Harry's Future, Part 26
Harry lounged in the battered old chaise lounge that had been a daily fixture during the momentous summer of his recuperation after the defeat of Voldemort. This evening he was staring up into the summer night sky. The reception for Hermione and Ron for the magical side of the family had pretty much wound down and Harry was taking the opportunity to relax. The past couple of weeks had been pretty hectic and he was glad for the dark starry night and the warm breeze.
One of the more significant events was his trip up to Hogwarts after receiving the rather direct yet seemingly cryptic note that Hagrid had sent to him by way of Abagail when she returned for the summer. He made arrangements to visit the Head's office to discuss what headway he was making into the study of animagic and how it pertained to his rather unique situation. He was finding a reasonable amount of information but precious little touched directly on his case. He was still resisting any suggestion of experimentation but his resolve was starting to weaken. The idea of investigating under controlled conditions instead of dealing with some spontaneous disaster was starting to make some sense.
He then made a side trip to the greenhouse that Neville and Professor Sprout were upgrading for use in their work in the area of medicinal herbology, particularly with the exotic plants that Neville had been collecting on his field trips. It had been an unexpectedly emotional, yet gratifying experience. When Harry had first arrived Neville had greeted him excitedly.
"Harry," Neville called out as he so him approaching. "It's great to see you. Come in and see what we've been doing with your help."
The young herbologist gave Harry a tour showing him the special growing tables, watering and temperature control systems, as well as a lab area that allowed for the controlled planting, harvesting and hybridization experiments.
"This is amazing, Neville. I can't believe you got all this done so fast," Harry said in true astonishment.
"Well, we had a lot of it started but your help allowed us to get it all set up and running," his friend said with a big smile. "The extra galleons you put in allowed us to upgrade the lab equipment and that will be a big boost later on. Thanks for that, Harry."
"No problem, mate. I'm only too happy to help. In fact, why don't you and Professor Sprout work up some numbers on what the yearly expenses are going to be. I'll see what we might be able to work out to keep it all running so you don't have to go begging every year," Harry said with a small grin.
"Wow, that would be great. I guess what Professor Sprout and I decided to do was the right idea after all," Neville said with a grin.
"What do you mean, Nev?" Harry asked.
"We haven't put it up yet but this is what I mean," Neville said as he pointed at a cloth covered object on a nearby table. "Go ahead, Harry, uncover it."
Harry walked over to the table and pulled the cloth aside. Underneath was a bronze plaque that read as follows,
The Lily and James Potter
Medicinal Herbology
Research Center
"We thought about naming it after you, Harry, since you put the most into it but we knew you wouldn't want that so we figured this was the next best thing. We hope you like it."
Harry couldn't answer. He could barely see. He looked up and over to his friend but all he saw was a blur as the tears obscured his vision. He took off his glasses and wiped the tears away with his hand and then put them back on. He took a step toward his second oldest friend and reached out to take his hand and then pulled him into a crushing embrace. When he let Neville go he smiled once and then turned and walked out.
He wasn't sure why he was so emotional but just seeing his parents' name like that threatened to overwhelm him. Apparently some wounds still hadn't healed very well. He walked slowly on his way down to Hagrid's hut to collect his thoughts and get his emotions under control. He was maybe a hundred yards away when the booming bark of the now adult Norbie echoed across the distance. The big dog came bounding up the path towards Harry. His body having bulked out, he looked as if he was even bigger then Fang had been.
As the dog drew closer Harry stood fast but there was no collision. Hagrid had done his duty with training Norbie and the big Mastiff came to a halt just in front of Harry, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.
"Hello, Norbie. How are you, big fella?" Harry asked. "Sorry, but Abagail isn't with me today," he added, reaching out the scratch the big head between the ears.
Norbie didn't seem to mind as long as the scratching continued. Then Harry gave him a final pat on the head and continued on towards the hut. Norbie walked alongside for a few paces and then bolted, leaving Harry to catch up in his own time. As Harry neared the stone cottage the enormous figure of Hagrid appeared in the doorway.
"Harry, good ta see ya. I didna think you'd be comin' so soon when I sent the note with young Abagail," Hagrid said, his smile mostly hidden by his bushy beard.
"Well, it reminded me that I hadn't been up in a while and I had some other business so here I am. How have you been?" Harry asked.
"Doin' pretty well fer an old man, if'n I do say so meself," he said with a laugh. "Come on in and sit a spell."
Harry walked into one of the favorite places in his life. While not a place like the Burrow, it was such an integral piece of his life at Hogwarts he couldn't imagine a world without it. He took a seat in one of the overlarge chairs across from Hagrid's truly enormous one. Norbie laid on the floor between them, taking up much of the available space.
"Abagail tells me that she and Norbie have gotten to be pretty close friends," Harry said.
"Oh, aye, Harry. Ever since that day them thugs tried ta snatch her he's always right there next ta her when she's down this way. Quite a sight. Now that he's full grown she could probably ride 'em like a pony," Hagrid said with a laugh.
"So, Hagrid, were you just looking for a friendly visit or was there something more that you wanted to talk to me about," Harry asked.
"Summat odd going on in the forest, Harry and I thought mebbe you might know summat about it," Hagrid said, suddenly all business.
"What might that be?"
"I gets ta still talk ta the Centaurs now and agin, Harry, and they've been awful serious like fer a while now. Sometimes I hear 'em talkin' and I know they be talkin' about ya Harry but they don't use yer name no more. They only call ya Serpent King now Harry, did ya know that?"
Harry nodded and said,
"The last time I was there to see them, the time they asked you to leave me alone with them, they called me that. Do you know what it means?" Harry asked.
"The Centaurs refer ta dragons as Serpent Kings, Harry, but when they say it about ya it's always 'the' Serpent King, like the King of the dragons."
"Maybe because I killed that last dragon?" Harry asked edgily.
"I don't think so, Harry, that was always the Serpent Slayer," Hagrid said his dark eyes very penetrating as they regarded Harry.
Harry leaned back in his chair and looked up at Hagrid. The half giant had been his friend a long time and was the one that helped get him to Hogwarts for the first time. He had always been there when he needed him and he was one of the few people he thought he could trust absolutely.
"Hagrid. Are you my friend?"
"Harry! How could ya ask that? O' course I'm yer friend."
"Would you ever do anything to break trust with me?" Harry asked quietly.
"What're ya goin' on about, Harry? With all we've been through tagether? I'd no sooner do summat like that then become a Death Eater."
"Hagrid. I'm going to share a secret with you that I've only shared with my family and Professors' McGonagall and Dumbledore. I had to tell the Minister as well. But I think the Centaurs know about it, too, although I don't know how."
"Alright, Harry. I'd never tell someone a secret, well there was that time with the Sorcerer's Stone but ya tricked me outta that one. What is it, Harry?" Hagrid asked.
Harry took a deep breath and said,
"I'm an animagus, Hagrid, and my other self is a dragon."
Hagrid looked at Harry and scowled a bit. Then he said,
"What? Ya mean like a man sized one?"
"No, Hagrid, like a full sized one, in fact a bigger one then anyone has seen before," Harry said flatly.
Hagrid sat in silence for a few moments and then shook his large head. He neither smiled nor showed any sign that he thought this was such a wonderful thing which was odd considering his attraction to large dangerous creatures. He stood up and went to the big iron stove and poured some hot water into a tea kettle and brought it over to put on the table near where they sat. He poured some tea into the large mug he used and a much smaller one that he kept for visitors. Then he sat down again.
"It makes sense it does, Harry, now. From what I been able ta understand of what the Centaurs have been goin' on about, they think ya have a big fight comin' up in the future. They talk about the Serpent King fightin' evil kin. Summat like ya fought before, I'd reckon," Hagrid said.
Harry looked at his friend and nodded, then said,
"We've been picking up some information about the spooks in Mysteries trying to duplicate that mutated dragon. I wonder if it's going to come from there or from some other place. I appreciate the forewarning, Hagrid. I'll keep my eyes open."
"It's an amazin' thing, Harry. How did ya do it? It took yer dad and his friends years ta work it out. Did ya not think ya could tell me about it?" Hagrid said, his voice sounding a little hurt.
"It wasn't like my dad, Hagrid. It happened all by itself," Harry said.
He told what had happened in the manor house in Romania and then with Professor McGonagall at the Quidditch stadium followed by the time at the Burrow with his family. He told Hagrid of his search for information from various old books and his fear of experimenting with how it all worked.
"I don't know much about it meself, Harry. But I know I wish I had been there ta see it happen, just once," Hagrid said wistfully.
Harry looked around and then back at Hagrid.
"Sorry, Hagrid, but if I did it here you'd lose your home. Like I said, I get pretty big."
"Ya never leave things dull fer long, Harry," Hagrid said with a chuckle.
Harry looked at his friend, his head tilted to one side and squinting slightly. Then he said,
"It looked like there aren't a lot of people around the school today, Hagrid."
"No, Harry, just me and a coupla the Professors. Most ever'one is on holidays and won't be back fer a month or more," Hagrid replied, a note of question in his voice.
"Maybe it would be a good day to go look at the Quidditch stadium and make sure everything will be set for the camp in August," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"If'n ya want ta, Harry."
"I think you might want to leave Norbie here though."
Hagrid just nodded and said,
"Stay here, Norbie, be a good fella."
Hagrid and Harry made their way across the grounds past the castle and down the path to the stadium. They walked into the entrance tunnel and Harry waved his wand to shut and lock the doors. Hagrid said nothing. They walked onto the grass of the pitch and stood and looked around.
"Grass looks good and green," Harry said nonchalantly.
"Surprised that it's as good as it's been, Harry. We had near ta no snow this winter. 'twas cold but dry. Some good rain this spring," Hagrid was saying.
While Hagrid talked, Harry walked out into the middle of the pitch. He bent down as if to examine the grass. Hagrid had turned looking up into the stands. He was about to say something to Harry over his shoulder but he stopped. It seemed that the stadium was suddenly much more crowded. He did a slow turn and found himself looking into the face of an enormous dark green dragon, the emerald green eyes regarding him intently. Hagrid did his best to say something but nothing came out. He turned his head to try and see the full length of the dragon. When he brought his eyes back to Harry's the awestruck look had turned into a huge smile, his dark eyes twinkling.
"'Cor blimey, Harry. This is a amazin'. I mean I believed ya when ya said it but ta see it right in fronta ya is…is…just amazin'," Hagrid said. "And ya can fly and breathe fire and all that?"
The big head nodded and then waved this way and that as if to see if anyone was looking. The dragon pointed its muzzle down toward the far end of the pitch and gave a little cough. A short lance of fire perhaps a dozen yards long flared and then winked out. The head swung back around to regard Hagrid and then with casual slowness Harry winked. Hagrid began to laugh and clapped his hands. As Harry watched him, Hagrid began to walk along his side then disappeared around the end of his tail to come up along the other side. Harry swung his head to watch until Hagrid came around the front to stop where he had started.
"Well, Harry, my 'sperience is sketchy but yer certainly the biggest I've come across, seein' or hearin' of. Charlie Weasley musta been over the moon when he saw ya. Thank ya fer showin' me, Harry. Thank ya."
Then in the space of two heartbeats, Harry was standing in the center of the pitch looking across the grass at his friend. He began walking to close the distance while Hagrid stood there smiling.
"No need to thank me, Hagrid. After all you've done for me over the years, I owed you this, at least."
The two began to walk out of the stadium and Hagrid said,
"I noticed it looked like ya show a little of the scars on yer left side, Harry. Sort of a discolorin' of the scales on yer left legs."
"I guess some things transfer through the change, like eye color," Harry said. "Hagrid, while I've got you here have you ever heard the Centaurs refer to someone as the 'lost one'?"
"Aye, Harry. Whenever they banish someone from the herd they don't use their name no more. They calls 'em the 'lost one'. Why?"
"The elder Centaur I was speaking with commented about 'the lost one' having seen something about me that might have been a hint about the dragon thing."
"He was most likely talking about Firenze. He's the only one who's been banished in a while or woulda known ya," Hagrid said.
Harry simply nodded. He took his leave of Hagrid shortly after and went home.
As Harry sat in the chaise lounge in the backyard of the Burrow he thought more on that day at Hogwarts. He had received the warning that the Centaurs may or may not have intended him to hear. He had seen his parents honored and he shared a secret with an old friend. As he looked into the sky he wondered where the signs pointed and what was waiting for him in the future.
The previous weeks had also contained some fairly mundane matters. The sixth year intern, Reggie Phillips, had reported for duty and Harry put him to work with Maxwell helping him sort out duty rosters and the beginnings of the training program that the Patrollers Muntab wanted would have to go through. This would put the young wizard in touch with several different Auror functions as well as coordinating with the Testing division since they had agreed to help craft the plan.
Harry had also been working with Milligan on the presentation that he was going to be giving at the conference now scheduled for the third week of July. As predicted they made scrap of a fair pile of already scrapped parchment sheets as they struggled to come up with a coherent story of events weaving the challenge of reorganizing the Law Enforcement Section while at the same time conducting the investigation of the smugglers and subsequent widespread conspiracy. With some help from Tom Medford, Hermione and Ginny they were able to wrestle it into something Harry felt comfortable putting in front of an international audience. When asked why he didn't just approach it like he did one of his normal lectures he stared at Ginny for a moment and said,
"Because I'm not going to be talking to a bunch of students, Ginny. These people know a lot more about doing this job then I do. I could very well make a complete fool of myself if I'm not careful."
She just rolled her eyes, shook her head and dropped the subject entirely. Ginny had been spending quite a bit of time working on her 'Harry' project as it had come to be known. Following Harry's example of carrying a notebook and pencil stub, Ginny used every opportunity to ask someone questions about Harry and the answer would then be scribbled down and added to a growing pile of anecdotes. This very day she had circulated among the party guests talking and scribbling. Harry was half tempted to 'have words' with his brother-in-law Bill for starting the whole thing. He wouldn't of course since the new father had been floating around the party even though he was there alone. The baby was still too young to be traveling by the usual methods.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar and welcome voice.
"Budge up there, will you, Harry," Ginny said. "I've been on my feet all day."
Harry shifted on the chaise lounge and Ginny sat down by his legs looking at him. She looked tired but satisfied.
"So, how's the search going?" Harry asked.
"Search?"
Harry tapped her notebook, still held in her two hands.
"Oh, great. I'm getting lots of bits and pieces. I figure that's the best way to start and then I'll start organizing it. A couple of my aunts and uncles knew your dad and his folks so I was getting some details there. Which reminded me of something. When we were on our honeymoon, you mentioned something about the house in Godric's Hollow. How come we haven't been out to see it like you wanted to?" Ginny asked.
"Well, for one thing," Harry began, "there always seemed like there was something else that needed to be done. The other is that I didn't get it quite right when I said the house was the place where generations of Potters grew up. It seems that Godric's Hollow has been our hometown for centuries but I found out that there have been several different houses used. The one that my dad grew up in was only a recent one. Apparently my grandfather had moved away from the Hollow when he was younger and came back not too long before my dad was born. So maybe it's better that we leave the house the way it is. A reminder of what could happen if we don't keep a watchful eye on things."
He looked over at his young wife.
"I still think we should go see it but that's all. And I still want to move out of London but now we'll have to look for something else. Maybe a bit of land where we can build our own house. Start our own legacy," Harry said thoughtfully.
"That sounds like an interesting idea, Harry. But won't that be kind of expensive?" Ginny said.
Harry smiled and held out his hand in a gesture that Ginny recognized as an invitation to cuddle up with her husband, which she gladly accepted. As she nestled in next to him Harry wrapped her in his arms and brought his cheek to rest on the top of her head.
"I wasn't thinking of anything too big, Gin, just something comfortable enough for a family with, I don't know, two or three kids," Harry said.
"Three, Harry. And don't forget there's Abagail and we'd need some space for the occasional overnight guest. I have a feeling there is going to be lots of that over time," she said.
"I guess that's true. But anyway it's still not going to be too bad. I know I haven't shown you the state of our finances and I really should and I will but for now you should know that what I'm talking about is in the millions, Gin," Harry said quietly.
Her head came up and she looked at him, her eyes wide.
"Are you serious, Harry?"
"Very. That day we went to Diagon Alley and Gringotts when I was recovering I got one of the biggest shocks of my life. They showed me what I inherited from Sirius who got everything from the Black family. They must have been one of the richest families in the magical community. Business investments, real estate. I had Gringotts do some checking and it looks like they were involved in some of the more unpleasant sides of muggle dealings in the past as well. The slave trade, smuggling contraband of various types. It doesn't surprise me that Sirius felt the way he did about what he was left with. That's why I'm determined to do something good with the money, Gin. It started with Diagon Alley and then the Burrow but now I want to help Neville and Professor Sprout with their work on medicinal plants. Once they tell me what they need to operate every year I'm going to set aside a portion of the Black money to provide ongoing funding. In fact, I should remind Neville of that before he leaves tonight. I have some other ideas and of course if you have any I'd be glad to hear them."
Ginny had been watching Harry's face as he explained it all to her. His expression wasn't somber or sad, but firmly resolute, as if this too was part of his unasked for but fully accepted mission in life. She reached out and laid her hand along the side of his face.
"I'd be happy to help you with this, Harry. It's a wonderful thing you have planned," she said as she leaned forward to give her husband a kiss.
But their lips never met. As Ginny shifted her weight the aged chaise lounge finally succumbed and collapsed under them. They both let out a shout that attracted the attention of the party goers, a number of whom rushed over to see what the matter was. They found the young couple sprawled on the ground, laughing hysterically. Harry and Ginny were offered hands up and as they stood there still laughing, brushing each other off. Hermione took out her wand and said, 'Reparo' and the chair reassembled itself but still looked ready to fall apart at any moment.
"Are you children alright?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We're fine, Mum," Ginny answered. "It was a short drop and Harry broke my fall. You know, Mum, I think it's time you replaced these chairs."
"Hey, hold on there. This chair and I have a lot of history," Harry said. "You can't get rid of it."
"I'll tell you what, Harry, we'll get new chairs for the yard and we'll give this one to you, how does that sound, dear?" Mrs. Weasley said.
"That sounds great, Mum. Thanks," Harry replied as they all made their way back towards the rest of the party goers while the road signs continued to shine in the night sky.
**************
"So, are we agreed?" Harry asked.
He was sitting across from Neville and Professor Sprout in her small office attached to one of the green houses. He looked at his friend and his former teacher, his hand resting on an official looking piece of parchment.
"Harry, are you sure about this?" Neville asked.
"Of course I am, Nev. Didn't we have this discussion already?" Harry said with a small grin.
"Well, yeah, Harry but to see it all down on paper like that with signatures and seals, it's…" the serious young wizard faltered to a stop.
The parchment in question was the agreement that a sum of money would be put aside in a special account at Gringotts that would be an endowment for the work that Neville and Professor Sprout were undertaking. It listed those two as having authority to draw on the money for operating expenses and a limited amount each year for capital improvements. For anything beyond that approval of the trustees would be required. These were listed as Harry, Ginny and Hermione. The last was added when she overheard what was being said at the tail end of her and Ron's party at the Burrow and she then made a few suggestions about how to organize the trust so it was decided to enlist her aid on the organization side.
"Nev, listen to me. You know that most of my fortune is derived from what I inherited from my godfather. You can just imagine where and how the Blacks got most of their money. At least this way I know that a good portion of it will be used for the good of the entire magical community. Of course, now the pressure is on you two to come up with some really good potions and medicines," he said with a smile. "So, sign the paper and get to work," he added.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Potter, sir," Neville said with a wide grin.
Both he and Professor Sprout signed the parchment. Harry took it and once he was sure the ink was dry he rolled it up and put it in his robe pocket.
"I'll drop this off with Gringotts and they'll set things up by the end of the week and they said they'd send a copy back to you right after. I guess that takes care of that. I'm going up to the castle to see the Head," Harry said as he stood up and shook hands with his friend and the Professor.
As he walked out of the office he could hear the beginning of an animated discussion behind him and he smiled. Harry walked across the grounds and up the steps to the big double doors. He opened one door and walked into the foyer. He had been told by the Head that he needn't bother knocking anymore for admittance. As long as it was within hours he was free to come and go as he chose. He made his way up to the Head's office and as he approached the statue swung out of the way and allowed him access to the spiral stairway. Harry was sure that as long as someone was in the Head's office anyone who approached the entrance was observed somehow.
"Harry, how nice to see you. What brings you here today?" Professor McGonagall asked as she opened the office door for him.
"I was up to see Neville and Professor Sprout. I thought if you had a moment I'd like to discuss the scholarship program with you," Harry said.
"Of course, Harry, please come in and sit down," the Headmistress said as she gestured to her visitors chair while she resumed her seat behind her desk.
"Professor Sprout told me all about what you've done, Harry. It should prove to be a tremendous boon to the community and a very fitting tribute to you parents. Your mother was very adept at potion making."
"Yes, ma'am. There's also a large dose of self interest in this as well. Seems to me someone who has spent as much time in a sick bed as I have should do whatever he can to support medical research," Harry said with a straight face.
There were a number of chuckles from the portraits on the wall.
"Yes, I can see the sense in that, Harry. So, what was it you wished to discuss about the scholarship idea?"
"When I first suggested the idea a few years ago to the bankers at Gringotts it was sort of a small thing based on funds derived from a few investments I had made. I'd like to see about expanding it. I'm sure there are more then a few students that could use some help, either partial or in full. I'd guess that there are some young witches or wizards who never get here because they can't afford to," Harry said.
"Yes, that is true, Harry. We send out more first year letters then students who accept to attend, either because their families can't afford it or they choose to go elsewhere or if they are muggle born, think it's some sort of mistake or prank," the Head responded.
"I'd like to try and help improve those numbers. I'd like to establish a better system for identifying and assisting those who would like to attend but can't afford it. Can you help me with that?" Harry asked earnestly.
"Of course we will, Harry. I'll contact the Board of Governors. We'll work out what the number of students might be and the cost. I'll send you a message when we have the numbers," the Headmaster said.
"Harry, my boy," a familiar voice called.
"Yes, sir," Harry responded, turning in his chair to face the portrait of Professor Dumbledore.
"Is anything amiss?"
"Amiss, sir? No, I don't think so. Why do you ask?" Harry replied.
"Perhaps it's just an old man's misperception but one might conclude that you are in the process of getting your affairs in order, establishing your legacy, so to speak," the Professor said.
"Um, no, sir. That wasn't what I was thinking," Harry said but the comment stirred a thought about dragons and predictions.
"My apologies then for asking," Dumbledore said.
"No need to apologize, sir. I appreciate your concern," Harry said.
Shortly after, Harry left the Head's office and started to walk towards the gates of the school. He was thinking about what Professor Dumbledore had said. Was he concerned about the future and that was what was driving him to set these programs up? Was the speculation that the Mysteries department was attempting to create another hybridized dragon along with the warning from Hagrid about what the Centaurs were talking about prompting Harry to, as the former Head suggested, get his affairs in order? Or was he simply continuing the work that he had started with the shops in Diagon Alley.
He Disapparated back to the lobby of the Ministry and made his way to his office. He needed to finish the presentation he was due to make in Paris in just over a week. He was making his way through another in a seemingly endless number of editing reads when he was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Milligan.
"Here's the final report on everything we have to date on the smugglers, chief. If you give it the ok we'll make some copies that you can take with you to Paris."
"Thanks, Milligan. I'll give it a read through later today. I'm glad you stopped by. Shut the door and take a seat," Harry said.
The lanky wizard closed the door behind him and sat down across from Harry. He knew Harry had something on his mind and was willing to wait for his boss to make the first move.
"Did you come up with anything more on what the spooks are doing with those dragon remains?" Harry asked.
"Nothing other then that they've made some contacts with a few researchers into those muggle sciences I've mentioned before. I'd have to say it looks like they are serious about the whole thing."
"I was afraid you'd say that but I'm not really surprised. Keep digging but don't tip your hand. If you have to, back off for a time. I also want to know if you can find out if they've made any changes to how you get in and out of there. I'd have to think after that time I went in there as a fifth year they'd have made some changes."
"Are you looking for a way to sneak in or making a raid in force, Chief?" Milligan asked.
"At this point I'd have to say both. I don't know what's going on or what their motive is so we need to stay flexible and cover as much as we can," Harry said seriously.
"Ok, Chief. If you don't mind my saying it, your young psychic could be a lot of help here. I could just walk her around and as we come across a spook she could read them and pick up all kinds of information."
"I'll give it some thought. Thanks, Milligan," Harry said.
"No problem, sir," the Auror said as he stood up.
Harry sat back and looked up at the ceiling then he closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. Was all this somehow mingled or was it just one more in a never ending series of problems he was being required to deal with? He then went back to the task of giving his presentation a final edit and then picked up the report to read. When he had completed it and initialed to indicate his approval he looked at the cover and thought about what had started with such a simple conversation between himself and George that day at the Burrow. He dropped the report off with Tom with instructions to return it to Milligan and then he left for home.
As always, Kreacher bowed him in and told him dinner would be served in a short time, once Mistress Ginny had returned from Holyhead. Harry nodded and decided to go upstairs and see how Abagail was coming along with her project. Her door was partially open but Harry knocked and waited until she called for him to come in.
"Hello, little one, how are you getting on with your painting?" Harry asked.
Abagail turned around in her chair at the small drafting table that Harry had bought for her.
"Hi, Harry," she said, "I'm doing great. I'm working on the details of the faces for each of the figures. Have a look," she added.
Harry came to stand behind her and looked down at the sheet of sketch paper on the table in front of her. It was the face of the witch and Harry thought that it looked very familiar and said so.
"Yes, sir. I'm using your mum, your real mum as the model. I've seen her enough times to know what she looked like. It's not going to be an exact likeness but pretty close. Your dad is the model for the wizard, Kreacher for the house elf and Bane and Ronan for the Centaur. The Goblin is a bit tougher. I've only ever seen them in a book and I'm not sure how accurate those representations were."
"I can take you over to Gringotts in the morning. I'd imagine they'd let you sit in the lobby and sketch some likenesses of the Goblins working there," Harry offered.
"That would be terrific, Harry. Thank you," Abagail replied breathlessly.
"Dinner is almost ready. You might want to think about taking a break and getting cleaned up," Harry said.
"Alright, Harry. I'm starved," she said with a grin.
"I'm pretty hungry myself," Harry said with a smile and then he turned and went down to his study to wait for the call to dinner.
He was deep in thought when he was startled by a familiar voice.
"Hello, handsome. What are you thinking about?" Ginny said as she stepped into the room.
"Hmm, oh, I guess I'm just worrying about what I'm hearing about this dragon business with the spooks at the Ministry. I have a very uneasy feeling about it."
"Well, sweetheart. I'd trust your feelings more then most people's facts. If you think something is going to happen I'd suggest you plan accordingly because it's most likely going to happen," she said seriously.
Harry simply nodded and then stood up and came over to give his wife a welcoming hug which she accepted and returned with enthusiasm.
"Mmmmm, that feels good, Harry. For a lad who doesn't know why someone would want to hug him, you sure do it well," she said.
"I've had a lot of practice thanks to the Weasley family women," Harry said with a smirk.
"Oh, Kreacher said dinner was ready. We better get a move on," Ginny said.
"Ok, good, I'm starving," Harry said as they turned and walked out of the study.
Harry called up to Abagail who apparently was already on her way as she came hurtling down the staircase just as he said her name.
"Whoa there, little one. You'll fall and break your neck if you keep flying down those stairs like that," Harry said seriously.
"Ok, Harry, it's just that I'm really hungry," she said.
"What? Were you afraid I'd eat it all before you got here?" Harry said with his half smile.
"Well, it could happen, Harry. I've seen the way you've been eating lately," she said with a little laugh.
Harry looked at Ginny who was looking back trying not to laugh. Harry just shook his head and then they made their way to the kitchen to eat. As they sat around the table Harry looked at Abagail and said,
"Ginny and I have talked about going to Godric's Hollow this Saturday, little one. I'd like you to come with us," Harry said.
"Sure, Harry. I'd like to see what it really looks like. I only saw it that time in your dream and I couldn't tell if that was how it really looked."
Their dinner passed quietly and after they were done Abagail returned to her work in her room and Harry and Ginny retired to the study. The young couple had settled into a new pattern for the evenings. Harry would sit in his new comfortable chair that was imported from the continent from the company that provided them to Beauxbaton and Ginny would sit at the desk working on her notes on Harry's life. Occasionally she would ask him a question or make a comment but it was usually a quiet time for them.
The following morning Harry and Abagail left together for Diagon Alley and Gringotts. They were admitted by the door Goblins and as they stood a moment in the lobby, the elderly manager, Kandak hurried over to meet them.
"Mr. Potter, a pleasure to see you this morning. How may the bank assist you today?"
"A couple of things, Kandak. Firstly, my ward, Miss Westwood here has been commissioned by the Ministry to create a new mural in the lobby to replace the old fountain. It's to represent the magical races in a more realistic way. Unfortunately, she hasn't had the opportunity to meet any Goblins and we hoped she would be able to sit in the visitors lounge and make some sketches of those of your employees in the area."
"The young lady is an artist?" the Goblin asked.
"A very talented one," Harry replied.
"She is certainly welcome to do so, Mr. Potter."
"Thank you, Kandak. We appreciate it. I'd also like to take a little of your time to talk about the scholarship fund. Do you have a few moments?"
"Certainly, sir."
Kandak gestured to one of the other Goblins in the area and spoke to him. The clerk gestured for Abagail to walk with him to the lounge and Harry went with Kandak to his office. It was perhaps half an hour later when Harry returned and he could see Abagail sitting on the edge of a chair, her sketched pad balanced on her lap, her pencil flying over the paper in firm strokes, her head bobbing up and down as she shifted her gaze from the paper to the Goblins moving about the main chamber of the bank and back. Harry stood and watched for a while, seeing how various Goblins would seemingly wander past, trying to see what she was drawing. More than a few human customers likewise detoured to try and catch a glimpse. He finally made his way over and sat down next to his ward and looked at the various faces she had sketched.
"The young lady is an artist indeed," a gravelly voice said from behind them.
Harry looked over his shoulder and saw that Kandak had quietly come to stand behind them.
"She has captured the likenesses very well. Perhaps once her commission to the Ministry is completed we might discuss the possibility of doing something for the Bank."
He nodded to Harry and then walked off to confer with several subordinates. Harry looked back down at Abagail, whose concentration had not been broken by the comment. Another ten minutes or so passed until she looked up and laid her pencil down.
"I think that should be enough for me to come up with a real good representation for the mural, Harry. Thanks for bringing me here."
"You're welcome, little one. By the way, did you hear what Kandak said while you were working?"
"Um, no, Harry. Sometimes when I'm really concentrating I don't hear much around me."
"He suggested that if the work you do for the Ministry comes off well, the bank might be interested in having you do something for them," Harry said with a smile.
"Wow, that would be great, Harry."
"Would you be interested in coming to the office with me for a while, Abagail?" Harry asked.
"Wow, sure, Harry," she said and then her eyes went soft. "Hmm, yes. I think it would be a very good idea if I got a tour of the building from Mr. Milligan."
Harry laughed and then said,
"I'm glad I don't try and hide anything from you, little one."
Abagail just gave Harry a 'look' and then laughed a bit. The left the bank and walked up the Alley. As they passed the Ice Cream Haven they looked in and saw Angelina working behind the bakery counter.
"Dash in and let Angelina know we'll stop in for dessert after lunch, ok?" Harry said.
"Yes, sir," Abagail replied with a big grin.
Harry watched as the diminutive witch hurried into the shop. He saw Angelina move quickly out from behind the counter to meet her half way. They shared a tight hug, Angelina dropping down to one knee. He could see them talk for a bit and then Angelina looked up at Harry on the other side of the window and waved and nodded. With a last squeeze Abagail hurried back outside to rejoin her guardian.
"Angelina said she'd have a special surprise waiting for us, Harry."
The two walked through the Cauldron, informing Hannah they would be returning for lunch later and then they walked to the Ministry and took the phone box elevator to the lobby. As they walked to Harry's office, Abagail returned the waves or greetings from several witches and wizards they passed. Harry looked down and said,
"You know, if I tried to keep you from working here, little one, I'd wind up in a lot of trouble."
"Well, Harry, if you don't want to hire me, I'm sure I could find someone who would," she replied airily, tossing her long black hair back over her shoulder in a very Fleur like gesture.
"I think you've been spending entirely too much time around a certain French girl," he said ruefully.
Abagail just giggled. The walked to Tom Medford's tiny office and Harry stuck his head in.
"Tom, can you go and see if you can find Milligan for me?"
"Yes, sir," Tom said as he stood up quickly.
As he came out of the door he saw Abagail standing there and said,
"Oh, good morning, Ms. Westwood, nice to see you again."
Abagail looked at him with those dark, penetrating eyes and said,
"Tom, I think we know each other well enough that you can call me Abagail."
"Oh, certainly, um, Abagail," he said and then hurried off on his errand.
She watched him head down the hall and then she looked at Harry.
"He works very hard for you, doesn't he?"
"Yes, he does, sometimes too hard I think. I get the feeling that because he never did any field work he thinks he needs to prove himself some other way," Harry said.
"He's committed to your cause, Harry. Just like the Patrollers, especially the former DA members."
Harry looked down at his ward and said,
"My cause? I didn't realize I had a cause."
"Not that you may have ever spoken about but it's there none the less and we all see it," she said with an uncharacteristic firmness.
Any comment that Harry was going to make in reply was cutoff when Milligan sauntered up the corridor with a small smile.
"Well, hello there again, Miss Abagail. You know you ought to talk to the Chief here about putting you on the payroll if this keeps up."
"We've been talking about that, Mr. Milligan. I don't think he's quite ready to make that step yet, but it'll happen I'm sure," she said with a grin.
Harry gave them both a 'look' and then gestured for them both to enter his office. He sat behind his desk while Abagail and Milligan took chairs after the investigator shut the door. Harry looked at them both and then at the young witch.
"Abagail, as you're probably aware this isn't entirely a social visit. I need to ask for your help," Harry said seriously.
"Of course, Harry, I'm always ready to help you," she said, quietly but just as seriously.
"Little one, I don't know how much you 'saw' before but we have reason to believe that the people down in the Mysteries department are trying to recreate the work that resulted in that hybrid dragon that I tangled with a while back. Milligan has been picking up on some bits and pieces but it's not much to go on. He suggested he take you on a walking tour of the Ministry building and if you run into anyone from Mysteries you're to try and read them and see if you can come up with any more information. Can you do that?" Harry asked.
"Sure, Harry, no problem," she replied enthusiastically.
Harry shifted his attention to Milligan.
"Remember, this is a just a walk around. No trying to get into secure areas or anything like that and if she looks like she's getting tired bring her right back here, understood?" Harry said, his green eyes fixed firmly on his chief investigator.
"No worries, Chief. I'd have some pretty nasty folks after me if I let anything happen to our girl here."
"Alright, off you go, and be careful, the two of you," Harry said.
He watched as the lanky wizard stood and opened the door for Abagail with a little bow and the two left his office. Harry marveled at the 'magic' that allowed the young witch to wrap the hard bitten Aurors around her little finger. He had to admit he was probably just as spellbound as the others. He got on with the business of slogging through the morning's paperwork.
His work was eventually interrupted by a gnawing feeling in his belly and he looked up and the clock on the wall indicated that lunch was approaching. He wondered if Abagail would get back in time. He only had to wait another five minutes to stop his worrying. Abagail and Milligan trooped into his office with very noncommittal looks on their faces. The investigator closed the door and sat down. Harry looked at them. They looked back at Harry. Then Abagail broke out in a huge grin while Milligan chose a more muted but satisfied expression.
"Ok, out with it, what did you come up with?" Harry asked.
"Well it's not the entire answer but it's a start. We ran across three of the spooks coming and going in the building. One of them apparently has been spending a fair amount of time conferring with a muggle college that has an extensive genetic engineering department. Our girl here got a good look at him and then did a pretty thorough read of his recent activities. Some of it didn't make sense but I think that's because we don't understand all the details of this stuff. I've got it written down and I'll do some research. The second spook apparently isn't fully involved but it seems like he's carrying around a huge chip on his shoulder because he's not in on the 'big project'. It's your friend, Ellington. If I play him right I might be able to turn him and he could provide some very valuable information," Milligan said with a smug smile.
"It's an idea, but be careful. I'd rather not know a few things then tip our hand that we're investigating another department," Harry said.
"Yes, sir. Now the last character was really interesting. I'm not sure why but this one was sitting in one of the little canteens, the spooks aren't well know for spending a lot of time outside their dungeon down there but anyway, we just causally had a seat and made like we were taking a break and Miss Abagail peeled this one pretty well. It appears that they set up a facility somewhere pretty isolated and that's where the 'big project' is being conducted. I haven't worked out the exact location but it appears that it's on an island, could be the Hebrides, possibly the Orkneys. We need to look into that some more but I don't think it will be all that hard to figure out. But there's more to it, Chief. Go ahead and tell him, Miss."
"Harry, all three of these wizards are very agitated. I'm not sure if it's fear or anxiety or what, but they aren't happy about something. Ellington might be because he's on the outside but the other two don't seem to like what's going on for some reason," Abagail said.
"Well, that could mean a few things. One, that things aren't going well. Or things are progressing and they aren't happy with the direction it's going. Well, great job the two of you. Milligan, let's give this some thought and see how we should proceed. I think I'm going to have to approach the Minister and sound him out on this. As for you, young lady, I believe I owe you lunch," Harry said with a smile.
"Oh, yes, sir. I'm starving. I'm a little tired too, but not too bad. I think with how upset those men are it was pretty easy to read what was going on."
"Alright, Milligan, I'll see you later. Abagail, let's head for the Cauldron."
Before Milligan could open the door Harry added one last comment.
"For the time being, none of this gets discussed outside this office, understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Yes, Harry."
Harry just nodded and they left his office, Milligan to go his way and Harry and Abagail to head for the phone box elevator. They ate at the Cauldron and then went to the Ice Cream Haven for that promised dessert. Angelina served them a slice of devil's food cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with fudge sauce, a dab of whipped cream and a cherry.
Harry was in heaven and Abagail wasn't far behind. As they were eating Angelina came over and sat down.
"So, what do you think?"
"I think I finally feel full for the first time in weeks," Harry said with a smile.
"I think I'm going to explode but it would be worth it," Abagail added.
"I think I'll take those as positives. Say, Harry, what plans do you have for Abagail this afternoon?" Angelina asked.
"Nothing specific. I was going to leave it up to her if she wanted to go home or stay at the office with me. Why?"
"I'd like to get her opinion on some ideas I had for some more artwork here. I thought she could stay here and then I'd drop her off at your house when we close."
"Your call, little one, what would you prefer?" Harry asked.
"I'll stay here if you don't mind, Harry. I can talk to Angelina and I can also get some more work done on the Goblin representation."
"OK, I'll see you when you get home then. I think I'll take a turn around the Alley first and walk off some of this food," Harry said as he stood up.
He got hugs from both Angelina and Abagail, one going high and the other low. With a smile he left the shop and then after a leisurely walk around the alley he headed back to work. The afternoon was uneventful and he was home in time for dinner. In fact the rest of the week was uneventful as the Minister was unavailable until the beginning of the next week and Milligan was doing some research to make sense of some of the details that Abagail picked up.
So it was on Saturday morning that Harry, Ginny and Abagail climbed aboard the Knight Bus for their trip to Godric's Hollow. Harry probably could have requested a Ministry car but he just didn't feel right about it. After a maniacal journey that had Abagail laughing and squealing they arrived on the outskirts of the town. Hand in hand they walked the short distance to the 'war memorial' that to them revealed it's true self as the statue of the three Potters. Harry was in the middle with Ginny on his right and Abagail on his left. He could feel both of them press in close to his sides and tighten their grips on his hand. After a few moments they walked away and toward the end of the street where the house he had spent the first fifteen months of his life stood in ruins. Again the spell that hid the house and grounds from muggle eyes gave way to the wizard and two witches and they could see the stone structure and overgrown garden.
They could see the whole upper corner where Harry's room once stood blown away from the force of the backlash of magic. They walked up to the front door and Harry pushed it opened. He stepped inside with Ginny and Abagail behind him. Looking around there was no great revelation, no flood of memory. He had been too young for anything to really register. The house felt empty, cold, even in the warm summer sun. He turned and looked at Abagail and she looked back with a sad smile.
"Nothing, Harry. It's just an empty stone shell. I'm sorry. Maybe when the magic backfired it stripped everything away," she said barely above a whisper.
Harry just nodded and with a final look around he gestured for them to precede him out the door, which he pulled closed. He walked down the walkway and didn't spare a glance backward. Their next stop was the churchyard cemetery where he knew the graves of his mother and father and other ancestors were located. Harry moved toward the two graves of his parents while Ginny and Abagail remained some steps behind. He knelt down and ran his hands over the front of the stone markers, his fingers running along the engraved names. His eyes began to mist over and he settled back on his haunches for a moment when he felt a warm but gossamer light touch on the back of his head. He felt more then heard the words,
"Don't grieve for us, son. We played our part in the final victory and are content. Know that we love you and watch over you."
And as quickly as it had come it was gone. He blinked away the tears and then stood up and turned to see Abagail and Ginny walking towards him. Abagail had that sad, knowing smile and Ginny was looking at him quizzically. He stepped forward to meet them and wrapped them both in his arms as they did him. For a moment they felt a warmth embrace all three of them. It lingered a bit and then was gone. When they stepped apart Harry looked down at his two special 'girls' and Abagail smiled and said,
"Do you understand now, Harry? You never really were alone."