I was trying to do something good. He said what I was doing was too important to let this ruin it. Just so long as I don't prove a danger to the public," Harry finished.
"That's terrific, Harry. Mum and Dad will be really happy. And I think I'll take some credit for this, too. With what Fred and I used to pull the stuff you and Ron got up to paled by comparison," George said with a laugh.
Harry laughed, too. They chatted for a while longer and then Harry got up and after shaking hands with George he left the shop. His next stop was Flourish and Blotts. He was greeted enthusiastically by the clerk.
"Hello, Mr. Potter. Wonderful to see you again. What can we do for you?"
"I'm looking for anything you might have about Animagi. I'm doing some research," Harry said.
"Hmm, an obscure branch of magic to be sure, sir. Let me see," the wizard said as he moved off to one of the dustier corners of the store.
Harry began to browse on his own and after a half an hour or so he bought three books, two offered by the clerk and one he found on his own. One was a general reference on magic that contained a section, if brief, on animagic. One was a tract titled 'Oddities of the World of Magic" that had a much more extensive section on the subject. The last was a dusty old volume, perhaps only a hundred pages long entitled "Animagic, the Creature Within." Harry thanked the clerk and walked out of the store and made his way to his last intended stop, the Ice Cream Haven. Since it was the middle of a weekday in winter the store was empty except for Angelina who was taken the opportunity to do some cleaning.
"Harry! What a nice surprise. Social visit or is your sweet tooth acting up?" she asked.
"Sweet tooth. Vanilla with hot fudge sauce, please," Harry said.
"Coming right up."
Harry sat at a table by the window and waited for Angelina. It had been some time since he had gotten a pretty stern talking to about how he didn't stand in line or at the counter. He could just sit himself down and she'd bring it out to him. He did it now without really thinking about it. In moments she strode up to the table and placed the bowl in front of him and then she bent down to kiss his cheek. After that she folded herself into the chair across from him and looked at him seriously.
"So, you still have a job or do you want to come work here behind the counter?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.
Harry laughed and said,
"I'm still employed. The Minister was very understanding. It remains an official secret and my unregistered status will be overlooked. At least as long as I don't become a danger to anyone. He's also going to cut me some slack about going to Hogwarts to do the research I need to do."
"Oh, Harry, that's great. It really is an amazing thing. I have to admit when you changed I thought my heart would stop. I hope you don't mind my saying this but you are one very impressive dragon."
Harry gave Angelina a 'look' and then snorted as he scooped up more of the ice cream. He wondered if one of the reasons he suggested the ice cream store to her was so that he had a place to come to satisfy his urge for sweets. He had a thought and looked across at his sister-in-law.
"You know I love your ice cream but you know what I miss? The cakes and biscuits that we used to get up at Hogwarts for dessert. I wonder why there isn't a bakery here on the Alley?"
"Good question, Harry. Hogsmeade has the candy shop but I don't think there's been a bakery around that I know of," Angelina said while she looked around the shop. "You know, with a little rearranging I could get another counter in here. I don't have the room for a bakery kitchen but if we found someone to make the stuff and deliver it, I could sell it here. It would be a way to boost my cold weather income. Hmm, now I need to figure out how to find someone to do the baking."
"Well, we can start with Mum, she might know of someone and Hannah must be getting her bread and desserts from someone. I'll ask her on my way back to work," Harry said.
"Great, Harry. Thanks for such a terrific idea."
By this time Harry had finished his treat and was fishing out the coins to pay for it. As usual Angelina shook her head as he handed them over but she smiled as they both stood up and hugged each other good by. Harry carried his books under one arm as he made his way to the back door of the Cauldron. He re-entered and looked around for Hannah.
When he saw her he walked over.
"Harry, you're back. You're not hungry again, are you?"
"No, but I have a question for you. Where do you get your baked goods from?" Harry asked.
"Um, we make them ourselves, Harry. The Cauldron's kitchen has a pretty good sized bake oven. Usually we only bake every other day. Otherwise we'd be heating up the oven and not making full use of it."
Hearing this, an idea occurred to Harry.
"Hannah, can we sit down for a couple of minutes?"
"Sure, Harry, things have slowed a little now that lunch is over. What's going on?"
Harry and Hannah sat at a table and he explained what he and Angelina had discussed about baked goods.
"Hmm, that's a very interesting idea, Harry. We couldn't really make something like that work in here but I imagine Angelina's would be a perfect spot for it. I need to talk to her about this right away. I'll get someone to watch the room and I'll dash right over. This is great, Harry, thanks."
"You're welcome, Mrs. Longbottom. Please give my best to Mr. Longbottom. I'll try and catch him up my next time at Hogwarts," Harry said with a grin.
"I will Harry and he'd love that."
Harry smiled and was on his way back to the Ministry. On his way down to his office he detoured and stopped by Hermione's office and was lucky enough to find her in.
"Hiya Harry, come on in. Tom told me you wanted to have a chat."
"Yes, Hermione. It's been a while since we talked any business, especially the last couple of days so I thought it would be a good idea," he replied as he sat down.
"Why don't you close the door," she said, which he did.
"I had a talk with the Mr. Shacklebolt before lunch. He explained his position regarding you and your new, status, I guess. He made it very clear that this was all to be kept in strictest secrecy. I agreed of course but did you think you needed him to tell me, Harry?"
"No, Hermione. You're one of the few people I trust completely. The chat was the Minister's idea. I think he wanted to let you know that he was aware of everything and that he was supporting my remaining unregistered. He was going to have the same talk with Dad, Percy and Ron. Please don't take it personally."
"Well, I guess that's alright then. I was afraid you were thinking back to that whole Firebolt fiasco at school," she said. "So down to business. We have our proposals and we're reviewing them now. Some of the more traditional thinkers are making some objections but I don't think they're willing to put their careers at stake over it. Are you going to be taking a trip to Hogwarts again soon?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing planned but I can do a trip just about anytime. What's on your mind?"
"This is likely to take some time and I don't want the Centaurs to think we're being disrespectful. I thought maybe you could make contact and just let them know we're evaluating their proposal and discussing it," Hermione said.
"I think I can manage that. I'll send Hagrid a message and ask him to arrange it. I think just showing up in the forest might not be proper protocol," Harry said.
"Such the diplomat, Harry," she said with a smile.
Harry just snorted and then laughed. He stayed and they chatted for a bit more and then he left for his office. He wrote the note for Hagrid and sent it off. Next he sent a note to Maxwell asking for a status report on the Patrollers and training. He then sent another to Muntab requesting an update on what she was planning for the Patrollers she was interested in. He then called Tom in and asked him for an update on the incident statistics he had been compiling.
Hogsmeade continued to be the more common site of problems although it was still relatively infrequent. One thing you could say about the magical world. With nearly everyone carrying a wand, it made one think twice before starting any trouble. Harry wrapped things up and decided to go home. He walked up to the lobby and Disapparated home. He could smell something wonderful coming from the kitchen and he poked his head in and breathed deeply. He looked back at the little house elf standing behind him.
"What's the occasion, Kreacher? That smells like a full on Sunday dinner for guests."
"Master Harry has had a very difficult time lately. Mistress Ginny suggested a special dinner would make Master Harry happy. Mistress Ginny has invited Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger to share dinner."
"What a great idea. Guess I should get cleaned up. Is Ginny home yet?"
"No, Master Harry. Mistress Ginny is expected before the sun sets."
"Ok, thanks Kreacher," Harry said.
It turned out to be a great evening and by the time Ron and Hermione left them for their homes Harry was feeling very content. He did notice that he put a major dent in the meal and he was wondering if his recent increase in appetite was a result of the three actual days that he was gone or was it some weird influence of the dragon side of his nature. His message to Hagrid was answered the following afternoon indicating that the Centaurs would be willing to meet Harry the next day and he should meet Hagrid at his hut after breakfast. He was of course welcome to have breakfast at the Great Hall.
So it was that Harry left Grimmauld Place early that morning and made his way up to the main doors. Oddly enough Harry was relieved to see Argus Filch opening the door for him.
"Mr. Filch, it's very nice to see you back on the job. I trust you're feeling better."
The old caretaker looked at Harry with narrowed eyes and then just grunted and turned away. Harry couldn't help but smile and laugh a bit. He made his way to the Great Hall and saw that breakfast was just getting underway. Professor McGonagall waved him up to the head table.
"Harry, welcome back again. I understand you're meeting with the Centaurs this morning. I hope you'll have time to stop by later for a talk," she said.
"Yes, ma'am. I don't think this morning's business should take too long," he replied.
"Excellent. Please, sit and enjoy your breakfast."
"Thank you, ma'am."
He caught Bill's eye and his older 'brother' winked at him. Harry smiled back and nodded briefly. The meal passed pleasantly and as he ate Harry looked out over the students and made eye contact with a few that were familiar to him including Abagail who gave him a shy and questioning smile and when he smiled broadly back her own became larger. Once he was done he took his leave of the Headmistress and made his way down to Hagrid's hut. He wondered why Hagrid wasn't at breakfast. As he approached Norbie came bounding out of the hut and made a great deal out of Harry's visit, narrowly avoiding knocking Harry over. Harry had been denied the joys of having a dog when he was growing up so he enjoyed it whenever he had the opportunity to play with Hagrid's, first Fang and now Norbie.
"Hullo, Harry. Good ta see ya."
"Hi, Hagrid. Missed you at breakfast. Everything alright?" Harry asked.
"Had ta be out and about real early this morning, Harry, so I took care of meself. Let's be off," Hagrid said.
The three of them walked into the forest and as before they met Bane and Ronan in the small clearing. Bane looked at Hagrid.
"Friend Hagrid, we would ask that you leave us now."
"Oh, sure thing, Bane. Ya'll bring Harry out again ta the edge of the forest?"
"We will do so, friend Hagrid."
Hagrid looked at the two Centaurs and then to Harry and nodded. He turned and with a call to Norbie walked away from the clearing. Bane looked at Harry and said,
"Welcome back to the forest, Serpent King. We bid you walk with us where we may meet with the others of the herd."
Harry's head turned quickly at the use of the new honorific. Why the change? Did they know?
"I would be pleased to walk with you. I am pleased that my injury is healed well enough that I may do so," Harry replied.
"Let us proceed, it is not all that far."
Harry walked between the two Centaurs down the narrow trail. In fact, he was walking down the trail and they skirted the edges. Despite the winter chill the air under the trees wasn't too uncomfortable for Harry under the heavy winter cloak he wore. Bane and Ronan remained silent. Harry's limited contact with the creatures didn't allow him to gauge if this was normal behavior or they were displaying some reticence. They walked for perhaps twenty minutes or so and came to a screen wall of very large trees.
Ronan stepped out in front of Harry and Bane fell in behind and single file they moved around the trunk of the tree directly in front of them. Beyond was a large circular clearing ringed about with equally large trees whose evergreen branches allowed a small portion of the winter sun through and gave it a light green tint. In the dim light he could see a significant number of Centaurs around the edge of the clearing. A number of them were obviously female. Not knowing what to do, Harry took a couple of steps forward and bowed as best he could to those around the edge of the clearing. He cleared his throat and projecting as best he could said,
"I wish to thank you all for allowing me to speak to you in this place. Your willingness to treat with us, Hermione Granger and myself, is very humbling and gratifying. I would also like to thank you all for the honor and gift you bestowed upon my mate and me. As promised the bow and quiver have been given a place of honor in our home."
A Centaur separated from the rest and moved forward to stand in the center of the clearing. He was obviously a creature of advanced years as evidenced by the flowing gray mane and tail, yet he stood straight and tall.
"Harry Potter, Serpent King. We of this herd have broken with traditions of such antiquity their origins are lost in the mists of time. We have on occasion chosen to speak with those of your race when it suited us. Dumbledore was an occasional visitor to this circle. You are the first that we deemed worthy of the honors that you have mentioned. When the signs first pointed to your coming we wondered what they could mean. They appeared in the constellation called Draco, the dragon. We supposed that it meant you were tied to the serpent wizard, Voldemort. In that we were right, but it was not the whole of the tale as you now well know."
"So you know about…the dragon?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Serpent King, we know. We also know that you have demonstrated many traits that we do not find common among your kind. Honor, courage, self sacrifice, and a willingness to see others as equal to yourself. The strength of the dragon was there to be seen. Perhaps the lost one saw it first. We see it now and so we invite you here to this special place of meeting," the elder said.
"Is this your home in the forest?" Harry asked in a subdued voice.
"No, Serpent King. For all that we hold you in highest regard, none of your race would be allowed to see that place."
Harry nodded his acceptance of this statement. He found the notion did not chafe. He looked around the clearing, trying to affix the images in his mind for he was fairly certain he would never see most of these people, as he considered them, ever again.
"Now, Serpent King, what would you say to us?"
"I'm afraid that my words are pale shadows of what you have said to me this day. It embarrasses me to say this. I had expected to relay to friends Bane and Ronan that the Ministry is studying the proposal you provided and there is much discussion. Some of those of more traditional thoughts have raised objections. My friend Hermione Granger requested I tell you this and to assure you that these objections will be dealt with and she respectfully asks your forbearance," Harry finished.
"There is no need for embarrassment, Serpent King. Your words offer respect and consideration. They speak well of you and friend Hermione Granger. They confirm that we have chosen well to treat with you. In return I would offer you advice if you would hear."
"I would be more then pleased to hear your advice, sir," Harry said.
A ripple ran around the assembled Centaurs at the use of the honorific by Harry.
"You seek to understand that which has occurred to you. You seek to understand your place in the world. It is proper that you do so. Such knowledge is important to one with the power you possess. But more important still is the knowledge that that place is yours to make as much as find. Look within for the answer as much as without. A path that opens before you may be of lesser value then the path you create yourself."
Harry smiled at the words and nodded.
"Similar words have been offered to me before. It is gratifying to hear them again from a source of obvious wisdom. I thank you for them."
Again the ripple ran threw those assembled.
"As I thank you for accepting them. Fare thee well, Serpent King. Perhaps we shall meet anon."
With that the elder Centaur turned and made his way to his left. Those assembled there parted to let him pass and then closed in around him and the whole of the herd faded away through the trees, leaving Harry with Ronan and Bane. Harry stood looking around the now empty clearing.
"We would guide you back to the edge of the forest now, friend Harry Potter," Ronan rumbled.
"What, oh, yes. Thank you," Harry replied, obviously distracted.
The three walked in silence. Harry was barely aware of his surroundings as the thought about the implications of the meeting. The first was how did they know? Did Dumbledore or McGonagall send some message or did they find something so specific from their star gazing. Firenze indicated that wasn't the way it worked. Or was there some other magic at work. Why had he gone from Slayer to King? Were all dragons considered kings of the serpents or was there some other message behind it? He was still pondering these questions when Bane spoke.
"We have come to the edge, friend Harry Potter. Fare the well."
"Thank you, Bane, Ronan. I greatly appreciate your courtesy," Harry said as he offered his hand by way of farewell.
Both Bane and Ronan accepted the gesture and as they turned Ronan said,
"As do we yours."
He watched them move back into the forest and then he made his way the last few yards to the end of the trail and the beginning of the wide lawn that separated the castle from the trees.
Harry could see that Hagrid was not at home, most likely off with his class for the morning. It would still be a while before lunch and an idea struck him so he set off towards the green houses. There were no sounds coming from the large glass enclosed structures so Harry assumed it must be a free period. He opened the door to the first one and looked and listened. He thought he could hear murmured conversation coming from further on so he stepped in, immediately feeling the damp warmth he remembered so well.
He opened his cloak and cast about trying to determine where he heard the voices. He thought he got a bearing and headed off to the far end of the building that had connecting ways to where the more advanced students held their classes. Soon he was able to discern the voices of Professor Sprout and Neville. They must have heard his footfalls since they both turned at the same time to see him approaching.
"Harry. Good to see you, mate. What brings you up today?" Neville asked, coming forward to shake his friend's hand.
"I needed to have a talk with the Centaurs and since I was here I thought I'd look you up. I talked with Hannah the other day and she told me what you were up to so I figured I'd be nosey. Hello, Professor Sprout."
"Hullo, Harry. It's very nice to see you again. How are you keeping?" the stout little witch asked.
"Doing pretty well, Professor. Nev, Hannah told me you have a really great new project you're working on."
"Yeah, Harry. My field trips have turned up some interesting new plants and we think they may have some significant medicinal properties. I was only able to bring in a few samples of each, so we need to grow more of them for study. Unfortunately the conditions have to be very carefully controlled. None of the hot houses are suitable right now. We're hoping to get a grant or something to refit one of them. It's a fair amount of money."
"How much are you talking about?" Harry asked.
Neville pulled a sheet of parchment from the pocket of his work robe and showed it to Harry. There were a number of lines, each with a number associated with it. The total was at the lower right corner. It was sizeable but compared to some of the numbers Harry had been seeing the last few years it wasn't really all that much.
"My grandmother has offered up some and one or two of the school directors have pledged more but we're still short a little more then half," Neville said.
"I'll put up the rest," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"Harry, I couldn't ask you to do that," Neville said.
"I don't recall you asking me at all, Nev. I offered. Look, Professor Sprout saved Hermione in our second year with that Mandrake juice potion and how many times have I benefited from a healing potion? Considering my tendency for disaster I'm really helping myself here. Just let me know where you want the money put and I'll have Gringotts make the transfer," Harry said with a smile.
"Wow, this is terrific, Harry. I can't thank you enough," Neville enthused.
"We're friends, mate, you don't have to thank me at all."
Professor Sprout just smiled and shook Harry's hand with both of hers. Harry took his leave of his friend and his former teacher and left them talking excitedly over the much used sheet of parchment. His next stop was back up into the castle and down the little side corridor to the portrait with the pear. A tickle and a turn of the handle and he was heading down into the kitchen.
"Harry Potter. What an honor this is. How may Hogwarts house elves help Harry Potter?" one of the house elves said, his eyes wide with awe.
"You've already helped me a great deal. Kreacher gave me your message that you had covered up my tracks at the Quidditch Stadium. I just wanted to come by and say thank you."
"It is pleased and honored are Hogwarts house elves to help the great Harry Potter. The great secret is safe with the Hogwarts house elves," another elf replied.
Harry shook hands with some of the elves, those who were brave enough to come near. He noticed that many remained at a distance. He didn't sense fear, perhaps it was wonder, or respect, or awe. Those he could deal with, fear would have disturbed him greatly. There were offers of food but he politely declined and indicated he would enjoy their handiwork at lunch with the rest of the school. After thanking them again he left and made his way to the Great Hall which would, in a few moments, begin to fill with students. He took a seat at the far end of the Gryffindor table and looked around at the few students already there studying or playing games.
It wasn't long before the sound of approaching students filled the corridor leading to the Hall. He received many greetings from those passing by. As several senior Gryffindors approached he began to stand but he was waved back down.
"Please, sir," one witch said. "We'd be happy if you sat with us, there'll be room."
"Is everyone alright?" Harry asked.
"Wilkins took a hard bludger blow in practice yesterday, sir. He's up in the hospital wing. He's still seeing double."
Harry winced in sympathy, remembering the bludger hit that broke his arm his second year. He then felt a pair of arms wrap around his neck from behind and he heard the breathless voice say,
"Hello, sir. It's great to see you. How are you?"
"I'm fine, little one. Wait for me after lunch. I want to talk to you for a few minutes."
"Alright, sir. See you then."
In short order the chaos turned to calm and lunch appeared. Harry had an enjoyable time as he always did when Hogwarts students were around. Since those nearest him were going to be graduating at the end of term a lot of the discussion picked up on Harry's visit at the start of term and the likelihood of employment opportunities. He assured them that the Ministry was still looking for bright, able, enthusiastic witches and wizards. He inquired about the Quidditch team and was distressed to hear that they were struggling this year having lost several key players to graduation last year. Apparently talent was a bit thin in the lower classes and Harry was determined to bring up the subject of the camp before he left.
As the meal was coming to an end Harry made his way up to the dais to intercept Bill before he left to let him know what had occurred. Professor McGonagall moved to join them.
"So, Harry, everything alright?" Bill asked.
"Yeah, Bill. The Minister is behind me. You were right. He's willing to overlook certain irregularities in view of the work I'm doing. He compared it to all the slack I was given here at Hogwarts," he said with a grin at Professor McGonagall, who regarded him primly from above her glasses.
"I thought it would be like that but I was still concerned. Fleur will be very happy. She was worried about you, not that that's anything new," Bill said laughing at the last.
"Hey, Bill, before you and the Head leave, I was talking to some of the Gryffindor seventh years and they said the team isn't doing well this year. They said the talent pool is a little weak among the lower years."
"It's true, Harry. We need some more talent," Bill replied.
"What about what we talked about at Christmas? The training camp?" Harry asked.
Bill slapped his forehead and said,
"I'm sorry, Harry. What with Fleur and the baby coming and school it completely slipped my mind."
"What's this all about, gentlemen," the Headmistress asked, always interested in anything bearing on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Harry explained what he and Ginny had seen at Beauxbaton and the discussion they all had at Christmas. When he was finished he looked at the Headmistress.
"Do you think we'd be able to put something like that together for Hogwarts? Perhaps for this August?" Harry asked.
"I will certainly support the use of our facility for it, Harry, to include room and board. I would have to leave it to you and yours about arranging for coaches and announcements and the like. Why don't you put something together and come see me and we'll go over it with Madame Hooch. I'm sure she'll be most interested."
"That's great, Professor. I'll get with the others and we'll work something out. I'll check with Dad this afternoon and see if he's had a chance to talk to the folks at Magical Sports and Games. Hey, I gotta go catch up Abagail before I leave."
"I'll pass the good news on to Professor Dumbledore, Harry," the Head said.
"Thank you. I'll see if I can catch him at the Ministry later. Bye Bill."
"Bye, Harry. We'll talk soon."
Harry smiled and turned to make his way to the Ravenclaw table. He didn't notice the two professors lean closer or hear their whispered conversation. Abagail was sitting waiting for him so she stood up as he approached. Harry was struck by how grown up she was starting to look. She was approaching her fifteenth birthday and it was starting to show. He knew she was as tall as she would ever be but she was starting to mature in other ways. He also noticed how some of the boys around her were also noticing. Then they noticed him noticing and the look on his face and they quickly found other things to pay attention to.
"So, ready for a little chat, Abagail?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir, Harry," she said with an impish grin.
He motioned her to lead the way and they went out the main entrance of the Hall and found a quiet spot to talk in the main foyer.
"I just wanted you to know, if you didn't already, that things went well for me with the family and at the Ministry. I didn't manage to scare anyone to death at the Burrow," he said in a low voice. "Also, the Minister is being very understanding and I won't have to resign my position."
"Why would you have to do that, Harry?" she asked.
"An animagus is required by law to register with the Ministry to include a complete description and any indentifying marks. It's a matter of public record. I don't intend to register for some pretty obvious reasons and I thought that would make it a problem to keep my job. The Minister disagreed. He said he could overlook it in light of the work I'm doing. Sort of like how they overlooked things when I was here at school."
She simply nodded to acknowledge her understanding and said,
"I'm happy to hear that, Harry. I know you have so much to worry about, including me. I'm glad keeping your job isn't going to be one of them."
"Speaking of worrying about you, little one, I've noticed you're growing up, are grown up actually. I've also noticed the boys noticing. Anything you think I need to know about?" Harry asked, his face serious.
Abagail began to blush but only a bit and her big dark eyes met his and said,
"Not really, Harry. One or two boys have shown a bit of interest but for the most part I think they don't really know what to think about me. You know, the whole psychic thing? One boy tried to brag about what a great flyer he was and I sorta peeked at him and saw that he had fallen off his broom three times during tryouts for the team. I don't think you have anything to be concerned about," she said wistfully.
"Don't you worry, Abagail. Once they grow up and realize what we already know, you'll find that special someone."
"Thanks, Harry," she said and she leaned her head against his shoulder for a moment.
"Little one?" Harry said.
"Yes, Harry?"
"I know you sometimes feel that your different than everyone else. Believe me, I understand how that feels. I also know that you worry about being alone. I know what that's like, too. Try not to worry about it. It might take some time but I know someone is out there for you. And I'm always here for you."
She looked up at her guardian and smiled and nodded. They sat quietly for a few minutes more and then with a hug they parted company. Harry watched her walk away and then let himself out by the main doors. His was back in his office in less then fifteen minutes.
His first stop after checking for any messages was to see Arthur Weasley about having made any contact with the Magical Sports office. Yes he had and he was waiting for a response. Apparently things move a little slowly in that office. He would do a follow up in the morning. Next Harry stopped in to let Hermione know what the Centaurs had said but he heavily sanitized the particulars so that she just knew they appreciated the courtesy and were satisfied with the way things were moving.
By the time he was done it was close to quitting time so he wrote up some notes on the idea of the camp in case he needed to talk to the Sports department in the near future and he'd ask if his Mum and Dad would host the clan at the Burrow so they could discuss plans. Considering where he had been a few days earlier life was looking good.